Senzosenkosi Mkhize | Molecular Biology | Most Cited Article Award 

Senzosenkosi Mkhize | Molecular Biology | Most Cited Article Award 

Senzosenkosi Mkhize | University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Senzosenkosi Surprise Mkhize is a biochemist and postdoctoral research fellow with expertise in molecular biology, biotechnology, and natural product biochemistry. His research centers on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays, bioactive compound isolation, and the pharmacological evaluation of indigenous fruits and plants. He has made meaningful contributions through DHET-accredited publications, postgraduate supervision, and collaborative projects that connect academia, industry, and community initiatives. His work reflects both scientific rigor and practical application, with a focus on public health advancement and sustainable solutions. Alongside his teaching and curriculum development, he plays a vital role in mentoring future scientists, ensuring knowledge transfer and research capacity building. His measurable impact in the global research community is reflected in Scopus metrics, highlighting the recognition of his contributions. Dr. Mkhize’s research record stands as evidence of his growing influence in the field, with 96 citations, 8 documents, and an h-index of 5.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. S. S. Mkhize, J. Cloete, A. K. Basson, and G. E. Zharare, “Performance of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom grown on maize stalk residues supplemented with various levels of maize flour and wheat bran,” Food Science and Technology, vol. 36, pp. 598–605, 2016.

2. S. S. Mkhize, O. J. Pooe, S. Khoza, I. N. Mongalo, R. Khan, and M. B. C. Simelane, “Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized from Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom,” Applied Sciences, vol. 12, no. 17, p. 8563, 2022.

3. S. S. Mkhize, M. B. C. Simelane, I. N. Mongalo, and O. J. Pooe, “The Effect of Supplementing Mushroom Growing Substrates on the Bioactive Compounds, Antimicrobial Activity, and Antioxidant Activity of Pleurotus ostreatus,” Biochemistry Research International, vol. 2022, no. 1, p. 9436614, 2022.

4. S. H. Yakobi, S. Mkhize, and O. J. Pooe, “Screening of antimicrobial properties and bioactive compounds of Pleurotus ostreatus extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae,” Biochemistry Research International, vol. 2023, no. 1, p. 1777039, 2023.

5. S. S. Mkhize, G. E. Zharare, A. K. Basson, M. S. Mthembu, and J. Cloete, “Performance of Pleurotus pulmonarius mushroom grown on maize stalk residues supplemented with various levels of maize flour and wheat bran,” Food Science and Technology, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 570–577, 2017.

Edio Maldonado | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Edio Maldonado | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Profesor, Universidad de Chile, Chile

👨‍🔬 Dr. Edio Luis Maldonado Maldonado is an accomplished biochemist and molecular biologist specializing in transcription regulation and molecular biology. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Chile, where he contributes to the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program. With a research background that spans several prestigious institutions, Dr. Maldonado is recognized for his pioneering work in RNA polymerase II transcription factors, with his research widely published in prominent scientific journals.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

🎓 Dr. Maldonado’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Sciences from Universidad Austral de Chile (1979-1983). He then pursued a Master’s in Sciences with a focus on Immunology at the same university (1983-1987). To deepen his expertise, he completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in the USA (1990-1996).

Experience

🏛️ Dr. Maldonado has held notable academic and research positions throughout his career. He started as an Assistant Professor at the Universidad Austral de Chile (1984-1987). After completing his Ph.D., he undertook postdoctoral research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UMDNJ (1996-1997). He then joined the University of Chile as an Assistant Professor (1997-2004) before advancing to his current role as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program.

Research Interests

🔬 Dr. Maldonado’s research primarily revolves around the molecular mechanisms of gene transcription in mammalian cells, focusing on the role of RNA polymerase II and its associated transcription factors. His work sheds light on transcriptional regulation, providing insights that could impact various fields, including genetics and disease pathology.

Awards

🏆 Dr. Maldonado’s contributions to molecular biology and biochemistry have earned him respect in the scientific community, with his research frequently cited by peers and featured in high-impact journals.

Publications

“Factors involved in specific transcription by mammalian RNA polymerase II: RNA polymerase II associating protein 30 is an essential component of transcription factor IIF.”
📖 Journal of Biological Chemistry (1988), 2, pp. 975-990.
[Cited by other researchers]

“Factors involved in specific transcription by mammalian RNA polymerase II: factors IIE and IIF independently interact with RNA polymerase II.”
📖 Journal of Biological Chemistry (1989), 264, pp. 8913-8921.
[Cited by other researchers]

“A TATA-like sequence located downstream of the transcriptional initiation site is required for expression of an RNA polymerase II transcribed gene.”
📖 Genes and Development (1990), 4, pp. 1611-1622.
[Cited by other researchers]

“Factors involved in specific transcription by mammalian RNA polymerase II: role of factors IIA, IID and IIB during formation of a transcription competent complex.”
📖 Molecular and Cell Biology (1990), 10, pp. 6335-6347.
[Cited by other researchers]

“Direct Interaction between adenovirus E1a protein and the TATA-box binding transcription factor IID.”
📖 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (1991), 88, pp. 5124-5128.
[Cited by other researchers]