LSST Elephant and Castle Academic Celebrates US Patent for Sustainable Dermatological Biotechnology Innovation
By Haider Abbas | Article Date: 22 January 2026
Dr Yasmin Mirza, Course Coordinator (DMU) and Lecturer in Health at LSST Elephant & Castle. Photo: LSST.
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: xx January 2026
LSST is delighted to celebrate a landmark achievement in global scientific innovation, as Dr Yasmin Mirza, Course Coordinator (DMU) and Lecturer in Health at LSST Elephant & Castle, is officially listed as an inventor on a granted United States patent, awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The patent (awarded on 20 December 2025) recognises a new and sustainable way of producing an ingredient that helps combat Malassezia, a yeast linked to common skin and scalp conditions. The process is safe for use on human skin and has potential applications in dermatology and scalp health products. At its heart, the patented innovation shows how scientific research can be turned into practical solutions that support both human health and environmental sustainability.
From Waste to Innovation
Titled Process for the preparation of anti-Malassezia powder (US12,508,216B2), the patented process introduces a pioneering approach to producing bioactive compounds using industrial waste-based growth media.
By using such industrial waste materials as part of the production process, the method reduces environmental waste while creating an effective ingredient for use in skin and personal care products.
Malassezia species are widely recognised for their association with common scalp and skin conditions, including dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis (a common condition that causes dandruff-like flaking and irritation). Hence, the development of a sustainable, skin-compatible anti-Malassezia ingredient represents a strong advance in both public health innovation and green biotechnology.
Dr Mirza emphasised the collaborative ethos underpinning the work: “Beyond the science, this achievement represents what is possible when sustainability, microbiology, and translational research come together to address real-world health challenges. I am deeply grateful to my team, collaborators, and the organisation for their continued support, and I look forward to seeing how this work translates into meaningful impact.”
Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s CEO, said: “This US patent is a powerful endorsement of LSST’s commitment to applied research with purpose. We are proud to uphold work that advances both sustainability and human health.”
Charlie Tennant, LSST’s Vice Principal, said: “This achievement exemplifies the calibre of research and innovation we champion at LSST. Dr Mirza’s work demonstrates how sustainability-driven science can deliver genuine global impact.”
Syed Rizvi, Academic Dean of LSST Elephant and Castle and LSST Stratford and Dean of Learning and Teaching, added: “Dr Mirza’s success is another compelling example of LSST’s research excellence translating into real-world solutions. It is exactly the kind of impact-led innovation we strive to cultivate at LSST.”
Eniana Gobuzi, Associate Dean at LSST Elephant and Castle, said: “Dr Mirza’s work exemplifies innovation with integrity as it transforms scientific insight into tangible benefits for both human health and the environment. We are immensely proud to support and celebrate her success.”
A Multidisciplinary Effort
The work was developed at Praj Industries Limited, a global leader in industrial biotechnology and sustainable engineering solutions. Dr Mirza led a multidisciplinary team of PhD researchers whose collective expertise spanned microbiology, process development and applied industrial research.
Women in STEM
This achievement holds particular significance within the context of women’s leadership in STEM, demonstrating how scientific excellence, strategic vision, and sustainability-driven innovation can converge under inclusive leadership.
It stands as a powerful example for aspiring researchers – especially women pursuing careers in biotechnology and applied science – that confidence, capability, and collaboration are cultivated through practice, perseverance, and purpose.
LSST’s Global Academic Impact and Future Research
LSST is proud to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of its academic community on the global stage. This US patent exemplifies LSST’s commitment to research-informed practice and innovation, with values that continue to define LSST’s contributions to education, enterprise and societal advancement.
As this patented technology progresses toward real-world application, it offers a compelling illustration of how sustainable science can deliver both commercial viability and public benefit, reinforcing the vital role of applied research in shaping healthier and more sustainable futures.
Although antifungal antibiotics like ketoconazole, used in anti-dandruff shampoos, help cure the infection, it relapses when the usage is stopped. Other popular antifungal agents used in anti-dandruff shampoos are synthetic petrochemicals. There are reports of side effects caused by the use of these agents, such as burning and redness of the skin where they are applied. Herbal anti-dandruff agents are also available. But these have the drawback of seasonal variation, limitation on availability and they only exhibit fungistatic effects.
The patent illustrates that Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are promising novel drugs to combat fungal diseases. They have the potential to replace the use of antibiotics to treat fungal infections in humans. Thus, they are useful in combating the global issue of antimicrobial resistance and Dr Mirza and her team will soon be researching these areas.
For additional information or interviews, please direct questions to LSST’s Public Relations Manager and Editor of LSST Life via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
We hope you enjoyed reading LSST News. Join our vibrant academic community and explore endless opportunities for growth and learning at www.lsst.ac/courses or via admissions@lsst.ac. Discover your path at LSST and embark on a transformative educational journey today. Think Higher. Think LSST.