Research Title: Nanomedicines in Tuberculosis: Diagnosis, Therapy and Nanodrug Delivery

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2020

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Nanoparticle-based delivery systems represent a promising nano medications to deliver a therapeutic agent, selectively and effectively, to a specific tissue or organ in the body; thus treating chronic diseases such as tuberculosis. The delivery of first-line and second-line antituberculosis drugs, using synthetic or natural polymeric carriers, has been extensively reported as a potential intermittent chemotherapy. In addition to the prolonged drug release, this delivery system can enhance the therapeutic efficacy, reduce dosing frequency and side effects, and increase the possibility of selecting different routes of chemotherapy and targeting the site of infection. The choice of carrier, system stability, toxicity and production capacity are the main considerations during the development of such system. Regardless of the obstacles, the nano drug delivery have systems shown a promising effectiveness in treating TB.

Keywords: Nanomedicines, Nanodrug delivery, Chemotherapy, Tuberculosis

Research Title: In Vitro Release of Na-Fluorescein from pH Responsive Microgels

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2016

10TH WORLD MEETING on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, SECC, Glasgow

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: In Vitro Release of Na-Fluorescein from pH Responsive Microgels

Keywords: Microgels, Microfluidics

Research Title: Preparation of Monodisperse Smart Microgels Using Microfluidic Technology

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2016

the 38th All Ireland Schools of Pharmacy Research Conference, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Preparation of Monodisperse Smart Microgels Using Microfluidic Technology

Keywords: Microfluidic Technology, Microgels

Research Title: Preparation of pH-Responsive Microgels Using Microfluidic Technology

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2015

The 6th APS International PharmSci 2015, East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, UK

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Preparation of pH-Responsive Microgels Using Microfluidic Technology

Keywords: Microgels

Research Title: Drying Using Supercritical Fluid Technology as a Potential Method for Preparation of Chitosan Aerogel Microparticles

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2015

AAPS PharmSciTech, 16

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Supercritical fluid technology offers several advantages in preparation of microparticles. These include uniformity in particle size, morphology, and drug distribution without degradation of the product. One of the recent advantages is preparation of porous aerogel carrier with proper aerodynamic properties. In this study, we aimed to prepare chitosan aerogel microparticles using supercritical fluid (SCF) technology and compare that with microparticles produced by freeze drying (FD). Loading the prepared carriers with a model drug (salbutamol) was also performed. Comparisons of the particle properties and physicochemical characterizations were undertaken by evaluating particle size, density, specific surface area, and porosity. In vitro drug release studies were also investigated. The effect of many variables, such as molecular weight of chitosan oligomers, concentrations of chitosan, and concentrations of tripolyphosphate on the release, were also investigated. Chitosan aerogels were efficiently produced by SCF technology with an average particle size of 10 μm with a tapped density values around 0.12 g/mL, specific surface area (73–103) m2/g, and porosity (0.20–0.29) cc/g. Whereas, microparticles produced by FD method were characterized as cryogels with larger particle size (64 microns) with clear cracking at the surface. Sustained release profile was achieved for all prepared microparticles of salbutamol produced by the aforementioned methods as compared with pure drug. The results also demonstrates that chitosan molecular weight, polymer concentration, and tripolyphosphate concentration affected the release profile of salbutamol from the prepared microparticles. In conclusion, SCF technology was able to produce chitosan aerogel microparticles loaded with salbutamol that could be suitable for pulmonary drug delivery system.

Keywords: aerodynamic; aerogels; chitosan; salbutamol; supercritical fluid technology

Research Title: Green Synthesis, Experimental and Theoretical Studies to Discover Novel Binders of Exosomal Tetraspanin CD81 Protein

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2020

ACS Omega,

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: A new class of benzothiazole-appended quinoline derivatives (6–8) was synthesized via one-pot TPGS micellar-mediated acid-catalyzed nucleophilic addition, followed by aerobic oxidative cyclization of 3-formylquinoline-2-one (2), 3-formylquinoline-2-thione (3), and 2-azidoquinoline-3-carbaldehyde (4) individually with 2-amino thiophenol (5). The structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed using suitable spectroscopic methods complemented with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Time-dependent density functional theory-based optimization of molecular structures, bond lengths, bond angles, HOMO–LUMO energy gaps, and molecular electrostatic potential maps was theoretically computed at the B3LYP/6-311++g(d) level. The molecular docking studies recommended that 6–8 bound to the active site cavity of CD81 effectively with the binding energies of −6.9, −6.3, and −6.5 kcal mol–1, respectively. Further, MD simulation studies of compound 6 suggested that the binding resulted in the stabilization of the CD81 molecule. Thus, all theoretical predictions associated with the experimental verifications motivated to discover novel approaches for cancer therapy.

