Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh | Drug Discovery | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh | Drug Discovery | Best Researcher Award

Shiraz University | Iran

Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh is a highly accomplished researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology, whose work centers on bioactive peptides, protein hydrolysates, structure-based drug design, encapsulation, and natural product research. His research integrates experimental biology, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation to uncover new therapeutic agents and improve bioavailability in peptide-based drug delivery systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding peptideโ€“receptor interactions, anticancer bioactives, and sustainable biotechnological production, with influential publications in prestigious journals such as PLOS One, Scientific Reports, npj Science of Food, and Critical Reviews in Biotechnology. His innovative studies on cyclotide ligands, oral delivery systems, and plant-based bioactive compounds have advanced the fields of pharmaceutical biotechnology and functional food science, earning him strong citation impact and scholarly recognition. In addition to his research, Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh has served as a keynote speaker and workshop lecturer, contributing to scientific capacity-building in molecular biology, computational modeling, and peptide biochemistry, reflecting his leadership and excellence in modern biotechnology research.

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Featured Publications

  • Taghizadeh, M. S., Niazi, A., Moghadam, A., & Afsharifar, A. (2022). Experimental, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies of natural products targeting overexpressed receptors in breast cancer. PLOS ONE, 17(5), e0267961.

  • Mirzapour-Kouhdasht, A., McClements, D. J., Taghizadeh, M. S., Niazi, A., & others. (2023). Strategies for oral delivery of bioactive peptides with focus on debittering and masking. npj Science of Food, 7(1), 22.

  • Mirzapour-Kouhdasht, A., Sabzipour, F., Taghizadeh, M. S., & others. (2019). Physicochemical, rheological, and molecular characterization of colloidal gelatin produced from common carp by-products using microwave and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Journal of Texture Studies, 50(5), 416โ€“425.

  • Taghizadeh, M. S., Retzl, B., Muratspahiฤ‡, E., Trenk, C., Casanova, E., & Gruber, C. W. (2022). Discovery of the cyclotide caripe 11 as a ligand of the cholecystokinin-2 receptor. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 9215.

  • Shahraki, Z., Taghizadeh, M. S., Niazi, A., Rowshan, V., & Moghadam, A. (2024). Enhancing bioactive compound production in Salvia mirzayanii through elicitor application: Insights from in vitro and in silico studies. Food Bioscience, 60, 104185.

Anusha Thumma | Pharmaceutical Sciences| Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Anusha Thumma | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

scientist at nova southeastern university, United States

Dr. Anusha Thumma holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and specializes in drug formulation, abuse-deterrent technologies, inhalation products, and vaccine adjuvants. With expertise in HPLC, qPCR, ELISA, DSC, and flow cytometry, she ensures regulatory compliance with FDA, ICH, GMP, and GLP standards. She has worked as an Associate Scientist at Lupin Pharmaceuticals, an R&D Scientist at US Pharma LTD, and an Associate Professor at Radex Regulatory Affairs. Her research includes mRNA vaccine lipid nanoparticles and opioid abuse-deterrent formulations. She excels in project management, data analysis (Minitab), and cross-functional collaboration.

Publication Profile

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๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Anusha Thumma holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Nova Southeastern University, USA (2023), where her dissertation focused on Abuse-Deterrent Composites: A Multi-Angle Approach. She earned her Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) from Osmania University, India (2013), specializing in Formulation and Characterization of Imiquimod Multiple Emulsion as a Novel Vaccine Delivery System. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) from Kakatiya University, India (2011). With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, her research contributions span drug formulation, regulatory affairs, and vaccine development. ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿ”ฌ

๐Ÿ† Academic Excellence & Professional Achievements

Dr. Anusha Thumma has been recognized with multiple prestigious scholarships and grants for her outstanding academic and research contributions. She received a fully funded PhD scholarship and a PhD Scholar Stipend from Nova Southeastern University, USA, along with the President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant and HPD Research Grant for her research excellence. She also secured fully funded scholarships for her Masterโ€™s (Osmania University) and Bachelorโ€™s (Kakatiya University) degrees in India. Additionally, she holds a Professional Diploma in Regulatory Affairs (USA), is a Registered Pharmacist (India), and has attended webinars on drug discovery. ๐Ÿ“œ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’Š

 

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus Areas

Dr. Anusha Thummaโ€™s research primarily focuses on environmental remediation ๐ŸŒฑ, pharmaceutical sciences ๐Ÿ’Š, and drug abuse potential ๐Ÿงช. She has made significant contributions to water purification by exploring biochar-based adsorption for removing heavy metals (cadmium, zinc, arsenic) and dyes from polluted water. Her expertise extends to pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in abuse-deterrent drug delivery systems. Additionally, she investigates the toxicity and abuse potential of fentanyl analogues. Her interdisciplinary work integrates biopolymer-based cryostructures, advancing biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Through her research, she aims to enhance sustainable environmental solutions and safer pharmaceutical formulations. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’ง

Publication Top Notes

  • Adsorptive removal of arsenic from drinking water using KOH-modified sewage sludge-derived biochar

  • Exploring the efficiency of sodium alginate beads and Cedrus deodara sawdust for adsorptive removal of crystal violet dye

  • Advances in cryostructures and their applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical products

  • Abuse potential of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues

  • Removal of cadmium and zinc from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar

  • Potential of easily available low-cost raw cotton for the elimination of methylene blue dye from polluted water

Victor Chigozie | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Victor Chigozie | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Victor Chigozie, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Nigeria

Dr. Chigozie Victor Uchenna is a Lecturer I at David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, where he also serves as the acting head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology. He completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where his research focused on the identification and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from fungi. Dr. Chigozie has extensive teaching and research experience, including in pharmaceutical microbiology, biotechnology, and the study of natural products. His key research areas include bioactive compounds, antimicrobial agents, and cancer therapeutics.

