Suzana Šegota | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Chemistry Awards

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.

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Chemistry Awards

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is an emerging chemist whose work spans inorganic chemistry, bioprocessing, biomass valorization, and physical chemistry, supported by strong academic training and multidisciplinary research experience. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for converting glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse into value-added biochemicals. Building on her Master’s research on Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with bioactivity studies and her Honours and undergraduate training in chemistry and geology, she has cultivated a broad scientific foundation. Professionally, she has gained significant experience as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology, a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories, and a Tutor and Laboratory Coordinator at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Fort Hare. Her expertise includes laboratory management, analytical chemistry, fermentation processes, biomass processing, and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and nutrient profiling. She has received several distinctions, including multiple certificates in quality systems, safety management, and digital literacy, as well as prestigious recognitions such as the National Research Foundation Scholarships and the James Moir Medal. Her growing body of work reflects a commitment to sustainable chemistry and impactful scientific innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tokoyi, V. (2024). Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials. Chemical Engineering Transactions.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Potential Application of IL@ZIF-MOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Liquids.