Weikai Zhang | Drug Discovery | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Weikai Zhang | Drug Discovery | Research Excellence Award

Luoyang Polytechnic, China

Dr. Weikai Zhang is a dedicated biomedical engineering researcher whose work centers on advancing single-cell technologies for improved antibody discovery and biomedical applications. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the School of Life Science at the Beijing Institute of Technology, preceded by a Master’s degree from Henan University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Xinyang Agricultural College. His academic journey included extensive joint master’s and doctoral research at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, where he investigated nanobiological effects and safety. Earlier in his career, he contributed as a technician in the Antibody Engineering Laboratory at the National Protein Science Center in Beijing, gaining foundational expertise in protein science and antibody development. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer and Deputy Director of the Key Engineering Technology Research Center for Immune Technology Biological Materials Preparation in Henan Province. His research focuses on designing and developing microfluidic chips for single-cell analysis, improving throughput and screening efficiency, and enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic antibody development. Recognized for his scientific contributions, he has received multiple honors, including youth talent awards and innovation recognitions. Dr. Zhang continues to advance impactful research in biomedical engineering and single-cell technology.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, W., Li, Q., Jia, F., Hu, Z., & Wei, Z. (2021). “A microfluidic chip for screening and sequencing of monoclonal antibody at a single-cell level.” Analytical Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00918

 

Hongtao Feng | Sensors and Biosensors | Research Excellence Award

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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.

Opeyemi Akanbi | Electroanalytical Methods | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Opeyemi Akanbi | Electroanalytical Methods | Research Excellence Award

 University of Massachusetts Lowell | United States

Mr. Opeyemi Akanbi is a dedicated PhD Candidate in Physics and Applied Physics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he focuses on advanced research at the intersection of materials science, transport phenomena, and functional textile engineering. With academic training that spans physics, materials science, and applied engineering, he has gained diverse experience working on optical strain sensors, humidity-control textiles, electrokinetic systems, and functional polymers. His current research centers on the design and optimization of low-power electroosmotic pumps and textile-integrated microfluidic platforms aimed at improving moisture and sweat management in wearable technologies. Combining experimental device fabrication with multiphysics modeling of ion transport, fluid flow, and heat transfer, he advances innovative solutions for smart garments, personal comfort enhancement, and healthcare monitoring applications. His work reflects strong interests in electroosmotic flow, soft-material transport behavior, photonics, and the integration of microfluidic architectures into flexible substrates. As an active member of leading scientific communities such as ACS, MRS, and IEEE, he consistently engages in interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration. He has contributed to impactful research outputs and received recognition for innovation in functional textile development. He aims to continue developing science-driven technologies that bridge physics, materials engineering, and wearable device innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hutchins, A., Acharya, S., Akanbi, O., Doan, K., Pinninti, P., Isherwood, K., Rosenberg, Z., Filocamo, S., Zhang, Y., & Guo, W. (2025). “Low Power Textile Integrated Electroosmosis Pump for Active Moisture and Sweat Management.” iScience.

Akanbi, O.S., Shannon, J.P., Delhommelle, J., & Desgranges, C. (2025). “Synergizing Driven Quantum Dynamics, AI, and Quantum Computing for Next-Gen Materials Science.” The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.

Hutchins, A., Reens, D., Kharas, D., West, G.N., Sorace-Agaskar, C., Chiaverini, J., McConnell, R., Swint, R., Akanbi, O., Harding, S., et al. (2024). “Fiber-to-Chip Packaging With Robust Fiber Fusion Splicing for Low-Temperature Applications.” IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

Balogun, S.W., Oyeshola, H.O., Ajani, A.S., James, O.O., Awodele, M.K., Adewumi, H.K., Àlàgbé, G.A., Olabisi, O., Akanbi, O.S., Ojeniyi, F.A., et al. (2024). “Synthesis, characterization, and optoelectronic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles: A precursor as electron transport layer.” Heliyon.

