Mohsin Shad

Dr. Mohsin Shad is a distinguished Biochemist and Molecular Biologist with over 8 years of experience in research and academia. He holds a Ph.D. and Postdoctoral training in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He specializes in recombinant enzyme and protein engineering for industrial and therapeutic applications. Dr Shad has held prestigious roles, including Postdoctoral Research Associate at Avlon Industries (USA), Visiting Scientist at the Rosalind Franklin Institute, University of Oxford (UK), and Instructor of Biochemistry at the Virtual University of Pakistan. His academic affiliations span several leading Pakistani institutions such as SBS, VU, CEMB, FCCU, and UVAS. Dr Shad has authored multiple high-impact publications focusing on the structural and functional engineering of microbial and archaeal enzymes, including α-amylases and lysophospholipases, for industrial applications.

Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology

Total Publications: 27 (Scopus / WoS indexed and Google Scholar)

Book Chapter: 1 (Elsevier – Nanomaterials for Enhanced Plant-Based Food Production, 2025)

Patent (Under Review): Novel Fusion Protein NSFU1 for Enhanced Sensitivity in COVID-19 Serodiagnostic Tests (Application No. 438/2024)

Citations (Google Scholar): 210 | H-Index: 8

Cumulative Impact Factor: ~75

Newsletter Articles: 2

Publications Under Review: 2

Editorial/Reviewer Roles:

Guest Editor – BMC Methods (Protein Engineering Issue)

Reviewer – The Protein Journal (Springer Nature)

Conference Contributions:

6 Oral Presentations (National & International)

16 Poster Presentations

Grant Details

Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant (2024–2025)
School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Funded by Avlon Industries Inc., USA

Research Project: Designing and Production of Keratin-Associated Peptides of Human Origin and Their Application for Improving Hair Health

HEC-IRSIP Fellowship Grant (2023–2024)
The Rosalind Franklin Institute, University of Oxford, UK

Funded by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan

Research Project: Structural and Functional Insights of Purified Enzyme through X-ray Crystallography, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)

SBS-PhD Fellowship Grant (2019–2024)
School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Funded by School of Biological Sciences (SBS), PU Lahore

Research Project: Development of Highly Thermostable Alpha-Amylase through Protein Engineering for Industrial Applications

NRPU Project Involvement (2018–2019)
Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab

Worked as a Research Assistant on the HEC-NRPU Project (#8243)

Project Focus: Next-generation Bt and Plant Lectin Genes for Insect Resistance in Cotton

Patent (Filed / Under Review):
Novel Fusion Protein NSFU1 for Enhanced Sensitivity in COVID-19 Serodiagnostic Tests
Patent Application No. 438/2024 | Filing Date: June 14, 2024 | Applicant: School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Product Development:

Designed and produced Keratin-Associated Peptides of Human Origin (Postdoctoral Research, funded by Avlon Industries Inc., USA) for potential application in hair health and cosmetic industry.

Engineered highly thermostable α-amylase variants through protein engineering for potential industrial biocatalysis applications (PhD research).

Editorial/Scientific Outputs:

Guest Editor for BMC Methods (Protein Engineering Issue).

Reviewer for The Protein Journal (Springer Nature).

Avlon Industries Inc., USA – Provided consultancy on the design and production of keratin-associated peptides for application in hair health and cosmetic biotechnology (2024–2025).

Agricultural Biotechnology Projects (CEMB, University of the Punjab, Lahore) – Consulted on the development of insect-resistant cotton using Bt and plant lectin gene constructs (2018–2019).

Enzyme Engineering and Industrial Biocatalysis – Advised academic and industrial teams on protein engineering strategies for improving thermostability and catalytic efficiency of α-amylase for industrial applications.

Scientific Publishing & Peer Review – Served as Guest Editor (BMC Methods, Protein Engineering Issue) and Reviewer (The Protein Journal, Springer Nature), providing expert consultancy in biochemistry, molecular biology, and protein engineering.

Industry, Institute, Organisation Collaboration

Avlon Industries Inc., USA – Postdoctoral collaboration on the design and production of Keratin-Associated Peptides of Human Origin for hair health applications (2024–2025).

The Rosalind Franklin Institute, University of Oxford, UK – HEC-IRSIP funded collaboration on enzyme production, purification, X-ray crystallography, and protein engineering (2023–2024).

School of Biological Sciences (SBS), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan – Long-term collaboration on protein engineering, recombinant enzyme development, and biocatalysis research.

Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Pakistan – Research collaboration on next-generation Bt and plant lectin genes for insect resistance.

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan – Academic and research collaboration in molecular biology, biotechnology, and plant transformation studies.

National & International Conferences/Workshops – Active collaboration in organizing committees, training workshops, and scientific networking platforms.

Industry Experience

Postdoctoral Scientist (Industry-Funded Project)
School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Funded by Avlon Industries Inc., USA (Oct 2024 – Jun 2025)

Designed and produced Keratin-Associated Peptides of Human Origin for applications in hair health and cosmetic formulations.

Conducted protein engineering and recombinant peptide production to develop industry-relevant bioproducts.

Bridged academic research with industrial applications, ensuring translational outcomes for cosmetic biotechnology.

Applied Research Contributions

Engineered thermostable α-amylase variants through protein engineering for potential industrial biocatalysis.

Worked on Bt and plant lectin gene constructs for enhanced cotton resistance against insect pests, contributing towards agricultural biotechnology innovations.

Cosmetic Biotechnology Innovation (In Collaboration with Avlon Industries Inc., USA)

Developed keratin-associated peptides of human origin with potential application in hair health products.

Technology holds promise for commercialization in cosmetic formulations, contributing to the nutricosmetics and personal care market.

Industrial Enzyme Engineering

Research on thermostable α-amylase variants provides a foundation for enzyme-based startups targeting starch, textile, detergent, and food industries.

Potential for licensing and technology transfer of engineered enzymes to industrial partners.

Agro-Biotech Applications

Contributions in Bt and plant lectin gene constructs for insect-resistant cotton suggest avenues for agricultural biotechnology startups focusing on sustainable pest management.

Future Plans

Exploring opportunities for spin-offs and incubation projects in protein engineering, recombinant peptides, and enzyme biocatalysis.

Aim to translate academic research into market-ready bioproducts with measurable economic and social impact.

Health & Cosmetic Sector: Development of keratin-associated peptides contributes to innovative hair health solutions, supporting the cosmetic biotechnology industry and improving consumer well-being.

Industrial Biotechnology: Engineering of thermostable α-amylase variants enhances industrial enzyme applications (e.g., textile, starch, food, detergent industries), reducing costs and improving process efficiency.

Agricultural Sustainability: Research on Bt and plant lectin genes provides environmentally friendly pest-resistant cotton varieties, decreasing pesticide use and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Economic Impact: Industry-funded research (Avlon Industries Inc., USA) demonstrates successful academia–industry partnerships, contributing to knowledge transfer and economic growth through applied biotechnology.

Capacity Building: Active involvement in national/international conferences, workshops, and training programs has enhanced scientific knowledge exchange and skill development in protein engineering, molecular biology, and structural biology.

Scientific Advancement: Publications in high-impact journals, a book chapter (Elsevier), and patent development provide significant academic contributions to the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology.