Junning Ma | Cell Surface Receptors | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Junning Ma | Cell Surface Receptors | Best Research Article Award

Zhejiang University | China

Dr. Junning Ma has developed a multidisciplinary portfolio spanning neurosurgery, neural engineering, biomaterials, and nanomedicine. Their work integrates neural stem cell biology, targeted drug delivery, and tumor microenvironment modulation to create innovative therapeutic strategies for brain diseases. They have conducted advanced postdoctoral and doctoral research at major institutions, contributing to National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Fund projects and multiple US-funded NIH and AHA grants. Their research focuses on biomimetic nanocarriers, including cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, PLGA-based delivery systems, and fusion-membrane technologies designed for precision therapy of glioma, pituitary adenoma, and ischemic stroke.

Key projects include engineered neural stem cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for stroke targeting, biomimetic nanoplatforms for cancer immunotherapy, and tumor microenvironment–responsive delivery systems. They have also contributed to studies on neuromodulation, neurotrophic factor-based therapy, neural stem cell transplantation, and photothrombotic stroke models. Their publication record includes high-impact journals such as Materials Today Bio, Biomaterials, Nano Letters, Small, and Cell Reports Physical Science, covering topics like vascular-targeting nanoclusters, polyphenol nanoparticles, and membrane-engineered carriers.

Overall, their research advances translational nanomedicine and regenerative neuroscience, with an emphasis on targeted therapies capable of overcoming the challenges of brain tumor heterogeneity, the blood–brain barrier, and ischemic neural injury.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Ma, J., Win, Y., Xiaojian, Z., et al. (2023). Enhanced EPR effects by folliculostellate cell membrane–coated nanoparticles on invasive pituitary adenoma. Materials Today Bio.

Ma, J., Dai, L., Jianbo, Y., et al. (2023). Tumor microenvironment targeting system for glioma treatment via fusion cell membrane coating nanotechnology. Biomaterials.

Ma, J., Liu, F., Wendy, C., et al. (2020). Co-presentation of tumor antigens with costimulation via biomimetic nanoparticles for effective cancer immunotherapy. Nano Letters.

Ma, J., Zhang, S., Jun, L., et al. (2019). Targeted drug delivery to stroke via chemotactic recruitment of nanoparticles coated with membranes of engineered neural stem cells. Small.

Rosa M Giraldez-Perez | Intracellular Transport Systems | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Rosa M Giraldez-Perez | Intracellular Transport Systems | Innovative Research Award

University or Cordoba | Spain

Rosa María Giráldez-Pérez is a researcher in the fields of nanotechnology, nanomedicine, physiology, and neuroscience whose scientific contributions focus on the design and application of nanomaterials for therapeutic purposes. Her work has addressed innovative strategies such as gold nanosystems functionalized with antibiotics or anticancer drugs, the development of nanocarriers for leukemia, prostate, liver, and lung cancer treatments, as well as nanoparticle-based approaches to prevent antibiotic resistance. She has also contributed to research in obesity therapy through nanosystems targeting metabolic regulation and in neuroscience through studies on oxidative stress and fragile X syndrome. Her research output includes 81 scientific documents, which have accumulated 911 citations and reflect an h-index of 13, demonstrating both productivity and impact in her field. A significant portion of her publications are in high-impact journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), and several list her as first or senior author, highlighting her leading role in collaborative projects. By integrating expertise from cellular biology, physiology, and nanoscience, her work advances translational biomedical research and offers potential therapeutic solutions for cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions.

Profiles: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Grueso, E. M., Montero-Hidalgo, A. J., Muriana-Fernández, C., Kuliszewska, E., Luque, R. M., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2025). Daunomycin nanocarriers with high therapeutic payload for the treatment of childhood leukemia. Pharmaceutics, 17(9), 1236.

De Diego-Otero, Y., El Bekay, R., García-Guirado, F., Sánchez-Salido, L., & Giráldez-Pérez, R. M. (2024). Apocynin, a selective NADPH oxidase (Nox2) inhibitor, ameliorates behavioural and learning deficits in the fragile X syndrome mouse model. Biomedicines, 12(2887).

Lhamyani, S., Gentile, A. M., Mengual-Mesa, M., Grueso, E., Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Fernandez-Garcia, J. C., … El Bekay, R. (2024). Au@16-pH-16/miR-21 mimic nanosystem: An efficient treatment for obesity through browning and thermogenesis induction. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 171, 116104.

Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Grueso-Molina, E. M., Carbonero-Martínez, A., Álvarezmárquez, J., Kuliszewska, E., Gordillo-Macías, M., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2023). Synergistic antibacterial effects of amoxicillin and gold nanoparticles: A therapeutic option to combat antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics, 12(8), 81275.

Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Grueso, E., Montero-Hidalgo, A. J., Luque, R. M., Carnerero, J. M., Kuliszewska, E., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2022). Gold nanosystems covered with doxorubicin/DNA complexes: A therapeutic target for prostate and liver cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(24), 15575.

Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Grueso, E. M., Jiménez-Aguayo, R., Carbonero, A., González-Bravo, M., Kuliszewska, E., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2022). Use of nanoparticles to prevent resistance to antibiotics: Synthesis and characterization of gold nanosystems based on tetracycline. Pharmaceutics, 14(9), 1941.

Lhamyani, S., Gentile, A. M., Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., et al. (2021). miR-21 mimic blocks obesity in mice: A novel therapeutic option. Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids, 26, 401–416. h

Grueso-Molina, E. M., Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Kuliszewska, E., Guerrero, J. A., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2021). Reversible cationic gemini surfactant-induced aggregation of anionic gold nanoparticles for sensing biomolecules. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 610, 125893.

Gomes, A., Carnerero-Panduro, J. M., Jiménez-Ruiz, A., Grueso-Molina, E. M., Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2021). Lysozyme-AuNPs interactions: Determination of binding free energy. Nanomaterials, 11(8), 2139.

Giráldez-Pérez, R. M., Grueso-Molina, E. M., Domínguez-García, I., Pastor-Carrillo, N. M., Kuliszewska, E., & Prado-Gotor, R. (2021). Biocompatible DNA/5-fluorouracil gemini surfactant-functionalized gold nanoparticles as promising vectors in lung cancer therapy. Pharmaceutics, 13(3), 423.

Mahedi Hasan | Plasma Medicine | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Mahedi Hasan | Plasma Medicine | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Mahedi Hasan, Shizuoka University, Japan

Mahedi Hasan is a promising Bangladeshi researcher with a strong academic and research foundation in genetic engineering and nanostructured optoelectronics. Currently pursuing his PhD at Shizuoka University, Japan, his work bridges plasma science with biomedical applications, focusing on cold atmospheric microplasma for drug delivery and cellular modulation. Previously, Mahedi completed his BS and MS in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from the University of Rajshahi with excellent academic distinction. He has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals, collaborating with multinational research teams in Japan and Bangladesh. His passion lies in innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex biomedical problems, with a vision to improve targeted therapeutics. Mahedi has demonstrated remarkable dedication, from assisting in molecular biology labs to leading pioneering plasma-based biomedical research. With an emerging global presence and deep scientific curiosity, Mahedi Hasan is an ideal candidate for the Young Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Academic Foundation

    • Strong academic performance in both undergraduate (CGPA 3.63) and postgraduate (CGPA 3.87) studies in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology.

    • Currently pursuing a PhD in Optoelectronics and Nanostructure Science at a reputable Japanese institution (Shizuoka University), indicating a cross-disciplinary research approach.

  2. High-Impact Research Contributions

    • Authored 10+ peer-reviewed publications, several in Q1 journals, addressing cutting-edge topics such as cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), drug delivery, and cellular senescence.

    • Demonstrated innovation in plasma-assisted biomedical applications, including nose-to-brain delivery systems and BBB penetration strategies.

  3. International Collaboration and Experience

    • Collaborates with an international team across Bangladesh and Japan, engaging in complex projects with global relevance.

    • Ongoing research in Japan exposes him to high-end lab infrastructure and interdisciplinary training.

  4. Recognitions and Scholarships

    • Winner of the National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship – 2019, a significant national-level endorsement of research potential.

    • Recipient of the Graduate Board Scholarship – 2019 for academic excellence.

  5. Consistent Research Focus

    • Maintains a clear research trajectory from plant plasma applications to nanotechnology and plasma-driven biomedical interventions, showcasing a deepening specialization.

🧩 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent Project Leadership

    • Most publications are collaborative; demonstrating leadership in principal investigator (PI)-style roles or initiating independent proposals would further establish his research autonomy.

  2. Wider Conference Participation

    • Engaging more frequently in international conferences and symposiums (oral/poster presentations) would enhance visibility and networking.

  3. Diversification of Funding Sources

    • Beyond national scholarships, pursuing international research fellowships (e.g., JSPS, DAAD, Marie Skłodowska-Curie) would show strategic initiative and grant-writing skills.

  4. Industrial/Clinical Relevance Expansion

    • Potential to link his plasma-based research with real-world medical or commercial applications through translational or industry-collaborative projects.

