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Applied Chemistry
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One of the research aims in applied
chemistry has focused on identification of bioactive compounds
from tropical herbal plants. Bioactive compounds are isolated
based on activity-guided fractionation, followed by
characterized and quantified by HPLC, NMR and MS. We are also
interested in the development of chemical sensors and
biosensors, which can be used for detection of biochemical
compounds such as amino acids, vitamins, drugs, antibiotics and
pesticides. Other research projects include (1) reaction
kinetics of frozen food/model systems, (2) water, fat and sugar
crystallization, (3) encapsulation and controlled release of
food ingredients and drug delivery using microcapsule, and (4)
development of biodegradable polymers using plant waste.
Staff
HDR students
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Cell & Molecular Biology |
The research interest under Cell &
Molecular Biology in the School is rather diverse due to the
multi disciplinary background of the research staff. In
microbiology, there is strong interest in the pathogenesis of
periodontal diseases caused by oral pathogens and the
development of diagnostic and detection kits for Legionella
penumophila. Interest in other microorganisms also includes
the cloning and expression of proteins found in parasites and
how they modulate the immune system. Disruption of the immune
system by xenobiotics can have profound effects on immune
functions, which result in general immunotoxicity or the
development of cancer. In the latter, the integrity of the
genetic material is often disrupted and understanding the
mechanisms involved will provide better biomarkers and targets
for chemotherapy. In biotechnology, metabolic engineering is
used to increase the quantity and quality of oil in plants both
for food and fuel consumption, whereas enzyme technology is
being utilized to optimize enzyme production through controlled
bio-fermentation.
Staff
HDR students
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Environmental Science |
The ecology of tropical peatswamp forests
is an extreme and endangered environment. We have been examining
the microbial communities and peatswamp flora and fauna and the
impact of disturbance such as logging and drainage. We are
studying the role of bacteria in carbon cycling as tropical
peatswamps are the largest terrestrial carbon store. The
structural and functional changes in microbial communities with
depth and the impact of disturbance are being examined.
Peatswamp plants are highly resistant to decomposition because
of their bioactivity and physical characteristics, and this is
another facet of our research. New species of algae, fungi and
invertebrates have been discovered, including forms never before
observed.
Our research also focuses on the utilization of riparian
leaf litter by aquatic invertebrates in Malaysian streams in
comparison with temperate streams – part of a world wide
study funded by National Geographic. Another area of our
research interest includes the ecology and management of
fruit flies (Tephritidae), which are major pests of almost
all cultivated fruits in Malaysia. The ecological role of
forest species of Tephritidae is also being studied. This
could potentially lead to the discovery of new species of
tropical fruits.
Staff
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Molecular Pathology |
Research in molecular pathology covers
several areas. Under chemical carcinogenesis, the focus is on
both the understanding of the functions of DNA repair enzymes
and methyl transferase, and their application as biomarkers and
targets for cancer chemotherapy. The research on
immunotoxicology provides an insight into the processes such as
apoptosis involved in immunological diseases and the molecular
basis of infection and diseases in the immune system. There is
also a strong interest on the identification of oral pathogens
and the elucidation of the pathogenic mechanism of periodontal
diseases. In glucose homeostasis and lipogenesis studies, major
efforts have been focused on the identification of an
alternative drug with less side effects to the treatment of
diabetes mellitus. An investigation on the pharmacological
effects of herbal medicine on cardiovascular diseases is another
area of research interest in molecular pathology.
Staff
HDR students
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Plant Biotechnology |
The main aim of our research work in plant
biotechnology focuses on the elucidation of regulatory
mechanisms of various physiological processes leading to crop
improvement through metabolic engineering. This includes the
development of novel crop species with improved vegetative oil
production through a better understanding of the regulatory
mechanism of how triacylglycerols are synthesized in plants. We
are particularly interested in the study of mechanisms
regulating flowering in ornamental crops with the specific aim
of enhancing flower longevity. A significant part of our
research is also aimed at the identification of genes for
agronomic important traits through map-based cloning and the
development of molecular markers in crop plants. Other areas of
interest include how plants respond under environmental stress,
and the regulation of morphogenetic events in cultured cells and
tissues.
Staff
HDR student
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