Lorena Garcia Hevia | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lorena Garcia Hevia | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Universidade de Vigo | Spain

Dr. Lorena García Hevia is a distinguished researcher recognized for her pioneering work at the intersection of nanomedicine, microbiology, and biotechnology. As a member of the Hybrid Nanomaterials Research Group at the Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), she has dedicated her career to advancing innovative nanotechnological solutions that address critical biomedical challenges. Her research focuses primarily on the design and application of nanoscale systems to improve therapeutic delivery, particularly within the context of infectious disease management and antimicrobial resistance.Affiliated with the CINBIO (Biomedical Research Center) and the Universidade de Vigo in Spain, Dr. García Hevia brings an interdisciplinary approach that bridges biochemical, genetic, and immunological insights with advanced materials science. Her scientific vision emphasizes the development of intelligent nanocarriers that enhance drug stability, optimize bioavailability, and enable targeted therapy. Through this approach, she contributes to transforming conventional treatments into highly efficient, patient-specific solutions.In her recent publication Nanomedicine for Phage Therapy: Encapsulation Strategies for Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy, Dr. García Hevia and her colleagues explore the integration of nanotechnology with bacteriophage therapy to overcome limitations in traditional antimicrobial strategies. Her work demonstrates how encapsulation methods—such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, and nanofibers—can significantly improve the stability, delivery, and therapeutic impact of bacteriophages. These innovative formulations facilitate localized and sustained release, providing powerful alternatives against multidrug-resistant infections.Dr. García Hevia’s research is marked by creativity, precision, and translational relevance. Her investigations into responsive nanocarriers and inorganic nanoparticles have opened new avenues for targeted phage delivery, aligning with global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance through sustainable and effective biotechnological interventions. Beyond her scientific achievements, she is deeply engaged in academic mentorship and collaborative research initiatives that strengthen the connection between laboratory innovation and clinical application.Her contributions continue to shape the evolving field of nanomedicine, positioning her as a leading figure in the development of next-generation antimicrobial therapies. Through her commitment to excellence and scientific innovation, Dr. Lorena García Hevia exemplifies the transformative potential of nanotechnology in redefining the future of infection control and precision therapeutics.

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Featured Publications

García‐Hevia, L., Bañobre‐López, M., & Gallo, J. (2019). Recent progress on manganese‐based nanostructures as responsive MRI contrast agents. Chemistry–A European Journal, 25(2), 431–441.

García-Hevia, L., Valiente, R., Martín-Rodríguez, R., Renero-Lecuna, C., et al. (2016). Nano-ZnO leads to tubulin macrotube assembly and actin bundling, triggering cytoskeletal catastrophe and cell necrosis. Nanoscale, 8(21), 10963–10973.

Rodrigues, R. O., Baldi, G., Doumett, S., García-Hevia, L., Gallo, J., et al. (2018). Multifunctional graphene-based magnetic nanocarriers for combined hyperthermia and dual stimuli-responsive drug delivery. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 93, 206–217.

García‐Hevia, L., Villegas, J. C., Fernández, F., Casafont, Í., González, J., et al. (2016). Multiwalled carbon nanotubes inhibit tumor progression in a mouse model. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 5(9), 1080–1087.

García-Hevia, L., Casafont, I., Oliveira, J., Terán, N., Fanarraga, M. L., & Gallo, J. (2022). Magnetic lipid nanovehicles synergize the controlled thermal release of chemotherapeutics with magnetic ablation while enabling non-invasive monitoring by MRI for melanoma. Bioactive Materials, 8, 153–164.

Zefeng Lai | Drug Delivery Systems | Excellence in Pharmaceutical Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Zefeng Lai | Drug Delivery Systems | Excellence in Pharmaceutical Innovation Award

Guangxi Medical University | China

Prof. Dr. Zefeng Lai is a leading figure in the field of pharmaceutical science, recognized for his pioneering work in nanomedicine, drug delivery, and nanotoxicology. He serves as a Professor of Pharmaceutical Science at the School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China, where he has made outstanding contributions to biomedical research and academic development. Having earned his BSc and PhD from the State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, and completed postdoctoral research in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials, Dr. Lai’s expertise integrates material chemistry with pharmacological innovation to enhance therapeutic outcomes.His research explores the mechanisms and biomedical applications of carbon-based nanodrug carriers, focusing on their transcytosis, biodistribution, and immunological effects. He has led multiple high-impact national and provincial projects, including investigations into mesona chinensis polysaccharides, fibrinolytic enzymes from marine sources, and liver-targeted nanocarriers. His work on the biotoxicity of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes using zebrafish and mammalian models has been particularly influential, advancing the global understanding of nanomaterial safety in pharmaceutical formulations.Prof. Lai’s scholarly influence is reflected in his strong research metrics, with 293 citations across 279 documents, based on 19 published papers, and an impressive h-index of 10, demonstrating his consistent impact and the recognition of his contributions by the global scientific community.His groundbreaking publications demonstrate his multidisciplinary research vision. His paper Photothermal Therapeutic Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with PD-L1 siRNA Enhanced Killing of NSCLC Cells by Immune Cells presents a novel nanoplatform integrating photothermal therapy and immunomodulation for non-small cell lung cancer treatment. His work Immunogenic Nano-Phthalocyanine Enables Oxygen-Economic Photodynamic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma introduces a new generation of oxygen-efficient nanotherapeutics for liver cancer. Other notable studies include Effect of Carboxylated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Development and Morphology of Zebrafish Embryos, High Throughput CircRNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Mechanism of Nitidine Chloride against Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Toxic Effect of Long-Term Intravenous Injection of Carboxylated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Kidney in Rats. His research on Nitidine Chloride Induced Colorectal Cancer HT29 Cells Apoptosis Through the Cytochrome c-Mediated Mitochondrial Pathways and Long-Term Intravenous Administration of Carboxylated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Induces Persistent Accumulation in the Lungs and Pulmonary Fibrosis via the NF-κB Pathway underscores his deep engagement with molecular pharmacology and nanotoxicology.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Lai, Z., Liu, Y., He, L., Wang, X., Zhang, H., & Zhao, J. (2023). Immunogenic nano-phthalocyanine enables oxygen-economic photodynamic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomaterials, 295, 121992.