Milena Ignatova | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Milena Ignatova | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Polymers, Bulgarian Academy of Science | Bulgaria

Prof. Milena Ignatova is a distinguished researcher at the Laboratory of Bioactive Polymers, Institute of Polymers, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IP-BAS). Her prolific scientific career is reflected through 56 publications, cited 2,615 times by 2,070 documents, with an impressive h-index of 27. Her work primarily focuses on the design and synthesis of functional polymer materials derived from renewable and biodegradable sources. She has made remarkable contributions in developing electrospun nanofibrous and hybrid polymer materials with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Prof. Ignatova has played a leading role in national and international research projects, including one as a principal investigator funded by the National Science Fund. Her research integrates polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications to create multifunctional materials with potential uses in drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Her studies on chitosan-, polylactide-, and poly(vinyl alcohol)-based electrospun fibers incorporating bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid and lidocaine have advanced the field of bioactive and smart materials. Through continuous innovation and international collaboration, Prof. Ignatova has established herself as a leading figure in polymer science, significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainable and biomedical polymer technologies.

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Featured Publications

Ignatova, M., Paneva, D., Kyuchyuk, S., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Mourdjeva, M., & Markova, N. (2025). Multifunctional electrospun materials from poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan and polylactide incorporating rosmarinic acid and lidocaine with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Polymers, 17(19), 2657.

Anastasova, I., Ignatova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Markova, N., Toshkova, R., Georgieva, A., Kamenova-Nacheva, M., Trendafilova, A., & Ivanova, V. (2024). Chitosan/hyaluronate complex-coated electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) materials containing extracts from Melissa officinalis and/or Hypericum perforatum with various biological activities: Antioxidant, antibacterial and in vitro anticancer effects. Polymers, 16(15), 2105.

Anastasova, I., Tsekova, P., Ignatova, M., & Stoilova, O. (2024). Imparting photocatalytic and antioxidant properties to electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) materials. Polymers, 16(13), 1814.

Ignatova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Georgieva, A., Toshkova, R., & Markova, N. (2023). 5-Amino-8-hydroxyquinoline-containing electrospun materials based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and carboxymethyl cellulose and their Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ complexes with diverse biological properties: Antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer. Polymers, 15(14), 3140.

Spasova, M., Stoyanova, N., Nachev, N., Ignatova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Georgieva, A., Toshkova, R., & Markova, N. (2023). Innovative fibrous materials loaded with 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline via electrospinning/electrospraying demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Antioxidants, 12(6), 1243.

Ignatova, M., Anastasova, I., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Markova, N., Kukeva, R., Stoyanova, R., Georgieva, A., & Toshkova, R. (2022). Bio-based electrospun fibers from chitosan Schiff base and polylactide and their Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ complexes: Preparation and antibacterial and anticancer activities. Polymers, 14(22), 5002.

Ignatova, M., Nachev, N., Spasova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., & Naydenov, M. (2022). Electrospun 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (clioquinol)-containing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/polyvinylpyrrolidone antifungal materials prospective as active dressings against Esca. Polymers, 14(3), 367.

Ignatova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Markova, N., Kukeva, R., Stoyanova, R., Georgieva, A., & Toshkova, R. (2021). 8-Hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid-containing poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan electrospun materials and their Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ complexes: Preparation, antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activities. Polymers, 13(16), 2690.

Ignatova, M., Stoyanova, N., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Kukeva, R., Stoyanova, R., Toshkova, R., & Georgieva, A. (2020). Electrospun materials from polylactide and Schiff base derivative of Jeffamine ED® and 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde and its complex with Cu²⁺: Preparation, antioxidant and antitumor activities. Materials Science and Engineering C, 111, 111185.

Stoyanova, N., Ignatova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Toshkova, R., & Georgieva, A. (2020). Nanoparticles based on complex of berberine chloride and polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acid with antioxidant and in vitro antitumor activities. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 119, 119426.

Ignatova, M., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., & Markova, N. (2018). Antibacterial and antioxidant electrospun materials from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and polyvinylpyrrolidone containing caffeic acid phenethyl ester: “In” and “on” strategies for enhanced solubility. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 548, 13–25.

