Maryam Atef

– Extraction of chitosan from marine waste (Shrimp, Crab, and Lobster Shell)
– Determination of structural characteristics of chitosan by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA).
– Purification of industrial wastewater

• Isolation of collagen from marine waste (Fish skin)
• Enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen with six commercial enzymes
• Sample characterization by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Amino acid analysis, Structural analysis (SEM, FTIR, DSC, ZETA, particle size, UV-Spectra), Surface Hydrophobicity.
• Identification of peptides in the collagen peptide fractions by proteomics and LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry).
• Antibacterial activity of collagen peptides against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria especially Salmonella strains

• Extraction of Enzyme from psychrophilic bacteria

• Multi-disciplinary project with Nanotechnology and Microbial Biotechnology bases to create alternative polymer instead of synthetic polymers for food packaging
• Production of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)
• Preparation of agar/nanocellulose nanocomposite film
• Determination of structural characteristics by Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Viscosity, Tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and swelling.
• Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite films against gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, lactic acid bacteria), and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas).