Konstantinos Kontogiannopoulos
Senior Research Scientist
Process Engineering
Email:
k.kontogiannopoulos@elgo.gr
Academic Profiles
Dr. Konstantinos N. Kontogiannopoulos is a Senior Researcher at the Soil and Water Resources Institute of the Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA and a Chemical Engineer (2004, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). He holds a PhD (2011) from the School of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh).
His research centers on bioprocess engineering and circular bioeconomy, integrating process design, modeling, and optimization for the valorization of organic residues and agro-industrial by-products into valuable resources. He specializes in process design, modeling, and optimization for the production of bioenergy (biogas, biomethane) and bio-based products.
Dr. Kontogiannopoulos has extensive experience in the development and operation of laboratory- and pilot-scale bioreactors, anaerobic digestion, fermentation processes, and biological CO₂ conversion. He applies advanced statistical and data-driven methods — including Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) — for process optimization and performance prediction.
His expertise also includes techno-economic assessment and life-cycle analysis (LCA) of biorefinery systems, enabling organizations to evaluate feasibility, sustainability, and environmental impact before implementation. By combining chemical engineering principles with machine learning tools, he delivers practical solutions for process intensification, efficiency improvement, and emissions reduction.
He has co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles (20 in Q1 journals), over 60 international conference papers, and one book chapter. His work has attracted over 1,100 citations (Scopus h-index: 22). He has actively participated in 16 national and EU-funded research projects, serving as work package leader and coordinator in several of them.
Xirostylidou, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Chatzis, A., Samaras, P., Zouboulis, A. I., & Kougias, P. G. (2026). Enhancing biogenic carbon dioxide conversion to acetic acid using support materials and machine learning-based optimization. Bioresource Technology, 441, 133485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133485
Chatzis, A., Gaspari, M., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Sanguineti, D., Zampieri, G., Zouboulis, A. I., & Kougias, P. G. (2025). Assessment of the performance of packing materials in trickle bed reactors for efficient biomethanation. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.119480
Kapourani, A., Eleftheriadou, K., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2025). Corrigendum to “Evaluation of rivaroxaban amorphous solid dispersions physical stability via molecular mobility studies and molecular simulations” [European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 157 (2021) 105642] (European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2021) 157, (S0928098720304309), (10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105642)). European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106932
Chatzis, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Dimitrakakis, N., Zouboulis, A., & Kougias, P. G. (2025). Harnessing the Influence of Pressure and Nutrients on Biological CO2 Methanation Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network—Genetic Algorithm Approaches. Fermentation, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11010043
Anagnostopoulou, C., Papachristou, I., Kyriakoudi, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Mourtzinos, I., & Kougias, P. G. (2024). Development of alginate beads loaded with bioactive ingredients from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in food industry wastewaters. Algal Research, 80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2024.103530
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2024). Closing Editorial: Advanced Polymeric Materials for Pharmaceutical Applications III. Polymers, 16(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213004
Anagnostopoulou, C., Papachristou, I., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Mourtzinos, I., & Kougias, P. G. (2024). Optimization of microalgae cultivation in food industry wastewater using microplates. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2024.101510
Mitraka, G.-C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Zouboulis, A. I., & Kougias, P. G. (2024). Evaluation of the optimal sewage sludge pre-treatment technology through continuous reactor operation: Process performance and microbial community insights. Water Research, 257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121662
Xirostylidou, A., Gaspari, M., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Ghiotto, G., Treu, L., Campanaro, S., Zouboulis, A. I., & Kougias, P. G. (2024). Biomethanation on demand: Continuous and intermittent hydrogen supply on biological CO2 methanation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.153677
Tsirigka, A., Ntoula, M., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Karabelas, A. J., & Patsios, S. I. (2023). Optimization of Solvent Extraction of Lipids from Yarrowia lipolytica towards Industrial Applications. Fermentation, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010035
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Kapourani, A., Gkougkourelas, I., Anagnostaki, M.-E., Tsalikis, L., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2023). A Review of the Role of Natural Products as Treatment Approaches for Xerostomia. Pharmaceuticals, 16(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16081136
Dedousi, A., Patsios, S. I., Kritsa, M.-Z., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Ioannidou, M., Zdragas, A., & Sossidou, E. N. (2023). Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Welfare and Behavior Indicators of Broilers Fed Diets Supplemented with Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031924
Chatzis, A., Orellana, E., Gaspari, M., Kontogiannopoulos, K., Treu, L., Zouboulis, A., & Kougias, P. G. (2023). Comparative study on packing materials for improved biological methanation in trickle Bed reactors. Bioresource Technology, 385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129456
Kapourani, A., Manioudaki, A.-E., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2023). Utilizing Drug Amorphous Solid Dispersions for the Preparation of Dronedarone per os Formulations. Polymers, 15(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214292
