Kadriye Elif Maçin | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kadriye Elif Maçin | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Istanbul Technical University | Turkey

Dr. Kadriye Elif Maçin is an active environmental engineering researcher whose scholarly contributions focus on solid waste management, life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, zero-waste strategies, and the development of sustainable and circular systems for institutions and urban environments. She has produced impactful research spanning international journals, national publications, book chapters, and numerous conference proceedings. Her work advances techno-economic evaluation of digestate management, MFA-LCA frameworks for zero-waste institutions, campus decarbonization models, circular bioeconomy applications, and comprehensive waste characterization studies. Through extensive analyses of food waste, construction and demolition waste, municipal waste logistics, hospital waste, and biogas enhancement strategies, she contributes evidence-based insights supporting efficient waste minimization and resource recovery. Her publications also address sustainability performance metrics in universities, transportation-related GHG emissions, and environmental impacts of energy and industrial processes. Additionally, her research has been disseminated through more than twenty international symposiums and conferences, where she has presented findings on decarbonization strategies, life cycle impacts of waste-to-energy systems, campus sustainability, zero-waste education, and solid waste systems under changing environmental conditions. Overall, her body of work strengthens scientific understanding of circular economy approaches and supports practical pathways toward sustainable waste management.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Macin, K. E., & Özbayram, E. G. (2025). Assessing the water footprint of tea: Implications on Türkiye's freshwater ecosystems. Aquatic Research.

Macin, K. E., Özcan, F. K., Acuner-Turet, E., & Kose-Mutlu, B. (2025). Carbon footprint and decarbonization of university buildings: Operational and embodied emissions at Istanbul Technical University. Building and Environment.

Macin, K. E. (2025). Türkiye’nin karbonsuzlaşma politikaları kapsamında Düzce ili katı atık yönetiminin yaşam döngüsü değerlendirmesi. Doğal Afetler ve Çevre Dergisi.

Macin, K. E. (2025). Malzeme ve madde akış analizi ile illerin katı atık yönetiminin döngüselliğinin incelenmesi: Düzce ili örneği. Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi.

Musluoğlu, A., Dereli, R. K., Arıkan, O. A., Guven, H., & Macin, K. E. (2025). Techno-economic assessment of digestate management for full-scale continuous dry anaerobic digestion plant. Bioresource Technology.

Macin, K. E., Arıkan, O. A., & Damgaard, A. (2024). An MFA–LCA framework for goal-oriented waste management studies: ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ strategies for institutions. Waste Management and Research.

Macin, K. E. (2024). Circular food waste management in Türkiye to stay within planetary boundaries. E3S Web of Conferences.

Macin, K. E., Arıkan, O. A., Altınbaş, M., & Damgaard, A. (2024). Decarbonizing university campuses: A business model for food waste management at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Ayazağa Campus, Turkey. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy.

Macin, K. E., Özçelik, K., Güven, H., & Arıkan, O. A. (2024). Waste characterization and recycling potential in a university campus: ITU Ayazağa Campus zero waste management practices. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management.

Macin, K. E. (2018). Kentsel dönüşüm sürecinde İstanbul’da inşaat ve yıkıntı (İY) atıkları yönetimi. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi.

Verónica Córdoba | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Verónica Córdoba | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires | Argentina

Prof. Dr. Verónica Córdoba is a researcher whose work focuses on bioenergy, anaerobic digestion, biomethane modelling, and environmental sustainability, with a research portfolio that has earned 381 citations, an h-index of 8, and 8 i10-index publications, reflecting a steadily growing scholarly impact. She has contributed extensively to understanding methane production dynamics from diverse biomass sources, including swine wastewater, cheese whey, macroalgae, third-generation biomass, and agricultural residues. Her publications span high-impact journals with studies on mixture design for anaerobic co-digestion, neural-network-based prediction of biomethane production, thermal behavior of biofuel feedstocks, activated carbon production from biomass waste, and long-term methane emission modelling from waste treatment processes. Her involvement in R&D Project 03/E208 (2023–2025) focuses on the valorization of lignocellulosic residues for low-emission energy scenarios, underscoring her commitment to circular bioeconomy strategies. She also contributes to academic development through the supervision of doctoral fellows working on methane modeling and biomass conversion systems. Additional works include analyses of greenhouse gas emissions in waste management, kinetics of methane generation, renewable fuel drying behavior, and theoretical–practical assessments of electricity generation from biogas. Across more than a decade of scientific output, she has advanced sustainable energy research through rigorous modelling, experimental analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Córdoba, V., & Ottolina, G. (2025). Anaerobic co-digestion of swine wastewater, cheese whey and organic waste: Performance optimization through mixture design. Biomass.

Córdoba, V., Bavio, M., & Acosta, G. (2024). Biomethane production modelling from third-generation biomass. Renewable Energy.

Córdoba, V. E., Mussi, J., De Paula, M., & Acosta, G. G. (2023). Prediction of biomethane production of cheese whey by using artificial neural networks. IEEE Latin America Transactions.

Córdoba, V., Manzur, A., & Santalla, E. (2023). Thermal behaviour and emission characteristics of Arundo donax L. as potential biofuel. BioEnergy Research.

Jerez, F., Ramos, P. B., Córdoba, V. E., Ponce, M. F., Acosta, G. G., & Bavio, M. A. (2023). Yerba mate: From waste to activated carbon for supercapacitors. Journal of Environmental Management.

Córdoba, V. E., & Santalla, E. M. (2022). Estimation of long-term methane emissions from mechanical-biological treatment waste through biomethane potential test. Environmental Technology.

Córdoba, V., Manzur, A., & Santalla, E. (2022). Drying kinetics and mathematical modelling of Arundo donax L. canes, a potential renewable fuel. Research in Agricultural Engineering.

Ibarlucía, D. G., Santalla, E. M., & Córdoba, V. E. (2021). Evaluation of biomethane potential and kinetics modelling of green macroalgae from the South Atlantic Sea: Codium sp. and Ulva sp. Environmental Chemistry.

Córdoba, V., Fernández, M., & Santalla, E. (2018). The effect of substrate/inoculum ratio on the kinetics of methane production in swine wastewater anaerobic digestion. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

Blanco, G., Santalla, E., Córdoba, V., & Levy, A. (2017). Generación de electricidad a partir de biogás capturado de residuos sólidos urbanos: Un análisis teórico-práctico. Report.

Blanco, G., Córdoba, V., Baldi, R., Fernández, M., & Santalla, E. (2016). Outcomes of the Clean Development Mechanism in Argentina. American Journal of Climate Change.

Córdoba, V., Colavolpe, M. B., Fernández, M., Santalla, E., & Albertó, E. (2016). Potential methane production of spent sawdust used in the cultivation of Gymnopilus pampeanus. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

Córdoba, V., Fernández, M., & Santalla, E. (2016). The effect of different inoculums on anaerobic digestion of swine wastewater. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

Santalla, E., Córdoba, V., & Blanco, G. (2013). Greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector in Argentina in business-as-usual and mitigation scenarios. Journal Article.

Yongkui Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yongkui Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Sichuan University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Yongkui Zhang began his academic journey in mineral processing at the Kunming Institute of Technology, where he pursued both his undergraduate and master’s education. His early academic training gave him a strong foundation in the principles of mineral processing and chemical engineering. Driven by a passion for advancing the field, he later completed his doctoral studies in inorganic chemical engineering at Sichuan University. These formative years established his expertise in both fundamental science and applied engineering, shaping his career path as a leading scholar in resource utilization and environmental sustainability.

Professional Endeavors

Following his academic training, Mr. Zhang started his professional career as an engineer at the Chengdu Comprehensive Rock and Mineral Testing Center, where he gained valuable practical experience in mineral processing research. He later transitioned into academia, beginning as a lecturer at Sichuan University, where his teaching and research contributions steadily elevated him to associate professor and eventually full professor. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in shaping chemical engineering education and research, training numerous students and advancing interdisciplinary collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Zhang’s research has consistently focused on the intersection of resources and the environment, addressing mineral processing, biomineralization, microbial fermentation, and advanced functional materials. His pioneering work has constructed a cross-disciplinary integrated innovation system based on industrial ecology, material recycling, and phase transformation technologies. This system has provided effective solutions for the utilization of low-grade mineral resources in Sichuan, thereby influencing regional industrial development. He has also led research in microbial platforms for converting waste biomass into valuable products and achieved breakthroughs in biological mineral regulation and environmental catalyst development.

Accolades and Recognition

His outstanding contributions have been recognized with provincial and municipal science and technology awards, including the Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award and the Mianyang City Science and Technology Progress Award. His extensive publication record, with over a hundred research papers and numerous high-impact contributions indexed in SCI and EI, reflects the depth and influence of his work. Additionally, he holds multiple national invention patents and has successfully secured and led numerous national, provincial, and enterprise-level research projects.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Mr. Zhang’s research lies in both its academic significance and practical applications. His studies have advanced the sustainable development of mineral resources and influenced industrial practices in resource recycling and environmental protection. By promoting green chemistry and innovative approaches to resource utilization, his work has provided pathways for cleaner production, ecological balance, and the industrial application of biomineralization. His influence extends beyond academia through his service in professional committees, contributing to national strategies in mineral and resource management.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Zhang’s legacy is rooted in his contributions to advancing sustainable mineral processing and environmental governance. His integration of industrial ecology principles into resource utilization has set new directions for green technologies and cross-disciplinary research. Looking forward, his future contributions are expected to focus on further innovation in biomineralization, waste-to-resource conversion, and environmental catalysis, addressing global challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation. His continued leadership in professional societies and academic committees will ensure his work guides future generations of researchers and policymakers.

Publications

Article: Mn(II) enhanced in-situ homogenous Fenton-like reaction for efficient degradation of amantadine: Experimental and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Jia Luo, Zhe Wang, Bowen Chen, Yilong Li, Panyu Li, Yongkui Zhang
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2025

Article: Highly efficient sterilization of biogenic FeS₂ nanoparticles: Mechanism and inhibition of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Siyu He, Jing Chen, Junqiao Zhao, Zhe Wang, Ruoyan Wu, Yongkui Zhang
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2025

Article: Production of high-amylose starch with low digestibility in a green marine microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis by delaying high-bicarbonate induction
Authors: Yuhan Shen, Haoyu Zhang, Bo Zhang, Chenglin Xie, Longren Liao, Xiuyuan Ran, Yongkui Zhang, Changhong Yao
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2025

Article: Rheological and thermal property of KH570-modified nano-SiO₂ grafted xanthan gum and its application in drilling fluid system
Authors: Jingqi Shi, Long Chen, Ruihan Xie, Jiayin Zhang, Shuangcheng Pi, Jiaming Yang, Yunhai Zhao, Feng Xiong, Yongkui Zhang, Tonghui Xie
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2025

Article: Synthesis of amino acid surfactants bioinspired from melanin using ethyl protocatechuate
Authors: Jiadong Chen, Weikang Tang, Mengqi Han, Qinfei Chen, Hong Zhou, Yongkui Zhang, Wenbin Liu
Journal: Journal of Surfactants and Detergents
Year: 2024

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mr. Yongkui Zhang exemplifies the qualities of a researcher and academic dedicated to advancing both science and society. His journey from mineral processing to interdisciplinary innovation reflects his commitment to solving complex problems in resource utilization and environmental sustainability. With a strong record of publications, patents, awards, and leadership, he stands as a highly respected figure in chemical engineering and resource science. His enduring contributions continue to drive innovation and inspire progress in sustainable development and industrial ecology.

Ling Han | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ling Han | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Peking University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ling Han began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from East China Normal University. She then pursued both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Environmental Planning and Management at Peking University. Her early research laid the foundation for her lifelong focus on environmental sustainability, circular economy, and industrial ecology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Han is an Associate Professor at the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University. She has dedicated her career to advancing urban and industrial sustainable transitions, emphasizing circularity and inclusion. As one of the pioneering scholars in China to study material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), she has influenced national waste management policies and industrial sustainability strategies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Han has been at the forefront of research on post-consumer waste management. In 2000, she and her advisor proposed treating the waste recycling industry as the "fourth industry," advocating for a new industrial system aligned with circular economy principles. Over the past five years, she has used coupled MFA-LCA, agent-based modeling (ABM), and optimization methods to analyze material flow evolution in solid waste generation, mobility, and utilization.

Her major research projects include:
📌 National Key R&D Program on solid waste, studying the interaction between environmental resources and solid waste.
📌 Sino-Dutch NSF collaboration on inclusive circular economy, proposing a community-driven post-consumption waste management system.
📌 Research on urban kitchen waste composting, integrating garden waste for carbon sequestration and soil improvement.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Han’s innovative contributions have earned her numerous research grants and prestigious roles in international collaborations. She has played a key role in national sustainability policies, advising on carbon peak strategies and low-carbon certification technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Dr. Han has significantly influenced sustainable education. In 2018, she launched the "Sustainable Campus Practice" course at Peking University, guiding students to identify and solve real-world sustainability challenges. Her efforts have fostered a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Han continues to shape the future of industrial sustainability and circular economy models. She remains committed to advancing research on biomass resource utilization and decision-making support for waste management. Her work will play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals and fostering a greener, more inclusive world.

Publications

📄 "Does the Household Clean Energy Transition Benefit the Mental Health of the Elderly in Rural China? Evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study"

  • Authors: Hengxing Yin, Ling Han, Li Yan, Chenhao Liu

  • Journal: Environment International

  • Year: 2025

📄 "Assessing the Sustainability Performances of the Supply Chain of Decentralized Urban Food Waste Composting for Urban Green Spaces"

  • Authors: Wenrui Shen, Haoran Qiao, Xin Tong, Yilong Xiao, Ling Han

  • Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling Advances

  • Year: 2025

 

Jincai Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jincai Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Shani University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jincai Zhang's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Corrosion and Protection from Hunan University in 1999. He then earned his Master's (2006) and Ph.D. (2012) from the Institute of Coal Chemistry, CAS, further strengthening his foundation in materials science. His studies set the stage for an illustrious career focused on sustainable materials and industrial waste utilization, marking him as an influential researcher in his field.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Zhang has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Since 2015, he has been an Associate Professor at Shanxi University, where he continues to shape future research in materials science. His tenure as a visiting scholar at the National University of Singapore (2022-2023) broadened his global research network, collaborating with renowned scholars like Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna. Previous roles in senior engineering and research positions at BGRIMM and the Institute of Coal Chemistry, CAS, have reinforced his commitment to both industrial and academic pursuits.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Zhang’s research contributions focus on creating advanced sustainable materials through innovative methods, particularly utilizing industrial waste. His groundbreaking work in glass-ceramic proppants, kaolin/TiO₂ composites, and inorganic fibers highlights his ability to merge fundamental science with practical industrial applications. His work emphasizes environmental sustainability, with a focus on materials that contribute to resource efficiency and energy conservation, aligning perfectly with global sustainability goals.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhang's work has earned him recognition in both the academic and industrial communities. His contributions to the field of sustainable materials and industrial waste utilization are reflected in numerous high-impact publications in journals like Materials & Design, Waste Management, and Colloids and Surfaces A. His research, which bridges the gap between theory and practice, has made significant strides in advancing the material sciences, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

The impact of Dr. Zhang’s work extends beyond academic circles. His innovative use of industrial waste in developing high-performance materials is driving advancements in sustainable material applications. By focusing on the transformation of waste into valuable resources, he is influencing both the academic discourse and industrial practices, contributing to environmental sustainability and enhancing material properties. His research has the potential to inspire future solutions for a more sustainable world.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jincai Zhang’s legacy is defined by his pioneering contributions to sustainable materials science. His work not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also promotes the development of high-value materials from industrial waste. As his research continues to evolve, Dr. Zhang is poised to make even greater contributions to sustainable engineering, advancing material science, and offering innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. His future work will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

Publications

  • 📄 Investigating the effects of sintering additives and heating regimes on the performances of glass–ceramic proppants derived from industrial wastes
    Author(s): Zhang, J., Fan, Y., Zhai, X., Kumar, V.V.
    Journal: Materials & Design
    Year: 2025

  • 📄 Preparation, properties, and formation mechanism of hydroxyl-silicone oil coating on the surface of kaolin/TiO₂ composites
    Author(s): Zhang, J., Ding, Y., Cheng, F., Ramakrishna, Seeram
    Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Study Progress on Inorganic Fibers from Industry Solid Wastes and the Key Factors Determining Their Characteristics
    Author(s): Zhang, J., Xu, X., Cheng, F., Ramakrishna, Seeram
    Journal: Materials
    Year: 2022

  • 📄 Effect of Unhydrated Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane Modification on the Properties of Calcined Kaolin
    Author(s): Zhang, J., Zhang, P., Cheng, F.
    Journal: Minerals
    Year: 2022

  • 📄 Preparation, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of inorganic continuous fibers produced from fly ash and magnesium slag
    Author(s): Zhang, J., Xuhui Wen, X.H., Cheng, F.Q.
    Journal: Waste Management
    Year: 2021

 

Getachew Alamnie | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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Assist Prof Dr. Getachew Alamnie | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Mekdela Amba University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Getachew Alamnie’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wollega University, Ethiopia, in 2015. Driven by a profound interest in biotechnology and applied biological sciences, he pursued a Master’s degree in Applied Biology at Haramaya University, where he gained foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in microbial and environmental biotechnology. This early academic background laid a solid groundwork for his Ph.D. studies in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, completed in 2023.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Alamnie is currently a Researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Mekdela Amba University, Ethiopia. He has previously served in various academic roles, including as a coordinator for exam quality and director of Academic Quality Assurance. His professional focus encompasses teaching and research, with a specialization in Industrial Biotechnology. Dr. Alamnie has also undertaken extensive training, including genome manipulation using CRISPR, protein purification, and DNA assembly, equipping him with advanced technical expertise for his research and academic responsibilities.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Alamnie’s research interests span microbial engineering, bioremediation, and enzymology, particularly regarding the application of extremophile microorganisms for environmental biotechnology. He has explored the use of enzymes like keratinase from B. subtilis for feather biodegradation, contributing to sustainable waste management practices. His recent publications examine enzyme applications in leather tanning and detergent formulation, aligning his work with green biosynthesis principles. Additionally, his studies on nanoparticle therapy present innovative approaches to addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reflecting his commitment to impactful, real-world solutions in biotechnology.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

In recognition of his impactful research, Dr. Alamnie was awarded the prestigious International Molecular Biologist Award in 2024. This accolade celebrates his contributions to molecular biology, particularly in enzyme technology and microbial biotechnology. Furthermore, his publications in reputable scientific journals underscore his standing as a respected researcher in the field. His editorial roles in international journals, including Bioresource Technology Reports and Basic Microbiology, further highlight his influence and expertise in the scientific community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Alamnie’s work in microbial engineering and environmental biotechnology holds considerable implications for sustainable industry practices. His research on enzyme-based bioremediation contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of industries such as leather tanning and detergent manufacturing. His advancements in the field have helped establish best practices for applying extremophiles in industrial biotechnology, making significant strides toward eco-friendly bioprocessing.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Alamnie continues his career in research and teaching, his work is poised to inspire future developments in sustainable biotechnology. His legacy will likely endure through his contributions to microbial enzyme applications and environmental remediation strategies. Dr. Alamnie’s commitment to innovative research in nanobiotechnology and metagenomics positions him as a key figure in advancing biotechnology for environmental and industrial applications, and his ongoing involvement in scientific societies and academic journals suggests a bright future of impactful contributions.

 

Publications

📄 Chicken feather protein hydrolysate as a low-cost peptone source for microbial cultivation: A promising perspective of economic and environmental advantage
Authors: Alamnie, G., Melake, A., Berhanu, Y., ... Damtew, B., Aemiro, A.
Journal: Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Year: 2024

📄 Characterization and fabrication of p-Cu₂O/n-CeO₂ nanocomposite for the application of photocatalysis
Authors: Bekele, T., Mebratie, G., Girma, A., Alamnie, G.
Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Year: 2024

📄 Green-synthesised silver nanoparticles: antibacterial activity and alternative mechanisms of action to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens: a systematic literature review
Authors: Girma, A., Alamnie, G., Bekele, T., ... Tabor, A., Jufar, D.
Journal: Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews
Year: 2024

📄 Production of keratinase enzyme from B. subtilis GH2 and its application in feather biodegradation
Author: Alamnie, G.
Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
Year: 2024

📄 Nanoparticle therapy for antibiotic-resistant bacteria: current methods and prospects
Authors: Bekele, T.M., Girma, A., Alamnie, G.A., Mebratie, G.B.
Journal: Bioinspired, Biomimetic and Nanobiomaterials
Year: 2023