Weikai Zhang | Drug Discovery | Research Excellence Award

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

 

Suzana Šegota | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Suzana Šegota | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

Ruđer Bošković Institute | Croatia

Dr. Suzana Šegota is an accomplished scientist recognized for her extensive contributions to biocolloids, surface chemistry, and nanobiotechnology. She holds a PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Zagreb, building a strong academic foundation that shaped her multidisciplinary research career. Over the years, she progressed from Assistant and Research Assistant roles to becoming a Research Associate, Senior Research Associate, and ultimately a Senior Scientist at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, where she has led and contributed to numerous national and international scientific projects. Her work focuses on model lipid membranes, interfacial processes, nanoparticle–membrane interactions, and the development of nanocarriers for therapeutic applications, particularly studying flavonoids, lipid peroxidation, colloid systems, and nanoscale surface phenomena using advanced techniques such as atomic force microscopy. Dr. Šegota has served as Principal Investigator on several influential projects involving nanocarriers, lipid systems, biomimetic materials, and protective mechanisms of bioactive compounds. She is an active mentor to doctoral researchers and contributes significantly to global scientific networks through her memberships and leadership roles. Her excellence has been recognized with prestigious scientific awards. Dr. Šegota’s work continues to advance innovative approaches in physical chemistry, nanomedicine, and bionanotechnology.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Mandić, L., & Šegota, S. (2025). “Versatile magnetic nanocarriers for water-insoluble and low-stability drugs: enhanced controlled release by external magnetic fields” in Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.

Vlašić, I., Krstačić-Galić, A., Horvat, A., Oršolić, N., Sadžak, A., Mandić, L., Šegota, S., & Jazvinšćak Jembrek, M. (2025). “Neurotoxic effect of myricitrin in copper-induced oxidative stress is mediated by increased intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and the ROS/p53/p38 axis” in Antioxidants.

Vinceković, M., Maslov Bandić, L., Oštarić, F., Kiš, M., Zdolec, N., Marić, I., Šegota, S., Zelić, H., & Mikulec, N. (2025). “Simultaneous encapsulation of probiotic bacteria (Lactococcus lactis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) in calcium alginate hydrogels” in Gels.

Ožegović, A., Dokli, I., Knežević, A., Šegota, S., & Lesac, A. (2024). “Bent-shaped dimers with chiral spacer: unravelling the potential of the naphthyl mesogenic unit” in Liquid Crystals.

Vinceković, M., Živković, L., Turkeyeva, E., Mutaliyeva, B., Madybekova, G., Šegota, S., Šijaković Vujičić, N., Pustak, A., Jurkin, T., Kiš, M., et al. (2024). “Development of alginate composite microparticles for encapsulation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis” in Gels.

Ožegović, A., Knežević, A., Novak, J., Šegota, S., Davidson, P., & Lesac, A. (2024). “The interplay of spacer chirality and parity in mesogenic dimers” in ChemPhysChem.

Šegota, S. (2023). “Application of atomic force microscopy in investigations of dental alloy surfaces” in Stomatološki Glasnik Srbije.

Moganesh G | Plant Nanoparticles for Medicine | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Moganesh G | Plant Nanoparticles for Medicine | Outstanding Scientist Award

Saveetha Engineering College | India

Dr. Moganesh G is a dedicated researcher and academician whose work spans physics, materials science, and nanotechnology, with a strong foundation built through advanced degrees including a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Sacred Heart College, Thiruvalluvar University. His research career began with contributions at DTR Research Foundation, followed by roles as Lecturer, Research Professor, Assistant Professor, and Director at various reputed institutions, and he currently serves as Research Faculty at Saveetha Engineering College. His expertise centers on nanomaterials synthesis, green synthesis approaches, photocatalysis, nuclear physics, solar cell device fabrication, and the development of energy-storage materials with emerging applications in anti-cancer and anti-diabetic studies. He has made notable scientific contributions, including the development of a Photon-Induced Method for material synthesis and innovative AC TIMER research highlighted in local media. Dr. Moganesh has been honoured with multiple recognitions, such as the Best Researcher Award at the 2nd International Research Awards on Science, Health and Engineering and the International Plant Scientist Award. Through his extensive teaching, research leadership, and continuous innovation, he remains committed to advancing sustainable materials and interdisciplinary solutions that address scientific and societal challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Govindhan, M., Selvaraj, S., & Sukumar, K. (2025). Fluorometric detection of CIP and bioimaging employing a fluorescent nanoprobe with blue emission using carbon quantum dots from papaya seeds (Carica papaya). Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

Govindhan, M. (2025). Green synthesis of structural and bandgap engineering nickel oxide nanostructure for visible light photocatalyst. Catalysis Letters.

Tamilarasu, S., & Govindhan, M. (2025). Phase stability and band-gap engineering of pure TiO₂ for visible light photocatalyst via photon-induced method. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology.

Govindhan, M. (2025). Structural and optical engineering of MgO–ZnO nanocomposite via photon-induced method. Ceramics International.

Sasikumar, P., Chinnaiah, K., Kannan, K., Alqahtani, M. S., Abbas, M., Govindhan, M., & Gurushankar, K. (2024). Evaluating the antimicrobial and electrochemical performance of phenytoin nanoparticles from Catharanthus roseus plant. Chemical Physics Letters.

Selvam, P. P., Rathinam, V., Arunraj, A., Ali Baig, A. B., & Govindhan, M. (2023). Synthesis effect of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles for visible light photocatalysis. Ionics.

Nagaraj, G., Chinnaiah, K., Kannan, K., & Gurushankar, K. (2022). Nano-sized neem plant particles as an electrode for electrochemical storage applications. Ionics.

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.