Sondes Ben Aissa | Electrochemical Biosensors | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Engineer

Dr. Sondes Ben Aissa | Electrochemical Biosensors | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Sondes Ben Aissa is a multidisciplinary biosensors scientist with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and an engineering background in industrial chemistry. She specializes in the development of oligonucleotide-based sensors—particularly aptamer-based devices—for detecting clinically and environmentally relevant targets. With over eight years of research experience spanning France, Tunisia, Italy, and the UK, Dr. Ben Aissa is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Imperial College London, leading biosensor development for hormone monitoring under BBSRC-funded projects. Her work integrates electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and in silico modeling to deliver advanced point-of-care and environmental sensing solutions. She has published eight peer-reviewed articles, delivered numerous scientific presentations, and received several innovation and communication awards. Dr. Ben Aissa is known for her strong analytical mindset, project leadership, and scientific creativity, making her a rising figure in the field of bioanalytical chemistry and sensor engineering.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Sondes Ben Aissa holds a cotutelle PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (France) and the University of Tunis El Manar (Tunisia). Her doctoral research focused on designing nanometric aptasensors for detecting low-molecular-weight food and environmental contaminants such as mycotoxins and antibiotics. She previously earned an Engineering Diploma in Industrial Chemistry from the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT), Tunisia, graduating first in her class. Her studies included a final internship on quantitative risk assessment in gas treatment plants. She also completed a Preparatory Curriculum in Applied Chemistry-Biology at INSAT, again ranking first among her peers. In addition to her academic training, she undertook specialized internships in standardized environmental analysis and water treatment. Her education reflects a blend of academic excellence, interdisciplinary expertise, and early practical research experience.

Experience

Dr. Ben Aissa is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Imperial College London, where she leads a BBSRC-funded project on wearable biosensors for real-time hormone detection. Prior to this, she worked in Imperial’s Chemistry Department on cortisol aptamer biosensors integrated with microdialysis systems. She also served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Udine, Italy, contributing to the development of electrochemical biosensors for seawater pollution monitoring as part of a European project. Earlier in her career, she gained experience in R&D engineering and biosensor modeling at UPVD, France, and contributed to short-term chemical analysis initiatives. She has also worked as an Assistant Teaching Trainer at INSAT, Tunisia. Her career is marked by expertise in sensor design, computational chemistry, and international research collaboration, along with recognized achievements in innovation and science communication.

Research Focus

Dr. Sondes Ben Aissa’s research focuses on the design and development of electrochemical and optical biosensors using oligonucleotide-based recognition elements such as aptamers and dsDNA. Her work integrates surface chemistry, nanomaterials, and microfluidic technologies to create portable, sensitive, and selective point-of-care diagnostics. She is particularly interested in monitoring biomarkers like hormones (e.g., cortisol, LH) and detecting environmental toxins (e.g., mycotoxins, antibiotics, PCBs). Her research combines in silico modeling—such as molecular docking and dynamics simulations—with experimental techniques including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry, and fluorescence-based assays. She also specializes in miniaturization, analytical validation, and real-time sensing. Through collaborations across France, Italy, Tunisia, and the UK, she has contributed to EU-funded and BBSRC-funded initiatives. Her aim is to bridge bioanalytical chemistry and healthcare/environmental monitoring, enabling the development of next-generation sensing platforms for both clinical and industrial applications.

Publication Top Notes

1. Systematic optimisation of an integrated electrochemical aptamer-based sensor for cortisol detection

Journal: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Date: Dec 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2025.138284
Authors: Sondes Ben Aissa; Anthony Edward George Cass
Summary: This study presents a highly sensitive aptamer-based biosensor for cortisol detection, optimized for integration with microdialysis. It demonstrates robust performance in continuous, real-time hormone monitoring.

2. POM@PMO plastic electrode for phosphate electrochemical detection: a further improvement of the detection limit

Journal: Microchimica Acta
Date: April 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05679-1
Authors: Sondes Ben-Aissa; Rossella De Marco; Sabina Susmel
Summary: Describes an advanced electrochemical platform using POM@PMO-modified electrodes for detecting phosphate in aquatic systems, achieving improved sensitivity suitable for environmental monitoring.

3. Advances in Colorimetric Strategies for Mycotoxins Detection: Toward Rapid Industrial Monitoring

Journal: Toxins
Date: December 2020
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010013
Authors: Marjan Majdinasab; Sondes Ben Aissa; Jean Louis Marty
Summary: A review covering modern colorimetric strategies for mycotoxin detection, with an emphasis on ease of use and application in industrial food safety monitoring.

4. Investigation of a Truncated Aptamer for Ofloxacin Detection Using a Rapid FRET-Based Apta-Assay

Journal: Antibiotics
Date: December 2020
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120860
Authors: Sondes Ben Aissa; Mohamed Mastouri; Gaëlle Catanante; Noureddine Raouafi; Jean Louis Marty
Summary: Introduces a fluorescence-based aptamer assay using truncated aptamers for rapid detection of the antibiotic ofloxacin, offering a fast, label-free alternative.

