The Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is seeking partnerships with institutions and companies worldwide, including those in Tanzania, to collaborate in the manufacturing of a biosensor chip.

This innovative chip is designed to detect viruses that affect wildlife, particularly lions, buffaloes, and other animals in national parks, which can lead to disease outbreaks.

Dr. Ally Mahadhy, a lecturer and researcher in biotechnology at UDSM (pictured), highlighted this initiative during a recent media briefing on the potential of biotechnology to protect wildlife in national parks.

"We are eager to collaborate with research, management, and investigative institutions from Tanzania and abroad to manufacture more biosensor chips for virus detection and tourism enhancement purposes," he stated.

The primary objective is to protect wildlife, which plays a significant role in attracting international visitors to Tanzania. This contributes to foreign currency earnings, job creation, and the implementation of development projects by the government.

Currently, the department has developed a DNA-based prototype biosensor device capable of detecting the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in lions, buffaloes, and other wildlife. These devices are available for institutions interested in manufacturing additional biosensor chips.

“This is the first biosensor developed by Tanzanian experts, creating an opportunity to develop more biosensors for detecting various diseases in humans, animals, and plants,” Dr. Mahadhy noted.

The development was made possible through funding of 30m/- from the University of Dar es Salaam, supporting research on viruses affecting wildlife. The research led to the creation of the new DNA-based biosensor device.

“For institutions willing to partner with us, this is a simple, field-deployable CDV cDNA biosensor device that can be used for research, management, and investigative purposes,” Dr. Mahadhy explained.

He emphasized that the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) could utilize the biosensor device and chip to protect wildlife, which is essential for sustaining the tourism sector that provides foreign currency and employment opportunities.

Despite these advancements, Dr. Mahadhy called for donor support to facilitate field sampling in national parks and to assess the biosensor’s field performance.

“We developed this DNA-based biosensor after discovering that lions are more affected by the CDV virus than other animals. In 1994, 30 percent of lions perished due to a CDV outbreak,” he revealed.

Tourism is one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing economic sectors, accounting for 17.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector directly employs nearly half a million people and contributes approximately 25 percent of total export earnings.

Dr. Mahadhy underscored Tanzania’s unique appeal to tourists. While other destinations may offer beaches and safaris, Tanzania boasts distinctive attractions such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the unpolluted white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, and a rich blend of cultures, combined with unmatched hospitality.

“Tourists can find everything they want in one destination, making Tanzania incomparable to other places,” he emphasized.

He also highlighted Tanzania’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest destinations, a critical factor for tourists when choosing a destination.

“Our wildlife is abundant, easily visible, and diverse. We also have a rich cultural heritage and some of the continent’s friendliest people,” Dr. Mahadhy concluded.