Matias Cardenas | Analytical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Matias Cardenas | Analytical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto | Argentina

Dr. Matias Alberto Cardenas is an emerging leader in analytical chemistry whose academic journey began with a degree in Microbiology from the Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, eventually culminating in a Doctorate in Chemical Sciences (Ph.D., Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, 2025) with a thesis on electroanalytical detection of neonicotinoids in honey. Over the course of his academic and professional trajectory, he has built a strong profile combining teaching, research, and project leadership: he has served as a teaching assistant in microbiology and chemistry courses, evaluated faculty competitions, and held administrative roles such as departmental counselor and evaluator of socio-community practices. His professional experience includes directing and collaborating in multiple research projects funded by national agencies (FONCYT, CONICET, SECyT), including leading the “ApisLoq” nanoparticle-based biopesticide project, and contributing to interdisciplinary programs aiming at sustainable contaminant analysis in agro-food systems. His research interests lie in electrochemical sensor technology, nanomaterials, chemometric data analysis, and food and environmental contaminant detection, and he is skilled in applying electroanalytical techniques, multivariate statistics, sensor fabrication, separation methods, and method validation. Notably, his publications include articles such as Chemometric-assisted electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in honey (Analytical Methods) and Reduction of Fusarium proliferatum growth and fumonisin accumulation by ZnO nanoparticles (International Journal of Food Microbiology). His leadership in research projects, conference presentations across Latin America and Europe, and service in academic governance reflect strong dedication to community and science. In recognition of his contributions, he has earned awards such as “Best Poster” and “Best Work” in electroanalytical chemistry at national conferences. In summary, Dr. Cardenas combines solid educational credentials, relevant professional experience, advanced technical skills, a growing record of impactful publications, and formal honors — making him a promising researcher with significant potential to contribute to global analytical chemistry. Dr. Cardenas’s academic impact is further reflected in his growing recognition with 1 citation, 2 documents, and an h-index of 1.

Profiles: scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Cardenas, M. A., Vignati, M., Pierini, G. D., Robledo, S. N., Moressi, M. B., & D’Eramo, F. (2025). Chemometric-assisted electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in honey samples. Analytical Methods.

2. Cardenas, M. A., Alaníz, R. D., Crapnell, R., Robledo, S. N., Fernández, H., Arévalo, F. J., Granero, A. M., Banks, C. E., & Pierini, G. D. (2025, August 13). Electrochemically activated screen-printed graphene electrochemical sensor for daidzein determination in edible peanut oils. Chemosensors.

3. Pena, G. A., Cardenas, M. A., Monge, M. P., Yerkovich, N., Planes, G. A., & Chulze, S. N. (2022). Reduction of Fusarium proliferatum growth and fumonisin accumulation by ZnO nanoparticles both on a maize based medium and irradiated maize grains. International Journal of Food Microbiology.

Natalia González | Analytical Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Prof. Dr. Natalia González | Analytical Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Exclusive at Institute of Southern Chemistry-CONICET-UNS, Argentina.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Esp. Natalia González is an accomplished Argentine researcher and pharmaceutical scientist with a passion for food and environmental chemistry. Based at INQUISUR-CONICET and the Department of Chemistry at the National University of the South (UNS), she specializes in developing analytical techniques and sustainable materials. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and expertise in food quality control, she has contributed significantly to the valorization of agro-industrial waste and the creation of biodegradable, antioxidant-rich materials. Natalia has also been actively involved in university teaching, scientific outreach, and mentoring young researchers. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges pharmaceutical sciences and green chemistry, focusing on the development of vegan capsules, sustainable packaging, and novel extraction techniques. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences and published extensively in high-impact journals. Her work exemplifies innovation in analytical chemistry and sustainability. 🌱🧪👩‍🔬

PROFILE 

SCOPUS 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. González’s 2024 paper titled “Food Functional Powders with Redox Capacity and Antioxidant Properties Obtained from Food Losses and Waste of Olive Oil Industry” demonstrates a powerful blend of scientific innovation, sustainability, and applicability. This study directly addresses urgent global concerns such as food waste reduction, valorization of agro-industrial byproducts, and the development of functional foods with health benefits. Her methodology is robust—employing advanced spectroscopic analysis, extraction techniques, and green chemistry principles. The interdisciplinary nature and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further strengthen the paper’s impact.

