ALINE TAKEJIMA | Tissue engineering | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. ALINE TAKEJIMA | tissue engineering | Women Researcher Award

Dr. ALINE TAKEJIMA, pontificia universidade catolica do parana, Brazil

Dr. Aline Luri Takejima is a physician-scientist from Brazil, specializing in regenerative medicine and wound healing. She holds an MD and a PhD in Health Sciences from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), where she currently conducts postdoctoral research. With a focus on biological therapies involving the amniotic membrane, Wharton’s jelly, and mononuclear stem cells, Dr. Takejima has published in multiple high-impact scientific journals. Her research aims to develop novel regenerative strategies to treat complex wounds and enhance tissue repair. As an active member of PUCPR’s Wound Healing Research Group and the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, she combines scientific rigor with clinical insight to bridge bench-to-bedside innovation. Her academic contributions are guided by a translational approach, offering promising avenues for future clinical applications in tissue engineering.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Focused Research Excellence:
    Dr. Takejima’s work on biological scaffolds and stem cells in wound healing is both innovative and clinically relevant. Her studies using amniotic membrane, Wharton’s jelly, and bone marrow mononuclear cells show promising regenerative outcomes in preclinical models.

  2. Research Productivity:
    With 9 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-quality platforms (e.g., Biomedicines, Tissue Barriers, Annals of Biomedical Engineering), she demonstrates consistent academic output in her field.

  3. Translational Impact:
    Her research bridges basic science and clinical practice, aiming to provide regenerative solutions for patients with chronic wounds and cardiac damage.

  4. Collaborative Engagement:
    Active participation in a multidisciplinary wound healing research group, contributing to cross-functional scientific advancements.

  5. Recognition Potential:
    As a young, emerging woman researcher in biomedical sciences, she stands as a role model for future female scientists in Latin America and beyond.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Intellectual Property & Innovation:
    No patents filed yet; transitioning her research into patentable therapies or commercial applications would increase its societal and economic impact.

  2. Leadership Roles:
    While active in research, taking on editorial or scientific leadership positions would enhance her academic visibility and influence.

  3. Internationalization:
    She would benefit from developing international collaborations or fellowships to diversify her research scope and increase global reach.

  4. Industry Engagement:
    Engaging in consultancy or biotech partnerships can further the translational impact of her regenerative strategies.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Takejima’s educational journey began with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Her passion for research led her to pursue a Doctorate (PhD) in Health Sciences/Medicine, also at PUCPR. Her doctoral thesis focused on the use of biologically active materials such as the amniotic membrane and stem cells to enhance wound healing. Throughout her academic training, she demonstrated a strong commitment to translational medicine by integrating basic science with clinical practice. During her PhD, she engaged in experimental models involving stem cell therapy and tissue engineering, which laid the groundwork for her current postdoctoral research. Her educational path reflects both depth and specialization in the biomedical sciences, particularly in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Aline Takejima has over a decade of experience in medical and scientific fields, balancing her role as a physician with that of a postdoctoral researcher. Her clinical background informs her research, particularly in areas of wound healing and regenerative medicine. At PUCPR, she contributes to the Wound Healing Research Group, where she is involved in designing and conducting animal model studies to test the effects of biomaterials and stem cells. Her multidisciplinary research integrates immunology, histopathology, and molecular biology. With nine peer-reviewed publications and participation in collaborative research, she has become a respected contributor to the field. Though early in her research career, her trajectory shows a steady rise, marked by evidence-based outcomes and a commitment to innovation. Her goal is to bridge clinical challenges with regenerative solutions that can be implemented in real-world medical practice.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Takejima’s research focuses on regenerative strategies for wound healing, utilizing biomaterials and stem cells. Her work primarily explores the application of amniotic membrane, Wharton’s jelly, and bone marrow-derived mononuclear stem cells in treating complex or chronic skin wounds. Using experimental models in rats and rabbits, she evaluates histological recovery, inflammation modulation, and tissue regeneration. A significant aspect of her research is understanding how these materials promote healing through paracrine effects rather than direct integration, offering a safer and scalable pathway to clinical application. Additionally, her work extends to cardiac and tracheal tissue repair, emphasizing the versatility of these regenerative approaches. The translational nature of her research bridges laboratory discoveries with potential bedside applications, positioning her at the forefront of cellular therapy and biomaterials science.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Wharton’s Jelly Bioscaffolds Improve Cardiac Repair with Bone Marrow Mononuclear Stem Cells in Rats – Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 2025

