03/11/2025
By Kwok Fan Chow

The Kennedy College of Science, Department of Chemistry, invites you to attend a Ph.D. Research Proposal defense by Majid Akbar entitled “Wheat Germ Agglutinin Conjugated ß- Cyclodextrin as Biofilm Binding Multi-Drug Delivery System.”

Degree: Doctoral
Location: Olney Hall, Room 518
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m.

Committee Chair:
Prof. Yuyu Sun, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:
Professor James Reuther, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Professor Jin Xu, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Professor Mathew Gage, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:
The aim of this proposal is to develop a bioadhesive biofilm-binding drug delivery system for the treatment of oral ulcerative lesions. The study has shown that beta cyclodextrin (β-CD) can be oxidized by Schiff Base reaction, and Wheat Germ Agglutin (WGA) can be conjugated to it, which can bind to Candida biofilms due to specific interactions with the polysaccharides found in the extracellular polymeric substances of the fungi. The oxidation of β-CD is confirmed by NMR Spectroscopy, FT-IR Spectroscopy, and the Schiff Test. The conjugation of WGA is confirmed by FT-IR Spectroscopy, and the content is determined by Micro BCA Protein Assay. Miconazole is selected as a representative antifungal agent to form inclusion complexes with the functionalized β-CD. Miconazole content was quantified by UV-Vis spectroscopy at 272 nm. Candida biofilms were developed on acrylic denture materials, which were subjected to direct contact with the drug delivery system at various concentrations and time intervals. WGA successfully binds to the biofilms, leading to enhanced antifungal activities of the drug delivery systems with minimum contact time.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend.