Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Bari "Aldo Moro" | Italy

Dr. Nicoletta De Vietro is a Researcher in Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (D.B.B.A.) of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro,” where she is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center for Risk Analysis and Management in Health and Environmental Emergencies (C.I.R.S.A.). She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, with advanced specialization in chromatographic and analytical techniques. Her primary research focuses on gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry for the characterization of biological, environmental, and food matrices, while her emerging interests explore innovative material development through non-equilibrium plasma processes for applications in packaging, biomedicine, and surface engineering. Over her academic career, she has held teaching and research roles in analytical chemistry, contributing to cutting-edge experimental methods that integrate chromatographic analysis with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and surface modification techniques such as deposition, grafting, and etching in cold plasmas. Dr. De Vietro has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, reviews, and patents, advancing both fundamental analytical methods and their industrial applications, particularly in environmental monitoring and food safety. Her contributions include novel methodological approaches for trace analysis and material functionalization, with implications for health risk assessment and sustainable technologies. She has been recognized through competitive research grants and has served as guest editor and peer reviewer for several leading scientific journals. Actively engaged in the international scientific community, she contributes to editorial boards, evaluates manuscripts for high-impact journals, and collaborates in interdisciplinary research networks. Through her research, Dr. De Vietro aims to bridge analytical innovation with real-world challenges, enhancing scientific understanding of complex matrices while supporting industry and regulatory bodies in improving environmental quality, public health, and technological advancement.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1.  Cometa, S., Bonifacio, M. A., Bellissimo, A., Pinto, L., Petrella, A., De Vietro, N., Iannaccone, G., Baruzzi, F., & De Giglio, E. (2022). A green approach to develop zeolite–thymol antimicrobial composites: Analytical characterization and antimicrobial activity evaluation. Heliyon, 8(9), e09551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09551

2. Aresta, A., De Santis, S., Carocci, A., Barbarossa, A., Ragusa, A., De Vietro, N., Clodoveo, M. L., Corbo, F., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of commercial animal and vegetable milks’ lipid profile and its correlation with cell viability and antioxidant activity on human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Molecules, 26(18), 5645. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185645

3. Aresta, A. M., De Vietro, N., Clodoveo, M. L., Amirante, R., Corbo, F., Schena, F. P., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol in human urine after intake of extra virgin olive oil produced with an ultrasounds-based technology. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 206, 114204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114204

4. De Vietro, N., Aresta, A. M., Picciariello, A., Rotelli, M. T., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of VOCs in surgical resected tissues from colorectal cancer patients by solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 6910. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156910

5. Mongioví, C., Lacalamita, D., Morin-Crini, N., Gabrion, X., Ivanovska, A., Sala, F., Placet, V., Rizzi, V., Gubitosa, J., Mesto, E., De Vietro, N., Crini, G., & Cosma, P. (2021). Use of chènevotte, a valuable co-product of industrial hemp fiber, as adsorbent for pollutant removal. Part I: Chemical, microscopic, spectroscopic and thermogravimetric characterization of raw and modified samples. Molecules, 26(15), 4574. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154574

Adekunbi Malomo | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adekunbi Malomo | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Professional Profile

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Summary

Dr. Malomo Adekunbi Adetola is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. With a robust background in microbiological and biochemical food research, her work focuses on indigenous food processing, bio-preservation, and food security. She actively contributes to achieving global sustainability goals through her academic, research, and community outreach.

Educational Background

Dr. Malomo holds a Ph.D. (2016) and M.Sc. (2012) in Food Science and Technology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, after earning a B.Tech. in Food Science (2007) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho. Her academic pursuits are complemented by scholarships such as the Orange Knowledge Program (2022) and a Carnegie Corporation postgraduate scholarship (2011).

Professional Experience

Dr. Malomo began her career as a Quality Control Officer and served in NYSC at a Federal Government Girls’ College. She joined Obafemi Awolowo University in 2014, progressing from Assistant Lecturer to Senior Lecturer by 2020. She teaches several undergraduate food science and microbiology courses and chairs key academic and seminar committees. She also leads the Bioeconomy Research Group and mentors students through various university and faculty initiatives.

Research Interests

Her research encompasses microbiological and biochemical changes in traditional food production, the use of underutilized crops like acha and tigernut in value-added products, bio-preservation using natural extracts, and the development of functional foods. Current studies involve the use of biofortified crops, probiotic stability in fermented beverages, and circular economy strategies through food waste valorization.

