Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at University of Cadiz, Spain.
Prof. Dr. Francisco A. Macías 🌿 is a distinguished organic chemist specializing in allelopathy, the study of plant-chemical interactions. Born in 1956 in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain 🇪🇸, he has dedicated over four decades to researching natural bioactive compounds. As a professor at the University of Cádiz 🏛️, he has contributed significantly to organic chemistry, focusing on plant-derived allelochemicals for agriculture and medicine. His groundbreaking work spans biosynthesis, QSAR, and nanoencapsulations, earning global recognition, including Stanford’s “World’s Top 2% Scientists” 🌍. His research continues to shape sustainable agrochemical and pharmaceutical innovations.
Professional Profile:
Suitability for Excellence in Research Award
Prof. Dr. Francisco A. Macías is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award due to his outstanding contributions to organic chemistry, particularly in the field of allelopathy and plant-chemical interactions. His research has significantly influenced sustainable agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and ecological chemistry, making him a global leader in natural bioactive compound discovery and application.
Education & Experience 📚🧪
📌 Education:
- 🎓 Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry – University of Cádiz, Spain (1984)
- 🎓 M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry – University of Seville, Spain (1979)
- 🎓 B.Sc. in Chemistry – University of Seville, Spain (1978)
📌 Professional Experience:
- 👨🏫 Professor of Organic Chemistry – University of Cádiz (2000–Present)
- 🏛️ Director of the Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO) (2014–2021)
- 🔬 Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation – University of Cádiz (2007–2011)
- 🎓 Dean of the School of Science – University of Cádiz (2002–2007)
- 🏅 Visiting Associate Professor – LSU, USA 🇺🇸 (1987, 89-91-93-95-97)
Professional Development & Contributions 🔬🌿
Prof. Macías has significantly advanced allelopathy, uncovering the chemical interactions between plants and their environments. His pioneering research has led to the isolation, synthesis, and bioactivity testing of over 3,500 natural compounds 🧪. His contributions extend to nanotechnology, encapsulating allelochemicals for sustainable agriculture 🌾 and medicine 💊. His expertise in biosynthesis and QSAR has led to the development of natural herbicides 🌱, insecticides 🐛, and potential drug leads for diseases like cancer and COVID-19 🦠. As an educator and leader, he has shaped the next generation of scientists, fostering global collaborations in organic chemistry and ecological sustainability.
Research Focus 🔬🌍
Prof. Macías’ research explores plant chemistry to develop sustainable solutions in agriculture 🌿 and medicine 💊. His studies focus on allelopathic interactions, biosynthesis, and the synthesis of bioactive natural compounds. He specializes in sesquiterpene lactones, benzoxazinoids, and spiroditerpenoids, investigating their effects on weeds 🌱, human cancer cells 🦠, and SARS-CoV-2 🦠. His work includes innovative nanoencapsulation techniques for controlled release of bioactive compounds, optimizing their use in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. With a mission to harness nature’s chemical strategies, his research bridges traditional organic chemistry with modern sustainable applications 🌱⚗️.
Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️
- 🌍 World’s Top 2% Scientists – Stanford University (2021–2024)
- 🏅 Gold Medal for Excellence in Research – The European 2001 Forum (2015)
- 🏆 The Molisch Award – International Allelopathy Society (2011)
- 🎖️ Gaditanian of the Year – Cadiz Athenaeum (2000)
- 🥈 Silver Plate of the Provincial Council of Cádiz (2000)
- 🏵️ Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Award – Phytochemical Society of Europe (1999)
- 🎓 Agro-Environmental Sciences Award – Japan’s NIAES (1999)
Publication Top Notes
📄 Sesquiterpene lactones enriched-fractions obtained from Cynara cardunculus extract diaultrafiltration – 1️⃣ citation – 📅 2024
🌱 Ginger Phytotoxicity: Potential Efficacy of Extracts, Metabolites and Derivatives for Weed Control – 📅 2024
🌿 Phytotoxic Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones-Enriched Fractions from Cynara cardunculus L. Leaves on Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Species and Putative Mode of Action – 📅 2024
🧪 Dereplication of Bioactive Agave Saponin Fractions: The Hidden Saponins – 2️⃣ citations – 📅 2024
🌾 Bioprospection of Phytotoxic Plant-Derived Eudesmanolides and Guaianolides for the Control of Amaranthus viridis, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Lolium perenne Weeds – 6️⃣ citations – 📅 2024
🧬 Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones on Primary Cilia Formation (Ciliogenesis) – 2️⃣ citations – 📅 2023
🌾 Allelopathic studies with furanocoumarins isolated from Ducrosia anethifolia. In vitro and in silico investigations to protect legumes, rice and grain crops – 3️⃣ citations – 📅 2023