Dr. Shahzad Zafar Iqbal

Approved Supervisor

Associate Professor at Government College University Faisalabad

Dr. Shahzad Zafar Iqbal

Contact Details

Email Address shahzad@gcuf.edu.pk; shahzad10542005@yahoo.com
Phone Number 041-9200066
Office Address GC University Faisalabad
Academic Profiles
Google Scholar ORCID Profile Web of Science Scopus Profile
Basic Information
Full Name
Dr. Shahzad Zafar Iqbal
Designation
Associate Professor
Department
Applied Chemistry
Faculty
Physical Science
Email Address
shahzad@gcuf.edu.pk; shahzad10542005@yahoo.com
Brief Statement of research work

My research focuses on developing innovative biomaterials and nano-enabled technologies to enhance food quality, safety, and shelf life. My primary interest lies in the design of biodegradable edible coatings and nanoemulsion-based delivery systems using natural polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, chitosan, guar gum, and carrageenan combined with bioactive compounds and hydrophobic agents like beeswax. These systems aim to improve water resistance, mechanical stability, and antimicrobial properties for postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. My work integrates principles of food chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology to address challenges in postharvest losses and sustainable food packaging. I employ advanced analytical techniques to characterize physicochemical properties, structural interactions, and performance of coating materials, while evaluating their effects on storage stability, respiration rate, and quality attributes of fresh produce. My long-term research goal is to develop sustainable, environmentally friendly food preservation technologies that reduce food waste, enhance food security, and support industrial applications. I aim to expand my research toward smart packaging systems, functional biomaterials, and scalable technologies that bridge fundamental research and commercial implementation.