Visakh P M | Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement in Books Award

Dr. Visakh P M | Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement in Books Award

Mahatma Gandhi University | India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Visakh P. M began his academic journey in polymer chemistry at the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala, India, where he completed his master’s, MPhil, and doctoral studies. His early training in chemistry laid the foundation for his specialization in polymer science and nanocomposites. His research during these years focused on bio-nanomaterials and advanced polymer systems, providing him with the skills and vision to expand into cutting-edge materials science.

Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Visakh embarked on a global research career. He pursued postdoctoral research at Tomsk Polytechnic University in Russia, later serving as Associate Professor at TUSUR University, Tomsk. His career has since extended to his current role at the Natural Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, Turkey. Alongside these appointments, he has engaged in visiting research positions at institutions across Europe and South America, highlighting his international academic presence and collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Visakh’s research contributions span polymer sciences, nanocomposites, material sciences, bio-nanocomposites, fire-retardant polymers, and liquid crystalline polymers. His work combines fundamental and applied research, advancing knowledge in sustainable materials, sensor development, and high-performance composites. His editorial leadership in producing dozens of books with leading international publishers further reflects his commitment to advancing global scientific discourse.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Visakh’s scientific impact has been recognized widely. He has been listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University for consecutive years, a testament to his citation record, h-index, and influence in materials science. He has received numerous fellowships and research grants, including prestigious national and international awards supporting his advanced studies and collaborations across multiple countries.

Impact and Influence

Through his prolific output of over 50 edited volumes, numerous research articles, and book chapters, Dr. Visakh has shaped the global understanding of polymers and nanomaterials. His contributions extend beyond research to mentoring and academic leadership, as seen in his guest editorial roles for international journals. His ability to connect science with real-world applications has impacted fields ranging from sustainable material development to advanced industrial and biomedical uses.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Visakh’s legacy lies in his blend of scholarly productivity and global engagement. His editorial work has created lasting resources for researchers, while his scientific contributions continue to inspire advancements in polymer and nanoscience. Looking forward, his ongoing research in bio-nanocomposites and material applications in medicine, energy, and sustainability is set to expand both his personal impact and the reach of polymer science worldwide.

Publications


Article: Improvement of the Thermal Behaviour of Epoxy/Fe Nanoparticle Composites by the Addition of Flame Retardants
Authors: Nazarenko, O.B., Visakh, P.M., Amelkovich, Y.A. et al.
Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
Year: 2025


Article: Thermal Stability and Flammability of Epoxy Composites Filled with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Boric Acid, and Sodium Bicarbonate
Authors: Olga B. Nazarenko, Yulia A. Amelkovich, Alexander G. Bannov, Irina S. Berdyugina, Visakh P. Maniyan
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2021


Article: Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Moringa oleifera Cellulose-Based Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Nadir Ayrilmis, Ferhat Ozdemir, Olga B. Nazarenko, P. M. Visakh
Journal: Journal of Composite Materials
Year: 2019


Article: Effect of Boric Acid on Thermal Behavior of Copper Nanopowder/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Olga B. Nazarenko, Alexander I. Sechin, Tatyana V. Melnikova, P. M. Visakh
Journal: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
Year: 2018


Article: Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Based Epoxy Composites
Authors: Visakh P. M., O.B. Nazarenko, C. Sarath Chandran, T.V. Melnikova, S. Yu. Nazarenko, J.-C. Kim
Journal: Radiation Physics and Chemistry
Year: 2017


Conclusion

Dr. Visakh P. M is a globally recognized scholar whose career exemplifies dedication to research, teaching, and scientific dissemination. From his foundational work in polymer chemistry to his international collaborations and extensive editorial contributions, he has built a profile that reflects excellence, leadership, and innovation. His influence in polymer and nanomaterials research, combined with recognition as one of the world’s leading scientists, ensures that his legacy will continue to guide future discoveries and shape advancements across multiple domains of science.

