Simeon L. Minic

Simeon L. Minic serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, having progressed through academic ranks from Researcher-intern (2017) to his current position since 2023. His career trajectory reflects dedicated service within the same institution, including roles as Research Associate (2018-2021) and Senior Research Associate (2022).

Dr. Minic completed all academic training at the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry: Basic Academic Studies in Chemical Sciences (2008-2012), Master of Academic Studies (2012-2013), and Doctorate in Chemical Sciences (2013-2017). His educational foundation underpins his specialized research in bioactive compounds from algae and protein interactions.

His research program centers on bioactive chromopeptides from algae, protein-ligand interactions in food systems, protein stability under high pressure, and development of cell culture media. These interconnected themes drive innovation in sustainable food technologies, particularly for algae-based colorants, nutraceuticals, and cultured meat applications. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with practical food science challenges.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2015-2022) reveals consistent focus on phycobiliproteins from algae (particularly phycocyanobilin) and their interactions with dairy proteins (β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, α-lactalbumin). The research combines multi-spectroscopic techniques, molecular dynamics simulations, and functional property assessment to address stability, binding mechanisms, and applications in food coloring, fortification, and health. Emerging trends show increasing emphasis on sustainable food systems, including microplastic toxicity and cultured meat media development.

Dr. Minic's scientific recognition includes:

• First place in Montenegro's republican chemistry competition (2008)
• Đorđe Stefanović Diploma as top biochemistry student (2013)
• University of Belgrade Student Award (2013)
• Serbian Chemical Society Annual Award (2013)
• FEBS scholarships for international research (2015, 2022)

He teaches core biochemistry courses including Regulation of Biochemical Processes, Enzymology, and Biochemistry of Food and Nutrition. As principal investigator, he leads four major international projects: IMPTOX (Horizon 2020 microplastics study), PRESSION (algae protein fortification using high pressure), ALG2MEAT (algae extracts for cultured meat), and Pep4Meat (algae chromopeptides as serum replacement). These projects, funded by the European Commission, ANSO, Good Food Institute, and Serbian Science Fund, demonstrate significant research leadership.

His laboratory work operates within the Department of Biochemistry at Belgrade's Faculty of Chemistry, collaborating with international consortia. Dr. Minic actively contributes to the Serbian Chemical Society, Biochemical Society of Serbia, and Serbian Proteomics Association, maintaining strong professional networks in food biochemistry and protein science.