Dr. Mahdi Karimi

Associated professor of Nanobiotechnology

Member, Cellular and molecular Research Center

(+98) 21-86704882

 Karimi.m@iums.ac.ir, m_karimy2006@yahoo.com

Research Areas: 

Gene Delivery, Drug Delivery, Biosensor, Smart Nanoparticles

Research Summary

Our laboratory operates at the intersection of biotechnology and materials science, with a primary focus on the development and application of smart nanomaterials for biomedical purposes. Our research is centered on designing advanced nanoparticles, including polymeric materials and carbon dots, for targeted drug and gene delivery with precise control over release rates. We aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects, particularly in challenging medical conditions.

In addition to drug delivery systems, we are developing biosensors to rapidly detect a broad range of infections, which could significantly improve health outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. A key area of our research also addresses the growing challenge of multi-drug resistance (MDR) by designing innovative smart polymers capable of overcoming this issue.

Moreover, we are leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize the development of smart materials for gene and drug delivery applications, paving the way for more efficient and personalized treatment strategies.

Our work is supported by international scientific collaborations and joint research projects with leading institutions, including Harvard Medical School and top universities in China, underscoring the global impact of our research efforts.

Biography

Dr. Mahdi Karimi holds a Bachelor's degree in Laboratory Sciences from Iran University of Medical Sciences (2005), a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (2008), and a Ph.D. in Nanobiotechnology from Tarbiat Modares University (2013). In 2012, he took a sabbatical at Harvard Medical School to further his research in nanomedicine.

Currently, Dr. Karimi is a faculty member at Iran University of Medical Sciences, where he serves as the Head of the Department of Nanomedicine. He has made significant contributions to the field, with an h-index of 37 and over 9,000 citations of his work. He holds a U.S. patent for antibacterial polymeric nanoparticles and is the CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of a knowledge-based company focused on gene delivery technologies. Dr. Karimi has developed and registered four gene delivery products to date.

His research has earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Most Cited Researcher in 2022 and 2023 by Web of Science
• Ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford/Elsevier (2019-2023)
• Recognized as an Outstanding Researcher with Influential Published Articles by the Iran Scientific Elite Federation (ISEF) for four consecutive years
• Selection for "Top 10 Hot Papers" in Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology (2016)
• Recognition as a Selected Research Faculty Member at Iran University of Medical Sciences (for 10 years)

Dr. Karimi’s work continues to push the boundaries of nanomedicine and biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on innovations in drug delivery infection diagnostics, and the fight against multi-drug resistance.