The public discussion took place for the master’s student (Amna Khalil Ibrahim) Department of Biology, - College of Science - University of Anbar on Tuesday, March  1, 2026, in the Jaber Ibn Hayyan Hall at the College of Science. for his tagged thesis:
" Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Gene Expression of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Causing Urinary "

The discussion committee consisted of:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections frequently caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, highlighting the need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study evaluated the synergistic effects of biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles combined with ceftriaxone (for Gram-negative) and ciprofloxacin (for Gram-positive) against uropathogens isolated from 175 urine samples, of which 86 (49.14%) were positive. Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate, and high levels of antibiotic resistance and MDR phenotypes were observed, particularly in Proteus mirabilis. Biofilm formation was detected in 97.67% of isolates, with significant interspecies variation. Green-synthesized ZnO NPs (10–20 nm) demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial activity and strong synergy with antibiotics (FICI < 0.5). Sub-MIC treatments significantly reduced biofilm formation in most isolates. RT-qPCR analysis revealed downregulation of key virulence and biofilm genes in E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus following combined treatment, supporting the potential of ZnO NP–antibiotic combination therapy against MDR uropathogens.