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.

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.