5. Aptamer-modified pencil graphite electrodes for the impedimetric determination of ochratoxin A

Journal: Food Control
Date: September 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107271
Authors: Sondes Ben Aissa
Summary: This study presents an impedimetric sensor using aptamer-functionalized pencil graphite electrodes for detecting ochratoxin A in food matrices, showing good sensitivity and cost-effectiveness.

6. Design of a redox-active surface for ultrasensitive redox capacitive aptasensing of aflatoxin M1 in milk

Journal: Talanta
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.11.026
Authors: Ben Aissa, S.; Mars, A.; Catanante, G.; Marty, J.-L.; Raouafi, N.
Summary: Describes a novel capacitive aptasensor based on redox-active surfaces for detecting aflatoxin M1 in milk, achieving ultra-low detection limits.

7. Development of an Impedimetric Aptasensor for Label-Free Detection of Patulin in Apple Juice

Journal: Molecules
Date: March 2019
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24061017
Authors: Reem Khan; Sondes Ben Aissa; Tauqir A. Sherazi; Gaelle Catanante; Akhtar Hayat; Jean Louis Marty
Summary: Focuses on an aptamer-based label-free impedimetric sensor for patulin detection in apple juice, designed for industrial food safety applications.

Conclusion

Dr. Sondes Ben Aissa is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the fields of biosensors, analytical chemistry, and bioengineering. Her work demonstrates innovation, international collaboration, technical sophistication, and a consistent record of scientific excellence. With further steps in citation impact, independent research leadership, and technology transfer, she is poised for even higher recognition in her field.

Yohannes Shuka Jara | Physical Chemistry | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Engineer

Mr. Yohannes Shuka Jara | Physical Chemistry | Young Researcher Award

Lecturer and Researcher,at Borana University ,Ethiopia

Yohannes Shuka Jara is an Ethiopian chemist, researcher, and academic currently serving as a Lecturer at Borana University in the Department of Chemistry. He is actively involved in teaching, research, and scientific community services. His career began at Madda Walabu University, where he held multiple roles including Senior Lab Technical Assistant and Chief-in Laboratory Chemist. With a passion for sustainable science and technology, he has focused his work on the green synthesis of nanoparticles, environmental remediation, and renewable energy applications. Yohannes has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and co-authored a laboratory manual and a scientific book. He also serves as a journal reviewer and editorial board member. Recognized for his academic excellence and impactful research, he has received national and international awards, including a Best Researcher Award in Metallurgical Engineering. His work contributes significantly to applied chemistry, especially in resource-limited and ecologically sensitive regions.

🔹 Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Yohannes Shuka Jara holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Chemistry from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, where he focused on green energy and environmental nanotechnology. He completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Dilla University, Ethiopia. His academic training includes advanced coursework in materials chemistry, catalysis, analytical techniques, and computational chemistry. Beyond formal education, he has undertaken several training programs and certifications in laboratory safety, pedagogical instruction, online teaching methodologies, and digital learning technologies. Additionally, he has enhanced his technical proficiency through nanodegree programs in Programming Fundamentals and Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals with global collaborations, including Udacity and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia. His interdisciplinary training equips him to approach chemical research with both traditional and technological insights, supporting innovation in chemical education, environmental science, and green chemistry solutions for modern challenges.

💼 Experience

Yohannes has progressive academic and research experience. He is currently a Lecturer of Physical Chemistry at Borana University. Previously, he served at Madda Walabu University as Chief-in Laboratory Chemist and Researcher, and as Senior Laboratory Technical Assistant. In these roles, he was instrumental in laboratory organization, instrument calibration, and training of instructors and technicians. His responsibilities encompassed curriculum delivery, experimental design, student supervision, and community engagement through scientific outreach programs. He has authored several laboratory manuals and organized multiple training workshops to strengthen laboratory practices in secondary schools and higher institutions. He also contributes to academic quality assurance and community service projects, such as sanitizer production during the COVID-19 pandemic. His multidisciplinary technical and teaching experience, including advanced skills in modern instrumentation and computational tools, reflects his commitment to high-quality academic service and research-driven teaching in the chemical sciences.

🏆 Awards

Yohannes has received notable recognitions for his academic and research contributions. He was honored with the Best Researcher Award in Metallurgical Engineering by metallurgicalengineering.org (Scifax Group) in 2025, reflecting the innovation and impact of his materials research. In 2024, he received the Presidential Award from Hawassa University for outstanding academic and research performance during his Master’s studies. He has also been recognized internationally with a Certificate of Recognition for his role as a scientific committee member at the Annual International Congress on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology hosted by Oxford University. His numerous certificates from national institutions validate his participation in pedagogical training, scientific communication, and innovation competitions such as “Solve IT 2023.” His community contributions, especially in laboratory organization and COVID-19 response initiatives, demonstrate a strong commitment to science-led development and education in Ethiopia.

