Prof. EZ-Zouhra Elmaaiden, UM6P – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, United States
Prof. EZ-Zouhra Elmaaiden is an accomplished biochemist with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, specializing in iron toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the therapeutic potential of natural biomolecules. She has undergone international training at Xi’an Jiaotong University (China) and INSA-Lyon (France), gaining advanced expertise in flow cytometry and cellular biology. At Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), she has served as a Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Laboratory Manager, leading national and international projects focused on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, inflammation, and skin disorders. Prof. Elmaaiden has pioneered cosmetic product development from bioresources, filed multiple patents, and trained researchers and cooperatives in biotechnology and formulation. Her multidisciplinary skills span molecular biology, natural product chemistry, in vivo/in vitro assays, lab management, and project leadership. Now based in the U.S. with a Green Card, she seeks roles in academia or industry where she can advance biotechnological innovations with real-world impact.
Publication Profile
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Work Experience
Prof. EZ-Zouhra Elmaaiden served as a Scientist and Laboratory Manager, where she established and led the Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Formulation, and Toxicology. She oversaw infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and daily lab operations. Her work involved designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bio-based therapeutic and cosmetic formulations. She specialized in extracting and characterizing bioactive compounds from plants, camel derivatives, and essential oil residues using HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and other advanced techniques. Prof. Elmaaiden applied flow cytometry and molecular biology tools to assess immunological and cellular responses in disease models. She managed three national research projects, filed three patents, and led the development of cosmetic product lines in collaboration with cooperatives. Additionally, she trained students and researchers, coordinated interdisciplinary teams, and organized conferences to promote sustainable biotechnology and community engagement.
Educational Background
Prof. EZ-Zouhra Elmaaiden holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology from Hassan I University, Morocco (2016–2021), where she investigated the protective effects of jujube biomolecules against iron-induced toxicity in both cell and mouse models, with a focus on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage. Her work emphasized the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like resveratrol and included advanced analyses of mitochondrial function and apoptosis pathways. She previously earned her Master’s degree in Biochemistry (2014–2016) from the same university, where she enhanced the production of bioactive compounds in Opuntia spp. using biotic and abiotic elicitors and demonstrated their cosmetic potential through enzyme inhibition assays. Prof. Elmaaiden began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2011–2014) from Chouaib Doukkali University, Morocco, conducting cytotoxicity assessments of mycotoxins on cultured cells. Her educational path provided her with a solid foundation in molecular biology, toxicology, and biochemical research methodologies.
Teaching Experience
Prof. EZ-Zouhra Elmaaiden has an extensive and diverse teaching portfolio spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional audiences. From 2017 to 2025, she taught Biochemistry and Molecular Biology through lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions, engaging over 200 undergraduate and master’s students. Between 2019 and 2023, she conducted specialized courses in biochemical techniques, DNA isolation, and scientific writing, training multiple cohorts in experimental procedures and academic publishing. She also led courses on flow cytometry, biomolecule extraction, and cosmetics formulation, including capacity-building workshops for cooperative managers in cosmetic production. Her instruction extended to practical work and tutorials in molecular biology, with hands-on training in plant-based extraction and fractionation techniques. Her interactive sessions emphasized technical skill-building and critical thinking, benefiting PhD students, master’s students, and professionals alike. Prof. Elmaaiden’s pedagogical approach merges theory with practical application, reinforcing core scientific concepts while preparing learners for academic and industry-oriented research.
Research Focus
Prof. EZ-Zouhra Elmaaiden’s research spans a multidisciplinary focus at the intersection of biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacognosy, and cosmeceutical innovation. Her primary interest lies in the valorization of natural bio-resources, particularly from Ziziphus species, Opuntia spp., and camel-derived materials, for therapeutic, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. She actively investigates bioactive compounds and their antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and cytoprotective properties, using advanced in vitro and in vivo models. Her work integrates green extraction technologies like deep eutectic solvents and ultrasound-assisted methods, and explores mechanisms of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses. Through collaborations and national projects, she contributes to sustainable development and product formulation for local communities. With expertise in flow cytometry, HPLC, LC-MS, and molecular assays, Prof. Elmaaiden’s research contributes to drug discovery, skin health, and nutraceutical sciences, emphasizing the development of safe, effective, and eco-friendly therapeutic and cosmetic solutions
Publication Top Notes
📘 Genus Ziziphus: A comprehensive review… – 89 citations, 2020
📘 A comparative study: extraction techniques… – 52 citations, 2022
📘 Phytochemical profile: Ziziphus species (Morocco) – 45 citations, 2019
🌿 Natural antioxidants: anti-aging & longevity – 42 citations, 2023
🌵 Micropropagation of Opuntia & Cacti review – 37 citations, 2022
🧠 Synaptotagmin-1 multifunctional protein – 20 citations, 2021
🌱 Green extraction of naringenin – Searsia tripartita – 19 citations, 2023
🥜 Minerals & antioxidants in Ziziphus species – 18 citations, 2020
🧴 Argan oil in neuropsychiatric disorders – review – 16 citations, 2020
🍃 Ultrasound extraction of isoquercetin – Ephedra – 12 citations, 2023
💊 Amoxicillin determination – iodate-iodide method – 12 citations, 2020
🌵 Prickly pear micropropagation optimization – 11 citations, 2021
🧪 Cactus pear juice & oil: physicochem. properties – 9 citations, 2020
📗 Drug analysis: titrimetry/spectrophotometry – 8 citations, 2023
🧬 DNA extraction from Tetrahymena pyriformis – 7 citations, 2019