Mostafa Elshobary

Mostafa Elshobary is an associate Professor of Phycology and a postdoc fellow at Jiangsu University, China. He has nearly 17 years of experience in research and teaching in the field of phycology and its applications. He received his PhD in Phycology from Tanta University (Egypt) and Manitoba University (Canada) as a sandwich program His research direction is microbial Biotechnology, algal biofuels (including biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and biohydrogen), biomass conversion, wastewater bioremediation, waste recycling for circular economy and microalgal cultivation. Notably, Dr. Elshobary has authored more than 28 manuscripts and 5 Book chapters. He also serves as an editorial member and reviewer for several international Journals.

EDUCATION

1. 8/2015: PhD in Phycology Biological science department, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Canada & Botany Department, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt. (Sandwich Program) "Molecular basis of the effects of algal carbohydrates on polyketides biosynthesis in lichen
2. 6/2010: M.Sc. in Phycology Botany Department, Microbiology Section, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt. "Antimicrobial activities of some seaweeds collected from Alexandria coast"
3. 6/2005: B.Sc. in Microbiology Botany Department, and Microbiology Section, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt. (Excellent with honor)

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Microbiology

Scopus Publications

Advances and prospects of closed-loop precision irrigation for synergistic water-salt-phosphorus regulation in saline-alkali soils
Lei Huang, Shuke Zheng, Mostafa Elshobary, Teng Li, Wei Liu, et al.
Agricultural Water Management, 2026
Enhanced biological desalination by Arthrospira platensis: Role of extracellular polymeric substances in ion adsorption and salt removal
Mostafa E. Elshobary, Roham Sanjari, Sten Littmann, Joachim Henjes, Stephan SW. Ende
Journal of Environmental Management, 2026
Nature's Cleanup Crew: Algal–Bacterial Partnerships in Heavy Metal-Polluted Waters
Asra Fadaeipour, Noreen Ashraf, Ammad Abbas, Assemgul K. Sadvakasova, Mostafa E. Elshobary, et al.
Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2026
Evaluation of NPK Fertilizer and BG-11 Medium for the Growth and Biochemical Responses of Dictyosphaerium sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Mai M. Hamoud, Reda M. Moghazy, Mostafa E. Elshobary
Egyptian Journal of Botany, 2026
Zero-waste biotechnological approach: bioremediation of oxytetracycline and congo red using Chlorella vulgaris biomass with subsequent biodiesel recovery
Alaa Elmesery, Rehab Mahmoud, Heba A. Younes, Amal Zaher, Sarah I. Othman, et al.
3 Biotech, 2026
Comparative Phycoremediation Performance of Two Green Microalgal Strains Under Four Biomass Conditions for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Reda M. Moghazy, Mai M. Hamoud, Mostafa E. Elshobary
Phycology, 2025
This study uses industrial wastewater from an aluminum factory to evaluate the phycoremediation efficiency of two green microalgal strains, Dictyosphaerium sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus. The industrial wastewater contained high levels of pollutants, including COD, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metal ions (Al3+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cd2+). Four biomass conditions were tested: free-living cells (active living cells), immobilized cells (entrapped within alginate), dried biomass (non-living dried cells), and acid-treated dried biomass (chemically modified for enhanced adsorption). Both strains demonstrated significant pollutant removal, with living biomass (free and immobilized) achieving the highest nutrient and organic pollutant removal, and non-living biomass (dried and acid-treated) being more efficient for rapid heavy metal removal. Tetradesmus obliquus showed superior performance across most parameters, while Dictyosphaerium sp. exhibited the highest aluminum removal (99.4%, reducing Al from 481.2 mg/L to 10.2 mg/L). These findings highlight the potential of microalgae-based approaches and support species-specific strategies for cost-effective and sustainable phycoremediation of industrial wastewater.
