Samia ELOUALI

@smpc.be

University of Mons (UMONS) - Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM), Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Bio-Resources, Environment and Materials, Higher Normal School, Cadi Ayyad University, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco

https://researchid.co/eloualisamia

EDUCATION

-Since September 2022: PhD Student; Research focus: “Exploring the potential of chitin derivatives within a circular economy framework”.
University of Mons, Mons, Belgium & Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
*Part of the ARES-funded PRD project: Revitalization of Moroccan Aquaculture through the Valorization of Natural Resources Derived from Arthropods.

-2020-2022: Master’s Degree in Life and Earth Sciences (MSE-SVT)
Higher Normal School, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

-2019-2020: Scientific and Technical Bachelor's Degree, specializing in Applied Geology for Mineral Resources (LST-GARM)
Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

-2017-2019:
University Diploma in Scientific and Technical Studies, specializing in Biology-Chemistry-Geology (DEUST-BCG)
Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Multidisciplinary, Materials Science, Process Chemistry and Technology, Environmental Science

Scopus Publications

Scholar Citations

Scholar h-index

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

Reducing the Toxicity of Heavy Metals and Metalloids on Grain Crops by Breeding: Current Achievements on Conventional and Molecular Breeding Approaches
Fatima El Amerany, Samia Elouali, Youssef Ait Hamdan, Iman Janah, and Mohammed Rhazi
CRC Press

Extraction of chitin and chitosan from Hermetia illucens breeding waste: A greener approach for industrial application
Samia Elouali, Youssef Ait Hamdan, Samira Benali, Patrick Lhomme, Matthias Gosselin, Jean-Marie Raquez, and Mohammed Rhazi
Elsevier BV

Exploring the potential use of chitosan derived from Hermetia illucens waste for olive oil mill wastewater treatment
Samia Elouali, Oumaima Dahbane, Youssef Ait Hamdan, Nadia Eladlani, and Mohammed Rhazi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Green chitosan extraction from Hermetia illucens breeding waste (prepupal cases): Characterization and bioadsorption activity
Samia Elouali, Youssef Ait Hamdan, Moncef Belmajdoub, and Mohammed Rhazi
Elsevier BV

A review of chitosan polysaccharides: Neuropharmacological implications and tissue regeneration
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Bilal El-Mansoury, Samia Elouali, Khawla Rachmoune, Anass Belbachir, Hassane Oudadesse, and Mohammed Rhazi
Elsevier BV

Exploring the potential of chitosan from royal shrimp waste for elaboration of chitosan/bioglass biocomposite: Characterization and “in vitro” bioactivity
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Hassane Oudadesse, Samia Elouali, Nadia Eladlani, Bertrand Lefeuvre, and Mohammed Rhazi
Elsevier BV

Exploring the potential of chitosan/aragonite biocomposite derived from cuttlebone waste: Elaboration, physicochemical properties and in vitro bioactivity
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Samia Elouali, Hassane Oudadesse, Bertrand Lefeuvre, and Mohammed Rhazi
Elsevier BV

Chitosan from Periplaneta americana L.: a sustainable solution for heavy metals removal
Samia Elouali, Hicham Ait Ali Ouydir, Youssef Ait Hamdan, Nadia Eladlani, and Mohammed Rhazi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Chitosan polysaccharides: Modulation of neuroinflammation
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Hassane Oudadesse, Samia Elouali, Kamal Smimih, Hafida El Ghachi, Ayieton Jeraude Stive David Gnimassoun, Ramadane Abakar Ramdane, Nadia Eladlani, and Mohammed Rhazi
IGI Global
Neuroinflammation is a complex, well-orchestrated process involving various groups of CNS glial cells and immune cells. Glial cells play a remarkable structural and functional role in the nervous system compared to neurons. However, neuroinflammation at the central level is a key player in various neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and CNS lesions. Therapeutic approaches to combat human neurodegenerative diseases must therefore restore neuronal and glial cell function. Natural resources are a source of potential therapeutic molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, chitosan and its derivatives from arthropod exoskeletons are endowed with powerful anti-neuroinflammatory properties, as well as the ability to transport therapeutic substances across the BBB. This chapter discusses possible therapeutic options, the mechanism and role of chitosan in alleviating neuroinflammation at the central level, and the resulting diseases, in particular glial cell disorders.

