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

Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, University of Central Punjab , Pakistan

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad is an Associate Professor and Campus Coordinator at the University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur. With a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, he specializes in crop productivity under abiotic stresses. He also completed post-doctorate research at Cukurova University, Turkey. Dr. Ahmad’s primary focus is improving crop resilience to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and heat. His career spans various prestigious institutions, contributing significantly to agricultural sciences.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad holds a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, completed in 2015, where his thesis focused on maize responses to phosphorus under drought stress. He also completed an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agronomy/Crop Physiology in 2011, and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in the same field in 2009, both from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. His post-doctorate research took place at Cukurova University, Turkey, in 2020, focusing on crop stress physiology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s academic career includes serving as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Botany Department at the University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur, since 2020. He also conducted post-doctoral research at Cukurova University, Turkey. He has taught at institutions like The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Allama Iqbal College, Bahawalpur. Previously, he worked as Assistant Professor at the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies, enhancing his expertise in crop stress research.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad has earned recognition for his contributions to crop physiology and agricultural research. His work has garnered attention in various journals, leading to multiple invitations for collaborations and international conferences. His innovative approaches to improving crop resilience under abiotic stress conditions have been appreciated by academic peers, making him a notable figure in his field. His research has been widely cited, reflecting his significant impact in agricultural sciences.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s research aims to understand the physiological limitations to crop productivity under abiotic stresses. His work explores the use of macro and micronutrients to improve crop resilience. Focused on identifying key morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits for stress tolerance, he examines the potential of foliar applications in alleviating drought, salinity, and heavy metal stresses in crops. His research contributes to advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in challenging environments.

Publication Top Notes

  • Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

    • Authors: S., Sana, A., Binyamin, M., Ramzan, G.D., Ávila-Quezada, E.F., Abd-Allah
    • Year: 2024

  • Modulating Physiological and Antioxidant Responses in Wheat Cultivars via Foliar Application of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) Under Arsenic Stress Conditions

    • Authors: Z.A., Ahmad, R., Younis, T., Ahmad, H.F., Alharby, H., Alsamadany
    • Citations: 1
    • Year: 2024

  • Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience: Unrevealing Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, and Root Attributes Against Cadmium and Drought Stress

    • Authors: A., Sabir, E.A., Waraich, M.S.A., Ahmad, Z.A., Ahmad, S., Bibi
    • Citations: 4
    • Year: 2024

  • Improving Alkaline Stress Tolerance in Maize through Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Investigation of Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidants, and Ion Balance

    • Authors: H., Alsamadany, H.F., Alharby, Z.A., Ahmad, Y.M., Alzahrani, A.A., Almaghams
    • Year: 2024

  • Integration of Plant Hormones in the Biological System as an Opportunity for Sustainable Crop Production (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: F., Karabulut, M., Faizan, D., Rasheed, G., Unnisa, A., Faraz
    • Year: No specific year mentioned

  • Perspectives of Nanoparticles as Priming Agents for Amelioration of Abiotic Stresses in Crops (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: Z.A., Ahmad, E.A., Waraich, M.A., Iqbal, S., Ahmed, S., Bano
    • Year: No specific year mentioned

  • Prospects of Nanotechnology for Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Amelioration in Field Crops (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: Z.A., Ahmad, E.A., Waraich, C., Barutçular, M.S.A., Ahmad, S., Bano
    • Year: No specific year mentioned

  • Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield

    • Authors: A., Siuda, A., Artyszak, D., Gozdowski, Z.A., Ahmad
    • Year: 2024

  • Ecofriendly Management of Insect Pests for Sustainable Agriculture (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: A., Abbasi, A., Asif, Z.A., Ahmad, A., Saleha, Z., Zafar
    • Citations: 2
    • Year: No specific year mentioned