
PhD: (Biotechnology) Imperial College, London, UK
MSc: (Zoological Sciences) Peshawar University, Pakistan
BSc: (Biology, Chemistry, English) Sadiq-Egerton College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
My field of research involves protein chemistry and biocatalysis using enzymes. The information gained from the bioinformatic, kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of native, chemically and genetically modified enzymes is utilized for the elucidation of protein structure-function-stability relationship. I am currently working on Biochemical analysis in tissues, enzymes that are implicated in the production of glutathione and bioinformatics screening of plant molecules as the inhibitors for the main protease of COVID-19 virus. In addition I employed extremophilic enzymes from Antarctica's cold adapted organisms in order to enhance their stability while keeping their high intrinsic activity. Conversely, I enhanced the activity of industrially important thermophilic protease at low temperatures by chemical modification. I apply native and improved enzymes for treating waste-waters as well as for cleaning fouled membranes.
For purification and characterisation of proteins we employ a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectrometry, spectropolarimetry, fluorimetry and calorimetry (differential scanning and isothermal titration calorimetry). In addition we employ methods such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction crystallography in collaboration with other groups.
My Teaching
Biology for Engineers: Undergraduate level, Life Sciences Dept. KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
Techniques in Life Sciences: Master's level, Life Sciences Dept., KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
Protein Bioinformatics: Undergraduate level, Biology Dept., COMSATS Institute of Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Techniques in Biotechnology: MPhil level, National Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Enzymology: MPhil level, National Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan