Andreana Naicker: a journey towards combating antibiotic resistance

IN A REMARKABLE achievement that reflects years of hard work and dedication, Andreana Naicker has successfully completed her Master of science in chemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This academic milestone not only signifies her personal triumph but also showcases her commitment to making a meaningful contribution to global health challenges, particularly in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Supervised by UKZN’s Dean of Research, Professor Neil Koorbanally, Naicker did her MSc research in a field that addresses one of the most pressing global health challenges: antibiotic resistance.

Her study focused on the synthesis and investigation of indoloquinoxaline triazole compounds and their potential as antibacterial agents.

Naicker explained that simply put, her research aimed to create and test new chemical structures that could one day be developed into medicines to treat bacterial infections.

“The world is facing an alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, making once-treatable infections potentially deadly,” she said.

“I want to contribute, even in a small way, to the global fight against this problem by helping explore new options that can make a real difference.”

Indoloquinoxalines and triazoles are heterocyclic compounds – structures containing rings made of different types of atoms. These types of molecules have shown promising biological activity in past research, including antimicrobial and anticancer properties. By combining them into hybrid structures, Naicker’s work explored whether they could yield compounds with enhanced antibacterial potency.

The significance of her study lies in its contribution to the broader scientific effort to discover new antibiotic scaffolds.

“This research adds to the growing body of scientific knowledge aimed at tackling antibiotic resistance,” she said.

“While it’s just one step in a long process, each discovery brings us closer to finding new, effective treatments that could save lives in the future.”

Outside the lab, Naicker lives a life of balance, rooted in faith, service and self-care.

“These days, my spare time is about giving back, helping in my church and serving my community, and also making space to rest,” she shared.

The demanding balance of work and study taught her the importance of looking after both others and herself.

"Andreana has shown real dedication and commitment to completing her Master’s degree while being employed full time,” said Koorbanally.

“Holding down a job and engaging in postgraduate studies is not always easy.  Her training as an organic chemist will hold her in good stead, whatever projects she works on in future.”

Naicker currently works as a formulation chemist, helping develop skincare products for African brands. Her work blends her scientific expertise with creativity and purpose.

“The lab is my happy place,” she smiled.

“I’d love to move deeper into the science behind active ingredients and research and synthesise compounds that target anti-ageing, anti-acne and hyperpigmentation concerns.”

Though she has stepped into the world of applied chemistry, Naicker remains deeply appreciative of her academic roots and the role UKZN played in her journey.

She offered one final thought: “A heartfelt thank you to my community – you helped shape the person I am today, and no act of support went unnoticed. Above all, I am grateful to my loving God, my number one cheerleader, who has taken me to places I never imagined possible.”

THE POST