[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
International research collaboration creates opportunities to connect scientific ideas with practical expertise. From 30 August to 11 September 2026, I led a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) team for a research attachment at Shandong University in Jinan, Shandong, China, under the guidance of Professor Dr Jichuan Qiu and Professor Dr Hong Liu<\/strong>. The programme provided an opportunity to strengthen our collaborative research, develop laboratory skills and explore approaches to biomaterials and bioprinting for neural tissue engineering.<\/p>\n Joining me were Ts. ChM. Dr Nor Suriani Sani<\/strong>, Research Officer, and Mr Naseem Danish Junaidy<\/strong>, a UTM PhD student. Our participation formed part of the Malaysia\u2013China collaborative research project supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), entitled \u201c4D Printing of Living Materials for Constructing Nerve-Like Tissues\u201d<\/strong> (Project No. SRF01251396).<\/p>\n The attachment brought together several connected areas of research: functional biomaterials, hydrogel formulation, cell-containing bioinks, neural stem cell culture and methods for examining cellular responses. These areas contribute to a longer-term objective of developing engineered environments that can support the formation and organisation of nerve-like tissues.<\/p>\n Neural tissue engineering requires careful consideration of both materials and biology. A printable material must provide suitable structural properties while also supporting the cells incorporated within it. Its composition, processing conditions and interaction with cells all influence whether it can become a useful platform for further research. Our attachment helped us examine these relationships through academic discussions, laboratory demonstrations and practical work.<\/p>\n The academic programme included research presentations, discussions with Shandong University researchers and visits to laboratories and shared research facilities. These exchanges provided opportunities to introduce our project, learn about the host team\u2019s expertise and discuss how our respective capabilities could support the collaboration. Exposure to facilities associated with the Institute of Crystal Materials and the School of Biomedical Engineering also broadened our understanding of the analytical approaches available for studying advanced materials and their biological interactions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n 1st<\/sup> meeting: discussion and presentation by the project members and postgraduate students.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture3.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Visit to the Institute of Crystal Materials and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Shandong University<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture5.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture5″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Welcoming dinner by Prof Dr Hong Liu and his team.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture6.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture6″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Visit to the office and laboratory of Professor Zheqin Dong, Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, China<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture7.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture7″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Visit the Baotuquan Campus (Medical School) and the animal testing facility with Associate Professor Wenjuan Zhou and her team.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture8.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture8″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Animal testing facility at School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture9.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture9″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Visit the material testing platform of Shandong University by Prof Dr Lu Ning<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n An important component of the attachment was training in three-dimensional bioprinting. This included learning about bioink preparation, printer operation, sterile handling and the practical factors that influence the quality of printed constructs. The work involved gelatin methacryloyl, commonly known as GelMA, as a hydrogel platform for incorporating materials and cells.<\/p>\n Through repeated printing trials, our team gained a clearer understanding of how formulation and processing affect the final structure. Producing a consistent printed scaffold requires attention to material mixing, flow behaviour, deposition and the stability of the printed pattern. When cells are included, preparation and handling introduce further considerations.<\/p>\n One particularly useful observation concerned material dispersion. Some silica aerogel-based formulations dispersed poorly in GelMA, resulting in an uneven distribution of material within printed scaffolds. This highlighted an important research lesson: incorporating a functional component into a bioink requires careful optimisation of how it is distributed throughout the hydrogel. The observation gives us a practical starting point for improving future formulations and achieving more consistent experimental conditions.<\/p>\n The team also participated in demonstrations involving the preparation and printing of cell-containing bioinks. These activities connected material formulation with the requirements of cell handling and provided valuable experience in working across the interface between biomaterials research and cell biology. Printed examples and microscopy images supported discussion of construct quality and cell distribution. Further biological assessment will be needed to establish cell survival, differentiation and function within these systems.<\/p>\n Another major learning component was neural stem cell culture. The attachment included demonstrations of cell isolation and passaging, together with discussions of culture conditions, media and the distinction between supporting cell proliferation and encouraging differentiation. This experience was especially relevant to our project because reliable cell preparation is essential before meaningful conclusions can be drawn about the biological effects of a material.<\/p>\n For our team, this training strengthened the connection between the material-focused aspects of the project and its intended biological application. It also helped identify the skills and laboratory practices that will need to be developed further as related work progresses at UTM. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture10.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture10″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Experimental set-up for in vitro and in vivo studies<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture11.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture11″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Learning 3D Biopriting techniques<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The attachment also provided exposure to ultrasound stimulation equipment relevant to research on piezoelectric materials. This connects with the broader project interest in materials that respond to external stimulation and may influence their surrounding cellular environment. The practical work undertaken during the attachment provides a foundation for this direction; establishing a functional response remains an objective for subsequent experiments.<\/p>\n This distinction is important within the project\u2019s 4D printing theme. The longer-term ambition extends beyond producing a three-dimensional structure to investigating how engineered living materials behave or respond over time. Progress towards that goal depends on first establishing reproducible formulations, reliable printing procedures and suitable biological evaluation methods.<\/p>\n The attachment was also valuable for postgraduate development. For Naseem, working within an international research environment provided opportunities to discuss experimental challenges, learn from experienced researchers and connect his doctoral research with the wider collaborative project. For the UTM team as a whole, the experience helped translate broad research objectives into more focused experimental priorities.<\/p>\n Our next steps include improving material dispersion, refining bioink formulations, strengthening cell culture capability and evaluating cellular responses using suitable controls. These activities will support continued collaboration between UTM and Shandong University and help guide the development of the project in Malaysia.<\/p>\n I extend my sincere appreciation to Professor Dr Jichuan Qiu and Professor Dr Hong Liu<\/strong> for hosting and guiding our team, and to the Shandong University researchers and laboratory colleagues who supported the programme. I am particularly grateful to Zheqin Dong, Assoc Prof Wenjuan Zhou Liyang Yu<\/strong> for their assistance with laboratory activities and practical learning. I also acknowledge MOSTI and UTM for supporting this collaborative research effort.<\/p>\n The attachment strengthened both our technical foundation and our working relationship with Shandong University. The experience, observations and discussions gained in Jinan will continue to shape our research as we develop biomaterial platforms for bioprinting and neural tissue engineering.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture12.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture12″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Tour at Da Ming Lake, Jinan, China<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture13.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture13″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Hiking Qianfo Mountain, Jinan<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture14.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture14″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Visit Taishan Mountain at Taian, Shandong Province, China with Prof Jichuan Qiu<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/09\/Picture15.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Picture15″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Final meeting and discussion<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" International research collaboration creates opportunities to connect scientific ideas with practical expertise. From 30 August to 11 September 2026, I led a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) team for a research attachment at Shandong University in Jinan, Shandong, China, under the guidance of Professor Dr Jichuan Qiu and Professor Dr Hong Liu. The programme provided an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":265,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-as-a-lecturer-fbme"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5783"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5804,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5783\/revisions\/5804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
We were introduced to immunofluorescence approaches and the considerations involved in selecting stains and antibodies for examining cellular characteristics. These discussions reinforced the importance of planning biological assessments alongside material development. Microscopy can provide useful visual information, but interpreting cellular responses requires appropriate markers, controls and complementary measurements.<\/p>\n