Prof. Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Full professor at University of Guanajuato, Mexico

Dr. Bernardo Franco-Bárcenas is an accomplished researcher specializing in molecular microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and nanotechnology-based applications in pathogen control. With a prolific publication record in high-impact journals such as Pathogens, PeerJ, Microorganisms, and Antioxidants, his work spans the study of microbial virulence mechanisms, biosensing technologies, and novel antimicrobial strategies. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of pathogens like Entamoeba histolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic fungi, integrating theoretical and experimental approaches. Notably, his research also explores biologically synthesized nanoparticles and their roles in combating multidrug-resistant organisms. Dr. Franco-Bárcenas frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing genomic, proteomic, and biochemical methodologies to unveil insights into microbial survival, adaptation, and pathogenicity. Although he has not registered patents, his impactful body of work, dedication to collaborative science, and ongoing exploration of nanotechnology in microbiology position him as a strong candidate for recognition in international research awards related to nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas holds a robust academic background rooted in the life sciences. Although specific institutional details are not publicly listed, his educational foundation is evident through his proficiency in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. His advanced training likely includes a doctoral degree, given his full professorship and extensive research output. His education has equipped him with deep knowledge in various experimental and theoretical techniques such as nucleic acid manipulation, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Franco has cultivated an interdisciplinary perspective, which he integrates into both teaching and research. His scientific rigor and commitment to continuous learning are evident in his ability to lead complex projects and contribute meaningfully to international peer-reviewed journals. This strong educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his professional career and research contributions to the broader scientific community.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bernardo Franco is a full-time professor at the Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in subjects including microbiology, immunology, and general biology. His career spans over 20 years in academic research and over 8 years in university-level teaching, reflecting a strong blend of scholarly inquiry and pedagogy. Beyond classroom instruction, he has also served as a mentor for numerous students, guiding them through research and thesis projects. He holds a key editorial role at PeerJ, where he has authored more than 270 publications, reviewed 680 manuscripts, and edited over 4,200 submissions, underscoring his leadership in academic publishing. His technical expertise spans protein purification, microscopy, PCR, and microbial methodologies, which he applies in both lab-based education and collaborative research. This combination of research leadership, editorial influence, and dedicated teaching positions him as a significant figure in the academic life sciences.

Research Interest

Dr. Franco’s research interests are diverse yet tightly integrated across the disciplines of microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology, and biotechnology. His work is particularly focused on understanding microbial interactions, gene regulation, and synthetic biology applications. He employs techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, and computational bioinformatics to explore complex biological systems. Dr. Franco is also involved in applied sciences, using biotechnological approaches to address environmental and health-related challenges. His interest in parasitology enhances understanding of host-pathogen interactions, while his work in molecular biology contributes to uncovering cellular mechanisms at the genetic level. He is passionate about translational research that can lead to innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, and sustainable biotechnology. Through collaborations and editorial work, he continuously updates his research scope, ensuring relevance and innovation. His work bridges traditional microbiology with cutting-edge molecular tools, positioning him at the forefront of life sciences research in Latin America.

Award and Honor

While specific named awards and honors have not been disclosed publicly, Dr. Franco’s academic stature and professional activities indicate a high level of recognition. His appointment as a full professor and his substantial editorial responsibility at PeerJ—editing over 4,200 scientific papers—are themselves indicators of scholarly respect and trust. Moreover, his H-index of 19 and i10-index of 30 reflect a strong citation record and enduring impact within his research community. These metrics, commonly used to assess academic influence, underscore the quality and relevance of his contributions. His role as a reviewer for over 680 papers further demonstrates his active engagement with global scientific discourse. It is also likely that he holds institutional commendations and national academic credentials, given his senior academic position in Mexico. Collectively, these accomplishments and roles reflect both peer recognition and an ongoing commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bernardo Franco is a distinguished academic whose work bridges foundational science and applied biotechnology. As a full professor at the Universidad de Guanajuato, he has influenced countless students and researchers through his teaching, mentorship, and prolific research output. His extensive expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and parasitology has contributed significantly to scientific understanding and technological development in life sciences. Dr. Franco’s editorial leadership at PeerJ, alongside his substantial publication and review portfolio, illustrates his commitment to scholarly excellence and scientific integrity. Though specific awards are not listed, his impact is measurable through citation indices and professional respect within the academic community. His career serves as a model of integrated teaching, research, and service, underscoring the value of multidisciplinary inquiry and collaboration. Dr. Franco continues to shape the future of bioscience through education, innovation, and dedication to advancing global knowledge.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Fabrication and characterization of functionalized chitosan/TiO₂ film composites with antimicrobial properties
Authors: V.A. Pérez Martínez, N.I. Vargas-Maya, L.R. Rosas-Orta, B. Franco, J. Vallejo-Montesinos
Year: 2025
Title: Theoretical Study of Sphingomyelinases from Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis Sheds Light on the Evolution of Enzymes Needed for Survival and Colonization
Authors: F.B. Ramírez-Montiel, S.Y. Andrade-Guillén, A.L. Medina-Nieto, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
Year: 2025
Title: Avirulent UG10 Entamoeba histolytica mutant derived from HM-1:IMSS strain shows limited genome variability and aberrant 5-methyl cytosine genomic distribution
Authors: N.I. Vargas-Maya, A.K. Maunakea, F.B. Ramírez-Montiel, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Title: Pseudomonas environmental strain produces a DegQ-derived and PDZ domain containing peptide with protease activity
Authors: F. Vargas-Gasca, B. Franco, N.I. Vargas-Maya, M. Vicente-Gómez, V. Olmedo-Monfil
Year: 2024
Title: High-Throughput Screening Method Using Escherichia coli Keio Mutants for Assessing Primary Damage Mechanism of Antimicrobials
Authors: J.A. Martínez-Álvarez, M. Vicente-Gómez, R. García-Contreras, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
Year: 2024

