Professor Doctorate, at INST PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY BAS, Bulgaria.
Prof. Christo N. Nanev is a distinguished Bulgarian physical chemist renowned for his pioneering contributions to crystal growth and nucleation. He earned his PhD under the mentorship of Academician Rostislaw Kaischew and later achieved a Doctor of Science degree in Physical Chemistry from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. His research spans various domains, including protein crystallization, semiconductor thin films, and electrocrystallization. Notably, his images of insulin crystals were featured in the 8th edition of the textbook “Biochemistry” by Berg et al. Prof. Nanev has authored over 150 scientific papers and holds five patents. He serves on the Advisory Board of Crystal Research and Technology and is a fellow of the Humboldt Union in Bulgaria. As the principal investigator of Bulgaria’s first space experiment, he was honored with the ‘Interkosmos’ medal. His work continues to influence the fields of crystallography and physical chemistry.
Professional Profile
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🎓 Education
Prof. Nanev completed his undergraduate studies at the Chemical Faculty of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Bulgaria. During his academic tenure, he specialized in the growth of crystal whiskers at the Institute of Physics, Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences in Prague. He pursued his PhD in crystal growth under the guidance of Academician Rostislaw Kaischew, a luminary in the field. Subsequently, he attained the Doctor of Science degree in Physical Chemistry from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, reflecting his profound expertise and contributions to the discipline. His educational journey laid a robust foundation for his illustrious career in crystallography and physical chemistry.
🧪 Experience
With a career spanning several decades, Prof. Nanev has been at the forefront of research in crystal nucleation and growth. His experimental and theoretical work encompasses protein crystallization, semiconductor thin films, metal electrocrystallization, and the growth of quartz crystals. He has also delved into surface leveling during the deposition of galvanic coatings. His expertise has been recognized through his role as a principal investigator in Bulgaria’s inaugural space experiment, earning him the ‘Interkosmos’ medal. Beyond research, he contributes to the scientific community as a member of the Advisory Board for Crystal Research and Technology and as a fellow of the Humboldt Union in Bulgaria. His extensive experience continues to inspire advancements in the field.
🔬 Research Interests
Prof. Nanev’s research interests are deeply rooted in the mechanisms of crystal nucleation and growth. He has extensively studied protein crystallization, providing insights crucial for structural biology and pharmaceutical applications. His work on semiconductor thin films and metal electrocrystallization has implications for electronic materials and surface engineering. Additionally, he has explored the growth processes of quartz crystals and the dynamics of surface leveling in galvanic coatings. His interdisciplinary approach bridges physical chemistry with materials science, contributing to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in crystallography.
🏅 Awards
Prof. Nanev’s contributions have been recognized through various accolades. Notably, he received the ‘Interkosmos’ medal for his role as the principal investigator in Bulgaria’s first space experiment. His election as a fellow of the Humboldt Union in Bulgaria underscores his esteemed position in the scientific community. His work has not only advanced scientific understanding but also garnered international recognition, reflecting his impact on the field of physical chemistry.
📚 Top Noted Publications
Prof. Nanev has an extensive publication record, with over 150 scientific papers and five patents. His research has been featured in reputable journals, contributing significantly to the fields of crystallography and physical chemistry. Notably, his images of insulin crystals were included in the 8th edition of the textbook “Biochemistry” by Berg et al., published by W. H. Freeman in 2015. For a comprehensive list of his publications, you can refer to his Google Scholar profile.
📌 1. Nucleation of Lysozyme Crystals Under External Electric and Ultrasonic Fields
Authors: CN Nanev, A Penkova
Journal: Journal of Crystal Growth, 232 (1–4), 285–293 (2001)
Citations: 145
DOI: Link
Summary: Explores how electric and ultrasonic fields affect the nucleation rate of lysozyme crystals. Concludes that ultrasonic fields enhance nucleation via cavitation effects, while electric fields influence nucleation through electrostatic and convection mechanisms.
