Zuzana Sekeyová | Formulation Science | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Gheorghe Fundueanu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Institutul de chimie macromoleculara “Petru Poni” | Romania

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu is a senior researcher and Head of the Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Iassy, Romania. He is a recognized expert in polymer science, focusing on the design of smart polymeric materials for biomedical use. With decades of experience, his work integrates drug delivery systems, biomimetic hydrogels, and polymer-based therapeutics. His multidisciplinary approach includes in vitro and in vivo evaluations, advancing translational biomedical research. He has significantly contributed to the development of pharmaceutical formulations and has earned national and international recognition for his impactful scientific contributions.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu obtained his M.Sc. in Chemistry with a focus on macromolecular compounds from “Al. I. Cuza” University, Iassy, Romania. He pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, where he specialized in polymeric drug delivery systems and hydrogel design. His academic background provided a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of macromolecular chemistry and biomedical applications. Dr. Fundueanu has further enriched his expertise through postdoctoral fellowships and collaborative research programs across Europe, focusing on biomaterials, pharmacokinetics, and advanced polymer synthesis for medical applications.

Experience 

Dr. Fundueanu has held leading roles in polymer research. As Head of the Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials at the “Petru Poni” Institute, he has supervised numerous national and European research projects. His expertise spans polymer synthesis, hydrogel engineering, drug delivery systems, and biomedical testing. He has collaborated extensively with pharmaceutical and academic institutions, contributing to translational research in bioactive materials. His interdisciplinary work involves analytical chemistry, cell culture methodologies, and regulatory aspects of biocompatibility testing. Dr. Fundueanu has also mentored students and postdoctoral fellows in advanced materials science.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu has received multiple honors for his significant contributions to macromolecular chemistry and biomedical applications. He was awarded the “Gheorghe Spacu” Prize by the Romanian Academy and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Research for excellence in scientific innovation. He has also received accolades at national conferences and international symposia for his work in polymer-based drug delivery systems. His research has been repeatedly supported by prestigious European funding programs. In addition to his awards, Dr. Fundueanu has served as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals and is a respected figure in Romania’s scientific and academic community.

Research Focus 

Dr. Fundueanu’s research primarily targets the synthesis and characterization of smart polymeric materials tailored for biomedical applications. His work emphasizes drug delivery systems based on natural and synthetic polymers, with a special interest in biomimetic hydrogels that mimic extracellular matrices. He investigates the in vitro and in vivo behavior of these materials to evaluate their biocompatibility and therapeutic performance. His studies also include protocols for pharmaceutical analysis in biological media, ensuring precision in dosage and release kinetics. By bridging polymer science with pharmacological applications, his research supports innovations in personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and advanced drug formulations.

Publication Top Notes

Physico-chemical characterization of Ca-alginate microparticles produced with different methods
Cited by: 383 | Year: 1999

Preparation and characterization of pH-and temperature-sensitive pullulan microspheres for controlled release of drugs
G Fundueanu, M Constantin, P Ascenzi
Cited by: 222 | Year: 2008

Removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions by an ion-exchanger based on pullulan microspheres
Cited by: 152 | Year: 2013

Preparation and characterization of Ca-alginate microspheres by a new emulsification method
Cited by: 135 | Year: 1998

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) cross-linked thermoresponsive microspheres obtained from preformed polymers: influence of the physico-chemical characteristics
Cited by: 125 | Year: 2009

Lower critical solution temperature versus volume phase transition temperature in thermoresponsive drug delivery systems
Cited by: 123 | Year: 2011

Preparation and characterisation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/cyclodextrin microspheres as matrix for inclusion and separation of drugs
Cited by: 100 | Year: 2004

Preparation and characterization of starch/cyclodextrin bioadhesive microspheres as platform for nasal administration of Gabexate Mesylate (Foy) in allergic rhinitis treatment
Cited by: 98 | Year: 2004

Dual cross-linked chitosan/PVA hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties
Cited by: 97 | Year: 2021

Cellulose acetate butyrate microcapsules containing dextran ion-exchange resins as self-propelled drug release system
Cited by: 94 | Year: 2005

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) pH/thermo-responsive porous hydrogels as self-regulated drug delivery system
Cited by: 91 | Year: 2014

Smart composite materials based on chitosan microspheres embedded in thermosensitive hydrogel for controlled delivery of drugs
Cited by: 89 | Year: 2017

Novel biodegradable flocculanting agents based on pullulan
Cited by: 81 | Year: 2010

Conclusion

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu’s distinguished career, groundbreaking contributions to polymeric biomaterials and drug delivery systems, and his leadership in biomedical research position him as a strong and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also holds immense promise for future therapeutic applications.