Improvement of salt tolerance in Vicia faba (L.) seedlings: a comprehensive investigation of the effects of exogenous calcium chloride
Walaa A. Abo-Shanab, Mostafa E. Elshobary, Anna Czubacka, Rana H. Diab
BMC Plant Biology, 2025
Optimizing Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultivation: integrated strategies for enhancing biomass, lipid, and fucoxanthin production
Mostafa E. Elshobary, Walaa A. Abo-Shanab, Stephan S. W. Ende, Mohammed Alquraishi, Rania A. El-Shenody
Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, 2025
Background Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a versatile marine microalga renowned for its high-value metabolite production, including omega-3 fatty acids and fucoxanthin, with emerging potential for integrated biorefinery approaches that encompass biofuel and bioproduct generation. Therefore, in this study we aimed to optimize the cultivation conditions for boosting biomass, lipid, and fucoxanthin production in P. tricornutum, focusing on the impacts of different nutrient ratios (nitrogen, phosphorus, silicate), glycerol supplementation, and light regimes. Results Optimized medium (− 50%N%, + 50% P, Zero-Si, 2 g glycerol) under low-intensity blue light (100 μmol m⁻2 s⁻1) improved biomass to 1.6 g L⁻1, with lipid productivity reaching 539.25 mg g⁻1, while fucoxanthin increased to 20.44 mg g−1. Total saturated fatty acid (ΣSFA) content in the optimized culture increased approximately 2.4-fold compared to the control F/2 medium. This change in fatty acid composition led to improved biodiesel properties, including a higher cetane number (59.18 vs. 56.04) and lower iodine value (53.96 vs 88.99 g I2/100 g oil). The optimized conditions also altered the biodiesel characteristics, such as kinematic viscosity, cloud point, and higher heating value. Conclusion Our optimization approach reveals the significant potential of P. tricornutum as a versatile microbial platform for biomass, lipid, and fucoxanthin production. The tailored cultivation strategy successfully enhanced biomass and lipid accumulation, with notable improvements in biodiesel properties through strategic nutrient and light regime manipulation. These findings demonstrate the critical role of precise cultivation conditions in optimizing microalgal metabolic performance for biotechnological applications.
N-modulated algal-bacterial symbiosis: Dual detoxification and bioproduction enhancement from acid-lignocellulosic pretreatment wastewater
Huiying Wang, Wei Qi, Wen Wang, Mostafa Elshobary, Pingzhong Feng, et al.
Bioresource Technology, 2025
Therapeutic Evaluation of Alginate from Brown Seaweeds: A Comparative Study of Turbinaria ornata and Hormophysa cuneiformis
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Eman Bases, Shimaa M. El Shafay, Rania A. El-Shenody, Mostafa E. Elshobary, et al.
Pharmaceuticals, 2025
Background: Alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polysaccharide extracted from brown marine algae and widely explored for biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and functional versatility. This study aims to extract and compare alginates from two Red Sea brown algae, Turbinaria ornata (TA) and Hormophysa cuneiformis (HA), and to evaluate how structural differences influence their therapeutic properties. Methods: Alginate was isolated by sequential acid–alkaline extraction and characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA, elemental analysis, and HPLC. Biological activities were assessed through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective assays, supported by molecular docking and gene ontology interaction analysis. Results: Distinct physicochemical variations were observed between HA and TA. TA exhibited stronger antioxidant (IC50 = 25.89 µg/mL), anti-inflammatory (COX-1 IC50 = 69.61 µg/mL), antidiabetic (α-amylase IC50 = 45.14 µg/mL), and hepatoprotective activities (IC50 = 118.21 µg/mL), whereas HA displayed superior neuroprotective potential through butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (IC50 = 39.01 µg/mL). Molecular docking supported the in vitro findings by confirming interactions with key protein targets associated with oxidative stress and metabolic pathways. Conclusions: Structural variation between species-derived alginates directly impacts their biological activities. TA represents a promising candidate for metabolic and anti-inflammatory therapies, while HA may be more suitable for neuroprotective interventions. These results emphasize the importance of source-specific alginate selection for developing targeted pharmaceutical applications.
Phytochemical Profiling and GC-MS-Based Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Egyptian Coastal Seaweeds
Mona Mohamed Ismail, Mostafa Elshobary, Ahmed El Newehy, Saly Gheda
Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 2025
Fucoidan-Based Gold Nanoparticles: Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential from Turbinaria decurrens and Sargassum cinereum
Ahmed S. El Newehy, Saly F. Gheda, Mona M. Ismail, Dara Aldisi, Mahmoud M. A. Abulmeaty, et al.
Pharmaceutics, 2025
Unleashing the power of microalgae: a pioneering path to sustainability and achieving the sustainable development goals
Shimaa Hosny, Mostafa E. Elshobary, Mostafa M. El-Sheekh
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2025
Phycoremediation of dairy industry wastewater using Chlorella sorokiniana: a cost-effective strategy for biodiesel production
Moamen Saeed Talha, Mostafa E. Elshobary, Hanan M. Khairy, Ahmed E. Alprol
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2025
Microalgal mixotrophic cultivation enhances lignocellulosic pretreatment wastewater utilization: Inhibitors detoxification process and C5/C6 sugar high-value conversion
Huiying Wang, Lei Qin, Wei Qi, Mostafa Elshobary, Wen Wang, et al.
