Selected publications

FULL LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

EDITED BOOKS

1. Jafari, S.M., & Malekjani, N. (Eds.). (2024). Mass Transfer Operations in the Food Industry. Elsevier/Woodhead Publishing. ISBN: 978-0-12-819536-9.

2. Jafari, S.M., & Malekjani, N. (Eds.). (2022). Transporting Operations of Food Materials within Food Factories. Elsevier/Woodhead Publishing. ISBN: 978-0-12-818585-8.

3. Jafari, S.M., & Malekjani, N. (Eds.). (2023). Drying Technology in Food Processing. Elsevier/Woodhead Publishing. ISBN: 978-0-12-819895-7.

 

JOURNAL ARTICLES

1. Foroozesh, J., Hosseini, S.H., Setareshenas, N., Malekjani, N., & Mansouri, M. (2026). Effect of Heating Tube Configuration on Hydrogen Production via Propane Steam Reforming: A Numerical Study. Results in Engineering, 112296. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112296

2. Malekjani, N., Bück, A., Tsotsas, E., & Kharaghani, A. (2026). PINN for stiff moving-boundary PDE to predict the locking point in superheated steam drying. Scientific Reports, 16, 19548. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-59320-1

3. Malekjani, N., Bück, A., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2026). SDD-PINN: Physics-informed neural network for single droplet drying. Digital Chemical Engineering, 19, 100306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dche.2026.100306

4. Malekjani, N., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2026). Physics-informed vs. data-driven neural networks for n-heptane droplet evaporation. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 228, 469–483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2026.03.016

5. Malekjani, N., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2025). Physics-informed and data-driven neural networks with dimensional and non-dimensional inputs for single-droplet evaporation: Investigating the role of increasing physical complexity in predictive ability. Chemical Engineering Science, 316, 121911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2025.121911

6. Malekjani, N., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2025). A comparative study of dimensional and non-dimensional inputs in physics-informed and data-driven neural networks for single-droplet evaporation. Chemical Engineering Science, 306, 121214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2025.121214

7. Refas, I., Amiali, M., George, O.A., Le, K.H., Malekjani, N., & Kharaghani, A. (2025). Bioactive composition, microstructure, and physicochemical properties of Arbutus unedo berries dried using different techniques. Journal of Stored Products Research, 111, 102501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2024.102501

8. Avazsoofian, A., Başünal Gülmez, H., Topuz, A., Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2025). Production of a herbal drink by spray drying of mixed purple basil extract-lemon juice; formulation, process optimization, and characterization. Drying Technology, 43, 362–375. https://doi.org/10.1080/07373937.2024.2429491

9. Hashemi, B., Varidi, M., Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2024). Whey protein-based bigels for co-encapsulation of curcumin and gallic acid: Characterization, stability and release kinetics. Future Foods, 10, 100495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2024.100495

10. Malekjani, N., Karimi, R., Assadpour, E., & Jafari, S.M. (2024). Control of release in active packaging/coating for food products; approaches, mechanisms, profiles, and modeling. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 64(29), 10789–10811. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2228413

11. Homayoonfal, M., Malekjani, N., Baeghbali, V., Ansarifar, E., Hedayati, S., & Jafari, S.M. (2024). Optimization of spray drying process parameters for the food bioactive ingredients. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 64(17), 5631–5671. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2156976

12. Karimi, R., Homayoonfal, M., Malekjani, N., Kharazmi, M.S., & Jafari, S.M. (2024). Interaction between β-glucans and gut microbiota: a comprehensive review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 64(22), 7804–7835. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2192281

13. Samborska, K., Sarabandi, K., Tonon, R., Topuz, A., Ertekin, F.K., Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Recent progress in the stickiness reduction of sugar-rich foods during spray drying. Drying Technology, 41, 2566–2585. https://doi.org/10.1080/07373937.2023.2229916

14. Zolqadri, R., Heidari Damani, M., Malekjani, N., Kharazmi, M.S., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Rice bran protein-based delivery systems as green carriers for bioactive compounds. Food Chemistry, 420, 136121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136121

15. Shiehnezhad, M., Zarringhalami, S., & Malekjani, N. (2023). Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Mucilage from Ocimum basilicum var. album (L.) Seed. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 2023, 5524621. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5524621

16. Ghadimi Kalajahi, S., Malekjani, N., Samborska, K., Akbarbaglu, Z., Gharehbeglou, P., Sarabandi, K., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Encapsulated powders of Alcea flower polyphenol-rich extract by different hydrocolloid carriers: characterisation, antioxidant activity and chemical structures. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 58(8), 4246–4255. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.16523

17. Ghadimi Kalajahi, S., Malekjani, N., Samborska, K., Akbarbaglu, Z., Gharehbeglou, P., Sarabandi, K., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). The enzymatic modification of whey-proteins for spray drying encapsulation of Ginkgo-biloba extract. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 245, 125548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125548

18. Tamtürk, F., Gürbüz, B., Toker, O.S., Dalabasmaz, S., Malekjani, N., Durmaz, Y., & Konar, N. (2023). Optimization of Chlorella vulgaris spray drying using various innovative wall materials. Algal Research, 72, 103115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103115

19. Enayati, A., Rezaei, A., Falsafi, S.R., Rostamabadi, H., Malekjani, N., Akhavan-Mahdavi, S., Kharazmi, M.S., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Bixin-loaded colloidal nanodelivery systems, techniques and applications. Food Chemistry, 412, 135479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135479

20. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2022). Valorization of olive processing by-products via drying technologies: a case study on the recovery of bioactive phenolic compounds from olive leaves, pomace, and wastewater. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(29), 9797–9815. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2068123

21. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2022). Intelligent and Probabilistic Models for Evaluating the Release of Food Bioactive Ingredients from Carriers/Nanocarriers. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 15(7), 1495–1516. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-022-02791-7

22. Akhavan-Mahdavi, S., Sadeghi, R., Faridi Esfanjani, A., Hedayati, S., Shaddel, R., Dima, C., Malekjani, N., Boostani, S., & Jafari, S.M. (2022). Nanodelivery systems for d-limonene; techniques and applications. Food Chemistry, 384, 132479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132479

23. Samborska, K., Poozesh, S., Barańska, A., Sobulska, M., Jedlińska, A., Arpagaus, C., Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2022). Innovations in spray drying process for food and pharma industries. Journal of Food Engineering, 321, 110960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2022.110960

24. Heidari, F., Jafari, S.M., Ziaiifar, A.M., & Malekjani, N. (2022). Stability and release mechanisms of double emulsions loaded with bioactive compounds; a critical review. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 299, 102567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2021.102567

25. Evazsufian, A., Jafari, S.M., Kashaninejad, M., Sadeghi, A., & Malekjani, N. (2022). Predicting the distribution pattern of parameters affecting the heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid in shell and tube heat exchanger using computational fluid dynamics. Food Processing and Preservation Journal (in Persian), 14(4). https://doi.org/10.22069/FPPJ.2022.20156.1703

26. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2021). Modeling the release of food bioactive ingredients from carriers/nanocarriers by the empirical, semiempirical, and mechanistic models. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 20(1), 3–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12660

27. Gheibi, S., Malekjani, N., & Javanmard Dakheli, M. (2021). The effects of aqueous extracts of propolis obtained from different extraction methods as a natural preservative on raw milk. Iranian Journal of Biosystems Engineering, 52(2), 211–221. https://doi.org/10.22059/ijbse.2021.314364.665365

28. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2018). Simulation of food drying processes by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD); recent advances and approaches. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 78, 206–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2018.06.006

29. Ganje, M., Jafari, S.M., Farzaneh, V., & Malekjani, N. (2018). Kinetics modelling of color deterioration during thermal processing of tomato paste with the use of response surface methodology. Heat and Mass Transfer, 54(12), 3663–3671. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-018-2394-3

30. Jalili, F., Jafari, S.M., Emam-Djomeh, Z., Malekjani, N., & Farzaneh, V. (2018). Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Oil from Canola Seeds with the Use of Response Surface Methodology. Food Analytical Methods, 11(2), 598–612. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12161-017-1030-z

31. Malekjani, N., Emam-Djomeh, Z., Hashemabadi, S.H., & Askari, G.R. (2018). Modeling thin layer drying kinetics, moisture diffusivity and activation energy of hazelnuts during microwave-convective drying. International Journal of Food Engineering, 14(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijfe-2017-0100

32. Malekjani, N., Emam-Djomeh, Z., Hashemabadi, S.H., & Askari, G.R. (2017). Internal and External Color Development Kinetics during Microwave Assisted Fluidized Bed Drying of Hazelnut. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 19(3), 613–626.

