Funded projects
Designing a Novel Vaccine Against Brucellosis: Escherichia coli-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles as an Antigen Delivery System for Brucella melitensis
In this project, the researchers aim to develop an innovative subunit vaccine against B. melitensis. The vaccine design is based on combining two main principles: utilizing a rational reverse vaccinology approach to identify and select the most promising protective antigens of B. melitensis, and employing Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) from genetically engineered E. coli as a safe and efficient vehicle to deliver these antigens. This approach is intended to elicit a protective immune response.
Simulation and Design of New Solar Cells (Photovoltaic) Based on Nanoparticles for Energy Applications
In their project, the researchers propose to develop user-friendly simulation methods based on numerical techniques such as the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM), Effective Medium Theory (EMT), and the Finite Difference Time Domain Method (FDTD), among others. These methods will be used to model nanostructured layers on top of solar cells, with the simulation input parameters provided by the dielectric function of the layers. The goal is to design and simulate a multilayered architecture for solar cells (photovoltaic) with optimized features and higher efficiency for sunlight trapping. Additionally, the researchers aim to create new solar cell waveguide structures containing nanoparticles and metamaterials to enhance light absorption, ultimately increasing the efficiency of converting light into energy.
Project Manager: Dr. Muhammad Musa Shabat from the Islamic University of Gaza.
Smart Water Supply Systems for Gaza, Palestine
In this project, the researcher aims to develop a GIS-based system for the reliable assessment of water supply networks in Gaza to enhance the identification and calculation of non-revenue water (NRW). This system will be complemented by a physical lab-scale model of a water supply system, which will be used for preliminary testing and validation. The system’s constitutive model will be adapted to the scale of water demand junctions to account for the prevalent roof-tank systems in Gaza, which substitute traditional water demand patterns. Additionally, the model will be adjusted to consider intermittent supply systems and their associated hydraulic consequences. The project will also explore feasible communication techniques and technologies that can overcome energy challenges in the Gaza Strip (and other developing countries) to ensure a continuous flow of data.
Project Manager: Dr. Osama Daoud from the University of Palestine.
Evaluation of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer Among Palestinians
In this project, the researchers aim to identify genetic and environmental risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) and promote high-quality clinical care for patients with this common and curable malignancy through a collaborative effort. Additionally, the researchers seek to establish the first platform in Palestine for studying the genetic and environmental risk factors of colorectal cancer. This platform will also evaluate the prevalence of genetic variants, particularly in mismatch repair genes, which are major indicators for hereditary CRC.
Development of a Novel and Affordable Paper-Based Blood Diagnostic Test that Reports Results Immediately in Written Text
Current laboratory diagnostic testing faces challenges such as the need for well-equipped facilities, well-trained professionals, complexity, prolonged time, and high costs. Point-of-care (POC) assays offer an ideal solution to these limitations. Many POC devices are already in use, including pregnancy tests, urine dipsticks, and glucose meters, and there is a growing global focus on the research and development of POC devices.
Ideal POC devices should be affordable, accurate, user-friendly, rapid, and equipment-free. Paper-based POC devices that report results in written text would be a perfect solution, utilizing the accuracy of biological reagents within the paper matrix to provide clear results. Currently, such assays are not available for many significant medical conditions, including anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypercholesterolemia, and vitamin deficiencies. The authors of this proposal have recently developed, validated, and patented the first text-reporting paper-based blood grouping POC.
The aim of this proposal is to establish the first paper-based POC assays for measuring at least three of the following: hemoglobin, HbA1c, thyroid hormones, cholesterol, and vitamin D and B12 levels. The study will include the following steps: (1) Characterization of biological, chemical, and paper reagents, (2) Understanding the interaction between antibodies, antigens, and the paper substrate, (3) Development of qualitative and quantitative reporting methods, (4) Optimization of test accuracy and functionality, (5) Development of a final test prototype, (6) Application of the test device through clinical studies, and (7) Patenting and commercialization of successful tests.
The project will be carried out in collaboration with a leading commercial company, MONOJO. The development of quantitative, equipment-free, rapid, and affordable paper-based POC assays capable of providing results in numerical values represents a significant advancement in the field. This project promises to deliver scientific, academic, commercial, and community benefits.
Project Manager: Dr. Muhammad Al-Tamimi from the Hashemite University.
Utilization of Speed Breeding to Produce Climate-Smart Wheat Lines to Improve Productivity and Food Security in Dry Areas
Breeding climate-smart wheat varieties is essential for improving resilience against stresses and increasing productivity. The pattern of crop development in stress-prone agricultural areas is a crucial trait determining performance and yield. Major drivers of wheat development are seasonal changes in photoperiod and genetically encoded differences in photoperiod response.
Typically, stress-tolerant durum landrace genotypes require vernalization and are photoperiod sensitive, resulting in slow development under field conditions. In contrast, wheat elite lines carry alleles that confer photoperiod insensitivity and a spring-type growth habit, leading to accelerated development under both long and short-day conditions. In the proposed study, durum and bread wheat material carrying photoperiod-insensitive and spring-growth habit alleles, along with drought-tolerant landraces and cultivars from different regional resources, were used to produce recombinant inbred line populations and advanced elite lines. The research team successfully developed new advanced wheat breeding lines carrying photoperiod-insensitive and spring-growth habit alleles using Jordanian cultivars and landraces as parents.
Furthermore, bread wheat material with photoperiod-insensitive and spring-growth habit alleles, as well as Jordanian landraces and cultivars with improved drought tolerance, were collected. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the agronomic performance and yield potential of the newly generated breeding lines under contrasting environments across Jordan.
The effect of allelic variation at photoperiod-related and vernalization-related genes in different genetic backgrounds will be assessed in both bread and durum wheat sets and correlated with the agronomic and yield performance of selected local checks. The best-performing and most stable wheat lines will be crossed with selected wheat cultivars and landraces. A speed breeding system, coupled with marker-assisted selection, will be deployed for the future development of climate-smart wheat lines.
Project Manager: Dr. Munqith Shatia from An-Najah University.
Development and Fabrication of Low-Cost, High-Tech Stretchable and Wearable Cardiac Sensor for Low-Resource Settings
Many countries in the Middle East and Africa are categorized as low or middle-income with several low-resource settings and poor healthcare systems. Numerous studies highlight urgent clinical needs in these areas, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Low-resource settings suffer from insufficient healthcare facilities and continuous check-ups due to a shortage of medical staff and a high number of patients.
Continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as the Beat-to-Beat pulsatility signal (BtBS) from which heart rate (HR) and abnormal rhythms can be detected, is possible with low-cost sensors. This can significantly reduce mortality rates in refugee camps and low-resource settings and decrease the pressure on the healthcare system.
Moreover, literature indicates a significant increase in mental health needs in the region, with heart rate variability (HRV) being a key indicator for such issues. Therefore, this project aims to develop a low-cost, accurate, stretchable, and wearable sensor that can detect HR, HRV, and abnormal beat rhythms. The fabrication of the sensor will utilize two printing technologies: inkjet and screen printing, where conductive ink will be deposited on stretchable and biocompatible substrates.
The sensor works by detecting changes in the electrical conductance of the printed circuit caused by any vibration. Heartbeats create small vibrations in the body, which can be detected using the developed sensor. Additionally, the sensor will be integrated with wireless communication systems connected to a server and health engine, allowing for remote monitoring by clinicians.
Project Manager: Dr. Alaa Al-Halhouli from the German Jordanian University.