Algal Research, 2025
Co-firing of sewage sludge and microalgae blends as solid fuel additives for industrial burners
Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Abdelhamed M. Elkbash, Abd El-Raheem R. El-Shanshoury, Medhat ElKelawy, Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, et al.
Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 2025
Combating Antibiotic Resistance: Mechanisms, Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens, and Novel Therapeutic Approaches: An Updated Review
Mostafa E. Elshobary, Nadia K. Badawy, Yara Ashraf, Asmaa A. Zatioun, Hagar H. Masriya, et al.
Pharmaceuticals, 2025
Synergistic microalgal cocultivation: Boosting flocculation, biomass production, and fatty acids profile of Nannochloropsis oculata and Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Mostafa E. Elshobary, Reham Ebaid, Mohammed Alquraishi, Stephan S.W. Ende
Biomass and Bioenergy, 2025
Unraveling the physiological and ultrastructural responses of wheat to combat cobalt stress and the protective role of Jania rubens related to antioxidant defense and cellular integrity
Gehad A. Ragab, Afaf A. Nessem, Mostafa E. Elshobary, Joachim Henjes, Esraa O. Razzaky
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025
A Novel Coelastrella tenuitheca Isolate Enhances Growth, Immunity, and Gene Expression in Whiteleg Shrimp
Mohamed Ashour, Fawzia S. Ali, Ahmed Mamoon, Mohamed M. Mabrouk, Ahmed I. A. Mansour, et al.
Aquaculture Nutrition, 2025
Cyanobacteria Desertifilum tharense NIOF17/006 as a novel aquafeed additive: effect on the growth, immunity, digestive function, and gene expression of whiteleg shrimp postlarvae
Mohamed Ashour, Ahmed Said Al-Souti, Ahmed Mamoon, Fawzia S. Ali, Mostafa E. Elshobary, et al.
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2025
Regulation of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Conversion by Cyanobacteria and Its Importance in Saline-Alkali Soil
Mostafa Elshobary, Gehan A. Ismail, Khalil Saad Allah, Amr Keshta, Rania El-Shenody, et al.
Plant Microbe Interactions for Environmental and Agricultural Sustainability, 2025
Harnessing the power of Neobacillus niacini AUMC-B524 for silver oxide nanoparticle synthesis: optimization, characterization, and bioactivity exploration
Shimaa H. El-Sapagh, Nessma A. El-Zawawy, Mostafa E. Elshobary, Mohammed Alquraishi, Hossain M. Zabed, et al.
Microbial Cell Factories, 2024
Impact of the NH4+/NO3− ratio on growth of oil-rich filamentous microalgae Tribonema minus in simulated nitrogen-rich wastewater
Peixia Liang, Huiying Wang, Xinjuan Hu, Mostafa Elshobary, Yi Cui, et al.
Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2024
Enhancing detoxification of inhibitors in lignocellulosic pretreatment wastewater by bacterial Action: A pathway to improved biomass utilization
Huiying Wang, Shunni Zhu, Mostafa Elshobary, Wei Qi, Wen Wang, et al.
Bioresource Technology, 2024

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Evaluation of NPK Fertilizer and BG-11 Medium for the Growth and Biochemical Responses of Dictyosphaerium sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus
MM El-Sheekh, MM Hamoud, RM Moghazy, ME Elshobary
Egyptian Journal of Botany 66 (2), 205-220 , 2026
2026
Citations: 1
Advances and prospects of closed-loop precision irrigation for synergistic water-salt-phosphorus regulation in saline-alkali soils
L Huang, S Zheng, M Elshobary, T Li, W Liu, X Xu, X Hu, F Zhu, ...
Agricultural Water Management 325, 110187 , 2026
2026
Citations: 2
Enhanced biological desalination by Arthrospira platensis: Role of extracellular polymeric substances in ion adsorption and salt removal
ME Elshobary, R Sanjari, S Littmann, J Henjes, SSW Ende
Journal of Environmental Management 401, 128936 , 2026
2026
Citations: 1
Zero-waste biotechnological approach: bioremediation of oxytetracycline and congo red using Chlorella vulgaris biomass with subsequent biodiesel recovery
A Elmesery, R Mahmoud, HA Younes, A Zaher, SI Othman, AA Allam, ...
3 Biotech 16 (1), 53 , 2026
2026
Nature’s Cleanup Crew: Algal–Bacterial Partnerships in Heavy Metal-Polluted Waters
A Fadaeipour, N Ashraf, A Abbas, AK Sadvakasova, ME Elshobary, ...
Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 100957 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Therapeutic Evaluation of Alginate from Brown Seaweeds: A Comparative Study of Turbinaria ornata and Hormophysa cuneiformis
MM El-Sheekh, E Bases, SM El Shafay, RA El-Shenody, ME Elshobary, ...
