BioMeru

Research Postions to do PhD/MSc available

2011-06-15T15:39:00.003+08:00

Research Postions to do PhD/MSc in experimental and/or computational biotechnology engineering (nanobiotechnology) in the area of production of nanoparticles is available.

Field:
Microbial production of nanoparticles

Computational Protein Engineering

There is possibility to combine computational and experimental work

Requirement:
Degree in Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering or related field with strong interest in research. Strong proficiency in English.

Send your application with CV to:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Noorbatcha
(ibrahiman@iium.edu.my)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamzah Mohd Salleh

hamzah@iium.edu.my

Process Development of Bio-products from Mammalian Cell Culture

2011-05-10T11:35:00.007+08:00

Friday 20th May 2011 (8.30 – 12.40 pm)
Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Kulliyyah of Engineering, IIUM

The seminar will be delivered by Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai, Head of Bioprocess Engineering of UCD College of Engineering, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland. Professor Al-Rubeai is a prominent researcher with industry collaborative experience in the field of mammalian cell culture. This workshop is suitable for those working in the biochemical-biotechnology and bioprocess engineering field, in particular mammalian cell culture.

Introduction

Process development of bio-products from mammalian cell culture is vital for maximizing process productivity and improving the robustness of process. Mammalian cell culture holds a high potential as a platform that can be utilized by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as cell culture based reagent manufacturers in maintaining a competitive edge and meeting future trends in the production of bio-products.

Main Topics Addressed
Why mammalian cells?
Short review of process from clone to product
Process development: cell line development, cell line selection, serum free media, cost effective development process Growth and production kinetic term measurements. ·
Growth rate · Doubling time · Generation time · Maximum viable cell concentration · Cumulative cell time · Product concentration · Specific product rate

Important Dates

Early Bird Registration 30 April 2011
Event Day 20 May 2011

Contact Details
Dr. Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun Hashim Phone : +603-61965767 Email : yumi@iium.edu.my
Salfarina Ezrina Mohmad Saberi Phone : +603-61964000 ext. 3453 Email : s.ezrina@hotmail.com

Download the Registration Form

WORKSHOP ON DOWNSTREAM PROCESS TECHNOLOGY AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF SEAWEEDS

2011-04-18T17:45:00.009+08:00

MONDAY 16TH MAY 2011 (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Kulliyyah of Engineering, IIUM

We are pleased to inform you that a Workshop on “ Downstream Process Technology and Functional Properties of Seaweeds” will be held at the Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, on Monday, 16th May 2011.

The main purpose of organizing this workshop is to provide training in downstream process technology of seaweeds and latest information in seaweed functional research for those who are interested in this area and planning to undertake seaweed projects in future. We will present two renowned scientists in the area; Prof. Dr. Kazuo Miyashita (Hokkaido University, Japan) and Dr. Nazaruddin Ramli (Seaweed Downstream Research Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia).

Apart from lectures, this workshop will also have 2 sessions of hands-on and/or lab demonstration, i.e. ‘Advance technology in downstream processing of seaweed for food application’ and ‘Extraction of marine carotenoids for applications in health and pharmaceuticals products’
It is indeed our great pleasure to invite you to the workshop and attached herewith is the announcement and details of the workshop for your perusal and to be distributed to your respective departments and interested colleagues.

For further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irwandi Jaswir

(irwandi@iium.edu.my, 03-6196 4549, 019-2040456), or

Sis Norshazila Binti Shahidan (019-3345406)

Thanking you in advance for your utmost consideration and we look forward to meeting you this coming May 2011.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irwandi Jaswir
Coordinator
Bioprocess and Molecular Engineering Research Unit (BPMERU)
Kulliyyah of Engineering
International Islamic University Malaysia

Award winner: Dr. Irwandi

2011-04-12T15:20:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to Dr. Irwandi and his research team for winning Halal Science & Innovation Excellence Award 2011 (2nd Place) in "World Halal Research Summit 2011" in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, 6-7 April 2011

Title of the Invention: "Rapid Detection of Ethanol in Beverages using IIUM-Fabricated Portable E-Nose" (by Irwandi Jaswir, Nurul Asyikin Abd Mutalib and Rini Akmeliawati)

The award was presented by Malaysia's former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

A Workshop on Genomics and Bioinformatics: A Case Study in Microbial Applications

2011-02-11T19:33:00.009+08:00

This workshop was specifically designed for all researchers who are interested in applying bioinformatics for applications of microbes in industry. The workshop commenced with a review of fundamental genomics and bioinformatics principles and continued with a detailed theoretical and practical session on bioinformatics applications.

There was also a hands-on session where attendees worked through the applications closely guided by a team of experienced bioinformaticians from MGRC.

Papers Presented in Recent Conferences

2011-01-19T15:00:00.004+08:00

One of our member (Dr. Ibrahim Ali Noorbatcha) presented following papers recently in MSTC2010 and iCAST2010:

I. A. Noorbatcha, F. Hamzah, H. M. Salleh and S. Z. Idid, Quantum Chemical QSAR Models to Predict the Anticancer Activity of Nitrosoureas, Malaysian Science and Technology Congress, 09-11 November 2010, Crystal Crown Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. p: 81

K. Awang, M.N. Azmi, K. Mohamad and I. A. Noorbatcha, Computer Modelling Studies on Bioactive and Novel Natural Products, Malaysian Science and Technology Congress, 09-11 November 2010, Crystal Crown Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. p: 81-82

I. A. Noorbatcha, S. Waesoho, H. M. Salleh, Structural and dynamics behavior of an Endoglucanase from Fusarium Oxysporum in vacuum, implicit and explicit solvent models, Malaysian Science and Technology Congress, 09-11 November 2010, Crystal Crown Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. p: 97-98

I. A. Noorbatcha, M. Eissa, And S. Z. Idid, Quantum Chemical Quantitative Structure Activity Studies of Anticancer Activity of Aldohexose chloroethylnitrosourea Analogs, 3rd International Conference on Advancement in Science and Technology (iCAST) 2010, 26-29 November 2010, Vistana Hotel, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. p:27

Financial Assistance to do PhD or MSc (Research Assitant Vacancy)

2011-01-18T13:54:00.006+08:00

Field:

Computational Protein Engineering. There is possibility to combine computational and experimental work for PhD degree

Requirement:

Degree in Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering or related field with strong interest in applying computational methods in designing proteins of industrial importance.

Strong proficiency in English.

For further information, you may contact:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Noorbatcha

(ibrahiman@iium.edu.my)

Workshop on Genomics and Bioinformatics

2011-01-11T10:57:00.003+08:00

Bioprocess and Molecular Engineering Research Unit (BPMERU)

Malaysian Genomic Research Institute (MGRC)

invite you to a workshop as follows:

A Workshop on Genomics and Bioinformatics:

A Case Study in Microbial Applications

Date/Day: 25th January 2011 (Tuesday)

Venue: E3-2-9, Computer Teaching Laboratory, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia

This workshop is free of charge, and space is limited.

Hence, hurry up!

All (staff, Postgraduate and Final Year-Undergraduate students) are invited.

You may register your name in the list provided in front of Dr. Ibrahim's room (E5-3-13.12)

For further information, you may contact:

Dr. Ibrahim (ibrahiman@iium.edu.my)

Recent conferences attended

2010-12-02T14:44:00.003+08:00

Two cenferences were attended by our lecturer, Dr. Azura Amid in the last November 2010.

International Conference on Food Research, 22 - 24th November 2010, Marriott, Putrajaya. Paper title: The Observation on the Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Tomato Leaves Extract, by Semail S, Amid A, Jamal P.

International Conference on Advancement in Science and Technology, 26 - 29th November 2010, Vistana Hotel, Kuantan, Pahang. Paper title: Metal Chelating Activity of Centella asiatica, by Mohd Salim RJ, Adenan MI, Amid A, Sued AS.

