Ongoing research project as PI
"Mesoporous nanocomposites for controlling microbially induced corrosion caused by sulfate reducing bacteria" DST-SERB Core grant
Ongoing Research project as Co-PI
"Biocompatible nano-vehicle mediated delivery of siRNA into stem cells for targeting pluripotency markers as a potential therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine” (27(0362)/20/EMR-II), CSIR
DBT Builder BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Interdisciplinary Life Science programme for advanced research and education, (Level III), Co-cordinator, (involved in 3 subgroups).
Although I have explored various other research area in the past the area of my research is at present focused on Nanomaterials for various applications. I have been doing collaborative research along with faculty in department of biological sciences and chemistry. I have also collaborated with scientists in BARC for sponsored research project. For the last 20 years, I have been involved in different research areas in Material Science. The broad areas are:
- Study of Hydroxyapatite nanoparticle interactions with biomolecules
- Magnetic polymeric electro-spun fibers for development of micro-swimmers
- Hydroxyapatite based nanomaterials for theranostic application
- Development of nanosized powders for electroceramic applications and nanosized powders for biomaterials via sol-gel technique.
- Development of new generation thermal interface materials for electronic packaging
- Processing of HAP coatings via sol-gel route on metal alloy implants to increase the biocompatibility of the metal implants.
- Processing of transparent conducting coatings via sol-gel route for heat mirrors, infrared reflectors etc.
- Processing of multilayer interference coatings for reflection of heat for automobile and home windows.
- Processing of transition metal(s) containing silica gels and densified gel monoliths and preparation of colour filters
- Processing of ceramic fibres for high temperature applications.
- Processing of dielectric and piezoelectric coatings and fibres for various applications
Research Projects handled at BITS:
- "Synthesis of hydroxyapatite based biocompatible functional magnetic nanoparticle and investigation of its interaction with biomolecules" as PI, UGG-DAE-CSR (completed)" Lanthanide doped hydroxyapatite based nano-materials for theranostics applications: Sensing, Imaging, and Therapeutics”, as Co-PI, DST (completed)
- “Synthesis of improved ferroelectric materials by sol-gel emulsion technique”, funded by DRDO, as PI (completed).
- "Preparation and characterization of nanosized TiO2 and studies on its photodegradation capability of model organic pollutant", DST, as Co-I, (completed).
- “Biological synthesis of metal sulphides and metallic nanoparticles using halophilic Archaebacteria” funded by Ministry of earth sciences, as Co-I
Prior to joining BITS, as a faculty at Universiti Sains Malaysia, I have completed funded research projects from INTEL Corp., Malaysian Govt, TORAY and NIPPON Sheet Glass foundation Japan in the areas of heat reflecting coatings, Indium tin oxide and Sb and F doped tin oxide thin films, thermal interface materials for semiconductor packaging and PLZT fiber development.