Dr. Gul Shahnaz

Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan


Highest Degree
Ph.D. in Pharmacology from University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

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Area of Interest:

Biomedical Sciences
Pharmaceutical Research
Clinical Pharmacology
Drug Design
Drug Delivery

Selected Publications

  1. Razzaq, S., A. Rauf, A. Raza, T.A. Tabish, M. Rauf‐ul‐Hassan and G. Shahnaz, 2021. Papain decorated multi‐functional polymeric micelles for the targeted intracellular delivery of paclitaxel. Polym. Adv. Technol., 32: 3180-3193.
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  2. Rauf, A., S. Razzaq, T.A. Tabish, S. Tahseen, M.A. Sandhu and G. Shahnaz, 2021. Investigating the intracellular bactericidal effects of rifampicin loaded S-protected thiomeric chitosan nanocargoes against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J. Drug Delivery Sci. Technol., Vol. 61. 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102184.
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  3. Kiani, M.H., S. Ali, A. Qadry, R. Arshad, A. Aslam and G. Shahnaz, 2021. Polyethylene imine conjugated supramolecular stereocomplexed nanomicelles for intracellular delivery of rifampicin against Mycobacterium bovis. Colloids Surf., B: Biointerfaces, Vol. 206 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111976.
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  4. Jahan, F., Shahiq uz Zaman, R. Arshad, T.A. Tabish, A.A. Naseem and G. Shahnaz, 2021. Mapping the potential of thiolated pluronic based nanomicelles for the safe and targeted delivery of vancomycin against staphylococcal blepharitis. J. Drug Delivery Sci. Technol., Vol. 61. 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102220.
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  5. Iqbal, R., O.S. Qureshi, A.M. Yousaf, S.A. Raza and H.S. Sarwar et al., 2021. Enhanced solubility and biopharmaceutical performance of atorvastatin and metformin via electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone-hyaluronic acid composite nanoparticles. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci., Vol. 161. 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105817.
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  6. Arshad, R., T.A. Tabish, M.H. Kiani, I.M. Ibrahim and G. Shahnaz et al., 2021. A hyaluronic acid functionalized self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for enhancement in ciprofloxacin targeted delivery against intracellular infection. Nanomaterials, Vol. 11. 10.3390/nano11051086.
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  7. Arshad, R., T.A. Tabish, A.A. Naseem, M. Rauf ul Hassan, I. Hussain, S.S. Hussain and G. Shahnaz, 2021. Development of poly-L-lysine multi-functionalized muco-penetrating self- emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) for improved solubilization and targeted delivery of ciprofloxacin against intracellular Salmonella typhi. J. Mol. Liq., Vol. 333. 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115972.
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  8. Arshad, R., K. Pal, F. Sabir, A. Rahdar, M. Bilal, G. Shahnaz and G.Z. Kyzas, 2021. A review of the nanomaterials use for the diagnosis and therapy of salmonella typhi. J. Mol. Struct., Vol. 1230. 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.129928.
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  9. Sohail, M.F., M. Rehman, S.Z. Hussain, Zil-e Huma and G. Shahnaz et al., 2020. Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by Neem extract as multi-facet therapeutic agents. J. Drug Delivery Sci. Technol., Vol. 59. 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101911.
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  10. Sarwar, H.S., S. Varikuti, M.F. Sohail, M. Sarwar, S. Akhtar, A.R. Satoskar and G. Shahnaz, 2020. Oral delivery and enhanced efficacy of antimonal drug through macrophage-guided multifunctional nanocargoes against visceral Leishmaniasis. Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm., 152: 307-317.
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  11. Rauf, A., M.F. Sohail, H.S. Sarwar, S. Naveed and S. Batool et al., 2020. Tuberculosis resistance and nanoparticles: Combating the dual role of reactive oxygen species in macrophages for tuberculosis management. Crit. Rev. Ther. Drug Carrier Syst., 37: 161-182.
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  12. Mukhtar, M., M. Zesshan, S. Khan, G. Shahnaz and S.A. Khan et al., 2020. Fabrication and optimization of pH-sensitive mannose-anchored nano-vehicle as a promising approach for macrophage uptake. Appl. Nanosci., 10: 4013-4027.
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  13. Maria, S., H.S. Sarwar, M.F. Sohail, M. Imran and O.S. Qureshi et al., 2020. Synthesis and characterization of pre-activated thiolated chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery of octreotide. J. Drug Delivery Sci. Technol., Vol. 58. 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101807.
