Damilare Desmond Adebowale, a United States-based Nigerian scientist at Purdue University’s Department of Chemistry—a department that has produced two Nobel Laureates in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States, in an interview with Abraham Giwa, explains the unseen impact of micronutrients on national health and why the chemistry of essential metals is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of health security. Adebowale argues that a deeper understanding of this hidden chemistry is key to solving some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. Excerpts:
When most people think of metals, they think of coins or construction, not biology. Why are metals critical to life?
It’s a common misconception. Metals like iron, copper, zinc, and manganese are essential micronutrients because they perform catalytic roles that organic molecules alone cannot. For instance, without iron in haemoglobin, oxygen transport would be impossible. Without zinc, over 300 enzymes wouldn’t function. These are not trace details—they’re foundational. Approximately one-third of all known proteins are metalloproteins, which control a wide range of processes, from DNA synthesis to immune defense.
Can you give an example where metal imbalance contributes to disease?
Absolutely. Consider Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder characterised by the accumulation of copper in tissues due to faulty copper transport proteins. This accumulation can lead to liver damage and neurological symptoms. Another example is hereditary hemochromatosis, which causes iron overload and can result in organ failure. Additionally, even mild disruptions, such as zinc deficiency, can impair immunity and wound healing. These examples illustrate that metal homeostasis is closely linked to health outcomes.
How does this work on ‘hidden chemistry’ impact?
That’s a vital question, because the same fundamental science addresses very different, but equally critical, challenges in different parts of the world.
In many developing countries, including Nigeria, the most immediate impact is on public nutrition and infectious diseases. Deficiencies in essential metals, such as iron and zinc, are widespread and contribute directly to major public health issues, including anaemia, stunted childhood development, and weakened immune systems that are less able to fight off infections. My research into how these metals function helps inform more effective food fortification programmes and dietary interventions, which are some of the most cost-effective ways to improve national health.
In the United States, the challenges are often different. Here, the focus is frequently on complex, chronic, and age-related diseases. For instance, extensive research has linked imbalances in essential metals like copper and zinc to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By understanding the intricate chemistry of how these metals interact with proteins in the brain, my field of research is contributing to the search for new diagnostic tools and therapies for these devastating conditions. Furthermore, this work is central to the push for personalised medicine, where treatments and therapies can be tailored to a person’s unique biochemical profile.
So, whether it’s tackling widespread malnutrition or solving the puzzles of complex chronic diseases, the underlying principle is the same: the chemistry of metals is the chemistry of life.
You’ve had an impressive journey across continents, from public health at NAFDAC to advanced research in Japan and the U.S. How has this diverse experience shaped your approach?
My journey has been intentionally multidisciplinary, always following the intersection of biology, chemistry, and technology as they relate to human health. Starting as a Corps member at NAFDAC gave me a ground-level view of drug policy and public health. My tech expertise was solidified when I was selected as a TIIDELAB Fellow, where I received fully-funded software development training sponsored by national bodies like the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA. This directly led to my founding of a Healthtech company, Wizinformatics.
Later, my passion for fundamental science was recognised when I was nominated by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and subsequently awarded the prestigious JICA Scholarship, a fully sponsored award from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for my Master’s in Life Science Innovation in Japan. It was there that I had the resources to develop an improved method for detecting protein interactions. This global and multi-sectoral experience enables me to approach research with a holistic perspective, always considering the path from a laboratory discovery to a real-world solution.
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What do you wish more people understood about metals and health?
That these elements are not optional extras. They are indispensable players in the orchestra of biology. We need to shift our focus from treating symptoms to understanding the molecular causes, and metals often lie at the root of these issues. Once we start seeing them not just as nutrients but as bioactive regulators, new doors in medicine and public health will open.
Finally, what advice would you give to young scientists in Nigeria or elsewhere, who are interested in this field?
Pursue your curiosity without restraint, but ensure it is rooted in sound methods and principles. Never underestimate the importance of interdisciplinary learning—fields like biology, chemistry, engineering, and policy should communicate with one another. Most importantly, have faith that groundbreaking scientific discoveries can emerge from anywhere, including Africa. The chemistry of life knows no borders.