Nakas, A., Giannarelli, G., Fotopoulos, I., Chainoglou, E., Peperidou, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Tsiaprazi-Stamou, A., Varsamis, V., Gika, H., Hadjipavlou-Litina, D., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2023). Optimizing the Distillation of Greek Oregano—Do Process Parameters Affect Bioactive Aroma Constituents and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity? Molecules, 28(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28030971
Malamakis, A., Patsios, S. I., Melas, L., Dedousi, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Vamvakas, K., Tsotsolas, N., Koutsouraki, E., Sossidou, E. N., & Banias, G. F. (2023). Demonstration of an Integrated Methodology for the Sustainable Valorisation of Bakery Former Food Products as a Pig Feed Ingredient: A Circular Bioeconomy Paradigm. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914385
Mitraka, G.-C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Tsivintzelis, I., Zouboulis, A. I., & Kougias, P. G. (2022). Optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide explosion for sewage sludge pre-treatment using response surface methodology. Chemosphere, 297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133989
Mitraka, G.-C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Batsioula, M., Banias, G. F., Zouboulis, A. I., & Kougias, P. G. (2022). A Comprehensive Review on Pretreatment Methods for Enhanced Biogas Production from Sewage Sludge. Energies, 15(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186536
Kapourani, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2022). A Review on the Role of Pilocarpine on the Management of Xerostomia and the Importance of the Topical Administration Systems Development. Pharmaceuticals, 15(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15060762
Anagnostopoulou, C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Gaspari, M., Morlino, M. S., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Kougias, P. G. (2022). Valorization of household food wastes to lactic acid production: A response surface methodology approach to optimize fermentation process. Chemosphere, 296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133871
Kapourani, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Manioudaki, A.-E., Poulopoulos, A. K., Tsalikis, L., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2022). A Review on Xerostomia and Its Various Management Strategies: The Role of Advanced Polymeric Materials in the Treatment Approaches. Polymers, 14(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050850
Koletti, A. E., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Gardikis, K., Letsiou, S., Papageorgiou, V. P., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2022). Nanostructured lipid carriers of alkannins and shikonins: Experimental design, characterization and bioactivity studies. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103881
Arampatzis, A. S., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Theodoridis, K., Aggelidou, E., Rat, A., Willems, A., Tsivintzelis, I., Papageorgiou, V. P., Kritis, A., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2021). Electrospun wound dressings containing bioactive natural products: physico-chemical characterization and biological assessment. Biomaterials Research, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40824-021-00223-9
Kapourani, A., Andriotis, E. G., Chachlioutaki, K., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Klonos, P. A., Kyritsis, A., Pavlidou, E., Bikiaris, D. N., Fatouros, D. G., & Barmpalexis, P. (2021). High-Drug-Loading Amorphous Solid Dispersions via in Situ Thermal Cross-Linking: Unraveling the Mechanisms of Stabilization. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 18(12), 4393–4414. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00563
Virgiliou, C., Zisi, C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Nakas, A., Iakovakis, A., Varsamis, V., Gika, H. G., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2021). Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the analysis of lavender’s essential oil: Optimization by response surface methodology. Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences, 1179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122852
Patsios, S. I., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Pouliou, N., & Karabelas, A. J. (2021). Performance of a membrane bioreactor and a moving bed biofilm reactor–membrane bioreactor treating table olive processing wastewater: a comparative study. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 96(4), 1030–1039. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6614
Kapourani, A., Palamidi, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Bikiaris, N. D., & Barmpalexis, P. (2021). Drug amorphous solid dispersions based on poly(Vinyl alcohol): Evaluating the effect of poly(propylene succinate) as plasticizer. Polymers, 13(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172922
Mitraka, G.-C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Batsioula, M., Banias, G. F., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2021). Spent coffee grounds’ valorization towards the recovery of caffeine and chlorogenic acid: A response surface methodology approach. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168818
Palamidi, A., Kapourani, A., Christodoulou, E., Klonos, P. A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Kyritsis, A., Bikiaris, D. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2021). Low molecular weight oligomers of poly(Alkylene succinate) polyesters as plasticizers in poly(vinyl alcohol) based pharmaceutical applications. Polymers, 13(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010146
Kapourani, A., Eleftheriadou, K., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2021). Evaluation of rivaroxaban amorphous solid dispersions physical stability via molecular mobility studies and molecular simulations. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105642
Kapourani, A., Tzakri, T., Valkanioti, V., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2021). Drug crystal growth in ternary amorphous solid dispersions: Effect of surfactants and polymeric matrix-carriers. International Journal of Pharmaceutics: X, 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpx.2021.100086
Arampatzis, A. S., Giannakoula, K., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Theodoridis, K., Aggelidou, E., Rat, A., Kampasakali, E., Willems, A., Christofilos, D., Kritis, A., Papageorgiou, V. P., Tsivintzelis, I., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2021). Novel electrospun poly-hydroxybutyrate scaffolds as carriers for the wound healing agents alkannins and shikonins. Regenerative Biomaterials, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/rb/rbab011
