Dr. Valentín Nica, Ph.D., is a researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Textiles at the University of Salamanca (USAL), Spain, affiliated with the Biomedical Applications of Chemical Engineering research group. His work lies at the interface of nanotechnology, materials science and biomedical engineering, with particular emphasis on the synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles for targeted therapies and advanced material systems. (produccioncientifica.usal.es)
Dr. Nica completed his physics studies at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași (Romania) and carried out his doctoral research at the same institution before moving to the University of Salamanca, where he now pursues research linking nanomedicine and cancer therapy through international initiatives such as a USAL-MSCA COFUND project in cancer therapy. (produccioncientifica.usal.es)
Research Focus & Accomplishments
Valentín Nica’s research integrates advanced nanomaterials and biomedical applications:
- Magnetic nanoparticles and hyperthermia for cancer therapy — design and application of magnetoelectric and trimagnetic core-shell nanoparticles enabling inductive magnetic hyperthermia and controlled drug release for targeted cancer treatment, including breast and prostate cancer models. (smm27.polito.it)
- Multifunctional polymer- and ionic liquid-based materials for sensors, biomedical interfaces and environmental applications (e.g., hydrogels and cellulose functional composites). (orcid.org)
- Electrospun nanofibers and oxide nanocomposites for sensing and catalytic applications. (Google Scholar)
- Core-shell magnetic nanoparticles for theranostics (simultaneous therapy and diagnostics), including in vivo applications. (Google Scholar)
His multidisciplinary approach combines materials chemistry, surface functionalization and biomedical engineering to address pressing challenges in cancer treatment, biosensing and materials performance.
Publication Output & Citation Impact
According to Google Scholar and Scopus-indexed profiles:
- Number of publications: Dr. Nica has authored or co-authored 50+ publications indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar covering nanomaterials, magnetic nanoparticles, sensors, photocatalysis, hydrogels and functional composites. (Google Scholar)
- Citation impact: His work has been cited ~2,650+ times across databases, reflecting a broad influence in materials science and applied nanotechnology. (Google Scholar)
- Hirsch index (h-index): 29, indicating sustained high citation performance across his body of work. (Google Scholar)
- i10-index: 48, demonstrating a large number of papers with significant citation counts. (Google Scholar)
These metrics are robust and typical for researchers with high interdisciplinary impact spanning materials, sensors and biomedical science.
Most Cited & Representative Papers
Dr. Nica’s most cited and influential research — according to scholarly metrics — includes:
- Super-stretchable, self-healing, adhesive ionic conductive hydrogels for high-performance strain sensors (Advanced Functional Materials, 2022), cited >360 times. (Google Scholar)
- Microstructure, electrical and humidity sensor properties of electrospun NiO–SnO₂ nanofibers (Sensors and Actuators B, 2016), cited ~133 times. (Google Scholar)
- Photocatalytic degradation using ZnO–SnO₂ electrospun nanofibers (Ceramics International, 2016), cited ~123 times. (Google Scholar)
- Magnetic ferrite nanoparticles synthesized using ricin oil capping agent (Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 2012), cited ~119 times. (Google Scholar)
- NiFe₂O₄–PZT magnetoelectric composites obtained in situ (Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2012), cited ~104 times. (Google Scholar)
These papers span advanced functional materials, magnetic nanostructures and multifunctional composites — areas central to his research trajectory and widely recognized in international literature. (Google Scholar)
Books & Scholarly Chapters
While Dr. Nica’s primary dissemination channel is peer-reviewed journal articles, his contributions also appear in conference proceedings and collaborations that influence broader interdisciplinary fields (e.g., nanomedicine, polymer composites and catalytic materials). Specific book chapters or monographs under his name are not publicly cataloged in major academic databases at present.
International Cooperation & Projects
Dr. Nica is actively engaged in international research and collaborative projects:
- USAL-MSCA COFUND project in cancer therapy — a Marie Skłodowska-Curie action cofunded initiative at the University of Salamanca, integrating materials science and biomedical research. (produccioncientifica.usal.es)
- Soft Magnetic Materials Conference (SMM) participation with collaborators from Spain, Romania and Germany on magnetoelectric core–shell nanoparticles for targeted therapy. (smm27.polito.it)
- Co-authored works with international teams from China, Germany, Romania and beyond, reflecting global research networks in materials synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications. (orcid.org)
Such collaborations demonstrate a cross-continental research footprint, typical of researchers in advanced nanomaterials and biomedical engineering.
Academic Service & Mentorship
At the University of Salamanca, Dr. Nica:
- Contributes to interdisciplinary nanotechnology and biomedical engineering research groups, mentoring early-career researchers, students and doctoral candidates. (abiq.usal.es)
- Participates in scientific committees, peer review (across materials and chemistry journals) and international conferences, furthering scientific exchange and knowledge dissemination across fields.
Summary
Dr. Valentín Nica is a highly productive and widely cited scientist at the University of Salamanca, specializing in nanotechnology, magnetic nanoparticles and biomedical applications. With 50+ publications, an h-index of ~29 and thousands of citations, his work bridges materials science and nanomedicine, particularly in magnetic hyperthermia and advanced functional composites. He leads projects with international partners and contributes significantly to interdisciplinary research that connects materials design with biomedical impact. (produccioncientifica.usal.es)