Alaa A. Alaswad¹

Dr. Alaa A. Alaswad¹


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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12 January 2024 in Catalysts
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
HAHalimah A. Alsabi
Halimah A. Alsabi
MSManal E. Shafi
Manal E. Shafi
SASuad Almasoudi
Suad Almasoudi
FMFaten A. M. Mufti
Faten A. M. Mufti
SASafaa A. Alowaidi
Safaa A. Alowaidi
AAAlaa A. Alaswad¹
Alaa A. Alaswad¹
This study introduces an innovative approach to sustainable biodiesel production using mussel shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) as a catalyst for converting Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel. By repurposing waste mussel shells, the research aims to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for environmentally responsible biodiesel production, aligning with global standards. The study involves characterizing the catalyst, optimizing reaction conditions, and achieving a remarkable 99.36% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) yield, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more economically viable energy sources. Biodiesel, recognized for its lower emissions, is produced through transesterification using mussel shell-derived CaO as a sustainable catalyst. This research contributes to cleaner and economically viable energy sources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions and responsible catalytic processes. This research bridges the gap between waste management, catalyst development, and sustainable energy production, contributing to the ongoing global shift towards cleaner and more economically viable energy sources.

8 April 2024 in Inorganics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSManal E. Shafi
Manal E. Shafi
HAHalimah A. Alsabi
Halimah A. Alsabi
SASuad Almasoudi
Suad Almasoudi
FMFaten A. M. Mufti
Faten A. M. Mufti
SASafaa A. Alowaidi
Safaa A. Alowaidi
AAAlaa A. Alaswad¹
Alaa A. Alaswad¹
Biodiesel represents a promising solution for sustainable energy needs, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. In this research, we investigate the use of a catalyst derived from mussel shells to facilitate biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil. Our findings from X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis emphasize the importance of carefully selecting calcination temperatures for mussel shell-based catalysts, with 1100 °C identified as optimal for maximizing CaO content. We identify a reaction time of 6 h as potentially optimal, with a reaction temperature of approximately 110 °C yielding the desired methyl ester composition. Notably, a methanol-to-oil ratio of 18:1 is the most favorable condition, and the optimal methyl ester composition is achieved at a calcined catalyst temperature of 900 °C. We also assess the stability of the catalyst, demonstrating its potential for reuse up to five times. Additionally, a thorough analysis of J. curcas Methyl Ester (JCME) biodiesel properties confirmed compliance with industry standards, with variations attributed to the unique characteristics of JCME. Comparing homogeneous (NaOH) and heterogeneous (CaO) catalysts highlights the potential of environmentally sourced heterogeneous catalysts to replace their homogeneous counterparts while maintaining efficiency. Our study presents a novel approach to sustainable biodiesel production, outlining optimal conditions and catalyst stability and highlighting additional benefits compared with NaOH catalysts. Therefore, utilizing mussel shell waste for catalyst synthesis can efficiently eliminate waste and produce cost-effective catalysts.

17 November 2025 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AAAlaa A. Alaswad¹
Alaa A. Alaswad¹
Salinity and drought are major ecological stresses that threaten the growth, appearance, and market value of ornamental plants. Transcriptomic studies have revealed the molecular basis of these responses, identifying pathways such as abscisic acid signaling, ion regulation, osmolyte accumulation, aquaporin-mediated water transport, antioxidant defense, and wax biosynthesis. Key transcription factor families (DREB/CBF, NAC, MYB, bZIP, WRKY, ERF) emerge as central regulators, acting alongside post-transcriptional and epitranscriptomic layers including alternative splicing, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and m 6 A RNA modifications. Comparative analyses across roses , chrysanthemums , petunias , irises , and orchids reveal both conserved regulatory themes and species-specific adaptations, highlighting resilience mechanisms unique to ornamentals. This review synthesizes these insights and emphasizes their translational potential, particularly through marker-assisted selection and genome editing, to accelerate the breeding of ornamental varieties adapted to climate change.