Georgia Lainioti | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Georgia Lainioti | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Laboratory Teaching Staff | University of Patras | Greece

Dr. Georgia C. Lainioti is an accomplished chemist and materials scientist with a strong interdisciplinary research background in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and advanced materials for environmental, food, and biomedical applications. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Patras, where she developed innovative methodologies for the kinetic study of alcoholic fermentation using novel biocatalysts. Currently serving as Laboratory Teaching Staff at the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Patras, Dr. Lainioti has over 15 years of experience in academic research and teaching across chemistry, material science, and food technology disciplines. Her research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced polymeric and hybrid nanocomposite materials with applications in antimicrobial and antifouling coatings, flame-retardant systems, gas separation membranes, and active food packaging. She has contributed extensively to the development of eco-friendly, halogen-free hybrid coatings, humidity- and pH-responsive membranes, and biopolymer films incorporating essential oils for antimicrobial and antioxidant food preservation. Dr. Lainioti has participated in numerous European and national research programs (FP7, THALES, PAVET, KRIPIS, and others), collaborating with multidisciplinary teams at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT) and the University of Patras. Her scientific productivity includes 32 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Polymer Chemistry, Polymers, Progress in Organic Coatings, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Her publications have received 489 citations by 393 documents, resulting in an h-index of 14 (Scopus), reflecting her influence in the field of polymer and materials science. In addition to her research, she has served as a peer reviewer for several international journals including ACS Applied Polymer Materials, RSC Advances, and Biofouling. Through her sustained contributions to sustainable materials design, bioactive polymer systems, and nanocomposite development, Dr. Lainioti has established herself as a leading researcher advancing innovation at the interface of chemistry, materials, and food technology.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Lainioti, G. C., Anastasopoulos, I., Soto Beobide, A., Voyiatzis, G. A., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2025). Preparation of carbon nanotube polymeric membranes with cross-linkable and antimicrobial agents for water applications. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 325, 130895.

Safakas, K., Lainioti, G. C., Koutsodima, P., Stathopoulou, P., & Ladavos, A. (2025, June 12). Development and characterization of LDPE/EVA films incorporating carvacrol essential oil with antifungal activity. Foods, 14(12), 2069.

Safakas, K., Lainioti, G. C., Tsiamis, G., Stathopoulou, P., & Ladavos, A. (2025, March 6). Utilizing essential oil components as natural antifungal preservatives in the active packaging of bread. Polymers, 17(5), 697.

Lainioti, G. C., & Druvari, D. (2024, November 15). Designing antibacterial-based quaternary ammonium coatings (surfaces) or films for biomedical applications: Recent advances. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22), 12264.

Koukoumtzis, V., Lainioti, G. C., Voyiatzis, G. A., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2023, April 9). Novel hybrid organic–inorganic polymeric coatings containing phosphonium or acidic groups for improving flame retardancy of wood. Coatings, 13(4), 754.

Kalpana Pandey | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kalpana Pandey | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

KOREATECH, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kalpana Pandey’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in polymer science and technology. She completed her M.Sc. in Polymer Science & Technology from Gujarat University at CIPET, Ahmedabad, followed by a B.Sc. in Polymer Science & Technology from Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi. During these formative years, she developed a strong passion for material science, which later fueled her research in biopolymers and their applications in environmental and sustainable technologies.

Professional Endeavors 🏢

Her professional career has seen her in several roles contributing significantly to material science and engineering. She is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at KOREATECH, South Korea since October 2023. Prior to this, she worked at IIT Delhi as a Research Associate in the Department of Material Science and Engineering and contributed to various significant industrial and academic research projects. Her collaboration with Dr. Dibakar Rakshit and Dr. Sampa Saha at IIT Delhi in the development of Cellulose-based Phase Change Materials is one of her notable professional undertakings.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Her research primarily focuses on biodegradable polymers, groundwater remediation, and sustainable materials. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Studies on zero-valent iron encapsulated biodegradable polymer particles for groundwater remediation,” underscores her commitment to addressing environmental concerns through innovative material solutions. Additionally, her contributions to the development of bioplastics and biodegradable packaging films have placed her at the forefront of sustainability efforts in material science.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Her research is making a significant impact in the field of sustainable material development and environmental remediation. Her work in encapsulating zero-valent iron in biodegradable polymers has the potential to revolutionize groundwater remediation techniques, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, her research on bioplastics and bio composites contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of plastic waste, furthering the global effort to tackle pollution.  Through her awards such as the RETA 2022 Research Excellence Travel Award at IIT Delhi and recognition for Distinction in Doctoral Research, Dr. Pandey has been acknowledged for her research excellence and significant contributions to material science. Her academic work and industrial partnerships continue to influence future innovations in sustainable materials.

Academic Cites 📚

She has contributed significantly to the academic literature in material science and sustainable technologies. Her publications include influential research articles and book chapters that are widely cited in the field of biodegradable polymers and eco-friendly materials. One such contribution is her work on packaging films using microcrystalline cellulose and TiO2, which has been published in the American Journal of Polymer Science and Technology. 

Technical Skills 🛠️

She possesses advanced technical skills in material characterization, including synthesis and functionalization of polymers, and the development of bio-based materials. She is proficient in handling techniques such as blown film extrusion, spectroscopic analysis, and polymer processing. Her research in nano materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes further highlights her proficiency in handling cutting-edge materials for energy and environmental applications.

Teaching Experience 📖

In addition to her research, Dr. Pandey has been actively involved in mentoring and teaching roles. Her work as a Research Associate at IIT Delhi included supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students in research projects related to material science and environmental remediation. Her mentorship extends beyond formal teaching, as she actively contributes to workshops and seminars to inspire the next generation of scientists in the field of sustainable material research.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Her long-term goal is to continue making strides in green chemistry and sustainable materials, with a particular focus on biodegradable polymers for environmental cleanup. Her interdisciplinary work is poised to have lasting impacts on environmental remediation, plastic waste management, and the development of sustainable energy materials. 

Her collaborations with international research groups and industrial partners ensure that her work will continue to shape the future of sustainable material science, potentially paving the way for innovations in clean energy technologies and eco-friendly materials.

Conclusion 🏅

Her multifaceted career reflects a dedication to advancing material science, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. Her work in bioplastics, groundwater remediation, and bio-based polymers demonstrates her commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions that address pressing global challenges. As she continues her postdoctoral research and prepares for future academic endeavors, Her contributions are set to inspire future advancements in green technology and material engineering.

📖Notable Publications

Architecture dependent transport behavior of iron (0) entrapped biodegradable polymeric particles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Verma, D.K., Singh, A., Saha, S.
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2024

In-situ fabrication of poly-l-lactide & its application as a glass fiber polymer composites using resin transfer molding
Authors: Kim, S.-J., Pandey, K., Poddar, D., Yoo, H.M.
Journal: Polymer Composites
Year: 2024

Stabilization of Iron (0) in plasma treated semi porous polylactic acid based particles for in situ groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2023

Encapsulation of zero valent iron nanoparticles in biodegradable amphiphilic janus particles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2023

Advances in design and synthesis of stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Pandey, K., Sharma, S., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2022

Facile technique to encapsulate phase change material in an amphiphilic polymeric matrix for thermal energy storage
Authors: Pandey, K., Ali, S.F., Gupta, S.K., Rakshit, D., Saha, S.
Journal: Applied Energy
Year: 2021

Microencapsulated Zero Valent Iron NanoParticles in Polylactic acid matrix for in situ remediation of contaminated water
Authors: Pandey, K., Saha, S.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2020