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  14. Majeed, A., F. Javed, S. Akhtar, U. Saleem and F. Anwar et al., 2020. Green synthesized selenium doped zinc oxide nano-antibiotic: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial, nanotoxicity and teratogenicity potential. J. Mater. Chem. B, 8: 8444-8458.
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  15. Ghafar, H., M.I. Khan, H.S. Sarwar, S. Yaqoob and S.Z. Hussain et al., 2020. Development and characterization of bioadhesive film embedded with lignocaine and calcium fluoride nanoparticles. AAPS PharmSciTech, Vol. 21. 10.1208/s12249-019-1615-5.
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  16. Ahmad, Z., M.I. Khan, M.I. Siddique, H.S. Sarwar and G. Shahnaz et al., 2020. Fabrication and characterization of thiolated chitosan microneedle patch for transdermal delivery of tacrolimus. AAPS PharmSciTech, Vol. 21. 10.1208/s12249-019-1611-9.
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  17. Sajjad, M., M.I. Khan, S. Naveed, S. Ijaz and O.S. Qureshi et al., 2019. Folate-functionalized thiomeric nanoparticles for enhanced docetaxel cytotoxicity and improved oral bioavailability. AAPS PharmSciTech, Vol. 20, No. 2. 10.1208/s12249-019-1297-z.
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  18. Kiyani, M.M., M.F. Sohail, G. Shahnaz, H. Rehman and M.F. Akhtar et al., 2019. Evaluation of turmeric nanoparticles as anti-gout agent: Modernization of a traditional drug. Medicina, Vol. 55, No. 1. 10.3390/medicina55010010.
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  19. Khatoon, M., M.F. Sohail, G. Shahnaz, Fiza ur Rehman and Fakhar-ud-Din et al., 2019. Development and evaluation of optimized thiolated chitosan proniosomal gel containing duloxetine for intranasal delivery. AAPS PharmSciTech, Vol. 20. 10.1208/s12249-019-1484-y.
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  20. Baloch, J., M.F. Sohail, H.S. Sarwar, M.H. Kiani and G.M. Khan et al., 2019. Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) for improved oral bioavailability of chlorpromazine: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Medicina, Vol. 55, No. 5. 10.3390/medicina55050210.
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  21. Arshad, R., M.F. Sohail, H.S. Sarwar, H. Saeed and I. Ali et al., 2019. ZnO-NPs embedded biodegradable thiolated bandage for postoperative surgical site infection: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. PLoS ONE, Vol. 14. 10.1371/journal.pone.0217079.
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  22. Afzal, I., H.S. Sarwar, M.F. Sohail, S. Varikuti and S. Jahan et al., 2019. Mannosylated thiolated paromomycin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for the oral therapy of visceral leishmaniasis. Nanomedicine, 14: 387-406.
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  23. Sohail, M.F., S.Z. Hussain, H. Saeed, I. Javed and H.S. Sarwar et al., 2018. Polymeric nanocapsules embedded with ultra-small silver nanoclusters for synergistic pharmacology and improved oral delivery of Docetaxel. Scient. Rep., Vol. 8. 10.1038/s41598-018-30749-3.
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  24. Sohail, M.F., M. Rehman, H.S. Sarwar, S. Naveed and O. Salman et al., 2018. Advancements in the oral delivery of Docetaxel: challenges, current state-of-the-art and future trends. Int. J. Nanomed., 13: 3145-3161.
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  25. Sarwar, H.S., S. Ashraf, S. Akhtar, M.F. Sohail and S.Z. Hussain et al., 2018. Mannosylated thiolated polyethylenimine nanoparticles for the enhanced efficacy of antimonial drug against Leishmaniasis. Nanomedicine, 13: 25-41.
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  26. Sarwar, H.S., M.F. Sohail, N. Saljoughian, A.U. Rehman and S. Akhtar et al., 2018. Design of mannosylated oral amphotericin B nanoformulation: efficacy and safety in visceral leishmaniasis. Artif. Cells Nanomed. Biotechnol., (In Press). 10.1080/21691401.2018.1430699.
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  27. Sohail, M.F., H.S. Sarwar, I. Javed, A. Nadhman and S.Z. Hussain et al., 2017. Cell to rodent: Toxicological profiling of folate grafted thiomer enveloped nanoliposomes. Toxicol. Res., 6: 814-821.
