SYNOPSIS

The Chemical Engineering Technical Division (CETD) is planning to organize a talk on Bio-Cosmetics Product Development – From R & D to Market. The talk shall include topics such as extraction, bioactivity studies, safety and toxicology evaluations, product development and efficacy study. The speaker will be sharing her experiences in developing cosmetics products utilizing natural active ingredients sourced from local ginger species from bench scale to commercialization.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Dr Zanariah bt Ujang is currently the Head of Marketing & Sales for The Research & Technology Development Division of SIRIM Berhad.  She is responsible for marketing and new business development in the areas of industrial biotechnology, renewable energy, environmental technology and advanced materials. She graduated with a B Sc in Chemical Engineering from The University of Toledo, Ohio in 1984 and later obtained her M Sc in Process Engineering in 1994 and PhD in Chemical & Process Engineering in 1998 from The University of Strathclyde UK. After graduating from her PhD study, Dr Zanariah was appointed as a Principal Researcher at the Chemical and Industrial Biotechnology Center of SIRIM Berhad. She was responsible for setting up the cosmeceutical R & D program in SIRIM Berhad and has more than 15 years  research experience in the field of industrial biotechnology and natural product development. Among her research  interests and areas of expertise are in:
•    Biocatalysis – developing enzymatic processes for the production of fine and specialty chemicals
•    Biopolymers – developing  natural polymers for  wound management application
•    Bioactives – developing natural based active ingredients for cosmetic and topical therapeutic  application
•    Nano lipid delivery systems for bioactive compounds

Dr Zanariah and her fellow colleagues are currently setting up a GMP medical device pilot plant facilities in SIRIM campus in Sepang. The medical device plant will be producing a range of wound management products from water soluble chitiosan and its derivatives.  

Dr Zanariah has written scientific and technical publications in the local and international circle. She has filed for more than 7 patents related to her research field.  She has successfully commercialized a range of skin lightening cosmeceutical products utilizing local ginger species as the natural active ingredient in the product.