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Professor Zeeshan Ahmad

Job: Professor in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and Royal Society Industry Fellow

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: Leicester School of Pharmacy

Address: De Montfort, University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH.

T: +44 (0)116 250 6455

E: zahmad@dmu.ac.uk

W: /pharmacy

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Personal profile

  • Pharmaceutics
  • Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology
  • Drug Delivery
  • Nanotechnology
  • Nanoscience
  • Biomaterials
  • Formulation
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanofibers
  • Microparticles
  • Pharmaceutical analysis (various models and delivery systems)

Prof. Zeeshan Ahmad's research is illustrated on the images to the right.

Zeeshan Ahmad is a Professor in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery & Royal Society Industry Fellow at 制服无码 (School of Pharmacy). He is a Royal Society Industry Fellow and also leads the EPSRC EHDA Network (a highly interdisciplinary initiative involving industry and academia).

He has broad research interests in medical materials and their applications for healthcare (interfacing at chemistry, biology, physics and biomedical engineering).

Specifically, these include various methods of drug delivery (smart nanoparticles and microparticles, bubbles, fibrous materials and transdermal/skin contact systems), tissue engineering (scaffolds and cell guidance), medical device coatings (orthopedic implants) and biomedical material synthesis (polymers and bioceramics) and fabrication (EHDA, microfluidic and emulsion methods).

He has published numerous articles and is also a peer-reviewer for various journal publishers (RSC, Elsevier, Springer, ACS, IoP, etc). He has delivered presentations (national and international) at symposia (including conferences), industry and universities.He has supervised numerous PhD students (including to completion, national and international) in additon to undergraduates on MPharm, BSc Pharm Sci, BSc Pharm and Cosm Sci, MSc Biomaterials.  

Work (Research/Academic) History

  • Professor in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, 制服无码 (DMU)  - School of Pharmacy. August 2016 - present 
  • Reader (Associate Professor) in Pharmaceutics
    - School of Pharmacy
    August 2015 - July 2016
  • Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Technologies
    - School of Pharmacy
    April 2013 - July 2015
  • Senior Lecturer in Pharmceutics
    - School of Pharmacy
    September 2010 - March 2013
  • Leverhulme Research Fellow May 2010 - August 2010
  • EPSRC Research Fellow
    January 2008- April 2010
  • Research Assistant (EPSRC)
    January 2006 - December 2007
  • Research Assistant (EPSRC)
    January 2005 - December 2005

