João Gomes Oliveira Neto | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. João Gomes Oliveira Neto | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), Brazil

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

João Gomes de Oliveira Neto began his academic journey with a Technical Education in Agroindustry at the Maria Cavalcante Costa State School of Professional Education. His exceptional abilities were recognized early on, winning First Place in the Science Fair in the category of Environmental Sciences. This foundational experience ignited his passion for chemistry and scientific inquiry. He pursued his Bachelor's in Chemistry at the Federal Institute of Ceará (IFCE), focusing on the synthesis and characterization of microspheres doped with iron and nickel for environmental applications. This work underscored his commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative chemical solutions.

🏫 Professional and Research Endeavors

João's professional journey includes roles as a monitor and research fellow at IFCE, contributing to analytical chemistry projects and working on galactomannan extractions for microsphere synthesis. He furthered his expertise with a Master’s in Materials Science (2017–2019) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science (2019–2022) from the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA). His doctoral research, under the guidance of Adenilson Oliveira dos Santos, focused on the development of sulfated double salts for optical and thermochemical devices, showcasing his proficiency in advanced material synthesis and characterization. João currently serves as a visiting professor and researcher in the Postgraduate Program in Materials Science at UFMA, contributing to cutting-edge studies in crystallography and molecular structures.

💡 Research Focus and Contributions

João’s research spans a diverse range of areas: Environmental Chemistry: Designing alginate and chitosan microspheres for heavy metal removal and synthetic fuel purification, Materials Science: Investigating organic and inorganic crystals, biopolymers, and their applications in optical devices and cancer treatment, Biochemistry: Evaluating the chemical and biological properties of natural compounds like Euterpe oleracea (açaí). His notable contributions include a 3rd place award at the ICAIC International Conference for his work on the structural and thermal properties of crystal catena compounds.

📖 Impact and Influence

João’s academic output has garnered significant recognition, with publications in high-impact journals and multiple awards, including the prestigious CAPES scholarships during his master’s and doctoral studies. His research findings have been presented at international platforms, influencing both academia and industry.

🛠️ Technical Skills

João is skilled in: Advanced crystallography techniques and X-ray diffraction, Biopolymer synthesis and environmental chemistry applications, Characterization of materials for biomedical and optical uses.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a monitor during his undergraduate studies and now as a visiting professor, João has shown a strong commitment to mentoring students. His dedication to education is evident in his roles as a guide for analytical chemistry and material science research projects.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

João aims to continue bridging gaps between academic research and practical applications. His work in developing sustainable solutions and advancing material science sets the stage for impactful contributions in environmental protection, biochemistry, and optical technologies. João’s journey from a passionate student in Quixadá to an accomplished researcher and educator highlights his unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its real-world applications.

📖Notable Publications

 

Martín Fernández Baldo | Bioanalítica | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Martín Fernández Baldo | Bioanalítica | Best Researcher Award 

Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina

👨‍🎓 Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

He pursued a solid academic journey, beginning with his primary education at Justo José de Urquiza in Maipú, Mendoza, where he graduated in December 1989. He later attended Liceo Militar General Espejo for his secondary education, graduating as a Bachiller and Subteniente de Reserva del Arma de Infantería in December 1994.

🏛 Higher Education

Fernández Baldo pursued his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, completing his studies in 2007. He later obtained his Doctorate in Biochemistry, with his thesis titled "Control Biológico en Postcosecha: Desarrollo de Metodologías para la Detección y Cuantificación de Mohos Fitopatógenos y Micotoxinas". His thesis work was guided by Dr. María Isabel Sanz Ferramola (Director) and Dr. Germán Messina (Co-Director).

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Martín Fernández Baldo is based in San Luis, Argentina, where he works at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis. He holds positions in both the Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas. He is associated with CONICET and works in the Instituto de Química de San Luis (INQUISAL), contributing to the Laboratorio de Bioanalítica.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Fernández Baldo's research is centered around bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology. He has expertise in synthesizing nanomaterials using both chemical and biological methods (such as microorganisms like fungi and bacteria). His work includes the use of these nanomaterials in biosensors with electrochemical detection or laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for the determination of various biochemical, environmental, and agro-food analytes.

In recent years, his research has expanded to focus on the early diagnosis of epithelial cancers (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate) through the determination of specific tumor markers. He is also dedicated to the diagnosis of infectious diseases like parasitic, viral, and fungal infections.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Fernández Baldo's work in the field of bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology is making significant strides in improving diagnostic tools for both cancer and infectious diseases. His interdisciplinary approach, combining nanotechnology with bioanalytical methods, has had a notable impact on public health diagnostics, especially in low-resource settings where early and accurate detection is critical.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise spans a variety of advanced techniques, including: Nanomaterial synthesis (chemical and biological methods). Characterization of nanomaterials using: UV-vis, XRD, XRF, FTIR, DLS, SEM, EDS, TEM. Biosensor development for: Electrochemical detection, Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection.

🏅 Teaching Experience

Throughout his career, Martín Fernández Baldo has also been involved in teaching and mentorship. He contributes to postgraduate courses, such as the course on "Instrumental Analysis Methods: Biological Applications", offered by the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. His participation in academia extends to supervising students and guiding research projects in the fields of analytical chemistry and bioanalysis.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Martín Fernández Baldo aims to further his research in bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology, specifically focusing on the early diagnosis of cancers and infectious diseases. His goal is to develop more efficient, cost-effective diagnostic tools that can be applied globally. His work will likely continue to influence the fields of public health, analytical chemistry, and nanotechnology, contributing to the betterment of global diagnostic practices.

📖  Notable Publications

Copper nanoparticles as a potential emerging pollutant: Divergent effects in the agriculture, risk-benefit balance and integrated strategies for its use

Authors: Tortella, G., Rubilar, O., Fincheira, P., Fernandez-Baldo, M., Seabra, A.B.
Journal: Emerging Contaminants
Year: 2024

Metal nanoparticles and pesticides under global climate change: Assessing the combined effects of multiple abiotic stressors on soil microbial ecosystems

Authors: Fernández-Triana, I., Rubilar, O., Parada, J., Seabra, A.B., Tortella, G.R.
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Year: 2024

Electrochemical microfluidic immunosensor with graphene-decorated gold nanoporous for T-2 mycotoxin detection

Authors: Fernandez Solis, L.N., Silva Junior, G.J., Bertotti, M., Fernández-Baldo, M.A., Regiart, M.
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2024

Advances in Nanomaterials and Composites Based on Mesoporous Materials as Antimicrobial Agents: Relevant Applications in Human Health

Authors: Gomez, G.E., Hamer, M., Regiart, M.D., Soler Illia, G.J.A.A., Fernández-Baldo, M.A.
Journal: Antibiotics
Year: 2024

Use of Mechanochemical Methodology to Explore the Formation of a New Crystalline Phase in the Curcumin-Quercetin System

Authors: D'Vries, R.F., Pastrana-Dávila, A., Pantoja, K.D., Gomez, G.E., Fernández-Baldo, M.A.
Journal: ChemistrySelect
Year: 2024

Five years of advances in electrochemical analysis of protein biomarkers in lung cancer: a systematic review

Authors: Regiart, M., Fernández-Baldo, M.A., Navarrete, B.A., Valero, T., Ortega, F.G.
Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry
Year: 2024

Origami Paper-Based Electrochemical Immunosensor with Carbon Nanohorns-Decorated Nanoporous Gold for Zearalenone Detection

Authors: Laza, A., Pereira, S.V., Messina, G.A., Regiart, M.D., Bertolino, F.A.
Journal: Chemosensors
Year: 2024