Abstract 

This project transforms Ugandan agricultural waste, such as pineapple and soursop residues, into valuable nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. By combining green chemistry, LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS analysis with in-silico molecular docking and toxicity profiling, we identify bioactive compounds with high therapeutic potential. This sustainable, circular model provides a scalable, cost-effective framework for drug discovery, offering an affordable approach to health innovation that aligns with global sustainability goals.

Introduction:

Agricultural waste, particularly from pineapple and soursop processing, represents a significant environmental burden in Uganda, where improper disposal—often via open burning contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Simultaneously, Uganda faces a mounting health crisis, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes now accounting for approximately 36% of national deaths. As the demand for affordable, locally sourced therapeutic agents rises, there is a critical need to transition from traditional waste disposal to a circular bioeconomy model. This project leverages green chemistry and in-silico computational tools to valorize these residues, transforming agricultural biomass into high-value nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products through an efficient, data-driven discovery pipeline.

Objectives:

1. Quantify and identify the chemical profile of bioactive metabolites in pineapple and soursop residues using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.
2. Conduct molecular docking studies for the identified lead compounds to determine their binding affinities against priority targets
3. Perform comprehensive in-silico ADME and safety profiling via ProTox-II to validate the therapeutic suitability of lead candidates