Education

Research group affiliations

Pharmaceutical Technologies

Publications and outputs


  • dc.title: Development and characterisation of co-axial electrosprayed curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica and polymer composite coated microneedles. dc.contributor.author: Singh Neenu; Ali, Amna; Ahmad, Z.; Chohan, Tahir Ali; Rasekh, M.; Arshad, M. S.; Zafar, S.; Fatoutos, D. G. dc.description.abstract: The research presented adopts electrohydrodynamic atomisation (EHDA) technology to fabricate ideal nanocarriers incorporating curcumin to permeate across the skin strata. For the first time, we uncover the novel synthesis of curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) surface functionalised by co-axial electrospraying (ES) and directly deposited onto microneedle (MN) devices. Curcumin was selected for its neuroprotective role however; its crystalline nature hampers its clinical application. To overcome this, the ES technique was utilised to encapsule poorly soluble curcumin when loaded into the silaceous network of MSNs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data revealed the amorphous transformation of curcumin within the mesopores of the silica framework. In-silico docking analysis demonstrated stable properties of curcumin, PEG, PLGA and MSNs, offering insights into the drug-polymer interactions. Moreover, ES yielded nanoparticles below 150 nm with over 89 % encapsulation efficiency across all formulations, improving bioavailability and therapeutic effectivity of curcumin. For further potential therapeutic enhancement (and targeting efficacy), nanoparticles were engineered through co-axial technologies for sustained delivery aspects, forming core-shell coated MSNs (indicated by SEM, TEM and CLSM). Optimised formulations were electrosprayed onto solid MN devices for transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). Ex vivo studies utilising Franz cells achieved rapid permeation (74.72 卤 4.1 % in 40 min) for unencapsulated curcumin (F2) while Cur-loaded MSNs fabricated via coaxial electrospray (F8) provided sustained release (70.41 卤 3.8 % in 120 min). Furthermore, in vivo histopathological examination confirmed the successful piercing of MN shafts across the stratum corneum. The work herein establishes a foundation for the sustained delivery of curcumin-loaded MSNs, validating MN array patches as a treatment modality and paving the way for the development of advanced TDDS. Finally, coupled to what is known already, the outcomes shown provide a basis to explore opportunities for novel transdermal delivery systems. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Novel electrosprayed core-shell polyethyleneimine and phospholipid coated MSNs for Co-delivery of KAZ3 and MDR-1 siRNA for efficient chemotherapy in multidrug-resistant colon cancer dc.contributor.author: Sayed, Elshaimaa; Ruparelia, K. C.; Zafar, Saman; Singh, Neenu; Ahmad, Z.; Faheem, A.; Fatouros, D.; Arshad, Muhammad Sohail dc.description.abstract: Different strategies and multifunctional nano-carriers have been employed to enhance chemotherapeutic drugs bioavailability and tackle acquired multi-drug resistance (MDR) thus ensuring efficient chemotherapy with fewer adverse effects. Among these, mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs) are exciting matrices for improving cytotoxic drugs bioavailability and circumventing MDR through its potential of co-delivery of anticancer agents and short interfering RNA (siRNA). In this study, MSNs were coated with (1:1) Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and phospholipids (PL) composite and were loaded with KAZ3 (Anticancer chalcone) using coaxial electrospraying in a one step process. The novel delivery system was used to co-deliver both MDR-1 siRNA and KAZ3 to colon cancer cell lines in order to knockdown the MDR-1 gene and thus to improve KAZ3 cytotoxicity. The prepared drug/siRNA delivery system was characterized using SEM, fluorescence microscopy, TGA, zeta sizer, actives (KAZ3 and siRNA) loading efficiency, actives release studies, siRNA gel retardation and actives cellular uptake. The cytotoxicity of formulations against cancer cell lines (HCT 116) was also assessed using MTT assay and MDR-1 gene silencing efficiency using western blotting. Results showed that coaxial electrospraying was efficient in preparing core-shell coated MSNs that were able to co-deliver both MDR-1 siRNA and KAZ3 to colon cancer lines. The MSNs coated with PL and 2.5 KDa PEI were found to be more compatible with human cells than to 25KDa PEI coated MSNs. KAZ3/siRNA loaded PEI-PL coated MSNs were successful in decreasing multidrug resistance gene expression to 40 % and causing up to 92 % colon cancer cell death. The findings of the present study show the immense potential of electro-hydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) as a technique for producing drug loaded MSNs based core-shell particles. dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: Current and Emerging Therapies for Dry and Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration dc.contributor.author: Abdulrazzaq, Ghayth M.; Merkhan, Marwan M.; Billa, Nashiru; Alany, Raid G.; Amoaku, Winfried M. K.; Tint, Naing L.; Ahmad, Z.; Qutachi, Omar dc.description: open access article

