Microbiology Department:

Research Activities:

The Department of Microbiology has engaged on many research activities program as follows:

Anti-TB:

Study on novel UAE's plant as anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (anti-TB). The plant showed a significant in vitro TB killing over a 5 combination of antibiotics used in hospitals to treat patients suffering from TB disease.

Anti-Microbial Agents Product From UAE's Medicinal Plant:

Screening all medicinal herbs and plants available in UAE to develop a complementary anti-microbial plant/herb derived substances.

MIC and Susceptibility Test Assay:

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and susceptibility test established to evaluate the active antimicrobial components in medicinal herbs and plants along with herbal biocide efficiency assay.

Rapid Screening for Plant Active Molecule:

It is well known that after harvesting any medicinal plant the activity of the plant components will start to decline accordingly. Therefore, it is very important to measure the active plant molecule directly after harvesting the plant via test based ATP assays for rapid screening of anti-microbial activities and the cells cytotoxicity.

Al-Heeb:

Regarding Al-Heeb project the Microbiology Department was one of the key contributors on this project in developing a tonic herbal product.

Immuno-Complementary Products:

The medical application as immuno-complementary products will evaluate:

a. The UAE Nabitat Al-Harby the tea fungus.
b. The applications of medicinal herbs and immunoglobulin (IgG) isolated from camel milk:

	A combined therapy involving extracorporeal immunosorption in conjunction with the administration of an autoimmune inhibitor.
	Patient with autoimmune disease, including immunocompromise cases, by enhancing their immune system.
	Removing or inhibiting autoantibodies, including antibodies to target cells.
	Increase the body protection against microbial infections.

The Department of Microbiology have a review article title "The Desert Ship: Heritage and Science"      in the Journal of Biology, UK (in press)

Quality Ciontrol Programs:

Standard Operational Procedure (SOP).

The Department of Microbiology has prepared it's own Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) (22 pages). The aim of this SOP has been to keep members up-to-date with regulations, good laboratory practices (GLP), and test methods as they relate to microbiology in the pharmaceutical industry.
The SOP in brief as follows:

GUIDELINES

The guidelines will include the following:

	Personal techniques and standard practices.
	Laboratory design features.
	Administrative procedures.

MICROBIAL QUALITY CONTROL

	Total microbial plate count including yeast, mold, the L-form type; viable but non-culturable bacteria and bacterial spores.
	Screening of microbial toxins (aflatoxins, enterotoxins, and endotoxins) contaminant.
	Screening for waterborne pathogens and aerosols containment procedures to prevent, control, or decrease pathogens.
	Hygiene process of the machines and other surfaces in the production area.
	The Microbial Control Manual (MCM, 60 pages), which contains the international standard pharmaceutical regulation in microbiology:

	Plant environment.
	Material and process.
	Sampling.
	Environmental monitoring.
	Microbial quality control and guidelines.
	Test methods.

INDUSTRIAL OPERATION

The industrial operation, which contains the following:

	Scope of application.
	Safety objectives.
	Biohazard assessment.
	Containment measures.
	Hygiene.
	Disinfection.
	Sterilization.

Animal Care Unit:

Regarding the animal care unit, the Department of Microbiology supervising in taking a correct measure from the point of view of microbial control in the animal care unit.

Manufacture Unit:

The Microbiology Department had presented a complete design for the manufacturing area that complies with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).