I, Thato Nonodi, declare that the thesis/dissertation, which I hereby submit for the degree Magister Scientiae in the Department of Biochemistry, at the University of Pretoria, is my own work and has not previously been submitted by me for a degree at this or any other tertiary institution. SIGNATURE:…………………………………. DATE……09 December 2015……………………………………… © © U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y o of f P Pr re et to or ri ia a © © U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y o of f P Pr re et to or ri ia a I would like to acknowledge the following people and organisations for their contribution towards the success of this dissertation. I am very sincerely grateful. To my Supervisor Prof. D Meyer, I thank you for your supervision, guidance and patience throughout the course of carrying out this research and writing this dissertation To the funders, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) thank you for providing the financial support needed to complete this dissertation To the staff, colleagues and friends, I appreciate the time I have spent with you and your words of comfort and encouragement I received from you To the Department of Chemistry (Dr. L Pilcher and Mr. E Palmer) and Prof. D Steffens from the Department of Statistics, the knowledge and assistance you have provided me was indeed invaluable for this research, thank you To my family, words cannot express my gratitude and the love I have for you. Thank you for your love, support and encouragement you have given me and still continue to give me. May the Almighty God bless you all always! Mazo sugar!! Most importantly, I would like to give thanks and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ for the constant hope and motivation. His love, He has placed in me.You are a mighty and wonderful God. Amen.