Nano-Biotechnology Unit
About Specialized Unit
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The Nano-Biotechnology Unit is a multi-disciplinary research unit established to promote and support the development of new diagnostic and drug delivery systems.
The Nano-diagnostics focus on enhancing the precision, simplicity, and specificity of diagnostic procedures through the use of biosensors.
The Nano-Biotechnology Unit has played a crucial role in developing new diagnostic kits by preparing, characterizing, and optimizing inorganic nanoparticles, such as magnetic iron nanoparticles for DNA extraction and protein carriers. Additionally, gold nanoparticles have been prepared and optimized for the detection of AFP tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein) and HCV core protein, as well as for DNA amplification.
The Nano-therapeutics focuses on the development of nanodevices for smart delivery and specific localization of chemotherapeutic agents to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
This unit is considered an important research hub for various local and international projects, contributing significantly to the treatment of multidrug resistance (MDR) in tuberculosis patients and cancer treatment.
Significant Milestones:
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BFR), Germany.
- An International Workshop was conducted in March 2015 on “Nanomedicine & Polymer Therapeutics for Infectious Diseases”.
Mission
Developing, localizing, and conducting research in nanotechnology applications through the preparation and qualification of specialized scientific bodies, while building effective community partnerships with various research centers, institutes, universities, and private entities.
Vision
Leading and pioneering nanotechnology research and its applications in the diagnosis and treatment of endemic diseases in Egypt.
Structure
Head of the unit
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abbas Shemis
Director & Chairman of the Board of Directors
Head of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Medicinal Chemistry Division
E-mail: m.shemies@tbri.gov.eg | mohamedshemis@gmx.com
Services
- Provide researchers with ready-made and well-characterized nanoparticles and guide any nano-related research.
- Accept M.Sc. and Ph.D. students with bench fees.
- Supervise the practical research of numerous projects focused on nano-diagnostics and/or nano-therapeutics.
- Offer hemolysis assays, such as RBC toxicity assays.
- Conduct anti-inflammatory assays (protein denaturation assay) and anti-cancer/cytotoxicity assays.
Contacts
Name : Prof. Dr. Mohamed A. Shemies
- m.shemies@tbri.gov.eg