Author Metrics

Dr. Malomo has authored over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, several conference proceedings, and public science articles in The Conversation Africa. Her work is indexed across journals in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with impactful contributions in journals such as International Journal of Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, Croatian Journal of Food Science and Technology, and Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Science. She also serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for international food science journals.

Awards and Honors

She is a recipient of the Orange Knowledge Program scholarship (2022), a postgraduate scholarship from Carnegie Corporation (2011), and fellowships from Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (2022) and the African Reproducibility Network (2024). She has chaired sessions at international symposia, is a mentor in various academic networks, and her innovations—such as canned catfish and plantain wine—have been featured in international media and academic circles.

Publication Top Notes

1. Influence of Bio and Chemical Preservative on Microbiological, Sensory Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Ginger-Flavored Plantain Wine for Food Waste Prevention Strategy

Authors: A.A. Malomo, O.V. Obayomi, J.M. Akala, A.F. Olaniran, H.A. Adeniran, S.H. Abiose
Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Volume 21, Article 101902
Year: 2025
Summary:
This study evaluates the effects of both bio-preservatives (such as ginger extract) and chemical preservatives on the microbial load, antioxidant potential, and sensory characteristics of plantain wine made from overripe plantains. The work promotes food waste prevention by converting fruit waste into value-added products while ensuring safety and consumer acceptability.

2. Comparative Effect of Boiling, Microwave and Ultrasonication Treatment on Microstructure, Nutritional and Microbial Quality of Tofu

Authors: A.F. Olaniran, F.O. Agaja, O.V. Obayomi, S.I. Ebong, A.A. Malomo, O.D. Olaniran, O.C. Erinle, S.O. Owa
Journal: Applied Food Research, Volume 5, Issue 1, Article 100750
Year: 2025
Summary:
The paper explores the influence of different heat treatments—boiling, microwave, and ultrasonication—on tofu's structure, nutritional composition, and microbial safety. Findings indicate that treatment methods significantly affect product integrity and quality, with ultrasonication offering a promising technique for preservation without nutrient loss.

3. Physicochemical Characteristics of Biscuits Produced from Gluten-Free Amaranth Seed and Tiger Nut Composite Flour

Authors: F.A. Ayeni, A.A. Malomo, A.V. Ikujenlola
Journal: Acta Universitatis Cibiniensis, Series E: Food Technology, Volume 28, Issue 1
Year: 2024
Summary:
This research investigates the potential of using amaranth and tiger nut flour blends to produce gluten-free biscuits. The study focuses on physicochemical properties such as moisture, ash content, and browning index, concluding that the combination results in nutritious and acceptable gluten-free bakery products.

4. Utilization and Application of Bioactive Compounds Generated from Fish Waste and Byproduct as Functional Food Ingredient: A Review

Authors: A.F. Olaniran, O.E. Adeoye, O.M. Oyadeyi, C.E. Okonkwo, O.C. Erinle, A.A. Malomo, et al.
Journal: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Volume 1342, Issue 1, Article 012014
Year: 2024
Summary:
This comprehensive review highlights the nutritional and economic benefits of extracting bioactive compounds from fish waste for use as functional food ingredients. The paper supports the circular economy model and promotes sustainable practices in the food industry.

5. Microbiological Characteristics, Proximate Composition and Sensory Properties of Plant-Based Set Yoghurt Analogue Produced from Blends of Maize-Soybean

Authors: A.A. Malomo, M. Ogunjemilusi, O.F. Ibukun, E.J. Ogechukwu
Journal: International Journal of Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, Volume 7, Issue 1, Pages 58–66
Year: 2024
Summary:
This paper develops a plant-based yoghurt alternative using maize and soybean blends. It examines its microbial profile, nutritional content, and consumer sensory evaluation, presenting it as a cost-effective, protein-rich alternative to conventional dairy products.

Conclusion

Dr. Malomo Adekunbi Adetola exemplifies the attributes of an outstanding researcher through her scientific rigor, innovative contributions, and impactful community-centered research in food science. Her work on the sustainable transformation of indigenous African foods, food waste valorization, and bio-preservation not only advances academic knowledge but also addresses critical public health and sustainability challenges. Through international collaborations, mentorship, and leadership roles, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to both research excellence and societal development, making her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.