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Biography |
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Hassan M. E. Azzazy, PhD
Dr. Azzazy is a tenured full professor of Chemistry (2003-present) at the American University in Cairo (AUC). He served as the Chairman of Chemistry Department and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research at the School of Sciences & Engineering, AUC. He is the founder of the Novel Diagnostics & Therapeutics Research group and the director of the International Medical Technologists training program. Dr. Azzazy was a postdoctoral fellow and assistant professor at University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (1995-2002). Dr. Azzazy is a graduate of Alexandria University, Egypt and received his PhD from the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX. He holds two board certifications in Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics from the American Board of Clinical Chemistry, Washington, DC. He is certified as a Specialist in Chemistry by the Board of Certification, the American Society for Clinical Pathology in Chicago, IL. Dr. Azzazy has over 72 scientific publications in international refereed journals, 60 conference presentations, and 25 book chapters. He serves on the editorial boards of Clinical Biochemistry (Elsevier), Clinica Chimica Acta (Elsevier), and Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Medicine (De Gruyter). Dr. Azzazy is the co-founder and CTO of D-Kimia innovative diagnostic solutions and co-founder & CEO of NanoEbers for nanofiber wound dressings. Dr. Azzazy is the recipient of many awards including State Prize in Advanced Technological Sciences (ASRT), Excellence in Research Award (AUC), Global Innovator Award (Texas Christian University), and Arab Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award (ASTF, UAE).
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Abstract |
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Innovative Diagnostics for Detection of Heavy Burden Infections and Cancer |
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Millions die from infections and cancer each year. Global efforts to combat heavy burden infections such as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are challenged by availability of rapid, affordable and accurate diagnostics. This is evident in heavy burden countries where infections are most spread and resources are scarce. Early detection of cancer biomarkers is necessary for timely initiation of therapy but also requires the availability of accurate low cost assays. To address these challenges, we have developed novel platforms for accurate, rapid and low cost detection of biomarkers of MTB, HCV, and prostate cancer.
To streamline extraction of purified nucleic acids from biological specimen, we have developed an automated system which is capable of performing several laboratory functions including pipetting, vortexing, centrifugation, heating, magnetic separation, and self-sterilization. A working protoype of the instrument, which employs magnetic nanoparticles, has been manufactured and a second generation system is currently under development. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were employed for colorimetric detection of unamplified HCV RNA. Anionic and cationic AuNPs were also employed for colorimetric and fluorimetric sensing of MTB DNA. The colorimetric MTB assays have demonstrated high concordance with automated culture system and PCR. The assays had turnaround time of ~1 h, after DNA extraction and detection limit of 5.4 ng of DNA. The fluorimetric MTB assay had a sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 88%; respectively. Finally, a chip-enzyme immunoassay was developed for detection of prostate specific antigen. The assay employs magnetic nanoparticles for separation of the antigen-antibody complex and a colorimetric signal is captured and analyzed using a smart phone. In conclusion, recent technologies have revolutionized in vitro diagnostics and enabled the development of novel strategies for inexpensive, rapid and accurate detection of disease biomarkers.
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