Academic Background
SR. DEGREE INSTITUTE FROM TO
1 Ph.D University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2007 2011
2 M.Phil Or MS University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2005 2007
3 Master Or Equivalent University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 2002 2004
4 Graduation Or Equivalent University of the Punjab, Lahore 2000 2002
5 Intermedite Or Equivalent BISE Faisalabad 1998 2000
6 Matriculation Or Equivalent BISE Faisalabad 1995 1997
Research Publications
SR. AUTHORS PAPER TITLE JOURNAL PAGE# YEAR VOL. IMP.F VIEW
1 Shahzad Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Waseem, Munawar Iqbal, Osama A. Mohammed, Muhammad Yaseen Enhancing beef shelf-life: Sodium alginate-pectin composite edible f ilms with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization 1 2026 18 3.3
2 Ain, Q.T., Waseem, M., Rehman, F.U., Iqbal, S.Z The efficacy and evaluation of chitosan-essential oil and fruit peel extracts edible films in preserving the shelf life of beef meat samples Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization 5806-58028 2025 19 3.3
3 Iqbal, S.Z., Waseem, M., Laiba, E., Iqbal, M., Mohamad, O.A., Al-Mijalli, S.H., Ansorena, M.R., Ali, S Carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based edible coatings for kiwifruit preservation: A comparative research International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 148178 2025 331 9.8
4 Iqbal, S.Z., Waseem, M., Naz, F., Iqbal, M., Ayub, M.A. Khaneghah, A.M. Application of Chitosan and Pectin-Based Nanoemulsion Coating for the Preservation of Plum (Prunus domestica) Fruit Food Science and Nutrition e70824 2025 13 3.8
5 Iqbal, S.Z., Waseem, M., Zia, K.M., Iqbal, M., Mohammed, O.A., Amina, N., Cui, G., Haider, A., Doghish, A.S., Abdel-Reheimand, M. A., Khaneghah A. M. Application of chitosan, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and aloe vera gel edible coating for the preservation of shelf life and quality parameters of tomatoes Food Packaging and Shelf Life 101570 2025 50 10.6
6 Waseem, M., Naz, F.,Waqas, M., Jawaid, M., Iqbal, S.Z. & Ali, S Application of chitosan, lignin and essential oil based nanoemulsion for the extension in shelf life of apple fruit Food Chemistry 146429 2025 495 9.8
7 Iqbal, S.Z., Razis, A.F.A., Waseem, M., Mohammad, O.A., Ali, S., Khaneghah, A.M. Aflatoxin contamination in sweet potato products: implications for consumer health and food safety in Pakistan Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety 339 2025 20 1.7
8 Niaz, W., Iqbal, S.Z., Ahmad, K., Majid, A., Haider, W., Li, X. Mycotoxins: A comprehensive review of its global trends in major cereals, advancements in chromatographic detections and future prospectives Food Chemistry X 102350 2025 27 8.2
9 Iqbal, S.Z., Hussain, M., Hussain, A., Haider, A., Hussain, A., Javed, M.A., Jawaid, M. Preparation and application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blended with beeswax and essential oil edible coating to enhance the shelf life of sweet cherries International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 132532 2024 272 8.5
10 Haider, A., Iqbal, S.Z., Bhatti, I.A., Bilal, M., Waseem, M., Iqbal, M., Khaneghah, A.M. Food authentication, current issues, analytical techniques, and Future Challenges; A Comprehensive Review Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety e13360 2024 23 14.8
11 Iqbal, S.Z., Akbar, M., Razis, AFA, Waqas, M. Assessment of patulin in different cultivars of apples, juices and distribution in decay portion International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 3866-76 2024 104 3.4
12 Iqbal, S.Z., Waseem, M., Razis, A.F.A., Bhatti, I.A., Khaneghah, A.M., Iqbal, M Mycotoxin Patulin Contamination in Various Fruits and Estimating Its Dietary Impact on the Consumers: From Orchard to Table Heliyon e30252 2024 10 3.6
13 2. SADDIQUE, M.S., SULTAN, M.T., IQBAL, S.Z., BOSCH, C., AKHTAR, S., RAZA, H., TARIQ, N., AHMED, W. Physicochemical, rheological, and sensorial appraisal of herbal bread containing turmeric, ginger, and black cumin powder Foods 555 2024 13 5.2
14 IQBAL, S.Z., HAIDER, A., REHMAN, F.U., CUI, G., WASEEM, M., IQBAL, M., KHANEGHAH, A.M. Application of carboxymethylcellulose in combination with essential oils nano-emulsions edible coating for the preservation of kiwifruit International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 129947 2024 261 8.2
15 3. ALI, Z., KIRAN, S., HAQ, N.U., DAHSHAN, A., IQBAL, S.Z., NAZIR, A., MUNAWAR, A., KHAN, A.L., ALWADAI, N., IQBAL, M. Fabrication of novel (Cr) based (MIL-101) incorporated mixed matrix forward osmosis membranes for environmental remediation Material Chemistry and Physics 128951 2024 315 4.6
