Hongtao Feng | Sensors and Biosensors | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongtao Feng | Sensors and Biosensors | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongtao Feng | Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongtao Feng is a multidisciplinary researcher recognized for his contributions to micro-nano fabrication, optofluidics, and biosensing technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Hong Kong, a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry, graduating at the top of his class. His professional experience spans advanced research in nanogap electrode fabrication, gradient nanofabrication, label-free biosensing, EV enrichment, optofluidic systems, and tunable DFB dye lasers, enabling breakthroughs in early disease diagnosis, nucleic acid detection, and micro-optical device development. His work has led to innovative platforms that integrate microfluidics, nanophotonics, and MEMS/NEMS technologies for high-sensitivity biomedical analysis. He has led multiple national and regional research projects and consistently produced impactful results in tumor marker detection, COVID-19 nucleic acid sensing, optogenetic stimulation devices, and high-precision micro-spectrometers. His research interests include nanoimprint lithography, nanophotonics, plasmonics, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip systems, biosensors, and point-of-care diagnostics. Recognized with numerous academic and professional awards, he continues to advance next-generation diagnostic and photonic technologies. His dedication to innovation positions him as a leading contributor to biomedical engineering and micro-nano device research.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shen, F., Wei, J., Hui, Y., Ouyang, L., Feng, H., Wu, L., Yu, X., Zhao, Z., Jin, Z., & Zhou, W. (2025). High-transition-temperature paraffin integration in IFAST device for efficient and robust nucleic acid extraction and detection. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, June 2025.

Feng, H., Min, S., Xuan, S., Gan, Z., Sun, Z., Gao, Y., Yang, S., Li, W.-D., & Chen, Y. (2024). Gradient nanoplasmonic imaging metasurface for rapid and label-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Talanta, October 2024.

Sun, C., Zhong, J., Gan, Z., Chen, L., Liang, C., Feng, H., Sun, Z., Jiang, Z., & Li, W.-D. (2024). Nanoimprint-induced strain engineering of two-dimensional materials. Microsystems & Nanoengineering, April 8, 2024.

Feng, H., Min, S., Huang, Y., Gan, Z., Liang, C., Li, W.-D., & Chen, Y. (2024). Concentric gradient nanoplasmonic sensors for detecting tumor-derived extracellular vesicles. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, February 2024.

Feng, H., Zhang, J., Shu, W., Bai, X., Song, L., & Chen, Y. (2023). Highly accurate pneumatically tunable optofluidic distributed feedback dye lasers. Micromachines, December 29, 2023.

Kong, W., Feng, H., Qian, X., Chen, Y., Deng, M., Zhang, P., Li, W., Bu, W., Xu, W., Jin, W., et al. (2023). Facile and scalable generation of fluorescent microspheres using a microfluidic electrojetting device. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, March 2023.

Gan, Z., Feng, H., Chen, L., Min, S., Liang, C., Xu, M., Jiang, Z., Sun, Z., Sun, C., Cui, D., et al. (2022). Spatial modulation of nanopattern dimensions by combining interference lithography and grayscale-patterned secondary exposure. Light: Science & Applications, April 8, 2022.

Paola Cicatiello | Functional Amyloid Protein | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Paola Cicatiello | Functional Amyloid Protein | Best Researcher Award

Department of Chemistry University of Naples “Federico II” | Italy

Dr. Paola Cicatiello is a dedicated researcher in biotechnology and chemical sciences, recognized for her multidisciplinary expertise in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and biosensing innovation. She completed her academic training, including a PhD at the University of Naples “Federico II,” where she specialized in surface-active proteins and enhanced her proteomic and analytical skills during a research period at Sheffield Hallam University. Her professional experience spans enzyme characterization, enzyme and antibody immobilization, nanomaterial-integrated biosensor platforms, and the development of functional protein biosurfactants with applications in bioremediation, biomedical detection, and drug delivery. She has contributed significantly to projects such as PON_INNOVATION_2021, focusing on self-assembling proteins for advanced biosensing, and has worked with CeRICT srl optimizing polymer- and fiber-based sensing interfaces. Dr. Cicatiello is actively involved in academic service, including research dissemination initiatives and participation in national scientific societies. Her research interests include biotechnology, surface-active and functional amyloid proteins, biocatalysis, and nano-enabled biosensing systems. She has also supported academic growth by supervising students and teaching in biotechnology and chemical sciences programs. Through her scientific contributions, collaborative work, and commitment to innovative biosensing technologies, she continues to advance the frontiers of biochemical research and applied biotechnology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Cicatiello, P., Della Ventura, B., Fichera, G., Velotta, R., Giardina, P., & Piscitelli, A. (2025). Gold Nanoparticles Coated With Hydrophobin-ProteinA Fusion Protein: Development of a Versatile Immunosensing Platform. Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

Pitocchi, R., Cicatiello, P., Illiano, A., Fontanarosa, C., Spina, F., Varese, G.C., Amoresano, A., Piscitelli, A., & Giardina, P. (2024). The essential role of aggregation for the emulsifying ability of a fungal CYS-rich protein. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Cusano, A.M., Quero, G., Vaiano, P., Cicatiello, P., Principe, M., Micco, A., Ruvo, M., Consales, M., & Cusano, A. (2023). Metasurface-assisted Lab-on-fiber optrode for highly sensitive detection of vitamin D. Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

Pitocchi, R., Stanzione, I., Illiano, A., Amoresano, A., Tarallo, O., Cicatiello, P., Piscitelli, A., & Giardina, P. (2023). Evidence of Small Fungal Cysteine-Rich Proteins Acting as Biosurfactants and Self-Assembling into Large Fibers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.