Sponsored Projects

Ramalingaswamy Fellowship

Ramalingaswamy Re-entry Fellowship

Funging agency: DBT, India

Amount: 32.5 lakhs (Sanctioned)

Duration: 2018-2023

Abstract: This project explores the role of Mucosal associated Invariant T cells in protection or immuno-pathology of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary forms of TB. It is exploring the benefits of probiotics based neutraceutical supplementation in protecting against DILI caused by prolonged used of multi-drug regimen for treatment of TB. It is also studying role of Mycobacterial riboflavin biosynthesis pathway in MAIT cell activation and activation of other cellular immune signaling mechanisms.

DRDO Rapid Diagnosis project

Title: Development of rapid point of-care diagnostic kit for infections associated with combat war wounds and sepsis in armed forces

Funding agency: LSRB, DRDO

Amount: ~ 40 lakhs (Sanctioned)

Duration: 2020-2023

Abstract: This project aims to develop Point of care rapid diagnostic platform for simultaneous detection of ESKAPE group of pathogens in wound infections using on chip rapid isothermal extraction and amplification technology.

Indo-USA TB Vaccine Project

Title: Development of an endogenous STING agonist adjuvanted Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine to enhance efficacy against tuberculosis

Funding Agency: DBT Indo-US Vaccine adjuvant project

Amount: ~98.56 lakhs (Sanctioned)

Duration: 2020-2023

International Collaborators: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA

National Collaborators: National Institute of Animal Biotechnology

Abstract: This project aims to develop a clinical trial ready vaccine for Tuberculosis. The lead identified by us in our earlier published work utilized a recombinant BCG based system to over-produce and deliver mucosal adjuvant cyclic-di-AMP, a second messenger produced by M. tuberculosis. This project is focused on creating marker free stains with enhanced production of these mucosal adjuvant with a goal to improve its prophylactic potential against M. tb infection. The vaccine will be tested in multiple pre-clinical animal models such as mice, guinea pigs and rabbit model of latent TB.

ICMR Wound biomarker project

Title: Profiling of microbial ecology and local metabolites in infected chronic wounds-leprosy mode

Funding Agency: ICMR

Amount: 58.92 lakhs (Sanctioned)

Duration: 2021-2024

Role: As Co-Investigator

Collaborating Institute: LEPRA Society (Primary Applicant)

Abstract: The project explores the role of local metabolites in infected chronic wounds caused by leprosy, diabetes etc and also explore the changes in microbial ecology in these chronic wounds and the role of these parameters in wound management.

DST BDTD

Title: IoT enabled wearable nasal cap for air filter, viral guard and sensors for early detection of Covid-19 symptoms

Funding agency: DST (BDTD, Grant-in-aid)

Amount: 20.15 lakhs (Sanctioned)

Duration: 2021-2022

Role: As Co-PI

Primary applicant: Dr. Satish Dubey (Mechanical Engineering, BITS Pilani Hyderabad)

Abstract: This project aims to develop wearable nose filter with dual benefits of being an air filter protective device and at the same time filters will be integrated with biosensors to sense and signal the presence of viruses like COVID in inhaled or exhaled air to a phone or computer via IOT

Student Grant-ICMR SRF

ICMR SRF Fellowship

Title: “Design and development of rapid and cost-effective point-of-care, nano-based nucleic acid biosensors for prognosis, diagnosis and management of infection-induced infertility in females”

Name of the Fellow: Naresh Patnaik (Registered as PhD)

PI: Ruchi Jain Dey

Funding agency: ICMR

Amount: 16.6 lakhs (Sanctioned)

Duration: 2019-2022 (Three years)

Abstract: This project aims to develop Point of care rapid diagnostic platform for simultaneous detection of pathogens responsible for female infertility and reproductive tract disorders using on chip/lateral flow rapid isothermal extraction and amplification technology.

Student Grant- Lady Tata JRF Fellowship

Title: Targeting riboflavin biosynthetic pathway of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for identification of novel class of compounds with anti-mycobacterial activity

Name of the Fellow: Monica (Registered as PhD)

PI: Ruchi Jain Dey

Funding agency: Lady Tata Memorial Trust

Duration: 2021-2023 (Two years)

Abstract: This project aims to identify novel class of compounds targeting Riboflavin biosynthetic pathway of M. tuberculosis- an essential pathway for survival of mycobacteria using in silico and in vitro approaches. The goal is to develop highly efficacious anti-TB drugs that can function either as stand alone TB drug or improve the action of existing TB drugs

Student grant- CSIR JRF NET

BITS Pilani