Dr. Gabriela Dyrda | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Opole, Poland.

Dr. Gabriela Dyrda is a distinguished researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Chemistry, Opole University, Poland. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from Opole University, she has dedicated her career to the study of the chemistry of phthalocyanine and porphyrin analogues. Dr. Dyrda is a recognized expert in the synthesis, reactivity, and opto-electronic properties of these compounds, with a particular focus on photocatalysis and bioactivity. She has a diverse academic background, including postdoctoral fellowships in Italy, and she has been a pivotal figure in advancing research in photochemical sensitization and energy transfer mechanisms.

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Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Gabriela Dyrda completed her M.Sc. in 1997 at Opole University, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, where she focused on chemistry. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in 2006 from the same university, specializing in chemical sciences, with her research examining the photostability of metal phthalocyanines. Afterward, Dr. Dyrda pursued postdoctoral studies in Biotechnology at Opole University (2006-2008) before advancing her research career with a Post-Doctorate Fellowship at Università del Salento in Italy (2008), working under the guidance of leading experts in the field.

Experience 💼

Dr. Dyrda has been a researcher and lecturer at Opole University since 2006, contributing extensively to the Faculty of Chemistry. Her early career involved research assistant roles, where she focused on phthalocyanine complexes. She has also undertaken advanced research in Italy at Università del Salento, working with prominent scientists such as Prof. Giuseppe Mele.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research interests encompass the chemistry of phthalocyanines and porphyrins, focusing on:

Synthesis and reactivity of these analogues.

Opto-electronic properties and photocatalytic activity.

Energy transfer mechanisms between excited states of metallophthalocyanines and other molecules.

Bioactivity of phthalocyanine and porphyrin derivatives in biological applications.

Selected Publications 📚

Porphyrin and phthalocyanine photosensitizers designed for targeted photodynamic therapy of colorectal cancer
Janas, K., Boniewska-Bernacka, E., Dyrda, G., Słota, R. (2021). Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 30, 115926.
Citations: 50

Semiconductor @ sensitizer composites for enhanced photoinduced processes
Mele, G., Słota, R., Dyrda, G. (2021). Materials Science in Photocatalysis, pp. 183–209.
Citations: 2

Hydrogen bond-mediated conjugates involving lanthanide diphthalocyanines and trifluoroacetic acid (Lnpc2@TFA): Structure, photoactivity, and stability
Dyrda, G., Zakrzyk, M., Broda, M.A., Mele, G., Słota, R. (2020). Molecules, 25(16), 3638.
Citations: 10

Adducts of free-base meso-tetraarylporphyrins with trihaloacetic acids: Structure and photostability
Dyrda, G., Broda, M.A., Hnatejko, Z., Pędziński, T., Słota, R. (2020). Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 393, 112445.
Citations: 3

Hybrid TiO2 @ phthalocyanine catalysts in photooxidation of 4-nitrophenol: Effect of the matrix and sensitizer type
Dyrda, G., Kocot, K., Poliwoda, A., Pal, S., Słota, R. (2020). Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 387, 112124.

Citations: 10

Prof. Dr. Antonio Rescifina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Catania, Italy.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Rescifina, born on December 23, 1964, in Messina, Italy, is a distinguished researcher and professor in Organic Chemistry. He currently serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Catania, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1996. His research focuses on the synthesis of organic compounds with applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental chemistry, and materials science.

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Orcid

Education 🎓

Prof. Rescifina holds a degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Messina (1989), with honors. He later obtained another degree in Pharmacy (1991) and completed a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences with a specialization in Organic Chemistry from the University of Catania (1995).

Experience 💼

Prof. Rescifina has had an extensive career in research and teaching. He worked as a researcher at the University of Catania and the University of Messina before becoming a professor. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to scientific advancements in organic chemistry, working on numerous projects funded by both national and international organizations. His roles have included being a scientific coordinator of various research projects.

Research Interests 🔬

Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Applications
Dr. Yucra's work primarily focuses on the synthesis of novel chemical compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. His research aims to create more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to current challenges in these sectors.

Carbon Dioxide Decarbonization & Valorization
He is committed to developing innovative carbon dioxide decarbonization and valorization processes, which aim to transform CO₂ from a harmful greenhouse gas into valuable industrial products, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Green Chemistry
Dr. Yucra emphasizes green chemistry principles, working on solutions that minimize environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce the use of toxic chemicals, all while maintaining effective chemical processes.

Pharmaceutical Nanostructures
In his work on pharmaceutical nanostructures, he explores the development of nanoscale materials that can be used for targeted drug delivery, improving the effectiveness of treatments while reducing side effects.

Supramolecular Catalysis
His interest in supramolecular catalysis focuses on creating catalysts that work through non-covalent interactions, leading to more efficient and selective chemical reactions, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and green chemistry.

Sustainable Chemistry Materials
Finally, Dr. Yucra is involved in the design and development of innovative materials for sustainable chemistry, aiming to create alternatives to traditional chemical processes that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable.

Awards 🏆

Prof. Rescifina's work has earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (National Scientific Qualification) for Full Professor in 2018.

His research contributions have been acknowledged in various funded projects and prestigious conferences.

Selected Publications 📚

Designing a Monolithic Photo-Fenton Catalyst Using a Fungal Hydroxypyrone Metabolic Derivative
Materials Today Chemistry
March 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio, Valentina Giglio, Chiara Zagni, Sabrina Carola Carroccio, Vincenzo Paratore, Guglielmo Guido Condorelli, Giuseppe Floresta, Sandro Dattilo, Antonio Rescifina.

Efficient Green Solvent-Free CO2/Epoxide Cycloaddition Catalyzed by a β-Cyclodextrin-Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
March 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio, Chiara Zagni, Rita Turnaturi, Sandro Dattilo, Vincenzo Patamia, Giuseppe Floresta, Sabrina Carola Carroccio, Tommaso Mecca, Antonio Rescifina.

A Full Carbon-Based Thermoplastic Photocatalyst for Organic Pollutants Abatement: An Experimental and Computational Study
FlatChem
January 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Lidia Mezzina, Angelo Nicosia, Vincenzo Patamia, Antonio Rescifina, Luisa D’Urso, Vincenzo Paratore, Placido Giuseppe Mineo.

Enhancing HDAC Inhibitor Screening: Addressing Zinc Parameterization and Ligand Protonation in Docking Studies
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
January 20, 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Rocco Buccheri, Alessandro Coco, Lorella Pasquinucci, Emanuele Amata, Agostino Marrazzo, Antonio Rescifina.

Bio-Based Palladium Catalyst in Cryogel for Cross-Coupling Reactions
Materials Chemistry Frontiers
2024 | Journal article
Contributors: Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio, Chiara Zagni, Vincenzo Paratore, Guglielmo Guido Condorelli, Sabrina Carola Carroccio, Antonio Rescifina.