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School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

  • Qualification

    PhD of Pharmaceutics (UCL), B. Pharm (Hons) (USM)

  • Associate Professor

    Discipline of Pharmaceutical Technology

  • Editorial board member for Young Scholars

    Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

  • Young Investigator Editorial Board

    European Journal of Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics

  • Room

    J02 Room 127

  • Contact

    +604-6533888 Ext. 2074

  • Email

    choonfugoh@usm.my

Author ID

Goh Choon Fu, Assoc Prof Dr

Dr Choon Fu Goh is an associate professor in Pharmaceutical Technology at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He graduated with a B. Pharm. (First Class Honours) from USM in 2010 before pursuing his PhD (Pharmaceutics) at the School of Pharmacy, University College London (UCL) in 2012. Since April 2016, he established a skin research group at the current university and is now leading the research in mucosal and topical/transdermal drug delivery.

His main research interest is the development of functional biomaterials (e.g. hydrogels, nanoparticles, lyophilised sponges, microneedles) from abundant resources available in Malaysia, namely rice grains and biomasses. He also works actively in (trans)dermal formulation designs and establishes collaborations with local pharmaceutical industries. He has received several funds from the university and external agencies including international grants from China government. His work is consistently published in prestigious journals and he has numerous experiences sharing his research findings around the world. He has close collaborations with different international institutions including UCL, Newcastle University, and Chiang Mai University.

He actively participates in the scientific community including the Controlled Release Society (CRS) Young Scientist Committee and the Malaysia Local Chapter of the Controlled Release Society (MyCRS) (currently a Vice President). In 2022, he was invited to join editorial board of the International Journal of Cosmetic Sciences and later in 2023, the editorial board for Young Scholars of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis and the Young Investigator Editorial Board of the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. He was also selected as one of the six Malaysian young scientists to participate in the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2022 in Germany.

The main research by Choon Fu and the team is the development of functional biomaterials from abundant resources available in Malaysia, namely paddy and biomasses. His current research interest focuses on several aspects including:

  1. Development of biomaterials for buccal and topical/transdermal drug delivery e.g. thin film, hydrogel, aerogel, sponge, nanoparticles, microneedles etc.
  2. Drug delivery and formulation for mitragynine (ketum/kratom)
  3. Tocotrienol dermal delivery and formulation
  4. Characterisation of pharmaceutical systems using thermal, chemical and imaging techniques
  5. Topical and transdermal drug delivery including rational formulation development
  6. Human skin biophysical profiling for cosmeceutical interests
  7. Utilisation and investigation of innovative tools for teaching and learning process in pharmacy education

