Naikun Shen | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Naikun Shen | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Guangxi Minzu University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

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    🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

    Dr. Naikun Shen’s academic journey began with a deep curiosity about the microbial world and its hidden potential. He pursued his doctoral degree in microbiology, laying a strong foundation in microbial ecology and biochemical processes. During his early academic years, he demonstrated a keen interest in sustainable biotechnologies, particularly the use of microorganisms in environmental remediation and resource recovery. His scientific acumen and commitment to eco-innovation were evident even in his formative years, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of environmentally friendly research solutions.

    👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

    Dr. Shen currently serves as a Professor and Department Head at Guangxi Minzu University, where he is also a respected master’s supervisor. Over the years, he has developed a specialized niche in the development and utilization of microbial resources, spearheading research programs that convert waste into valuable bio-products. His professional career is marked by strategic leadership and scientific rigor. With over seven major provincial and ministerial-level projects under his leadership, Dr. Shen has successfully translated research from the lab into real-world applications. In addition, he has contributed to two consultancy and industry collaborations, demonstrating the real-world viability of his innovations. His work often bridges academia and applied science, especially in green chemistry and bio-conversion technologies.

    🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

    Dr. Shen’s research is centered on the biodegradation of waste resources, particularly shrimp and crab shells and feathers. By constructing unique microbial communities and leveraging enzyme-based methods, his team efficiently breaks down these wastes into amino acids, lactate calcium, and chitin—critical inputs for various industrial and agricultural applications. What sets his work apart is the completely environmentally friendly approach: the degradation process relies solely on microbial strains or enzymes, without producing secondary pollution. This has positioned his work as a model for sustainable waste valorization in the context of circular economy and green manufacturing. Moreover, Dr. Shen’s research on transforming chitin into chitin oligosaccharides and shell oligosaccharides has opened new avenues in biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental protection. His commitment to practical, clean, and scalable solutions has helped push the boundaries of microbial resource utilization.

    🏆 Accolades and Recognition

    Dr. Shen’s exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of the Second Prize of the Guangxi Science and Technology Progress Award (4/9)—a prestigious recognition that reflects the regional and national significance of his work. In addition to accolades, Dr. Shen holds 12 published or in-process Chinese patents, demonstrating the novelty and commercial potential of his innovations. His publication record includes over 100 academic papers, of which 28 are indexed in SCI journals, underscoring both the depth and global reach of his research.

    🌏 Impact and Influence

    Dr. Shen’s work has made a profound impact on multiple fronts:

    • Environmental sustainability: His research contributes significantly to waste reduction and resource recovery.

    • Green chemistry: His microbial methodologies serve as models for low-impact industrial processes.

    • Academic advancement: His research outputs and mentorship continue to nurture the next generation of scientists.

    While he does not currently hold formal editorial or collaborative positions, his published work has influenced the scientific community through high citation value and practical utility.

    🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

    Dr. Naikun Shen’s legacy lies in his pioneering approach to microbial biotechnology for environmental applications. As the global scientific community turns increasingly toward sustainable solutions, his work will remain relevant and impactful. Looking ahead, Dr. Shen aims to expand his research into biomedical applications of chitin derivatives, enhance industry-university partnerships, and contribute further to policy-oriented innovations in green technology. His vision includes developing globally scalable microbial systems for biodegradable waste management, thus helping nations meet climate and sustainability goals.

    📖Notable Publications

    Enhanced chitinase production by Bacillus paralicheniformis GXMU-J23.1: Optimization, genomic insights, and chitin degradation mechanism
    Authors: Xie, J.; Zhang, L.; Yang, K.; Zhang, H.; Jiang, M.; Liao, S.; Yang, D.; Shen, N.
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    Year: 2025

    Halobacillus rhizosphaerae sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium with protease activities isolated from the rhizosphere soil of the mangrove Acanthus ebracteatus
    Authors: Yin, D.; Xie, J.; Liu, R.; Song, C.; Liang, Y.; Huang, H.; Huang, Y.; Long, R.; Shen, N.; Yan, B. et al.
    Journal: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, International Journal of General and Molecular Microbiology
    Year: 2025

    A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Unveils the Mechanisms of Response in Feather Degradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-7
    Authors: Song, C.; Liu, R.; Yin, D.; Xie, C.; Liang, Y.; Yang, D.; Jiang, M.; Zhang, H.; Shen, N.
    Journal: Microorganisms
    Year: 2024

    A new strain of Rhodococcus indonesiensis T22.7.1<sup>T</sup> and its functional potential for deacetylation of chitin and chitooligsaccharides
    Authors: Xie, J.; Yin, D.; Ou, J.; Lu, B.; Liao, S.; Yang, D.; Zhang, H.; Shen, N.
    Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
    Year: 2024

    Antimicrobial mechanisms and antifungal activity of compounds generated by banana rhizosphere Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-2 against fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
    Authors: Lu, J.; Huang, Y.; Liu, R.; Liang, Y.; Zhang, H.; Shen, N.; Yang, D.; Jiang, M.
    Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
    Year: 2024

Dr. Ugrabadi Sahoo | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award | 1747

Dr. Ugrabadi Sahoo | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, India

Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Ugrabadi Sahoo’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (Hons.), Physics, and Math from Baba Bhairabananda Autonomous College, Odisha, where he graduated with distinction in 2014. His passion for research blossomed during his Master’s in Chemistry at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Odisha, where he conducted a thesis on the role of expanded graphite in enhancing bitumen strength for road construction. Furthering his academic ambitions, he pursued a Ph.D. in Material Chemistry at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, under the guidance of Prof. Garudadhwaj Hota. His thesis explored the synthesis of iron-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (Fe-MOFs) for groundbreaking photocatalytic applications addressing energy and environmental challenges.

Professional Endeavors 🏢

Since 2024, Dr. Sahoo has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science (MITS), Andhra Pradesh. Here, he contributes to academic excellence through teaching, research mentorship, and laboratory management. Dr. Sahoo has mentored five postgraduate students, who are now pursuing their Ph.D. at esteemed institutions. His professional experiences also include developing innovative experimental frameworks and organizing practical sessions for UG/PG students.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Sahoo’s research primarily addresses global environmental and energy crises through advanced photocatalytic solutions. His expertise includes:

  • Synthesis of novel Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with tailored morphologies and bandgap energy for environmental remediation.
  • Developing nano-heterostructures to enhance charge separation and suppress electron-hole recombination in photocatalysis.
  • Surface functionalization of MOFs using graphene oxide, metal oxides, and quantum dots to achieve remarkable catalytic efficiencies.
    His innovative work spans characterizing photocatalysts using cutting-edge techniques such as XRD, FESEM, PL, and HRTEM. The practical applications of his research include water splitting, organic transformations, and the degradation of harmful environmental pollutants.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Sahoo’s academic excellence has been recognized through numerous awards:

  • InSc Young Researcher Award (2022): For outstanding contributions to research.
  • CSIR-UGC NET JRF (AIR-91): Prestigious qualification enabling him to secure Junior and Senior Research Fellowships.
  • GATE Qualification (AIR-2384): A testament to his analytical and technical capabilities.
    Additionally, he has actively participated in faculty development programs, including the AICTE ATAL FDP and the Faculty Induction Programme at MITS.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Sahoo’s research outputs have left a significant mark on the scientific community. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, with a focus on photocatalysis and environmental sustainability. His work has provided innovative solutions for issues like water pollution and antibiotic resistance. Beyond academia, his participation in conferences and workshops demonstrates his dedication to disseminating knowledge and inspiring future researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Dr. Sahoo envisions a future where photocatalysis plays a central role in addressing global sustainability challenges. His ongoing research aims to further enhance the efficiency of MOFs and related nanostructures for scalable industrial applications. Through his teaching and mentorship, Dr. Sahoo continues to empower the next generation of scientists, leaving a lasting legacy in material chemistry and environmental science.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Unlocking the potential of tailored graphitic carbon nitride: Cutting-edge photocatalysis for implications in Antibiotic drug resistance
Authors: P. Aparajita, U. Sahoo, S. Choudhury, S. Pattnayak, G. Hota
Journal: Coordination Chemistry Reviews (Under Review)
Year: 2024

Title: Z scheme induced B, S co-doped g-C3N4 hollow nanotubes/MIL-53 heterostructure: A MOF-derived high-performance photocatalyst for Bisphenol A degradation and H2 evolution
Authors: U. Sahoo, S. Pattnayak, S. Choudhury, P. Aparajita, S. Das, G. Hota
Journal: Optical Materials (Revision submitted)
Year: 2024

Title: Fluorescent detection of Cd²⁺ ions using L-Cysteine functionalized boron-doped g-C3N4 quantum dots as a chemo sensor in aqueous media
Authors: S. Pattnayak, S. Choudhury, U. Sahoo, P. Aparajita, R. Adhikari, G. Hota
Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Year: 2024

Title: Designing ZnBi₂O₄/ZIF-67 derived hollow Co₃O₄ decorated reduced graphene oxide as a novel hybrid nanocatalyst with boosted visible-light photocatalytic activities
Authors: S. Choudhury, U. Sahoo, S. Pattnayak, P. Aparajita, G. Hota
Journal: ACS Applied Engineering Materials
Year: 2024

Title: Combinatorial Photoactivity Enhancement of Ternary Nanohybrids: Ag Cocatalyst-Dispersed Monoclinic Bi₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ through the Synergistic Action of Induced Oxygen Defect and Porosity for Abatement of Fluoroquinolones and Boosted Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: P. Aparajita, S. Das, U. Sahoo, S. Choudhury, S. Pattnayak, S. Mallick, G. Hota
Journal: ACS Applied Engineering Materials
Year: 2024

Title: Facile synthesis of defect-induced CeO₂/MIL-53(Fe) nanocatalyst: Strategically switching the charge transfer dynamics for remarkable enhancement of photocatalytic Bisphenol A degradation and H₂ evolution
Authors: U. Sahoo, S. Pattnayak, S. Choudhury, P. Aparajita, D. Pradhan, G. Hota
Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Year: 2023

Title: Strategic growth engineering of Ag self-doped Ag₂CO₃ on MIL-53 MOF: A novel p-n heterostructure facilitates serendipitous charge migration and remarkable multimodal photocatalytic activity
Authors: U. Sahoo, S. Choudhury, S. Pattnayak, P. Aparajita, G. Hota
Journal: Materials Today Communications
Year: 2023

Title: L-Glutathione modified graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots: An ultrasensitive fluorescent sensor for detection of Pb²⁺ in water
Authors: S. Pattnayak, U. Sahoo, S. Choudhury, P. Aparajita, G. Hota
Journal: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry
Year: 2023

Title: S-doped rGO-Enwrapped Magnetically Porous NiFe₂O₄/CuS Heterojunction: An Efficient Z-Scheme Nano-Photocatalyst for Visible-Light-Driven Tetracycline Degradation and 4-Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: S. Choudhury, S. Pattnayak, U. Sahoo, P. Aparajita, G. Hota
Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Year: 2023

Title: Double Charge Transfer Mechanistic Insights of Tailoring of BiOI Nanoplates and Boron Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride: A 2D/2D Anchored p-n Heterojunction Nanocatalyst for Photodegradation Aggrandizement
Authors: P. Aparajita, S. Choudhury, U. Sahoo, S. Pattnayak, S. Padhiary, M. Tripathy, G. Hota
Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
Year: 2023

Title: Silver-Nanoparticle-Decorated g-C₃N₄/MIL-53(Fe) Nanocomposites: A Pre-Eminent Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalyst toward Multimodal Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: U. Sahoo, S. Pattnayak, S. Choudhury, S. Padhiary, M. Tripathy, G. Hota
Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Year: 2022

Title: Hematite nanoparticles decorated nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/graphitic carbon nitride multifunctional heterostructure photocatalyst towards environmental applications
Authors: S. Choudhury, U. Sahoo, S. Pattnayak, S. Padhiary, M. Tripathy, G. Hota
Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
Year: 2022

Title: Silver nanoparticles embedded sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots: A fluorescent nanosensor for detection of mercury ions in aqueous media
Authors: S. Pattnayak, U. Sahoo, S. Choudhury, G. Hota
Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Year: 2022