Metabolomics and Natural Products Research Group

Metabolomics & Natural Products Research Group

Welcome to Our Research Group

Nature has long been a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, offering solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges in health, agriculture, and sustainability. At the Metabolomics and Natural Products Research Group, we harness the power of modern analytical science to explore this chemical diversity, decode its biological significance, and translate discoveries into real-world applications.

By integrating metabolomics and natural product chemistry, we study the intricate metabolic networks of plants, microbes, and marine organisms.

With a multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge technologies, we bridge the gap between traditional and empirical knowledge and contemporary science—unlocking nature’s secrets for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Research Themes

Natural products discovery

Natural Products Discovery involves the systematic identification and isolation of novel bioactive compounds from diverse natural sources, such as plants, marine organisms, and other sources. This research theme is related to uncovering molecules with potential therapeutic applications, particularly in drug development for diseases like cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammation. Historically, natural products have been a cornerstone of pharmaceutical innovation. Our recent works also focus on developing sustainable methods of extraction such as the uses of NADES and extraction method that are energy-efficient. We also work on bioactivity-guided isolation to prioritize compounds with promising pharmacological profiles.

Natural products extraction and optimization

This theme centers on developing efficient methods to extract, isolate, and purify bioactive compounds from natural matrices while optimizing processes for higher yields, purity, and sustainability. In this research, we highlight the advanced green extraction methods such as supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzyme-assisted processes to minimize environmental impact and enhance selectivity. Optimization often employs statistical tools like response surface methodology and chemo-metric approaches. The goal is to improve the scalability and cost-effectiveness of extraction for applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.

Metabolomics and the study of natural products as bioactive compounds

Metabolomics involves the holistic analysis of metabolites in biological systems using techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to profile and quantify small molecules. In the context of natural products, this theme explores how metabolomics facilitates the discovery, characterization, and bioactivity assessment of compounds as potential therapeutics, including their mechanisms of action, toxicity, and synergistic interactions. It enables the identification of novel bioactive metabolites from sources like plants, microbes, and algae, correlating chemical structures with biological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anticancer properties.

Formulation of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Products from Natural Sources

This research theme focuses on developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic products using bioactive compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, microorganisms, marine organisms, and algae. The process involves formulating these compounds into stable, effective, and safe products like tablets, creams, gels, or serums, tailored for therapeutic or cosmetic applications. Key aspects include optimizing delivery systems (e.g., liposomes, nanoparticles, or emulsions) to enhance bioavailability, stability, and targeted action of natural compounds, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, or anti-inflammatory agents. Research emphasizes green chemistry principles, sustainable sourcing, and biocompatibility to meet regulatory standards and consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly products.