Muhammad Ovais

    Researcher , Entrepreneur

    National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

    Muhammad Ovais Asia Nano - Profile

    Muhammad Ovais obtained his B.S. degree in Biotechnology from the University of Peshawar in 2015 and M.S. degree in 2017 from Quaid-i-Azam University. The latter year he joined Professor Chen’s group as a Ph.D. candidate at CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China. He has developed advanced nano/bio-materials for cancer theranostics, immuno-engineering, and nanocatalytic applications. He owns to his credit over 50 published research studies, reviews, editorials and book chapters in high quality peer-reviewed journals (SCI IF: 300+, h-index: 28) that are cited over 1800 times on Google scholar and read by over 44000 researchers on Researchgate. Based on the technologies developed, he is also the co-founder of a startup Synthone Nanotech (Headquarter in Netherlands), they aim to develop self-assembled short peptide based nanomaterials for cancer theranostics, anti-microbial applications, 3D-cell culture and Bioprinting.

    He is also the Co-founder of GHSC-Cancer Awareness Society, which is Pakistan based Associate member of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Geneva, Switzerland. GHS-CAS is a non-profit organization with a mission to aware general public, students and university faculty about risk factors, causes, preventive measures, early diagnosis and latest trends in cancer research. Till date they have reached to over 1000 students and outnumbered researchers. He also have visited Peking University, Guanghua School of Management to study advances in the biomedical sector under Belt and Road Initiative and have written scientific blogs for Biomaterials Science (Royal Society of Chemistry, UK).

    Areas of Expertise

    Nanomedicines, Biomaterials, Immuno-engineering, Theranostics, Drug delivery

    Core Contributions to Science

    • Reporting novel bio-inspired nanoparticles with multifunctional theranostic applications.
    • Detection of enzyme triggered peptide self-assembly via Laser Confocal Raman Microscopy and Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy in cellular environment.
    • First time fabricated poly (butadiene-block-ethylene oxide) based amphiphilic polymersomes as an approach for improved oral pharmacokinetics of Sorafenib.
    • Optimized methods for stable and reproducible synthesis of gold nanorods for biomedical applications.
    • Optically characterized and monitored enzyme catalyzed short chain peptides in cellular environment.
    • Discovered β-Sitosterol as potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s.
    • First time reported a novel plant Olax nana and discovered its antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials.
    • Revealed that the absence of HCV RNA and NS5A protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is a prognostic tool for sustained virological response.
    • Evaluated the temporal virological responses to Interferon-α-2b plus Ribavirin among genotype 3a Hepatitis C virus-Infected patients.

    Recent Prominent Contributions

    • In a perspective article published in collaboration with Radbound University, Netherlands, he with other co-authors have proposed the design of phage capsid nanoparticles as multivalent inhibitors of viral infections. This will help in developing novel nanotechnologies to tackle Covid-19.
    • He proposed for the scientific community to look deep into the mechanisms of nano-bio interface and develop cutting-edge biomaterials that can not only help in early and robust diagnosis but also effectively treat cancer.
    • In one of his co-author scientific contribution with renowned Chinese scientists and academicians, he envisioned intelligent therapies for cancer.
    • Being staunch advocate of health security, he co-authored a scientific paper back in 2017 with renowned virologists and science educators form Pakistan and United States. They discussed some critical measures regarding capacity building, awareness and policy making that can help us to cope with the viral infections.

    Honors and Awards

    • 2019 Outstanding International Student China, Ministry of Education-PR China. 30,000 CNY cash prize, Award No: 2019YXS025227
    • 2019 Ph.D., Excellent International Student, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). 2,000 CNY cash prize, Award No: 2019UCASEIS000040
    • 2019 Invited Speaker (CBRN export control on Dual-Use materials and technologies) “Non-proliferation and Dual-Use Awareness (CONDENsE)”, in Ypres, Belgium.
    • 2019 International Travel Grant, UCAS. AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy- Boston, Massachusetts, USA, November 2019.
    • 2019 HEC Best Research Paper Award; 7th HEC Outstanding Research Awards, Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    • 2019 Premium Award for Best Research Paper, The Institution of Engineering and Technology-UK.
    • 2018 invited guest for “The First China International Biomedical Technology Development Forum”, Shijiazhuang, China.
    • Finalist at Nasser Bin Hamad (NBH) award in 2018 for its fifth edition with more than 7,000 thousand competitors from over 120 countries.
    • NCNST, CAS Doctoral scholarship (2017) at National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, China.
    • CRDF Global Scholarship at Amsterdam, Netherlands, 22-26 Jan, 2017.
    • MPhil Fellowship, Batch 2015-2017, at Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
    • Position holder (3rd) B.S. Biotechnology, Batch 2011-2015, Center of Biotechnology & Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

    Academic Record

    Ph.D. Nanomedicine (2017-2021)

    • CAS Key Lab for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety
    • National Center for Nanoscience and Technology.
    • University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 PR China.

    Research Advisor: Prof. Dr. Chunying Chen

    M.Phil. Biotechnology (2015-2017)

    • Department of Biotechnology,
    • Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan 45320.