📘 Education:

Mahedi Hasan’s academic journey showcases consistent excellence. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Optoelectronics and Nanostructure Science at Shizuoka University, Japan (2023–ongoing), where his research focuses on cold plasma-mediated drug delivery systems. He holds both Bachelor’s (2018) and Master’s (2019) degrees in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Despite delays in examination schedules, he graduated with distinction, securing a CGPA of 3.87/4.00 in MS and 3.63/4.00 in BSc. His academic records demonstrate a strong foundation in life sciences, biotechnology, and interdisciplinary research. Through his studies, he developed expertise in molecular biology, protein science, and advanced biomedical technologies. His transition into nanostructured optoelectronics further highlights his adaptability and commitment to advancing next-generation therapeutic technologies. Mahedi’s education reflects not only academic brilliance but also his progressive shift toward impactful, translational science.

🧪 Experience:

Mahedi Hasan has garnered substantial research experience across molecular biology and plasma-based therapeutics. He served as a Research Assistant at the

Apply now for the Plasma Medicine Research for Young Researcher Award—honoring early-career scientists advancing plasma technology in medicine. Open to researchers under 35. Submit your abstract and supporting documents today!

& Protein Science Lab in the Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, from May 2019 to September 2023. His role included evaluating the effects of low-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (LPDBD) plasma on the growth, physiology, and nutritional properties of crops like wheat and maize. Prior to that, he completed a Research Internship in the same lab, where he explored the impact of LFGD plasma on agronomic and nutritional traits. His current Ph.D. research continues this trajectory, now exploring cold atmospheric microplasma for improved drug absorption across the blood-brain barrier and in cancer cells. Mahedi’s experience demonstrates a unique blend of plant and human model systems, bench-to-bedside translation, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration in both Bangladeshi and Japanese labs.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Mahedi Hasan’s research potential has been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2019, he received the National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh, a competitive award supporting emerging scientific talent. That same year, he was honored with the Graduate Board Scholarship by the University of Rajshahi, granted for his academic excellence during his Master’s studies. These accolades highlight his academic brilliance and commitment to impactful research. His continuous involvement in high-impact international collaborations and publications in reputable journals further solidify his reputation as a dedicated young scientist. As a Ph.D. candidate in Japan, he continues to contribute to frontier biomedical applications of microplasma technology. These honors, coupled with his impressive research output and global collaborations, make him an outstanding contender for any young researcher recognition.

🔬 Research Focus:

Mahedi Hasan’s research uniquely bridges biotechnology, plasma physics, and nanomedicine. His core focus is on the application of cold atmospheric microplasma in enhancing drug delivery, especially across complex barriers like the blood-brain barrier and into cancerous cells. His work explores microplasma-assisted nose-to-brain delivery systems, cellular senescence modulation, and targeted uptake of hydrophilic compounds. His research employs both cellular (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) models to study absorption efficiency, molecular interaction, and bioavailability of therapeutic agents. In his early work, he investigated plasma’s role in altering the physiology and nutritional value of crops. Now, through cutting-edge interdisciplinary collaborations at Shizuoka University, he is working at the frontier of plasma-assisted biomedical innovation, opening new doors for non-invasive drug delivery systems. This fusion of bioscience with physical sciences represents a novel, transformative approach, making his research both timely and globally significant.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📄 Microplasma-Mediated Enhancement of FD-150 Uptake in HL-60 Cells

  2. 🧠 Absorption of FD-150 in Brain Endothelial Cells by Cold Atmospheric Microplasma

  3. 🧬 Exploring the Role of Microplasma for Controlling Cellular Senescence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

  4. Voltage Dependent Effect of Spiral Wound Plasma Discharge on DBC1.2 Cellular Integrity

  5. 🧪 Enhancing Galantamine Distribution in Rat Brain Using Microplasma-Assisted Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery

  6. 🧫 Absorption of FD-150 into White Blood Cells by Microplasma

  7. 🚧 In Vitro Drug Delivery through the Blood–Brain Barrier Using Cold Atmospheric Plasma

  8. 🧼 Lipidomics of Microplasma-Irradiated Cells at Optimized Discharge Conditions for Absorption of High-Molecule Drug

  9. 🐍 Toxins Profiles and Histological Impact of Trimeresurus erythrurus Venom: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

  10. 🧯 Evaluation of Bungarus caeruleus Venom and Antivenom Efficacy Used in Bangladesh

📝 Conclusion:

Mahedi Hasan emerges as a highly promising young researcher with a multidisciplinary profile rooted in biotechnology, plasma science, and nanostructure-based drug delivery systems. His solid academic background, commendable publication record, and international research involvement make him a strong contender for the Young Researcher Award. While he could benefit from taking on greater research leadership and wider dissemination of his work, his achievements to date clearly indicate excellent potential for impactful scientific contributions in the coming years.