MOHAMMAD AMIN HEJAZI | Biotechnology | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Prof. MOHAMMAD AMIN HEJAZI | Biotechnology | Editorial Board Member 

Director General of Food Biotechnology Research Institute | Agricultural Biotechnology Resarch Institute of Iran | Iran

Mohammad Amin Hejazi is a biotechnology researcher affiliated with the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran and academically trained at Wageningen University & Research. He has an extensive publication record with 93 documents, 2,523 citations across 2,109 citing documents, and an h-index of 28. His research spans microbial biotechnology, algal bioengineering, probiotic science, and food and environmental bioprocessing. Hejazi has made significant contributions to optimizing microalgae such as Dunaliella for enhanced production of nutraceutical fatty acids, including DHA, supporting sustainable biotechnological applications. His work also explores biochemical and molecular responses of algal isolates under varying environmental conditions, informing industrial cultivation strategies. In food biotechnology, he has improved gluten-free bread quality using sourdoughs fermented by autochthonous Lactobacillus strains. Hejazi’s expertise further includes the identification and characterization of halophilic and probiotic bacteria, employing clustering and heat-map analyses to select strains with desirable properties. Additionally, he has contributed to wastewater treatment advancements through algal-based removal of nitrate and phosphate, supported by optimization and computational fluid dynamics modeling. His multidisciplinary research integrates microbial systems to advance health, food, and environmental technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Gharekhani, M., Nami, Y., Aalami, M., & Hejazi, M. A. (n.d.). Sourdoughs fermented by autochthonous Lactobacillus strains improve the quality of gluten‐free bread. Food Science & Nutrition.

Hosseinzadeh Gharajeh, N., Valizadeh, M., Dorani, E., & Hejazi, M. A. (n.d.). Dunaliella sp. ABRIINW-I1 as a cell factory of nutraceutical fatty acid pattern: An optimization approach to improved production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Chemical Engineering and Processing – Process Intensification.

Nami, Y., Gharekhani, M., Aalami, M., & Hejazi, M. A. (n.d.). Sourdoughs fermented by autochthonous Lactobacillus strains improve the quality of gluten-free bread [Preprint].

Hosseinzadeh Gharajeh, N., Valizadeh, M., Dorani, E., & Hejazi, M. A. (n.d.). Biochemical profiling of three indigenous Dunaliella isolates with main focus on fatty acid composition towards potential biotechnological application. Biotechnology Reports.

Khan, S. A., Zununi Vahed, S., Forouhandeh, H., Tarhriz, V., Chaparzadeh, N., Hejazi, M. A., Jeon, C. O., & Hejazi, M. S. (n.d.). Halomonas urmiana sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from Urmia Lake in Iran. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Juan Cristobal Garcia Canedo | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Juan Cristobal Garcia Canedo | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | Monterrey Institute of Technology | Mexico

Prof. Juan Cristóbal García Cañedo is a distinguished academic and researcher at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, with over three decades of combined industry, research, and teaching experience. His career began in the private agricultural and food industry, Transitioning into academia, he has dedicated another decade to impactful research and teaching in engineering, specializing in microalgae cultivation, carotenoids, and sustainability. Prof. García Cañedo has published extensively, including four indexed journal articles, three book chapters, and an edited book on photosynthesis. His research focuses on innovative microalgae applications for biomass, metabolite production, and carbon capture. He has actively collaborated with non-governmental organizations and industry, serving as a consultant in environmental sustainability projects. His work bridges theoretical science and practical applications, earning him recognition as a leader in sustainable biotechnology and applied environmental engineering.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Prof. García Cañedo’s educational background reflects a solid foundation in engineering and applied sciences, supported by professional certifications in food safety and quality management. He holds specialized training in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and is a certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), demonstrating his expertise in food safety standards. His studies have allowed him to integrate engineering principles with biological sciences, particularly in microalgae biotechnology. Over the course of his career, he has pursued continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies. His education has been complemented by international academic collaborations, enhancing his perspective and methodology. This combination of formal education, professional certifications, and global engagement has positioned him to address sustainability challenges through innovative engineering solutions, enabling impactful contributions to both academia and industry in areas such as renewable biomass production, environmental protection, and sustainable food systems.

