Professor Dr. Mark G. Molony
University of Oxford,United Kingdom

Title: Natural products as inspiration for new chemistry in antibacterial and materials science

Natural products can provide inspiration for applied synthetic chemistry. This lecture describes how natural products have proved to be valuable starting points for the development of a completely novel class of antibacterial agents, and for the development of stable carbene precursors which have found application as surface modifying agents for a wide range of materials. The lecture will illustrate that the application of synthetic organic chemistry has an important role to play in the development of new technology which impacts on biology and materials science

Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal
Forman Christian College, Lahore

Title: Hemicelluloses as Drug Delivery Materials

Hemicellulose is the second most abundant, renewable, non-toxic, and biodegradable hetero-polysaccharide after cellulose in plants consisting of different saccharide units [1]. The versatile physical and chemical properties of hemicelluloses make them a promising material for pharmaceutical and biomedicine applications [2, 3]. One of the most promising applications of hemicelluloses is their use in drug delivery systems [4 – 9]. Such systems can afford sustained, pulsatile and targeted drug deliveries.
The objectives to be achieved from a delivery system are:
i) to enhance bioavailability, ii) enhance efficacy and iii) minimize adverse effects. This talk will present an overview of the underlying principles and state of art relating to drug delivery.

Prof. Dr. Najam-ul-Haq
Bahauddin Zikria University, Multan

Title: Materials and the Functionalized Chemistry for Biomolecules Analysis in Diagnostics

The material science offers diverse range of materials in micro- and nano-sizes. The characteristics vary between the types of materials. Multiple applications are therefore designed based on unique properties. Health is the top beneficiary of materials, particularly the nanomaterials. This lecture is focused on the health side of applications which involve extensive work on complex biofluids. Any information from biofluid can be made available if the biomolecules are brought to their individual levels or at least separated on basis of their classes. These pretreatments prior to specific detections use materials in general and functionalized materials in particular. The functionalization’s bring specific functionalities onto the materials for the targeted separations of classes of biomolecules and more specifically, the signaling biomolecules representing a diseased process, helping in earlier diagnosis. The evolved strategies are designed in triangular form; material, targeted biomolecules and sample preparation protocol. The biomolecules cannot be detected from biofluids without the prior desalting of the samples. Functionalized materials play role in this regard through unprecedented combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics. The modern Omics Sciences are utilizing materials for meeting the modern needs of structural properties of biomolecules. The nanomaterials-based methodologies are fabricated particularly in the field of proteomics and metabolomics. The strategies are highly selective, specific and sensitive. The detection of enriched biomolecules is made with mass spectrometry to the extent of sequences. The materials employed encompass carbon-based, polymeric, cellulose and metal oxides. The nanomaterials are also fabricated to be used in sensing of signaling molecules. The designed nanomaterials and their functionalizations can pre-concentrate the targeted biomolecules from range of bio-samples like non-fat milk, egg yolk, human serum and HeLa cell extract.

Prof. Dr. Zeliha Selamoglu
Nigde Omer Halisdemir University,Turkey

Title: An Antiaging Molecule: The Cellular Energy Sensor ‘NAD+’

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has essential functions in metabolism. In metabolism, NAD+ is involved in redox reactions, carrying electrons from one reaction to another, therefore, found in two forms in cells. NAD+ is an oxidizing agent and it accepts electrons from other molecules and becomes reduced. The balance between the oxidized and reduced forms of NAD is called the NAD+/NADH ratio. This ratio is an important component of what is called the redox state of a cell, a measurement that reflects both the metabolic activities and the health of cells. NAD+ and its related derivatives are major coenzymes in various enzymatic reactions, such as oxidoreductases and dehydrogenases in living cells. NAD+ is also involved in fundamental metabolic processes including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation leading to energy production. NAD+ has been shown to be the key substrate for poly(ADP-ribosyl)polymerases, NAD+ glycohydrolases, and histone deacetylases known as sirtuins. These enzymes have been termed ‘NAD+’ consumers, and are involved in modulation of DNA repair, maintenance of intracellular calcium homeostasis and immunological roles, and epigenetically modulated gene expression. Nowadays, the researchers focus on the metabolism of NAD+ is used by the body as area of intense researches on unravelling the secrets of our cellular ‘energy sensor’ NAD+ for promoting healthy ageing. As a result, researches in the last two decades have shown that NAD+ is more than a mere regulator of metabolism, but rather may play a key role in the ageing process.