  • dc.title: An Adaptive Approach in Polymer-Drug Nanoparticle Engineering using Slanted Electrohydrodynamic Needles and Horizontal Spraying Planes dc.contributor.author: Ali, Amna; Zafar, Saman; Rasekh, Manoochehr; Chohan, Tahir Ali; Pisapia, Francesca; Singh, Neenu; Qutachi, Omar; Arshad, Muhammad Sohail; Ahmad, Z. dc.description.abstract: The present study focuses on the adaptive development of a key peripheral component of conventional electrohydrodynamic atomisation (EHDA) systems, namely spraying needles (also referred to as nozzles or spinnerets). Needle geometry and planar alignment are often overlooked. To explore potential impact, curcumin-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (PEG)-based nanoparticles were fabricated. To elucidate these technological aspects, a horizontal electrospraying needle regime was adapted, and three formulations containing different polymeric ratios of PLGA: PEG (50:50, 75:25, and 25:75) were prepared and utilised. Furthermore, processing head tip geometries e.g. blunt (a flat needle exit) or slanted (a 45掳 inclination angle), were subjected to various flow rates (5 碌L-100 碌L). Successful engineering of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (<鈥�150 nm) was observed. In-silico analysis demonstrated stable properties of curcumin, PEG and PLGA (molecular docking studies) and fluid flow direction towards the Taylor-Cone (also known as the stable jet mode), was shown by the assessment of fluid dynamics simulations in various needle outlets. Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were characterised using an array of methods including Scanning electron microscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, as well as their contact angles, encapsulation efficiencies and finally release patterns. The discrepancy when spraying with blunt and angled needles was evidenced by electron micrographs and deposition patterns. Spraying plumes utilising slanted needles enhanced particle collection efficiency and distribution of resultant atomised structures. In addition to needle design, fine-tuning the applied voltage and flow rate impacted the electrospraying process. The coefficient of variation was calculated as 30.5% and 25.6% for blunt and angled needle outlets, respectively, presenting improved particle uniformity with the employment of angled needle tips (8-G needle at 25 碌L). The interplay of processing parameters with the utilisation of a slanted exit at a capillary optimised the spray pattern and formation of desired nanoparticulates. These demonstrate great applicability for controlled deposition and up-scaling processes in the pharmaceutical industry. These advances elaborate on EHDA processes, indicating a more cost-effective and scalable approach for industrial applications, facilitating the generation of a diverse range of particle systems in a controlled and more uniform fashion.

  • dc.title: The Cytotoxic Potential of Mesoporous Silica Loaded Anticancer Drug on 3D Model of HCT116 Colon Cancer Cell Line dc.contributor.author: Otele, Ibemusu Michael; Ahmad, Z.; Sayed, Elshaimaa; Ruparelia, K. C.; Singh, Neenu

  • dc.title: P13-21 Toxicological assessment of porous silica nanoparticles: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immunogenicity dc.contributor.author: Patel, Trisha; Ahmad, Z.; Venkatraman Girija, U.; Sahota, T. S.; Singh, Neenu

  • dc.title: Toxicological Assessment of Porous Silica Nanoparticles: Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity and Immunogenicity dc.contributor.author: Patel, Trisha; Venkatraman Girija, U.; Ahmad, Z.; Singh, Neenu

  • dc.title: Toxicological assessment of porous silica nanoparticles: Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, immunogenicity. dc.contributor.author: Trisha, Patel; Ahmad, Z.; Venkatraman Girija, U.; Sahota, T. S.; Singh, Neenu

  • dc.title: Assessing the Toxicity of Functionalised Porous Silica Nanoparticles. dc.contributor.author: Singh, Neenu; Patel, Trisha; Girija, U. V.; Ahmad, Z.

  • dc.title: Development of hybrid 3D-printed structure with aligned drug-loaded fibres using in-situ custom designed templates dc.contributor.author: Muldoon, Kirsty; Feng, Yu; Dooher, Thomas; O'Connor, Caolan; Wang, Baolin; Wang, Hui-Min David; Ahmad, Z.; McLaughlin, James; Chang, Ming-Wei dc.description.abstract: Fibre alignment technology is crucial in various emerging applications, such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and scaffold fabrication. However, conventional methods have limitations when it comes to incorporating aligned fibres into 3D printed structures in situ. This research demonstrates the use of custom-designed templates made with conductive ink to control the alignment of drug-loaded polymer fibres on a 3D printed microscale structure. Three different geometries were designed, and the effects of the template on fibre diameter and pattern were investigated. The hybrid structure demonstrated successful control of aligned fibres on printed structures using grounded conductive ink geometric electrodes, as confirmed by SEM. All three custom-designed templates presented unique geometric alignments and fibre diameters of around 1 渭m. Additionally, the different collector shapes had an impact on the distribution of fibre diameters. FTIR and EDX analyses concluded that the drug was effectively encapsulated throughout the fibres. In-situ deposition of fibres onto the 3D printed structure enhanced the mechanical properties, and water contact angle results showed that the hybrid structure transitioned to a hydrophilic state with the addition of fibres. A drug delivery study confirmed that the hybrid structure functions as a steady release system, following a Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic release model. TGA results indicated that the samples are thermally stable, and DSC analysis concluded that the samples were homogeneously produced. The results obtained from the hybrid structures provide a novel mechanism for integrating aligned fibres and 3D printed structures for development in fields such as biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, and advanced manufacturing. dc.description: open access article

