Md. Mainul Hossain, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
School of Health & Life Sciences
North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
Email: mainul.hossain01@northsouth.edu
Fax: +880-2-55668202
Biography:
Dr. Md. Mainul Hossain joined North South University (NSU) in May 2015 and currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. He earned his Ph.D. in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry from the University of Montana, Missoula, USA, under the supervision of Professor Garon C. Smith. His dissertation focused on the mathematical modeling and experimental confirmation of aqueous equilibrium chemistry, specifically using three-dimensional trend surfaces (TOPOS).
Dr. Hossain has over 18 years of combined experience at NSU and the University of Montana, specializing in analytical and environmental chemistry, particularly aqueous equilibrium modeling, computational chemistry, and the development of educational software tools. His expertise includes designing Visual Basic programs embedded in Excel worksheets, conducting thermal desorption/GC/MS analysis of organic air pollutants, and operating advanced potentiometric measurements under strictly controlled conditions.
Teaching Interests:
- General Chemistry
- General Organic and Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Research Interests:
Dr. Hossain’s research encompasses mathematical modeling of aqueous equilibria, environmental pollutant analysis, computational and visual methods for chemical education, and the microbiological assessment of pathogens in clinical and biotecnological applications of environmental samples.
Professional Experience:
- Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, NSU (2022-Present)
- Research Coordinator, School of Health & Life Sciences, NSU (2021-Present)
- Associate Professor, NSU (2019-Present)
- Assistant Professor, NSU (2015-2019)
- Member, Air Quality Advisory Council, Missoula, Montana, USA (2012-2014)
Publications:
Dr. Hossain has published numerous research articles in high-impact journals, including ACS Omega, Journal of Chemical Education, Microbiology Resource Announcements, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, and Groundwater for Sustainable Development. His works frequently involve interdisciplinary collaborations and address both fundamental chemical processes and practical environmental applications.
Grants and Fellowships:
- Special Allocation for Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh (2022-2025)
- North South University Research Grant (2016-2025)
- R&D Grants, Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh (2018-2022)
Memberships:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Bangladesh Chemical Society (BCS)
Selected Publications:
- Khan F, Saha K, Rahaman MM, Sadique A, Murshid M, Alam J, Shams F, Hossain MM, Rumman K, Hossain M. 0. Draft genome sequence of Proteus sp. strain NGCRVN-01, isolated from a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Microbiol Resour Announc 0:e00175-25.https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00175-25
- Rahaman MM, Sadique A, Rahman A, Khan F, Sharmin A, Hossain MM, Alam M, Hossain M. 2025. Draft genome sequence of XDR Aeromonas caviaestrain NGCRVN-08 isolated from diarrheal patient in Bangladesh. Microbiol Resour Announc 14:e01261-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01261-24
- Rahaman MM, Sadique A, Alam J, Khan F, Sharmin A, Hossain MM, Alam M, Hossain M. 2025. Draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosastrain maqsudiensis isolated from cattle swab in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Microbiol Resour Announc 14:e01190-24.https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01190-24
- Rahaman MM, Akter S, Asrafie S, U ZZ, Rafsan R, Sadique A, Alam J, Rahman MM, Ahmed O, Shams F, Sharmin A, Hossain MM, Hossain M. 0. Draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosastrain NGMBE-25A isolated from fecal samples of migratory birds at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. Microbiol Resour Announc 0:e01160-24.https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01160-24
- Masum MIK, Rahi MH, Jahan R, Shahel F, Hasanat H, Jime JS, Bulbul N, Fakruddin M, Hossain MM, Hossain M, Sadique A, Safa A. Draft Genome Sequence of Kurthia Strain ISK08 Isolated from Shrimp in Bangladesh. Microbiol Resour Announc 14:e01337-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01337-24
- Bushra Zaman, Irona Mostafa, Tazree Hassan, Shamim Ahmed, Nusrat Jahan Ikbal Esha, Fowzia Afsana Chowdhury, Tory Bosu, Humayra Noor Chowdhury, Anup Mallick, MM Shanjid Islam, Ayesha Sharmin, Kabir M. Uddin, Md. Mainul Hossain, Mahbubur Rahman,Tolperisone hydrochloride improves motor functions in Parkinson’s disease via MMP-9 inhibition and by downregulating p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling cascade,Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 174,2024,116438,ISSN 0753-3322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116438
- Suha, H.N., Hossain, M.S., Rahman, S., Alodhayb, A., Hossain, M.M., Kawsar, S.M., Poirier, R. and Uddin, K.M. In Silico Discovery and Predictive Modeling of Novel Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Treatment. Medicinal Chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates)). 2024 May. DOI: 10.2174/01157340643041002 4051111 26 19
- Hossain, M. S., Al Abbad, S. S., Alsunaidi, Z. H., Rahman, S., Alodhayb, A. N., Hossain, M. M. & Uddin, K. M. Evaluation of novel pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH) derivatives as potential anti‐tuberculosis agents: An in-silico investigation. International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 2024,124(9), e27381. https://doi.org/10.1002/qua.27381.
- Rahman A, Akter S, Sadique A, Alam J, Asrafie S, Tabassum A, Hossain SA, Rahman MM, Billah MB, Huq TS, Uddin KM, Rahman MM, Sharmin A, Hossain MM, Alam SMD, Hossain M. 0. Whole genome sequence of denitrifying bacterium Stutzerimonas stutzeri strain NGHE31, collected from an eutrophic wetland in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, following the 2017 flash floods. Microbiol Resour Announc 0:e00001-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00001-24.
- Rahman, M; Omar F., M; Waliul I., M; Akter, M; Saha, Joyanta K.; Ahmed, N; Sharmin, A.; Azizul H., M; Afroze, M; Khan, M.; Akhtar U., Umme, and Hossain, Md Mainul., 2023, Comparison of the Effect of Kaolin and Bentonite Clay (Raw, Acid-Treated, and Metal-Impregnated) on the Pyrolysis of Waste Tire, ACS Omega 2024 9 (1), 474-485. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c05951.
- Sharmin, M. Hai, M.M. Hossain, M.M. Rahman, M.B. Billah, S. Islam, M. Jakariya, and G.C. Smith, 2020, Reducing Excess Phosphorus in Agricultural Runoff with Low-Cost, Locally Available Materials to Prevent Toxic Eutrophication in Hoar Areas of Bangladesh, Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 10, 100348, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100348.
- Afrida Binth Iqbal, Mohammad Moshiur Rahman, Dhiman Ranjan Mondal, Nadim Reza Khandaker, Haniyum Maria Khan, Gias Uddin Ahsan, Md. Jakariya, Md. Mainul Hossain, “Assessment of Bangladesh groundwater for drinking and irrigation using weighted overlay analysis” Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 2020, 10, 100312. ISSN 2352-801X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2019.100312.
- Mahmudur Rahman, Bidhan Chandra Paul, Ayesha Sharmin, Mohammad Lokman Hossain, Subrata Chandra Roy, Mala Khan, Md Juwel Hosen, Md Mainul Hossain, “Analysis of Fatty Acid Composition in Chicken Fast Foods of Dhaka City” Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences,2019, 43(1), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v43i1.42232
- G. C. Smith, M.M Hossain and D.D. Barry, 2018, 3-D Topo Surface Visualization of Metal Anti-Buffering: An Unexpected Behavior in Complexometric Titrations, J. Chem. Educ., 95(12), 2182-2190. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00292
- G. C. Smith and M.M. Hossain, 2017, Visualization of Metal Ion Buffering via Three-Dimensional Topographic Surfaces (TOPOS) of Complexometric Titrations, J. Chem. Educ., 94(12), 1911–1917. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00411
- G. C. Smith and M.M. Hossain, 2017,3-D Topo Surface Visualization of Acid-Base Species Distributions: Corner Buttes, Corner Pits, Curving Ridge Crests and Dilution Plains, J. Chem. Educ., 94(5), 598-605. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00682
- Rahman, M., Rana, M., Nasreen, Z., Hossain, M. M., & Sharmin, A. (2018). Treatment of Reactive Dye Containing Textile Wastewater using Microwave Assisted Synthesized Poly (Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride). Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, 41(2), 165-174. https://doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v41i2.35495
- G. C. Smith and M.M. Hossain, 2015, Visualization of Buffer Capacity with 3-D Topo Surfaces: Buffer Ridges, Equivalence Point Canyons and Dilution Ramps. Submitted to J. Chem Educ. 93(1), 122–130. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5b00439
- G. C. Smith, M.M. Hossain, P. MacCarthy, 2014, 3-D Surface Visualization of pH Titration “Topos”: Equivalence Point Cliffs, Dilution Ramps and Buffer Plateaus, J. Chem Educ.,91(2): 225-231. Also http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ed400297t
- G. C. Smith, M.M. Hossain, P. MacCarthy, 2012, Why Batteries Deliver a Fairly Constant Voltage until Dead, J Chem Educ, 89(11): 1416-1420. Also http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ed200211s.
Awards and Recognitions During Ph.D. at UM
While pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Montana, Dr. Hossain’s known recognitions were primarily related to his research and professional involvement, as no specific university scholarships or fellowships were recorded for that period. He actively presented his research at conferences and earned a measure of distinction through those activities. For example, he was invited to present his work in Sci-Mix sessions at national American Chemical Society meetings – a privilege usually reserved for top-rated abstracts. In one instance, he gave a poster presentation on his “Metal Anti-Buffering” research that was selected for the Sci-Mix poster session at the 244th ACS National Meeting in 2012. (Being part of the Sci-Mix indicates his research presentation was judged highly by the ACS division, effectively a form of professional recognition.) Similarly, he co-presented work on visualizing electrochemical concepts which was featured at an ACS conference Sci-Mix in 2011. These invitations highlight that his research was well-received in the broader chemistry community during his Ph.D. years.
Within the University of Montana, Hossain also gained a form of professional recognition through service: from 2012 to 2014 he served as a member of the Missoula City-County Air Quality Advisory Council (AQAC). This council is a volunteer panel of experts, industry professionals, and citizens that advises the local Air Pollution Control Board on air quality regulations. Hossain’s appointment to the AQAC for an 18-month term while he was a graduate student speaks to his expertise in environmental chemistry and his commitment to community service. It wasn’t an academic award per se, but it was a notable honor and responsibility he undertook during his Ph.D. studies, allowing him to apply his scientific knowledge to real-world environmental issues.
Ph.D. in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry (2014)
University of Montana, Missoula, USA
Dissertation: "Modeling of Aqueous Equilibria: Three-Dimensional Trend Surfaces (TOPOS)"
Advisor: Prof. Garon C. Smith
Master of Science in Chemistry (2000)
Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (1999)
Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Teaching experience
Current Position
Associate Professor & Chair (2022 - present), Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology
North South University
Bashundhara, Dhaka
Teaching Experiences: More 10 years of teaching experinece taeching at North South university. Prior th that six and half years’ experience as a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Montana, Missoula, USA. During graduate study I had the opportunity to teach General Chemistry (I and II), Organic Chemistry, General Organic and Biochemistry. The General Chemistry I & II were delivered using the peer-led team learning approach (PLTL).
Research Experiences: 18 years of mathematical modeling and experimental confirmation of aqueous equilibrium chemistry at the University of Montana, Missoula. Design and implementation of Visual Basic programs embedded in Excel worksheets. 3-Dimensional surface plots in wire-frame and contour map presentations. Design and operation of pH-statted, CO2-free, thermostatted potentiometric measurements (ion-selective electrodes) at fixed ionic strength. Thermal desorption/GCMS analysis of organic air pollutants captured in sorption traps and on SPME fibers.
One and half a years as a research chemist at Exonics Technology Center, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh under the supervision of Dr. Alauddin from the Department of Chemistry, Wagner College, New York, USA. Primary responsibility was to analyze water samples from arsenic contaminated areas of Bangladesh by atomic absorption spectrometry and ion chromatography. These projects were mostly funded by WHO, UNICEF and CDC (Atlanta). We investigated the health effects resulting from drinking of arsenic-contaminated water in various areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India in collaboration with Dipankar Chakraborty of Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
One year experience as a synthetic inorganic chemist in the field of cluster chemistry with the inorganic research laboratory of Prof. Shariff Kabir, Jahangirnagar University.
- Designing customized low cost reaction set ups and conducting research in environmental and physical research labs
- Problem solving, analytical skills and strong communication skills
- Synthesizing novel organometallic mononuclear and cluster compounds
- Sample analysis with ion selective electrodes (ISEs), AAS, GC/MS, ion chromatography, HPLC, hydrogen-generated atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (HG-AFS) and associated software for data processing.
Research Chemist
Exonics Technology Center
Wagner College, New York & Dhaka
General Chemistry (CHE101)
General Chemistry Lab Component (CHE101L)
Biophysical Chemistry (CHE201)
Professional Activites
- 18 months as a member of AQAC (Air Quality Advisory Council) of Missoula City County Air Pollution Control Board, Missoula, Montana, USA. The AQAC is a volunteer council of technical experts, business and industry professionals and citizens-at-large, providing consultation to the Air Pollution Control Board for the purpose of implementing new regulations and policy for improving air quality.
- 18 months as a research chemist at Exonics Technology Center, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh & Wagner College, New York, USA.
Memberships
- American Chemical Society (2010 - present)
- Bangaldesh Chemical Society (Life member)
Research Interests:
Dr. Hossain’s research interests include mathematical modeling and experimental validation of aqueous equilibrium chemistry, environmental analysis of organic pollutants using advanced instrumental techniques such as thermal desorption coupled with GC/MS, and the development of computational tools for chemical education and visualization. He is also interested in microbiological assessments, biotechnology applications, pathogen identification, and genome analysis from clinical and environmental samples.