Research

Dr. B. E. Pradeep, leading the AMR Lab at Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), is a driving force and the beacon of collaboration and innovation in the battle against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). His instrumental role in developing and globally validating AMRx^TM, a groundbreaking AI-enabled Digital Diagnostic tool in collaboration with SCIINV Biosciences, has been pivotal in addressing the urgent need for effective AMR containment.

At the recent AI for Pharma & Biotech workshop startup showcase, hosted by the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) and Science Gurus (USA) at the University of Hyderabad, Dr. Pradeep and SCIINV’s collaboration garnered recognition.

Dr. Pradeep, on behalf of SCIINV Biosciences, received the second-best startup award from Dr. Manni Kantipudi, CEO of Aragen Life Sciences. This accolade underscores the importance of academic-industry partnerships in advancing healthcare innovation.

The partnership between Dr. Pradeep and SCIINV Biosciences has propelled the development of AMRx^TM, addressing critical global challenges posed by AMR with groundbreaking solutions.

Identifying the Issue

An effort to study the relationship between cycloalkanone ring size and the observed NLO properties of bischalcones

Objective of the Research

To explore the effect of the cycloalkanone ring size on the NLO properties of bischalcones

Who should read this?

Faculty, Research scholars, and Students of Optics and Organic Chemistry

Solution

With the objective of establishing the effect of cycloalkanone ring size on the NLO properties of bischalcones para-substituted diarylideneacetone and substituted diarylidenecycloalkanone derivatives were synthesized by the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction and characterized by using UV-vis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectrometry. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiencies and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the synthesized compounds were studied. Among all the synthesized compounds, 2,6-bis-(4-methoxybenzylidene) acetone showed the highest SHG efficiency (12.96 times that of urea) and 2, 6-bis–(4-methylthiobenzylidene) cyclopentanone showed the highest third order NLO property with χ ⁽³⁾ value of 2.650 ± 0.02310^-13. Among the diarylidenecycloalkanones SHG efficiency decreased with an increase in the cycloalkanone ring size. Diarylidenecyclopentanone series showed the best third-order NLO activity followed by diarylideneacetone, diarylidenecycloheptanone, and diarylidenecyclohexanone series. The results indicate that the cycloalkanone ring size as well as the presence of substituent on the aryl ring affect the  NLO properties.

Key Features and Benefits

The results of the study help in the design of bischalcones with potential NLO properties
 

Impact

Enriches the knowledge of preparing organic compounds with good NLO properties

Team

• Nitesh Taman, Bishnu Prasad Joshi, Swayamsiddha Kar, and Nageswara Rao Golakoti, from the Department of Chemistry, SSSIHL
• Prajal Chettri, Vaibhav Mahendrakar, and Shailesh Srivastava from the Department of Physics, SSSIHL.

Title of paper: Effect of cycloalkanone ring size on second and third order nonlinear optical properties of Bischalcones

Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2023.113825

Identifying the Issue

• Spread of multi-drug resistance in the malaria parasite
• Lack of novel therapies and drugs

Objective of the Research

• Development of a novel drug-like candidate with rapid kill kinetics against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
• Non-haemolytic and non-toxic to animals.

Who should read this?

Research community working in the Antiplasmodial drug development, medicinal chemists, and pharmaceutical industry.

Solution

Development of nontoxic small molecules with high therapeutic effect and selectivity.

Key Features and Benefits

• Development of small molecules with rapid kill kinetics for plasmodium trophozoite stage
• Non-toxic to mammalian cells and mice
• Non-haemolytic drug-like molecules
• Effective at low micromolar concentrations

Impact

• Oral uptake of the drug for effective therapy
• Minimizing the development of multi-drug resistance in malaria parasites when combined with other therapies
• Effective against drug-resistant parasitic strains

Team

• Hariharan Moorthy, Nitesh Taman, Sai Kiran Mavileti, and Nageswara Rao Golakoti, from the Department of Chemistry, SSSIHL
• Mamta Yadav & Dinkar Sahal, from Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
• Labhini Singla & Angshuman Roy Choudhury, Department of Chemical Sciences, from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali

Title of paper: Antiplasmodial and Antimalarial Activity of 3,5-Diarylidenetetrahydro-2H-pyran-4(3H)-ones via Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum Pyridoxal Synthase

Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202200411

Identifying the Issue

Malarial parasites are becoming resistant to presently used drugs, for this reason, there is a need for new and better antimalarial drugs.

Objective of the Research

To semi-synthesize isoandrographolide acetals from the natural product andrographolide and study their antimalarial potency.

Who should read this?

Faculty, research scholars, and students of Medicinal and Organic chemistry.

Solution

Isoandrographolide and its nineteen acetals were synthesized and characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, mass spectrometry, IR, and UV spectroscopy. Out of these fifteen isoandrographolide acetals are novel. The compound (3,19)-4-Methoxy-benzylidene-isoandrographolide was characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction also. All the compounds were tested for their anti-plasmodial potencies (IC50) against the chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 and chloroquine-resistant PfINDO strains. Potent compounds were further tested for their cytotoxicity (CC50) against mammalian cells. The activity of the compounds is influenced by various factors like the type of substituent, its position, and also its bulkiness. Thus, from this study it can be concluded that acetals of isoandrographolide can be explored as potential anti-plasmodial leads.

Key Features and Benefits

• Two isoandrographolide acetals showed good IC₅₀ of 10 μM and 12μM
• Isoandrographolide acetals can be further explored as potential leads

Impact

Potential as leads in the development of antimalarial drugs

Team

• Nitesh Taman, Sai Kiran Mavileti, and Nageswara Rao Golakoti, from the Department of Chemistry, SSSIHL
• Mamta Yadav & Dinkar Sahal, from Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
• Srinivas Nanduri from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad

Title of paper: Synthesis and Anti‑Plasmodial Activity f Isoandrographolide Acetals

Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-023-02684-9

Dr. (Mrs.) G Padmavathy, Associate Professor, Management & Commerce, SSSIHL along with Ms. Yazhini Ramani, a student of M.B.A. participated in the 2-day International Research Conference on “Emerging Technologies in Business Management” held online on 28th & 29th April 2023. The event was organised by MET Institute of Management, Mumbai in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, University of Mumbai, and supported by AICTE.

Ms. Yazhini Ramani and Dr. (Mrs.) G Padmavathy received the Best Research Paper Award for their paper titled “Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management: A Study on its Scope” presented at the event.

The session at the conference was chaired by Dr. Ramesh G Nair, Dy. Director, St. Francis Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, Dr. R. Govindappa, Principal, G.D. Jalan College of Science, Commerce, and Arts, Mumbai, and Dr. Harshada Mulay, Asst. Professor, ITM Business School, Mumbai.

Identifying the Issue

• Fabrication of lightweight and flexible films that exhibit a combination of good magnetic and dielectric properties
• Identification of electrical percolation threshold of LaNiO₃-PVDF nanocomposite
• Enhancement of dielectric properties in ternary Sn₂Fe_2.8O₄-LaNiO₃-PVDF nanocomposites by optimization of LaNiO₃ nanofiller.

Objective of the Research

• To synthesize tin-doped magnetite, Sn_0.2Fe_2.8O₄ (S0.2FO) nanoparticles with highest saturation magnetization and examine the magnetic, and dielectric properties by dispersing them in PVDF polymer matrix
• To synthesize conducting LaNiO₃ (LAN) nanoparticles, fabricate LAN-PVDF films, and investigate the electrical percolation threshold and the dielectric properties
• To enhance the dielectric behaviour of S0.2FO-PVDF films by the addition of LAN nanoparticles

Who should read this?

Materials researchers, nanotechnologists, anyone working in magnetic, dielectric, energy storage, microelectronics, microwave devices, magnetic separation and sensing industries

Solution

The multifunctional, hybrid nanocomposite films of LaNiO₃ and Sn_0.2Fe_2.8O₄ fillers, were fabricated, characterised and analysed for their structural, thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties. The diamagnetic LAN-PVDF films acquire superparamagnetic behaviour on the inclusion of S0.2FO nanofillers, thereby rendering the triphasic S0.2FO-LAN-PVDF films magnetic. The LAN-PVDF films with high dielectric constant and loss also exhibited a jump in the electrical conductivity by 7 orders at 10 vol% LAN – the electrical percolation threshold. The addition of a semiconducting S0.2FO filler to the binary composite films minimised the dielectric losses from 10³ to 10^-1 and also resulted in good relative permittivity. The ternary S0.2FO-LAN-PVDF films have improved dielectric constant and lower losses as compared to plain PVDF as well as binary LAN-PVDF and S0.2FO-PVDF films. They will be highly suitable for membrane separation, magnetoelectric devices, microelectronics, and energy storage applications.
 