Post-Doctoral post available

2010-08-03T10:54:00.005+08:00

Requirement:

The candidate must have PhD in one of the following fields (Bioprocess / Biochemical / Chemical / Biotechnology)

PhD students who are at the writing stage are also encouraged to apply

Job scope: Purification of protein

The student will be working on the TechnoFund Project entitled: "Production of Recombinant Bromelain: Pre-commercialization Phase"

Duration: 18 months

Start: November 2010

If you are qualified and interested for the post, you may contact:

Dr. Azura Amid

Office no: 03-6196 4429

HP no: 013-339 5269

Email to: azuraamid@iiu.edu.my

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS WEEKLY MEETING

2010-03-18T15:11:00.001+08:00

Starting from this week, a weekly meeting will be held for all postgraduate students under BPMERU.

Day: Every Friday

Time: 3pm

Venue: Computer Lab, Level 4, E5 Building

Presenter: Will be informed by Sis. Alawiyah

We truly hope that all postgraduate students will make yourself available for the meeting and your coorperations are highly appreciated.

We can use this platform to share our knowledge, exchange ideas, etc.

Attendance is compulsory.

Gateway Recombinant Cloning Technology Workshop

2010-01-29T12:01:00.000+08:00

The workshop has been successfully organized on 18th to 21st January 2010 by BioMolecular Engineering Research Unit (BioMERU) Committee. There were 21 participants from different institutions such as UniMAP, IIUM Gombak, IIUM Kuantan, InnoBio and Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB).

The workshop was conducted by two trainers from Biodiagnostics Sdn. Bhd. and they were Mr. Choo Chee Wei and Miss Alice Koh.

The participants learned about cloning of enzyme (phytase) into pBAD-TOPO vector and transformation of the vector into OneShot TOP10 expression host. The enzyme had been successfully cloned and transformed.

International Congress of Chemistry and Environment (ICCE) 2009

2010-01-26T15:08:00.000+08:00

Seven postgraduate students from BioMERU participated in ICCE 2009. These students are Br. Muaz Abdul Hadi, Br. Anas Mufid Sultan, Sr. Nurhusna Samsudin, Sr. Noraini Mohd Yusof, Sr. Nor Soleha Mohd Dali, Sr. Liyana Yahya and Sr. Afraha Baiti Arif.

The conference was organized by Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, India in collaboration with Ubonratchathani University, Thailand and Chemical Society of Thailand.

All seven students were involved in the oral presentation and they have presented their projects excellently.

Br. Muaz

Sr. Nor Soleha

Sr. Liyana

Sr. Noraini

Sr. Afraha Baiti

Sr. Nurhusna

Br. Anas

Gateway Recombinant Cloning Technology Workshop

2009-12-23T00:27:00.000+08:00

Day/Date:

Monday - Thursday (18th - 21st January 2010)

Venue:

Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Block E5 (Sigma), Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak

Organizer:

BioMolecular Engineering Research Unit (BioMERU), IIUM

Fees*:

Lecture and workshop (1+3 days)

RM875 (for researcher)

RM775 (student)

Lecture only (1 day)

RM100 (flat rate)

Payment should be made before 3rd January 2010 to IIUM Engineering Trust by bank draft or cheque

After 3rd January 2010

Lecture and workshop (1+3 days)

RM975 (researcher)

RM875 (student)

Lecture only (1 day)

RM150

Enquiries:

Dr. Hamzah Mohd Salleh*

hamzah@iiu.edu.my

03-61964426

Dr. Azura Amid*

azuraamid@iiu.edu.my

03-61964429

*Please Download the registration form here: Registration form (Click HERE)

BioMERU Logo Competition

2009-11-25T17:09:00.000+08:00

BioMERU is organizing a logo competition for BioMERU members only.

For those who are interested, you must create a new sophisticated logo for BioMERU with the same theme 'Engineering Biomolecules for a Better Future'.

Please submit your entry together with your name and contact number to:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Noorbatcha
Email: ibrahiman@iiu.edu.my

before 31st December 2009.

The winner will receive RM100 from BioMERU.

Hurry! Hurry!

New Journal Article by Dr. Irwandi et al.

2009-11-07T19:59:00.000+08:00

Dr. Irwandi has recently published a journal article entitled "Identification of Possible Compounds Possessing Adenosine A1 Receptor Binding Activity in the Leaves of Orthosiphon stamineus Using TLC and Multivariate Data Analysis".

The journal has been published in "Journal of Liquid Chromatography and Related Technologies"; 32: 2906-2916, 2009 (Taylor & Francis Publ., IF 2008 = 1.026).

