Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture

Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi

Senior Lecturer · Department of Chemistry

Academic Profile

Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi

Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi
Department of Chemistry

Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi

Senior Lecturer

Highest qualificationPhD Chemistry (University of Johannesburg)
SpecialisationSynthetic Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry. My major research interests focus on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of small molecules with potential therapeutic applications, particularly in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Research

Research Interests

Medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, with a focus on the development and optimization of molecular hybrids and heterocyclic compounds as potential agents against malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. The research integrates synthetic organic chemistry with computational approaches, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and ADME studies, to investigate biological activity and drug-like properties.

Current Work

Current & Recent Projects

  • Molecular hybridization and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies.
  • Design and synthesis of cinnamoyl-based molecular hybrids.
  • Optimization of cinnamoyl chloroquine hybrids for enhanced antimalarial activity and photostability.
  • Investigation of molecular interactions and drug-like properties using molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and computational ADME approaches.
  • Optimization of tetrahydroquinazoline derivatives as potential antimalarial agents.
Teaching

Teaching Areas

  • Organic Chemistry I (CHE 1222)
  • Organic Chemistry II (CHE 2122)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (CHE 5232).
Research Profiles

Professional Profiles

  • ORCID: 0000-0002-9858-378X
  • Google Scholar: Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi
  • ResearchGate: Mpelegeng Victoria Bvumbi
Contact

University Contact Details

Scholarship

Recent Articles

  1. Anza I. Nemudzivhadi, Simon S. Mnyakeni Moleele, Ntakadzeni E. Madala, Mofeli B. Leoma, Tendamudzimu Tshiwawa, Dale Taylor, Mpelegeng V. Bvumbi*. Linker-driven modulation of cinnamoyl–chloroquinoline hybrids: Synthesis, UV irradiation effect, biological evaluation, and molecular modelling. Results in Chemistry 25, 2026, 103273.
  2. Thisundiwi Malusela, Ampfarisaho L. Netsianda, Simon S. Mnyakeni-Moleele, Eric Morifi and Mpelegeng V. Bvumbi*. Synthesis and Isomerization of Novel Hydroxypyridinone–Cinnamoyl Hybrid Compounds. Arkivoc, 2026, (2) 202612580.
  3. Unarine Tshishonga, Mpelegeng V Bvumbi, and Simon S Mnyakeni Moleele, Synthesis and Characterization of New 5-Benzylidene Thioimidazolone Esters. Org Chem Chem Sci, 2026, Vol 4: 101.
  4. Bongani S Tshifaro, Mpelegeng V. Bvumbi, Tiyisela N Mbhokazi, and Simon S. Mnyakeni Moleele. Synthesis of new benzenesulfonylthiourea-containing compounds. Arkivoc 2025 (3) 202612539.
  5. Mpelegeng V. Bvumbi*, Memory Zimuwandeyi, Anza I. Nemudzivhadi, Mwadham M. Kabanda. Rotational Barriers in N-Methyl-Cinnamoyl-Chloroquine Analogues: Variable Temperature NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Studies. Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025, 1335, 141943.