Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is an emerging chemist whose work spans inorganic chemistry, bioprocessing, biomass valorization, and physical chemistry, supported by strong academic training and multidisciplinary research experience. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for converting glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse into value-added biochemicals. Building on her Master’s research on Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with bioactivity studies and her Honours and undergraduate training in chemistry and geology, she has cultivated a broad scientific foundation. Professionally, she has gained significant experience as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology, a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories, and a Tutor and Laboratory Coordinator at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Fort Hare. Her expertise includes laboratory management, analytical chemistry, fermentation processes, biomass processing, and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and nutrient profiling. She has received several distinctions, including multiple certificates in quality systems, safety management, and digital literacy, as well as prestigious recognitions such as the National Research Foundation Scholarships and the James Moir Medal. Her growing body of work reflects a commitment to sustainable chemistry and impactful scientific innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tokoyi, V. (2024). Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials. Chemical Engineering Transactions.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Potential Application of IL@ZIF-MOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Liquids.

Dr. Abel Tankoano | Food Chemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Abel Tankoano | Food Chemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

CNRST/IRSAT | Burkina Faso

Dr. Abel Tankoano is a dedicated biochemist and food technology researcher known for his expertise in food safety, microbial biotechnology, and analytical biochemistry. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry–Microbiology/Food Technology, supported by a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Microbial and Cellular Biotechnology, a Master’s degree in Biochemistry–Microbiology with Applied Microbiology, and earlier foundational studies in biochemistry and microbiology. His professional journey includes significant teaching and research contributions at Université Ouaga I Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, where he served as a temporary teaching and research assistant and later as a biochemistry laboratory instructor. Since joining the Department of Food Technology at IRSAT/CNRST in 2019, he has specialized in advanced analytical techniques, including UHPLC for aflatoxin quantification, atomic absorption spectrophotometry for mineral and heavy-metal detection, and HPLC for amino acid profiling. His routine involvement in assessing microbiological and physicochemical quality of foodstuffs reflects his commitment to public health and food security. His research interests span food contaminants, microbial safety, bioprocesses, and nutritional quality assessment. Recognized for his impactful contributions to food science research, he continues to advance innovations that support safer and higher-quality food systems. Overall, Dr. Tankoano’s work exemplifies scientific rigor, practical relevance, and long-term dedication to food technology research.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bamogo, W. M., Kabré, W. J. d’A., Tankoano, A., Traoré, M. A. E., Banhoro, O., Parkouda, C., & Savadogo, A. (2025). “Valorization of mango by-products: fortification of mugudugu using mango peel and kernels.” Food, Nutrition and Health.

Ouedraogo, O., Kabore, K., Tankoano, A., Bayili, G. R., Belem, A. M. G., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Incorporation of local ingredients (Soumbala, Moringa, Roucou) in the formulation of nitrite-free cooked sausages: an alternative for healthy nutrition.” Journal of Applied Life Sciences International.

Tankoano, A., Somda, N. S., Guira, F., Pare, A., Zeynab, T. R., Ouedraogo, B. T., Safi, A., Kabore, D., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Hygiene practices and microbial contamination of liquid Gapal sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.” Biotechnology Journal International.

Tankoano, A., Kabore, K., Coulibaly-Diakité, M., Somda, N. S., Somé, K. I., Rouamba, A., Kabore, D., Savadogo, A., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Nutritious raw Soumbala seasoning: an alternative for its valorization and acceptability.” Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology.

Tankoano, A., Kabore, K., Samandoulougou-Kafando, P. M. J., Some, K. I., Coulibaly-Diakité, M., Kabore, D., Savadogo, A., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2024). “Characterization of spice ingredients and raw Soumbala for the formulation of a highly nutritious seasoning.” Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Somda, N. S., Tankoano, A., Metuor-Dabire, A., Kabore, D., Bonkoungou, J. O. I., Kpoda, D. S., Sambe-Ba, B., Dabire, Y., Saba, C. K. S., & Ouoba, I. L. et al. (2023). “A systematic review and meta-analysis of antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in West Africa between 2010 and 2020.” Journal of Food Protection.

Bayili, G. R., Coulibaly-Diakite, M., Tankoano, A., Kere-Kando, C., Kabore, T. J., Konfe-Kanwe, M. E. M. P., Rouamba, A., Parkouda, C., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2023). “Physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of grains, malt, wort, and beer from FKR 19 and FKR 62 N rice varieties grown in Burkina Faso.” Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists.

Dr. Mohammad Barati | Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammad Barati | Modeling | Best Researcher Award

University of Kashan | Iran

Dr. Mohammad Barati is an accomplished researcher and assistant professor in applied chemistry at the University of Kashan. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Tehran, following an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Tabriz. Dr. Barati has extensive research experience in renewable energy and nanotechnology, focusing on the conversion of microalgae into biodiesel and bio-jet fuel using supercritical media, simultaneous bio-diesel and hydrogen production, and the development of polymer nanocomposites for drug delivery and bio-applications. His work also encompasses the synthesis and performance evaluation of magnetic polymer nanocomposites and their use as scaffolds in cell culture. Recognized for his excellence in teaching, he has been ranked first in annual faculty teaching evaluations at the University of Kashan and has received awards including the provincial first prize for university startups and the second-rank award at the Sabzkooh National Technology Festival. Dr. Barati’s research contributes significantly to sustainable energy, biofuel production, and advanced polymer materials, reflecting his dedication to both scientific innovation and academic excellence.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Fanaee, G., Barati, M., & Bashiri, H. (2026). “Process optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics and kinetic Monte Carlo modeling of catalyzed biodiesel production in supercritical medium” in Renewable Energy.

Aghilinategh, M., Barati, M., & Hamadanian, M. (2024). “Supercritical microalgae conversion to biofuel and value‐added components (oxygenates, hydrocarbons, and aromatics): A catalyst characterization study” in Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy.

Alirezaei Alavije, A., Barati, F., Barati, M., Nazari, H., & Karimi, I. (2021). “Polyethersulfone/MWCNT nanocomposite scaffold for endometrial cell culture: preparation, characterization, and in vitro investigation” in Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express.

Barati, M. (2019). “Nanobiocatalytic processes for producing biodiesel from algae” in Sustainable Bioenergy (Book chapter).

Alirezaie Alavijeh, A., Barati, M., Barati, M., & Abbasi Dehkordi, H. (2019). “The potential of magnetic nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of cancer based on body magnetic field and organ-on-the-chip” in Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

Mirzaie, Z., Reisi-Vanani, A., & Barati, M. (2019). “Polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate blend, composited with 3D-graphene oxide as a controlled release system for curcumin” in Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.