Biography
Dr. Sara Yazdani holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (2022) and has completed her postdoctoral research at the University of Isfahan (2024). Her research focused on designing and synthesizing biocompatible nanocarriers for advanced drug delivery applications and gene therapy. Dr. Yazdani also worked as a visiting researcher at Universidad del País Vasco (University of the Basque Country) in Spain, where she collaborated with distinguished experts, Prof. Jose Luis Pedraz and Dr. Gustavo Puras, on cutting-edge projects in pharmaceutical sciences. She has authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals and received prestigious academic awards, including recognition as the top graduate student in her master’s program. In addition to her research, she has extensive teaching experience and expertise in molecular modeling, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical engineering, making her a versatile and innovative scientist in her field.
Teaching Interests
With extensive experience as both a Visiting Professor and Teaching Assistant, I have developed a deep interest in teaching thermodynamics and material science, particularly within the context of chemical engineering. My teaching experiences include courses such as Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 1 & 2, Equilibrium Phase Thermodynamics, and Material Science. I am passionate about helping students understand the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and their applications to real-world engineering and biotechnology challenges. My goal is to create a learning environment where students can connect theoretical concepts with practical applications. My teaching philosophy emphasizes clarity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to prepare students for success in both academic and professional settings.
Research Interests
My research lies at the intersection of biotechnology, materials science, and physical chemistry, focusing on advancing drug delivery systems, gene therapy, and biomaterials. A key area of interest is biocompatible nanocarriers’ synthesis and surface modification to optimize their functionality, safety, and efficacy. My work includes the design of innovative biomaterials for targeted and controlled drug delivery, emphasizing improving the stability, solubility, and interaction of therapeutic agents with biological systems.
I have a particular interest in developing nanostructures designed for gene therapy, enabling the efficient and safe delivery of genetic materials such as DNA and RNA. My research also involves studying surface chemistry and functionalization techniques, including covalent and non-covalent modifications, to enhance the biocompatibility and targeted delivery capabilities of nanocarriers.
Additionally, I explore the application of protein-based nanoparticles in drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering, and vaccine development. My expertise includes utilizing advanced characterization methods to evaluate nanocarrier morphology, surface charge, and release kinetics, along with employing molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic analyses to understand nanocarrier-drug interactions.
Through an integrative and multidisciplinary approach, my research seeks to overcome biological barriers such as the cell membrane, blood-brain barrier, and immune system responses, thereby addressing critical challenges in human health. By harnessing the potential of nanomedicine and precision engineering, my goal is to develop transformative therapies to advance need-based medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Core Research Focus
Drug Delivery Systems, Gene Therapy, Biocompatible Nanocarriers, Surface Modification, Biomaterials, Nanoparticles, Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications, Targeted Drug Delivery, Thermodynamic Analysis, Nanomedicine,
Publications
6. Challenges and opportunities in the application of carbon nanotubes as membrane channels to improve mass transfer to cells
Authors: Sara Yazdani, Davoud Biria, Gholamreza Pazuki
Journal: RSC Advances | 2025
5. Carbon-Based Nanostructures as Emerging Materials for Gene Delivery Applications
Authors: Sara Yazdani, Mehrdad Mozaffarian, Gholamreza Pazuki, Naghmeh Hadidi, Ilia Villate-Beitia, Jon Zárate, Gustavo Puras, Jose Luis Pedraz
Journal: Pharmaceutics | 2024
4. Carbon nanostructure: Cutting-edge platforms for advanced genetic transport
Authors: Sara Yazdani, Mehrdad Mozaffarian, Gholamreza Pazuki, Naghmeh Hadidi
Journal: Cell Signal | 2024
3. Design of double functionalized carbon nanotube for amphotericin B and genetic material delivery
Authors: Sara Yazdani, Mehrdad Mozaffarian, Gholamreza Pazuki, Naghmeh Hadidi, Idoia Gallego, Gustavo Puras, Jose Luis Pedraz
Journal: Scientific Reports | 2022
2. Application of flory-huggins model in experimental and theoretical study of stability of amphotericin b on nanocarrier based on functionalized carbon nanotube
Authors: Sara Yazdani, Mehrdad Mozaffarian, Gholamreza Pazuki, Naghmeh Hadidi
Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids | 2022
1. Effects of co-solvents on loading and release properties of self-assembled di-peptide building blocks, towards drug delivery applications
Authors: Sara Yazdani, Seyed M Ghoreishi, Neda Habibi
Journal: Protein and Peptide Letters | 2022
Honors and Achievements
- Received financial support from the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) for postdoctoral research
- Awarded a scholarship by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran to carry out a research sabbatical at the Universidad del País Vasco/ Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU)
- Selected as the outstanding graduate in the Chemical Engineering Association of Iran
- Graduated as the top Master’s student from the Isfahan University of Technology (IUT)
Contact
Department of Chemical Engineering
Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT) (https://aut.ac.ir)
Email addresses:
Sarayazdani@aut.ac.ir
Sarahyazdani262@gmail.com