Akanbi, O.S., Usman, H.A., Abass, G.F., Oni, K.E., Ige, A.S., Odunaro, B.P., Ojo, I.J., Oladejo, J.A., Ajani, H.O., Musa, A., et al. (2023). “The Advent of Wide Bandgap Green-Synthesized Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide Nanoparticles for Applications in Optical and Electronic Devices.” Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering.

Rimamnya, N.D., Akanbi, O.S., Bunmi, D.C., Abass, G.F., Olaniyan, J.A., Ige, A.S., Moyofoluwa, O.O., Kolawole, B.T., et al. (2023). “Evolution of Carbon Nanotubes, Their Methods, and Application as Reinforcements in Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review.” Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Applications.

Akanbi, O., Abass, G., Ige, A., Nyatse, D., Oyeshola, H., Abba, H., Felix, O., Oni, K., Ayotunde, A., Ajao, J., et al. (2023). “Research Advances on 2D Mxenes for Photovoltaic Applications.” Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering Applications.

Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio | Sensors | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio | Sensors | Best Researcher Award

University of Rome “Tor Vergata” | Italy

Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” working in the research group of Professor Fabiana Arduini. He specializes in analytical chemistry and electrochemical sensor technology, focusing on the design and development of miniaturized, portable, and wearable electrochemical (bio)sensors for environmental, food, and biomedical applications. Dr. Mazzaracchio obtained his academic training in chemistry and analytical sciences, equipping him with a strong foundation in nanomaterials, electrochemistry, and device fabrication. His research integrates carbon-based and metallic nanomaterials with advanced sensing platforms, such as paper-based, screen-printed, and microfluidic devices, to achieve sensitive, cost-effective, and real-time detection. He has carried out international research experiences at Technische Universität Chemnitz (Germany), the University of Johannesburg (South Africa), and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (Japan), enhancing his global scientific perspective. With over 40 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an H-index of 19, his contributions have significantly advanced electrochemical biosensing and wearable diagnostics. Dr. Mazzaracchio has received recognition for innovation in analytical device development and continues to explore wireless, user-friendly systems for point-of-care testing. His work bridges chemistry, engineering, and digital technology, driving the future of smart sensing for health and environmental sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Colozza, N., Mazzaracchio, V., Di Gregorio, C., Seddaoui, N., Aquilani, D., Pizziconi, A., Gullo, L., Argiriadis, E., & Arduini, F. (2026). “3D-printed extraction chamber and paper-based screen-printed sensors for zinc analysis in soil and Antarctic sediments.” Talanta.

Chebil, A., Mazzaracchio, V., Duranti, L., Gullo, L., & Arduini, F. (2025). “Paper-based metal-air battery electrochemical sensor for smartphone-assisted oxygen monitoring in food packaging.” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical.

Mazzaracchio, V., & Arduini, F. (2025). “Smart microfluidic devices integrated in electrochemical point-of-care platforms for biomarker detection in biological fluids.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.

Gosti, C., Mousavi, Z., Fiore, L., Mazzaracchio, V., Olivieri, F., Gentile, G., Arduini, F., & Bobacka, J. (2025). “Carbon Black and PEDOT:PSS in a synergistic solid contact for reliable printed potentiometric sensors.” ACS Sensors.

Nocerino, V., Miranda, B., Dardano, P., Colella, S., Vedi, V., Antonacci, A., Mazzaracchio, V., Fiore, L., Arduini, F., De Stefano, L., et al. (2024). “Design of an electrochemical hydrogel nanocomposite immunosensor for the detection of hemoglobin in blood.” Microchemical Journal.

Mazzaracchio, V., Fiore, L., Gullo, L., Seddaoui, N., Duranti, L., Siliprandi, V., La Placa, G., Frank, G., Raffaelli, G., Gualtieri, P., et al. (2024). “Near field communication-assisted paper-based electrochemical sensing platform for study in personalized nutrition.” Microchemical Journal.

Sharifi, A. R., Mazzaracchio, V., Duranti, L., Gullo, L., Brannetti, S., Peyravian, M., Kiani, M. A., & Arduini, F. (2024). “Nanopaper integrated smart device: An opto-electrochemical biosensor for real-time dual on-field detection of organophosphorus pesticides.” ACS Sensors.