Sadia Fida Ullah

Hello there!

I hold a PhD in Molecular Biology and skills in carbohydrate-active enzymes and biomass valorization. I am highly interested in Carbohydrates whether as a substrate or enzymes related to the degradation and synthesis of carbohydrates.

Background

My research focuses on the production, purification, and structure-function characterization of these enzymes including the chemo-enzymatic degradation of biomass to develop bioactive compounds for the circular economy (aimed at minimizing waste and optimizing the use of resources). 

I routinely used chromatography techniques such as; size exclusion and anion exchange (FPLC/AKTA) to purify these enzymes.

Current

I am working on the NoPest project (2023-2024), to explore new solutions to counteract plant pathogens (oomycetes). We are using a combined approach of peptide aptamers and precision farming tools to solve disease issues in commercial crops.

Finished Projects

In previous years, I have worked on two industrial projects CarboNor (2021-23) and Fucomed (2022-24) both are focused on the biochemical modification of polysaccharides extracted from brown algae. These projects aim to harness the potential of algal biomass as a source of bioactive and structural carbohydrate polymers, to develop high-value products for pharmaceutical and medical applications.

My role involves optimizing these biochemical processes to enhance the functional properties of these polysaccharides, making them suitable for various advanced applications. I work with analytical instrumentation (HPAEC-PAD, GC-MS, MALDI-TOF) to analyse cell wall glucan linkages and polysaccharide composition.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals