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Dalia Attia

Job: Senior Lecturer

School/department: Leicester School of Pharmacy

Address: ºÚÁÏÍø, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH

T: N/A

E: dalia.attia@dmu.ac.uk

 

Personal profile

I am a Senior Lecturer in Cosmetic Science at the Leicester School of Pharmacy, ºÚÁÏÍø, UK, joining with the launch of the new Master’s Programme in Cosmetic Science. Holding a PhD in Pharmaceutics, I bring over 20 years of academic and research expertise in pharmaceutics, nanomedicine, and cosmetic formulation.
My research focuses on smart drug delivery systems, cosmetic product innovation, and bio-inspired nanomaterials. I have authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and contributed to several academic books, in addition to holding multiple patent applications for novel pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
I supervise MSc, PhD, and final-year undergraduate research projects; design advanced laboratory modules; and integrate industry engagement into academic programs. My work has been recognized with awards such as First Place Poster Prizes at international conferences and institutional honors for high-impact research.
My passion lies in bridging scientific research with practical applications, fostering collaborations between academia and industry, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Through my work, I aim to contribute to global advancements in cosmetic science, healthcare, and personal care product innovation.

Research group affiliations

Institute of Health and Social Care

Publications and outputs

Author of 30+ peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact journals, including Scientific Reports, ACS Omega, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Nanomedicine, and Drug Delivery.


Key publications

  • Hashem, M.M., Attia, D., Hashem, Y.A., et al. Rosemary and neem: an insight into their combined anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss efficacy. Sci Rep 14, 7780 (2024).
  • Yehia, R. M., Lamie, C., & Attia, D. A. Microsponges-mediated targeted topical delivery of rosemary oil for hair growth promotion: optimization and in vivo studies. Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, 29(6), 604–617. (2024)
  • Yehia R.M., Teaima M.H., Ragaie M.H., Elmazar M.M., Attia D.A., El-Nabarawi M.A. (2024). Resolving acne with optimized adapalene microspongeal gel. Scientific Reports, 14(1).
  • Moussa Y.A., Teaima M.H., Elmazar M.M., Attia D.A., El-Nabarawi M.A. (2023). Unroasted green coffee extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for enhancing intestinal permeation. ACS Omega, 8(23).
  • Badawi N.M., Yehia R.M., Lamie C., Abdelrahman K.A., Attia D.A., Helal D.A. (2023). Tackling acne vulgaris by tazarotene-loaded microemulsion. International Journal of Pharmaceutics: X, 5.

Book publications include

  • Advanced Nanocarriers as Targeted Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy (2016)
  • Repaglinide Fast Dissolving Tablet: In vitro & In vivo studies (2016)
  • Metronidazole Controlled Release Delivery Systems (2014)

Research interests/expertise

  • Cosmetic science product innovation
  • Advanced pharmaceutics and nanomedicine
  • Smart drug delivery systems
  • Bio-inspired nanomaterials

Areas of teaching

  • MSc Cosmetic Science (Founder and Module Lead)
  • Undergraduate pharmaceutics modules
  • Drug delivery systems
  • Nanotechnology in pharmacy
  • Research methodology

Qualifications

  • PhD in Pharmaceutics, 2005, Al-Azhar University, Egypt – Thesis: Biopharmaceutical Studies on Certain Drug(s) in Controlled Release Delivery Systems
  • MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2002, Al-Azhar University, Egypt – Thesis: Design and Evaluation of Colonic Drug Delivery Systems
  • BPharm, 1994, Cairo University, Egypt – V. Good with Honour
  • Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK, 2024

Courses taught

  • MSc Cosmetic Science modules at ºÚÁÏÍø
  • Pharmaceutics: Solid, Semisolid, and Liquid Dosage Forms
  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Research Methodology

Honours and awards

  • First Place Poster Prize, Biomaterials Science 10-year Anniversary Symposium, London, 2023
  • First Place Poster Prize, 2nd International Conference on Nanotechnology, Cairo, 2022
  • Scopus Author Reward, BUE (2017–2021)
  • Best Graduation Project Award, BUE, 2020
  • High Impact Researcher Award, BUE, 2018
  • Tenure Professorship, BUE, 2018

