IRFAN AZHAR

Senior Research Associate & Analytical Chemistry Specialist
Shenzhen, CN.

About

Highly accomplished Senior Research Associate and Analytical Chemistry Specialist with over a decade of experience in advanced omics analysis, specializing in microproteomics, LC-MS, and novel material development. Proven expertise in biomarker discovery for cancer, clinical proteomics, and optimizing complex analytical protocols to drive significant scientific advancements. Adept at leading research projects, publishing high-impact work, and developing innovative solutions for challenging biological sample analysis.

Work

Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
|

Senior Research Associate

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Summary

Leads advanced research in chemical biology and omics analysis, focusing on biomarker discovery and method development for microproteins.

Highlights

Spearheaded the discovery of cancer-associated biomarker microproteins from clinical samples, identifying new key players in cancer development.

Developed and optimized analytical methodologies for biomarker microprotein identification using advanced omics techniques.

Contributed to the System Chemical Biology Lab's research initiatives, ensuring high-quality scientific output and innovation.

Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
|

Postdoctoral Fellow

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Summary

Investigated and synthesized porous materials for microprotein discovery in various cancers, developing material-based methods and optimizing identification protocols.

Highlights

Developed novel material-based methods for microprotein/peptide identification, significantly enhancing detection capabilities in various cancer types.

Optimized identification protocols for clinical sample microproteins using LC-MS, improving accuracy and efficiency of analysis.

Contributed to the discovery of new microproteins by exploring alternative approaches for cancer biomarker identification.

Authored and submitted a China Invention Patent (202410539726.6) for 'Material for Microproteins Enrichment,' demonstrating innovative contributions.

Government High School, Basti Shadu Khan
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High School Teacher (Chemistry and Biology)

Basti Shadu Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Summary

Educated high school students in Chemistry and Biology, developing strong foundational knowledge and fostering scientific interest.

Highlights

Delivered comprehensive instruction in Chemistry and Biology to high school students, achieving strong academic outcomes.

Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans and practical demonstrations to enhance student understanding of complex scientific concepts.

Mentored and guided students, fostering a positive learning environment and encouraging scientific inquiry.

The Science Academy, Chowk Azam
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Lecturer (Chemistry)

Chowk Azam, Punjab, Pakistan

Summary

Taught Chemistry to approximately 40 students, cultivating a strong understanding of chemical principles.

Highlights

Instructed approximately 40 students in Chemistry, covering core curriculum and advanced topics.

Developed and delivered engaging lectures and laboratory sessions, contributing to student comprehension and academic success.

Provided individualized support and guidance to students, enhancing their learning experience and problem-solving skills.

Abdalian Higher Secondary School
|

Subject Specialist (Chemistry)

Muzaffar Garh, Punjab, Pakistan

Summary

Specialized in Chemistry instruction for approximately 100 students, ensuring comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Highlights

Provided expert instruction in Chemistry to a large class of approximately 100 students, ensuring thorough subject mastery.

Designed and implemented effective teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and improve student performance.

Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback, fostering continuous improvement in Chemistry knowledge.

Education

Northeast Normal University
Changchun, Jilin, China

Ph.D.

Analytical Chemistry

Courses

Thesis Title: Mesoporous material-based microreactor for size-selective proteolysis and peptidomics.

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

M.Sc.

Analytical Chemistry

Courses

Thesis Title: Biosorption of heavy metals from waste water using physically treated Trapa bispinosa biomass.

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

B.Sc.

Chemistry

Awards

Fully Funded CCS Scholarship in Ph.D.

Awarded By

Chinese Government

Awarded a prestigious full scholarship to pursue Ph.D. studies in Chemistry, recognizing academic excellence and research potential.

Publications

Enhanced dye sequestration with natural polysaccharides-based hydrogels: A review. Carbohydrate Polymers Volume 330, 15 April 2024, 121820. (IF 11.2).

Published by

Carbohydrate Polymers

Summary

Review on enhanced dye sequestration using natural polysaccharides-based hydrogels.

Microprotein: A Novel Multi-functional Regulator in Health and Disease. Review article (in preparation).

Published by

Journal (Implied)

Summary

Review article on microproteins as multi-functional regulators in health and disease.

An optimized microproteins enrichment approach for clinical tissue and plasma samples. (in preparation).

Published by

Journal (Implied)

Summary

Focuses on an optimized approach for microprotein enrichment in clinical samples.

Deep profiling and discovery of biomarker microproteins by covalent organic frameworks-functionalized magnetic particle in colorectal cancer. Science Advances (Submitted).

Published by

Science Advances

Summary

Deep profiling and discovery of biomarker microproteins using covalent organic frameworks in colorectal cancer.

Controllable Synthesis of COFs Hair Functionalized Magnetic Composite with Enhanced Hydrophobic Interaction for Antimicrobial Peptides Enrichment and Simultaneous Exclusion of Proteins. Analytica Chemica Acta (Under review).

Published by

Analytica Chemica Acta

Summary

Research on COFs hair functionalized magnetic composite for antimicrobial peptides enrichment.

Porous particles assisted discovery of biomarker microproteins from large cohorts of colorectal cancer. (Ongoing).

Published by

Journal (Implied)

Summary

Research on porous particles for biomarker microprotein discovery in colorectal cancer.

pH responsive and superporous biocomposite hydrogel of Salvia spinosa polysaccharide- co -methacrylic acid for intelligent drug delivery. RSC Advances 13, 4932 (2023). (IF 4.03).