📘 Education & Experience

  • 🎓 Pharmaceutical Degree (2013) – National University of the South (UNS), Bahía Blanca

  • 🎓 Specialist in Food Quality Control (2020) – UNS

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Chemistry (2022) – UNS – Focused on flow techniques and food analysis

  • 🧪 CONICET Assistant Researcher (2023–present) – Vegan capsules & food waste valorization

  • 👩‍🏫 Full-time Teaching Assistant – Dept. of Chemistry, UNS (2023–present)

  • 🏥 Pharmacist (2013–2016) – Including roles at Puerto Belgrano Naval Base and private pharmacies

  • 🧬 Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022–2023)Analytical research at INQUISUR-CONICET

Professional Development 🚀📖

Dr. Natalia González has continually advanced her professional career through interdisciplinary training and academic engagement. She completed specialized postgraduate courses in analytical micro/nanotechnologies, pharmaceutical materials, spectroscopy, chromatography, and teaching methodologies. Her professional journey includes technical roles in hospitals and pharmacies, and she served as Technical Director at a drugstore. Natalia actively contributes to research through participation in various national and international projects on food science, environmental contaminants, and biodegradable materials. She is a dedicated mentor for undergraduate and graduate students, guiding thesis work and research initiation programs. Her extensive involvement in conferences, workshops, and outreach projects—especially those focused on sustainable and green chemistry—demonstrates her commitment to scientific dissemination and education. She is also engaged in institutional governance and advisory committees, fostering academic collaboration and technological innovation. 📊🌍🔍

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Dr. González’s research lies at the intersection of analytical chemistry, food science, and sustainable technology. Her primary focus is on the development of novel extraction and detection methods for contaminants and antioxidants using flow analysis, solid-phase extraction, and spectroscopic techniques. A significant aspect of her work involves transforming agro-industrial waste—such as olive pomace—into value-added products like antioxidant-rich powders, biodegradable coatings, and vegan capsules. She applies green chemistry principles to enhance food safety and environmental protection. Furthermore, she explores molecularly imprinted polymers, microencapsulation, and automated analytical systems to improve pharmaceutical and food product quality. Her research contributes to the circular economy by minimizing waste and promoting the reuse of natural resources. Her scientific endeavors support cleaner production and innovative materials, making a meaningful impact in food packaging, water remediation, and pharmaceutical applications. 🍇♻️🔬

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

  • 🧪 CONICET Doctoral Fellowship (2016–2021) – INQUISUR-UNS

  • 🧫 CONICET Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022–2023) – INQUISUR-UNS

  • 👩‍🔬 Assistant Researcher at CONICET (2023) – For project on vegan food capsules

  • 🧑‍🎓 Scientific Vocation Promotion Scholarship (2023–2024) – Co-director for undergraduate research

  • 🥇 Top Grades in Academic Programs – Ph.D. and Food Quality Specialist degrees (Grade: 10)

Publications & Citations 📚

    1. 📖 Food Functional Powders with Redox Capacity and Antioxidant Properties Obtained from Food Losses and Waste of Olive Oil Industry – 🗓️ 2024
      🔁 González N.*, Pacheco C., Grafia A.L., Razuc M.F., Acebal C.C., López O.V.
      📈 Cited by: [citation data not available yet – recent] 🌿🍈🧪

    2. 📖 Current trends in sample preparation for the determination of Primary Aromatic Amines in environmental samples – 🗓️ 2023
      🔁 González N., Aguinaga Martínez M.V., Domini C.E., Acebal C.C.
      📈 Cited by: [citation data pending] 🌍💧🔍

    3. 📖 Coacervative microextraction for glibenclamide in environmental water samples – 🗓️ 2020
      🔁 Aguinaga Martínez M.V., González N., Acebal C.C., Domini C.E.
      📈 Cited by: 25+ 🌊💊🧫

    4. 📖 Inner filter effect sensing system for caffeine in beverages – 🗓️ 2020
      🔁 González N., Lantmann S.P., Zanini G., Montejano H., Acebal C.C.
      📈 Cited by: 30+ ☕🔬📊

    5. 📖 Fluorescence determination of glibenclamide in presence of caffeine using low-pressure chromatography – 🗓️ 2018
      🔁 González N., Lantmann S.P., Lista A.G., Acebal C.C.
      📈 Cited by: 15+ 💉📉💡

    6. 📖 Flow-batch analysis of clenbuterol using MIPs in urine and milk substitutes – 🗓️ 2018
      🔁 González N., Grünhut M., Šrámková I., Horstkotte B., Solich P., Sklenářová H., Acebal C.C.
      📈 Cited by: 20+ 🧬🥛👩‍🔬

🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Natalia González’s paper stands out as a model of translational research that is not only methodologically sound but also societally impactful. Her work addresses real-world problems through innovative science and proposes solutions with both industrial and environmental benefits. Given its originality, depth, and relevance, this paper is an excellent candidate for a Best Paper Award. 🌟📘🥇