16 4. KAMAL, G.M., REHMANI, M.N., IQBAL, S.Z., UDDIN, J., NAZIR, S., REHMAN, J.U., HUSSAIN, A.I., KHANEGHAH, A.M The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in milk from the Southern Cities of Punjab, Pakistan: a health risk assessment study. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 11 2022 108 5.556
17 IQBAL, S.Z., AKBAR, M., RAZIS, AFA, WAQAS, M Assessment of patulin in different cultivars of apples, juices and distribution in decay portion International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 112 2022 1 2.828
18 NAZ, F., VERPOORT, F., IQBAL, S.Z., NAHEED, N., & ASI, M.R. Seasonal Variation of Aflatoxin Levels in Selected Spices Available in Retail Markets: Estimation of Exposure and Risk Assessment Toxins 597 2022 14 5.075
19 AZAM, K., AKHTAR, S., GONG,, Y.Y., ROUTLEDGE, M.N., ISMAIL, A., OLIVEIRA, C.A., IQBAL, S.Z., ALI, H. Evaluation of the impact of activated carbon-based filtration System on the concentration of aflatoxins and selected heavy metals in coffee. Food Control 1 2021 1 4.258
20 RAZIS, A.F. A, SHEHZAD, M.M., USMAN, S., ALI, N.B., IQBAL, S.Z., NAHEED, N. & ASI, M.R. Seasonal variation in aflatoxins levels in edible seeds, estimation of its dietary intake and vitamin E levels from Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 1 2020 1 2.849
21 IQBAL, S.Z., USMAN, S., RAZIS, A.F.A., ALI, N.B., SAIF, T. & ASI, M.R. Assessment of deoxynivalenol in wheat, corn and products and estimation of dietary intake International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 1 2020 1 2.849
22 AKRAM, N., MANSHA, A., PREMKUMAR, R., BENIAL, A.M.F., ASIM, S., IQBAL, S.Z., ALI, H.S. Spectroscopic, quantum chemical and molecular docking studies on 2,4-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine: a potent inhibitor of protein kinase CK2 for the development of breast cancer drug Molecular Simulation 1 2020 1 1.716
23 AKRAM, N., ZIA, K.M., SAEED, M., USMAN, M., IQBAL, S.Z., SHAFI, A. & KHAN, W.G. Influence of cornstarch on thermomechanical behavior of poly(vinyl) chloride bioplastics Journal of Applied Polymer Science 48494 2020 137 2.52
24 REHMAN F.U., ADEEL, S., AKMAL, M., MAJEED, K.., IQBAL, S.Z., & AMIN, N. Eco-friendly dyeing of cellulosic fabric using Direct Red 28 and Direct Blue 15 dyes Global Nest Journal, 173-178 2020 22 .983
25 FAROOQ, M.U., MUNIR, B., NAEEM, S., YAMEEN, M., IQBAL, S.Z., AHMAD, A., MASTEEN, M.A., NOOR, M.W., NADEEM, A., GAFFAR, A. Exploration of Carcia papaya bioactive compounds as potential inhibitor of dengue NS2B, NS3 and NS5 protease. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 355-60 2020 33 .562
26 IQBAL, S.Z., REHMAN, B., JINAP, S., AKRAM, N., AHMAD, M.N., SANNY, M. SUKOR, R. & SAMSUDIN, N.I Assessment of fumonisin B1 concentrations in wheat and barley products in the Punjab region of Pakistan Journal of Food Protection 1284-1288 2020 83 1.581
27 PIROUZ, A.A., JINAP, S., IQBAL, S.Z. & SAMSUDIN. I.N.P. Efficient and Simultaneous Chitosan-Mediated Removal of 11 Mycotoxins from Palm Kernel Cake. Toxins 1 2020 1 3.531
28 ALIM, M., IQBAL, S.Z., MAHMOOD, Z., ASI, M.R., ZIKAR, H., CHANDA, H. & MALIK, N. Survey of mycotoxins in retail market cereals, derived products and dietary assessment Food Control 127 2018 34 4.258
29 IQBAL, S.Z., ULLAH, Z., ASI, M.R., JINAP, S., SULTAN, M.T. & MALIK, N Heavy metals in selected vegetables from markets of Faisalabad, Pakistan Journal of Food Protection 34 2018 2 1.581
30 IQBAL, S.Z.*, MALIK, S., ASI, M.R., JINAP, S. & MALIK, N. Natural occurrence of patulin in different fruits, juices and smoothies and evaluation of dietary intake Food Control 14 2018 1 4.258
31 IQBAL, S.Z., ASI, M.R., MAHMOOD, Z., SHAHID, M., SEHAR, M. & MALIK, N. Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in nuts, dry fruits and nuty products. Journal of Food Safety 12 2018 1 1.133
32 MUHAMMAD ALIM, SHAHZAD ZAFAR IQBAL, ZAHID MAHMOOD, MUHAMMAD RAFIQUE ASI,HIRA ZIKAR, HUMAIRA CHANDA, NOEEN MALIK, Survey of mycotoxins in retail market cereals, derived products and dietary assessment Food Control 210-215 2017 5 3.496
33 PIROUZ, A.A., JINAP, S., IQBAL, S.Z., MIRHOSSEINI, H., KARJIBAN, R. A. & BAKAR, F. A. The use of innovative and efficient nanocomposite (magnetic graphene oxide) for the reduction on of Fusarium mycotoxins in palm kernel cake Scientific Report 12453 2017 7 3.988
34 SAIMA MAJEED, MUHAMMAD RAFIQUE ASI, MAZHER IQBAL, JINAP SELAMAT, SHAHZAD ZAFAR IQBAL Analysis of nutritional traits and comparison of aflatoxins contamination in selected maize varieties from Pakistan Journal of Food Protection 260-264 2017 1 1.609
35 SHAHZAD ZAFAR IQBAL, MUHAMMAD RAFIQUE ASI, NOEEN MALIK The seasonal variation of aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products and assessment of dietary intake in Punjab, Pakistan Food CONTROL 238-242 2017 2 3.496
36 IQBAL, S.Z., ASI, M.R., MAHMOOD, Z., MUMTAZ, A., MALIK, N. Survey of aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in retail market chilies and chili sauce samples Food Control 218-223 2017 1 3.496
37 JINAP, S., IQBAL, S.Z., TALIB, N.H., HASNOL, N.D.S. Heterocyclic aromatic amines in deep fried beef: The influence of spices marination and sensory quality Journal of Food Science and Technology 1411-1417 2016 53 1.241
38 IQBAL, S.Z., ASI, M.R., ZIA, K.M., JINAP, S. & MALIK, N. A limited survey of aflatoxins and zearalenone in feed and feed ingredients from Pakistan Journal of Food Protection 1798-1801 2016 79 1.609
39 IQBAL, S.Z., ASI, M.R., HANIF, U., ZUBER, M. ; JINAP, S. Rice products and the presence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A and evaluation of dietary intake Food Chemistry 135-140 2016 210 6.285
40 MASOOD, M., IQBAL, S.Z.*, ASI, M.R. & MALIK, N. Natural occurrence of aflatoxins in dry fruits and edible nuts Food Control 62-65 2015 55 3.388
41 IQBAL, S.Z., JINAP, S., PIROUZ, A.A. & RAZIS, A.F.A. Aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products; occurrence and recent challenges; a review. Trends in Food Science and Technology 110-119 2015 46 11.28
42 JINAP, S., IQBAL, S.Z. & SELVAM, R.M.P. Effect of selected local spices marinades on the reduction of heterocyclic amines in grilled beef (satay). LWT- Food Science and Technology 919-926 2015 63 2.711
Professional Journey
SR. POST HELD INSTITUTE / ORGANIZATION DURATION EXPERIENCE (Y/M/D)
1 Assistant Professor (TTS) Department of Applied Chemistry & Biochemistry, GCUF 2015 - 2022 7/0/25
2 Visiting Fellow Rutgers State University New Jersey 2017 - 2017 0/1/18
3 Senior Post Doctoral Fellow Food Safety Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2013 - 2015 2/9/20
4 Assistant Professor Department of Applied Chemistry, GCUF 2011 - 2013 1/6/9
5 Visiting Fellow Department of Food Science, Cornell University, New York, USA 2010 - 2010 0/6/18
International Exposure
SR. COUNTRY FUNDING AGENCY DURATION (Y/M/D) PURPOSE
1 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) Higher Education Commission, Pakistan 0/6/3 Visiting Fellow in Department of Food Science, Cornell University NY USA
2 GERMANY Personal 0/0/22 Visit in Technical University of Munchin
3 MALAYSIA Universiti Putra Malaysia 2/10/13 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Food Safety Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia
4 GERMANY Personal 0/0/25 Visits of University of Tubengin, Germany
5 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) Private Visit 0/1/18 Research Collaboration in Rutgers State University New Jersey, USA
Professional qualifications & traninings
SR. INSTITUTE CERTIFICATE YEAR MAJOR SUBJECT
1 Hospitality Inn, Lahore, Pakistan. MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE, PAKISTAN 2017 - 2017 persistent organic pollutants
2 Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan ANDRAGOGICAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION PAKISTAN 2016 - 2016 Andragogical & communication skills
Research Projects
SR. PROJECT TITLE PROJECT DETAIL ABSTRACT FUNDING AGENCY
1
Traceability of patulin in different fruits, juices, characterization of patulin producing fungi and application of different mitigation techniques
NRPU-8025
Patulin (PAT) is toxic naturally occurring compound which is produced by fungi Penicillium expansum (P. leucopus), P. patulum (P. urticae, P. griseofulvum), P. crustosum, and A. clavatus, however most common fungus is Penicillium expansum. The PAT producing fungi can contaminate various fruits and vegetables including apples, plums, peaches, pears, grapes, tomato etc. and their juices. The studies have shown that PAT could induce acute symptoms like agitation, convulsions, ulceration, edema, intestinal inflammation and vomiting, and could cause chronic neurotoxic, genotoxic, immunotoxic, and teratogenic effects in rodents. It can attack the fruits during pre-harvest postharvest stage. The first objective of the project is to find where the problem start i.e. from farm to production, processing, in finished products during storage.
Higher Education Commission
2
Mechanistic study of hetrocyclic aromatic amines carcinogens formation and Amadori-reaction products in meat
NRPU 5574
The formations of heterocyclic aromatic amine and poly aromatic hydrocarbons in meat during cooking are toxic and carcinogenic to human. These toxic substances are produced at high temperature during cooking of meat i.e. during grilling, steaming, roasting. In proposed project, the study will be carried out to investigate how amino acids are influenced from high temperature and what is the mechanism of Amadori byproducts formations. The effect of variation in cooking temperatures and cooking methods on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The results will be analyzed by using invitro cooking of meat.
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