Congratulations to Dr. Irwandi!

Dr. Yumi's Achievements

2009-10-07T19:09:00.000+08:00

Dr. Yumi has recently been listed in Marquis Who's Who in Health and Medicine 2009.

Her research work has also been published in "Olives and Olive Oil in Health and Disease Prevention", a book published by Elsevier, Inc. UK, edited by Preedy, V.R. and Watson, R.R. (ISBN:978-0-12-374420-3).

Therefore, congratulations to Dr. Yumi for her great achievements!

3rd International Conference on Chemical and BioProcess Engineering (ICCBPE-2009)

2009-08-24T23:25:00.000+08:00

Conference: 3rd International Conference on Chemical and BioProcess Engineering
Venue: Novotel Hotel, 1Borneo, Sabah
Date: 12th to 14th August 2009

The aim of sharing our group works and interests with other researchers was successfully delivered during the event. Furthermore, 4 papers were selected for special publication of "Journal of Applied Sciences" under the supervision of Assoc Prof Dr Hamzah, Assoc Prof Dr Ibrahim Ali Norbatcha and Dr. Elwathig Saeed Mirghani. The abstract of those publications can be retrieved from;

1. I.A. Noorbatcha, N.Samsudin and H.M.Salleh
2. I.A. Noorbatcha, M.A. Hadi, A.F. Ismail and H.M Salleh
3. M.E.S. Mirghani, F. Yosuf, N.A. kabbashi, J. Vejayan and Z.B.M . Yosuf
4. A.N. Alkabbashi, Md Z. Alam, M.E.S. Mirghani and A.M.A. Al-Fusaiel

Biomeru Representatives:

Assoc Prof Dr Ibrahim Ali Noorbatcha

Dr. Elwathig Saeed Mirghani
Antibacterial Activity of Mango Kernal Extracts

Sis Nurhusna Samsudin
Modification and Characterization of Phytase for Animal Feed Production

Sis Noraini Mohd Yusof
Production of Myo-Inositol Phosphates from Rice Bran for Pharmaceutical Application

Bro Muaz Abdul Hadi
In silico Approach in Designing Xylanase for Biobleaching Industry

Sis Nurul Ain Harmiza Abdullah
Effect of pH Concentration in Ion Exchange Column Chromatography Purification of Patatin-Like Protein From Industrial Rubber Waste

Sis Nurhusna listening to Bro Muaz's critical ideas and Sis Noraini is enjoying
her moment in the presentation theater (others in the pic: Sis Shilawati and Sis Anumsima)

Sis Nurul Ain having a tense discussion with Assoc Prof Dr Parveen Jamal

New place for BioMERU activities!

2009-06-09T07:51:00.000+08:00

Our department has approved the use of the lab located at E4-4-4 for BioMERU research activities.

The person-in-charge for the lab is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Yusuf.

So, everybody are encouraged to use the lab.

Any information, you may contact Dr. Faridah.

New Journal Article by Dr. Ibrahim et al.

2009-06-05T16:28:00.000+08:00

The title of the journal is Regio- and Stereoselective Biomimetic Synthesis of Oligostilbenoid Dimers from Resveratrol Analouges: Influence of the Solvent, Oxidant, and Substitution.

The journal is published in the Chemistry A European Journal (CEJ).

Dr. Irwandi's Achievement in 2009 Asia Pacific Young Scientist Award by ProsPER.Net-SCOPUS.

2009-06-04T01:16:00.000+08:00

We would like to congratulate our beloved Dr. Irwandi Jaswir for his achievement as the runner-up of 2009 Asia Pacific Young Scientist Award by ProsPER.Net-SCOPUS.

The Prosper.Net-Scopus Young Scientist Award in Sustainable Development is given annually to a young scientist or researcher, based in the Asia Pacific region, who has made significant contributions in the field of Sustainable Development.

Again, congratulation to Dr. Irwandi. Hopefully this achievement can encourage us to work harder and harder.

Welcome!!!

2009-05-31T11:55:00.001+08:00

Hello everybody! Here is the place where you can give comments, suggestions, opinions and others for BPMERU.

Please do not use bad words and no political issues are allowed in this chatbox.

