Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at University of Cadiz, Spain.
Prof. Dr. Francisco A. MacΓas πΏ is a distinguished organic chemist specializing in allelopathy, the study of plant-chemical interactions. Born in 1956 in La LΓnea de la ConcepciΓ³n, Spain πͺπΈ, he has dedicated over four decades to researching natural bioactive compounds. As a professor at the University of CΓ‘diz ποΈ, 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 Stanfordβs βWorldβs Top 2% Scientistsβ π. His research continues to shape sustainable agrochemical and pharmaceutical innovations.
Professional Profile:
Suitability for Excellence in Research Award
Prof. Dr. Francisco A. MacΓas 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 ππ§ͺ
π Education:
- π Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry β University of CΓ‘diz, Spain (1984)
- π M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry β University of Seville, Spain (1979)
- π B.Sc. in Chemistry β University of Seville, Spain (1978)
π Professional Experience:
- π¨βπ« Professor of Organic Chemistry β University of CΓ‘diz (2000βPresent)
- ποΈ Director of the Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO) (2014β2021)
- π¬ Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation β University of CΓ‘diz (2007β2011)
- π Dean of the School of Science β University of CΓ‘diz (2002β2007)
- π
Visiting Associate Professor β LSU, USA πΊπΈ (1987, 89-91-93-95-97)
Professional Development & Contributions π¬πΏ
Prof. MacΓas 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 π§ͺ. His contributions extend to nanotechnology, encapsulating allelochemicals for sustainable agriculture πΎ and medicine π. His expertise in biosynthesis and QSAR has led to the development of natural herbicides π±, insecticides π, and potential drug leads for diseases like cancer and COVID-19 π¦ . As an educator and leader, he has shaped the next generation of scientists, fostering global collaborations in organic chemistry and ecological sustainability.
Research Focus π¬π
Prof. MacΓasβ research explores plant chemistry to develop sustainable solutions in agriculture πΏ and medicine π. 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 π±, human cancer cells π¦ , and SARS-CoV-2 π¦ . His work includes innovative nanoencapsulation techniques for controlled release of bioactive compounds, optimizing their use in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. With a mission to harness natureβs chemical strategies, his research bridges traditional organic chemistry with modern sustainable applications π±βοΈ.
Awards & Honors πποΈ
- π Worldβs Top 2% Scientists β Stanford University (2021β2024)
- π
Gold Medal for Excellence in Research β The European 2001 Forum (2015)
- π The Molisch Award β International Allelopathy Society (2011)
- ποΈ Gaditanian of the Year β Cadiz Athenaeum (2000)
- π₯ Silver Plate of the Provincial Council of CΓ‘diz (2000)
- π΅οΈ Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Award β Phytochemical Society of Europe (1999)
- π Agro-Environmental Sciences Award β Japanβs NIAES (1999)
Publication Top Notes
π Sesquiterpene lactones enriched-fractions obtained from Cynara cardunculus extract diaultrafiltration β 1οΈβ£ citation β π
2024
π± Ginger Phytotoxicity: Potential Efficacy of Extracts, Metabolites and Derivatives for Weed Control β π
2024
πΏ 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 β π
2024
π§ͺ Dereplication of Bioactive Agave Saponin Fractions: The Hidden Saponins β 2οΈβ£ citations β π
2024
πΎ Bioprospection of Phytotoxic Plant-Derived Eudesmanolides and Guaianolides for the Control of Amaranthus viridis, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Lolium perenne Weeds β 6οΈβ£ citations β π
2024
𧬠Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones on Primary Cilia Formation (Ciliogenesis) β 2οΈβ£ citations β π
2023
πΎ Allelopathic studies with furanocoumarins isolated from Ducrosia anethifolia. In vitro and in silico investigations to protect legumes, rice and grain crops β 3οΈβ£ citations β π
2023