Imane Maiouet | Applied microbiology and biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Ms. Imane Maiouet | Applied microbiology and biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

University Hassan 2 of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia | Morocco

Ms. Imane Maiouet research focuses on microbial biotechnology with a specialization in the isolation, technological characterization, antimicrobial profiling, and probiotic assessment of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from dairy sources. Core investigations include phenotypic, biochemical, physiological, and molecular identification of LAB strains, followed by detailed evaluation of their fermentation behavior, acidification capacity, growth kinetics, and enzymatic activities. The work further explores antimicrobial mechanisms through agar diffusion assays, OD-based inhibition tests, and co-culture studies aimed at suppressing foodborne and clinical pathogens. A significant component involves identifying, purifying, and optimizing LAB-derived bioactive compounds, particularly bacteriocin-like substances, with potential applications in food safety and functional probiotics. Probiotic characterization includes assessing acid and bile tolerance, hydrophobicity, aggregation behavior, gastrointestinal resilience, enzymatic traits, and safety indicators such as hemolysis and antibiotic susceptibility. Additional studies address the technological performance of LAB in dairy environments, the impact of different processing conditions, and the development of strains with enhanced antagonistic and functional properties. Parallel research has examined biotechnological applications related to spoilage inhibition, environmental microbiology, and the integration of data analysis workflows using Python and statistical tools. Collectively, this work advances the development of beneficial LAB strains with promising industrial, probiotic, and biopreservative potential.

Featured Publication

Krishnamoorthi R | Bioengineering | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Krishnamoorthi R | Bioengineering
| Young Scientist Award

Chang Gung University | Taiwan

Dr. R. Krishnamoorthi is an accomplished researcher specializing in nanomedicine, biomaterials, and drug delivery systems, with a strong foundation in microbiology and biomedical applications. His research focuses on the development of innovative nanostructures, including silver-gold nanocomposites, bacteriocin-functionalized nanoparticles, and bioengineered hydrogels, for antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound-healing therapies. He has significantly contributed to interdisciplinary research integrating nanotechnology, immunomodulatory biomaterials, and probiotics for therapeutic advancement. With over 25 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Bioorganic Chemistry, and Fish & Shellfish Immunology, his cumulative impact factor exceeds 130. His current postdoctoral research at Chang Gung University, Taiwan, emphasizes microbial biosurfactants, nanoscale drug carriers, and in silico approaches for biomedical innovation. He has also contributed to the discovery and characterization of novel probiotic strains and their exopolysaccharides with potent bioactivities. Additionally, his work extends to developing green synthesis methods for metal oxide nanoparticles and investigating their electrochemical, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Dr. Krishnamoorthi’s research represents a synthesis of biological and material sciences aimed at sustainable, targeted, and biocompatible solutions for global healthcare challenges.

Featured Publications

Krishnamoorthi, R., Srinivash, M., Mahalingam, P. U., & Malaikozhundan, B. (2022). Dietary nutrients in edible mushroom, Agaricus bisporus and their radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Process Biochemistry, 121, 10–17.

 Chinnaiah, K., Krishnamoorthi, R., Kannan, K., Sivaganesh, D., & [additional authors if any]. (2022). Ag nanoparticles synthesized by Datura metel L. leaf extract and their charge density distribution, electrochemical and biological performance. Chemical Physics Letters, 807, 140083.

 Krishnamoorthi, R., Srinivash, M., Mahalingam, P. U., Malaikozhundan, B., & [additional authors if any]. (2022). Antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of bacteriocin by Lactococcus lactis strain CH3 isolated from fermented dairy products—An in vitro and in silico study. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 220, 291–306.

 Chinnaiah, K., Kannan, K., Krishnamoorthi, R., Palko, N., & Gurushankar, K. (2024). Nanostructured Ag/NiO composites for supercapacitor and antibacterial applications, and in-silico theoretical investigation. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 184, 111730.

Krishnamoorthi, R., Mahalingam, P. U., & Malaikozhundan, B. (2022). Edible mushroom extract engineered Ag NPs as safe antimicrobial and antioxidant agents with no significant cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblast cells. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 139, 109362.