🔬 Research Focus in Physical Chemistry

Yohannes’s research centers on the green synthesis and application of nanoparticles for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. His core areas include photocatalysis, biosensor development, electrochemical energy generation, and environmental remediation. He explores semiconductor nanocomposites, such as ZnO-, CuO-, Fe₃O₄-, and Co₃O₄-based materials, for degrading toxic dyes, detecting pharmaceuticals like paracetamol, and enhancing microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. His work also involves biomass-derived activated carbon for water purification and the integration of bio-organic systems in pollutant detection. Currently, he is investigating biologically synthesized N-Zn-codoped CuO nanoparticles for multifunctional roles, including anti-microbial and electrochemical sensing applications. Yohannes emphasizes low-cost, sustainable, and green methodologies that align with the principles of environmental chemistry and circular economy. His applied research contributes to solving real-world problems in energy, water quality, pollution, and public health within resource-constrained settings, especially in rural Ethiopia.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Biosynthesized pure CuO, N-CuO, Zn-CuO, and N-Zn-CuO nanoparticles for photocatalytic activity: Enhanced optical properties through bandgap engineering

Authors: Yohannes Shuka Jara, Endale Tsegaye Mohammed, Tilahun Tumiso Mekiso
Journal: Next Materials
DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100742

Summary:
This article reports the synthesis and characterization of novel CuO-based nanoparticles doped with nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn), developed through a green biosynthesis method. By engineering the bandgap, these nanostructures exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance for dye degradation under visible light. Detailed optical, morphological, and structural analysis showed significant shifts in bandgap and improved catalytic efficiency, especially in N-Zn-CuO samples. The study contributes to the field of environmental remediation and nanomaterials engineering for water purification.

Investigation of Energy Efficiency in a Zeolite-Water Adsorption Solar Cooling System Utilizing Locally Sourced Materials for the Conservation Chamber

Author: Yohannes Shuka
Journal: Physical Science International Journal
DOI: 10.9734/psij/2025/v29i4889

Summary:
This review explores the development and performance of an adsorption-based solar cooling system using zeolite-water pairs. The system is optimized with locally available materials for cost-effective applications in conservation chambers. The energy analysis reveals high thermal efficiency and cooling potential in off-grid settings. The study highlights the viability of solar-assisted eco-friendly cooling technologies in regions with abundant solar radiation and limited energy infrastructure.

Green Energy: Power Generation Improvement in Microbial Fuel Cells Using Bio‐Synthesized Polyaniline‐Coated Co₃O₄ Nanocomposite

Authors: Tesfahun Eyoel, Yohannes Shuka, Sisay Tadesse, Tekalign Tesfaye, Mesele Mengesha, Suha Orçun MERT
Journal: International Journal of Energy Research
DOI: 10.1155/er/2936572

Summary:
This work presents a novel polyaniline-coated cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanocomposite anode, biosynthesized using green methods for microbial fuel cell (MFC) applications. The coating significantly improves bio-electrode interactions and conductivity, resulting in higher power density and energy conversion efficiency. The eco-friendly synthesis and enhanced MFC output make this study relevant for sustainable bioenergy technologies.

Improving the power production efficiency of microbial fuel cell by using biosynthesized polyaniline-coated Fe₃O₄ as pencil graphite anode modifier

Authors: Tekalign Tesfaye, Yohannes Shuka, Sisay Tadesse, Tesfahun Eyoel, Mesele Mengesha
Journal: Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84311-5

Summary:
The study demonstrates a cost-effective anode modification strategy using biosynthesized polyaniline-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles applied to pencil graphite electrodes in microbial fuel cells. This modification enhances electrochemical surface area, leading to significant improvements in microbial attachment, charge transfer, and power output. This research provides a scalable approach for improving MFC performance using sustainable materials.

Highly efficient catalytic degradation of organic dyes using iron nanoparticles synthesized with Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract

Authors: Yohannes Shuka Jara, Tilahun Tumiso Mekiso, Aschalew Paulos Washe
Journal: Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57554-5
Summary:
This article introduces a green synthesis method for iron nanoparticles using Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and evaluates their catalytic potential for degrading harmful organic dyes in wastewater. The study reveals the nanoparticles’ strong surface reactivity and high degradation efficiency under ambient conditions. The eco-friendly approach and practical application in water treatment systems make it a noteworthy advancement in environmental nanotechnology.

📌 Conclusion

Yohannes Shuka Jara is an emerging Ethiopian chemist whose academic excellence and impactful research distinguish him in the field of physical and materials chemistry. His work centers on green synthesis of nanoparticles, environmental remediation, energy conversion, and nano-biosensor development—providing sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. With experience across teaching, laboratory management, and applied research, he bridges theoretical chemistry with practical applications. His contributions have been recognized through multiple peer-reviewed publications and prestigious awards, including the Best Researcher Award in Metallurgical Engineering and the Presidential Honor from Hawassa University. Beyond research, Yohannes is actively involved in scientific outreach, lab manual development, and community-based projects such as water quality assessment and COVID-19 response efforts. His strong technical expertise, interdisciplinary skills, and commitment to science-led progress mark him as a valuable contributor to sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond. He exemplifies the role of a young scientist driving innovation through education and environmentally responsible research.