Maka Taga Cybèle

  • Country of Origin: Cameroon
  • Home University: National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences (ENSAI) of the University of Ngaoundere
  • Host University & Country: Université LAVAL - Canada
  • PhD Title: Postdoc Research Title: Modeling the displacement flow through enteral tube feedings for cleaning efficiency
  • Year of Completion: 2018
Maka Taga Cybèle

PhD Overview

This research project focuses on fluid displacement flows through pipes to make cleaning procedures more efficient. Specifically, it aims to optimize the removal of thick and viscous food materials such as enteral formulas from tube feedings to avoid or prevent clogging during the patient administration. Before using real enteral foods in experiments, a viscoplastic fluid (Carbopol solution) were used to displace water and the effect of pipe rotation were evaluated on the displacement flow. I mapped the flow dynamics using cutting-edge experimental methodologies : coupled Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF), combined with custom ImageJ/PIVlab processing workflows and MATLAB scripts for mathematical modeling and data analysis.

The results show that pipe rotation positively and significantly affect the displacement efficiency. The following objective is to investigate the addition of edible, food-grade surfactants to modify interfacial tension, enhance wall-cleaning efficiency, and reduce biofilm or nutrient residue accumulation inside feeding tubes. Incorporating a rotational mechanism into enteral feeding systems and use surfactants could therefore enhance cleaning performance and support the safe reuse and responsible consumption of feeding tubes, while innovating.”

Sustainability Goals

  • Good Health and Well-being
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Responsible Consumption and Production

About Me

After completing my PhD in Process Engineering at the National Advanced School of Agro-Industrial Sciences (ENSAI) at the University of Ngaoundéré, which included a 10-month Erasmus research stay in France, I joined ENSAI as assistant lecturer and researcher in 2020 and promoted as senior lecturer one year later. My expertise mainly centers on formulation, rheology, and the modeling and optimization of food processes. One of my key research projects led to a patent, drafted with support from the IFDD, alongside specialized training in entrepreneurship. This entrepreneurial spark motivated me to launch my company, Nouricil Sarl, with funding from the World Bank.

Through Nouricil, we transform the patented product-process and related research findings into marketable products, while developing a broader range. Building on this experience, I was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship by the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future at Université Laval in Canada. My current research focuses on modeling displacement fluid flow in pipe, such as enteral nutrition conduits, to optimize cleaning efficiency.