Gabin Bitchagno

Natural Product Chemist

Gabin Bitchagno headshot
Department

Enhanced Partnerships

Team

Commercial Innovation Unit

Specialism

NMR mining, Chemometrics, Metabolomics, Natural Product Chemistry, mass spectrometry, Isolation, Structure determination

I specialize in researching natural substances for their potential applications in diverse product manufacturing, either as primary components or complementary elements. My approach often draws inspiration from traditional techniques of plant and mushroom manipulation, guiding my investigations towards promising targets. Additionally, I employ a methodology focused on comprehensive literature reviews to assess the potential of various compound classes, guiding the selection of natural materials for further exploration. Moreover, advancements in gene sequencing and synthetic biology have revolutionized our ability to unlock intricate metabolic pathways within natural organisms. 

Through the exploration of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC), we now have the means to access previously inaccessible arrays of chemical compounds, opening up vast realms of potential applications for humanity.

My expertise encompasses isolation, purification, and structural elucidation techniques, allowing me to unlock the valuable resources offered by nature. Leveraging tools such as NMR spectroscopy, LC-MSn analysis, and statistical methods including chemometric analysis, I conduct both targeted and untargeted metabolomic studies on plant and microorganism extracts. 

My current research is centered on identifying and characterizing plants with significant pharmacological, culinary, cosmetic, and agricultural potential, contributing to the development of more sustainable and natural products for widespread use.

  • Senior researcher at RBG Kew Gardens, 2023
  • Visiting Scientist at Rothamsted Research, 2022
  • Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bielefeld (DAAD-YaBiNaPA fellow), 2020
  • Postdoctoral fellow at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (DAAD fellow), 2018
  • PhD in Natural Product Chemistry, University of Dschang
  • BSc in Chemistry, University of Dschang

Wandji, N.T., Bitchagno, G.T.M., Kamga, M.I., Tchamgoue, J., et al., 2023 

Polyoxygenated Stigmastane-Type Steroids from Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. and Their Chemophenetic Significance. 

Molecules 28(13), 5278 

Bitchagno, G.T.M., Nchiozem-Ngnitedem, V.-A., Melchert, D., Fobofou, S.A., 2022

Demystifying racemic natural products in the homochiral world. 

Nature Reviews Chemistry 6, 806–822 

Bitchagno, G.T.M. Schüffler, A., Gross, J., Krumb, M., Tane, P., Opatz, T., 2022

Sesquiterpene Lactones from Vernonia tufnelliae : Structural Characterization and Biological Evaluation. 

Journal of Natural Products 85, 1681-1690

Bitchagno, G.T.M., Tanemossu, S.A.F. 2020

Computational methods for NMR and MS for structure elucidation III: More advanced approaches. 

Volume 1 Fundamental Concepts, edited by Fidele Ntie-Kang, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, pp. 229-248.

Mbaveng, A.T., Bitchagno, G.T.M., Kuete, V., Tane, P., Efferth, T. 2019 

Cytotoxicity of ungeremine towards multi-factorial drug resistant cancer cells and induction of apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis and autophagy. 

Phytomedicine 60, 152832 

Get in touch

Email

g.bitchagnombahbou@kew.org

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Gabin Bitchagno