Nicolette Houreld is a distinguished professor of Biomedical Technology at the University of Johannesburg, with extensive expertise in photobiomodulation and cellular regeneration. ๐ She completed her secondary education at Bracken High School (1995) and pursued higher education at Technikon Witwatersrand, where she earned her National Diploma, B.Tech, and M.Tech degrees, followed by a D.Tech from the University of Johannesburg. ๐ Her groundbreaking research on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has significantly advanced diabetic wound healing and cancer treatment. ๐ฌ As Deputy Chairholder of the SARChI Chair in Laser Applications in Health, she has led numerous research initiatives and supervised various postgraduate projects. โ๏ธ In addition to her academic roles, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. ๐ Passionate about science and leadership, Nicolette is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of researchers and advancing biomedical science. ๐
Nanoparticles and Wound Healing:
“A review on nanoparticle-based treatment for wound healing” (2018) explores how nanoparticles can be used for enhancing wound healing, with an emphasis on silver nanoparticles and biopolymers.
“Recent advances on silver nanoparticle and biopolymer-based biomaterials for wound healing applications” (2018) delves into the use of silver nanoparticles combined with biopolymers as promising materials for wound healing.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):
“Low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an effective therapeutic modality for delayed wound healing” (2005) reviews LLLT as a method for improving wound healing, especially in cases of delayed healing.
“Collagen production in diabetic wounded fibroblasts in response to low-intensity laser irradiation at 660 nm” (2012) investigates how LLLT influences collagen production in diabetic wound healing.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) and Cellular Mechanisms:
“The role of photobiomodulation on gene expression of cell adhesion molecules in diabetic wounded fibroblasts” (2016) discusses how PBM affects gene expression related to wound healing in diabetic cells.
“The role of matrix metalloproteinases in diabetic wound healing in relation to photobiomodulation” (2016) examines the involvement of metalloproteinases in wound healing and how photobiomodulation affects their activity.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation:
“Oxidative stress in ageing and chronic degenerative pathologies: molecular mechanisms involved in counteracting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation” (2022) explores how oxidative stress contributes to aging and chronic diseases, offering insights into therapeutic strategies.
Mechanisms of Action in Wound Healing:
“Role of the PI3K/AKT (mTOR and GSK3ฮฒ) signalling pathway and photobiomodulation in diabetic wound healing” (2019) looks at how photobiomodulation interacts with key cellular signaling pathways involved in wound healing.
Other Phototherapy Insights:
“Shedding light on a new treatment for diabetic wound healing: a review on phototherapy” (2014) discusses various phototherapy approaches, including the use of lasers and light to accelerate wound healing.
“Irradiation at 830 nm stimulates nitric oxide production and inhibits proโinflammatory cytokines in diabetic wounded fibroblast cells” (2010) reports on how specific wavelengths of light influence cellular processes to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Additional Research on Nanoparticles:
“Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Rubus fairholmianus Root Extract and Their Activity against Pathogenic Bacteria” (2021) highlights the antibacterial properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles, synthesized using plant extracts, for therapeutic use.
Conclusion
The researcher is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to their strong academic foundation, impactful research, leadership roles, and global collaborations. Their work on photobiomodulation in wound healing is innovative, and their commitment to advancing the field through mentorship and international engagements adds considerable value. By expanding their reach into clinical applications and securing greater cross-disciplinary partnerships, they could further elevate their research’s impact.