Nikita Kuznetsov | Enzyme Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Nikita Kuznetsov | Enzyme Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Head of Lab at Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine | Russia

Dr. Nikita A. Kuznetsov is a leading biochemist recognized for influential contributions to the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, biocatalysis, and enzyme engineering, supported by a strong research record comprising 1,724 citations, 125 publications, and an h-index of 25 in Scopus. His scientific work bridges physical chemistry, enzymology, and genetic technologies, offering foundational insights into enzyme conformational dynamics and substrate recognition. He has systematically characterized the kinetic steps of DNA repair enzymes, revealing molecular requirements for nucleotide flipping, DNA bending, and catalytic coordination across prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. His research established the DNA-mediated signaling model that explains cooperative interactions among repair enzymes and identified significant effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms on repair efficiency, protein–protein interactions, and genome maintenance. Kuznetsov’s portfolio includes patented assays for repair enzyme activity, discovery of the first inhibitor of human OGG1, and the development of highly accurate thermostable DNA polymerases that surpass global standards for error-free DNA amplification. His work extends to SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibition, where he applied pre-steady-state kinetics, molecular modeling, and synthesis to identify low-toxicity antiviral candidates. He has engineered thermostable reverse transcriptases, DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyltransferases essential for emerging enzymatic DNA synthesis technologies, along with enzymatic systems for bioremediation through redesigned oxygenases. His research demonstrates excellence across fundamental and applied biochemistry, contributing to genome stability studies, molecular diagnostics, antiviral development, and next-generation genetic engineering platforms.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Davletgildeeva, A. T., Tyugashev, T. E., Sagalakova, V. V., Zhao, M., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2025). Predictive analysis and validation of critical missense SNPs of the ABH2 gene using structural bioinformatics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Timofeyeva, N. A., Tsoi, E. I., Novopashina, D. S., Kuznetsov, N. A., & Kuznetsova, A. A. (2025). Interplay between DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and RNase H1 during head-on transcription–replication conflict. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Gavrilova, A. A., Kuznetsova, A. A., Novopashina, D. S., Zheng, C., Sun, Q., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2025). Biochemical characterization of R-loop degradation by chloroplast-localized RNase H1 from Arabidopsis thaliana. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Kuznetsova, A. A., Grishina, I. A., Mikushina, E. S., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2025). Engineering a thermostable reverse transcriptase for RT-PCR through rational design of Pyrococcus furiosus DNA polymerase. Biomolecules.

Davletgildeeva, A. T., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2025). Participants in transcription–replication conflict and their role in formation and resolution of R-loops. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

 

Minghe Luo | Natural Products Biosynthesis | Editorial Board Member

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minghe Luo | Natural Products Biosynthesis | Editorial Board Member

Associate Professor at Chongqing University of Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minghe Luo is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in natural products chemistry, microbial biosynthesis, medicinal chemistry, and marine-derived bioactive compounds, with a strong scientific record demonstrated by 826 citations, 36 peer-reviewed publications, and an h-index of 18 on Scopus. His research integrates natural product discovery, biosynthetic pathway elucidation, enzymatic function analysis, and bioactivity evaluation, contributing significantly to the development of antibacterial agents, hepatoprotective molecules, siderophores, diketopiperazines, and structurally diverse marine fungal metabolites. Dr. Luo has made major advancements in understanding complex biosynthetic mechanisms, including cytochrome P450–mediated oxidation, polyketide assembly, and enzyme-catalyzed tailoring reactions, highlighted in high-impact journals such as Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Nature Communications, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Natural Products, and Organic Letters. His work also includes innovative studies on deep-sea fungi, Streptomyces species, and marine actinomycetes, leading to the discovery of new anthraquinones, nucleoside antibiotics, and novel polyketide derivatives. As both first author and corresponding author on multiple publications, Dr. Luo has demonstrated strong scientific leadership, editorial judgment, and expertise in guiding research from discovery to mechanistic analysis. He has contributed to several nationally funded research projects and has led investigations into antibacterial natural products and biosynthetic gene clusters, reinforcing his role as an influential scientist in pharmaceutical biotechnology. Dr. Luo’s extensive publication record, multidisciplinary expertise, and consistent scientific impact make him exceptionally well-suited for an Editorial Board Member role in journals focused on natural products, biosynthesis, pharmaceutical chemistry, and microbial biotechnology.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ma, J., Wang, Z., Huang, H., Luo, M., Zuo, D., Wang, B., Sun, A., Cheng, Y. Q., & Ju, J. (2011). Biosynthesis of himastatin: Assembly line and characterization of three cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the post-tailoring oxidative steps. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. (Cited by: 103)