Ongoing Research

  1. Biomaterial development from biomass and rice starch
  2. Drug delivery and formulation for mitragynine (ketum/kratom)
  3. Tocotrienol dermal delivery and formulation
  4. Human skin biophysical profiling
  5. Machine learning for dermal drug delivery
  6. Medicinal plant extraction and formulation for dermal drug delivery
  1. Mucosal and topical/transdermal drug delivery including rational formulation development
  2. Characterisation of pharmaceutical systems
  1. J.Y. Lee, S.H. Dong, K.W. Ng, C.F. Goh*, Assessing the integrity and mechanical properties of commercial microneedles: innovation or fad?, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, (2025).
  2. Y.S. Sim, L.C. Wong, S.C. Yeoh, A. Almashhadani, B.H. Alrimawi, C.F. Goh*, Skin penetration enhancers: Mechanistic understanding and their selection for formulation and design, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, (2025).
  3. Z.J. Ng, C.F. Goh, A.M.A. Mokhtar, R.N.B. Ramli, C.K. Lee, J.S. Tan, Microemulsion-based formulation of enterocin CC2: a novel antimicrobial solution targeting Streptococcus mutans, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, (2025).
  4. A.Q. Almashhadani, C.P. Leh, C.F. Goh*, Nanocrystalline cellulose production from unbleached Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn (Kapok) seed pod fibres via multiple acid hydrolysis: ‘More is Less’ or ‘Less is More’?, Biomass and Bioenergy, 188 (2024) 107331
  5. J.S. Tan, S. Abbasiliasi, C.J. Lim, Y.S. Khor, C.F. Goh, Probiotics in the management of atopic dermatitis in infants and children: A meta-analysis, Malaysian Journal of Microbiology, 20 (2024) 678-685.
  6. T. Hemashini, C.K. Lee, C.F. Goh, Y.Y. Tye, M. Ismayati, Y.Y. H’ng, C.P. Leh, Elucidating the Correlation of Lignocellulosic Compositions and Physicochemical Alterations in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Biomass on Enzymatic Saccharification Yield, BioEnergy Research, (2024).
  7. Y.H. Loke, H.C. Phang, N. Mohamad, P.E. Kee, Y.-L. Chew, S.-K. Lee, C.F. Goh, C.I. Yeo, K.B. Liew, Cocoa Butter: Evolution from Natural Food Ingredient to Pharmaceutical Excipient and Drug Delivery System, Planta medica, (2024).
  8. R.R. Ong, C.F. Goh*, Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, (2024).
  9. B. Harieth Alrimawi, J.Y. Lee, K.W. Ng, C.F. Goh*, In vitro evaluation of microneedle strength: a comparison of test configurations and experimental insights, RSC Pharmaceutics, (2024).
  10. S.J. Tan, K.H. Yu, M.A. Ismail, C.F. Goh, K.B. Lua, Numerical investigation of in-line and staggered fins arrangements on liquid mixer, Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 46 (2024) 165.
  11. J.Y. Lee, L.W. Tan, K.V. Lee, K.P. Beh, C.F. Goh*, Effects of polyol and surfactant plasticisers on lyophilised rice starch wafers for buccal drug delivery, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 261 (2024) 129935.
  12. H.L. Yu, C.F. Goh*, Glycols: The ubiquitous solvent for dermal formulations, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 196 (2024) 114182.
  13. Y.H. Loke, Y.-L. Chew, A.K. Janakiraman, S.-K. Lee, A.B.M.H. Uddin, C.F. Goh, P.E. Kee, H.S. Ng, L.C. Ming, K.B. Liew, Development of a novel direct compressible co-processed excipient and its application for formulation of Mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 50 (2024) 36-44.
  14. C.F. Goh*, Diversity of Asian skin: A review on skin biophysical properties, Experimental Dermatology, 33 (2024) e14959.
  15. C.F. Goh*, E.T. Ong, Comparisons of analogical learning and team discussion as interactive in-class activities in flipped classroom of a pharmacy compounding course, Innovations in Education and Teaching International, (2023) 1-16.
  16. P. Tipduangta, W. Watcharathirawongs, P. Waritdecha, B. Sirithunyalug, P. Leelapornpisid, W. Chaiyana, C.F. Goh*, Electrospun cellulose acetate/polyvinylpyrrolidone fiber mats as potential cosmetic under-eye masks for caffeine delivery, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 86 (2023) 104732.
  17. L.-H. Chuah, H.-L. Loo, C.F. Goh, J.-Y. Fu, S.-F. Ng, Chitosan-based drug delivery systems for skin atopic dermatitis: recent advancements and patent trends, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 13 (2023) 1436-1455.
  18. C.F. Goh, C.M. Long, N.A. Humaira Fedelis, H. Hamdan, S.C. Chuah, S.F. Yeo, C.L. Tan, T.W. Wong, Critical insights of nano-based pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products: Empirical evidence from the consumption values perspective, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 72 (2023) 103270.
  19. L.C. Wong, J.H. Poh, W.T. Tan, B.-K. Khor, V. Murugaiyah, C.P. Leh, C.F. Goh*, Cellulose hydrogel development from unbleached oil palm biomass pulps for dermal drug delivery, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 224 (2023) 483-495.
  20. S.C. Yeoh, P.L. Loh, V. Murugaiyah, C.F. Goh*, Development and Characterisation of a Topical Methyl Salicylate Patch: Effect of Solvents on Adhesion and Skin Permeation, Pharmaceutics, 14 (2022) 2491.
  21. F. Iliopoulos, C.F. Goh, T. Haque, A. Rahma, M.E. Lane, Dermal Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium - In Vitro and In Vivo Studies, Pharmaceutics, 14 (2022) 2106.
