Pedro Fonte | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Portugal

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte is a distinguished researcher in pharmaceutical technology and nanomedicine. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nanotechnologies from the University of Porto and the University of Copenhagen in 2016, supported by an FCT scholarship. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve and leads the Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Lab at CCMAR and iBB, IST–ULisboa. With over 63 peer-reviewed publications, 11 book chapters, and an h-index of 31, he has been recognized among the Top 2% Scientists globally by Stanford University/Elsevier since 2021. His research focuses on nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, having mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers. He previously held academic and leadership positions at Lusófona University and has contributed to international scientific bodies, including COST and the Science Fund of Serbia. Dr. Fonte is also an editor and author of several scientific books and experimental protocols in his field.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Academic Background

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte has a strong multidisciplinary academic background, integrating pharmaceutical sciences, nanotechnology, and business management. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nanotechnologies in 2016 from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (Portugal), and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Denmark), under the supervision of Drs. Bruno Sarmento, Salette Reis, and Marco van de Weert. His thesis, titled “Optimization of lyophilization parameters of polymeric nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic proteins,” was completed with distinction and supported by an FCT scholarship (SFRH/BD/78127/2011). In 2012, he obtained an MBA in Business Management and Administration from Lusíada University, Porto, with a classification of 15 values. Prior to this, he completed an Integrated Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2010 and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field in 2009 at the Advanced Institute of Health Sciences – North, CESPU, Gandra-Prd, Portugal, with classifications of 15 and 14 values, respectively.

Professional Journey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte has established a distinguished academic and research career in biomaterials and nanomedicine. Since October 2019, he has served as Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve and Group Leader at Fonte’s Lab, affiliated with CCMAR and iBB, both recognized research units in Portugal. He is also an integrated member of CCMAR and a collaborating researcher at iBB. Previously, Dr. Fonte held positions at Lusófona University, including Assistant Professor, Director of the Biomedical Nanoscience Lab, and Group Leader in Biomaterials. He was also affiliated with LAQV/REQUIMTE and UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, both classified as excellent R&D units. His doctoral studies spanned institutions like the University of Porto, University of Copenhagen, and University of Lisbon, supported by FCT grants. Earlier in his career, he undertook multiple internships and fellowships in hospital, community pharmacy, and clinical labs, laying the groundwork for his pioneering work in nanomedicine and drug delivery.

Teaching and Pedagogical Contributions

Prof. Pedro Fonte has made remarkable contributions to academic development through the creation and dissemination of high-quality pedagogical materials in pharmaceutical technology and nanomedicine. His scholarly dedication is evident in the authorship of 11 textbook publications and 4 detailed experimental protocols, which serve as valuable resources for students and researchers alike. He has also contributed 7 encyclopaedia entries and 4 insightful articles to magazines and newsletters, enhancing public and academic understanding of complex scientific topics. Embracing modern educational tools, Prof. Fonte has developed 5 computer applications and 3 experimental prototypes that support interactive learning and research. Furthermore, he has produced a wide array of teaching materials tailored to various educational levels and contexts. His pedagogical work reflects a deep commitment to fostering learning through innovative and accessible content, positioning him as a key academic figure in advancing education in pharmaceutical sciences and nanomedicine across national and international platforms.

Research Focus

Prof. Pedro Fonte’s research is centered on advanced drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biopharmaceuticals. His work spans a diverse range of applications, including wound healing, cancer therapy, tuberculosis treatment, and oral and inhalable delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides. He has made substantial contributions to the development of nanoparticle-based systems, such as PLGA nanoparticles, mesoporous silica carriers, and lipid-based nanostructures, aimed at enhancing the stability, targeting, and bioavailability of drugs. His recent publications highlight innovations in freeze-drying of biopharmaceuticals, mucoadhesive systems, and nanonutraceuticals. Prof. Fonte also explores the biomedical application of sustainable materials like carbon dots in imaging and treatment, demonstrating a strong commitment to translational research. His multidisciplinary collaborations and editorial contributions to high-impact journals and books further emphasize his leading role in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and the development of next-generation therapeutics for chronic and infectious diseases

Publication Top Notes

  • Delivery of therapeutic proteins for wound healing (book chapter, 2024) –ScienceDirect+9OUCI+9cienciavitae.pt+9

  • Drug delivery systems for mouth wound healing (book chapter, 2024) – cienciavitae.pt+1ResearchGate+1

  • Unravelling the drying techniques of protein biopharmaceuticals (book chapter, 2024) –cienciavitae.pt+1ResearchGate+1

  • Inhalable N‑Acetylcysteine‑loaded Lactose‑coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Tuberculosis Treatment (Journal article, 2025) 

  • Impact of chain‑length of sulfhydryl‑modified surface‑decorated surfactants on mucoadhesive nanostructured lipid carriers (Journal article, 2025)

  • Recent advances in antibacterial nanoformulations for endodontic applications (Journal article, 2025) 

  • Camptothecin‑loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles… skin cancer treatment (Journal article, 2024) 

  • Transforming cancer treatment: The potential of nanonutraceuticals (Journal article, 2024) 

 

 

Khuram Shahzad | Drug Delivery | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Awards

Dr. Khuram Shahzad | Drug Delivery | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Khuram Shahzad, Baba Guru Nanak University, Pakistan

Dr. Khuram Shahzad is an accomplished physicist specializing in magnetoelectric nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery. Holding a Ph.D. in Physics from Air University, Islamabad, he has contributed significantly to Q1 impact factor journals. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Baba Guru Nanak University, Pakistan, he has also held academic positions at Women University Rawalpindi, Iqra University, and Air University. His research focuses on the colloidal synthesis of nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. With notable awards and a strong background in nanotechnology, Dr. Shahzad continues to make impactful contributions to science and academia. 🇵🇰🧪📘

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Shahzad earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Air University Islamabad (2016–2021), with a focus on magnetoelectric nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery. His thesis emphasized colloidal synthesis of drug-attached nanocarriers for in-vitro cancer studies. He achieved a CGPA of 3.56. Prior to this, he completed his M.Phil in Physics at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (2011–2014), securing a CGPA of 3.82 and graduating with a Gold Medal. His M.Phil thesis explored the structural and magnetic properties of CoFe-CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles synthesized through chemical methods. His strong academic foundation underpins his success in nanomedicine research. 🧬🎓🔬

💼 Experience

Dr. Shahzad is currently an Assistant Professor (IPFP) at Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib, where he engages in teaching, research, and administration. He has served as Visiting Faculty at multiple institutions, including Women University Rawalpindi, Iqra University Islamabad, and Air University. His prior experience as a Research Assistant at Air University involved developing nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy. His academic career spans research, curriculum development, and mentoring students in nanotechnology and biomedical physics. With extensive experience across reputed institutions, Dr. Shahzad has played a vital role in bridging academia with advanced nanomedical research. 🧑‍🏫🏫🧪

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Khuram Shahzad has been recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions. He was awarded a Gold Medal and Merit Certificate for securing First Class First Position in M.Phil Physics at Federal Urdu University. In 2013, he received the Best Poster Award at the International Conference on Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (ICNN) for his outstanding research presentation. These honors reflect his dedication, innovation, and leadership in nanotechnology research. His accolades underscore a commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of nanomedical science, particularly in developing novel drug delivery mechanisms using engineered nanoparticles. 🥇🏅📜

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Shahzad’s research centers on magnetoelectric nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery, particularly for cancer treatment. His expertise lies in colloidal synthesis, surface functionalization, and controlled drug release in vitro and in vivo. He develops drug-attached nanocarriers using chemical synthesis methods, investigating their magnetic and structural properties. His work contributes to designing smart, responsive nanoparticles capable of navigating biological environments to deliver therapeutics precisely. Through international publications in Q1 journals, Dr. Shahzad has established a strong footprint in biomedical nanotechnology, advancing next-generation drug delivery systems and nanomedicine. 🧲💊🧫

Publication Top Notes

  1. Field-controlled magnetoelectric core-shell CoFe₂O₄@BaTiO₃ nanoparticles as effective drug carriers and drug release in vitro (2020)
    Materials Science and Engineering: C
    Cited by 14 articles.

  2. Magnetoelectric core–shell CoFe₂O₄@BaTiO₃ nanorods: their role in drug delivery and effect on multidrug resistance pump activity in vitro (2022)
    RSC Advances
    Cited by 10 articles.

  3. Doxorubicin-loaded Core@Shell Cobalt Ferrite-Barium Titanate Magnetoelectric Nanofibers for Improved Anticancer Activity (2024)
    Biomedical Materials
    Cited by 5 articles.

  4. Drug Response Prediction of Liver Cancer Cell Line Using Deep Learning (2022)
    Computers, Materials & Continua
    Cited by 8 articles.

  5. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity in vitro of surface-functionalized drug-loaded spinel ferrite nanoparticles (2021)
    Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
    Cited by 14 articles.

  6. Effect of Magnesium Substitution on Structural, Magnetic and Biological Activity of Co(1−x)Mg(x)Fe₂O₄ Nanocolloids (2020)
    Journal of Cluster Science
    Cited by 12 articles.

  7. Effect of lanthanum substitution on shape and cytotoxicity of zinc oxide (LaₓZn₁₋ₓO) nano-colloids (2019)
    Materials Research Express
    Cited by 9 articles.

  8. Exchange bias behavior in cobalt ferrite-cobalt oxide CoFe₂O₄/CoO nanocomposites for data storage applications (2024)
    Physica Scripta
    Cited by 3 articles.

  9. Antibacterial and antiviral potential of colloidal Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles suitable for biological applications (2019)
    Materials Research Express
    Cited by 11 articles.

  10. Synthesis and characterization of amphotericin B stabilized gold nanoparticles sensor for detection of clindamycin drug (2019)
    Materials Research Express
    Cited by 7 articles.