Dr. Fègbawè Badanaro | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Fègbawè Badanaro | Toxicology – University of Lomé, Togo
Dr. Fègbawè Badanaro is an interdisciplinary scientist with expertise in biochemistry, microbiology, and nutrition. His research focuses on the nutritional potential and safety of neglected food resources, particularly edible insects, and their impact on food security and human health. With a passion for integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies, Dr. Badanaro has made significant contributions to the field, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications. He is dedicated to exploring the role of secondary metabolites from unconventional food sources in gene expression regulation, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic applications for chronic disease management.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Badanaro earned his Ph.D. in Development Biology from the University of Lomé in 2015. His dissertation, “Edible Insects in Togo: Ethnoentomology and Nutritional Potential,” laid the foundation for his research in alternative food sources. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Development Biology at the same institution in 2010, focusing on the biochemical and anti-nutritional parameters of plants used as food colorants in Togo. His academic journey has equipped him with a multidisciplinary approach to solving global food security challenges.
Experience
Dr. Badanaro has been a researcher and temporary lecturer in Biochemistry Applied Nutrition at the University of Lomé since 2016, where he mentors undergraduate students in laboratory research. He also holds a similar role at the University of Kara, contributing to the academic development of students in the Faculty of Science and Technology. His extensive fieldwork includes assessing the nutritional value, biochemical composition, and safety of edible insects, leading to multiple research projects that have expanded the understanding of food sustainability in West Africa.
Research Interests
Dr. Badanaro’s research interests center on neglected food resources, food security, and the nutrient regulation of gene expression. His work aims to explore the potential of underutilized foods in enhancing global nutrition, with a particular focus on edible insects and their bioactive compounds. He is also interested in the environmental and health risks associated with food consumption, such as heavy metal contamination and microbiological safety.
Awards and Grants
Dr. Badanaro’s contributions to food science and nutrition have been recognized through several prestigious grants and fellowships. He was awarded the Eugen Ionesco Grant for post-doctoral research in Romania (2020), where he assessed the heavy metal risks associated with insect consumption in Togo. He has also received multiple research grants from the University of Lomé, including the FIS Grant for evaluating potential risks related to insect consumption (2016-2019) and for studying edible insects’ ethnoentomology and nutritional potential (2012-2015). Additionally, he was a recipient of the Service de Coopération et d’Action Culturelle (SCAC) Grant from the French Embassy in Togo (2009-2010) for his research on food colorants.
Publications
🌟 Badanaro F. and Mélila M. (2024). Nutritional Potential of the Caterpillar Imbrasia obscura (Butler, 1878) Consumed in the Kara Region of Togo. Asian Journal of Biology, 20(7): 98-108.
🌟 Badanaro F., Tagba P. and Mélila M. (2024). Aquatic Insects Consumed in Togo: Diversity and Nutritional Potential. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 16(7): 336-347.
🌟 Badanaro F. and Dué A. E. (2022). Evaluation of Pesticide Residues and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Contained in Some Insect Species Consumed in Togo. Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Industry, 23(1): 13-20.
🌟 Badanaro F., Barsan N., Tété‐Benissan A., Nedeff V. and Panainte‐Lehadus M. (2022). Sustainable Local Food Evaluation by Dosage of Some Metallic Pollutants in Wild Insect Species Consumed in Togo. Sustainability, 14: 1892-1900.
🌟 Badanaro F., Tété-Bénissan A. and Amouzou K.S. (2021). Nutritional Potential of Two Insect Species Consumed in Togo: Gnathocera trivittata (Swederus, 1787) and Gnathocera impressa (Olivier, 1789). European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 13(4): 24-32.
🌟 Badanaro F., Hoekou Y., Gbogbo K.A., Amevoin K. and Amouzou K.S. (2021). Microbiological Analysis of the Cirina forda (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Commercialized in North Togo. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 15(1): 34-40.
🌟 Badanaro F., Tété-Bénissan A., Mélila M., Awaga K. L., Bilabina I., Amevoin K. and Amouzou K.S. (2019). Nutritional Potentials of Pachnoda marginata (Kolbe, 1906) and Rhabdotis sobrina (Gory & Percheron, 1833), Two Insect Species Consumed in Togo. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 18: 873-881.
Conclusion
Dr. Fègbawè Badanaro is a leading figure in the study of neglected food resources, with a particular focus on edible insects as a sustainable solution to food security and nutrition. His pioneering research has provided critical insights into the biochemical composition, safety, and nutritional potential of alternative food sources, contributing to both scientific advancement and public health. With a commitment to interdisciplinary research and knowledge dissemination, Dr. Badanaro continues to shape the future of food sustainability through his innovative work in biochemistry and nutrition.