Sema Demirci Uzun | Bio Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sema Demirci Uzun | Bio Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Izmir Katip Celebi University | Turkey

Dr. Sema Demirci Uzun is an accomplished Assistant Professor at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Engineering Sciences, and currently serves as Vice Dean and Vice Chair of her department. She earned her Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Technology from Middle East Technical University, focusing on novel immobilization matrices for glucose biosensors, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and İzmir Institute of Technology. Her research expertise encompasses polymer and organic materials for biosensing, electrochemical and optical biosensors, conducting polymers, electrospun and biodegradable nanofibers, nanomaterials, aptamer-based sensors, and AI/machine learning–driven modeling for biosensor design. Dr. Sema Demirci Uzun has authored numerous high-impact publications in journals such as ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Microchemical Journal, and has presented her work at multiple international conferences. She has supervised graduate theses, led TÜBİTAK-funded research projects on biomaterials, nanostructures, and sensor technologies, and received the prestigious TÜBİTAK 2219 International Postdoctoral Fellowship for her contributions to polymer-based biosensing.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Demirci Uzun, S., Kayaci, F., Uyar, T., Timur, S., & Toppare, L. (2014). Bioactive surface design based on functional composite electrospun nanofibers for biomolecule immobilization and biosensor applications. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 6(7), 5235–5243.

  • Soylemez, S., Kanik, F. E., Demirci Uzun, S. D., Hacioglu, S. O., & Toppare, L. (2014). Development of an efficient immobilization matrix based on a conducting polymer and functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes: Synthesis and its application to ethanol biosensors. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2(5), 511–521.

  • Demirci, S., Emre, F. B., Ekiz, F., Oğuzkaya, F., Timur, S., Tanyeli, C., & Toppare, L. (2012). Functionalization of poly-SNS-anchored carboxylic acid with Lys and PAMAM: Surface modifications for biomolecule immobilization/stabilization and bio-sensing applications. Analyst, 137(18), 4254–4261.

  • Uzun, S. D., Ünlü, N. A., Sendur, M., Kanik, F. E., Timur, S., & Toppare, L. (2013). A novel promising biomolecule immobilization matrix: Synthesis of functional benzimidazole containing conducting polymer and its biosensor applications. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 112, 74–80.

  • Gonzalez Arellano, D. L., Burnett, E. K., Demirci Uzun, S., Zakashansky, J. A., … (2018). Phase transition of graphene-templated vertical zinc phthalocyanine nanopillars. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 140(26), 8185–8191.

Samira Mansouri Majd | Electrochemical biosensor | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd | Electrochemical biosensor | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd, Mansouri Majd, Pasargad Institute for Advanced Innovative Solutions, Iran

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd is a distinguished Iranian analytical chemist specializing in electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Born in May 1987 in Kermanshah, she holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Kurdistan University, graduating top of her class at each level. With extensive postdoctoral experience from Razi and Kurdistan Universities, her research focuses on point-of-care diagnostics, wearable biosensors, field-effect transistors (FETs), nanocomposite synthesis, and microfluidic systems. Currently serving as a researcher at Khatam University and advisor professor at Kurdistan University, Dr. Majd has authored over 17 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like Talanta and Biosensors & Bioelectronics. She has been honored with national awards including the Dr. Shahriari and Dr. Mousavi Awards from the National Elite Foundation. Her technical skills span electrochemical analysis, optical spectroscopy, and sensor fabrication. A committed educator and innovator, she is actively advancing next-generation sensing technologies for biomedical and environmental applications.

Publication Profile

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Educational Background

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd has an outstanding academic record marked by consistent excellence across all levels of education. She completed her high school diploma in Experimental Sciences at Golshan High School in Kermanshah, Iran, graduating top of her class in 2005 with a score of 19.77/20. She earned her B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from Kurdistan University in 2009 with a GPA of 17.65/20, ranking first among 28 students. Her undergraduate project on QSAR/QSPR was awarded a perfect score under the supervision of Dr. Raouf Ghavami. Dr. Majd continued at Kurdistan University for her M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry, achieving 18.97/20 and again ranking first, with a thesis on electrochemical sensors using nanocomposites, guided by Professor Abdollah Salimi. She pursued her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at the same university, graduating in 2018 with a near-perfect score of 19.76/20. Her doctoral research focused on field-effect transistor biosensors and was also supervised by Professor Salimi.

