Prof. Dr. Ismail Zainol | Nano Collagen | Excellence in Research Award

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris | Malaysia

Prof. Dr. Ismail Zainol is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in polymer science, composites, and biomedical materials. He holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Composites from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. With extensive experience leading and contributing to numerous research projects, his work primarily focuses on the development of natural hydroxyapatite and collagen-based biomaterials, green chemistry applications, wound dressing scaffolds, dental composites, and polymeric drug delivery systems. He has spearheaded innovative studies on biogenic nano-hydroxyapatite from fish scales for biomedical and cosmetic applications, as well as chitosan-collagen composites for tissue engineering and water filtration. Prof. Dr. Zainol has been recognized internationally and nationally with multiple gold, silver, and bronze awards, including accolades from ITEX, PECIPTA, SIIF, and SIRIM Berhad, reflecting his contributions to sustainable materials, biomedical innovation, and chemical engineering. His research not only bridges scientific innovation and practical applications but also enhances environmental sustainability and human health. Through his pioneering work and dedication to academic excellence, he continues to make a significant impact on polymer science, biomaterials, and green technology, inspiring future research and innovation in these fields.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Mudhafar, M.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Zainol, I.; Zorah, M.; Abdulraheem, M.N.; Hasan, M.M.; Lahhob, Q.R.; Oudha, H.A.A.; Ali, A.M. (2024). “Extraction, identification of chemical constituents, and in vitro evaluation against cells and bacterial pathogens of the leaves of Polyalthia rumphii.” Journal of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research.

Mudhafar, M.; Zainol, I.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Karhib, M.M.; Zorah, M.; Alnagdi, F.H.; Hamzah, M.S. (2023). “Bioactive chemical constituents of three crude extracts of Polyalthia sclerophylla using GC-MS and phytochemical screening and their antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities.” Eurasian Chemical Communications.

Mudhafar, M.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Zorah, M.; Karhib, M.M.; Zainol, I.; Kadhim, F.K. (2023). “Biogenic synthesis and characterization of AgNPs using CEPS: Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities.” Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences.

Anene, F.A.; Jaafar, C.N.A.; Mohamed Ariff, A.H.; Zainol, I.; Mohd Tahir, S.; Abdul Razak, B.; Salit, M.S.; Anene-Amaechi, J. (2023). “Biomechanical properties and corrosion resistance of plasma-sprayed fish scale hydroxyapatite (FsHA) and FsHA-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings on Ti–6Al–4V alloy for biomedical applications.” Coatings.

Mudhafar, M.; Zainol, I.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Zorah, M.; Karhib, M.M.; Mahmood Mahdi, N. (2023). “Preparation and characterization of FsHA/FsCol beads: Cell attachment and cytotoxicity studies.” Heliyon.

Anene, F.A.; Jaafar, C.N.A.; Zainol, I.; Ariff, A.H.M.; Tahir, S.M. (2022). “Evaluation of corrosion inhibition of plasma sprayed FsHA/YSZ coating on β-titanium (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) alloy using electrochemical techniques.” Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering.

Aiza Jaafar, C.N.; Zainol, I.; Izyan Khairani, M.I.; Dele-Afolabi, T.T. (2022). “Physical and mechanical properties of tilapia scale hydroxyapatite-filled high-density polyethylene composites.” Polymers.

Mudhafar, M.; Zainol, I.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Aiza Jaafar, C.N. (2022). “Synthesis and characterization of fish scales of hydroxyapatite/collagen–silver nanoparticles composites for the applications of bone filler.” Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society.

Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Missouri University of Science and Technology | United States

Mr. Iheanyichukwu Ajoku is a dedicated researcher specializing in sustainable materials science, with a strong focus on nuclear waste management, energy storage, and advanced materials characterization. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering, majoring in Ceramic Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he maintains a distinction grade and conducts research using advanced analytical techniques such as DSC/TGA, XRD, SEM/TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. He holds a B.Sc. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the University of Lagos and is also a Certified Management Specialist from London Graduate School. With diverse experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at Missouri S&T and the University of Lagos, as well as a Risk Engineer in the industrial sector, he has contributed to projects involving welding technology, industrial safety, and STEM education. His research interests include sustainable materials for nuclear waste immobilization, MXene synthesis, biomaterials processing, and industrial risk assessment. Ajoku has received notable honorary fellowships and doctoral recognitions from institutions like American Management University and Global Nation Open University. His professional growth is strengthened by active memberships in prestigious engineering and materials societies. He continues to make impactful contributions to sustainable engineering and materials innovation.

Featured Publications

Evarts, J. S., Riley, B. J., Lonergan, C. E., Harris, M. S., Bai, J., Bohannan, E., Ajoku, I., Chong, S., & McCloy, J. S. (2025). “Synergy in Materials: Leveraging Phosphosilicate Waste Forms for Electrochemical Salt Waste” in ACS Sustainable Resource Management.

Ajoku, I., & Ani, P. C. (2025). “Phosphate-based vitrification strategies for electrorefiner salt waste management” in Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Springer International Publishing.

Ajoku, I., Baba, A. A., Balogun, A. F., Tripathy, B. C., Okeola, F. O., Uba, F., Owolabi, A. O., Olaoluwa, D. T., & Jacob, S. O. (2025). “Preparation of an Indigenous Bismutite Ore for Improved Bismuth-Based Alloys Production” in TMS 2026 Conference Proceedings.