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  28. Shahnaz, G., B.J. Edagwa, J. McMillan, S. Akhtar and A. Raza et al., 2017. Development of mannose-anchored thiolated amphotericin B nanocarriers for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Nanomedicine, 12: 99-115.
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  29. Sarwar, H.S., S. Akhtar, M.F. Sohail, Z. Naveed and M. Rafay et al., 2017. Redox biology of Leishmania and macrophage targeted nanoparticles for therapy. Nanomedicine, 12: 1713-1725.
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  30. Ovais, M., A. Nadhman, A.T. Khalil, A. Raza and F. Khuda et al., 2017. Biosynthesized colloidal silver and gold nanoparticles as emerging leishmanicidal agents: An insight. Nanomedicine, 12: 2807-2819.
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  31. Naz, K., G. Shahnaz, N. Ahmed, N.A. Qureshi, H.S. Sarwar, M. Imran and G.M. Khan, 2017. Formulation and in vitro characterization of thiolated buccoadhesive film of fluconazole. AAPS PharmSciTech, 18: 1043-1055.
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  32. Khan, H., A. Nadhman, S.S. Azam, M. Anees and I. Khan et al., 2017. In-vitro antileishmanial potential of peptide drug hirudin. Chem. Biol. Drug Des., 89: 67-73.
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  33. Tahir, A.H., M. Tanveer, A. Ahmed, A. Arshad and G. Shahnaz, 2016. Rise of single organopathy theory from ayurveda system-a short report from Pakistan's perspective. World J. Pharm. Pharmaceut. Sci., 5: 323-328.
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  34. Sohail, M.F., I. Javed, S.Z. Hussain, S. Sarwar and S. Akhtar et al., 2016. Folate grafted thiolated chitosan enveloped nanoliposomes with enhanced oral bioavailability and anticancer activity of docetaxel. J. Mater. Chem. B, 4: 6240-6248.
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  35. Rauf, M.K., U. Shaheen, F. Asghar, A. Badshah and A. Nadhman et al., 2016. Antileishmanial, DNA interaction and docking studies of some ferrocene-based heteroleptic pentavalent antimonials. Arch. Pharm., 349: 50-62.
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  36. Nadhman, A., M.I. Khan, S. Nazir, M. Khan and G. Shahnaz et al., 2016. Annihilation of Leishmania by daylight responsive ZnO nanoparticles: A temporal relationship of reactive oxygen species-induced lipid and protein oxidation. Int. J. Nanomed., 11: 2451-2461.
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  37. Javed, I., S.Z. Hussain, I. Ullah, I. Khan and M. Ateeq et al., 2015. Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of lecithin-based nanocarriers for the enhanced pharmacological and oral pharmacokinetic profile of amphotericin B. J. Mater. Chem. B, 3: 8359-8365.
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  38. Dunnhaupt, S., J. Barthelmes, S. Kollner, D. Sakloetsakun, G. Shahnaz, A. Duregger and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2015. Thiolated nanocarriers for oral delivery of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs. Carbohydr. Polym., 117: 577-584.
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  39. Qureshi, Q.A.H., A. Nadhman, M. Sirajuddin, G. Shahnaz, S. Ali, A. Shah and M.M. Yasinzai, 2014. Organotin(IV) complexes of carboxylate derivative as potential chemotherapeutic agents against Leishmania. Inorg. Chim. Acta, 423: 220-228.
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  40. Nadhman, A., S. Nazir, M.I. Khan, S. Arooj, M. Bakhtiar, G. Shahnaz and M. Yasinzai, 2014. PEGylated silver doped zinc oxide nanoparticles as novel photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy against Leishmania. Free Radic. Biol. Med., 77: 230-238.
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  41. Millotti, G., A. Vetter, K. Leithner, F. Sarti, G. Shahnaz Bano, P. Augustijns and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2014. Development of thiolated poly(acrylic acid) microparticles for the nasal administration of exenatide. Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm., 40: 1677-1682.
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  42. Laffleur, F., F. Hintzen, G. Shahnaz, D. Rahmat, K. Leithner and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2014. Development and in vitro evaluation of slippery nanoparticles for enhanced diffusion through native mucus. Nanomedicine, 9: 387-396.
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  43. Yasinzai, M., M. Khan, A. Nadhman and G. Shahnaz, 2013. Drug resistance in leishmaniasis: Current drug-delivery systems and future perspectives. Future Med. Chem., 5: 1877-1888.