Keywords: Vesicles,Free energy,Peptides and proteins,Molecules,Electrostatic potentia

Research Title: Association between Gasdermin A and Gasdermin B polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis amongst Jordanians

Author: Tawfiq Froukh, Published Year: 2020

Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets , 10.2174/187153032066

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Introduction: Gasdermin A (GSDMA) and Gasdermin B (GSDMB) have been associated with childhood and to a lesser extent with adult asthma in many populations. In this study, investigate whether there is an association between GSDMA (rs7212938, T/G) and GSDMB (rs7216389, T/C) at locus 17q21.2 and risk of Allergic Rhinitis among Jordanians. Also we aimed to determine if there is an association between such polymorphisms and the IgE level. Methods: The study included 112 rhinitis patients and 111 Healthy controls. Gasdermin A (GSDMA) (rs7212938, T/G) and Gasdermin B (rs7216389, T/C) polymorphisms were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: On the genotype level, three analysis models were applied namely co-dominant, dominant and recessive genotypes. GSDMB CC genotype was found to be significant protective effect against of allergic Rhinitis (< 0.05). cc genotype was also significantly associated with higher IGE level among the studied population. Conclusion: The GSDMB CC of homozygous minor genotype showed a protective effect against Allergic rhinitis. It also was found to be significantly associated with lower IGE level among the studied population. No association was found between GSDMA with the risk of allergic Rhinitis.

Keywords: Gasdermin A, Gasdermin B, polymorphisms, allergic rhinitis, Jordanians, IGE.

Research Title: Repairing of Circular Reinforced Concrete Columns Damaged By Heat Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) (Rope) Technique

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2020

5th International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering for Sustainability IConCEES 2019, Johor, Malaysia

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This study investigated the behavior of repaired circular reinforced concrete RC columns exposed to temperature considering effect of spacing between CFRP ropes, number of layers of carbon fiber reinforced polimers CFRP and degree of temperature. Six circular RC specimens divided into two groups with diameter of 185 mm and length of 800 mm were tested. First and second groups consisted of three RC columns exposed to temperature degree of 400°C and 600°C, respectively. In each group, the first column used as control specimen, the second and third RC columns were repaired using one layer and two layers of CFRP ropes, respectively. The results showed that the repaired RC columns damaged by heated up to (400°C and 600℃) with one layer of spacing 100 mm and two layers of spacing 200 mm exhibited load capacity about (140% and 188%) and (123% and 164%), respectively as control specimen. Hence, one layer of CFRP rope at spacing of 100 mm was more effective than two layers at spacing of 200 mm. In addition, as the exposure temperature of fire increases, the regained capacity of the repaired column increase.

Keywords: FRP rope, Heat Damaged, Circular column

Research Title: A new technique for repairing reinforced concrete columns

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Building Engineering , Journal of Building

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Experimental work was conducted to investigate the behavior of repaired and strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular columns by flexible near surface mounted –carbon fiber reinforced polymer (NSM-CFRP) cord. Thirteen RC column specimens were tested under axial load. Eight specimens were preloaded up to 70% of the maximum axial load and repaired using NSM-CFRP cord with different configurations, spacing, anchoring location, and groove size while the last one was repaired using CFRP sheet. Test results showed that the NSM CFRP cord technique is more efficient in increasing compressive strength than CFRP sheet. Repairing RC columns with NSM CFRP cords provided up to 171% increase in axial load capacity, while repairing with fully two layers of CFRP sheet provided up to 138% increase in axial load capacity, compared to the control columns. The study showed that significant gains in axial strength can be achieved by using larger width to depth ratio and smaller spacing between CFRP cords. Also a modified design model to predict the capacity of repaired columns using NSM-CFRP cord was proposed. Accuracy of the proposed model was checked against the test results. Capacity prediction using the proposed model showed good agreement with the experimentally strengthened or repaired columns, which means the modified design model is capable of predicting the load of NSM-CFRP cord columns.

Keywords: Concrete column Near-surface mounted CFRP cord Preloading Strengthening Repair

Research Title: Performance of RC Beam Strengthened with NSM-CFRP Strip Under Pure Torsion: Experimental and Numerical Study

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2019

International Journal of Civil Engineering, International Journa

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This paper presents experimental and finite element model (FEM) on reinforced concrete (RC) beam behavior strengthened by near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips subjected to pure torsional loading. Seven rectangular reinforced concrete RC beams of 250 mm 9 250 mm 9 1600 mm were constructed and tested considering the effect of length, inclination, arrangement of longitudinal and scheme of NSM-CFRP strips. The outcomes of the tests indicated remarkable enhancement in the behavior of torsional strengthened beams using NSM-CFRP strips. In general, the beams strengthening with inclined CFRP-NSM strips exhibited an increase in torsion moment strength and angle of twist more than the beams strengthening with vertical CFRP-NSM strips. The experimental measured results are validated with a 3D numerical simulation carried out using nonlinear finite element (FE) modeling. Finally, it can be seen that the calculated numerical torsional moment–angle of twist behavior is in agreement with the experimental results for all RC beams.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete beam Angle of twist Torsion Strengthening NSM-CFRP Finite element method Plasticity