Key Features and Benefits

• The developed polymer-based nanocomposites follow the current move towards flexible, compatible and light materials for various magnetic and electronic applications
• The triphasic S0.2FO-LAN-PVDF nanocomposite films combine in them, both the magnetic as well as dielectric properties and may find utility in a spectrum of applications such as microwave and magnetoelectric devices, interlayer and membrane separation, magnetic sensing, microelectronics, and energy storage

Impact

• Optimized synthesis of hybrid nanocomposite PVDF films with electroactive β, ɣ phase
• Phase purity and precision in filler loading confirmed by Rietveld analysis and TGA
• High conductivity achieved in ≥10 vol% LaNiO₃-PVDF films due to percolation effect
• LaNiO₃-Sn₂Fe_2.8O₄-PVDF ternary films have superparamagnetic, dielectric property
• Moderate dielectric constant, minimal loss achieved with Sn_0.2Fe_2.8O₄ nano-additive

Team

• Dr. P Lavanya Rathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Anantapur Campus
• Dr. Deepa Seetharaman, Head and Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Anantapur Campus
• Dr. Bharathi Ponraj

Article Published in: Materials Chemistry and Physics, Elsevier, Impact Factor: 4.778

Title of paper: Enhancement of dielectric and magnetic properties of electroactive LaNiO₃ based PVDF films by inclusion of magnetic Sn_0.2Fe_2.8O₄ nanofiller

Read Paper Here: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1gPrfvn2L-nQe

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.127259

Identifying the Issue

• As per WHO, water contamination by heavy metal ions, poses enormous threat to both the environment and human health as they are non-biodegradable and highly toxic by nature
• Their presence in high concentration in wastewater and in low concentration in ground waters of industrial regions demands efficient water remediation techniques

Objective of the Research

• Design and development of versatile Nano adsorbent, suitable for simultaneous removal of multiple cationic and anionic contaminants from water with rapid and high removal efficiency at various pH conditions of source water which makes it a viable solution for waste water and groundwater remediation
• The developed Nano adsorbent could simultaneously remove Pb(II), Hg(II), As(V), As(III) and Cr(VI) in less than two minutes of its contact in water with high efficiency at all pH conditions of source water

Who should read this?

• Global water treatment product manufacturers
• The industrial wastewater is a major source of a variety of highly toxic water contaminants, which includes heavy metal ionic contaminants. Therefore, these industries can use the material for treating the wastewater before releasing it into the water bodies
• Government bodies and NGOs concerned with providing safe water
• Researchers working on water remediation and nanomaterials for different applications

Solution

Presence of heavy metal ionic contaminants in water is a matter of global concern, owing to their disastrous impact on human health and environment. Cerium intercalated, ceria decorated titanate nanotubes (CCTNT) was developed for efficient adsorption of toxic heavy metal ions, lead, mercury, arsenate, arsenite and dichromate from water. The material properties of CCTNT were thoroughly studied using various characterization tools. CCTNT, is a nanocomposite of ceria and titanate nanotubes with a high specific surface area. The morphology is a blend of nanotubes of the titanate phase decorated with ceria nanoparticles. The results obtained from batch adsorption experiments indicated that CCTNT, with a wide pH window for adsorption of heavy metal ions, is applicable for both groundwater and wastewater remediation. In addition, it exhibited ultrafast adsorption of all five contaminants using a low adsorbent dosage. The maximum adsorption capacities of the adsorbent were calculated to be 66.76, 97.18, 189.59, 199.80, 288.23 mg/g respectively for the removal of Cr(VI),Pb(II),As(V), Hg(II) and As(III) from water. CCTNT is further suitable for highly efficient and simultaneous removal of all five heavy metal ions. These attractive properties make CCTNT a superior material for adsorption of heavy metal ions from water.

Key Features and Benefits

• CCTNT is mesoporous with high surface area, dense OH groups and multivalent cations
• CCTNT could simultaneously adsorb Pb(II), Hg(II), As(V), As(III) and Cr(VI) from water with high efficiency and ultrafast kinetics
• The wide pH window of adsorption in CCTNT makes it suitable for groundwater and wastewater
• Applicable for removal of both low and high concentrations of heavy metal ions

Impact

• The developed material is a viable solution for remediation of heavy metal ions from water
• Its attractive adsorption properties such as its high efficiency at all pH conditions makes it suitable for any kind of water source
• Simultaneous removal of contaminants to WHO permissible limits with dosage of as low as 1 g/L within two minutes of its contact with water enables it to be a suitable material for developing adsorption based water purification technology

Team

• Anjana Biswas
• B. P. Chandra
• Dr. (Mrs.) C Prathibha

Paper Published in: Applied Surface Science (Elsevier)

Title of paper: Highly efficient and simultaneous remediation of heavy metal ions (Pb(II), Hg(II), As(V), As(III) and Cr(VI)) from water using Ce intercalated and ceria decorated titanate nanotubes

Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.155841