📌 2. Heterogeneous Nucleation (and Adhesion) of Lysozyme Crystals
Authors: D Tsekova, S Dimitrova, CN Nanev
Journal: Journal of Crystal Growth, 196 (2–4), 226–233 (1999)
Citations: 94
DOI: Link
Summary: Investigates heterogeneous nucleation of lysozyme on various substrates, focusing on adhesion forces and how they determine crystal orientation and location.
📌 3. Temperature-Independent Solubility and Interactions Between Apoferritin Monomers and Dimers in Solution
Authors: DN Petsev, BR Thomas, ST Yau, D Tsekova, CN Nanev, WW Wilson, et al.
Journal: Journal of Crystal Growth, 232 (1–4), 21–29 (2001)
Citations: 80
DOI: Link
Summary: Explores the unique solubility behavior of apoferritin, with a focus on dimer–monomer interactions. Highlights the role of solution thermodynamics in protein crystallization.
📌 4. Protein Crystal Nucleation in Pores
Authors: CN Nanev, E Saridakis, NE Chayen
Journal: Scientific Reports, 7 (1), 35821 (2017)
Citations: 56
DOI: Link
Summary: Shows how nanoscale confinement can be used to initiate and control protein nucleation. Potentially important for crystallizing proteins that are otherwise difficult to nucleate.
📌 5. Kinetics of Insulin Crystal Nucleation, Energy Barrier, and Nucleus Size
Authors: CN Nanev, FV Hodzhaoglu, IL Dimitrov
Journal: Crystal Growth & Design, 11 (1), 196–202 (2011)
Citations: 56
DOI: Link
Summary: Analyzes insulin crystallization kinetics to determine the energy barrier and size of critical nuclei using experimental and theoretical models.
📌 6. Enhancement and Suppression of Protein Crystal Nucleation Due to Electrically Driven Convection
Authors: A Penkova, O Gliko, IL Dimitrov, FV Hodjaoglu, CN Nanev, PG Vekilov
Journal: Journal of Crystal Growth, 275 (1–2), e1527–e1532 (2005)
Citations: 56
DOI: Link
Summary: Demonstrates how convection currents caused by electric fields influence nucleation via spatial inhomogeneities of supersaturation.
📌 7. On the Slow Kinetics of Protein Crystallization
Author: CN Nanev
Journal: Crystal Growth & Design, 7 (8), 1533–1540 (2007)
Citations: 50
DOI: Link
Summary: Proposes that kinetic barriers and specific protein interactions cause delays in nucleation, explaining difficulties in crystallizing many proteins.
📌 8. Theory of Nucleation
Author: CN Nanev
In: Handbook of Crystal Growth (Second Ed.), Ed. Nishinaga T., Vol. 1, 315–358 (2015)
Citations: 47
Summary: A comprehensive chapter covering classical and non-classical nucleation theories, including the effect of impurities and solution dynamics.
📌 9. Heterogeneous Nucleation of Hen‐Egg‐White Lysozyme—Molecular Approach
Authors: CN Nanev, D Tsekova
Journal: Crystal Research and Technology, 35 (8), 949–956 (2000)
Citations: 47
DOI: Link
Summary: A closer look at lysozyme-substrate interaction, proposing a molecular-level interpretation of heterogeneous nucleation.
📌 10. Protein Crystal Nucleation: Recent Notions
Author: CN Nanev
Journal: Crystal Research and Technology, 42 (8), 817–825 (2007)
Citations: 44
DOI: Link
Summary: Reviews advances in understanding protein crystal nucleation, contrasting protein-specific behavior with small-molecule crystallization.
Conclusion
Prof. Christo N. Nanev is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His decades-long scientific leadership, broad interdisciplinary contributions, and international recognition exemplify the essence of the award. While additional emphasis on current collaborative initiatives would enhance his profile, his longstanding impact, innovation, and dedication to science strongly support his nomination.