Chitosan-based biomaterials for tissue engineering of glial cells
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Hassane Oudadesse, Laadraoui Jawad, Kamal Smimih, Hamid Kabdy, Samia Elouali, Nadia Eladlani, and Mohammed Rhazi
IGI Global
Glial cells play a remarkable structural and functional role in the nervous system compared to neurons. However, damage to glial cells leads to degeneration and the onset of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. It is well known that the central nervous system (CNS) has a limited capacity for tissue regeneration. The use of chitosan-based biomaterials has emerged as a potential alternative solution to overcome these limitations. Interest in these biomaterials for CNS biomedical implementation has increased due to their ability to cross the BBB, their mucoadherence, and especially their hydrogel-forming capacity. In addition, their ability to form porous scaffolds and to carry cells and biomolecules has offered a means of achieving glial cell regeneration. Thus, this chapter aims to bring together recent work that highlights the potential of chitosan-based biomaterials suitable for glial cell tissue engineering.

Investigation of potential neuroprotective role of chitosan-based biomaterials and their derivatives by targeting glial cells
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Mohammed Rhazi, Hamid Kabdy, Abdelali Benmaloui, Samia Elouali, Jawad Laadraoui, Zainab Haidar Ahmad, Nadia Eladlani, and Hassane Oudadesse
IGI Global
Glial cells, although often overlooked in comparison with neurons, play a crucial role in the structure and function of the nervous system. Their loss can lead to impairment of functions such as learning and memory, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. To combat these diseases effectively, therapeutic strategies must restore the function of neuronal and glial cells. Natural resources offer promising therapeutic molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Chitosan (CTS), chitooligosaccharide (COS) and their derivatives from arthropod exoskeletons have attracted the attention of neuroscientists because of their neuroprotective effects and their ability to transport therapeutic substances across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This chapter explores the role of natural resources in the fight against neuronal diseases.

Investigation on Akis granulifera (Coleoptera, Sahlberg, 1823) as a potential source of chitin and chitosan: Extraction, characterization and hydrogel formation
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Samia Elouali, Nadia Eladlani, Bertrand Lefeuvre, Hassane Oudadesse, and Mohammed Rhazi
Elsevier BV

The interplay between environmental pollutants, gut microbiota, and infections: Current concepts and therapies
Bilal El-Mansoury, Kamal Smimih, Youssef Ait Hamdan, Abdelaati El Khiat, Samia Elouali, Hanane El Fatimi, Ahmed Draoui, Omar El Hiba, and Arumugam Radhakrishnan Jayakumar
IGI Global
Environmental pollutants (EPs) have become an increasingly common health hazard. Several studies have sustained the impact of these EPs on human gut microbiota (GM). The human GM is made up of thousands of microbes that play a paramount role to maintain hosts' health by providing many physiological functions, as well as protecting the host from pathogens and aggressions. Considering the crucial role that the host's GM plays in maintaining health, its disruption (gut dysbiosis) by the EPs can increase extraordinary the risk of infections and lead to the development of several conditions. Therefore, interventions aimed to restore the gut microbial population are of great interest. This chapter examines the intricate relationship between EPs and GM, highlighting the profound impact of EPs on human health including the development of infections. Additionally, this chapter discusses the potential role of probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT in mitigating the detrimental effects of EPs on GM.

Chitosan and its derivatives as potential neuro-protective agents for the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Youssef Ait Hamdan, Samia Elouali, Abdelali Ben Maloui, Bilal El-Mansoury, Hassane Oudadesse, and Mohammed Rhazi
IGI Global
Although Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder, it faces a lack of credible medications, treatments, and diagnostics. Many current conventional substances are designed as anti-Parkinson's drugs, but their poor brain transfer across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and bioavailability are a problem. Recently, chitosan (CTS) and its derivatives from arthropod exoskeletons have attracted much attention because of their neuroprotective effects and their ability to transport therapeutic substances across the BBB. CTS and its derivatives have the ability to inhibit apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In addition to these properties, CTS nanoparticles constitute a system for the controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules across the BBB. This chapter will focus on the neuroprotective effects of CTS and its derivatives and their applications in the delivery of certain therapeutic substances.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Extraction of chitin and chitosan from Hermetia illucens breeding waste: A greener approach for industrial application
S Elouali, YA Hamdan, S Benali, P Lhomme, M Gosselin, JM Raquez, ...
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 285, 138302 2025

Green chitosan extraction from Hermetia illucens breeding waste (prepupal cases): Characterization and bioadsorption activity
S Elouali, YA Hamdan, M Belmajdoub, M Rhazi
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 281, 136449 2024

