Kah Ern Ten( Award Conferred 11 December 2024)
Title of Thesis:‘ Insights into RNA modification and gene expression patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii during infection in Galleria mellonella.’
This research explores pathogenic bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii, a major health concern due to its increasing antibiotic resistance. To understand its infection mechanisms, this study investigated the virulence determinants through gene expression and RNA modifications analyses, utilising an insect infection model. The findings of this thesis provide insights that could aid in developing therapeutic strategies to combat this challenging pathogen.
Supervisor: Dr Tan Hock Siew Associate Supervisor: Professor Sadequr Rahman
Chamodini Nisansala Thilakarathna( Award Conferred 19 February 2025)
Title of Thesis:‘ Extraction of Mahua( Madhuca longifolia) Seed Oil and Its Modification for Potential Application as Cocoa Butter Equivalent.’
Cocoa butter is a key ingredient in making chocolate, but it’ s becoming expensive and harder to find. To meet growing demand, it’ s important to find alternatives. Mahua seed oil, from a lesser-known crop, has similar properties to cocoa butter, making it a good candidate. However, it hasn’ t been studied much for use in chocolate. This research explores how mahua seed oil can be modified to replace cocoa butter, offering a more affordable and sustainable option. The findings could help the confectionery industry while also promoting the use of underutilized natural resources.
Supervisor: Dr Lee Yee Ying Associate Supervisor: Associate Professor Lee Fong Siow
Wong Bao Chi( Award Conferred 19 February 2025)
Title of Thesis:‘ Pangenome, Transcriptome and Transposon Mutagenesis Studies in Pathogenesis and Virulence Factors of Shigella Sonnei Associated With Caenorhabditis Elegans Infection.’
This thesis investigates the important Shigella sonnei virulence factors during the nematode host infection. It identifies several genes involved in biofilm formation and acid resistance as important genes for Shigella sonnei to maintain its infection in the host. These genes are potential targets for new antibiotic drug development in the future.
Supervisor: Dr Tan Hock Siew Associate Supervisor: Dr Ang Chee Wei Associate Supervisor: Associate Professor Kumaran Narayanan
Xi Khai Wong( Award Conferred 19 February 2025)
Title of Thesis:‘ Nutmeg-Derived Natural Product Hybrids: Synthesis and Investigations of Their Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Action.’
This thesis focuses on developing new hybrid compounds to fight bacteria. The most potent compound identified in this study, 4OHA _ CIP, shows very strong antibacterial activity, especially against gram-positive strains. More importantly, it is also active against drug-resistant bacteria. Overall, this research highlights a promising strategy for designing new antibiotics that could help combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and in turn, improve public health.
Supervisor: Dr Yeong Keng Yoon Associate Supervisor: Dr Tan Ban Lee Joash
Yong Yanning( Award Conferred 15 August 2024)
Title of Thesis:‘ Investigating the Conserved CTX-HaCaT Membrane Interaction and Secretome Alteration.’
Cobra bite-induced dermonecrosis is mainly caused by cytotoxin( CTX). Given the scarcity of effective treatments for dermonecrosis, it is crucial to have a better understanding of the role of CTX in dermonecrosis-associated envenomation. This study investigated the concentration of CTX as a determinant of cell death in human skin cells. The interaction between CTX and the cell membrane was observed, using in silico and in vitro methods. The downstream pathways were elucidated via secretome analysis. A surface membrane protein, annexin A2, was also identified as a potential binding partner of CTX via cross-link mass spectrometry.
Supervisor: Dr Khai Khun Michelle Yap Associate Supervisor: Professor Sek Chuen Chow
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