Ruby Anto | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ruby Anto | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals | India

Dr. Ruby Anto is a distinguished biochemist and cancer researcher with an extensive career dedicated to advancing the fields of molecular oncology, bioimmunotherapy, and nutraceutical science. She currently serves as Chief Scientist at the Centre of Excellence in Nutraceuticals, KSCSTE, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, and Honorary Scientist at the Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram. Over her accomplished career, she has held numerous scientific positions at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, progressing from Research Associate to Scientist G, reflecting her consistent contributions and leadership in biomedical research.Dr. Anto earned her PhD in Biochemistry from Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, following her postgraduate studies in Chemistry and Education. Her multidisciplinary academic background—combining chemistry, biochemistry, and pedagogy—has been central to her innovative approach to cancer biology and molecular medicine. Her early academic achievements and later professional experiences at prestigious institutions such as the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, provided a strong foundation for her research on targeted cancer therapies, chemopreventive agents, and the role of natural products in disease modulation.Recognized nationally and internationally for her scientific excellence, Dr. Anto has received several prestigious honors, including the Young National Women Bio-Scientist Award from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and fellowships from the National Academy of Sciences, India, and the Academy of Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram. Her professional journey also includes global training experiences, such as her participation in the Clinical Trials Traineeship Program at INSERM, Paris, which broadened her expertise in translational research and clinical validation of nutraceutical interventions.As a mentor, Dr. Anto has nurtured a generation of young scientists, with her students and postdoctoral fellows earning numerous national and international awards for their work in cancer biology and nutraceutical research. Her leadership has fostered a thriving academic environment focused on the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources with therapeutic potential.Dr. Anto’s scientific publications have advanced understanding in areas such as natural compound-mediated cancer prevention, signaling pathway modulation, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of nutraceuticals. Through her research, she continues to bridge the gap between basic biochemistry and applied health sciences, promoting nutraceutical innovation as a cornerstone of preventive and personalized medicine. Her lifelong dedication to scientific inquiry and mentorship underscores her status as one of India’s leading voices in biochemistry and nutraceutical research.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ruby, A. J., Kuttan, G., Babu, K. D., Rajasekharan, K. N., & Kuttan, R. (1995). Anti-tumour and antioxidant activity of natural curcuminoids. Cancer Letters, 94(1), 79–83.

Anto, R. J., Mukhopadhyay, A., Denning, K., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2002). Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) induces apoptosis through activation of caspase-8, BID cleavage and cytochrome c release: Its suppression by ectopic expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Carcinogenesis, 23(1), 143–150.

Anto, R. J., Sukumaran, K., Kuttan, G., Rao, M. N. A., Subbaraju, V., & Kuttan, R. (1995). Anticancer and antioxidant activity of synthetic chalcones and related compounds. Cancer Letters, 97(1), 33–37.

Oommen, S., Anto, R. J., Srinivas, G., & Karunagaran, D. (2004). Allicin (from garlic) induces caspase-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. European Journal of Pharmacology, 485(1–3), 97–103.*

Anto, R. J., Mukhopadhyay, A., Shishodia, S., Gairola, C. G., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2002). Cigarette smoke condensate activates nuclear transcription factor-κB through phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα: Correlation with induction of cyclooxygenase-2. Carcinogenesis, 23(9), 1511–1518.*

Bava, S. V., Puliappadamba, V. T., Deepti, A., Nair, A., Karunagaran, D., & Anto, R. J. (2005). Sensitization of taxol-induced apoptosis by curcumin involves down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB and the serine/threonine kinase Akt and is independent of tubulin polymerization. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 280(8), 6301–6308.*

Srinivas, G., Anto, R. J., Srinivas, P., Vidhyalakshmi, S., Senan, V. P., & Karunagaran, D. (2003). Emodin induces apoptosis of human cervical cancer cells through poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and activation of caspase-9. European Journal of Pharmacology, 473(2–3), 117–125.*

Zuzana Sekeyová | Formulation Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Zuzana Sekeyová | Formulation Science | Best Researcher Award

