 | | Research activities
Projects handled
Development of fluorescence, electrochemical (potentiometric, amperometric, conducting polymer – based) and quartz crystal microbalance based biosensors. Design and operation of sensor transducers and analog electronic circuits; sensor interface by virtual instrumentation (using ADC card and
Labview); digital signal conditioning and processing; statistical data analysis. Immobilization & stabilization of biomolecules for applications in biosensors and bioprocess technology. Synthesis characterization and functional modification of synthetic and natural polymers (HEMA, polyaniline, alginate, PVA etc.). Microfabrication: development of Si based interdigitated devices for biosensors. Routine molecular biology tools, such as: southern & northern blots; vector, probe construction; genomic DNA purification; transformation; electroporation; PCR; colony PCR; SDS PAGE; western blot; etc. Production, purification and characterization of enzymes, proteins and antibodies. Clinical biochemistry, microbiology, microbial, animal and plant cells & tissue culture.
Summary of doctoral thesis
Some of the key highlights of the doctoral research are listed here:
Developed natural as well as synthetic polymers for biosensor applications. These include polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - polyacrylamide (PAA) co-polymer, poly (hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate) prepared by gamma-irradiation or chemical polymerisation. Developed a reusable potentiometric urea biosensor as stand-alone equipment for blood urea nitrogen measurement. The sensor uses operational amplifier (Op-amp) circuit, interfaced with ADC card and computer. Data acquisition and visualization software was developed using LabView and C++. The working range of the biosensor was 1-1000 mM urea with a response time of 2 min. The sensor was tested on clinical whole blood samples. Developed a microbial biosensor for urea
using conducting polymer. The pH based conductivity of the polymer was responsive element for detection of ammonia in the chemical reaction. Developed a glucose oxidase based amperometric biosensor and a sensitive protocol for estimation of catalase activity in biological samples. Both the methods were based on dissolved oxygen (DO) meter developed with
op-amp circuits interfaced to computer using ADC card. The software was developed for data acquisition and visualization using Labview. Catalase activity in biological samples was determination from the change of DO level within 60 sec. The method was useful in
assay of catalase in clinical and food samples. The glucometer was useful in estimation of glucose in whole blood, food and soft drink samples without pretreatment.
I worked under guidance of following eminent scientists
Dr. S. F. D'Souza, Associate Director, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, E-mail: sfdsouza
[at] barc.gov.in Phone: +91-22-2559-3632
Prof. A. Q. Contractor, Head, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, E-mail: aqcontractor
[at] iitb.ac.in Phone: +91-22-2576-7151
Dr. S. K. Apte, Associate Director (B), Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. 400085.
E-mail: aptesk [at] barc.gov.in Phone: +91-22-25595342
Prof. S.
Mukherji, Associate
Professor, Biomedical Engineering Group, Indian Institute of Technology, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, E-mail:
mukherji [at] iitb.ac.in Phone: +91-22-2576-7767
Dr. (Mrs.) Anita Topkar, Scientist, Electronics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, E-mail: anita
[at] barc.gov.in Phone: +91-22-7652-2059
I also worked with following persons: Dr. (Mrs.) Aruna Bhatia, Head, Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab
Prof. Chanchal Mitra, Department of Chemistry, Hyderabad Central University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Dr. Pinaki Sar, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal
And of course with many other scientists and engineers, who happens to be my friends, mentor and guide on several occasions.
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