Shi, S., Zhou, M., Li, X., Hu, M., Li, C., Li, M., Sheng, F., Li, Z., Wu, G., Luo, M., Cui, H., & others. (2016). Synergistic active targeting of dually integrin αvβ3/CD44-targeted nanoparticles to B16F10 tumors located at different sites of mouse bodies. Journal of Controlled Release. (Cited by: 92)

Huang, H., Wang, F., Luo, M., Chen, Y., Song, Y., Zhang, W., Zhang, S., & Ju, J. (2012). Halogenated anthraquinones from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO F063. Journal of Natural Products. (Cited by: 88)

Li, Y., Shi, S., Ming, Y., Wang, L., Li, C., Luo, M., Li, Z., Li, B., & Chen, J. (2018). Specific cancer stem cell therapy by albumin nanoparticles functionalized with CD44-mediated targeting. Journal of Nanobiotechnology. (Cited by: 72)

Ming, Y., Li, Y., Xing, H., Luo, M., Li, Z., Chen, J., Mo, J., & Shi, S. (2017). Circulating tumor cells: From theory to nanotechnology-based detection. Frontiers in Pharmacology. (Cited by: 66)

 

Eugenia Messina | Cell Factory | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eugenia Messina | Cell Factory | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at University of Bari Aldo Moro | Italy

Dr. Eugenia Messina, a Research Fellow at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro,” Italy, specializes in industrial and environmental biotechnology with a focus on metabolic engineering of yeasts for sustainable bio-based production. Her research primarily explores the genetic and biochemical modification of Yarrowia lipolytica, aiming to optimize microbial systems for the bioconversion of plastic waste into valuable biochemicals. Dr. Messina’s scientific trajectory reflects strong interdisciplinary expertise spanning biochemistry, molecular genetics, and microbial biotechnology. She has collaborated with renowned research institutions such as INRAE (France) and has actively participated in EU-funded projects promoting circular economy models through biological innovation. Her publication record includes notable contributions to Bioresource Technology, Microbial Cell Factories, and Metabolic Engineering, focusing on mitochondrial transport mechanisms, fatty acid biosynthesis, and microbial platform development. She holds 8 Scopus-indexed publications, 110 citations, and an h-index of 6, underscoring her growing academic influence. Dr. Messina is also a co-inventor on a European patent related to metabolic engineering for isocitric acid production, highlighting her translational research impact. Her excellence has been recognized with the HERITAGE 2024 Award and multiple honors from scientific societies. By integrating molecular biology and sustainable bioprocessing, Dr. Messina’s work contributes significantly to advancing green biotechnology and industrial bioengineering, making her an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Messina, E., Lazar, Z., Barile, S., Moroz, P., Scarcia, P., Antonacci, Y., Fosso, B., Palmieri, L., Pisano, I., & Agrimi, G. (2026). Acetate co-feeding increases ethylene glycol assimilation and glycolic acid production in Yarrowia lipolytica. Bioresource Technology.

Castellani, S., Iaconisi, G. N., Tripaldi, F., Porcelli, V., Trapani, A., Messina, E., Guerra, L., Di Franco, C., Maruccio, G., Monteduro, A. G., Corbo, F., Di Gioia, S., & Trapani, G. (2024). Dopamine and Citicoline-Co-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as multifunctional nanomedicines for Parkinson’s disease treatment by intranasal administration. Pharmaceutics.

Di Noia, M. A., Ocheja, O. B., Scarcia, P., Pisano, I., Messina, E., Agrimi, G., Palmieri, L., & Guaragnella, N. (2024). Lack of mitochondrial DNA provides metabolic advantage in yeast osmoadaptation. Biomolecules

Khozov, A. A., Bubnov, D. M., Plisov, E. D., Vybornaya, T. V., Yuzbashev, T. V., Agrimi, G., Messina, E., Stepanova, A. A., Kudina, M. D., Alekseeva, N. V., & Netrusov, A. I. (2023). A study on L-threonine and L-serine uptake in Escherichia coli K-12. Frontiers in Microbiology.

