The University of Duhok (UOD) proudly celebrates a significant scientific contribution from Dr. Reveng Abdullah Abdulkareem, from the Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine. As the first author, Dr. Abdulkareem collaborated with researchers from the University of Bath and Ensilicated Technologies Ltd. in the UK on a groundbreaking publication titled:

📄 "Thermal Stabilisation of Lysozyme through Ensilication"

📚 Published in the high-impact open-access journal Molecules (MDPI), Volume 29, Issue 17, the study presents a powerful innovation in protein preservation — a key challenge in medicine, biotechnology, and vaccine logistics.

🔗 Access the Full Paper: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/17/4207

🧪 Research Insight: Protecting Proteins without Refrigeration

In regions where maintaining cold chain storage is difficult or costly, proteins like therapeutic enzymes and vaccines often degrade under thermal stress. This study explores ensilication — a cutting-edge sol–gel technique — to stabilize the enzyme lysozyme by encapsulating it within a silica matrix.

Key findings:

• Ensilicated lysozyme withstood extreme heat (100 °C for 1 hour) and 18 months of room temperature storage with no loss in enzymatic activity.
• Different biological buffers (Tris-HCl, phosphate, PBS) were evaluated; all successfully supported ensilication with high encapsulation efficiency (~80%).
• The desilication process (releasing the enzyme from the silica shell) yielded an active lysozyme, preserving its native structure and function.

This research offers a viable alternative to refrigeration, with immense implications for global vaccine distribution, especially in regions with limited infrastructure.

🌍 Global Impact: UOD at the Forefront of International Collaboration

The study was co-authored by scientists from multiple departments at the University of Bath and industry partners at Ensilicated Technologies Ltd. It highlights UOD’s strategic vision of fostering global partnerships, applied science innovation, and contribution to public health solutions.

🗣 Dr. Reveng Abdulkareem stated: “Through this project, we’ve demonstrated that protein stability can be achieved without the cold chain, which opens new horizons for medicine in underserved regions.”

📈 Implications and Future Applications

The findings could revolutionize:

• Thermostable vaccine development and transport
• Storage of therapeutic proteins in low-resource settings
• Biomedical and pharmaceutical applications for enzyme delivery systems

The work aligns directly with UOD’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038, which prioritizes global health solutions, scientific excellence, and digital transformation.

🔍 SEO Keywords: protein ensilication, lysozyme stabilization, thermal resilience of enzymes, silica nanoparticle encapsulation, University of Duhok research, vaccine cold chain alternative, UOD medical research

🔗 Related Reading & Resources:

• MDPI Molecules Journal
• Ensilicated Technologies Ltd.
• Vaccine cold chain solutions (PAHO, WHO)
• Research support at UOD’s Deanship for Research and Innovation (DRIN)

📍 University of Duhok Media & Public Relations | September 2024
✍ Prepared by: Dilan Majid Rostam