Biao Shi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Biao Shi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Biao Shi embarked on his academic journey at Chongqing University, where he demonstrated a rare interdisciplinary interest. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Material Physics, followed by a Bachelor of Management in Business Administration. His strong foundation in both technical and managerial domains reflects a holistic approach to science and innovation. Dr. Shi further elevated his academic credentials by earning a PhD in Materials Science from the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Shi has cultivated a robust career centered around two-dimensional (2D) materials, a cutting-edge field in nanotechnology and materials science. His primary focus includes the synthesis and characterization of materials such as graphene, WS₂, and MoS₂, and their application in advanced devices. Currently, he is actively engaged in the design and fabrication of photodetectors and biosensors that leverage the unique properties of these 2D structures. His deep integration of materials science into real-world devices positions him at the forefront of applied nanotechnology.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Shi's work spans numerous high-impact research publications, showcasing his expertise in biosensors, graphene-based field-effect transistors (GFETs), and photodetection technologies. He has co-authored pioneering studies such as fluorescence multiplexed miRNA biosensors for lung cancer diagnostics, DNA hybridization detection using WS₂ nanosheet-based FET biosensors, graphene liquid-gated transistors for label-free biosensing, and monolayer WS₂ crystal synthesis for scalable electronic applications. These contributions have advanced the precision, efficiency, and application scope of 2D materials in next-generation sensors and electronics.

Accolades and Recognition

While not explicitly listed, Dr. Shi’s consistent publication in prestigious journals like ACS Applied Nano Materials, Analytica Chimica Acta, and Nanomaterials reflects the high esteem in which his research is held by the global scientific community. His work is frequently cited and forms a core component of the rapidly growing field of nanomaterials and biosensor technologies.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Shi’s research is contributing to transformational technologies in medical diagnostics, particularly in early cancer detection through innovative biosensor design. His work with graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is influencing how materials science is applied in biomedicine, environmental sensing, and optoelectronics. By enabling faster, more sensitive, and miniaturized sensors, he is helping shape the future of personalized healthcare and real-time diagnostics.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Shi's scientific legacy is anchored in his pioneering exploration of 2D materials for device applications. As research and development in nanotechnology accelerate, he is poised to make even greater strides in flexible electronics, wearable biosensors, and intelligent sensing platforms. His future work promises to further close the gap between material synthesis and functional device integration, paving the way for revolutionary applications in smart healthcare, environmental monitoring, and quantum devices.

Publications


A Sandwich-Type Impedimetric Immunosensor for the Detection of Tau-441 Biomarker

Authors: Khouloud Djebbi, Yang Xiang, Biao Shi, Lyes Douadji, Xiaohan Chen, Jin Liu, Chaker Tlili, Deqiang Wang
Journal: Bioengineering
Year: 2025


Graphene-based Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor for Prostate-Specific Antigen Detection

Authors: Xiangdong Kong, Yunjiao Wang, Deping Huang, Xin Li, Biao Shi, Daming Zhou, Rong Tian, Chaker Tlili, Deqiang Wang
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2024


Nanopore-Based Aptasensor for Label-Free and Sensitive Vanillin Determination in Food Samples

Authors: Mohamed Amin Elaguech, Mohamed Bahri, Khouloud Djebbi, Daming Zhou, Biao Shi, Liyuan Liang, Natalia Komarova, Alexander Kuznetsov, Chaker Tlili, Deqiang Wang
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2022


Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Multiplexed miRNAs Biosensors for Accurate Clinically Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Disease Using LNA-Modified DNA Probe and DSN Enzyme

Authors: K. Djebbi, J. Xing, T. Weng, M. Bahri, M.A. Elaguech, C. Du, B. Shi, L. Hu, S. He, P. Liao, C. Tlili, D. Wang
Journal: Analytica Chimica Acta
Year: 2022


Tungsten Disulfide Nanosheet-Based Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor for DNA Hybridization Detection

 Authors: M. Bahri, B. Shi, M.A. Elaguech, K. Djebbi, D. Zhou, L. Liang, C. Tlili, D. Wang
 Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials
Year: 2022


Giuseppe Emanuele Lio | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Giuseppe Emanuele Lio | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Nanoscience Institute – CNR and NEST Labs at Scuola Normale Superiore | Italy

