Imane Maiouet | Applied microbiology and biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

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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

Ayidh Almansour | Food Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ayidh Almansour | Food Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Lab Head | Saudi Food and Drug Authority | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ayidh Almansour is a distinguished scientist and Head of the Biotechnology Department at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, specializing in the detection and control of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. He holds advanced degrees in cell and molecular biology, medical microbiology, and medical laboratory sciences, with extensive experience in laboratory leadership, regulatory policy development, and applied biotechnology research. Dr. Almansour has published in reputable peer-reviewed journals, presented at major international conferences, and received multiple professional honors. His work bridges scientific innovation and public health policy, contributing significantly to national and international food safety and regulatory advancements.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Academic Background

Dr. Ayidh Almansour has built a strong academic foundation in medical and biological sciences, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences from Najran University. He advanced his expertise with a master’s degree in medical microbiology from Long Island University, further enhancing his research skills in microbial analysis and diagnostics. He later earned a doctoral degree in cell and molecular biology and medical microbiology from the University of Arkansas, focusing on foodborne pathogens and host-microbiota interactions. His diverse educational journey provided him with multidisciplinary knowledge, enabling him to integrate scientific research with public health and regulatory applications effectively.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ayidh Almansour has held prominent roles in academia, research, and regulatory sectors, demonstrating exceptional leadership and scientific expertise. As Head of the Biotechnology Department at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, he has led national projects on foodborne pathogen detection, antimicrobial resistance control, and laboratory quality assurance. He previously served as Chief Laboratory Research Expert at the same authority, overseeing advanced molecular research and fostering scientific collaborations. His academic contributions include teaching and mentoring as an assistant professor, while his earlier research roles in the United States strengthened his expertise in microbiota studies and innovative food safety solutions.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ayidh Almansour has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to food safety research and public health. He has received competitive travel grants and scholarships for his academic excellence and scientific achievements. His research presentations have been honored at prestigious conferences, including awards for excellence in poster presentations. He has been acknowledged by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for leading the successful implementation and accreditation of international laboratory standards. These distinctions reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, his leadership in regulatory excellence, and his commitment to fostering innovation in combating foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.

Research Focus

Dr. Ayidh Almansour’s research is centered on the detection, control, and prevention of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. He applies advanced genomic techniques such as whole genome sequencing and quantitative PCR to develop innovative solutions for improving food safety. His work integrates molecular biology, biotechnology, and public health to address critical challenges in microbial risk assessment and regulatory policy. By adopting a One Health approach, he investigates the connections between human, animal, and environmental health. His research aims to create effective, science-based strategies that safeguard food supplies and reduce the public health impact of microbial threats globally.

Publication Top Notes

Antibacterial activity of exogenous glutathione and its synergism on antibiotics sensitize carbapenem associated multidrug resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Year: 2017 | Cited by: 71

Microbial metabolite deoxycholic acid shapes microbiota against Campylobacter jejuni chicken colonization
Year: 2019 | Cited by: 88

A secondary bile acid from microbiota metabolism attenuates ileitis and bile acid reduction in subclinical necrotic enteritis in chickens
Year: 2020 | Cited by: 65

Microbiota attenuates chicken transmission-exacerbated campylobacteriosis in Il10-/- mice
Year: 2020 | Cited by: 44

The Role of Immune Response and Microbiota on Campylobacteriosis
Year: 2021 | Cited by: 8

Conclusion

Dr. Ayidh Almansour is a distinguished scientist and leader in foodborne pathogen and antimicrobial resistance research, serving at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority where he has advanced detection methods and strengthened food safety standards. With notable publications, international presentations, and professional honors, he bridges scientific innovation and regulatory policy. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to public health position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with potential for even greater global impact through expanded collaborations.