Ms. Moloud Farrokhi , Albany Medical college, United States

Mouloud Farrokhi is an experienced immunologist and microbiologist specializing in HIV/AIDS research, nanoparticle delivery systems, and viral infections. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Biology with a focus on Immunology and Microbiology at Albany Medical College, USA. Mouloud has a strong academic and professional background, having worked as a research assistant and medical laboratory scientist in Iran and Sweden. His research aims to improve understanding and treatment of viral infections, with significant contributions to HIV drug resistance and oncolytic virus therapy. Mouloud’s work also extends to the development of innovative nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, offering promising solutions for invasive infections like Aspergillosis. His expertise spans from molecular biology to clinical research, with an emphasis on laboratory techniques like PCR, qRT-PCR, NGS, and CRISPR/Cas9.

Mouloud Farrokhi: A Strong Contender for the Research Best Researcher Award

Mouloud Farrokhi is an exceptional candidate for the Research Best Researcher Award due to his extensive background in immunology, microbiology, and viral infections, as well as his significant contributions to molecular diagnostics and therapeutic innovations. His educational qualifications, research experience, and recognition in the field of medical sciences make him a highly suitable candidate for this prestigious award.

🎓Education:

Mouloud Farrokhi is currently pursuing a PhD in Biology, specializing in Immunology and Microbiology at Albany Medical College, USA (2023–Present). He holds two Master’s degrees: an MSc in Bioscience from the University of Skövde, Sweden (2021–2022), with a thesis on the role of RABL6 in AP3-dependent trafficking, and an MSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Islamic Azad University, Iran (2010–2014), where he researched HIV-1 drug resistance. His undergraduate studies were in Marine Biology at the Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (2003–2008). Mouloud’s extensive education in biological sciences provides a solid foundation for his current research endeavors, focusing on viral infections, molecular diagnostics, and therapeutic innovations.

🏢Experience:

Mouloud Farrokhi has gained extensive experience as a research assistant and medical laboratory scientist. He worked as a Research Assistant at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2022–2023), where he focused on statistical analysis and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing). He has also served as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2018–2021), where he conducted HIV viral load analysis and COVID-19 testing via qPCR. His previous roles include being a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Dena Lab (2017–2018), where he performed NITP tests and a Research Assistant at Pasteur Institute of Iran (2016–2017), where he researched drug resistance in HIV and HCV. He has also contributed to laboratory work at Keyvan Virology Laboratory, Tehran (2015–2016). Mouloud’s diverse hands-on experience makes him proficient in molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and lab management.

🏅Awards and Honors:

Mouloud Farrokhi’s academic and research achievements are reflected in his high academic standing and contributions to scientific research. His thesis at the University of Skövde received top marks, with a GPA of 3.75, and he has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his academic career. His research contributions have been recognized in various publications and presentations. Notably, he presented at the International Student Congress in Medical Sciences (ISCOM) in 2017 and at the Upstate New York Immunology Conference (NYIC) in 2024. Mouloud’s work in HIV drug resistance and nanoparticle drug delivery systems has been published in high-impact journals. His dedication to advancing medical science has led to multiple research opportunities, including participation in workshops on gene transfer and vaccine design.

🔬Research Focus:

Mouloud Farrokhi’s research focuses on immunology, microbiology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying viral infections and drug resistance. He investigates the molecular pathways of HIV and other viral infections, focusing on drug resistance mechanisms in HIV-1 and HCV. His research also explores innovative strategies for oncolytic virus therapy and nanoparticle-based drug delivery, with the goal of improving treatment outcomes for invasive infections like Aspergillosis. Additionally, he is involved in genetic analysis and genomic editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9. Mouloud’s work integrates molecular diagnostics and therapeutic advancements, contributing significantly to both basic science and clinical applications in virology and immunology.

Publication Top Notes:

“Subtype classification of Iranian HIV-1 sequences registered in the HIV databases, 2006-2013”

Citations: 31

“HIV drug resistance among naïve HIV-infected patients in Iran”

Citations: 14

“Antiretroviral drug resistance mutations among HIV treatment failure patients in Tehran, Iran”

Citations: 11

“The first characterization of HIV-1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations among antiretrovirally treated patients in Kermanshah, Iran”

Citations: 9

“HIV drug resistance and phylogeny profile in naive and antiretroviral-experienced patients in Tehran, Iran”

Citations: 8