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Giuseppe Emanuele Lio began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Science of Innovative Materials and Nanotechnologies at the University of Calabria, Italy, where he explored plasmons in materials beyond graphene. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Science and Engineering of Innovative and Functional Materials in a dual program between the University of Calabria and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT), France. His thesis revolved around creating a nano-guided hybrid system to implement photonic transistors. He completed his PhD in Science and Technology of Physics, Chemistry, and Materials with excellence, focusing on hyper-resolute laser-writing mediated by ENZ metamaterials—a significant contribution to the field of nanophotonics.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lio has held various academic and research roles across Italy and Europe. He lectured extensively at the University of Florence and University of Calabria, teaching physics and materials characterization. Professionally, he has collaborated with premier institutions such as CNR-Nanotec, CNR-INO, and the Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology. He has also worked with companies like Cooling Photonics and Aerospazio Technology, pushing the boundaries of applied optics in satellite communications and cooling technologies. Currently, he serves as a senior post-doctoral fellow at CNR-Nano, contributing to tunable metasurface design for LIDAR applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lio’s research spans nanophotonics, metamaterials, ENZ media, and passive radiative cooling. He has been the principal investigator or key contributor to numerous computational and experimental projects, including FRESCO, FRESCO2, and BIOt. His work involves designing metasurfaces to enhance solar energy systems, thermal management, and optoelectronic devices. He is also deeply involved in international research collaborations with institutions in Spain, the U.S., Germany, and Poland. His innovative research extends to developing PUFs (Physical Unclonable Functions), optical scalpel technologies, and open-source measurement hardware.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Lio has been widely recognized for his academic excellence and scientific innovation. His accolades include the Best PhD Thesis Award from the Italian Society of Optics and Photonics (SIOF), the Best Doctoral Thesis in Applied Photonics by IEEE Photonics Society, and the Innovative Sustainability Award in Nanophotonics by De Gruyter. He also earned the Early Career Forum Award from the American Chemical Society and has won best poster presentations at renowned international conferences. He holds two certified patents and an OSHWA-certified open hardware device.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through cross-disciplinary collaborations, Dr. Lio is shaping the future of sustainable photonics and nanomaterials. His work on passive radiative cooling is instrumental in enhancing photovoltaic efficiency and reducing heat emissions in smart materials. He has authored impactful publications in ACS Photonics, Cell Reports Physical Science, JACS, and Adv. Mater. Technol., among others. His international influence is evident through joint projects with Yale University, Ludwig Maximilian University, and other prestigious partners.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Giuseppe Emanuele Lio stands as a pioneering figure in the field of applied physics and nanophotonics. His legacy is defined by his commitment to bridging scientific theory with real-world applications—from intelligent cooling systems to next-gen optical security tools. As he continues to innovate at the intersection of materials science and photonic engineering, his future contributions promise to redefine thermal management, data security, and sustainable technologies in both academia and industry.

Publications


  • 📄 Open-hardware platform for synchronous performance testing of multiple passive radiative cooling materials
    Authors: Jérémy Werlé, Roberto Concas, Ernesto Pini, Diederik S. Wiersma, Lorenzo Pattelli, Giuseppe Emanuele Lio
    Journal: Cell Reports Physical Science
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Near-Visible Low-Power Tuning of Nematic-Liquid Crystal Integrated Silicon Nitride Ring Resonator
    Authors: Jayita Dutta, Antonio Ferraro, Arnab Manna, Rui Chen, Alfredo Pane, Giuseppe Emanuele Lio, Roberto Caputo, Arka Majumdar
    Journal: ACS Photonics
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Nanoplasmonic Isosbestics Uncover Mesoscale Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles on Soft Templates
    Authors: Jacopo Cardellini, Ilaria De Santis, Giuseppe Emanuele Lio, Marco Brucale, Francesco Valle, Virginia Catani, Ilenia Mastrolia, Marta Calabria, Massimo Dominici, Andrea Zendrini, et al.
    Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS)
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Flexible Physical Unclonable Functions Based on Non-deterministically Distributed Dye-Doped Fibers and Droplets
    Authors: Mauro Daniel Luigi Bruno, Giuseppe Emanuele Lio, Antonio Ferraro, Sara Nocentini, Giuseppe Papuzzo, Agostino Forestiero, Giovanni Desiderio, Maria Penelope De Santo, Diederik Sybolt Wiersma, Roberto Caputo, et al.
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 Unlocking Optical Coupling Tunability in Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Metamaterials Through Liquid Crystal Nanocavities
    Authors: Giuseppe Emanuele Lio, Antonio Ferraro, Bruno Zappone, Janusz Parka, Ewa Schab‐Balcerzak, Cesare Paolo Umeton, Francesco Riboli, Rafał Kowerdziej, Roberto Caputo
    Journal: Advanced Optical Materials
    Year: 2024