Pharmaceuticals 18 (11), 1720 , 2025
2025
Comparative Phycoremediation Performance of Two Green Microalgal Strains Under Four Biomass Conditions for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
MM El-Sheekh, RM Moghazy, MM Hamoud, ME Elshobary
Phycology 5 (4), 53 , 2025
2025
Citations: 4
Circular Bioeconomy-: Integrating Biotechnology and Sustainability for a Greener Planet
A Abomohra, M Elshobary, D Hanelt
BoD–Books on Demand , 2025
2025
Introductory Chapter: Advancing Sustainable Development through Circular Bioeconomy
M Elshobary, A Abomohra, D Hanelt
Circular Bioeconomy-Integrating Biotechnology and Sustainability for a … , 2025
2025
From Wastes to Resources: Sustainable Applications of Agro-Industrial Byproducts for a Greener Future
EY Mohammady, M Elshobary, M Ashour
Circular Bioeconomy-Integrating Biotechnology and Sustainability for a … , 2025
2025
Citations: 2
Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Egyptian Coastal Seaweeds
MM Ismail, M Elshobary, A El Newehy, S Gheda
Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries 29 (5), 707-727 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Microplastics Dynamics: Unveiling Sources, Sinks, and Removal Strategies for Mitigating Environmental Contamination
AE Keshta, A Gamal, M Soryal, P Hana, BZ Albogami, M Elshobary
Circular Bioeconomy-Integrating Biotechnology and Sustainability for a … , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
N-modulated algal-bacterial symbiosis: Dual detoxification and bioproduction enhancement from acid-lignocellulosic pretreatment wastewater
H Wang, W Qi, W Wang, M Elshobary, P Feng, S Zhu, Z Wang, L Qin
Bioresource Technology, 132978 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Regulation of phosphorus and nitrogen conversion by cyanobacteria and its importance in saline-alkali soil
M Elshobary, GA Ismail, KS Allah, A Keshta, R El-Shenody, AA Saber, ...
Plant-Microbe Interactions for Environmental and Agricultural Sustainability … , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
Unraveling the physiological and ultrastructural responses of wheat to combat cobalt stress and the protective role of Jania rubens related to antioxidant defense …
GA Ragab, AA Nessem, ME Elshobary, J Henjes, EO Razzaky
Frontiers in Plant Science 16, 1621482 , 2025
2025
Citations: 8
Fucoidan-Based Gold Nanoparticles: Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential from Turbinaria decurrens and Sargassum cinereum
ASE Newehy, SF Gheda, MM Ismail, D Aldisi, MMA Abulmeaty, ...
Pharmaceutics 17 (7), 826 , 2025
2025
Citations: 14
Phycoremediation of dairy industry wastewater using Chlorella sorokiniana : a cost-effective strategy for biodiesel production
MS Talha, ME Elshobary, HM Khairy, AE Alprol
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 32 (29), 17407-17424 , 2025
2025
Citations: 9
Microalgal mixotrophic cultivation enhances lignocellulosic pretreatment wastewater utilization: Inhibitors detoxification process and C5/C6 sugar high-value conversion
H Wang, L Qin, W Qi, M Elshobary, W Wang, X Wang, Z Wang, S Zhu
Algal Research 88, 104007 , 2025
2025
Citations: 2
Unleashing the power of microalgae: a pioneering path to sustainability and achieving the sustainable development goals
S Hosny, ME Elshobary, MM El-Sheekh
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 32 (29), 17312-17342 , 2025
2025
Citations: 65
Co-firing of sewage sludge and microalgae blends as solid fuel additives for industrial burners
MM El-Sheekh, AM Elkbash, AERR El-Shanshoury, M ElKelawy, ...
Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 77, 104322 , 2025
2025
Citations: 9

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Combating antibiotic resistance: mechanisms, multidrug-resistant pathogens, and novel therapeutic approaches: an updated review
ME Elshobary, NK Badawy, Y Ashraf, AA Zatioun, HH Masriya, ...
Pharmaceuticals 18 (3), 402 , 2025
2025
Citations: 213
Recent insights into microalgae-assisted microbial fuel cells for generating sustainable bioelectricity
ME Elshobary, HM Zabed, J Yun, G Zhang, X Qi
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 46 (4), 3135-3159 , 2021
2021
Citations: 173
Evaluation of a native oleaginous marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica for dual use in biodiesel production and aquaculture feed
M Ashour, ME Elshobary, R El-Shenody, AW Kamil, AEF Abomohra
Biomass and Bioenergy 120, 439-447 , 2019
2019
Citations: 158
Impact of commercial seaweed liquid extract (TAM®) biostimulant and its bioactive molecules on growth and antioxidant activities of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum)
M Ashour, SM Hassan, ME Elshobary, GAG Ammar, A Gaber, WF Alsanie, ...
