Kiran Mawale | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Kiran Mawale | Agricultural and Biological Sciences
| Young Scientist Award

CSIR Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysore | India

Dr. Kiran Mawale’s research focuses on the development, characterization, and application of nanoparticles in plant systems, particularly in enhancing growth, metabolite production, and pest management in Capsicum species. His work integrates nanotechnology with plant biotechnology to explore the modulation of phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites and antioxidant responses using metallic, chitosan-based, and biogenic nanoparticles. He has systematically studied the phytostimulatory and biochemical impacts of nanoparticle formulations on in vitro and ex vitro chilli cultures, demonstrating significant improvements in plant growth, bioactive yield, and resistance to thrips infestation. His research extends to molecular biology through the differential expression analysis of genes associated with pungency and antioxidant activity. By employing advanced characterization techniques such as DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM, he established structure–function relationships between nanoparticle properties and their biological effects. His interdisciplinary contributions encompass nanoscience, plant cell culture, and metabolite profiling, with a strong emphasis on sustainable, nano-enabled strategies for crop protection and quality enhancement. Collectively, his findings advance the field of agri-nanobiotechnology, offering eco-friendly approaches for improving plant health, productivity, and biochemical fortification.

Featured Publications

Mawale, K. S., Kaila, N. H. J., Halami, P. M., Ramakrishna, C., Singanahalli Shivaramu, M., & Serva Peddha, M. (2025, October 10). Physicochemical and functional characterization of pearl millet-based probiotic beverage for antiaging potential in Caenorhabditis elegans. Foods, 14(20), 3460. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14203460

Raphel, S., & Halami, P. M. (2025, June). Bioactive compounds from food-grade Bacillus. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13935

Goel, A., & Halami, P. M. (2024, September). Safety assessment of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 and its persistence in gastrointestinal tract. Microbial Pathogenesis, 186, 106824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106824

Peerzade, I. J., Mutturi, S., & Halami, P. M. (2024, May). Improved production of RNA-inhibiting antimicrobial peptide by Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 facilitated by a genetic algorithm optimized medium. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-024-02998-2

Goel, A., Chauhan, A. S., & Halami, P. M. (2023, December). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 enriched carrot (Daucus carota) nectar: A value-added beverage with enhanced vitamin A. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 17(12), 10205–10216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-023-02104-2

Archer, A. C., Muthukumar, S. P., & Halami, P. M. (2023, October). Correction to: Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2759 and MCC2760 alleviate inflammation and intestinal function in high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 15(5), 1271–1272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-023-10122-1

Prarthana Sharma | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Prarthana Sharma l Agricultural and Biological Sciences
| Best Researcher Award

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn | Poland

Dr. Prarthana Sharma’s research focuses on molecular mechanisms regulating hepatic function, gene expression, and hepatoprotection using animal models. Her work integrates cell culture, molecular biology, and pharmacological approaches to understand the interaction between dietary compounds and cellular signaling in liver physiology. She has contributed to advanced investigations on the hepatoprotective effects of medicinal plant extracts such as Silybum marianum (silymarin) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) in mitigating aflatoxin B1-induced liver toxicity, employing both in vivo porcine models and in vitro hepatocyte culture systems. Her research involves microRNA profiling, transcriptomic analysis, and molecular pathway mapping to identify gene regulatory networks responsible for liver protection and regeneration. With expertise in gene expression studies, RNA and DNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, PCR, and real-time PCR, she explores molecular responses to dietary interventions at cellular and systemic levels. Her scientific contributions also include comparative gene expression studies in granulosa cells, linking molecular genetics to reproductive physiology. She actively participates in preclinical research, focusing on toxicokinetics, pharmacokinetics, and drug delivery, contributing to translational approaches in veterinary and biomedical sciences. Through multidisciplinary collaborations, her research aims to advance understanding of nutrigenomics, toxicogenomics, and molecular pharmacology for improving animal and human health.

Featured Publication

Sharma, P., Asediya, V., Kalra, G., Sultana, S., Purohit, N., Kibitlewska, K., Kozera, W., Czarnik, U., Karpiesiuk, K., & Lecewicz, M. (2025). Hepatoprotective effect of Silymarin herb in prevention of liver dysfunction using pig as animal model. Nutrients, 17(20), 3278. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203278

Mohamed ALOUANI | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Scholar Award

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Mohamed ALOUANI | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Mr Mohamed ALOUANI, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr Un, Morocco

Mohamed Alouani is a renowned researcher and current director of multiple ongoing doctoral theses focused on the biotic and abiotic stress factors affecting Argania spinosa production, marine product bioconservation, and the valorization of medicinal plants. His expertise spans the phytochimical analysis of Moroccan flora and the use of Archaea halophiles in antimicrobial peptide production. Alouani has contributed to numerous international publications, including works on Haematococcus pluvialis and Argania spinosa, and is actively involved in the isolation of microalgae for biocontrol. His work addresses critical environmental and biological challenges, promoting sustainable agricultural and marine practices. 🌿📚🔬

Publication Profile

google scholar

Argania Spinosa Research

Mr. Mohamed ALOUANI’s research focuses on the abiotic and biotic stress factors affecting the growth of Argania spinosa (Argan tree). His work holds significant agricultural and ecological implications, particularly in sustainable farming 🌱🌍. By understanding how these stressors impact the Argan tree, he contributes to improving plant resilience and productivity. His research also addresses cost analysis for plant production, aiding in the development of more efficient and economically viable farming practices 💡💰. This work has the potential to enhance both agricultural sustainability and ecological conservation efforts, making it crucial for advancing plant-based industries 🌳📊.

Research Focus

Mr. Mohamed ALOUANI’s research focuses on Archaea halophiles for the bioconservation of marine products, demonstrating innovative advancements in marine biotechnology. His work explores the potential of these microorganisms to preserve and enhance the quality of marine-based products, with promising applications in the food industry. Through his research, ALOUANI aims to improve sustainability and extend the shelf life of marine products, offering eco-friendly solutions for the food sector. His contributions highlight the growing importance of marine biotechnology in addressing global challenges such as food preservation and environmental sustainability. 🌊🧬🌱🍤🔬

Research Supervision

Mr. Mohamed ALOUANI is deeply involved in supervising several theses, mentoring the next generation of researchers in related fields. His dedication to academia extends beyond teaching, as he provides guidance and support to students, helping them develop critical research skills. Through his supervision, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of research in his domain. His commitment to nurturing young talent reflects his passion for advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. 👨‍🏫📚🎓👩‍🔬

Communications Internationals

At the 4th International Biotechnology Congress in Marrakech, Morocco, held from November 14–17, 2024, several groundbreaking studies were presented. One study by Mohamed Alouani and colleagues focused on screening the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of extracts from four wild Moroccan medicinal plants 🌱. Another research, led by Azzeddine Bechar and Mohamed Alouani, investigated the effects of Dunaliella salina extracts on the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to 3D printed polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid, offering potential advancements in medical materials 🧪. These studies highlight the role of bioresources in sustainable food and medical applications 🌍.

Chapter 

Mr. Mohamed Alouani contributed significantly to the 2023 book Haematococcus edited by Raja et al. His work focuses on the accumulation of astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis under abiotic stress, emphasizing its potential benefits for health and industry 🌱. In another chapter, Alouani and colleagues explore the clinical applications of Haematococcus, discussing its therapeutic potential in various medical fields 🏥. Both chapters highlight the remarkable properties of Haematococcus and its valuable contributions to biotechnology, showcasing the growing interest in its applications in health and sustainability 🌍. The book is available in both print and online formats 📚.

Publication top notes

Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) seed germination under nursery conditions: Effect of cold storage, gibberellic acid and mother-tree genotype

Viabilité et dormance des semences d’Arganier (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels)

Pseudomonas Isolates as Potential Biofungicides of Green Mold (Penicillium Digitatum) on Orange Fruit

Effect of light on germination of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) seeds

Régénération de l’arganier (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels): protocole de production de plants par semis et par bouturage et réussite de la transplantation

Viabilité et vieillissement des semences d’arganier (Arganiaspinosa (L.) Skeels

Limitations actuelles de la production et de la transplantation des plants d’arganier

Solutions rhizosphériques: Isolats de Pseudomonas contre Botrytis cinerea de la tomate