Yuzbasheva, E. Y., Scarcia, P., Yuzbashev, T. V., Messina, E., Kosikhina, I. M., Palmieri, L., Shutov, A. V., Taratynova, M. O., Amaro, R. L., & Palmieri, F. (2021). Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for the selective and high-level production of isocitric acid through manipulation of mitochondrial dicarboxylate–tricarboxylate carriers. Metabolic Engineering.

Rakesh Gujar | Bioprocess Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Rakesh Gujar | Bioprocess Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar at Institute of Chemical Technology | India

 

Mr. Rakesh Gujar is a dedicated professional and researcher recognized for his commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in his field, with a career marked by continuous growth, academic excellence, and impactful contributions. Mr. Rakesh Gujar has pursued a strong educational foundation, earning advanced qualifications that have equipped him with both theoretical expertise and practical skills necessary for research and professional practice. Building on this background, Mr. Rakesh Gujar has accumulated extensive experience through diverse roles in academia, research, and industry, demonstrating versatility and leadership in every endeavor. His professional journey reflects a balance of teaching, mentorship, project management, and collaborative initiatives that have significantly contributed to the development of his discipline. Mr. Rakesh Gujar has actively engaged in research projects, contributing valuable insights and results in areas that address both theoretical challenges and real-world applications. His research interests span interdisciplinary domains, with a focus on innovative technologies, problem-solving methodologies, and strategies that enhance knowledge transfer and sustainable development. Through scholarly work, Mr. Rakesh Gujar has shared findings in reputed journals and conferences, thereby enriching the global academic and professional community. His ability to bridge gaps between research and practice is further highlighted by his involvement in collaborations that foster the exchange of ideas and the integration of cutting-edge knowledge into practical solutions. Mr. Rakesh Gujar’s skills include research design, data analysis, critical thinking, and the application of emerging technologies, which have positioned him as a forward-looking contributor in his area of expertise. His career is distinguished not only by professional achievements but also by a strong commitment to ethical practices, continuous learning, and the mentorship of young professionals and students. By contributing to innovation, advancing education, and engaging in meaningful research, Mr. Rakesh Gujar has built a profile that reflects both depth and breadth of expertise. In conclusion, Mr. Rakesh Gujar stands out as a professional whose education, experience, and research interests align seamlessly with his vision for impactful contributions, making him a valuable asset to the academic, industrial, and research communities, and a figure committed to creating lasting influence in his chosen field.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Rakesh Gujar. (2023, September 14–16). Attended SuschemE 2.0: International Conference on Sustainability and “Catalyzing Research & Tecnovation for Sustainable Future” Engineering.

Rakesh Gujar. (2023). Attended mini workshop: Building a startup with a demo of supporting lab facilities, organized by TechEx.in and VC Analytics at Venture Center. Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Rakesh Gujar. (2023). Attended mini workshop: Building a startup with a demo of supporting lab facilities and handling of instruments (HPLC, UV–Spectroscopy, GC–MS, FT–IR), organized by Lupin Ltd. Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Rakesh Gujar. (2023). Attended mini workshop: Building a startup with a demo of supporting lab facilities, organized by PALL India Pvt. Ltd. Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Rakesh Gujar. (2017, October 7). Workshop on way to scientific writing and publishing. Buldhana, Maharashtra, India.

Rakesh Gujar. (2020, May 3). Workshop on recent achievements and challenges of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutical drug delivery. Buldhana, Maharashtra, India.

Rakesh Gujar. (2020, April 19). Workshop on artificial intelligence and drug discovery. Pandharpur, Maharashtra, India.

Abu Feyisa Meka | Industrial Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abu Feyisa Meka | Industrial Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Dr. Yuanyuan Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, where she plays a leading role in advancing tissue engineering and regenerative urology. With over four decades of experience in clinical and academic medicine, Dr. Zhang’s work bridges basic research and clinical application, particularly in the area of regenerative therapies for urological conditions. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering contributions to bladder tissue engineering, urologic biomaterials, and pediatric urology. Her multidisciplinary background—spanning China, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United States—has equipped her with a global perspective and deep clinical insight, positioning her as a thought leader in translational medicine.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhang began her medical education in China, earning her M.D. equivalent in Medicine from Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, in 1982. She furthered her education with an M.S. in Biological Sciences from the same institution in 1989, focusing on the protective effects of ginsenosides on renal ischemia. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Biomedicine from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland in 2001, where she studied co-culture techniques for bladder tissue engineering under the mentorship of Dr. Peter Frey. Her training laid the foundation for a distinguished career in translational regenerative medicine.

Experience

Her extensive clinical training includes urology residency and fellowships in endourology and renal transplantation in leading hospitals across China, including Jiangxi Medical College and the Shanghai First People’s Hospital. Between 1993 and 1995, she gained international exposure as a Fellow in Renal Transplant/Urology and Nephrology at the University of Otago in New Zealand. She later pursued postdoctoral training at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, further cementing her commitment to pediatric urology and tissue engineering research.

Research

Professionally, Dr. Zhang has held a range of academic positions, beginning as an Assistant Professor and Attending Urologist at Jiangxi Medical College in China. Her research and teaching roles expanded in Europe and the United States, notably at the University of Lausanne and the University of Oklahoma. Since 2006, she has been affiliated with the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, where she was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018. Her leadership and academic service include active grant reviewing roles for NIH (NIDDK), the Sick Kids Foundation (Canada), and ZonMw (Netherlands), reflecting her international reputation and expertise in regenerative urology.

Research

Dr. Zhang’s research interests lie at the intersection of urology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. She is particularly focused on the development of engineered urinary tract tissues and bladder augmentation techniques using biomaterials and stem cells. Her work has had significant implications for pediatric patients with congenital urologic disorders and those requiring bladder reconstruction. Her commitment to translational research is evident in her successful integration of basic science into preclinical and clinical applications, contributing to innovations in scaffold design, cell culture, and organ regeneration.

Awards

Over the years, Dr. Zhang has received recognition for her outstanding contributions. She has been invited to review research proposals for several prominent funding agencies, a testament to her standing in the biomedical research community. Her nominations for competitive national and international grant panels highlight her scientific integrity and leadership in the field of regenerative urology and biomaterials.

Publications

Dr. Zhang has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, several of which are widely cited. Selected notable publications include:

  1. Zhang Y. et al. (2008). “Tissue engineering of bladder constructs: A comparative study of urothelial cell sources.” Biomaterials, 29(25), 2825–2830. Cited by 412 articles.

  2. Zhang Y. et al. (2011). “A strategy for bladder tissue regeneration using autologous stem cells.” PNAS, 108(28), 11782–11787. Cited by 365 articles.

  3. Zhang Y. et al. (2005). “Urothelial differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells on collagen scaffolds.” Journal of Urology, 173(6), 2046–2050. Cited by 297 articles.

  4. Zhang Y. et al. (2006). “Smooth muscle cell differentiation from bone marrow stem cells for bladder tissue engineering.” Tissue Engineering, 12(7), 1899–1910. Cited by 253 articles.

  5. Zhang Y. et al. (2010). “Engineered bladder tissues from stem cells for functional reconstruction.” Stem Cells and Development, 19(11), 1665–1675. Cited by 228 articles.

  6. Zhang Y. et al. (2014). “Development of a pre-vascularized scaffold for bladder regeneration.” Acta Biomaterialia, 10(7), 2763–2773. Cited by 180 articles.

  7. Zhang Y. et al. (2017). “Biomimetic approaches in bladder tissue regeneration: Current challenges and future perspectives.” Advanced Healthcare Materials, 6(3), 1600734. Cited by 142 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Yuanyuan Zhang’s career exemplifies the integration of clinical excellence, innovative research, and academic leadership. Her dedication to improving patient outcomes through regenerative strategies has positioned her as a pivotal figure in the field of tissue engineering and urologic regeneration. Her work continues to influence the development of next-generation therapies and to inspire collaborative, cross-disciplinary innovations in biomedical science.