33. Malekjani, N., Jafari, S.M., Rahmati, M.H., Zadeh, E.E., & Mirzaee, H. (2013). Evaluation of Thin-Layer Drying Models and Artificial Neural Networks for Describing Drying Kinetics of Canola Seed in a Heat Pump Assisted Fluidized Bed Dryer. International Journal of Food Engineering, 9(4), 375–384. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijfe-2012-0136

34. Malekjani, N., Jafari, S.M., Rahmati, M.H., Mirzaee, H., & Zadeh, E.E. (2011). Design and application of a novel dehumidifying system for a fluidized bed dryer for the drying of canola seeds. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 1(1), 46–49. https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.1.1.12

35. Malekjani, N., Jafari, S.M., Mirzaee, H., Rahmati, M.H., & Zadeh, E.E. (2011). Optimization of fluidized bed drying of canola seed using response surface methodology. Iranian Journal of Oil Plants (in Persian), 2, 33–46.

 

BOOK CHAPTERS

1. Homayoonfal, M., & Malekjani, N. (2025). Principles of adsorption and ion exchange. Mass Transfer Operations in the Food Industry, 83–122. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819536-9.00006-0

2. Homayoonfal, M., & Malekjani, N. (2025). Application of ion exchange in desalination and conditioning of water. Mass Transfer Operations in the Food Industry, 307–323. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819536-9.00010-2

3. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2025). Introduction to mass transfer operations in food industry. Mass Transfer Operations in the Food Industry, 1–12. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819536-9.00011-4

4. Malekjani, N., & Homayoonfal, M. (2024). Design and simulation of freezing processes. Low-Temperature Processing of Food Products, 331–372. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818733-3.00005-9

5. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Introduction to food material handling within food factories. Transporting Operations of Food Materials within Food Factories, 1–11. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818585-8.00008-8

6. Homayoonfal, M., Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Transporting vehicles/trucks used in food plants. Transporting Operations of Food Materials within Food Factories, 317–339. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818585-8.00006-4

7. Malekjani, N., Homayoonfal, M., Baeghbali, V., Ansarifar, E., Hedayati, S., & Jafari, S.M. (2024). Optimization of the spray drying process parameters for the food and bioactive ingredients. Spray Drying for the Food Industry, 57–83. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819799-8.00009-0

8. Zolqadri, R., Malekjani, N., Poureshmanan Talemy, F., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Belt dryers and tray dryers. Drying Technology in Food Processing. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819895-7.00011-0

9. Malekjani, N., Poureshmanan Talemy, F., Zolqadri, R., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Roller/drum dryers and rotary dryers. Drying Technology in Food Processing, 47–66. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819895-7.00014-6

10. Homayoonfal, M., Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2023). Drying of cereal grains and beans. Drying Technology in Food Processing. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819895-7.00009-2

11. Poureshmanan Talemy, F., Jamalzadeh, F., Mohammadi Balili, K., & Malekjani, N. (2023). Product development and formulations from dried herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Drying of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants, 125–156. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003269250-7

12. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2021). General mathematical and engineering principles in unit operations of food processing. Engineering Principles of Unit Operations in Food Processing, 403–417. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818473-8.00014-1

13. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2020). Food process modeling and optimization by response surface methodology (RSM). Mathematical and Statistical Applications in Food Engineering, 181–203. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429436963-13

14. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2020). Release modeling of nanoencapsulated food ingredients by mechanistic models. Release and Bioavailability of Nanoencapsulated Food Ingredients, 211–246. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815665-0.00006-0

15. Malekjani, N., & Jafari, S.M. (2020). Release modeling of nanoencapsulated food ingredients by empirical and semiempirical models. Release and Bioavailability of Nanoencapsulated Food Ingredients, 247–271. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815665-0.00007-2

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

1. Malekjani, N., Bück, A., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2026). Parameterized physics-informed neural network for modeling single droplet drying across multiple regimes. The 10th Congress on Particle Technology. Japan.

2. Malekjani, N., Bück, A., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2026). Physics-informed neural network modeling of single droplet drying. Jahrestreffen 2026 der DECHEMA/VDI Fachgruppen Kristallisation-und Trocknungstechnik. Germany.

3. Malekjani, N., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2025). Physics-informed and data-driven neural networks for single-droplet evaporation: Evaluating the role of Stefan flow effects. 11th International Granulation Workshop. Germany.

4. Malekjani, N., Kharaghani, A., & Tsotsas, E. (2024). Integrating physics-based and data-driven approaches for modeling single droplet evaporation. The 23rd International Drying Symposium, China.