Dr. Yan Cheng is a dedicated Associate Researcher at Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), working in the Shandong Analysis and Test Center. With a strong foundation in physical chemistry, she specializes in green chemistry approaches, particularly in the extraction of bioactive compounds using deep eutectic solvents (DES). Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a visiting scholar position at East Carolina University in the USA. Dr. Cheng’s work emphasizes sustainable solvent systems, thermodynamics, and molecular interactions . With extensive publications in high-impact journals and successful grants from national and provincial foundations, she continues to contribute significantly to green analytical chemistry. Her commitment to innovation and scientific excellence reflects in her growing recognition in the Chinese and global research community.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓📚
Yan Cheng began her academic career at Qufu Normal University, earning her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Technology in 2003. She then pursued her M.S. in Physical Chemistry under the mentorship of Prof. Jinmao You, graduating in 2006. Driven by a passion for chemical research, she completed her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2010 under the renowned Academician Buxing Han. Her Ph.D. research laid a strong foundation for her work in green solvent systems. In 2019, she expanded her international exposure as a visiting scholar at East Carolina University, USA, working with Prof. Frank Yang on advanced extraction mechanisms and thermodynamic modeling. This diverse educational background has equipped her with comprehensive expertise in chemical extraction, solvent dynamics, and sustainable materials chemistry.
Professional Experience 🧑🏫💼
Dr. Yan Cheng is currently an Associate Researcher at the Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences). Her professional journey blends academic excellence with applied research in the areas of physical chemistry and analytical sciences. She has actively led multiple national and provincial research projects focusing on deep eutectic solvents, subcritical water extraction, and green technologies. Notably, she has played a critical role in collaborative studies involving ultrasonic-assisted extraction and thermodynamic modeling of solvent systems. With several publications as first or corresponding author in high-impact journals, she is well-regarded for her expertise in optimizing extraction techniques and developing eco-friendly chemical processes. Dr. Cheng’s career reflects a blend of innovation, interdisciplinary research, and scientific leadership in chemical analysis and sustainable solvent science.
Research Interest 🔬📈
Dr. Cheng’s research centers on green chemistry, particularly the extraction of bioactive compounds from herbal materials using deep eutectic solvents (DES). She explores molecular interactions like hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking to optimize solvent systems for efficient, eco-friendly extraction. Her work also delves into subcritical water and supercritical CO₂ fluid systems, investigating their thermodynamics and kinetics in natural product extraction. She is especially interested in the solvation behavior of natural molecules, refractive index behaviors of DES, and the mechanism-driven design of solvent systems for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Through ultrasonic and hot-water extraction methods, she develops innovative, scalable processes that minimize environmental impact. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, material science, and pharmaceutical engineering, making significant strides in sustainable and functional material development.
Awards
Dr. Yan Cheng has received multiple prestigious research grants and accolades in recognition of her scientific contributions. She was honored with the Shandong Provincial Award for Young and Middle-Aged Scientists for her research on green solvent-based extraction methods. She is also the recipient of several funded projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Shandong Key R&D Program, supporting her work in thermodynamic analysis and herbal extraction techniques. These competitive grants underscore her excellence in scientific innovation and her commitment to sustainable chemistry research. Her project on the one-step mixed fermentation of vitamin C secured significant funding (¥1.5 million), highlighting her ability to lead major technological innovation projects . Her achievements reflect her status as a rising leader in analytical and green chemistry, both in China and internationally.
Publications Top Noted
A Novel Supramolecular Salt of Hypoxanthine with Maleic Acid as a Potential Weight-Loss Drug
Authors: Not listed in preview
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Efficient Ultrasonic Extraction of Alkaloids and Glycosides from Camptotheca acuminata Decne via Deep Eutectic Solvents: Kinetics and Mechanisms
Authors: Wu, F.-Y.; Cheng, Y.; Yuan, X.-Y.; Sun, Q.-L.; Xue, F.-M.
Year: 2025
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Citations: 1
Effects of Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems on the Extraction of Antioxidant Components from Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Hulls
Authors: Cheng, Y.; Zhao, H.; Zheng, Y.; Cui, L.; Zhang, Z.; Hussain, H.; Sun, N.; Li, J.; Luan, J.; Zou, Y.; Wei, D.; Park, J.; Wang, D.*
Year: 2024
Journal: LWT – Food Science and Technology
Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Peanut Leaves and Stems Using Deep Eutectic Solvents: Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Cheng, Y.; Zhao, H.; Cui, L.; Hussain, H.; Nadolnik, L.; Zhang, Z.; Zhao, Y.; Qin, X.; Li, J.; Park, J. H.; Wang, D.*
Year: 2024
Journal: Food Chemistry
Citations: 48
Conclusion 🌟🎯
Dr. Yan Cheng is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, with notable strengths in sustainable extraction chemistry, interdisciplinary application, and a consistent record of impactful publications and funded research. Enhancing his professional visibility through leadership roles and broader dissemination would further cement his status as a global research leader.