Jean Claude Assaf

Dr. Jean Claude Assaf

Department of Chemical Engineering, Lebanese University (UL), Saint Joseph University (USJ) and University of Balamand (UOB), Lebanon
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 May 2019 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Jean Claude AssafJean Claude Assaf
Jean Claude Assaf
SNSahar Nahle
Sahar Nahle
ACAli Chokr
Ali Chokr
Nicolas LOUKANicolas LOUKA
Nicolas LOUKA
AAAli Atoui
Ali Atoui
Andre EL KHOURYAndre EL KHOURY
Andre EL KHOURY
Aflatoxins (AF) are carcinogenic metabolites produced by different species of Aspergillus which readily colonize crops. AFM1 is secreted in the milk of lactating mammals through the ingestion of feedstuffs contaminated by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Therefore, its presence in milk, even in small amounts, presents a real concern for dairy industries and consumers of dairy products. Different strategies can lead to the reduction of AFM1 contamination levels in milk. They include adopting good agricultural practices, decreasing the AFB1 contamination of animal feeds, or using diverse types of adsorbent materials. One of the most effective types of adsorbents used for AFM1 decontamination are those of microbial origin. This review discusses current issues about AFM1 decontamination methods. These methods are based on the use of different bio-adsorbent agents such as bacteria and yeasts to complex AFM1 in milk. Moreover, this review answers some of the raised concerns about the binding stability of the formed AFM1-microbial complex. Thus, the efficiency of the decontamination methods was addressed, and plausible experimental variants were discussed.

28 January 2019 in International Journal of Dairy Technology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
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Jean Claude AssafJean Claude Assaf
Jean Claude Assaf
Andre EL KHOURYAndre EL KHOURY
Andre EL KHOURY
ACAli Chokr
Ali Chokr
Nicolas LOUKANicolas LOUKA
Nicolas LOUKA
AAAli Atoui
Ali Atoui

15 May 2024 in Processes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Jean Claude AssafJean Claude Assaf
Jean Claude Assaf
ZMZeinab Hatem Mortada
Zeinab Hatem Mortada
SRSid-Ahmed REZZOUG
Sid-Ahmed REZZOUG
ZRZoulikha Rezzoug
Zoulikha Rezzoug
Espérance DebsEspérance Debs
Espérance Debs
Nicolas LOUKANicolas LOUKA
Nicolas LOUKA
In the contemporary era, conventional energy sources like oil, coal, and natural gas overwhelmingly contribute 89.6% to global CO2 emissions, intensifying environmental challenges. Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate concerns, a pivotal shift towards renewable energy, encompassing solar, wind, and biofuels, is crucial for bolstering environmental sustainability. Bioethanol, a globally predominant biofuel, offers a versatile solution, replacing gasoline or integrating into gasoline–ethanol blends while serving as a fundamental building block for various valuable compounds. This review investigates the dynamic landscape of biomass generations, drawing insightful comparisons between the first, second, third, and fourth generations. Amid the drive for sustainability, the deliberate focus on the initial generation of biomass, particularly corn, in bioethanol production is grounded in the current dependence on edible crops. The established utilization of first-generation biomass, exemplified by corn, underscores the necessity for a comprehensive examination of its advantages and challenges, allowing for a nuanced exploration of existing infrastructure and practices. To produce bioethanol from corn feedstock, various milling methods can be employed. Thus, this paper delves into a comparative assessment of dry-milling and wet-milling processes scrutinizing their efficiency, environmental impact, and economic feasibility.

8 December 2025 in Microorganisms
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PHPamela Pascal Hindieh
Pamela Pascal Hindieh
JYJoseph Yaghi
Joseph Yaghi
Jean Claude AssafJean Claude Assaf
Jean Claude Assaf
ACAli Chokr
Ali Chokr
AAAli Atoui
Ali Atoui
Andre EL KHOURYAndre EL KHOURY
Andre EL KHOURY
Bacterial biofilms pose significant challenges in clinical, industrial, and environmental settings due to their inherent resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune responses. Encased within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, these structured microbial communities demonstrate exceptional resilience, resisting conventional antimicrobial treatments and adapting to, as well as recovering from, environmental and therapeutic stresses, necessitating the development of novel anti-biofilm strategies. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of biofilm formation, resistance mechanisms, and current and emerging approaches for controlling biofilms, with a primary focus on advancements made over the last decade. Chemical, physical, and biological strategies, including enzymatic degradation, natural compounds, chelating agents, nanoparticles, photodynamic therapy, and probiotics, have demonstrated promising antibiofilm activity. Additionally, combination therapies and targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as viable solutions to enhance the eradication of biofilms. Despite these advancements, challenges such as cytotoxicity, bacterial adaptation, and clinical applicability remain. Addressing these hurdles requires interdisciplinary research to refine existing strategies and develop innovative solutions for effective biofilm management.

2 June 2018 in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Jean Claude AssafJean Claude Assaf
Jean Claude Assaf
Andre EL KHOURYAndre EL KHOURY
Andre EL KHOURY
AAAli Atoui
Ali Atoui
Nicolas LOUKANicolas LOUKA
Nicolas LOUKA
ACAli Chokr
Ali Chokr

29 November 2023 in Separations
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Espérance DebsEspérance Debs
Espérance Debs
AKanna maria abi khattar
anna maria abi khattar
HRHiba N. Rajha
Hiba N. Rajha
RARoula Abdel-Massih
Roula Abdel-Massih
Jean Claude AssafJean Claude Assaf
Jean Claude Assaf
Nicolas LOUKANicolas LOUKA
Nicolas LOUKA
Olive leaves are naturally generated as a by-product during olive harvesting and olive oil production. Usually discarded with no specific use, they are a valuable source of bioactive compounds that should not be overlooked. Their valorization must therefore be achieved through the recovery of their polyphenols using an ecological strategy. Conventional extraction is commonly known as an energy- and solvent-consuming process, whereas emerging and innovative extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed-electric-field-assisted extraction (PEF), high-voltage-electric-discharge-assisted extraction (HVED), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), infrared-assisted extraction (IAE), and “Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum” (IVDV), are considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the valorization of olive leaves through both pretreatment and extraction techniques via an analysis of the recovered polyphenols and their potential applications.