  22. Y.S. Sim, Z.Y. Chong, J. Azizi, C.F. Goh*, Development and validation of a gradient HPLC-UV method for mitragynine following in vitro skin permeation studies, Journal of Chromatography B, 1204 (2022) 123316.
  23. A.Q. Almashhadani, C.P. Leh, S.-Y. Chan, C.Y. Lee, C.F. Goh*, Nanocrystalline cellulose isolation via acid hydrolysis from non-woody biomass: Importance of hydrolysis parameters, Carbohydrate Polymers, 286 (2022) 119285.
  24. C.F. Goh*, J. Hadgraft, M.E. Lane, Thermal analysis of mammalian stratum corneum using differential scanning calorimetry for advancing skin research and drug delivery, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 614 (2022) 121447.
  25. C.F. Goh*, M.E. Lane, Advanced structural characterisation of pharmaceuticals using nano-thermal analysis (nano-TA), Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 180 (2022) 114077.
  26. S.C. Yeoh, C.F. Goh*, Topical delivery of salicylates, Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 12 (2022) 981-1001.
  27. C.F. Goh*, N. Mohamed Faisal, F.N. Ismail, Facial skin biophysical profile of women in Malaysia: Significance of facial skincare product use, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 34 (2021) 351–362.
  28. L.C. Wong, C.P. Leh, C.F. Goh*, Designing cellulose hydrogels from non-woody biomass, Carbohydrate Polymers, 264 (2021) 118036.
  29. C.F. Goh*, D. O’Flynn, R. Speller, M.E. Lane, Spatial resolution of drug crystallisation in the skin by X-ray micro-computed tomography, Micron, 145 (2021) 103045.
  30. B.H. Alrimawi, M.Y. Chan, X.Y. Ooi, S.-Y. Chan, C.F. Goh*, The Interplay Between Drug and Sorbitol Contents Determines the Mechanical and Swelling Properties of Potential Rice Starch Films for Buccal Drug Delivery, Polymers, 13 (2021) 578.
  31. C.P. Leh, J. Lamaming, W.P. Tan, C.F. Goh, M.H. Mohamad Kassim, R. Hashim, Ceibapentandra (L.) Gaertn (Kapok) Seed Fibre as a Recycled Paper Reinforcement Pulp, Waste and Biomass Valorization, (2021).
  32. C.F. Goh*, L.C. Ming, L.C. Wong, Dermatologic reactions to disinfectant use during the COVID-19 pandemic, Clinics in Dermatology, 39 (2021) 314-322.
  33. S. Yee, Y.C. Lim, C.F. Goh*, V. Kotra, L.C. Ming, Efficacy of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant, Progress in Microbes & Molecular Biology, 3 (2020) 1-3.
  34. X.-Y. Teoh, C.F. Goh, N. Aminu, S.-Y. Chan, Quantification of atovaquone from amorphous solid dispersion formulation using HPLC: An in vitro and ex vivo investigation, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 192 (2021) 113631.
  35. C.F. Goh*, B.J. Boyd, D.Q.M. Craig, M.E. Lane, Profiling of drug crystallization in the skin, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 17 (2020) 1321-1334.
  36. C.F. Goh, A.H.A. Mohamed Ahmed, How to make hand sanitiser gel, Community Eye Health Journal, 33 (2020) 16.
  37. A.H.A. Mohamed Ahmed, C.F. Goh, How to make hand sanitiser/hand rub, Community Eye Health Journal, 33 (2020) 14-15.
  38. S.Y. Chan, C.F. Goh*, J.Y. Lau, Y.C. Tiew, T. Balakrishnan, Rice starch thin films as a potential buccal delivery system: Effect of plasticiser and drug loading on drug release profile, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 562 (2019) 203-211.
  39. C.F. Goh*, E.T. Ong, Flipped classroom as an effective approach in enhancing student learning of a pharmacy course with a historically low student pass rate, Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, (2019).
  40. C.F. Goh*, J.G. Moffat, D.Q.M. Craig, J. Hadgraft, M.E. Lane, Monitoring drug crystallization in percutaneous penetration using localized nanothermal analysis and photothermal microspectroscopy, Molecular Pharmaceutics, 16 (2019) 359-370.
  41. C.F. Goh*, J.G. Moffat, D.Q.M. Craig, J. Hadgraft, M.E. Lane, Nano-thermal imaging of the stratum corneum and its potential use for understanding of the mechanism of skin penetration enhancer, Thermochimica Acta, 655 (2017) 278-283.
  42. C.F. Goh*, D.Q.M. Craig, J. Hadgraft, M.E. Lane, The application of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis to study drug crystallisation in the stratum corneum, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 111 (2017) 16-25.
  43. C.F. Goh, M.E. Lane, Formulation of diclofenac for dermal delivery, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 473 (2014) 607-616.
    *as corresponding author
  1. FAR 122 Dosage Form I
  2. FAR 222 Dosage Form II
  3. FAR 224 Drug Delivery and Targeting
  1. THP Medical Sdn Bhd (PPRN project)
  2. Sarawak Biodiversity Centre
  3. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (Veterinary)
  4. Pharm-D Health Science Sdn Bhd
  1. CRS Young Scientist Registration Grant Award - Controlled Release Society Virtual Annual Meeting, 2021
  2. Second Runner Up - The Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2021 (Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei), 2021
  3. Best Oral Presentation - 27th Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations Congress (Manila, Philippines), 2018
  4. Silver medal - Teaching and Learning (USM, Penang), 2018
  5. Bronze medal - Invention, Innovation & Design on E-Learning (IIDEL), International University Carnival on e-Learning (IIUM, Gombak), 2018