Head of Department,Β Dr.Β National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan
Dr. Fazal Adnan is an Associate Professor and Head of the Microbiology & Biotechnology Department at the Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB) at NUST University, Islamabad. 𧬠With a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Giessen, Germany, he has built a distinguished career in molecular microbiology, biotechnology, and antimicrobial therapeutics. π¬ Leading the Antibacter Research Lab, Dr. Adnan focuses on combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections through innovative strategies like phage therapy, CRISPR/Cas9, and synthetic small RNA. π His group investigates bacterial zoonotic potential, resistance profiles, and virulence factors of MDR strains. π He has published over 40 research articles, gained numerous national and international project grants, and established industry collaborations for applied solutions in biotechnology. π With a dedication to microbial resistance research and cutting-edge education, Dr. Adnanβs work impacts both the academic and industrial fronts of biosciences and microbiology.
Publication Profile
scopus
Education π
Dr. Fazal Adnan completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology (2011-2015) as a DAAD Fellow at the University of Giessen, Germany, where he studied protein and RNA-based regulation of oxidative stress responses under Prof. Gabriele Klug and Prof. Sylvia Schnell. π His research was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). π‘ He earned his M.Phil. in Biotechnology (2007-2009) from GC University Lahore, funded by HEC Pakistan, with a focus on the production and purification of alpha amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. π§ͺ Earlier, he obtained a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology (Hons) from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, where he studied key areas such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Biochemistry. 𧫠These educational experiences have shaped his expertise in biotechnology and microbiology, supporting his innovative research in antibacterial strategies and molecular regulation.
Experience π
π Since July 2015, Dr. Fazal Adnan has been an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology at NUSTβs School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB). π» He teaches courses in RNA Biology, Phage Therapy, Bioprocess Engineering, and Research Methodology to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. π¬ He leads the Antibacter Research Lab, working on antibacterial strategies like CRISPR/Cas9, synthetic sRNA, and phage therapy. π¨βπ¬ In 2023, he was a visiting research scientist at Helmholtz AI, Germany, conducting research on whole-genome sequencing data for zoonotic risk assessment of E. coli strains using machine learning. π€ Dr. Adnan also serves as an editor for 3Biotech and Frontiers in Microbiology, collaborating globally with institutions like Helmholtz, DAAD, Penn State University, and Bern University.
Awards and Honors π
Dr. Fazal Adnan has earned multiple accolades, including the NUST Star Award for research excellence in 2023 and the Best Teacher Award in 2019. π He has received funding from prestigious agencies such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, DAAD, and the Helmholtz Foundation, Germany. π His expertise in antimicrobial therapeutics has led to various consultancy projects, including a PEPSICO-funded project on soil microbial health. π As an editor for 3Biotech and Frontiers in Microbiology, Dr. Adnan is recognized internationally for his contributions to microbiology and biotechnology. ποΈ Through national and international partnerships, he advances research on drug-resistant infections, reflecting his commitment to impactful scientific progress in health and biotechnology.
Research Focus π¬
Dr. Fazal Adnanβs research focuses on antimicrobial therapeutics, specifically tackling multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. π His team investigates the zoonotic potential, resistome, and virulence profiling of pathogens like E. coli and studies innovative treatment options such as phage therapy, synthetic small RNA, and antibacterial compounds. π Using approaches like CRISPR/Cas9, his work targets gene silencing of toxins in bacterial strains, aiming to mitigate infectious diseases in both humans and animals. π¦ Dr. Adnan leads multiple projects, including a Swiss-funded initiative on phage cocktails against poultry infections, and collaborates internationally with institutions like the Helmholtz Foundation and Bern University. π§βπ¬ With over 40 published research articles, Dr. Adnanβs research addresses global health challenges in antibiotic resistance, contributing to the fields of microbiology and one health science.
Publication Top Notes
“Effects of imidazole derivatives on cellular proliferation and apoptosis in myeloid leukemia”
Authors: Nadeem, B.B., Bibi, A., Khan, M., Ahmad, Z., Khan, D.
Journal: BMC Cancer, 2024, 24(1), 1200.