Dr. Muhammad Adnan
Chungnam National University, Korea

Title: Synthesis of highly efficient MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films from an aqueous halide-free lead precursor for high-performance perovskite solar cells

All sequential-dip-coating deposition of mixed organic cationic MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films from an aqueous non-halide lead precursor solution was effectively developed. Efficient crystal phase and surface morphologies of MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films were successfully realized by varying MAI/FAI molar ratios in precursor solution over as-prepared Pb(NO3)2 layer. The various grain sizes and boundaries as well as cubical lumps of MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite crystal were also modulated after annealing at 120 °C of produced MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films formed with suitable concentrations of MAI and FAI solution. Interestingly, all-dip-coating-treated MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite layers have no presence of d-FAPbI3 perovskites, even at low MAI insertion into the FAI solution. Efficient device performances and improved stability with a power conversion efficiency of 14.1% in perovskite solar cell devices with the all-dip-coating processed MA0.5FA0.5PbI3 perovskite layers realized by incorporating Pb(NO3)2 layers into MAI/FAI (1/1 molar ratio) solution.

Prof. Dr. Niaz Ali Khan
Wuhan Textile University, China

Title: Synthesis of highly efficient MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films from an aqueous halide-free lead precursor for high-performance perovskite solar cells

All sequential-dip-coating deposition of mixed organic cationic MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films from an aqueous non-halide lead precursor solution was effectively developed. Efficient crystal phase and surface morphologies of MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films were successfully realized by varying MAI/FAI molar ratios in precursor solution over as-prepared Pb(NO3)2 layer. The various grain sizes and boundaries as well as cubical lumps of MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite crystal were also modulated after annealing at 120 °C of produced MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films formed with suitable concentrations of MAI and FAI solution. Interestingly, all-dip-coating-treated MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite layers have no presence of d-FAPbI3 perovskites, even at low MAI insertion into the FAI solution. Efficient device performances and improved stability with a power conversion efficiency of 14.1% in perovskite solar cell devices with the all-dip-coating processed MA0.5FA0.5PbI3 perovskite layers realized by incorporating Pb(NO3)2 layers into MAI/FAI (1/1 molar ratio) solution.

Dr. Farooq Anwar
University of Sargodha

Title: Synthesis of highly efficient MAxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite films from an aqueous halide-free lead precursor for high-performance perovskite solar cells

Plants have always served as a vital source towards fulfilling the food, fuel, shelter and folk medicinal needs of human beings. On the other hand, they provide major portion of the world’s molecular oxygen and are the basis of most beautiful ecologies on this earth. Most importantly, plants are recognized as a richest source of a wide array of high-value components / functional compounds with multiple biological activities and medicinal benefits. In fact, extraction of functional components from various plant materials with diverse structural features and polarity is a challenging task. Some conventionally employed methods such as maceration, decoction, infusion, percolation, Soxhelt extraction and hydro-distillation and are quite effective for recovery and extraction of bioactive components from plant materials. Nevertheless, such conventional techniques have certain limitations with regard to environmental pollution and process safety as well as quality of the end-use extracts/natural products. In line with the new developments in the area of optimal nutrition, coupled with growing demand from nutraceutical and food industry, there is greater need for the use of alternative green extraction for yielding safer and non-denatured plant extracts. This lecture, in particular, is framed to highlight the usefulness and applications of some innovative green technologies such as ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzyme-assisted extractions, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), sub-critical water extraction and plant milking technology etc. for efficient extraction of safer bioactive extracts/functional extracts with potential uses in nutra-pharmaceutical and food sector.

Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain
University of the Punjab, Lahore Foreman Christian College University, Lahore

Title: Plastic Pollution and Bio-Plastic Materials

Increasing demand for plastic has caused a relative increase in all kinds of plastic materials whether they are used for domestic or commercial purposes. Use of such conventional petroleum based plastic materials has caused resource, environmental and waste management problems mainly due to their non-biodegradability, non-recyclability and liberation of poisonous pollutants. This study focuses on the replacement of synthetic plastics with biodegradable plastics to facilitate the environment and climate. Biodegradable plastics based on annually renewable agricultural and biomass feedstock were synthesized. Cellulosic biopolymer was utilized as raw material for synthesis of biodegradable plastic. Simple solution casting method was employed to synthesize plastic films. Calculated ratio of raw material, along with plasticizer and other additives, was added. To have minimum effect on biodegradability, bio-plasticizers and bio-additives were considered. Cellulosic based films are moisture sensitive which cause variation in mechanical properties and thermal stability hence restricting further use of the films. To reduce the hydrophilic character of these cellulosic based films and enhance their mechanical properties, fillers were added. Structural characterization was carried out using UV-Vis and FT-IR analysis. Parameters such as solubility, water resistance and biodegradability were tested hence confirming that the composites were biodegradable. Solubility and water absorption were controlled by increasing the amount of filler. The development of such bio-plastic materials will help to conserve non-renewable sources, save energy, reduce environmental pollution and contribute towards soil remediation.

