Assistant Professor
D. Amal Yousef
- Faculty Member
Lipid droplet biogenesis as a metabolic switch regulating ferroptosis sensitivity in cancer cells
FEBS Journal29 - April - 2026
atty acids (FAs) are essential for cellular growth and homeostasis; however, their excessive accumulation induces lipotoxicity. To prevent FA-induced damage, eukaryotic cells sequester surplus FAs within cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs), dynamic organelles central to lipid storage, metabolism, and signaling. Emerging evidence indicates that LDs suppress ferroptosis, an iron-dependent programmed cell death, by channeling polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) away from membrane phospholipids, thereby limiting lipid peroxidation.
Plant Lipid Droplets and Derived Lipidic Nano-Assemblies: Structure, Biogenesis and Pharmaceutical Applications
Plant Biotechnology Journal20 - October - 2025
Lipid droplets (LDs) serve as the primary storage site for neutral lipids in plant cells, with growing evidence supporting many additional biological roles, such as in lipid homeostasis, signalling, trafficking, inflammatory responses and inter-organelle com- munication. While the biogenesis and structure of LDs in seeds and other plant tissues have been well-documented, the full range of their functions has yet to be elucidated.
Download FileDevelopment of pimozide spray dried lipid nanoparticles with enhanced targeting of non-small cell lung cancer
Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology27 - April - 2025
This study aims to develop and evaluate the pimozide-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) designed for the targeted treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Employing the microemulsion technique, three distinct types of LNPs were synthesized: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), and liquid lipid carriers (LLC). These formulations were optimized in order to transform them into fine powders through spray drying. An assessment of their encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size, moisture sorption, surface morphology, and anti-proliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells were evaluated.
Download FilePharmacy Education Science and Practice Conference 2025 Supplement Part B
Pharmaceutical Development and Technology13 - April - 2025
This study aims to improve the solubility of a typical Biopharmaceutical Class II (ibuprofen), through application of amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) and manufacture of tuneable doses of the same through 3D printing of tablets
Download FilePolymeric nanoparticles loaded with vincristine and carbon dots for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy and imaging
scientific reports29 - October - 2024
Chemotherapy for hepatoblastoma is limited by organ toxicity and poor outcomes, prompting the search for new, more effective treatments with minimal side effects. Vincristine sulfate, a potent chemotherapeutic, faces challenges due to P-glycoprotein-mediated resistance and its systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles offer a promising solution by improving pharmacokinetics, targeting tumor cells, thus reducing side effects. Moreover, the use of fluorescent nanomaterials is emerging in biomedical applications such as bioimaging, detection and therapies.
Download FileInnovative Microencapsulation of Polymyxin B for Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy via Coated Spray Drying
Molecular Pharmaceutics19 - October - 2024
This study aims to develop an innovative microencapsulation method for coated Polymyxin B, utilizing various polysaccharides such as hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin, alginate, and chitosan, implemented through a three-fluid nozzle (3FN) spray drying process. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that formulations with a high ratio of sugar cage, hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), and sodium alginate (coded as ALGHCDHPLPM) resulted in a notable 16-fold increase in Polymyxin B recovery compared to chitosan microparticles. Morphological assessments using fluorescence labeling confirmed successful microparticle formation with core/shell structures.
Download FileA Comprehensive Study on Nanoparticle Drug Delivery to the Brain: Application of Machine Learning Techniques
Molecular Pharmaceutics7 - December - 2023
The delivery of drugs to specific target tissues and cells in the brain poses a significant challenge in brain therapeutics, primarily due to limited understanding of how nanoparticle (NP) properties influence drug biodistribution and off-target organ accumulation.
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