When Rayane Kameni, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student from CESI (École d’Ingénieurs), arrived at Ashesi as an exchange student, he joined a research team working to address unpredictable rainfall and limited irrigation that threaten food security and farmers’ incomes in Ghana.
Working alongside two Ashesi research interns, Kameni contributed to a project titled “Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Cassava-Based Hydrogels for Water Management in Irrigation.” In many parts of Ghana, inconsistent rainfall and limited access to water affect crop yields. To tackle this challenge, the team used cassava, a widely cultivated and affordable crop, to develop biodegradable hydrogels. Cassava’s high starch content allows it to form a network structure that absorbs and retains water, making it an effective base material for the research. To produce the hydrogels, cassava was peeled, blended into pulp, and processed to extract and dry starch. The team tested different starch concentrations to evaluate how effectively each formulation absorbed and slowly released water. By analyzing absorption rates and release patterns, they assessed the material’s potential to support plant growth during dry periods.
A major part of Kameni’s contribution involved improving the efficiency and consistency of the hydrogel production process. He converted a 3D printer into a bioprinter capable of delivering starch solution into a salt solution with greater precision than manual methods.
The adaptation presented technical challenges. The printer’s motor initially operated too slowly, and the syringe setup was unstable, causing delays between motor movement and starch flow. Kameni redesigned key components of the system, reducing the distance between the motor and syringe to improve responsiveness and structural stability. The strengthened setup securely held larger syringes, enabling the team to dispense greater volumes of starch solution more efficiently and accurately.
For Kameni, the exchange program was a meaningful learning experience that strengthened his professional skills. He explained that working on the bioprinter improved his programming skills, particularly in geometric code (G-code), and expanded his understanding of how automation can support sustainable engineering solutions.
“Kameni’s participation as an exchange student added a valuable perspective to the research team,” Dr. Elena Rosca, Head of the Engineering Department and Senior Lecturer, shared. “It allowed him to strengthen core engineering skills through consistent practice while contributing meaningfully to the project’s progress.”