Membership of external committees

  • Faculty Exam Officer (2016-2023, BUE-Egypt)
  • Faculty Quality Assurance Council – Committee Member (2016-2024, BUE-Egypt)
  • Students and Graduates Committee in Quality Assurance Unit – Chair (2016-2024, BUE-Egypt)
  • Faculty Council – Committee Member (2013-2024, BUE-Egypt)
  • Module Examination Board Committee – Member (2013-2024, BUE-Egypt)
  • Faculty Academic Misconduct Committee – Member (2013-2018, BUE-Egypt)
  • IP Committee – Member (2013-2018, BUE-Egypt)
  • Preparatory year Coordinator (2013-2024, BUE-Egypt)

Membership of professional associations and societies

Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate
Start Date: 09/1994
Expiry Date: 01/2026
Registration Number: 33222

Professional licences and certificates

Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK

Projects

  • Vitamin D untraditional dosage forms for children: formulation and optimization – Academic Scientific Research, Egypt (Project Co-lead, 2020–2022)
  • Integrating Business and Marketing in Pharmacy Cosmeceutical Project – UK–Egypt TNE Grants (Project Co-lead, 2024, not awarded)

Conference attendance

  • Symposium on ‘Leading the Change to Block’ at ºÚÁÏÍø on 30th June, 2025.
  • Poster presentation entitled, ‘Aspasomal Nanocarriers: Unlocking the Potential of Repurposed Itraconazole for Skin Cancer Therapy—A Promising Anticancer Cream’ at the "Biomaterials Science 10-Year Anniversary Symposium," November first, 2023, London, United Kingdom.
  • Poster presentation entitled, "Rosemary Oil Microspongeal Gel for Hair Revival" at the 11th International Scientific of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, May 14-15, 2023, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Poster presentation entitled, "Combatting type II diabetes employing biodegradable transdermal microneedles," 2nd International Conference on Nanotechnology: Theory and Applications, December 19-21, 2022, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Poster presentation entitled, "Acne Nightmare: How Could Micro-emulsion Fix It?" 5th International Pharma Conference, November 2-3, 2022, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Oral presentation on the title “Acne Nightmare: How Could Micro-Emulsion Fix It?” In vitro, in vivo study” 39th International Conference on Advanced Nanotechnology & Nanoelectronics held on August 29, 2022 (Hybrid).
  • Poster presentation entitled, Enhanced allicin cytotoxicity on HEPG-2 cells using glycerretinic acid surface-decorated gelatin nanoparticles. 2nd Ein Shams International Conference, 2019, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Keynote speaker at the World Congress and Expo on Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, 2018, London, UK.

Consultancy work

  • Area of expertise: Cosmetic products innovation and different dosage form design
  • Available for consultancy: Yes

Current research students

  • Supervision of MSc and PhD candidates in cosmetic science and pharmaceutics as First and Second Supervisor
  • Recent completions include PhD supervision at Cairo University and Ain Shams University

Externally funded research grants information

  • Vitamin D untraditional dosage forms for children: formulation and optimization – Academic Scientific Research, Egypt (Project Co-lead, 2020–2022)

Published patents

  • Pharmaceutical formulation for cosmetics and dermatological application of microparticles of retinoid derivative – Patent application No. 20220921000030
  • Pharmaceutical formulation for cosmetics and dermatological purposes carrying rosemary oil-loaded microsponges for hair loss treatment—Patent application No. EG/P/2023/1275
  • Nano-particulate system for topical treatment of Tinea Versicolor—Patent application No. 1913/2017-265907

Case studies

  • I designed the Cosmetics module to merge scientific learning with entrepreneurial and social responsibility skills. Students handcraft natural cosmetic products, develop marketing strategies, and run an on-campus retail booth—earning outstanding reviews and raising the faculty’s profile. Profits are donated to leading health charities, and students engage in community outreach, awareness campaigns, and charitable visits, creating a learning experience that delivers both professional skills and meaningful societal impact. As the 2024 Cosmetics Team (BUE-Egypt) reflected, “The knowledge and experiences we gained in this module will forever shape our careers and our lives. We are eternally grateful for the transformative impact you have had on us, individually and as a team.”
  • Developed a chewing gum dissolution tester apparatus in collaboration with Badr University in Cairo, increasing commercialization opportunities for pharmaceutical chewing gum testing.
  • Impactful research in nanoformulation technologies for cancer therapy and cosmetic applications, leading to high citations, awards, and industry recognition.

ORCID number