  2. 🧫 The effects of decellularized amniotic membrane and Wharton’s jelly on the healing of experimental skin wounds in rats – Tissue Barriers, 2025

  3. ❤️ Bone-marrow mononuclear cells and acellular human amniotic membrane improve global cardiac function… – Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 2024

  4. 🫁 Tracheal regeneration with acellular human amniotic membrane and 15d-PGJ2 nanoparticles in rabbits – Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 2023

  5. 🧬 Acellular Biomaterials + Autologous Stem Cells Improve Wound Healing via Paracrine Effects – Biomedicines, 2023

  6. 💉 Decellularized Amniotic Membrane Solubilized with Hyaluronic Acid in Wound Healing – Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 2022

  7. 🧪 Role of Mononuclear Stem Cells and Decellularized Amniotic Membrane in Skin Wounds – Tissue Barriers, 2022

  8. 🏥 Trauma hepático: epidemiologia de cinco anos… – Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, 2008

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Aline Luri Takejima is an outstanding candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her academic profile demonstrates a strong foundation in regenerative medicine with significant contributions to wound healing research. Her commitment to applying biological therapies in clinical contexts shows both depth and innovation. As a woman scientist in a competitive field, she exemplifies leadership, dedication, and potential. With further growth in global engagement and innovation strategy, Dr. Takejima is poised to become a future leader in regenerative biomedical research.

HWAN-JEONG JEONG | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. HWAN-JEONG JEONG | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. WAN-JEONG JEONG , Department of Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging Therapeutic Medicine Research Center, Jeonbuk Regional Cyclotron Research Center & Biotracer Imaging Lab. Jeonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital, South Korea

Dr. Hwan-Jeong Jeong is a distinguished leader in the field of nuclear medicine, currently serving as Director and Professor at Jeonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital, South Korea. With over two decades of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Jeong has pioneered research in molecular imaging, photobiomodulation, and radiopharmaceutical science. He has made impactful contributions to translational oncology, neuroimaging, and light-based therapeutics. With over 120 peer-reviewed publications, 33 patents, and an H-index of 44, his work bridges the gap between basic science and clinical innovation. Recognized for advancing image-guided therapy and precision diagnostics, he also actively collaborates across global institutions and serves as Associate Editor for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. A recipient of multiple national and international recognitions, Dr. Jeong’s efforts continue to shape the future of medical imaging and cancer therapeutics. His commitment to integrating engineering and medicine marks him as a global innovator in nuclear and molecular medicine.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  • Outstanding Academic and Clinical Background: Dr. Jeong holds an MD, a Master’s in Medical Engineering, and a PhD in Medicine, with postdoctoral training at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center.

  • Leadership in Research: As Director of multiple research centers, he has led over 20 high-impact projects, overseen 5 industry collaborations, and contributed to 120+ SCI-indexed publications.

  • Innovation & Translation: Holder of 33 patents, Dr. Jeong is a pioneer in integrating photobiogoverning, PET/CT imaging, and light-based cancer therapy, bridging lab discoveries and clinical application.

  • Global Recognition: Editorial board role in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and a consistent H-index of 44, reflect international impact and scientific credibility.

  • Cutting-Edge Contributions: Known for novel developments in blue light phototherapy, tumor-targeted radiopharmaceuticals, and noninvasive neuroimaging, significantly advancing cancer and neurological diagnostics.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  • Broader International Collaboration: While highly respected in Korea and internationally, formalizing more international co-research programs or multicenter trials could further expand global reach.