Publication Profile

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Educational Background ๐ŸŽ“

Dr. Victor Chigozie holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, where his research focused on the identification and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from Aspergillus species and Daldinia eschscholtzii found in Mangifera indica and Musa paradisiaca leaves. He graduated with first-class honors (4.69/5.0) in 2021. Dr. Chigozie also completed an M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology at the same university, with research on the quality assessment of tetanus toxoid brands in southeastern Nigeria’s markets, publishing his findings. He holds a B.Sc. in Applied Microbiology with second-class honors (4.12/5.0) and a Senior School Certificate with Upper Credit. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ

 

Professional Experience ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ

Dr. Victor Chigozie has held several key positions in academic and government institutions, contributing significantly to research and development. As a Lecturer I and Acting Head of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology at David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, he has been instrumental in coordinating classes, practicals, and research, especially in natural products and pharmaceutical biotechnology. He set up a BSL-2 lab and contributed to the development of practical manuals.

Teaching Experience ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Dr. Victor Chigozie has a rich teaching history, contributing extensively to pharmaceutical sciences. At David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, he has taught several courses, including Introductory Pharmaceutical Microbiology (PHM 201) and Molecular Biology (PHM 202) since 2022, alongside practicals in both subjects. His expertise extends to Pharmaceutical Microbiology I (PHM 301), Aseptic Processes and Sterilization Technology (PHM 302), and Bioinformatics, Pharmacogenetics, and Pharmacogenomics (PHM 382), all of which he began teaching in 2024. Additionally, he teaches courses on integrated pharmacotherapy and sterile product technology.

 

Awards and Recognitions ๐Ÿ†๐ŸŽ–๏ธ

Dr. Victor Chigozie has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to pharmaceutical microbiology and biotechnology. Notably, he was named Top Cite Author by Wiley Publishers for 2022-2023. He also received a Travel Grant Award from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (2023) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (2012). Dr. Chigozie was honored with the Ph.D. Award for being the top of his class at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (2021). Additionally, he won the CBN-NYSC-NDE Venture Prize Competition during his NYSC service for the Best Business Proposal (2010). ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“š

 

Research Focus

 

Dr. Victor Chigozieโ€™s research spans a wide array of topics in pharmaceutical microbiology, biotechnology, and public health. His work includes antibiotic resistance, exploring emerging strategies to tackle global health challenges. He has contributed significantly to bioactive compounds and endophytic fungi, studying their potential in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. His research also delves into pharmacovigilance, self-medication practices, and the role of community pharmacies in healthcare systems. Additionally, Dr. Chigozie investigates biosecurity, biosafety, and differentiated care models for diseases like HIV/AIDS. His focus on indigenous knowledge in managing emerging infectious diseases in Africa highlights his commitment to improving health through both modern science and traditional insights. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’Š

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Antibiotic resistance: The challenges and some emerging strategies for tackling a global menace โ€“ D Chinemerem Nwobodo, MC Ugwu, C Oliseloke Anie, MTS Alโ€Ouqaili, … (Cited by: 405, Year: 2022) ๐Ÿฆ 
  • Evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts of Breynia nivosa โ€“ FA Onyegbule, IO Ilouno, PM Eze, CC Abba, VU Chigozie (Cited by: 19, Year: 2014) ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Isolation, identification, and evaluation of biological activities of Daldinia eschscholtzii, an endophytic fungus isolated from the leaves of Musa paradisiaca โ€“ V Chigozie, M Okezie, E Ajaegbu, F Okoye, C Esimone (Cited by: 13, Year: 2020) ๐ŸŒ
  • Bioactivities and HPLC analysis of secondary metabolites of a morphologically identified endophytic Aspergillus fungus isolated from Mangifera indica โ€“ VU Chigozie, MU Okezie, EE Ajaegbu, FB Okoye, CO Esimone (Cited by: 11, Year: 2022) ๐Ÿฅญ
  • Larvicidal and synergistic potentials of some plant extracts against Aedes aegypti โ€“ GT Onah, EE Ajaegbu, CC Ezeagha, VU Chigozie, AM Bello, P Chinelo (Cited by: 3, Year: 2022) ๐ŸฆŸ
  • Practice, Risk Perception, and Correlates of Self-Medication Among Pregnant Women in Awka โ€“ OOB Anthony Maduka, Daniel U. Eze, Victor U. Chigozie (Cited by: 2, Year: 2024) ๐Ÿ’Š
  • Community Pharmacies, Extent of Services, and Preparedness for Primary Health Care Policy Implementation in Nigeria from 1980 to 2022: A Narrative Review โ€“ M Maureen, DU Eze, OC Clementina, N Monica, VU Chigozie, O Brian O (Cited by: 1, Year: 2024) ๐Ÿฅ
  • Quality Assessment of Some Brands of Tetanus Toxoids Marketed in Open Markets in South-Eastern Nigeria โ€“ VU Chigozie, PM Eze, CR Chukwunwejim, CC Abba, CS Nworu, … (Cited by: 1, Year: 2014) ๐Ÿ’‰
  • Identification of Some Bioactive Compounds from Camellia sinensis as Possible Inhibitors of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) โ€“ LN Ebenyi, CBG Egwuom, EM Halilu, AP Obialor, TO Johnson, … (Year: 2024) ๐Ÿต
  • Antioxidative, anti-androgenic, and inhibitory activities of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaf on sex hormones-induced benign prostate hyperplasia through in vivo and … โ€“ DDCBA Lilian N. Ebenyi, Victor U. Chigozie (Year: 2024) ๐Ÿƒ