Summary: This study explores the impact of imidazole derivatives on cell growth and apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells, with implications for potential therapies.
“Synthesis, evaluation, and in silico studies of imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids with Dioctyl succinamic acid anion for enhanced antibacterial applications”
Authors: Hadeesa Kazmi, S., Arshad, A., Hafeez, S., Adil Mansoor, M., Iqbal, M.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2024, 401, 124714.
Summary: This research develops ionic liquids with potential antibacterial properties, analyzing both their synthesis and computational attributes.
“Mycorrhizosphere bacteria inhibit greenhouse gas emissions from microplastics contaminated soil by regulating soil enzyme activities and microbial community structure”
Authors: Khan, Z., Shah, T., Haider, G., Bhatti, M.F., Ahmad, P.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management, 2024, 356, 120673.
Summary: The study shows that mycorrhizosphere bacteria can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in soils contaminated by microplastics.
“Biomineralization and corrosion inhibition of steel in simulated bio-inspired self-healing concrete”
Authors: Kanwal, M., Adnan, F., Khushnood, R.A., Wattoo, A.G., Rasheed, S.
Journal: Journal of Building Engineering, 2024, 82, 108224.
Summary: This article investigates biomineralization techniques to improve steel corrosion resistance within self-healing concrete structures.
“Synthesis of non-cytotoxic Co3O4 nanocatalysts for thermocatalytic methane decomposition by resource recovery”
Authors: Mughal, S., Sehole, H.A.H., Mumtaz, A., Zhao, H., Janjua, H.A.
Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 2024, 14(3), pp. 3927β3945.
Summary: This study synthesizes Co3O4 nanocatalysts for sustainable methane decomposition, highlighting their non-toxic nature.
“Designing of fragment based inhibitors with improved activity against E. coli AmpC Ξ²-lactamase compared to the conventional antibiotics”
Authors: Hafeez, S., Zafar Paracha, R., Adnan, F.
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2024, 31(1), 103884.
Summary: This research focuses on creating inhibitors that outperform traditional antibiotics against E. coli AmpC Ξ²-lactamase.
“Combating Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and Disruption with Coumaric Acid on Dentin Surface”
Authors: Ahmad, S.S., Siddiqui, M.F., Maqbool, F., Alsowayeh, N., Rahman, Z.
Journal: Molecules, 2024, 29(2), 397.
Summary: This open-access article demonstrates how Coumaric Acid can prevent biofilm formation on dentin by Streptococcus mutans, a major cause of dental caries.
“Biochar alleviated the toxic effects of PVC microplastic in a soil-plant system by upregulating soil enzyme activities and microbial abundance”
Authors: Khalid, A.R., Shah, T., Asad, M., Kammann, C.I., Haider, G.
Journal: Environmental Pollution, 2023, 332, 121810.
Summary: The study shows biochar’s ability to reduce PVC microplastic toxicity in soil-plant systems by enhancing microbial communities.
“High resistance of fluoroquinolone and macrolide reported in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from the humid subtropical regions of Pakistan”
Authors: Jalil, A., Masood, S., Ain, Q., Dudley, E.G., Adnan, F.
Journal: Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, 2023, 33, pp. 5β17.
Summary: The research reports significant antibiotic resistance in avian pathogenic E. coli strains from Pakistan, particularly to fluoroquinolones and macrolides.
“Functional annotation and comparative analysis of four Botrytis cinerea mitogenomes reported from Punjab, Pakistan”
Authors: Fatma, T., Ahmed Khan, H., Ahmed, A., Virk, N., Faraz Bhatti, M.
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2023, 30(4), 103605.
Summary: This open-access article provides insights into the genetic diversity of Botrytis cinerea in Pakistan, a fungal pathogen affecting various crops.
Conclusion
Dr. Fazal Adnan is a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his contributions to fighting antibiotic resistance through innovative approaches like phage therapy and CRISPR applications. His academic achievements, along with his commitment to teaching and his active research collaborations, showcase a strong alignment with the award’s criteria. With targeted advancements in patent acquisition and international partnerships, Dr. Adnanβs profile could further solidify his reputation in antibacterial therapeutics and global health.