This area of research focuses on the crucial roles of enzymes and proteins in relation to the production of various metabolites from cells. These include the study of the physiology of cells, gene isolations and expression systems, regulation of pathways implicated in the biosynthesis of the metabolites, protein purification, structure and function as well as the biochemical properties of the proteins. This fundamental knowledge is then applied in the development of fermentation processes for enhanced production of the metabolites of interest.

Members: Aidil Abdul Hamid,  Abdul Munir Abdul Murad, Farah Diba Abu Bakar, Izyanti Ibrahim, Izwan Bharudin, Shazilah Kamaruddin

Current research:

1. Elucidating the Rate-Limiting Enzyme in the Lipid Biosynthesis of an Oleaginous Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
2. Elucidation of the Dynamics of Lipogenic Metabolon Formation in Cunninghamella bainieri 2a1 and Prediction of Its Structural Organisation
3. Glaciozyma antarctica: Unlocking The Secrets of Proteins/Enzymes and Secondary Metabolites Involved in Cold Adaptation
4. Uncovering Metabolites with Antifungal Properties from Locally Isolated Microorganisms Against Oil Palm Fungal Pathogens
5. Structural and functional elucidation of carboxylic acid reductases towards sustainable biocatalytic synthesis of high-value aldehydes
6. Heterologous Expression and Utilization of Novel Lichen Halogenase as Biocatalyst for Production of New Halogenated Metabolites

The growth and activity of functionally relevant microorganisms in a particular environment can be stimulated or enhanced to facilitate biotechnological pursuits relevant to our societal needs. Underlying these microbial induced systems are the fundamental processes, including microbial community dynamics and interactions, which are essential to facilitate understanding of the intricacies of such systems. This leads to a plethora of biotechnological applications, such as bioremediation of waste water, biodegradation of hydrocarbon, heavy metal and organic compounds, biofertiliser formulations and bioelectricity generation from photosynthetic microbial fuel cells.

Members: Wan Syaidatul Aqma Wan Mohd Noor,  Nur Hazlin Hazrin Chong, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Norefrina Shafinaz Md Nor, Nur Aqilah Mustafa Bakray

Current research:

1. Bioaugmentation Of Anaerobic Sludge Digestion With Rapid Fatty Acid-Utilising Microbial Consortium To Increase Glycerine Waste Utilisation And Methane Generation
2. Integrated Microalgae-Membrane Bioreactor For Water Reclamation And Biomass Feedstock For Cellulose
3. Characterization Of Physicochemical Parameters Influencing Pollutant Removal In Municipal Wastewater And Carbohydrate Accumulation In Locally Isolated Microalgae
4. Effect Of Submergence And Drought On Soil Microbial Communities In Two Farming Environments
5. Revealing The Diversity Of Mycorrhizas Associates With Pteridophyte

This research group incorporates the emerging technology of multi-omic platforms to develop biosensors for healthcare and medicine, environment, agriculture and food applications. These include screening of aptamers, DNA, RNA and peptides as bio-recognition elements, study of molecular interactions between bio-recognition elements and target analytes, biomarker identification, immobilisation of biomolecules onto surfaces of materials, nanomaterial production, and sensor device design and fabrication. These provide the development of highly sensitive detection methods that can be potentially used for the production of portable biosensor and diagnostic tools.

Members: Nurul Hanun Ahmad Raston, Muhammad Ashraf Shahidan

Current research:

1. Production Of CRISPR-Associated Nuclease (Cas)-Specific Aptamer For Precise Genome Editing
2. Graphene-Based Immobilization Of Crispr Associated Nuclease (Cas) For Facile And Label-Free Gene Detection
3. Anti-Virus Properties Of Synthetic Antibody Against Nodavirus Infection In Giant Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii
4. Synthetic Antibody As Prophylactic Approach Against Early Mortality Syndrome In Shrimp

Stem cell possesses a unique ability to form specialised cell types depending on body needs. Stem cells are generally categorised into four types, namely embryonic stem cell, cord blood stem cell, adult stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC). Adult stem cell is the best source among all four types as it does not raise serious ethical concerns, less constraints in source availability and less risk during the development of stem cells. Bone marrow is known to be the main source for adult stem cell. However, a minimally invasive and less painful way to isolate adult stem cells is via isolation from peripheral blood and dental pulp. Thus our research focusses on stem cells derived from dental pulp tissues (from deciduous teeth ie milk teeth and permanent teeth) and peripheral blood. Stem cells from both sources are capable of differentiating into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Dental pulp stem cells can also produce neuron cells while peripheral blood stem cell can form osteoclasts. This ability is the reason for these stem cells to be the best alternative sources for regenerative treatments. The development in stem cell research can significantly contribute to the treatments for chronic diseases and hence, improving the standard of living. This serves as an alternative in medicine and dentistry, instead of medication and surgery.

Members: Shahrul Hisham Zainal Ariffin & team

Current Research:

1. Prototype For Root Resorption Of Tooth Structure
2. Oral Protein Biomarkers Quantification For Dental Application
3. Carbohydrate epitope on dentine Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) as a biological marker to determine the severity of root resorption