Led by Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Kamal
Institute of Chemistry, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology (KFUEIT), Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
The Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Research Group, led by Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Kamal, focuses on the development and application of advanced analytical techniques for addressing challenges in food quality, safety, environmental monitoring, and metabolic health. The group integrates principles of green chemistry, metabolomics, spectroscopy, and chromatography with multivariate statistical analysis to deliver impactful, translational research across multiple domains.
Research Themes and Expertise:
- Food Chemistry and Metabolomics:
- NMR and MS-based profiling of fermented foods, medicinal plants, and functional ingredients.
- Quality assurance and authentication of food products.
- Nutritional metabolomics to study bioactive compounds and their effects on metabolic pathways.
- Waste Valorization:
- Development of sustainable extraction protocols for extraction of valuable compounds from biowastes.
- Valorization of agri-food waste into high-value nutraceuticals and functional materials.
- Environmental and Health Monitoring:
- Detection of endocrine-disrupting compounds (e.g., bisphenols, phthalates) in food, water, and beverages.
- Monitoring pollutants and toxicants using bioanalytical methods coupled with chemometrics.
- Omics and Data-Driven Analysis:
- Integration of metabolomics, proteomics, and foodomics for understanding disease and nutrition links.
- Multivariate statistical analysis (PCA, PLS-DA, OPLS) and machine learning for biomarker discovery.
- Advanced Instrumental Techniques:
- Expertise in NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, UV-Vis, and elemental analysis.
- Development of novel analytical workflows for complex matrices.
Facilities and Collaboration:
The group maintains state-of-the-art analytical facilities and collaborates actively with national and international institutions. Dr. Kamal has partnered with institutions in China, Europe, and the Middle East, and has led several funded projects from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. He also mentors undergraduate and graduate students, fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Recent Projects:
- Assessment of Bisphenol Endocrine Disruptors in Commercial Beverages and Water (HEC-funded)
- Metabolomics-Based Authentication of Fermented Soy Products (PhD thesis)
- Valorization of Date Palm Biowaste into Functional Syrups and Bars (Patent filed)
- HEC SRGP (PKR 1.0 million): Liquid crystal/aqueous interface for detection of biofluid analytes (Completed)
- HEC SRGP (PKR 0.48 million): Metabolite profiling of Rutaceae essential oils and antimalarial evaluation (Completed)
Vision:
To become a regional leader in analytical sciences by combining technological innovation with real-world problem-solving in health, food, and environmental sectors.