Published by

RSC Advances

Summary

Developed a pH-responsive biocomposite hydrogel for intelligent drug delivery.

Succinylated Salvia spinosa hydrogel: Modification, characterization, cadmium-uptake from spiked high-hardness groundwater and statistical analysis of sorption data. Journal of Molecular Liquids 376, (2023) 121438. (IF 6.6).

Published by

Journal of Molecular Liquids

Summary

Investigated succinylated Salvia spinosa hydrogel for cadmium uptake from groundwater.

Fine-tuned mesoporous covalent organic frameworks for highly efficient low molecular-weight proteins separation. Nano Research 15, (2022) 4569–4574. (IF 10.26).

Published by

Nano Research

Summary

Developed mesoporous covalent organic frameworks for efficient low molecular-weight protein separation.

Pyrene-based covalent organic framework for selective enrichment of hydrophobic peptides with simultaneous proteins exclusion. Analytica Chimica Acta 1209 (2022) 339876. (IF 6.91).

Published by

Analytica Chimica Acta

Summary

Designed a pyrene-based covalent organic framework for selective hydrophobic peptide enrichment.

Comparative iso-conversional thermal analysis and degradation kinetics of salvia spinosa (kanocha) seed hydrogel and its acetates: a potential matrix for sustained drug release. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology 56 (2022) 239-250. (IF 1.46).

Published by

Cellulose Chemistry and Technology

Summary

Analyzed salvia spinosa seed hydrogel as a potential matrix for sustained drug release.

TiO2-Modified fibrous core-shell mesoporous nanocomposite for selective enrichment of endogenous phosphopeptides with proteins exclusion prior to CE-MS analysis. Talanta 235 (2021) 122737. (IF 6.05).

Published by

Talanta

Summary

Developed a TiO2-modified nanocomposite for selective phosphopeptide enrichment.

A Syringe-Filter-based Portable Microreactor for Size-selective Proteolysis of Low Molecular-weight Proteins. Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry. 48(11): e20139-e20148. (IF 1.4).

Published by

Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry

Summary

Developed a syringe-filter-based portable microreactor for size-selective proteolysis.

Capillary electrophoresis-immobilized enzyme microreactors for acetylcholinesterase assay with surface modification by highly-homogeneous microporous layer. Journal of Chromatography A 1609 (2020) 460454. (IF 4.75).

Published by

Journal of Chromatography A

Summary

Developed capillary electrophoresis-immobilized enzyme microreactors for acetylcholinesterase assay.

Automatic Dissolution testing with High-temporal Resolution for Both Immediate-Release and fixed-combination Drug tablets. Scientific reports 9, no. 1 (2019) 1-11. (IF 4.99).

Published by

Scientific Reports

Summary

Implemented automatic dissolution testing with high-temporal resolution for drug tablets.

Core-shell silica microsphere-based trypsin nanoreactor for low molecular-weight proteome analysis. Analytica chimica acta 985 (2017) 194-201. (IF 6.91).

Published by

Analytica Chimica Acta

Summary

Developed a core-shell silica microsphere-based trypsin nanoreactor for proteome analysis.

Languages

English
Urdu

Skills

Analytical Techniques

LC-MS, CE-MS analysis, FTIR, N2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, VSM, SEM, TEM, TGA analysis.

Proteomics & Omics Analysis

Microproteomics, Clinical proteomics, Biomarker microproteins (ncRNA), Proteolysis, Peptidomics, Phosphopeptide enrichment, Low molecular weight protein separation, Deep profiling.

Material Science

Porous materials synthesis, Covalent organic frameworks, Hydrogels, Nanocomposites, Microreactor Development.

Laboratory Techniques

Analytical Laboratory Equipment, Western Blotting.

Data Analysis

PD and MaxQ, Biopharma ViewTM, MSafragger, Pymol.

Research & Development

Method development, Biomarker discovery, New drug modalities, Sample enrichment and extraction, Optimization protocols.

Interests

Omics Research

Microproteomics, Clinical Proteomics, Biomarker Discovery, Cancer Research.

Analytical Chemistry

LC-MS, CE-MS Analysis, Advanced Separation Techniques, Method Development.

Material Science

Porous Materials, Nanomaterials Synthesis, Functionalized Composites.

Biomarker Development

Peptide and Protein Detection, Biological Sample Analysis, Clinical Diagnostics.

References

Dr. Muhammad Imran

Department Of Chemistry, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, Miahmad@kku.edu.sa, (00966554326168)

Dr. Shahid Zaman

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) Canada, shahid.zaman@uqtr.ca

Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sah

Medicine - Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA, rajivkumar.sah@bcm.edu

Projects

Discovery of Cancer-Associated Biomarker Microproteins

Summary

Led research focused on identifying new key players for cancer development at the microprotein level and biomarker microprotein identification from clinical samples.

Method Development for Clinical Sample Microproteins Identification by LC-MS

Summary

Investigated and synthesized porous materials for discovering microproteins in various cancers, specifically developing LC-MS methods for clinical samples.

Mesoporous Material-Based Microreactor for Size-Selective Proteolysis and Peptidomics (PhD Dissertation)

Summary

Developed a mesoporous material-based microreactor for size-selective proteolysis and peptidomics, focusing on enriching hydrophobic peptides and separating low molecular weight microproteins.