Kaiyin Yang | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Kaiyin Yang | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

North China University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Kaiyin Yang is a pharmacologist with a Doctor of Medicine degree, specializing in protein structure-based drug discovery and small-molecule targeted protein degradation. His research focuses on the rational design, synthesis, and mechanistic evaluation of novel anticancer agents, particularly PROTACs and enzyme-targeting small molecules. As Principal Investigator of a Hebei Provincial Youth Science Fund project, he is developing innovative HK2-targeting degraders for colon cancer therapy. His work also includes kinase inhibitors, metabolic enzyme modulation, and natural product-derived anticancer compounds. Dr. Yang’s studies integrate medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacological approaches to advance precision oncology and targeted cancer therapeutics.

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Vijaya Sarangthem | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Vijaya Sarangthem | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Research Professor | Kyungpook National University | South Korea

Dr. Sarangthem Vijaya Devi is an innovative biomedical scientist with over twelve years of expertise in biopolymer-based drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and nanotechnology, focusing on the design and development of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)–based biomaterials for targeted therapeutics. Her doctoral research at Kyungpook National University, South Korea, involved constructing IL-4 receptor–targeting ELP systems for precise drug delivery, laying the foundation for her pioneering work in tumor-targeted cancer therapy and gene delivery. As a postdoctoral fellow, she led the development of multivalent ELP nanoparticles and depot systems, optimizing pharmacokinetics and tissue biodistribution, and establishing platforms for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. At AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Vijaya Devi advanced regenerative medicine applications by developing self-assembling ELP hydrogels and 3D scaffolds for mesenchymal stem cell culture, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. She further integrated 3D bioprinting technologies to create artificial tissue models for high-throughput drug screening and preclinical evaluation. Her ongoing work as a visiting research professor at Kyungpook National University focuses on ELP-driven 3D culture platforms, enabling scalable and reproducible organoid and spheroid models for precision medicine. Dr. Vijaya Devi’s research portfolio includes over 16 high-impact publications, several as corresponding or first author, highlighting her contributions to nanoparticle engineering, biomaterial optimization, and translational therapeutics. She has contributed to patents on ELP-based hydrogels for tissue regeneration and nanocarriers for oncology drug delivery, demonstrating the translational potential of her work. Recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Article Award and DST Fellowship, her research bridges fundamental science with industry applications, emphasizing scalability, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her expertise encompasses gene delivery systems, molecular imaging, biomaterials engineering, and organoid culture, making her a leading researcher in precision therapeutics. Dr. Vijaya Devi continues to drive innovations in ELP biomaterials for cancer therapy, tissue engineering, and high-throughput drug discovery, positioning her as a global leader in biomedical research and translational medicine.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • Lee, Y.-J., Hong, J., Seo, B.-Y., Lee, B.-H., Sarangthem, V.*, & Park, R.-W. (2025). Strategic optimization of nanoparticle characteristics to enhance tumor targeting and doxorubicin delivery. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 20, 6357–6378.

  • Hong, J., Sim, D., Lee, B.-H., Sarangthem, V.*, & Park, R.-W. (2024). Multifunctional elastin-like polypeptide nanocarriers for efficient miRNA delivery in cancer therapy. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 22(1), 293.

  • Sarangthem, V., Sharma, H., Mendiratta, M., Sahoo, R. K., Park, R.-W., Kumar, L., Singh, T. D., & Mohanty, S. (2022). Application of bio-active elastin-like polypeptide on regulation of human mesenchymal stem cell behavior. Biomedicines, 10(5), 1151.

  • Sarangthem, V.*, Sharma, H., Goel, R., Ghose, S., Park, R.-W., Mohanty, S., Chaudhuri, T. K., Dinda, A. K., & Singh, T. D. (2022). Application of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) containing extracellular matrix (ECM) binding ligands in regenerative medicine. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

  • Sarangthem, V., Yi, A., Kim, Y., Rehemtulla, A., Lee, B.-H., Jeon, Y. H., Singh, T. D., & Park, R.-W. (2021). Therapeutic effect of IL4 receptor targeting pro-apoptotic peptide (AP1-ELP-KLAK) in glioblastoma tumor model. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 16, 5039–5052.

 

Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Technische Universität München , Germany

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Schwab’s academic journey began with the Abitur at Balthasar-Neumann-Gymnasium in Marktheidenfeld in 1980. He pursued a degree in Food Chemistry at the University of Würzburg (1981–1985), completing his 1st State Examination. Driven by a passion for natural product chemistry, he began his Ph.D. under Prof. Dr. Peter Schreier, completing it in 1989. His early research focused on the chemistry of natural flavors, a theme that would define much of his career. He then underwent professional training for the 2nd State Examination in Erlangen (1990–1991). His academic foundation was further strengthened with a Habilitation (1999), granting him venia legendi in Food Chemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Schwab’s postdoctoral career launched in the USA (1989–1990) at Washington State University with Prof. Rodney Croteau, a leading figure in plant biochemistry. He held several short-term research positions across Europe and the U.S., building a network of international collaborations. From 1994 to 2003, he led an independent research group at the University of Würzburg, where he developed his expertise in plant secondary metabolism. In 2003, he became a C3 professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Biomolecular Food Technology, which was renamed Biotechnology of Natural Products in 2010. His leadership extended to serving as acting head of multiple departments at TUM and a Chair Professorship at Anhui Agricultural University in China (since 2018), highlighting his global academic reach.

Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s research is anchored in the biochemistry of plant-derived natural products, particularly focusing on glycosyltransferases, terpenoids, apocarotenoids, and flavor compounds. He has significantly advanced the understanding of enzyme structure–function relationships and metabolic pathways in fruits like strawberry and grapevine. His work bridges basic and applied science, often connecting plant metabolic processes with practical applications in food chemistry, fragrance, and biotechnology.