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  44. Shahnaz, G., C. Kremser, A. Reinisch, A. Vetter and F. Laffleur et al., 2013. Efficient MRI labeling of endothelial progenitor cells: Design of thiolated surface stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Eur. J. Pharmaceut. Biopharmaceut., 85: 346-355.
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  45. Rahmat, D., C. Muller, J. Barthelmes, G. Shahnaz, R. Martien and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2013. Thiolated hydroxyethyl cellulose: Design and in vitro evaluation of mucoadhesive and permeation enhancing nanoparticles. Eur. J. Pharmaceut. Biopharmaceut., 83: 149-155.
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  46. Rahmat, D., C. Muller, G. Shahnaz, K. Leithner and F. Laffleur et al., 2013. HEC-cysteamine particles: Influence of particle size, zeta potential, morphology and sulfhydryl groups on permeation enhancing properties. Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm., 39: 1338-1345.
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  47. Laffleur, F., G. Shahnaz, Z. Islambulchilar and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2013. Design and in vitro evaluation of a novel polymeric excipient for buccal applications. Future Med. Chem., 5: 511-522.
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  48. Laffleur, F., F. Hintzen, D. Rahmat, G. Shahnaz, G. Millotti and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2013. Enzymatic degradation of thiolated chitosan. Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm., 39: 1531-1539.
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  49. Shahnaz, G., J. Iqbal, D. Rahmat, G. Perera, F. Laffleur, D. Rossi and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2012. Development and in vivo characterization of a novel peptide drug delivery system providing extended plasma half life. J. Controlled Release, 157: 375-382.
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  50. Shahnaz, G., A. Vetter, J. Barthelmes, D. Rahmat and F. Laffleur et al., 2012. Thiolated chitosan nanoparticles for the nasal administration of leuprolide: Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic characterization. Int. J. Pharmaceut., 428: 164-170.
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  51. Sarti, F., J. Iqbal, C. Muller, G. Shahnaz, D. Rahmatand A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2012. Poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine for oral vitamin B12 delivery. Anal. Biochem., 420: 13-19.
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  52. Rahmat, D., M.I. Khan, G. Shahnaz, D. Sakloetsakun, G. Pereraand A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2012. Synergistic effects of conjugating cell penetrating peptides and thiomers on non-viral transfection efficiency. Biomaterials, 33: 2321-2326.
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  53. Rahmat, D., D. Sakloetsakun, Gul Shahnaz, F. Sarti, F. Laffleur and A.B. Schnurch, 2012. HEC-cysteamine conjugates: Influence of degree of thiolation on efflux pump inhibitory and permeation enhancing properties. Int. J. Pharma., 422: 40-46.
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  54. Iqbal, J., G. Shahnaz, S. Dunnhaupt, C. Muller, F. Hintzen and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2012. Preactivated thiomers as mucoadhesive polymers for drug delivery. Biomaterials, 33: 1528-1535.
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  55. Iqbal, J., G. Shahnaz, G. Perera, F. Hintzen, F. Sarti and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2012. Thiolated chitosan: Development and in vivo evaluation of an oral delivery system for leuprolide. Eur. J. Pharmaceut. Biopharmaceut., 80: 95-102.
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  56. Hintzen, F., F. Laffleur, F. Sarti, G. Shahnaz and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2012. Thiomers: Influence of molar mass on in situ gelling properties. Int. J. Pharmaceut., 436: 120-126.
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  57. Shahnaz, G., M. Hartl, J. Barthelmes, K. Leithner and F. Sarti et al., 2011. Uptake of phenothiazines by the harvested chylomicrons ex vivo model: Influence of self-nanoemulsifying formulation design. Eur. J. Pharmaceut. Biopharmaceut., 79: 171-180.
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  58. Rahmat, D., D. Sakloetsakun, G. Shahnaz, G. Perera, R. Kaindl and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2011. Design and synthesis of a novel cationic thiolated polymer. Int. J. Pharmaceut., 411: 10-17.
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  59. Shahnaz, G., G. Perera, D. Sakloetsakun, D. Rahmat and A. Bernkop-Schnurch, 2010. Synthesis, characterization, mucoadhesion and biocompatibility of thiolated carboxymethyl dextran-cysteine conjugate. J. Controlled Release, 144: 32-38.
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  60. Murtaza, G., M. Ahmad and G. Shahnaz, 2010. Microencapsulation of diclofenac sodium by non-solvent addition technique. Trop. J. Pharma. Res., 9: 187-195.
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