Membership in the Examination Committee for a Ph.D. Dissertation
Assistant Professor Dr. Ashwaq Shanan Abdul, Head of the Department of Plant Biotechnology at the Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, participated as a committee member in the Ph.D. dissertation defense entitled:
“Evaluation of Inhibitory Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Syzygium aromaticum Extracts on Streptococcus mutans by Gene Expression”
by researcher Marah Laith Mohammed Hassan at the Institute of Genetic Engineering, University of Baghdad.
The study aimed to isolate and characterize S. mutans, a common bacterial cause of dental caries, using morphological, biochemical, and molecular tests. The research compared the effects of plant extracts (G. glabra and S. aromaticum), antibiotics, toothpaste, and mouthwash on S. mutans growth through gene expression analysis using RT-PCR.
The findings revealed that clove and licorice extracts altered the gene expression of gtfB and gtfD, inhibiting biofilm formation without reducing bacterial growth in the mouth. These extracts can serve as natural anti-plaque agents for dental caries prevention.
The dissertation was accepted following a thorough scientific discussion and feedback from the committee. The candidate successfully defended her research, concluding with the announcement that she earned a well-deserved distinction (excellent) grade
