ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Research in the field of organic chemistry focuses on natural chemical substances, organic synthesis and oleochemistry. Research in natural products chemistry emphasises on the discovery of new bioactive compounds from Malaysia’s rich bioresources. Various plant families and genus are being thoroughly investigated to determine their chemical constituents and biological activity. Another aspect of work in this field is the study of feasibility of developing new sources of high-value natural products which could be further exploited. This includes chemical derivatisation and biotransformation of some targeted compounds using enzymes and microbes to obtain more potent and/or selective compounds. Mechanisms of cell cycle inhibition with particular attention given to a number of cancer cells induced by cytotoxic compounds isolated from plants are also  studied.The main focus of synthetic organic chemistry is on the design and synthesis of structurally interesting and biologically active compounds.  An important goal is to determine the structure-biological activity relationship of the compounds synthesised. Another important area is the synthesis of proteins and peptides with a view to develop peptide-antigens as drugs and the delivery of peptide drugs. Research in oleochemistry involves utilisation of oleo chemicals from palm oil and palm oil products including synthesis of oleo chemicals either by chemical of enzymatic methods, recovery of oleo chemicals from waste generated by palm oil processing plants and other areas related to oils and fats. Synthesis, production and utilisation of palm - based surfactants, preparation  and application of emulsions and nanoemulsions, formation of palm-based cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and development of biofuel  are investigated as well.

Updated:: 19/01/2021 []