Zina Fredj

Prof. Zina Fredj

Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
31 January 2023 in Biosensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Zina FredjZina Fredj
Zina Fredj
Mohamad SawanMohamad Sawan
Mohamad Sawan
Catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, are considered one of the most crucial subgroups of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), in which they act at the brain’s highest levels of mental function and play key roles in neurological disorders. Accordingly, the analysis of such catecholamines in biological samples has shown a great interest in clinical and pharmaceutical importance toward the early diagnosis of neurological diseases such as Epilepsy, Parkinson, and Alzheimer diseases. As promising routes for the real-time monitoring of catecholamine neurotransmitters, optical and electrochemical biosensors have been widely adopted and perceived as a dramatically accelerating development in the last decade. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the recent advances and main challenges in catecholamines biosensors. Particular emphasis is given to electrochemical biosensors, reviewing their sensing mechanism and the unique characteristics brought by the emergence of nanotechnology. Based on specific biosensors’ performance metrics, multiple perspectives on the therapeutic use of nanomaterial for catecholamines analysis and future development trends are also summarized.

12 July 2023 in Chemosensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Zina FredjZina Fredj
Zina Fredj
BALJIT SINGHBALJIT SINGH
BALJIT SINGH
MBMohamed Bahri
Mohamed Bahri
PQPeiwu Qin
Peiwu Qin
Mohamad SawanMohamad Sawan
Mohamad Sawan
Neurotransmitters (NTs) play a crucial role in regulating the behavioral and physiological functions of the nervous system. Imbalances in the concentrations of NT have been directly linked to various neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s disease), in addition to multiple psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, the rapid and real-time monitoring of the NTs is of utmost importance in comprehending neurological functions and identifying disorders. Among different sensing techniques, electrochemical biosensors have garnered significant interest due to their ability to deliver fast results, compatibility for miniaturization and portability, high sensitivity, and good controllability. Furthermore, the utilization of enzymes as recognition elements in biosensing design has garnered renewed attention due to their unique advantages of catalytic biorecognition coupled with simultaneous signal amplification. This review paper primarily focuses on covering the recent advances in enzymatic electrochemical biosensors for the detection of NTs, encompassing the importance of electrochemical sensors, electrode materials, and electroanalytical techniques. Moreover, we shed light on the applications of enzyme-based biosensors for NTs detection in complex matrices and in vivo monitoring. Despite the numerous advantages of enzymatic biosensors, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, which are thoroughly discussed in this paper. Finally, this review also presents an outlook on future perspectives and opportunities for the development of enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors for NTs detection.

28 March 2025 in Biosensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Zina FredjZina Fredj
Zina Fredj
Guoguang RongGuoguang Rong
Guoguang Rong
Mohamad SawanMohamad Sawan
Mohamad Sawan
Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) have emerged as a transformative solution in the quest for sustainable energy, offering a biocatalyst-driven alternative for powering wearable and implantable self-powered biosensors. These systems harness renewable enzyme activity under mild conditions, positioning them as ideal candidates for next-generation biosensing applications. Despite their promise, their practical deployment is limited by challenges such as low power density, restricted operational lifespan, and miniaturization complexities. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of EBFC technology, beginning with fundamental principles and the latest developments in electron transfer mechanisms. A critical assessment of enzyme immobilization techniques, including physical adsorption, covalent binding, entrapment, and cross-linking, underscores the importance of optimizing enzyme stability and catalytic activity for enhanced bioelectrode performance. Additionally, we examine advanced bioelectrode materials, focusing on the role of nanostructures such as carbon-based nanomaterials, noble metals, conducting polymers, and metal–organic frameworks in improving electron transfer and boosting biosensor efficiency. Also, this review includes case studies of EBFCs in wearable self-powered biosensors, with particular attention to the real-time monitoring of neurotransmitters, glucose, lactate, and ethanol through sweat analysis, as well as their integration into implantable devices for continuous healthcare monitoring. Moreover, a dedicated discussion on challenges and trends highlights key limitations, including durability, power management, and scalability, while presenting innovative approaches to address these barriers. By addressing both technical and biological constraints, EBFCs hold the potential to revolutionize biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring, paving the way for highly efficient, autonomous biosensing platforms.

16 May 2024 in ACS Applied Nano Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MBMohamed Bahri
Mohamed Bahri
Zina FredjZina Fredj
Zina Fredj
PQPeiwu Qin
Peiwu Qin
MSMohamad Sawan
Mohamad Sawan

5 June 2025 in Nanomaterials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FUFateh Ullah
Fateh Ullah
Zina FredjZina Fredj
Zina Fredj
Mohamad SawanMohamad Sawan
Mohamad Sawan
Perovskite quantum dots (PVK QDs) are gaining significant attention as potential materials for next-generation memory devices leveraged by their ion dynamics, quantum confinement, optoelectronic synergy, bandgap tunability, and solution-processable fabrication. In this review paper, we explore the fundamental characteristics of organic/inorganic halide PVK QDs and their role in resistive switching memory architectures. We provide an overview of halide PVK QDs synthesis techniques, switching mechanisms, and recent advancements in memristive applications. Special emphasis is placed on the ionic migration and charge trapping phenomena governing resistive switching, along with the prospects of photonic memory devices that leverage the intrinsic photosensitivity of PVK QDs. Despite their advantages, challenges such as stability, scalability, and environmental concerns remain critical hurdles. We conclude this review with insights into potential strategies for enhancing the reliability and commercial viability of PVK QD-based memory technologies.

9 August 2025 in Chemosensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MJMilaine Jebali
Milaine Jebali
Zina FredjZina Fredj
Zina Fredj
SDSameh Daboussi
Sameh Daboussi
MAMounir Ben Ali
Mounir Ben Ali
MHMohamed Hassen
Mohamed Hassen
This study reports the development of a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for phosphate ion detection, utilizing silicon nanowires (SiNWs) as the transducing elements and a novel copper (II) phthalocyanine-acrylate polymer adduct (Cu (II) Pc-PAA) as the functional sensing layer. Silicon nanowires were fabricated via metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) with etching durations of 15, 25, 35, 45, and 60 min. The SiNWs etched for 15 min exhibited the highest sensitivity, showing superior electrochemical performance. Functionalized SiNWs were systematically evaluated for phosphate ion (HPO42−) detection over a wide concentration range (10−10 to 10−6 M) using Mott–Schottky measurements. The surface morphology of the SiNWs was thoroughly characterized before and after Cu (II) Pc-PAA layer functionalization. The sensing material was analyzed using contact angle goniometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming both its uniform distribution and effective immobilization. The sensor displayed a Nernstian behavior with a sensitivity of 28.25 mV/Decade and an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.5 nM. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor exhibited remarkable selectivity toward phosphate ions, even in the presence of potentially interfering anions such as Cl−, NO3−, SO42− and ClO4−. These results confirm the sensor’s high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response, underscoring its suitability for environmental phosphate ion monitoring.