Marisa Freitas | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Marisa Freitas | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at LAQV/REQUIMTE/Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal.

Dr. Marisa Freitas is a distinguished researcher with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Porto, specializing in the effects of metals on human neutrophils. She holds an MSc in Analytical Chemistry and a Licenciatura in Agricultural Sciences Engineering. Currently a Contracted Researcher at REQUIMTE LAQV, her research focuses on the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids, particularly for inflammatory and metabolic disorders. She has received prestigious awards, including a post-Doc FCT fellowship and an FCT Individual Scientific Employment Stimulus grant. Marisa’s expertise spans experimental design, data analysis, and nanocarrier systems, with proficiency in various lab techniques. She has published over 100 papers, 36 abstracts, and 9 book chapters, and has presented at numerous conferences. Her international recognition includes roles in COST actions, the Global Burden of Disease Studies, and peer-reviewing for over 20 journals.

Professional Profiles:

Education šŸŽ“

Marisa Freitas completed her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Porto in 2010, with a thesis on “The effect of metals on human neutrophils,” earning unanimous approval with distinction. She holds an MSc in Analytical Chemistry from the same institution, achieved in 2006 with a thesis on “Estudo da activaĆ§Ć£o de neutrĆ³filos humanos pelo nitrato de nĆ­quel,” awarded with the maximum grade. Additionally, she obtained a Licenciatura in Agricultural Sciences Engineering in 2005, majoring in Animal Nutrition, with a thesis titled “A cor como mĆ©todo de avaliaĆ§Ć£o do valor nutritivo do Corn Gluten Feed,” receiving a grade of 16.

Professional Experience

Marisa Freitas is currently a Contracted Researcher at REQUIMTE LAQV, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, a position she has held since March 2019. From July 2016 to February 2019, she worked as a Contracted Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural and Agro-Alimentary Sciences and Technologies, University of Porto. Prior to this, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher from January 2012 to June 2016 at the FundaĆ§Ć£o para a CiĆŖncia e a Tecnologia, University of Porto.

šŸ”¬ Research Interests

Marisa Freitas’s research interests focus on the use of natural compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, for their potential therapeutic effects. She investigates their role in preventing and mitigating inflammatory responses, particularly those induced by nanoparticles. Additionally, her work explores the application of these compounds in the treatment of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus. Her research extends to the development of nanocarrier systems to enhance the bioefficacy of these natural compounds and their impact on key metabolic pathways in conditions like diabesity.

šŸ† Awards and Honors

Marisa Freitas has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors throughout her career. In 2012, she received a post-Doc FCT fellowship. In 2016, she was hired as an Assistant Researcher for the project “New Technologies for Three Health Challenges of Modern Societies: Diabetes, Drug Abuse, and Kidney Diseases” (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000024). In April 2019, she was appointed as an Assistant Researcher for the project “Use of Flavonoids in the Prophylaxis of Intestinal Pro-inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles” (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029248). In 2020, Marisa won a grant in the Call for Individual Scientific Employment Stimulus from FCT (2020.04126.CEECIND). Subsequently, in 2021, she became part of the permanent staff at REQUIMTE, a testament to her high scientific competence and contributions to the field.

šŸ› ļø Research Skills

Marisa Freitas possesses a diverse set of research skills that have significantly contributed to her scientific achievements. She is highly skilled in experimental design and data analysis, with a strong focus on the pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of natural compounds. Her expertise extends to the development and optimization of nanocarrier systems for drug delivery, enhancing the bioefficacy of therapeutic agents. Marisa is proficient in various laboratory techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). She has extensive experience in supervising research projects and mentoring students, demonstrating her ability to lead and collaborate effectively in scientific research. Additionally, she has a proven track record in publishing high-impact scientific papers and presenting research findings at national and international conferences.

Publications

  1. Pyrazoles have a multifaceted anti-inflammatory effect targeting prostaglandin E2, cyclooxygenases and leukocytesā€™ oxidative burst
    • Authors: Rocha, S., Silva, J., Silva, V.L.M., Freitas, M., Fernandes, E.
    • Year: 2024
  2. Bioactive Compounds and Scavenging Capacity of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Pulp Extracts against ROS and RNS of Physiological Relevance
    • Authors: Vinha, A.F., Costa, A.S.G., Pimentel, F.B., Fernandes, E., Oliveira, M.B.P.P.
    • Year: 2024
  3. 2-Styrylchromones as inhibitors of Ī±-amylase and Ī±-glucosidase enzymes for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
    • Authors: Santos, C.M.M., ProenƧa, C., Freitas, M., Silva, A.M.S., Fernandes, E.
    • Year: 2024
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis molecular targets and their importance to flavonoid-based therapy
    • Authors: Rufino, A.T., Freitas, M., ProenƧa, C., Fernandes, E., Ribeiro, D.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2
  5. Melanoxetin: A Hydroxylated Flavonoid Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Modulates Insulin Resistance and Glycation Pathways in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    • Authors: Rocha, S., Amaro, A., Ferreira-Junior, M.D., Matafome, P., Fernandes, E.
    • Year: 2024
  6. The role of flavonoids in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: A review on targeting signaling pathways and metastasis
    • Authors: ProenƧa, C., Freitas, M., Ribeiro, D., Fernandes, E., Ferreira de Oliveira, J.M.P.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  7. Biodistribution and intestinal inflammatory response following voluntary oral intake of silver nanoparticles by C57BL/6J mice
    • Authors: Sousa, A., Azevedo, R., Costa, V.M., Fernandes, E., Freitas, M.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  8. Global, regional, and national burden of osteoarthritis, 1990ā€“2020 and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
    • Authors: Steinmetz, J.D., Culbreth, G.T., Haile, L.M., Vos, T., Kopec, J.A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 108
  9. Applications of silver nanoparticles in daily life
    • Authors: Sousa, A., Carvalho, F., Fernandes, E., Freitas, M.
    • Year: 2023
  10. Novel strategies for managing diabetes mellitus using lipid-based delivery systems as vehicles of polyphenols
    • Authors: Rocha, S., Corvo, M.L., Fernandes, E., Freitas, M.
    • Year: 2023

 

 

Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh is an accomplished assistant professor in pharmaceutical nanotechnology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Her research focuses on innovative drug delivery systems, particularly liposomal formulations for targeted cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases. She has a strong academic background with a Pharm.D. and Ph.D. from MUMS, along with numerous honors including fellowships, grants, and awards like being recognized in the top 1% worldwide for her research. Her leadership extends to organizing international conferences and serving as a CRS ambassador. Alavizadeh’s contributions to pharmaceutical sciences are marked by her extensive publication record and active role in international collaborations and editorial activities.

Professional Profiles:

Education šŸŽ“

Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh completed her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology at the School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Her doctoral research focused on the formulation and characterization of temperature-sensitive nanoliposomal cisplatin targeted with anti-Her-2/neu affibody, investigating its antitumor effects with local hyperthermia in vitro and in vivo using mouse tumor models. Under the guidance of Prof. Mahmoud Reza Jaafari, her work contributed significantly to understanding drug delivery mechanisms in cancer treatment. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained her Pharm. D. from the same institution, specializing in vaccine delivery against leishmaniasis, supervised by Prof. Ali Khamesipour, Prof. Mahmoud Reza Jaafari, and Dr. Ali Badiee. Her Pharm. D. thesis focused on evaluating immune responses in mice inoculated with L. major mixed with LPD nanoparticles containing CpG ODN, demonstrating her early commitment to innovative pharmaceutical research.

Professional Experience

Since completing her education, Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh has served as an Assistant Professor at the Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Her interdisciplinary research is grounded in innovation and quality, focusing on developing tumor microenvironment-responsive liposomes for anti-cancer drug delivery. Her expertise includes the formulation of triggered-release liposomesā€”such as thermo, REDOX, and pH-sensitive formulationsā€”tailored to the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy and chemo-immunotherapy. She has been actively involved in teaching courses on pharmacy practice, basic biochemistry, biology, cell culture, and advanced topics in drug delivery using nanoparticles.

Research Interest

Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh’s research interests are centered on pharmaceutical nanotechnology, with a focus on developing advanced liposomal formulations for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy. Her research explores triggered-release systems responsive to the tumor microenvironment, including thermo-sensitive, REDOX-sensitive, and pH-sensitive formulations. She is particularly interested in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy through innovative liposomal designs and investigating their applications in chemo-immunotherapy. Additionally, she is passionate about developing liposomal formulations of phytochemicals for their antioxidant and neuroprotective roles in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, contributing to advancements in nanomedicine for therapeutic interventions.

Award and Honors

Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh has been recognized with several prestigious honors and awards throughout her career. She served as a CRS Ambassador from 2021 to 2023, promoting excellence in controlled release science. In 2020, she was awarded the Fellowship of the CLINAM Conference and Exhibition, held in Basel, Switzerland, highlighting her contributions to nanomedicine research. Her academic pursuits were further supported by the DAAD Scholarship for the ProGRANT proposal writing course in 2018 and the NIMAD research grant in the same year. Notably, she received the Best Poster Presentation Award at the CLINAM10th Conference and Exhibition in 2017 and was also honored with a Fellowship at the same event, recognizing her impactful research contributions. In 2016, her work was distinguished globally, ranking in the top 1% of papers by Essential Science Indicator of Thomson Reuters ISI, underscoring her significant scholarly impact.

Research Skills

Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh possesses a robust skill set in pharmaceutical nanotechnology, focusing on advanced drug delivery systems. Her expertise spans the development of liposomal formulations tailored for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and phytochemicals, leveraging innovative strategies such as thermo-responsive, REDOX-sensitive, and pH-sensitive mechanisms to optimize drug efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. With a comprehensive understanding of biochemical assays, she proficiently evaluates drug encapsulation efficiencies, release kinetics, and therapeutic outcomes in experimental models. Her academic leadership is evident through roles like vice-scientific chair for the ICNN2021 conference, underscoring her organizational acumen and commitment to advancing nanoscience and nanotechnology. Additionally, her active involvement in international collaborations and editorial responsibilities showcases her dedication to peer-reviewed research and scientific excellence in pharmaceutics and nanomedicine.

Publications

  • Bioactivity assessment and toxicity of crocin: a comprehensive review
    • Authors: SH Alavizadeh, H Hosseinzadeh
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 422
  • Novel nanomicelle formulation to enhance bioavailability and stability of curcuminoids
    • Authors: M Hatamipour, A Sahebkar, SH Alavizadeh, M Dorri, MR Jaafari
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 102
  • Antitumor activity of PEGylated nanoliposomes containing crocin in mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma
    • Authors: M Rastgoo, H Hosseinzadeh, H Alavizadeh, A Abbasi, Z Ayati, MR Jaafari
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 90
  • Redox-sensitive nanoscale drug delivery systems for cancer treatment
    • Authors: E Mirhadi, M Mashreghi, MF Maleki, SH Alavizadeh, L Arabi, A Badiee, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 80
  • Induction of protection against leishmaniasis in susceptible BALB/c mice using simple DOTAP cationic nanoliposomes containing soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA)
    • Authors: H Firouzmand, A Badiee, A Khamesipour, VH Shargh, SH Alavizadeh, …
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 63
  • Improved therapeutic activity of HER2 Affibody-targeted cisplatin liposomes in HER2-expressing breast tumor models
    • Authors: SH Alavizadeh, J Akhtari, A Badiee, S Golmohammadzadeh, MR Jaafari
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 56
  • Targeting, biodistribution and tumor growth inhibiting characterization of anti-HER2 affibody coupling to liposomal doxorubicin using BALB/c mice bearing TUBO tumors
    • Authors: J Akhtari, SM Rezayat, M Teymouri, SH Alavizadeh, F Gheybi, A Badiee, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 48
  • Development of a topical liposomal formulation of Amphotericin B for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
    • Authors: MR Jaafari, M Hatamipour, SH Alavizadeh, A Abbasi, Z Saberi, S Rafati, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 46
  • The influence of phospholipid on the physicochemical properties and anti-tumor efficacy of liposomes encapsulating cisplatin in mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma
    • Authors: SH Alavizadeh, A Badiee, S Golmohammadzadeh, MR Jaafari
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 46
  • Development of topical liposomes containing miltefosine for the treatment of Leishmania major infection in susceptible BALB/c mice
    • Authors: Z Kavian, SH Alavizadeh, S Golmohamadzadeh, A Badiee, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 40
  • The molecular mechanisms of curcuminā€™s inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells
    • Authors: E Zendehdel, E Abdollahi, AA Momtaziā€Borojeni, M Korani, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 34