Biosketch
Prof Leon Dicks
Prof Dicks is a B1-rated scientist. He serves on the Advisory Board for Probiotics (Copenhagen, Denmark), is Chief Editor of the South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture, and serves on the editorial board of seven ISI-rated Journals. He collaborates with local, and international scientists in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Finland, Japan and the USA and serves as consultant to many South African-based companies; lately also a Denmark-based probiotic company (Bifodan). He filed nine patents.
Prof Leon Dicks was one of four Stellenbosch University experts that were honoured by the South African Academy for Science and Arts for their contributions to their respective fields at a rewards ceremony in Stellenbosch on 24 June 2015. Prof Leon Dicks has been awarded the Havenga prize for life sciences. He is only the 32nd individual to receive this award for biological or life sciences since its inception in 1945. This is a prestigious prize awarded annually for original research in the natural sciences and/or technology and can be awarded only once to the same individual.
Research overview
Research in the laboratory of Prof Dicks focuses on the identification and classification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from humans, animals, plants and the environment. Isolates are screened for the production of novel antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) and also selected for probiotic properties. Genes encoding bacteriocin production, and adhesion to epithelial cells and mucus layers are sequenced and expressed in different bacterial hosts.
Most of the research is directed to the medical application of bacteriocins. Survival of bacteriocins and probiotic bacteria in vivo is studied using mice and rats as models. Probiotic and pathogenic bacteria are made “visible” in the gut by the expression of genes encoding bioluminescence and fluorescence. Signals generated from the cells are detected using the in vivo image scanner (IVIS, Caliper Life Sciences). Further interaction studies are conducted using a computerized gastro-intestinal model (GIM).
Bacteriocins and probiotic cells are protected from the hostile environment in the gut by encapsulation into nanofibers and nanoparticles. Another project focuses on the effect bacteriocins may have on cancer cells.
Research in collaboration with Electric and Electronic Engineering looks at the possibility of developing a biosensor nanochip to detect pathogens in early infections.