Prof. Dr, Khurram Joya
Technical University of Denmark

Title: Recent Innovations in Nanoscale Catalysis for Water Splitting and Synthetic Fuels

With the advent on innovative science, chemical research and technology, nanoscale materials can be engineered and programmed to perform specified function at macro level applications. The innovation in chemical science, nanomaterials, catalysis, and electrochemical processes for Water Splitting has a lead now for solar and chemical energy conversion. These systems can be implemented as surface immobilization along with thin-films for catalytic processes, sensing applications and for energy conversion schemes. We have invented, discovered and developed specialized methods, and exploited various thin-film nanoscale materials for catalytic water splitting, CO2 reduction, and recently for electrochemical sensing, biomass catalysis and solar energy conversion. Now we implement and developing new methods for making advanced electro functional nanomaterials and nanoclusters derived from thin-films molecular assemblies, inorganic nanomaterials and metal-oxides displaying great potential to be used in high performance water splitting catalysis and for chemical energy conversion and storage schemes. In this discussion we also highlight the challenges in chemical energy conversion and the possible way forward.

Dr. Muhammad Kashif Saleemi
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Title:Mycotoxinsː Human-Animal-Environment Interface

Fungal contamination of crops and production of toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) are the inevitable issues throughout the world, mainly in the developing countries. These mycotoxins associated with adverse effects on poultry, animals, humans and crops, result in health issues and economic losses. Mycotoxins is second most important issue faced by the global poultry industry after high prices of feed. The major mycotoxins that have agro-economic importance are aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, zearalenone and trichothecenes. These toxins are produced by different types of moulds that contaminate crops under favourable conditions and become the part of animal and human diet. Several studies have described their hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, toxigenic and mutagenic characteristics, and most mycotoxins represent a considerable risk to animal and human life. Compound stomach animals show some resistance against mycotoxicosis as compared to monogastric animals due to capability of rumen microbiota to degrade mycotoxins. The adverse effects of mycotoxins in humans include hepatocellular carcinoma, Reye’s syndrome, Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), immunosuppression, abdominal pain, neural tube defects, infertility and retarded growth in children. This abstract describes different types of mycotoxins and their adverse effects on poultry, animal species and humans by keeping in mind the One-Health aspect.

Dr. Javed Iqbal
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Title:Designing of Organic Functional materials for optoelectronic applications

Our research centralizes on modeling and DFT analysis of intended chromophores based on various cores to render them as economic competitors for solar cells. Substantial investigation on molecular levels of researched molecules is accomplished by pursuing computational DFT and TD-DFT simulations to probe photovoltaic characteristics. Different computational methods are used to analytically observe molecules for their simulated values of absorption maximum, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), ionization potential (IP), electron affinity (EA), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), quantum chemical parameters i.e. chemical potential 〖(μ〗_0), chemical hardness (η), chemical softness (S), electronegativity (χ), and electrophilicity index (ω). Additionally, other geometric variables such as density of state (DOS), electrostatic potential (ESP), transition density matrix (TDM), binding energy (Eb), dipole moment (μ), reorganization energy (RE), and device performance (V¬OC) are enumerated. Results uttered that all our modeled molecules are preferential candidates for optoelectronic applications. Because of low RE values of electron mobility (λe) and hole mobility (λh) of designed chromophores, they exhibit magnified charge mobility. All designed chromophores depicted intensified metrics computationally, which is a convincing rationale for their possible experimental usage in developing solar cell technology.

Dr. Muhammad Rafiq
University of Central Punjab, Lahore

Title:Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases Dynamics

Mathematical models play a significant role to analyze and control infectious diseases in a population. These models provide conceptual insights such as thresholds and basic reproduction numbers for various infectious diseases. Some very important theories are built and tested, some quantitative speculations are made and some specific questions are answered with the help of mathematical models. This leads to a better strategy for overcoming the transmission of infectious diseases.

