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.

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

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.

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.