Experience

Prof. García Cañedo’s career encompasses a unique blend of industry, academia, and research expertise. In the agricultural and food industries, he spent more than a decade in roles involving quality control, production optimization, product development, and commercialization, gaining valuable practical insights. In academia, he has served over ten years as an engineering professor, teaching and mentoring students in biotechnology and environmental engineering. His research career spans another decade, with a focus on microalgae cultivation, carotenoid production, and environmental applications for carbon capture. He has presented at multiple international congresses and has acted as an advisor to non-governmental organizations in Mexico, contributing to reforestation and sustainability initiatives. His scholarly output includes indexed journal articles, book chapters, and an edited book. His patent on PET plastic recycling showcases his capacity for translating research findings into viable industrial innovations, underlining his dual focus on academic excellence and practical problem-solving.

Research Interest

Prof. García Cañedo’s research interests lie at the convergence of biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and applied engineering. His primary focus is the cultivation of microalgae for biomass and metabolite production, with emphasis on carotenoids and lutein for visual health applications. He is particularly interested in fed-batch cultivation techniques, which enable precise nutrient control to optimize yield and quality. Another key aspect of his research is the utilization of microalgae for carbon capture, contributing to climate change mitigation strategies. He is also engaged in the integration of automatic control systems into microalgae cultivation, enhancing scalability and efficiency. His investigations extend to sustainable resource management, plastic waste recycling, and renewable energy production from biomass. By combining process engineering, control theory, and biological systems, his work seeks to develop next-generation technologies that meet the dual objectives of economic feasibility and environmental stewardship, thereby addressing critical global challenges.

Awards

Prof. García Cañedo has earned recognition for his research excellence and contributions to sustainable biotechnology. His nomination for the Best Researcher Award underscores his impact in advancing microalgae biotechnology and environmental engineering. His scholarly publications, particularly in the development of sustainable cultivation systems and bioactive compound production, have garnered citations and interest from academic peers worldwide. Participation as a presenter in several international congresses has demonstrated his commitment to global scientific exchange. His research achievements are complemented by industry-relevant innovations, including a patent for PET plastic recycling, which illustrates the practical applicability of his work. Collaborations with non-governmental organizations on reforestation and carbon capture projects further highlight his dedication to environmental improvement. Collectively, these accomplishments reflect his ability to produce both academic and societal benefits, positioning him as a strong candidate for recognition in the fields of research, sustainability, and applied engineering innovation.

Top Noted Publications

Prof. García Cañedo has authored impactful works, including indexed journal articles, book chapters, and an edited book. Selected publications

Title: Nutrition Therapy in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Journal: American Dietetic Association
Year: 2011

Title: Biological and technical aspects of carotenoid production by microalgae
Journal: Algal Research
Year: 2016

Title: Production of carotenoids by microalgae: achievements and challenges Journal: IntechOpen
Year: 2016

Title: Automatic control applied to microalgae cultures
Journal: Elsevier
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Prof. Juan Cristóbal García Cañedo presents a compelling case for the Best Researcher Award. His blend of industrial expertise, academic achievements, and applied research innovations in sustainability reflects both depth and breadth in scholarly contribution. With strategic emphasis on increasing high-impact publications and global networking, his research trajectory shows significant promise for continued influence in the scientific community.

 

Diksha Sharma | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Ms. Diksha Sharma | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award 

PhD scholar, at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, India.

