Syed Usman Taqui, PhD

Research Interests

Various spheres of membrane science and engineering encompass my educational profile and research interests. I have tapped into membrane emulsification and organic solvent nanofiltration as tools to valorize natural products towards biomedical and bioprocessing applications. Moreover, I have channelised my research to strengthen the sustainability metrics of membrane synthesis (polymeric membranes) and membrane fabrication (microengineered membranes) by interplaying novel materials and engineering fundamentals.

Selected Publications

Greening perfluorocarbon based nanoemulsions by direct membrane emulsification: Comparative studies with ultrasound emulsification (2022), Usman T. Syed, A. Dias, H. de Sousa, J. Crespo, C. Brazinha; Journal of Cleaner Production, 357, 131966, DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131966
On the role of components of therapeutic hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based nanoemulsions sustainably produced by membrane-assisted nanoemulsification for enhanced antimicrobial activity (2022), Usman T. Syed, I. Leonardo, G. Mendoza, F.B. Gaspar, E. Gámez, R. Huertas, M.T.B. Crespo, M. Arruebo, J. Crespo, V. Sebastian, C. Brazinha; Separation and Purification Technology, 285, 120319, DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.120319
Studies on the formation and stability of perfluorodecalin nanoemulsions by ultrasound emulsification using novel surfactant systems (2021), Usman T. Syed, A. Dias, J. Crespo, C. Brazinha, H. de Sousa; Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 616, 126315, DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.126315
Microengineered membranes for sustainable production of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based nanoemulsions by membrane emulsification for enhanced antimicrobial activity (2020), Usman T. Syed, I. Leonardo, R. Lahoz, F. Gaspar, R. Huertas, M. Crespo, M. Arruebo, J. Crespo, V. Sebastian, C. Brazinha; ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 8 (44), 16526-16536, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c05612 [cover article]
Valorisation of grape pomace: Fractionation of bioactive flavan-3-ols by membrane processing (2017), Usman T. Syed, C. Brazinha, J. Crespo, J. Ricardo-da-Silva; Separation and Purification Technology, 172, 404-414, DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2016.07.039

Education

Ph.D. in Membrane Engineering (Triple degree European Doctorate in Membrane Engineering, EUDIME), NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal / University of Calabria, Italy / University of Zaragoza, Spain (2022)

M.Eng. in Membrane Engineering (Triple degree European Master’s in Membrane Engineering, EM3E), University of Montpellier & University of Paul Sabatier, France / Institute of Chemical Technology - Prague, Czech Republic / NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal (2014)

B.Eng. in Biotechnology, Visvesvaraya Technological University, India (2012)

Professional Profile

Sept 2022 onwards: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

March 2022 - Aug 2022: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Laboratory of Membrane Processes, LAQV/REQUIMTE, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal

Oct 2014 - Dec 2015: Master's Researcher at Laboratory of Membrane Processes, LAQV/REQUIMTE, NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal

Scientific and Professional Membership

European Membrane Society (EMS)

North American Membrane Society (NAMS)

American Chemical Society (ACS)

Indian Membrane Society (IMS) [lifetime member]

Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA)

Awards

Ph.D. graduation with Honours (Summa cum laude) awarded by University of Zaragoza, Feb 2022, Spain

Best Oral Presentation Award by Journal of Membrane Science at 12th International Congress on Membranes & Membrane Processes 2020 (ICOM 2020), Dec 2020, United Kingdom

European Membrane Society Conference Fee Registration Award for ICOM 2020, Dec 2020, United Kingdom

Best Poster Presentation Award by European Membrane Society at 2nd Imagine Membrane Conference, Sept 2019, Azores Islands, Portugal

European Membrane Society Travel Award for 2nd Imagine Membrane Conference, Sept 2019, Azores Islands, Portugal

European Membrane Society Travel Award for Euromembrane 2018 Conference, July 2018, Valencia, Spain

Best Poster Presentation Award by European Membrane Society at 1st Imagine Membrane Conference, Sept 2017, Azores Islands, Portugal

European Membrane Society Travel Award for 1st Imagine Membrane Conference, Sept 2017, Azores Islands, Portugal

European Membrane Society Travel Award for 34th EMS Summer School on Membranes in Biorefineries, organized by University of Lund, June 2017, Lund, Sweden

Best Poster Presentation Award by North American Membrane Society at Advanced Membrane Technology VII Conference organised by Engineering Conferences International USA, Sept 2016, Cork, Ireland

Best Outgoing Student Award by P.A. College of Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University, 2012, India

Best Outgoing Student Award by S.B.R.R Mahajana Pre-University College, 2008, Mysore, India

Best All-Rounder Student Award by Saint Joseph's Central School, 2006, Mysore, India

KAUST Affiliations

BESE - Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division

Research Interests Keywords

Membrane-science and engineering Downstream processing Membrane emulsification Polymeric Membranes