Dr. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku | Green Chemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

Posted on by Chemistry Awards

Dr. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku | Green Chemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

Dr. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS , China

Emmanuel Mintah Bonku, PhD, is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in green chemistry and sustainable drug development. With a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, his research focuses on synthetic methodologies for antiviral drugs, especially in emerging diseases like monkey pox. He developed a groundbreaking synthesis process for tecovirimat, which is undergoing registration in China. Emmanuel has also worked on the synthesis of cariprazine, benzimidazole compounds, and other pharmaceuticals. His achievements have earned him the Excellent International Graduate Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2024. Passionate about sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector, Emmanuel strives to inspire future generations of scientists with his innovative approach to drug development.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Emmanuel Mintah Bonku, PhD, is highly suitable for the “Sustainable Chemistry Award” based on his exceptional contributions to green and sustainable drug development, particularly in medicinal chemistry. His research focuses on the development of innovative and environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies, notably for antiviral and other life-saving drugs. He has demonstrated excellence in synthesizing antiviral drugs like tecovirimat for monkey pox, optimizing the production process for large-scale application with minimal environmental impact. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku has also worked on biotransformation techniques and green chemistry, striving to make pharmaceutical synthesis more sustainable. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku is an ideal candidate for the “Sustainable Chemistry Award” due to his groundbreaking work in green chemistry and sustainable pharmaceutical development. His innovative research and dedication to promoting sustainability in drug manufacturing make him a strong advocate for environmentally conscious chemistry practices.

🎓Education:

Emmanuel Mintah Bonku holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2021-2024), focusing on green and sustainable drug development. He completed a Master of Engineering (M.Eg.) in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Wuhan University of Science and Technology (2018-2021), specializing in biotransformation and sustainable chemistry. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Science, with a focus on ethnobotany, from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana (2012-2017). In addition, Emmanuel holds a certificate in Information Communication and Technology (2012) from All Nations University College, Ghana. His academic background has equipped him with the technical expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge to make significant contributions to medicinal chemistry, particularly in the development of antiviral drugs and sustainable pharmaceutical processes.

🏢Work Experience:

Emmanuel Mintah Bonku is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in sustainable drug development. During his doctoral research, he pioneered novel synthetic methodologies for antiviral drugs, contributing to the development of tecovirimat for monkeypox and cariprazine for schizophrenia. He has also worked extensively on the synthesis of benzimidazole compounds for antihypertensive and anthelmintic applications. In his earlier career, Emmanuel contributed to projects focused on biotransformation and sustainable chemistry while earning his Master’s degree at Wuhan University of Science and Technology. His experience spans academic research, guest reviewing for journals, and collaborative work with international experts in the field. Emmanuel’s role as a researcher involves advanced techniques in medicinal chemistry, drug synthesis, and process optimization, with an emphasis on green and sustainable practices.

🏅Awards: 

Emmanuel Mintah Bonku has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to medicinal chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of antiviral drugs. In 2024, he received the Excellent International Graduate Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in recognition of his innovative research on tecovirimat, a key antiviral drug for monkeypox. His achievements in sustainable drug development have positioned him as a leading figure in his field. Emmanuel has also contributed to various projects in the pharmaceutical industry and academia, promoting sustainability in drug development. His work has garnered attention and respect in the scientific community, and he continues to inspire others through his research, publications, and collaborations. As a guest reviewer for journals like Journal of Green Synthesis and Catalysis and Journal of Food Science, he is also recognized for his contributions to the scientific peer-review process. Emmanuel remains committed to advancing the field of green chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation.

🔬Research Focus:

Emmanuel Mintah Bonku’s research focuses on green and sustainable drug development, with a particular emphasis on the synthesis of antiviral drugs. His work is at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and sustainable chemistry, where he develops new synthetic methodologies for emerging infectious diseases, including monkeypox. Emmanuel pioneered a large-scale process for synthesizing tecovirimat, a critical antiviral drug, and has worked on the development of other pharmaceuticals like cariprazine for schizophrenia and benzimidazole compounds for antihypertensive and anthelmintic purposes. He is passionate about improving drug synthesis processes to make them more sustainable, focusing on minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high efficiency and effectiveness. His research also includes process optimization, such as using reactive distillation for drug synthesis. Emmanuel’s work aims to address current challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly the need for greener, more efficient production methods for critical drugs in the global healthcare landscape.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Extraction of Essential Oil from Citrus reticulate Blanco Peel and Its Antibacterial Activity Against Cutibacterium acnes (Formerly Propionibacterium acnes)

Authors: HS Hou, EM Bonku, R Zhai, R Zeng, YL Hou, ZH Yang, C Quan

Year: 2019

Citations: 90

Journal: Heliyon 5(12)

2. An Alkali-Tolerant Carbonyl Reductase from Bacillus subtilis by Gene Mining: Identification and Application

Authors: W Luo, HJ Du, EM Bonku, YL Hou, LL Li, XQ Wang, ZH Yang

Year: 2019

Citations: 8

Journal: Catalysis Letters 149, 2973–2983

3. Extraction of Essential Oil from Citrus reticulate Blanco Peel and Its Antibacterial Activity Against Cutibacterium acnes (Formerly Propionibacterium acnes)

Authors: HS Hou, EM Bonku, R Zhai, R Zeng, YL Hou, ZH Yang, C Quan

Year: 2019

Citations: 7

Journal: Heliyon 5, E02

4. Facile Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via N-Arylamidoxime Cyclization

Authors: H Qin, A Odilov, EM Bonku, F Zhu, T Hu, H Liu, HA Aisa, J Shen

Year: 2022

Citations: 6

Journal: ACS Omega 7(49), 45678–45687

5. Efficient Large-Scale Process for Tecovirimat via Reactive Distillation for the Preparation of Cycloheptatriene

Authors: EM Bonku, H Qin, A Odilov, F Yang, X Xing, X Wang, SD Guma, J Shen

Year: 2023

Citations: 5

Journal: Organic Process Research & Development 27(11), 1984–1991

6. Synergistic Effect and Structure–Property of Bio-Based 1, 6-Hexanediol on Thermal, Mechanical, and Degradation Properties of Biopolymers

Authors: WMK Siegu, LDW Djouonkep, NBS Selabi, EM Bonku, Z Cheng, …

Year: 2023

Citations: 5

Journal: Journal of Polymers and the Environment 31(3), 1144–1159

7. Extraction of Essential Oil from Citrus reticulate

Authors: HS Hou, EM Bonku, R Zhai, R Zeng, YL Hou, ZH Yang, C Quan

Year: 2019

Citations: 5

Journal: Not listed

8. Establishment of a Propolis Ethanolic Extract Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System and Its Antibacterial Activity

Authors: TC Wang, B Appiah, EM Bonku, ZH Yang, L Luo

Year: 2021

Citations: 4

Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 31, 101905

9. Improved and Ligand-Free Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization for an Efficient Synthesis of Benzimidazoles from o-Bromoarylamine and Nitriles

Authors: EM Bonku, H Qin, A Odilov, S Abduahadi, SD Guma, F Yang, F Zhu, …

Year: 2024

Citations: 3

Journal: RSC Advances 14(10), 6906–6916

10. Impurity Study of Tecovirimat

Authors: EM Bonku, H Qin, A Odilov, S Abduahadi, SD Guma, F Yang, X Xing, …

Year: 2024

Citations: 1

Journal: Heliyon 10(9)

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ruijuan Qu | Environmental Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Chemistry Awards

Dr. Ruijuan Qu | Environmental Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ruijuan Qu , Nanjing University , China

Ruijuan Qu is an Associate Professor at Nanjing University, China, specializing in environmental chemistry and the transformation of organic pollutants. With a strong academic background and extensive research experience, she focuses on the development of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models to analyze organic pollutants and improve green degradation methods. Since receiving her Ph.D. from Nanjing University in 2015, she has advanced through various research positions, including assistant researcher and associate researcher, before her current role. She collaborates with international researchers to innovate in environmental technology, notably with Professor Virender K. Sharma at Texas A&M University. Recognized globally, she was listed among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists in 2023, emphasizing her significant impact in environmental research.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Ruijuan Qu is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to environmental science, her innovative research methodologies, and her global recognition. Her work addresses crucial environmental challenges, with real-world applications in water treatment and pollutant degradation. The combination of high-impact publications, patents, collaborations with top global scientists, and her leadership in editorial roles makes her highly deserving of this prestigious recognition. Her commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical environmental solutions places her at the forefront of research in her field.

🎓Education:

Ruijuan Qu completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Nanjing University. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Chemistry, she pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, which she completed in 2015. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her expertise in the environmental transformation of organic pollutants, focusing on quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. With a commitment to understanding pollutants at a molecular level, she integrated principles of computational chemistry with experimental analysis to map the pathways pollutants take in natural and engineered environments. This innovative approach helped her build a strong knowledge base that informs her teaching and research today. Her education was marked by rigorous training in advanced analytical techniques, preparing her to lead complex projects in environmental science and to contribute valuable insights in her role as an academic and researcher.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Ruijuan Qu began her career as an Assistant Researcher at Nanjing University, progressing to Associate Researcher from 2018 to 2019, before being appointed Associate Professor in 2019. She has led several high-impact research projects, primarily focused on the fate of organic pollutants in the environment. Dr. Qu’s work on chemical oxidation processes has uncovered key insights into the catalytic roles of metals in pollution treatment, significantly advancing the field of environmental science. She has also collaborated with global experts, notably Prof. Virender K. Sharma at Texas A&M University, on ferrate oxidation studies, resulting in transformative findings on pollutant degradation mechanisms. Alongside her research, Dr. Qu serves as a managing editor and editorial board member for reputed journals, contributing to the advancement of environmental science literature. Her experience demonstrates her expertise in both independent and collaborative research environments.

🏅Awards:

Ruijuan Qu has earned several prestigious accolades for her research. In 2023, she was named to Stanford University’s esteemed World’s Top 2% Scientists List, recognizing her significant influence and high citation impact in environmental science. Her innovative contributions in environmental chemistry have not only advanced pollution treatment but have also fostered new methodologies in quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. Dr. Qu’s pioneering work has also been acknowledged through editorial appointments at high-impact journals, such as Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology and Toxics, where she serves as a managing editor and guest editor. Her reputation in the field is further established by her role as a key collaborator in international research projects, particularly with Texas A&M University. These awards and honors underscore her commitment to impactful, high-quality research and her ongoing contribution to solving complex environmental challenges.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Ruijuan Qu’s research focuses on the environmental transformation of organic pollutants, particularly through chemical oxidation processes. Her work employs quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling to analyze pollutant degradation pathways. A major aspect of her research is the catalytic role of various substances, such as bismuth hydroxide, in ferrate oxidation treatment, an innovative approach for water and wastewater purification. Dr. Qu has developed a comprehensive method for pollutant analysis that combines non-target mass spectrometry, preparative separation, and simplified transition state calculations. Her research on the polymerization of phenols during oxidation has revealed critical insights into promoting low-carbon oxidation treatments. Additionally, her studies in silica modification have expanded catalytic activity into the infrared spectrum, enabling more efficient degradation of persistent organic pollutants. This multidisciplinary focus positions Dr. Qu at the forefront of environmental science, advancing sustainable technologies for pollutant management.

Publication Top Notes:

  •  Photodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on suspended particles from the Yellow River under sunlight irradiation: QSAR model and mechanism analysis
  •  Effect of Dissolved Organic Matter on the Photodegradation of Decachlorobiphenyl (PCB-209) in Heterogeneous Systems: Experimental Analysis and Excited-State Theory Calculation
  •  Photocatalytic degradation of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) by wide solar spectrum-responsive nitrogen doped silica
  • Effect of small-molecule phenolic compounds on the removal of triclosan (TCS) by heat/persulfate process Formation of cross-coupling products and implications for wastewater treatment
  •  Enhanced permanganate oxidation of phenolic pollutants by alumina and potential industrial application