  • Public Engagement & Science Communication: Increasing public visibility through science outreach, open-access publications, or global lectures/webinars can elevate the societal impact of his research.

  • Interdisciplinary Expansion: Potential to integrate AI-based imaging analysis or bioinformatics tools into existing molecular imaging and diagnostics research may boost next-gen innovation.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Hwan-Jeong Jeong began his academic journey at Chonnam National University, where he earned his MD in 1993, followed by a Master’s in Medical Engineering in 2000, and a Ph.D. in Medicine in 2003. He pursued his residency in Nuclear Medicine at Chonnam National University Hospital, gaining a strong clinical foundation. To further enhance his research capabilities, he completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, between 2008–2010. His educational path reflects an interdisciplinary approach—blending clinical medicine, biomedical engineering, and advanced imaging sciences. With an emphasis on nuclear medicine and optical diagnostics, Dr. Jeong’s educational background has strategically positioned him at the intersection of clinical practice and high-impact research. His academic evolution reflects a consistent dedication to innovation, translational research, and global collaboration.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Jeong has served as Director and Professor of Nuclear Medicine at Jeonbuk National University Medical School & Hospital since 2005. His professional journey began with clinical training and residency, evolving into a global research career that includes a pivotal postdoctoral role at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Over the years, he has directed more than 20 research projects, consulted on 5 industry collaborations, and published over 120 scientific papers. Dr. Jeong holds 33 patents, highlighting his innovation in photomedicine and molecular imaging. He leads multiple advanced imaging centers and research labs, including the Molecular Imaging Therapeutic Medicine Research Center and Jeonbuk Regional Cyclotron Research Center. Internationally respected, he also serves as an Associate Editor for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. His experience combines clinical expertise, leadership in research infrastructure, and international collaborations that foster innovation and patient-centered imaging solutions.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Jeong’s research lies at the nexus of nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and photobiomodulation therapy. His groundbreaking work integrates blue light phototherapy, PET/CT molecular imaging, radiopharmaceutical development, and fiber-optic–guided treatment systems for cancers and neurological disorders. He has made significant advances in FDG-PET imaging, amyloid brain scans, and light-triggered tumor therapies, facilitating precision diagnostics and targeted interventions. A key innovator in photobiogoverning—the biological control via light—Dr. Jeong has translated preclinical concepts into clinical applications through rigorous trials and device validation. His projects often explore the interface between biomedical optics and nano-diagnostics, enhancing real-time monitoring and minimally invasive treatments. Through cross-disciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge device design, he has shaped protocols that merge imaging with therapy for high-impact patient outcomes. His research aligns closely with future directions in personalized medicine and oncology imaging.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 📘 From molecular mechanisms to clinical applications: A comprehensive review of photobiomodulation in cancer treatment

  • 📘 Blue-light activated nanoplatforms for image-guided cancer therapy

  • 📘 Clinical applications of brain amyloid PET imaging in neurodegenerative diseases

  • 📘 Multimodal theranostics using PET/CT and photodynamic therapy in head and neck cancer

  • 📘 Innovative radiotracers for monitoring tumor hypoxia and therapeutic response

  • 📘 Fiber-optic–based interstitial phototherapy in liver malignancies: A pilot clinical study

  • 📘 Nanomedicine-based nuclear imaging in virus-infected tissues

  • 📘 Bioluminescent imaging in evaluating immunotherapy response in solid tumors

  • 📘 Therapeutic implications of photobiogoverning in minimally invasive oncology

  • 📘 Noninvasive tracking of neuroinflammation using fluorinated PET probes

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Hwan-Jeong Jeong is an exceptionally qualified nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and light-based therapies exemplify academic excellence, clinical innovation, and translational impact. His body of work aligns closely with the award’s values—scientific rigor, real-world application, and forward-thinking medical solutions. With ongoing work in precision diagnostics and phototherapy, he not only meets but exceeds the standards expected of top global researchers in biomedical science. Dr. Jeong’s profile is a model of interdisciplinary leadership, making him a compelling and well-deserved recipient for this prestigious recognition.