Impact and Influence

With a rich publication history in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, New Phytologist, Plant Physiology, and Nature Genetics, Prof. Schwab has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. His involvement in the woodland strawberry genome project underscores his role in major collaborative efforts. Additionally, he holds several patents, including methods for identifying glycosyltransferase substrates and aroma precursors, demonstrating his impact beyond academia and into industrial applications.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Prof. Schwab’s publications have been widely cited, with key studies serving as references for both academic and applied research in plant biochemistry. He received the Unterfränkische Gedenkjahresstiftung für Wissenschaft award for his Ph.D. thesis and the Josef-Schormüller Award in 1999, recognizing his exceptional contributions to food chemistry. He also serves on the editorial board of Horticultural Research, reflecting peer recognition of his expertise.

Technical Skills

Prof. Schwab possesses deep technical expertise in enzymology, plant metabolomics, analytical chemistry (GC-MS, LC-MS), and molecular biology. His ability to translate complex biochemical pathways into functional insights about plant defense and aroma biosynthesis has made him a leader in the field. He has also demonstrated proficiency in industrial research, particularly during his time with Hoechst AG and AgrEvo (1991–1994), working on agricultural metabolism.

Teaching and Academic Leadership

Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Schwab has mentored numerous students and researchers. His leadership roles at TUM—including acting head of departments in Biofunctionality of Food and Fruit Science—highlight his commitment to nurturing future scientists. His teaching integrates foundational knowledge with state-of-the-art discoveries in biotechnology and natural products.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s legacy is defined by his interdisciplinary approach, combining food chemistry, plant biology, and biotechnology to unravel nature’s complexity. As he continues his work in Germany and China, his research will likely influence sustainable agriculture, food innovation, and natural product development for years to come. His role in shaping modern food biochemistry ensures a lasting impact on both scientific discovery and industrial practice.

📖Notable Publications

β-Carotene alleviates substrate inhibition caused by asymmetric cooperativity

  • Authors: Jieren Liao, Umar F. Shahul Hameed, Timothy D. Hoffmann, Stefan T. Arold, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2025

Squalene acts as a feedback signaling molecule in facilitating bidirectional communication between tea plants

  • Authors: Jieyang Jin, Mingyue Zhao, Keke Yu, Wilfried G. Schwab, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Science Advances

  • Year: 2025

Evolution and functional divergence of glycosyltransferase genes shaped the quality and cold tolerance of tea plants

  • Authors: Jingming Wang, Yutong Hu, Danyang Guo, Enhua Xia, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Plant Cell

  • Year: 2025

Kinetics of Secoisolariciresinol Glucosyltransferase LuUGT74S1 and Its Mutants

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Lukas Böhm, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Year: 2024

Comparative Functional Characterization of LuUGT74S1 from Linum usitatissimum L. and Its Closed Homologues from Fragaria vesca Subsp. vesca and Camellia sinensis

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: ACS Food Science and Technology

  • Year: 2024

Huanhuan Song | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Ms. Huanhuan Song | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Fujian Medical University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Song’s research is reshaping our understanding of neuroimmune interactions. By leveraging translocator protein (TSPO)-targeted live imaging and advanced cellular models, she has revolutionized the study of microglial metabolism. Her work has broad implications, not only for MS but also for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions where lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation play critical roles. Her findings have been widely cited in immunology and neuroscience literature, reflecting their significance in the field. She has presented at international immunology conferences, contributing valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies for neuroimmune diseases.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Her research findings have gained international recognition, with citations in high-impact journals focusing on immunology, neuroscience, and lipid metabolism. She actively participates in scientific conferences and symposia, sharing her insights with the global scientific community and collaborating with fellow researchers to drive progress in neuroimmune therapeutics.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Song possesses a diverse set of technical skills, including molecular and cellular immunology, animal modeling (EAE, MS models), live imaging techniques for immune responses, flow cytometry, transcriptomic analysis, CRISPR-based gene editing, lipidomics, and metabolomics in neurodegeneration research. These skills have allowed her to conduct high-impact research that bridges fundamental science with translational applications.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As part of her academic role, Dr. Song is actively involved in mentoring undergraduate and master’s students in immunological techniques and experimental neuroscience. Her guidance has helped shape young researchers, fostering innovation in the field of neuroimmunology. She is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and encouraging interdisciplinary research approaches.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Song is committed to advancing precision medicine in neuroinflammation, with future work aimed at developing novel drug interventions targeting lipid metabolism pathways. By translating fundamental research into clinical applications, she envisions creating more effective and personalized treatments for patients suffering from MS and other chronic neuroinflammatory conditions. Her pioneering research on CYP7B1 is set to leave a lasting impact on immunotherapy and neuropharmacology, making her a trailblazer in the intersection of lipid metabolism and neuroimmune regulation. With her continued contributions, Dr. Song is shaping the future of neuroinflammation research and therapeutic development.

📖Notable Publications

CYP7B1 Deficiency Impairs Myeloid Cell Activation in Autoimmune Disease of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Huanhuan Song, Aowei Lv, Zhibao Zhu, Runyun Li, Qiuping Zhao, Xintong Yu, Junyi Jiang, Xiang Lin, Cunjin Zhang, Rui Li, et al.
Journal: PNAS Nexus
Year: 2024

Tanshinone IIA Alleviates Brain Damage in a Mouse Model of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder by Inducing Neutrophil Apoptosis
Authors: Ye Gong, Ya-ling Zhang, Zhen Wang, Huanhuan Song, Yuan-chu Liu, Aowei Lv, Li-li Tian, Wen-li Zhu, Ying Fu, Xiao-li Ding, et al.
Journal: Journal of Neuroinflammation
Year: 2020