Dr. Akhtar Hayat
COMSATS, Lahore

Title:Nanotechnology an emerging area for biosensors; defining key roles of nanomaterials in construct of biosensors

The recent years have witnessed a major influence of nanotechnology in the field of biosensors. The integration of nanomaterials in the construction of biosensors is aimed to achieve better analytical figures of merit in terms of limit of detection, linear range, assays stability, low production cost, etc. Nanomaterials can play a variety of roles in the development of responsive, easy-to-use, and field portable biosensors. In this line, significant research efforts have been made towards exploration and synthesis of various types of nanomaterials for subsequent use in the fabrication of biosensors. Nanomaterials can act as an immobilization support, signal generating probe, signal amplifier, signal quencher, mediator and artificial enzyme label…etc. The present work will define the key roles of nanomaterials and relate the nano-based features to the analytical performance of the biosensor design. A critically analysis and level of success for each design will be discussed with emphasis on the future directions. Meanwhile, as nanomaterials have become more widely accepted nanostructures entities, the risk of their release into the environment and resulting effects on ecosystem health is becoming a growing issue that must be addressed. The research on nanotoxicology will also be considered in the present work. Understanding the relationship between biosafety and nanomaterials is a crucial aspect of the future research.

Dr. Muhammad Shahid
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Title:Natural Product are untapped source of bioactives against the consortium bacterial biofilm

Sinusitis is microbial loaded infection of the membranes lining the paranasal sinus. It is one of the most frequently disease diagnosed in the USA population. Biofilm formation by sinusitis microbes with special reference to bacteria in human is one of the major problems. Microbes present in the biofilm are highly resistant to antibiotics and scientists are looking for medicinal plants as potent biofilm agents. An attempt was conducted on the medicinal plants to develop a product to explore the untapped source of bioactives by using different biological activities. The current study was aimed to develop a natural product (namely SinuCure) against sinusitis from five plant (Green cardamom, Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cumin) extracts. Product exhibited higher antioxidant activities with minimum hemolytic activity, while the highest anti-inflammatory activity was shown by this product. Increased thrombolytic activity was also observed in case of ethanol extract. Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract was remarkable followed by water extract against sinus isolates and consortium from human volunteer. MIC was also recorded for tested bacterial strains and consortium. Ames assay and DNA damage protection assay was also performed, and results revealed that these extracts are non-mutagenic as well as non-toxic. Water decoction was also tested on human volunteer having sinusitis problem. SinuCure product drains sinusitis quickly and patient feels comfortable within 6 hours. Results of this study have shown that (polyherbal drug) product developed have high antioxidants, lowest toxicological and remarkable antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity. This product is safe to use as its toxicological and biological profile is very good.

Dr. Hammad Majeed
UMT, Sialkot

Title:Interdisciplinary Research in the Textile Circular Economy

The textile industry is converging on a textile circular economy to reduce the impact of climate change. This segment is trying to save water to avoid scarcity and energy in processing. Climate change is a worldwide thought-provoking concern that is at the primacy of the whole world. All industrial segments are trying to opt for the best way out which can lessen the influence of climate change. In Pakistan, most of the industries especially textile export oriented are changing their mentality and production system to save water and energy. Sustainable crops productions to avoid the use of herbicides, pesticides, etc. to give organic and green raw material for textile industry to manufacture sustainable and environment-friendly textile goods. Enzymatic or safer chemical products usage in textile production is mandatory for them to fulfil the different certifications audit like REACH, ZHDC, GOTS, Oeko Tex Standard 100, Blue Sign, Higg Index etc. The textile waste water and material is getting recycled, reused to reproduce the best products to diminish trash on our planet with reduction in carbon footprint. Synthetic plastic polymer is replaced by biodegradable polymers which are less dangerous for the environment. Artificial intelligence and other latest tools are also helping to give smart solutions to all types of industries to save the environment. Climate change and the temperature rise is serious issue and the international business community is trying to follow the race to zero targets to avoid more determinantal effects. In short, all science disciplines are involved in textile circular economy latest concept to meet the challenges.

Muhammad Naeem Qaiser
University of Sargodha

Title:Nutraceutical, prospects and challenges

Nutraceuticals have received considerable interest due to potential nutritional, safety and therapeutic effects. Recent studies have shown promising results for these compounds in various complications. Many nutraceuticals and naturally occurring compounds that have been investigated and reported in various studies revealed that these products are extremely active, have profound effect on cell metabolism and often have little adverse effect. It is natural that people’s focus is shifting to a positive approach for prevention of diseases to stay healthy. Despite widespread consumption, nutraceuticals are found to have been contaminated with heavy metals, and others do not contain the expected quantities of active ingredients. In general, supplements are not needed except in cases of established deficiencies, and excess of some nutrients can increase cancer rates. This study also discusses the public health concerns associated with use of nutraceuticals and suggests directions for the establishment of scientific criteria for health claims for nutraceutical, especially in relation to the increasing global economy. Consumers, government, industry and academia all need to be involved in an international understanding, based on science and ethics, for health claims for functional foods, including those of phytochemical origin.