Exploring the potential of chitosan from royal shrimp waste for elaboration of chitosan/bioglass biocomposite: Characterization and “in vitro” bioactivity
YA Hamdan, H Oudadesse, S Elouali, N Eladlani, B Lefeuvre, M Rhazi
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 278, 134909 2024

Chitosan from Periplaneta americana L.: a sustainable solution for heavy metals removal
S Elouali, H Ait Ali Ouydir, Y Ait Hamdan, N Eladlani, M Rhazi
Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration, 1-12 2024

A review of chitosan polysaccharides: Neuropharmacological implications and tissue regeneration
YA Hamdan, B El-Mansoury, S Elouali, K Rachmoune, A Belbachir, ...
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 135356 2024

Exploring the potential use of chitosan derived from Hermetia illucens waste for olive oil mill wastewater treatment
S Elouali, O Dahbane, Y Ait Hamdan, N Eladlani, M Rhazi
Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration, 1-13 2024

Exploring the potential of chitosan/aragonite biocomposite derived from cuttlebone waste: elaboration, physicochemical properties and in vitro bioactivity
YA Hamdan, S Elouali, H Oudadesse, B Lefeuvre, M Rhazi
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 267, 131554 2024

Chitosan Polysaccharides: Modulation of Neuroinflammation
YA Hamdan, H Oudadesse, S Elouali, K Smimih, H El Ghachi, ...
Physiology and Function of Glial Cells in Health and Disease, 400-415 2024

Investigation of potential neuroprotective role of chitosan-based biomaterials and their derivatives by targeting glial cells
YA Hamdan, M Rhazi, H Kabdy, A Benmaloui, S Elouali, J Laadraoui, ...
Physiology and Function of Glial Cells in Health and Disease, 375-399 2024

Chitosan-based biomaterials for tissue engineering of glial cells
YA Hamdan, H Oudadesse, L Jawad, K Smimih, H Kabdy, S Elouali, ...
Physiology and Function of Glial Cells in Health and Disease, 416-441 2024

Investigation on Akis granulifera (Coleoptera, Sahlberg, 1823) as a potential source of chitin and chitosan: Extraction, characterization and hydrogel formation
YA Hamdan, S Elouali, N Eladlani, B Lefeuvre, H Oudadesse, M Rhazi
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 252, 126292 2023

The Interplay Between Environmental Pollutants, Gut Microbiota, and Infections: Current Concepts and Therapies
B El-Mansoury, K Smimih, YA Hamdan, A El Khiat, S Elouali, H El Fatimi, ...
Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives on Infections and Morbidity, 173-207 2023

Chitosan and Its Derivatives as Potential Neuro-Protective Agents for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
YA Hamdan, S Elouali, AB Maloui, B El-Mansoury, H Oudadesse, ...
Experimental and Clinical Evidence of the Neuropathology of Parkinson’s 2023

Reducing the Toxicity of Heavy Metals and Metalloids on Grain Crops by Breeding: Current Achievements on Conventional and Molecular Breeding Approaches
F El Amerany, S Elouali, YA Hamdan, I Janah, M Rhazi
Plant Stress Tolerance, 327-342

327 Reducing the Toxicity of Heavy Metals and Metalloids on Grain Crops by Breeding: Current Achievements on Conventional and Molecular Breeding Approaches
FE Amerany, S Elouali, YA Hamdan, I Janah, M Rhazi
Plant Stress Tolerance: Molecular Mechanisms and Breeding Strategies, 327-342

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Chitosan Polysaccharides: Modulation of Neuroinflammation
YA Hamdan, H Oudadesse, S Elouali, K Smimih, H El Ghachi, ...
Physiology and Function of Glial Cells in Health and Disease, 400-415 2024
Citations: 2

RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)

-Green extraction of natural polysaccharides (-i.e, chitin, chitosan)
-Heavy metals bioadsorption
-Wastewater treatment
-Biomass/Arthropods valorization

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Technical Advisor & Head of R&D Team
SGW-Shrimp Green Water (Morocco) | August 2022 – September 2024:

-Extraction and valorization of chitin and chitosan from aquaculture byproducts, focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable processes.
-Development of bio-treatment methods for wastewater, utilizing biopolymers and bio-adsorbents.
-Experience in physicochemical characterization (FTIR, XRD, NMR, TGA, DSC, SAA, ICP, potentiometry) and process optimization through experimental and analytical approaches.
-Conducting applied research in green chemistry and biotechnology, addressing sustainability and circular economy challenges.
-Managing an R&D team, coordinating scientific projects, and collaborating with academic and industrial partners.