Mr. Belal Abu Salha

5. Preparation of Edible Antibacterial NPs: Applied the sonochemical method to prepare chitosan NPs for indirect coating of strawberries. Characterized the NPs using ESEM, DLS, and FTIR. Analyzed the physical and chemical properties of strawberries, including mass loss, pH, TA, TSS, L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and decay index.
6. Flavor Modification of Produce with NPs: Coated cucumbers with NaCl NPs using the sonochemical method to induce flavor changes. Characterized the NPs by ICP, DLS (size), and E-SEM (morphology). Similarly, coated apples with honey and analyzed the samples using H1NMR and E-SEM.
7.  Enhancing Antibacterial Activity of Polyethylene Sheets Using the sonochemical Method: Increased the antibacterial properties of polyethylene sheets by coating them with chitosan or propolis NPs. Investigated the shelf life of fresh produce packaged in coated polyethylene bags. Characterized the coatings and NPs with HR-SEM and performed antibacterial tests on E. coli, Listeria, and S. aureus. Analyzed the physical and chemical properties of the PE sheets and produce.
8. Synthesis of Nature-Derived N-CDs: Synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) using a facile hydrothermal process. Investigated their properties, including biocompatibility, tunable surface functionalities, water solubility, and low toxicity for improving agricultural productivity.
9.  Lab Management: Managed laboratory operations, including supervising personnel, ensuring safe and efficient procedures, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
10. Training in Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) Device (ongoing)
    at the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials

                                    Training and Activities:

• Understanding the Principles of the Technique: Learning how the RBS device operates, including the principles of ion backscattering and data interpretation.
• Device Operation: Conducting practical experiments, including sample preparation, setting experimental parameters (ion energy, scattering angles), and performing measurements on various samples.
• Data Processing and Analysis: Utilizing specialized software to analyze results and extract information about the sample composition.
• Safety Training: Focusing on laboratory safety procedures, including the use of protective equipment and preparation for working with ion beams.