Slovak Academy of Sciences | Slovakia

Mrs. Zuzana Sekeyová is a highly accomplished virologist and microbiologist with extensive expertise in the study, diagnosis, and prevention of rickettsial and intracellular pathogens. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Virology from Comenius University, Bratislava, and completed her Ph.D. at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, focusing on the biology of Rickettsiae and related organisms at the Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences. She advanced her knowledge through postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baltimore, USA, and through multiple visiting research fellowships supported by the Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD) at Justus Liebig Universität, Giessen, Germany, and the WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial Reference and Research, CNRS UPRESA 6020, Marseille, France. She further enhanced her global expertise as a visiting research fellow with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Obihiro University of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, Japan.Mrs. Sekeyová began her career as a scientific assistant and young scientist at the Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, progressing to senior research scientist and deputy head of the Department of Rickettsiology, where she currently oversees the Laboratory for Diagnosis and Prevention of Rickettsial and Chlamydial Infections. She serves as an expert verifier for the Slovak National Accreditation Service under the Good Laboratory Practice Compliance Program and is a key member of the National Reference Center for Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnostics of Rickettsiae. She is also an internationally recognized expert in synthetic biology, participating in the Open Ended Online Forum and the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.Her research emphasizes the molecular biology, epidemiology, and diagnostics of rickettsial and related intracellular microorganisms, contributing to innovative detection methods and preventive strategies. Notable publications include Evaluation of cytotoxic activity against A549 human lung cancer cells using green synthesized N-Cholyl D-Penicillamine encapsulated silver and gold nanoparticles, Mucoadhesive and drug release of cholic acid based thiomeric micelles and encapsulated silver and gold nanoparticles for anticancer studies, and C-type natriuretic peptide induces cell death and sensitizes the effect of cisplatin in human non-small cell lung cancer cells. Through decades of research, Mrs. Sekeyová has combined rigorous laboratory investigations with translational and global health applications, establishing herself as a leading authority in virology, rickettsial diseases, and synthetic biology, with a strong commitment to advancing international scientific collaboration and public health initiatives.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Špitalská, E., Sabaka, P., Komorníková, A., Minichová, L., Palkovičová, K., Fenollar, F., Škultéty, Ľ., Miková, E., Sekeyová, Z., & Fournier, P.-E. Abdominal manifestations of Q fever. International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Danchenko, M., Benada, O., Škultéty, Ľ., & Sekeyová, Z. Culture Isolate of Rickettsia felis from a Tick. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Sekeyová, Z. Case studies of rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and Q fever in Slovak population from 2011 to 2020. Biologia.

Sekeyová, Z. Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis inermis ticks in Slovakia. Biologia.

Sekeyová, Z. Hymenopteran Parasitoids of Hard Ticks in Western Africa and the Russian Far East. Microorganisms.

Muneeb Ullah | Nanomedicine | Innovator in Pharmaceutical Research Award

Mr. Muneeb Ullah | Nanomedicine | Innovator in Pharmaceutical Research Award

Pusan National University | South Korea

Mr. Muneeb Ullah is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist and research assistant at the Department of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in pharmaceutics, nanomedicine, and advanced drug delivery systems. With a Doctoral pursuit in Pharmacy at Pusan National University, his research focuses on nanoparticle preparation and novel therapeutic approaches for biofilm-associated wound healing, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetic wound healing.Mr. Ullah’s earlier academic achievements include an MPhil in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology from Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), Pakistan, where he conducted advanced research on the development of polymeric nanoparticles using the water-in-oil emulsion solvent evaporation method. His Pharm-D degree from KUST provided a robust grounding in pharmaceutics, pharmacology, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry, further shaping his expertise in nanotechnology-based therapeutics.Throughout his academic and professional career, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence. He has received several honors, including the Higher Education Commission Indigenous Scholarship, the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme’s Best Talent Award, the Best Teacher Award, and multiple Best Researcher Awards. His multidisciplinary experience includes teaching, research supervision, and laboratory expertise encompassing nanoparticle synthesis, animal handling for wound healing studies, HPLC, ELISA, UV spectrophotometry, zeta sizer analysis, and confocal microscopy.Mr. Ullah’s research contributions have significantly advanced the field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology. His publications span reputable journals and book chapters with publishers such as CRC Press and Academic Press. His works explore diverse topics, including genetic engineering of fungi, sugar nanocluster adhesives for diabetic wound healing, advancements in 3D and 4D bioprinting for sustained drug delivery, biomedical applications of carbon dots, tumor microenvironment biology, gastrointestinal inflammation, and nanoparticle-based oral cancer therapies. His studies on alginate-based tumor-selective nanoparticle delivery and cancer nanomedicine have been widely cited for their innovation and translational potential.To date, Mr. Ullah has contributed to 37 scholarly documents, amassing a total of 470 citations, with an h-index of 11, reflecting the influence and recognition of his research in the global scientific community. With this growing research impact, he continues to contribute to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research with a vision to design smarter, safer, and more efficient nanotherapeutics that bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and clinical application.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Author(s). (2025). Leukocyte esterase-activated nanoconjugates enables precise local therapy of ulcerative colitis via inflamed tissue-selective drug delivery. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

Author(s). (2025). Sugar nanocluster adhesive boosts wound healing in diabetic mice. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications.

Author(s). (2025). Genetic engineering of fungi.

Liangxing Tu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liangxing Tu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine | China

Prof. Dr. Liangxing Tu is a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist recognized for his extensive contributions to drug delivery systems and biopharmaceutics. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he developed a strong foundation in advanced pharmaceutical formulations and nanotechnology-based therapeutics. After completing his doctoral studies, he began his professional journey at FosunPharma in Shanghai, where he contributed to pharmaceutical innovation and product development. He later joined the Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he currently serves as the Director of the Division of Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences, leading cutting-edge research in formulation science and nanomedicine.Dr. Tu’s research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems, including nanocrystals, polymeric micelles, and vesicular systems, to enhance the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of poorly soluble drugs. His work also extends to exploring biopharmaceutics mechanisms to improve the in vivo performance of active pharmaceutical ingredients. His innovative approaches have positioned him at the forefront of translational pharmaceutics, bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.He is an active member of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and contributes his expertise as a member of the Elsevier Advisory Panel. Additionally, he serves on the Editorial Board of Chinese Chemical Letters (ISSN: 1001-8417), reflecting his strong academic presence and influence in the pharmaceutical sciences community. Dr. Tu has been awarded multiple research grants, including projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other governmental bodies, underscoring the national and international recognition of his research excellence.Dr. Tu has published around 30 peer-reviewed papers in top-tier journals such as Chinese Chemical Letters, Drug Delivery, and the International Journal of Pharmaceutics. His representative publications include “Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems for Oral Absorption Enhancement,” “Multi-functional Chitosan Copolymer Modified Nanocrystals as Oral Andrographolide Delivery Systems for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anti-inflammatory Efficacy,” “Fabrication of Ultra-Small Nanocrystals by Formation of Hydrogen Bonds: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation,” “Multi-functional Chitosan Polymeric Micelles as Oral Paclitaxel Delivery Systems for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anti-Tumor Efficacy,” and “Study on the Preparation of Stabilizer-Free Silymarin Nanocrystals and Its Oral Absorption Mechanisms.”

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, J., Sun, Y., Meng, L., Feng, J., Cheng, M., & Tu, L. Intestinal transporters and oral absorption enhancing strategies based on these transporters. Chinese Chemical Letters.

Li, Z., Yao, L., Liu, Z., Wang, L., Ruan, H., Shen, Y., Zhang, P., Li, K., Wang, H., Fan, L., et al. Andrographolide Sulfonates and Xiyanping: A Review of Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Activities, Clinical Applications, and Adverse Reactions. Pharmaceuticals.

Tu, L., Wang, J., Sun, Y., & Wan, Y. Fabrication of Luteolin Nanoemulsion by Box-Behnken Design to Enhance its Oral Absorption Via Lymphatic Transport. AAPS PharmSciTech.

Zou, L., Cheng, M., Hu, K., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Vesicular drug delivery systems for oral absorption enhancement. Chinese Chemical Letters.

He, Y., Cheng, M., Yang, R., Li, H., Lu, Z., Jin, Y., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Research Progress on the Mechanism of Nanoparticles Crossing the Intestinal Epithelial Cell Membrane. Pharmaceutics.

Liu, W., Cheng, M., Yuan, F., He, J., Feng, Y., Jin, Y., Yang, S., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Enhancing oral bioavailability of andrographolide via sodium dodecyl sulfate and D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate copolymer modified nanocrystals. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.

Liu, W., Cheng, M., Lu, Z., Li, H., Feng, Y., Jin, Y., Yang, S., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Multi-functional chitosan copolymer modified nanocrystals as oral andrographolide delivery systems for enhanced bioavailability and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Drug Delivery.