    Research Advisor: Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari

    B.S. Biotechnology (2011-2015)

    • Center of Biotechnology & Microbiology,
    • University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan 25000

    Research Advisor: Prof. Dr. Ibrar Khan

    Professional Preparation

    • Research Associate (Nanomedicine) at Nanaotheragnostics Lab, Nuclear Medicine Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Islamabad, in Project entitled “Capacity Building in Cancer Nanotheranostics using Multifunctional particles” (PAK-NORWAY) Project of 2.4 Million NOK (2015-2016). Main responsibilities were controlled chemical and biological synthesis of various metal nanoparticles their characterization and in-vitro, in-vivo pharmacological and toxicological studies. Mentor: Abida Raza
    • Undergraduate Research Assistant (Pharmacogenomics) PSF Project of 6.1 Million “Genetic susceptibility to cancer due to GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP1A1 gene variants in tobacco addicted patients” Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Pakistan (2014-2015). Main responsibilities included the DNA extraction from human blood, RT-PCR and Gel documentation. Mentor: Zakiullah
    • Undergraduate Research Assistant (Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology) A sub-strain of transgenic mice JAX@R Strain 006554, MMRRC034840 B6SJL-Tg (APPSwFlLon,PSEN1∗M146L∗L286V) 6799Vas/Mm, was genotyped for confirmation of generic APP transgene presence followed by application of β-Sitosterols. Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Pakistan and Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand (2014-2015). Main responsibilities were DNA extraction from animal tissue, RT-PCR, Gel documentation including several biological assays. Mentor: Muhammad Ayaz

    National/International Symposia/Workshops/Conferences Attended

    • Invited Speaker (CBRN export control on Dual-Use materials and technologies) to deliver talk in Conference; “Non-proliferation and Dual-Use Awareness (CONDENsE)” 2019, in Ypres, Belgium.
    • Poster presentation in 17th International Congress of Immunology, October 2019, Beijing, China.  
    • 8th International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, (ChinaNANO, 2019) Beijing, China.
    • Asian Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Asia Nano, 2018) Qingdao, China.
    • Invited to attend The First China International Biomedical Technology Development Forum, Shijiazhuang, 2018, China.
    • 7th International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, (ChinaNANO, 2017) Beijing, China.
    • Organized International Workshop on “One Health” at Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad, 2017.
    • Attended International Workshop on “Biosafety and Biosecurity in Tissue Culture Collection” instructed by Judi Sture CRDF Global at Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2017.
    • Presented Poster “Green Synthesis of Colloidal Silver and Gold Nanoparticles via Plant Extracts: Beginning a New Era in Cancer Theranostics” at 3rd Conference on Frontiers of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, PINSTECH, NILORE, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2016.
    • Organized International Joint Pakistan-US Workshop on “Strengthening and Sustaining a Network of Public and Animal Health Clinical Laboratories in Pakistan” at Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad, 2016.
    • Attended “Short Course on Latest Trends in Green Chemistry” instructed by Dr. Jean Mark Laveque at Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Department of Nuclear Engineering, 2016.
    • Guest Speaker in “One-day workshop on Understanding Research Softwares” at Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad and Jammu Kashmir, 2016.
    • Organized Workshop on “Biosafety and Biosecurity in Life science research”, Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad, Pakistan, 2016.
    • Attended International Workshop on “Experimental Biology: From Basic to Advance” instructed by Dr. Javed Bhalli and Prof. A. Yekta Ozer Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Islamabad, Pakistan, 2016.
    • Organized International Symposium on “Nanomedicines: Development, Testing and Application Possibilities” instructed by Dr. Abida Raza Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Islamabad, Pakistan, 2016.
    • Organized “2nd International Workshop on Advance Diagnostics Techniques”, chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar at Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Islamabad, Pakistan, 2016.
    • Workshop on “Past Present & Future of Science: Making Pakistan Science Conscious” at Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad, 2016.
    • AASSA Regional Workshop on “Challenges in Water Security to Meet the Growing Food Requirement” Islamabad, Pakistan. Organized Jointly by: Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) and Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS). Supported by: The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), 2016.
    • Attended One-day symposium on “Nanotechnology in Pakistan: Recent trends and development” organized by Dr. Waheed S. Khan at National Institute of Biotechnology and genetic engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan, 2015.
    • Organized International Nanomedicines Symposium on “Nanotheranostics: A New Concept in Imaging and Drug Delivery” led by Prof. Dr. Catharina De Lange Davis at Nuclear Medicine Oncology & Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Islamabad, Pakistan, 2015.
    • Attended Policy makers and practitioner’s awareness workshop on dual use education, Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), Islamabad, Pakistan, 2015.
    • Attended One-day Lecture on “Cancer Biology” Organized by “Young researchers of Biosciences”, University of Peshawar, Pakistan, 2015.
    Invited Speaker (CBRN export control on Dual-Use materials and technologies) to deliver talk in Conference; “Non-proliferation and Dual-Use Awareness (CONDENsE)” 2019, in Ypres, Belgium

    Invited Speaker (CBRN export control on Dual-Use materials and technologies) to deliver talk in Conference; “Non-proliferation and Dual-Use Awareness (CONDENsE)” 2019, in Ypres, Belgium

    Invited to attend The First China International Biomedical Technology Development Forum

    Invited to attend The First China International Biomedical Technology Development Forum, Shijiazhuang, 2018, China. In picture with Nobel Laureate Prof. Shuji Nakamura, form University of California, Santa Barbara

    Attended Lectures on bio-entrepreneurship, Peking University, Guanghua School of Management, Beijing, China, 2018

    Attended Lectures on bio-entrepreneurship, Peking University, Guanghua School of Management, Beijing, China, 2018

    Professional Activities

    • Scientific Blog Writer, Biomaterials Science, RSC, UK, 2018.
    • Young Leader, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization – CTBTO, Austria, 2019.
    • Reviewer for 12+ peer-reviewed journals in Nanoscience and Technology.
    • Program/Meeting Organizer for 10+ conferences/events.