My research program at the Dept of Food Sciences and Agricultural Chemistry addresses research questions related to the safety implications of nanomaterials applied in food and agriculture.

1. Research Interests(i) Applications of Nanotechnology in Food and NutritionDevelop sustainable nanotechnology solutions aimed at improving food production and storage. Specifically, developing nanomaterial based delivery platforms for immunizing farmed fish and animals, nanomaterial based delivery of micro-nutrients and nutraceuticals, and developing nanotechnology for improving the light harvest and crop productions for indoor farming.(ii) Risk Assessment and Risk… Show more 1. Research Interests(i) Applications of Nanotechnology in Food and NutritionDevelop sustainable nanotechnology solutions aimed at improving food production and storage. Specifically, developing nanomaterial based delivery platforms for immunizing farmed fish and animals, nanomaterial based delivery of micro-nutrients and nutraceuticals, and developing nanotechnology for improving the light harvest and crop productions for indoor farming.(ii) Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Nanomaterials in Environment and Food Assessing the exposure level and potential health hazard possessed by engineered nanomaterials to human and environmental life-forms and establishing functional relationship between nanomaterial properties and biological responses. Understand the consumer perception and attitude towards nanotechnology applications in food and agriculture and making use of this information for risk management.2. Subjects taught Pharmacology and Toxicology Food Microbiology Food Biotechnology Advanced Food and Industrial microbiology3. Teachingn Duties Prepare lecture notes, update blackboard materials, set exam papers, paper valuation, moderate exam results, and module supervisor. Show less

At UC-Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC-CEIN), I studied the biological implications and potential applications of nanomaterials. I was successful in optimizing and utilizing high throughput screening platforms for faster identification of paradigms nanomaterials toxicity. The mechanistic understanding on the toxic potential of nanomaterials was utilized for designing safer nanomaterials. Apart from studying the potential adverse effects caused by nano-bio… Show more At UC-Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC-CEIN), I studied the biological implications and potential applications of nanomaterials. I was successful in optimizing and utilizing high throughput screening platforms for faster identification of paradigms nanomaterials toxicity. The mechanistic understanding on the toxic potential of nanomaterials was utilized for designing safer nanomaterials. Apart from studying the potential adverse effects caused by nano-bio interactions, I was also involved in research studies focusing on the possibility of target specific drug delivery using nanoparticles. Show less

My PhD research was focused on understanding the bacteria-hard tissue interactions involved in dental biofilm and developing a photodynamic therapy to eradicate bacterial biofilm. The surface properties of bacterial cells was found to be influenced by the growth conditions wherein a nutrient deprivation could lead to increased hydrophobility and adherence to hard-tissue. We found that Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formed on dentine could be mineralized during maturation process and… Show more My PhD research was focused on understanding the bacteria-hard tissue interactions involved in dental biofilm and developing a photodynamic therapy to eradicate bacterial biofilm. The surface properties of bacterial cells was found to be influenced by the growth conditions wherein a nutrient deprivation could lead to increased hydrophobility and adherence to hard-tissue. We found that Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formed on dentine could be mineralized during maturation process and pockets of viable bacterial cells could be formed inside these mineralized structures. Our studies also highlighted that chemical interventions during chemo-mechanical preparation of root canal could lead to bacterial persistence inside the root canal system.The second phase of the study was carried out to optimize a formulation and photodynamic therapy based for root canal disinfection. Study on the mechanism of photosensitizer uptake by bacteria showed that indocyanine green (ICG) uptake was mediated by protein transporter while methylene blue (MB) uptake was mediated by ionic interactions. Compared to ICG, MB was found to be more efficient in photoinactivation of bacteria. MB in different photosensitizing formulations was evaluated for the photophysical, photochemical and photobiological characteristics and was optimized for maximum light activated killing of biofilm bacteria. Study showed that MB dissolved in a photosensitization formulation comprising of glycerol: ethanol: water is appropriate for PDT in root canal. The study on mechanism of bactericidal activity of PDT suggested membrane functional impairment and DNA damage in bacteria. The cytotoxicity study revealed that cell damage was significantly less in PDT compared to NaOCl. In conclusion, the study indicated the potential advantages of using PDT for disinfection of the root canal system. Show less

Researched on the neutraceutical properties of herbal plant- Borago officinalis