Lahore, 17 Oct 2023:A team from the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) recently visited the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) at the University of the Punjab. During their visit on October 16, 2023, they evaluated and subsequently commended two projects funded by PHEC.

The first project, spearheaded by Dr. Abdul Qayyum and Dr. Ahmad Ali Shahid, delved into the genetic modification of aloe vera using human serum albumin. The goal was to enhance its cosmetic benefits for human skin. With a grant of 5 million Pakistani rupees from PHEC, the team was able to create transgenic aloe vera plants rich in human serum albumin. Such an innovation is set to reshape the skin care product sector. The evaluative team from PHEC highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting the current high market cost of human serum albumin. This innovative research offers a natural and affordable alternative.

The subsequent project, under the guidance of Dr. Bushra Ijaz, focused on creating a cell culture system for SARS-CoV-2 spike and protease to screen medicinal plants, plant-based compounds, and discern their molecular interaction with the host. Thanks to an 8 million PKR grant from PHEC, the project pinpointed six native plants and nine plant-derived compounds that exhibit potential against SARS-CoV-2. The PHEC evaluators lauded the efforts in meeting the project’s aims, emphasizing its potential in pinpointing efficient and non-toxic plant-derived compounds for therapeutic uses.

Both projects, demonstrating the collaborative efficacy of CEMB and PHEC, hold promise for the future of the skincare industry and alternative medicines for SARS-CoV-2. This information was sourced from a press release by University of the Punjab.