Plants 10 (6), 1045 , 2021
2021
Citations: 132
Screening of seaweeds for sustainable biofuel recovery through sequential biodiesel and bioethanol production
MEH Osman, AM Abo-Shady, ME Elshobary, MO Abd El-Ghafar, ...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27 (26), 32481-32493 , 2020
2020
Citations: 112
In vitro screening of antimicrobial activity of extracts of some macroalgae collected from Abu-Qir bay Alexandria, Egypt
MEH Osman, AM Abo-shady, ME Elshobary
Afr J Biotechnol 9 (12), 7203-7208 , 2010
2010
Citations: 103
Antimicrobial and antioxidant characterization of bioactive components from Chlorococcum minutum
ME Elshobary, RA El-Shenody, M Ashour, HM Zabed, X Qi
Food Bioscience 35 (100567) , 2020
2020
Citations: 91
Chemical characterization and biological activities of ulvan extracted from Ulva fasciata (Chlorophyta)
KM Barakat, MM Ismail, HE Abou El Hassayeb, NA El Sersy, ...
Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 33 (4), 829-841 , 2022
2022
Citations: 87
Unlocking the potential of microalgae cultivated on wastewater combined with salinity stress to improve biodiesel production
MEH Osman, AM Abo-Shady, SF Gheda, SM Desoki, ME Elshobary
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 30 (53), 114610-114624 , 2023
2023
Citations: 86
Usage of Chlorella and diverse microalgae for CO 2 capture - towards a bioenergy revolution
M Ashour, AT Mansour, YA Alkhamis, M Elshobary
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 12, 1387519 , 2024
2024
Citations: 85
Recent advances in recirculating aquaculture systems and role of microalgae to close system loop
S Ende, J Henjes, M Spiller, M Elshobary, D Hanelt, A Abomohra
Bioresource Technology 407, 131107 , 2024
2024
Citations: 84
The Potential of a New Commercial Seaweed Extract in Stimulating Morpho-Agronomic and Bioactive Properties of Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.
SM Hassan, M Ashour, AAF Soliman, HA Hassanien, WF Alsanie, ...
Sustainability 13 (8), 4485 , 2021
2021
Citations: 81
Potential applications of native cyanobacterium isolate (Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003) for biodiesel production and utilization of its byproduct in marine rotifer …
MA Zaki, M Ashour, AMM Heneash, MM Mabrouk, AE Alprol, HM Khairy, ...
Sustainability 13 (4), 1769 , 2021
2021
Citations: 70
Enhancing biomass and lipid productivity of a green microalga Parachlorella kessleri for biodiesel production using rapid mutation of atmospheric and room …
ME Elshobary, HM Zabed, X Qi, RA El-Shenody
Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts 15 (1), 122 , 2022
2022
Citations: 67
Biodiesel, bioethanol, and biobutanol production from microalgae
AEF Abomohra, M Elshobary
Microalgae biotechnology for development of biofuel and wastewater treatment … , 2019
2019
Citations: 67
Influence of nutrient supplementation and starvation conditions on the biomass and lipid productivities of Micractinium reisseri grown in wastewater for biodiesel production
ME Elshobary, AM Abo-Shady, HM Khairy, D Essa, HM Zabed, X Qi, ...
Journal of environmental management 250, 109529 , 2019
2019
Citations: 66
Unleashing the power of microalgae: a pioneering path to sustainability and achieving the sustainable development goals
S Hosny, ME Elshobary, MM El-Sheekh
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 32 (29), 17312-17342 , 2025
2025
Citations: 65
Commercial seaweed liquid extract as strawberry biostimulants and bioethanol production
M Ashour, AS Al-Souti, SM Hassan, GAG Ammar, AMAS Goda, ...
Life 13 (1), 85 , 2022
2022
Citations: 63
Interactive adverse effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics on marine microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans
HH Senousy, HM Khairy, HS El-Sayed, ER Sallam, MA El-Sheikh, ...
Chemosphere 311, 137182 , 2023
2023
Citations: 62
Sequential biofuel production from seaweeds enhances the energy recovery: A case study for biodiesel and bioethanol production
ME Elshobary, RA El‐Shenody, AEF Abomohra
International Journal of Energy Research 45 (4), 6457-6467 , 2021
2021
Citations: 59