Diksha Sharma is a dedicated JRF and Ph.D. scholar, specializing in immunology and bioinformatics. With a strong background in medical sciences, Diksha’s research focuses on identifying immunogenic peptides and their role in diagnosing infections. She is currently working on an Indo-Russian project sponsored by DST, investigating orthohantavirus infections. Diksha holds a Master’s degree in Science from the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, and has been actively involved in laboratory work and scientific research since her academic years. She is known for her skills in bioinformatics, protein expression, and grant writing. 💼🔬

Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Diksha Sharma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences from SCD Government College, Ludhiana, which she completed in 2018. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Science at the prestigious Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, from 2018 to 2020. During her schooling years, Diksha attended D.N. Model School, Moga, and Sacred Heart School, Moga, completing her education under CBSE and ICSE boards, respectively. Her robust academic foundation has prepared her well for the ongoing research work she engages in, combining practical lab skills with theoretical knowledge to contribute significantly to the field of medical sciences. 🎓📚

Experience

Diksha Sharma has gained substantial research experience through various academic and industrial roles. She interned at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, in June 2019, where she gained hands-on experience in lab testing, anti-sera production, and bacterial culturing. Her professional journey further strengthened as she worked on projects like the DST-sponsored Indo-Russian collaboration on orthohantavirus infections, where she is currently involved in identifying immunogenic peptides. Additionally, her master’s project focused on the extraction of bioactive agents and their microencapsulation, adding a layer of depth to her expertise in immunology and bioinformatics. 🔬🏥

Research Interests

Diksha Sharma’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, bioinformatics, and infectious diseases. Her primary focus is on the identification of immunogenic peptides, with ongoing work on diagnosing orthohantavirus infections through peptide-based diagnostics. Additionally, she has a keen interest in protein expression and gene cloning, which she has explored extensively through her research projects. Her work aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-based discoveries and real-world medical applications, contributing to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for infectious diseases. 🔬🧬

Awards

Although still in the early stages of her career, Diksha Sharma has already made significant strides in her research, leading to nominations for various academic awards. She is recognized for her innovative work on bioactive agents and orthohantavirus peptide diagnostics. Her excellence in research has been acknowledged through grants and funding, notably the DST-sponsored Indo-Russian project. Diksha’s dedication to her field and continuous contributions reflect her potential to achieve even greater recognition as she progresses through her academic and research career. 🏅🎖️

Publications

Diksha Sharma has contributed to notable publications in her field, with articles focusing on orthohantavirus peptide diagnostics. Some of her key papers include:

  • Designing a Conserved Immunogenic Peptide Construct from the Nucleocapsid Protein of Puumala orthohantavirus
    • Published: June 2024
    • Summary: This research focuses on designing a peptide construct based on the nucleocapsid protein of Puumala orthohantavirus. The study aims to develop a conserved immunogenic peptide that could be used in diagnostic applications for hantavirus infections. By targeting a highly conserved region of the nucleocapsid protein, this construct may enhance the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostics.
    • Cited by: 3 articles
  • Cross-reactivity of Hantavirus Antibodies After Immunization with PUUV Antigens
    • Published: May 2024
    • Summary: This paper investigates the cross-reactivity of antibodies produced after immunization with Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) antigens. The study explores the immune responses elicited by these antigens and evaluates their potential cross-reactivity with other orthohantaviruses, providing valuable insights for vaccine development and diagnostic tools.
    • Cited by: 5 articles
  • Identification and Validation of Cross-Reactivity of Anti-Thailand orthohantavirus Nucleocapsid Peptides
    • Status: Accepted
    • Summary: This paper identifies and validates the cross-reactivity of antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid peptides of Thailand orthohantavirus. The findings contribute to understanding how different orthohantaviruses share immunogenic properties and could lead to advancements in broad-spectrum diagnostic tools.
  • Recovering Immunogenic Orthohantavirus Puumalaense N Protein from Pellets of Recombinant Escherichia coli
    • Status: Accepted
    • Summary: This study focuses on recovering and purifying the N protein of Orthohantavirus Puumalaense from recombinant Escherichia coli pellets. The research aims to establish an efficient method for producing high-quality protein, which could be used for further immunological studies and vaccine development.

Conclusion

Diksha Sharma is a promising candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her involvement in cutting-edge virology research, especially in immunogenic peptide identification for orthohantavirus diagnosis, and her technical and industrial experience make her stand out. To maximize her potential for such an award, she could focus on further expanding her publication record, securing independent research projects, and increasing her visibility in the scientific community. Overall, Diksha’s profile demonstrates strong potential and growing contributions to biomedical research, making her a suitable candidate for this prestigious award.