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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ines Belhaj | Enzymatic Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, Tunisia.

Inès Belhaj is an assistant professor at the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax in Tunisia, specializing in Molecular Biotechnology with a focus on lipid biochemistry and lipolytic enzymes. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and over 15 years of experience, she has developed expertise in enzyme applications for industrial processes, such as in detergents and biodiesel production. Her contributions are evident through her research publications, a patent in enzymatic synthesis, and awards recognizing her excellence, including the Award for Excellent Research in Biotechnology.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Inès Belhaj’s educational journey reflects her dedication to life sciences and molecular biotechnology. She began with a Graduate Diploma in Life Sciences (2001-2002), building a foundation in the biological sciences. She pursued a Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Tunisia, from 2002 to 2004, where she developed a strong understanding of cellular functions at the molecular level. Motivated to delve deeper into research, Dr. Belhaj earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, completing her doctorate with the highest distinction in 2011. During her doctoral studies, she focused on molecular biotechnology applications, specifically within lipase enzyme activity and biocatalysis. She later undertook post-doctoral research from 2011 to 2013, further enhancing her expertise in biomass valorization and protein production, solidifying her commitment to innovation and excellence in biotechnology.

Experience 💼

Dr. Inès Belhaj has accumulated a wealth of experience in the biotechnology sector, primarily through her role at the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax in Tunisia. She has been involved in the practical application of lipolytic enzymes for industrial use, drawing from her in-depth understanding of biochemical properties to address real-world challenges. Her career highlights include significant contributions to enzyme catalysis, particularly lipase activity, which holds applications in various industries, from biodiesel production to biosurfactants. Additionally, Dr. Belhaj has an extensive teaching background, having taught undergraduate courses in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Industrial Microbiology, among others, between 2004 and 2008. Since 2012, she has mentored numerous students in biotechnology-focused projects. Her experience extends to organizing and leading workshops on industrial enzyme applications, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to industry-relevant research. Dr. Belhaj’s ongoing contributions underscore her role as an expert bridging research, industry, and education.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Throughout her career, Dr. Inès Belhaj has received recognition for her impactful contributions to biotechnology. In 2012, she was awarded for her research excellence at the 3rd International Workshop on Industrial Biotechnology (IWIB) in Tunisia, a prestigious acknowledgment that highlighted her innovative work with lipolytic enzymes. This award celebrated her achievements in exploring enzyme activity and its applications in sectors like biodiesel production and biocatalysis. Her innovative research has not only been recognized locally but has also garnered respect from the international scientific community. Dr. Belhaj’s dedication to biotechnology is evident through her numerous publications and her collaborative projects with international researchers. These accolades reflect her commitment to advancing biotechnological processes and solving industry-relevant problems. Her recent patent, filed in 2024, further cements her position as a leading researcher in enzymatic processes, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to innovation in biotechnology.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Inès Belhaj’s research centers on the study of lipids and lipolytic enzymes, focusing on their biochemical properties and applications in industrial biotechnology. Her primary objective is to understand lipase activity at the molecular level, examining the catalytic mechanisms that make these enzymes valuable in sectors such as detergent production, biodiesel, and biosurfactants. Her work emphasizes the eco-friendly, enantioselective applications of lipases, exploring their use in organic chemistry for biodiesel production, biotransformation of oils, and fats, as well as applications in the detergent industry. Dr. Belhaj’s research has practical applications, driving innovation in green chemistry and sustainable biotechnological processes. She collaborates widely, enhancing her research impact and opening new pathways for enzyme utilization in various industrial sectors. Through her research, Dr. Belhaj contributes significantly to the understanding and advancement of environmentally friendly and efficient biotechnological solutions.

Conclusion

Dr. Inès Belhaj is a highly suitable candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her expertise in molecular biotechnology, achievements in lipid enzyme research, and commitment to mentoring align well with the award’s criteria. Strengthening her international collaborations and focusing on larger research funding opportunities could further enhance her contributions and align with the award’s objectives of fostering impactful scientific research.

Publication Top Notes  

Title: Two-in-One Surfactant Disinfectant Potential of Xylitol Dicaprylate and Dilaurate Esters Synthesized by Talaromyces thermophilus Galactolipase for Cleaning Industries

Authors: Ben Ayed, R., Bouzid, M., Zbidi, R., Belghith, H., Belhaj, I.

Citations: 3

Year: 2022

Title: Purification of Bacillus licheniformis Lipase and its Application as an Additive in Detergent for Destaining

Authors: Bredai, R., Belhaj Ben Romdhane, I., Bouchaala, I., Srih Belghith, K., Belghith, H.

Citations: 4

Year: 2021

Title: Artificial Neural Networks and Response Surface Methodology Approach for Optimization of an Eco-Friendly and Detergent-Stable Lipase Production from Actinomadura keratinilytica Strain Cpt29

Authors: Semache, N., Benamia, F., Kerouaz, B., Ladjama, A., Djeghaba, Z.

Citations: 3

Year: 2021

Title: A Novel Sec-Butyl-β-D-Cellobioside and Sec-Butyl-β-D-Glucoside Biosynthesized by Immobilized β-Glucosidase of Fusarium solani with Surfactant Properties

Authors: Boudabbous, M., Ben Ameur, R., Belhaj, I., Chamkha, M., Gargouri, A.

Citations: 9

Year: 2020

Title: Galactolipase Activity of Talaromyces thermophilus Lipase on Galactolipid Micelles, Monomolecular Films, and UV-Absorbing Surface-Coated Substrate

Authors: Belhaj, I., Amara, S., Parsiegla, G., Lafont, D., Carrière, F.

Citations: 8

Year: 2018

Title: Application of a Chitosan-Immobilized Talaromyces thermophilus Lipase to a Batch Biodiesel Production from Waste Frying Oils

Authors: Romdhane, I.B.-B., Romdhane, Z.B., Bouzid, M., Gargouri, A., Belghith, H.

Citations: 23

Year: 2013

Title: The Effect of Talaromyces thermophilus Cellulase-Free Xylanase and Commercial Laccase on Lignocellulosic Components During the Bleaching of Kraft Pulp

Authors: Maalej-Achouri, I., Guerfali, M., Romdhane, I.B.-B., Gargouri, A., Belghith, H.

Citations: 27

Year: 2012

Title: Gene Cloning and Molecular Characterization of the Talaromyces thermophilus Lipase Catalyzed Efficient Hydrolysis and Synthesis of Esters

Authors: Romdhane, I.B.-B., Frikha, F., Maalej-Achouri, I., Gargouri, A., Belghith, H.

Citations: 14

Year: 2012

Title: Purification, Physico-Chemical, and Kinetic Properties of the Deglycosylated Talaromyces thermophilus Lipase

Authors: Romdhan, I.B.-B., Fendri, A., Frikha, F., Gargouri, A., Belghith, H.

Citations: 8

Year: 2012

Title: Esterification Activity and Stability of Talaromyces thermophilus Lipase Immobilized onto Chitosan

Authors: Romdhane, I.B.-B., Romdhane, Z.B., Gargouri, A., Belghith, H.

Citations: 50

Year: 2011

 

 

Ines Belhaj | Enzymatic Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

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