Encapsulation of Repurposing-Drug within Site-Selective Nanosystem for Cancer Therapeutic
Project Description
The project aims to develop a targeting nanosystem to overcome chemo-drug resistance in cancer. This project is a joint effort between UMPSA, UPM, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency. The student will obtain plentiful opportunities to interact and work with researchers with different skill sets from a number of disciplines, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), drug delivery, cancer, etc. The project would fit candidates with a keen interest in multidisciplinary research, hardworking, independent, and proactive. Freshies and experiences are welcome.
Please get in touch with enquiries and apply via email; nurulakmarina@umpsa.edu.my
Development and Evaluation of Tablet Disintegrant Derived from Agricultural Waste
Project Description
A tablet disintegrant is a substance added to a drug formulation to enhance the dispersion or breaking up of tablets into smaller particles, facilitating rapid dissolution. The physicochemical properties of disintegrants have a significant impact on tablet disintegration. Understanding the disintegration mechanism of tablets is crucial in the development and optimization of oral drug delivery systems. This study aims to develop tablet disintegrant from agricultural waste. The objectives of this study are to investigate the physicochemical properties of the disintegrant derived from agricultural waste and to determine the disintegration mechanism of tablets formulated using the derived disintegrant.
Interested candidates may contact Dr. Wan Nurul Huda Wan Zainal at wannurulhuda@umpsa.edu.my
The Influence of Tablet Manufacturing on Probiotic Viability & Functionality
Project Description
In this research project, the aim is to assess the influence of tablet manufacturing methods, specifically encapsulation and granulation, on the viability and functionality of probiotics. Probiotics are known for their beneficial effects on gut health, but their delicate nature and sensitivity to external factors during processing and stomach environment can significantly affect their overall performance. By employing different encapsulation or granulation techniques, this study seeks to optimize the survival rates and functionality of probiotics within tablet formulations, ultimately paving the way for the development of more effective and stable probiotic-based supplements or medications with enhanced health benefits.
Any inquiry can contact Dr. Mohd Akmal at akmalazhar@ump.edu.my
Nano Particles Interaction with Foam Particles Foam Surfactant Stability without Early Break up in Enhance Oil Recovery
Project Description
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) incorporates the process that diminish the residual oil saturation by gas and/or chemical injection. However, the high mobility ratio between the displacing gas phase and the displaced oil phase is a critical challenge encountered in the EOR process. It is necessary to find a mobility control method to make displacement sustain the uniform displacement. The application of foam in EOR had been norm approach and it is none other but due to its capability of decreasing the gas-phase mobility considering it as a mobility control agent. Henceforth nanoparticles, become alternative solution in heightening the rheological properties of fluids formation condition. This study investigate foam incorporate nanoparticle with study the stability of foam in the presence of different concentrations of nano-particles without early breakup and surfactant in porous media with or without the presence of oil. The first test, presents and compares static foam experiments using a five-different surfactant concentration of anionic surfactant. The static foam properties for the surfactant were investigated by using different low surfactant concentrations, varying amounts of different solvent as well as paraffin oils.
Interested candidates are requested to send your curriculum vitae to Ts. Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Bin Mohamad Noor at mzulkifli@ump.edu.my or 012-739 9801.
Kinetics and isotherm studies of immobilized enzyme on carrier valorize from waste
Project Description
This study aims to immobilize laccases on a support to enhance its stability and biocatalytic performance. Laccase can be immobilized along the bacterial cellulose synthesis. The distribution of laccase in bacterial cellulose fibril network and their interaction is the key factor that affecting the biocatalytic properties and stability of immobilized laccase. The details of bacterial cellulose morphology and structure for laccase incorporation and the knowledges regarding the equilibrium isotherm and kinetics are crucial to enhance the laccase-bacterial cellulose biocatalyst efficiency.
Interested candidates are requested to send their curriculum vitae to Dr. Chew Few Ne at cfne@ump.edu.my
Surface Properties and Catalytic Performance of Carbon Catalyst for Methane Cracking
Numerous efforts have been made over the last few decades to develop satisfactory catalysts for production of COx-free H2 via methane cracking. Although nickel is an active metal catalyst for methane cracking, it is prone to carbon deposition and sintering, resulting in a rapid catalyst deactivation. As an alternative, carbon catalysts have been explored by researchers, owing to their chemical inertness and thermal stability. Carbon catalysts are resistant to carbon deposition and thus contribute to methane cracking stability. Nonetheless, carbon catalysts exhibit slightly lower catalytic activity compared to metal-based catalysts. Therefore, it is crucial to fine-tune the catalyst’s features that may enhance the methane cracking catalytic activity. Carbon catalysts derived from biomass waste have attracted many researchers. Blessed with a favourable agricultural environment, Malaysia also deals with a massive biomass waste output every year. One of the biomass wastes, palm kernel shell (PKS), is abundantly produced by the Malaysian palm oil mills and poses a disposal challenge for the industry. PKS is primarily composed of carbon and may become a potential source of carbon catalyst. To date, the details of the surface properties of the PKS-derived carbon catalyst and their effect on methane cracking catalytic activity have yet to be examined. Hence, the objective of this research is to evaluate the surface properties and catalytic performance of a PKS-derived carbon catalyst for methane cracking.
We are welcoming interested candidates to apply for the study by emailing Dr. Asmida Ideris at asmida@ump.edu.my