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Key research outputs

  • Preparation and characterization of electrospun hydroxyapatite/poly-ε-carpolactone fibres loaded with ibuprofen and indomethacin
  • C. Karavasili et al. Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 102, 2583 (2014)
  • Continuous Generation of Ethyl Cellulose Drug Delivery Nanocarriers from Microbubbles
  • O.Gunduz et al. Pharmaceutical Research 30, 225 (2013)
  • Bioinspired bubble design for particle generation
  • O.Gunduz et al. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 9, 389 (2012)
  • Fabrication of biomaterials via controlled protein bubble generation and manipulation
  • Z. Ekemen et al. Biomacromolecules 12, 4291 (2011)
  • Nano-particle functionality and toxicity on the central nervous system
  • Z Yang et al. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 7, 411 (2010)
  • Novel preparation of transdermal drug-delivery patches and functional wound healing materials
  • Z. Ahmad et al. Journal of Drug Targeting 17, 724 (2009)
  • The role of electrosprayed nanoapatites in guiding osteoblast behaviour. E.S. Thian et al. Biomaterials 29, 1833 (2008)

Research interests/expertise

  • Pharmaceutics / Pharmaceutical Technologies
  • Pharmaceutic Dosage Design
  • Nanoparticles and Microparticles
  • Biomaterials (bioceramics and biocompatible polymers)
  • Biomedical Materials (applications for advanced functional biomaterials)
  • Drug Delivery Systems (transdermal (parenteral) and enteral systems)
  • Drug Delivery Systems (nano, micro and bubble)
  • Drug Delivery Systems (in-vitro models)
  • Drug Delivery Systems with Imaging modalities
  • Drug Delivery Technologies (EHDA, microfluidic, emulsions)
  • Bio and Tissue Engineering (scaffold design and cell guidance)
  • Implants (Coatings and Biocompatible materials)
  • Materials Chemistry (polymers/bioceramics and interfaces)
  • Biointerfaces (Cell guidance, Drug delivery systems at interfaces)
  • Material Fabrication (EHDA, Microfluidic, Emulsions, Casting).
  • Material Analysis: Optical, SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, DSC, TGA, HPLC, UV, Confocal, FTIR, Raman, Terahertz. Physical properties of materials.

Areas of teaching

  • Product Formulation (lectures) (Yr2)
  • Development and Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products (lectures) (Yr3)
  • New Approaches to Drug Delivery (lectures) (Yr3)
  • Product Formulation Labs (Yr2)
  • Compounding Labs (Yr1)
  • Final Year Project Supervision (Yr3)
  • MSc QbD Projects (MSc)

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biomedical Materials
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons), Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • All other education in London, UK

制服无码 taught

  • Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Sciences BSc

Honours and awards

Royal Society Industry Fellow

Leverhulme Research Fellow

Membership of professional associations and societies

  • American Chemical Society (ACS) - Member
  • Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) - Member
  • Controlled Release Society (CRS) - Member
  • Controlled Release Society - UK Chapter (UKICRS) - Member
  • Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences GB (APSGB) - Member
  • European Society of Biomaterials (ESB) - Member
  • UK Society of Biomaterials (UKSB) – Member

Current research students

Post-doctoral researchers:

  • Dr. R Haj-Ahmad
  • Dr.  M Rasekh (Visiting)

Past PhD students (completed) -

  • Z Ekemen (Co-I)
  • M Rasekh (Co-I)
  • O Gunduz (Co-I)
  • A Smith (P-I/Co-I)
  • I Kucuc (Co-I)

Current PhD students -

  • K Nazari
  • P Mehta
  • A Gamal
  • S Ramzan
  • A Al-Asiri

Externally funded research grants information

 

  • RCUK (EPSRC), Royal Society, EU and Industry

 

Professional esteem indicators

  • Peer reviewer for numerous internationally recognised journals (mainly from Springer, Wiley, RSC, Elsevier, IoP, ASPB, Informa, PLoS)
 

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