Dr. Mahmoud A.Saleh

Research Objective: Management of Microorganisms in Spacecraft

The growth and proliferation of microorganisms in spacecraft is a problem, in particular for long  space flights. The objective of this research is to identify natural products with antimicrobial activities against specific microorganisms important in closed environments and to attach the chemical to proliferation. Materials to which antimicrobial  agents will be attached will include non-metallic surfaces, including materials used in clothing, food preparation surfaces,  water delivery and purifications, and others. We will determine the bimolecular target for the selected natural products as well as the structures of the chemicals cross-linked to the model materials, and will use this information in the rational design of the compounds for greater efficacy when attached to the surface. Computational modeling will be used throughout this process. Essential elements of this work include the testing of these compounds for toxicity in genetics, cellular and animal models assays as well as testing for microorganism specificity and efficacy. A long-term outcome of this project will be microbial retardant or resistant materials, which could have general commercial applications. (i.e. clothing that needs less laundering, less smelly socks and undergarments, etc. ).

Training/Instructional Capability:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of California, Davis, USA,   1971
• M.Sc. in Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Cairo, Egypt, 1965
• B.Sc. in Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Cairo, Egypt, 1963
• Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography Training Course, Finnigan Corporation, California, USA,1979.
• Operation of the Finnigan Mat 1020/OWA GC/MS System, Finnigan Mat Institute, July 1988.
• Remote Sensing and GIS Certificate 1999.
• Arc View application course certificate 2000

Review Panels:

• Served as reviewer in many scientific journals and on the editorial board of J. Environmental Contamination & Toxicology.

Selected Publications:

1. M.A. Saleh, Abou Zeid M., Zaher M., Abdel-Rahman F., Serum Protein Profile: A Possible Biomarker for Exposure to Insecticides, in ABiomarkers for Agrochemicals and Toxic Substances/ Applications and Risk Assessment@ACS Symposium Series 643, J. Blancato, R. Brown, C. Dary and M. Saleh. Ed. American Chemical Society, Washington,  DC pp 106-113 (1996).
2. M.A. Saleh, Afify A., Ragab A., El-Baroty G., Kamel A., El-Sebae A., Breast Milk as a Biomarker for Monitoring Human exposure to Environmental Pollutants.,in ABiomarkers for Agrochemicals and Toxic Substances/ Applications and Risk Assessment@ACS Symposium Series 643, J. Blancato, R. Brown, C. Dary and M. Saleh. Ed. American Chemical Society, Washington,  DC pp 114-125 (1996).
3. M.A. Saleh, Ragab A., Kamel A., Jones J., El-Sebae A., Regional Distribution of Lead in Human Milk from Egypt, Chemosphere, 32, 1859-1867 (1996).
4. M.A. Saleh, Kamel A., Ragab A., El-Baroty G., El-Sebae A., Regional Distribution of Organochlorine Insecticide Residue in Human Milk from Egypt, J. Environmental Science And Health PART B-PESTICIDES FOOD CONTAMINANTS AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES, 31, pp 241-255 (1996).
5. M.A. Saleh, Ahmed AE, Kamel A, Dary C.  Determination of the distribution of malathion in rats following various routes of administration by whole?body electronic autoradiography. Toxicol Ind Health ;13(6):751-758 (1997)
6. M.A. Saleh, Kamel A, El Demerdash A, Jones J Penetration of household insecticides through different types of textile fabrics. Chemosphere ;36(7):1543-1552 (1998)
7. M.A. Saleh, Afify AM, Kamel A Mother's milk protein profile, a possible biomarker for human exposure to persistent insecticides. J Environ Sci Health B ;33(6): 645-655 (1998)
8. M.A.Saleh, Alaa Kamel, Xiayang Li and James Swary., Antibacterial Triterpenoids Isolated from Lantana camara, Pharmaceutical Biology 37: 63-66 (1999).
9. M.A. Saleh, Wilson BL. Analysis of metal Pollutants in the Houston Ship Channel by Inductively coupled plasma/Mass spectroscopy. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. ; 44: 113-117 (2000)
10. M.A. Saleh, Wilson BL. Monitoring Wadi El Raiyan lakes of the Egyptian desert for inorganic pollutants by ion-selective electrodes, ion chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. ; 45(3):310-316. (2000).
11. M.A. Saleh, Ewane, E., and Wilson, B.L., Monitoring the Houston Ship Channel for Inorganic Pollutants by Ion Selective Electrodes, Ion Chromatography and Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy, Chemosphere, Volume 39, No. 13 pp. 2357-2364 March 2000.
12. M.A. Saleh, Ewane, E., and Wilson, B.L., Chemical Evaluation of Drinking Tap Water and Bottled Water from Egypt, Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2000 in press).

Externally Funded Projects: (Title of Project and Funding Agency)

• Received research grants from NIH, EPA, NSF, and USAID and from Chevron Standard Oil Co.

Recent Proposals Written:

• Biomarkers of Environmental pollutants

Recent Professional Conferences Attended:

• Texas Academy of Science, Welsh foundation, American Chemical Society

Recent Training Workshops Attended: (TSU or External)

• Erdas Imagine remote sensing
• Map Info Program
• GIS class at HCC

List of Professional Activities:

• Texas Southern University Research Scholar of the year 1992 and 1997
• First Degree Award of Scientific Achievement in Environmental Research, Egypt (two times) 1980 and 1986.

List of Community and University Services:

• Library Committee
• Ph.D. Advisory member
• Safety committee

NASA Research Center For Biotechnology and Environmental Health

http://www.tsu.edu/academics/science/research/nasa.asp