Research
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I am a passionate and results-driven researcher with a strong background in microbiology and biomedical innovation. From December 2023 to May 2024, I served as Project Lead at SRM Institute, Chennai, where I conducted a study on isolating bacterial species from polluted environments near hospitals. This project involved microbial isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess multi-drug resistance patterns.
Previously, from October 2022 to December 2023, I led a groundbreaking project at SRM Institute focused on developing a point-of-care device for the early detection of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. I designed and validated a nano-biosensor using Upconversion nanoparticles, demonstrating expertise in nanotechnology and diagnostic innovation. These experiences have honed my skills in research design, laboratory techniques, and collaborative problem-solving.
Creating a prognostic tool using Up-Conversion nanoparticles for the detection of Pre-Diabetes
Research Project - 1
Project Lead
Oct 2022 – Dec 2023
Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), a term used for new-generation fluorophores, are able to use a nonlinear optical mechanism to change lower-energy near-infrared light into higher-energy visible light. Major developments in UCNPs-based nanomedicines have been reported in recent years. UCNPs can be made more effective for each clinical treatment tool by radiosensitization, NIR-excited deep PDT, and regulated delivery of drugs, all of which have a low negative impact on the effectiveness of treatment. It can also be used as a prognostic tool by detecting specific biomarkers with high sensitivity. In this project, we synthesized UCNPs using salts of rare earth metals, the core of the UCNPs using Erbium(III) chloride hexahydrate, Yttrium (III) chloride hexahydrate and Ytterbium(III) chloride hexahydrate, followed by a core-shell coating with Yttrium (III) chloride hexahydrate and have done a ligand exchange of oleic acid to polyacrylic acid. The physical and chemical characterization of UCNPs were assessed by SEM, XDR, Zeta Potential and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized UCNPs have been observed to have an average size of 90nm and a square shape. Further XRD pattern analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of UCNPs and the presence of the NaYF4 phase. Further analysis also confirmed the Zeta potential of core, core shell, UCNPs-PAA to be 3.8, -2.94 and 8.28 respectively.
Learn more about my work by using the link below!
Thesis
Screening of antimicrobial-resistant organisms in Potheri lake water
Research Project - 2
Project Lead
Dec 2023 – May 2024
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global threat, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, with an estimated 10 million deaths per year projected by 2050. The increased use of antimicrobials, along with environmental factors like pollution, has driven the evolution of resistant organisms in both human and environmental settings. Resistance can arise through genetic mutations or the acquisition of foreign DNA via horizontal gene transfer. Bacteria such as E. coli, Aeromonas veronii, and Leclercia adecarboxylata are known to exhibit resistance to a wide range of β-lactam antibiotics and are commonly found in environmental sources, including water systems.
To address this issue, the World Health Organization has implemented a global action plan to enhance knowledge of AMR through research and surveillance efforts. Water bodies, in particular, have been identified as reservoirs of resistant organisms. This study aimed to examine the presence of AMR bacteria in lake water. Environmental samples were collected, and 10 predominant bacterial species were isolated. These isolates were identified using biochemical assays and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. The antimicrobial susceptibility of these bacteria was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.
The results revealed a promising scenario regarding AMR among the sampled bacterial population, indicating the continued effectiveness of the tested antibiotics against bacterial infections originating from Potheri Lake.
Learn more about my work by using the link below!
Thesis