Nanaki, S. G., Christodoulou, E., Bikiaris, N. D., Kapourani, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Vergkizi-Nikolakaki, S., & Barmpalexis, P. (2021). Leflunomide sustained skin delivery based on sulfobetaine-modified chitosan nanoparticles embedded in biodegradable polyesters films. Polymers, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060960
Kapourani, A., Chatzitheodoridou, M., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2020). Experimental, Thermodynamic, and Molecular Modeling Evaluation of Amorphous Simvastatin-Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) Solid Dispersions. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 17(7), 2703–2720. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00413
Nakas, A., Dalatsi, A. M., Kapourani, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2020). Quality Risk Management and Quality by Design for the Development of Diclofenac Sodium Intra-articular Gelatin Microspheres. AAPS PharmSciTech, 21(4). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-020-01678-0
Katopodis, K., Kapourani, A., Vardaka, E., Karagianni, A., Chorianopoulou, C., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Bikiaris, D. N., Kachrimanis, K., & Barmpalexis, P. (2020). Partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol for fusion-based pharmaceutical formulation processes: Evaluation of suitable plasticizers. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119121
Kapourani, A., Valkanioti, V., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2020). Determination of the physical state of a drug in amorphous solid dispersions using artificial neural networks and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. International Journal of Pharmaceutics: X, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpx.2020.100064
Banias, G., Batsioula, M., Achillas, C., Patsios, S. I., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Bochtis, D., & Moussiopoulos, N. (2020). A life cycle analysis approach for the evaluation of municipal solid waste management practices: The case study of the region of central macedonia, greece. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198221
Koletti, A. E., Tsarouchi, E., Kapourani, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2020). Gelatin nanoparticles for NSAID systemic administration: Quality by design and artificial neural networks implementation. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119118
Loukri, A., Tsitlakidou, P., Goula, A., Assimopoulou, A. N., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Mourtzinos, I. (2020). Green extracts from coffee pulp and their application in the development of innovative brews. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 10(19), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10196982
Papadaki, E., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Mantzouridou, F. T. (2020). Feasibility of multi-hydrolytic enzymes production from optimized grape pomace residues and wheat bran mixture using Aspergillus niger in an integrated citric acid-enzymes production process. Bioresource Technology, 309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123317
Patsios, S. I., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., & Banias, G. F. (2020). Environmental impact assessment in agri-production: A comparative study of olive oil production in two European countries. Bio-Economy and Agri-Production: Concepts and Evidence, 83–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819774-5.00005-9
Tzirini, M., Kaprara, E., Asimakidou, T., Kontogiannopoulos, K., Tzamos, E., Kellartzis, I., Samaras, T., Balcells, L., Mitrakas, M., & Simeonidis, K. (2020). Magnetically recoverable nanoparticles for the simultaneous removal of Sb and As from water. Environmental Advances, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2020.100013
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Dasargyri, A., Ottaviani, M. F., Cangiotti, M., Fessas, D., Papageorgiou, V. P., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2018). Advanced Drug Delivery Nanosystems for Shikonin: A Calorimetric and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study. Langmuir, 34(32), 9424–9434. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00751
Tsermentseli, S. K., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Papageorgiou, V. P., & Assimopoulou, A. N. (2018). Comparative study of pEgylated and conventional liposomes as carriers for shikonin. Fluids, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids3020036
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Patsios, S. I., Mitrouli, S. T., & Karabelas, A. J. (2017). Tartaric acid and polyphenols recovery from winery waste lees using membrane separation processes. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 92(12), 2934–2943. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.5313
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Patsios, S. I., & Karabelas, A. J. (2016). Tartaric acid recovery from winery lees using cation exchange resin: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology. Separation and Purification Technology, 165, 32–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2016.03.040
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Tsermentseli, S. K., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Papageorgiou, V. P. (2014). Sterically stabilized liposomes as a potent carrier for shikonin. Journal of Liposome Research, 24(3), 230–240. https://doi.org/10.3109/08982104.2014.891233
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Assimopoulou, A. N., Hatziantoniou, S., Karatasos, K., Demetzos, C., & Papageorgiou, V. P. (2012). Chimeric advanced drug delivery nano systems (chi-aDDnSs) for shikonin combining dendritic and liposomal technology. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 422(1–2), 381–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.09.031
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Assimopoulou, A. N., Dimas, K., & Papageorgiou, V. P. (2011). Shikonin-loaded liposomes as a new drug delivery system: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 113(9), 1113–1123. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.201100104
Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Assimopoulou, A. N., Tsivintzelis, I., Panayiotou, C., & Papageorgiou, V. P. (2011). Electrospun fiber mats containing shikonin and derivatives with potential biomedical applications. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 409(1–2), 216–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.02.004
51 publications
No projects available.