Enjoy!!!

FTIR Spectroscopy Workshop

2009-05-08T22:41:00.000+08:00

Like what has been promoted in last entry, the workshop was successfully organized by BioMERU committee members. The first session was conducted by our invited speaker, Miss Wong from Bruker Optics whereas the second session was conducted by Dr. Elwathig Saeed Mirghani from Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, IIUM.

In the first session, Miss Wong talked about the fundamental of FTIR spectroscopy machine and she showed some videos on how to use the FTIR spectroscopy machine with solid or liquid compounds.

In the second session, Dr. Elwathig described in details on how the machine functions, some histories of FTIR spectroscopy, the diagram of spectroscopy design, and others.

Miss Wong is giving her talk during the first session.

Some of the participants.

Miss Wong answering questions from the participants.

Participants are focusing on the talk.

Dr. Elwathig is giving his talk.

Workshop on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

2009-05-06T12:07:00.000+08:00

Date: 8th May 2009 (Friday)

Venue: E0-1-16

Time: 10am - 12pm

Intended audience:

Postgraduates
Final year students
Chemical scientists or technicians who work in the field of analytical, organic, polymer, rubber, forensic, and quality control chemistry.
The course is designed for anyone who uses FTIR to discover molecular composition and the quantities of molecules in a sample.
Prior experience is helpful but not required.

Scopes of the workshop:

How an FT-IR Works - understanding the Michelson interferometer; how an interferogram becomes a spectrum; determining resolution/tradeoffs between resolution and signal-to-noise ratio; hardware considerations; sources, detectors, beamsplitters, etc.; spectrometer electronics; measurements of data quality.

Proper Use of Spectral Manipulation - spectral subtraction; baseline correction; smoothing; spectral derivatives; deconvolution; library searching; band fitting.

Choosing the Right Sampling Technique - transmission techniques; reflectance techniques; attenuated total reflectance; photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Quantitative Analysis - Beer's Law and single component analysis; multicomponent analyses; PLS and PCR.

"Hyphenated" Infrared Techniques - infrared microspectroscopy; gas chromatography-FTIR spectroscopy; high pressure liquid chromatography-FTIR (HPLC-FTIR) scpectroscopy.

Applications Using Advances FTIR Instrumentation - novel interferometer designs; application of dynamically aligned interferometers; theory and applications of step scanning; hardware for other spectral ranges.

On-line Process Monitoring FTIR - technical difficulties; instrumentation and sampling; applications.

Researchers

2009-05-04T18:58:00.000+08:00

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Noorbatcha
ibrahiman@iiu.edu.my

Computational Protein Engineering, Molecular Modeling and Stimulation, Quantitative Structure, Activity Relations, Simulations of Catalytic Reactions, Semi-empirical and ab initio Quantum Chemistry

Dr. Elwathig Saeed Mirghani
elwathig@iiu.edu.my

Food Chemistry, Biochemistry of Natural Products, Food Technology (Fats and Oil), Food Processing and Spectroscopy, Halal and Non-Halal Products Research, Biochemistry and Chemical Technology, Spectroscopy Analytical Techniques

Dr. Azura Amid
azuramid@iiu.edu.my

Plant Molecular Biology for the Improvement of Agriculture Sector, Plant Biotechnology Related to Secondary Metabolite Production in Large-Scale, Biotechnology Engineering and Draught Tolerance in Plant

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Yusof
yfaridah@iiu.edu.my

Chemistry, Biochemistry, Protein Biotechnology and Enzyme Technology.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irwandi Jaswir
irwandi@iiu.edu.my

Food Biotechnology, Lipid Chemistry and Biochemistry, Halal Food Management

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamzah Mohd Salleh
hamzah@iiu.edu.my

Biological and Catalytic Properties of Enzymes, Enzyme Technology and Engineering, Biotransformation

Dr. Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun bt. Hashim
yumi@iiu.edu.my

Mammalian Cell Culture, Nutrition and Diseases, Transcriptomics/Genomics and Metabolomics, System Biology and Multivariate Data Analysis, Cell-based Laboratory Investigations and Phytochemical/Natural Products Processing, Health and Safety/Ethics, Green Chemistry