Research Background

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd has built a dynamic research career in the field of analytical chemistry with a focus on biosensor development and nanotechnology. She completed three consecutive postdoctoral fellowships between 2019 and 2022. Her first postdoc at Razi University (2019–2020), funded by the Grant for Iran’s Scientific Leaders, focused on designing electrochemical biosensors for detecting various biological compounds under the supervision of Professor Mojtaba Shamsipur. Continuing at Razi University (2020–2021), she explored field-effect transistor (FET)-based electrochemical sensors and biosensors. She then joined Kurdistan University (2021–2022), where her work expanded to photoelectrochemical biosensors, supported by a national grant from the Ministry of Science. Since 2022, Dr. Majd has served as an advisor professor at Kurdistan University, guiding PhD research on photoactive nano-component-based sensors. Concurrently, at Khatam University, she leads projects on smartphone-integrated wearable biosensors and Ni-rich NMC cathode materials for energy storage applications.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and academic mentorship throughout her career. She has served as a laboratory instructor in General Chemistry (II) at the University of Kurdistan in 2014 and 2015, helping students build foundational experimental skills. Her expertise in analytical chemistry was further reflected in her role as a lab instructor for Analytical Chemistry (I) and (II) during 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022, where she trained students in complex analytical techniques and instrumental analysis. Dr. Majd also contributed to student enrichment activities by participating in the Chemistry Olympiad in 2014, guiding talented students in advanced chemical problem-solving. In addition to lab-based instruction, she taught General Chemistry theory courses during the second semesters of 2021 and 2022, combining theory with practical insights to enhance student understanding. Her teaching experience underscores her dedication to cultivating future scientists and advancing chemical education.

Honors and Achievements

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd has been widely recognized for her academic excellence and research contributions. She received the prestigious Dr. Shahriari Award and Dr. Mousavi Award from the National Elite Foundation in 2023, highlighting her leadership in scientific innovation. Previously, she was honored with the Academic Talent Award by the same foundation in both January 2016 and November 2015. Her exceptional academic performance earned her the title of Best Chemistry Student in Iran in 2017. Dr. Majd consistently ranked first in her class throughout her academic journey—first out of 28 in her B.Sc., first out of 10 in her M.Sc., and first out of 5 in her Ph.D. She was also recognized as the top student at the University of Kurdistan during 2007–2008. Additionally, she gained admission to her Ph.D. program through the elite “bright talent” quota and was selected in the research section of the 8th intra-university movement festival in 2015.

Research Focus Areas

Dr. Samira Mansouri Majd’s research is rooted in analytical chemistry with a sharp interdisciplinary focus on biosensors, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, and field-effect transistor (FET)-based diagnostics. Her work prominently spans the development of ultrasensitive electrochemical and optical biosensors for clinical diagnostics, such as cancer biomarkers (CA 125, CA 19-9, BRCA1, miRNA-155), environmental monitoring, and therapeutic applications. She actively investigates aptasensors, immunosensors, and molecularly imprinted polymer-based platforms, integrating advanced nanomaterials like graphene, MoS₂, TiS₃ nanoribbons, and metal oxides for signal enhancement. Additionally, her innovations in microfluidics, wearable and smartphone-based point-of-care devices, and photoelectrochemical transducers mark her commitment to miniaturization and real-time monitoring. Her recent publications emphasize lateral flow tests, VEGF165 aptasensing, and Hg²⁺ aptasensors, showcasing a synergy between material science, nano-bio interfaces, and translational health technologies, aligning her with cutting-edge research in biosensor engineering, nanodiagnostics, and smart medical devices.

Publication Top Notes

  • Ultrasensitive flexible FET-type aptasensor for CA 125 – 157 citations, 2018 📅

  • Detection of miRNA-155 via MoS₂ FET biosensor – 151 citations, 2018 🔍

  • MnO nanoflakes/CNTs sensor for Cr(III) – 92 citations, 2015 ⚗️

  • Electrochemical theophylline sensor (MnO₂/IL/Chitosan) – 89 citations, 2013 💊

  • L-Cysteine sensor with MnO₂/graphene composite – 50 citations, 2013 🧪

  • Label-free lactate detection using NiO FET – 30 citations, 2017 🧬

  • MoS₂–Carbon Dot Transistor Hg²⁺ Aptasensor – 29 citations, 2020 💡

  • NiO thin-film FET for HIV-1 gene detection – 29 citations, 2018 🧬

  • BRCA1 detection via aptamer/MIP-MoS₂ FET – 25 citations, 2023 🧠

  • CA 19-9 detection with TiS₃ FET immunosensor – 11 citations, 2023 🧪

  • FAD immobilization on MnO₂/RGO sensor for persulfate – 9 citations, 2016 ⚛️

  • CA 19-9 detection via MoS₂-based FET – 7 citations, 2023 🧬

  • TiS₃-based FET immunosensor for prostate cancer – 4 citations, 2024 👨‍⚕️

  • VEGF165 sensor via electrochemically exfoliated graphene – 2 citations, 2024 🧫

  • VEGF165 aptasensor with nanoporous gold – 1 citation, 2025 🧪