Prof. C. Sudarsanakumar

Prof. C. Sudarsanakumar Professor and Former Director, School of Pure and Applied Physics, M G University,  Kottayam.  Hon.Director, Centre for High Performance Computing, M G University, Kottayam. Email: c.sudarsan.mgu@gmail.com Google Scholar

Officiating as:

• Professor (since 2009)
• Director, Centre for High-Performance Computing, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (since 2015).
• Director: School of Pure and Applied Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (2013 – 2015).
• Hon. Director: Inter-University Centre for Biomedical Research, Puthuppali, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (2010 – 2011).
• Hon. Joint Director: Centre for High-Performance Computing, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (2010 – 2015).

Academic Qualifications

• Ph.D. Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, India (1992)
• GATE Qualified (1986)
• M.Sc. Physics, University of Kerala, India (1985)

Research Experience:

• Postdoctroral Researcher, Macromolecular structure Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA (1998-2001)
• Postdoctroral Researcher, Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India (1992-1994)

Fellowships awarded:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Ohio-State University, Columbus, USA (1998 – 2001).
• Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India (1992 – 1994).
• Senior Research Fellowship, CSIR, Government of India (1989 – 1992).
• Junior Research Fellowship from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India (1987 – 1989).

Areas of research interest:

• X-ray crystallography.
• Molecular modeling and dynamics of Modified Nucleic Acids.
• Interactions of Biomolecules with Nanoparticles.
• Structure, interactions and activity of natural drugs with Macromolecules.
• Nano-particles as Biosensors.
• Structural and Optical properties of Nanoparticles.

Research Activities

• No of Ph.D. completed: 13
• No of Ph.D. Ongoing: 4
• No. of M.Phil thesis completed: 19
• No. of M.Phil thesis Ongoing: 3
  

Post-doctoral supervision

Completed

1. Dr. Anu Philip
2. Dr. Angel Susan Cheriyan

Present

1. Dr. Subin Thomas
2. Dr. Soorya Sukumaran

Memberships in Professional Organizations:

• Member of the American Chemical Society, USA (since 2016).
• Life Member of Indian Crystallographic Association (since 2005).
• Life Member, Alumni, Ohio State University, USA (since 2001)
• Life Member, Alumni IISc Bangalore (since 1994)
• Life member, Alumni IIT Chennai (since 1992).
• Member of the American Crystallographic Association, USA (1999 – 2001).
• Member of the Institute of Physics, USA (1999 – 2001).

M.Phil Students:

• Bubbly K Joseph
• Reena Varghese
• Usha Radhakrishnan
• Anu Mohan
• Sreejith V
• Kamal P Mani
• Vineeshkumar.T
• Jaya K.V.
• Mary Varughese
• Haris P
• Sreeraj S
• Bhavitha. K.B.
• Irshad.P.M
• Vijeesh (School of Bio Sciences, 2015)
• Anugop .B
• Amal Babu. K
• Cinumon. K.V
• Chinnu V Devan
• Vishnu Raj

Teaching Experience

 Post-graduate teacher for the last 23 years [MSc, M.Phil. and Ph.D. course work].

Publications in international journals:

• Total number of publications: 103
• Number of publications in International journals: 70

Invited lectures since 2011

• International meeting on highly correlated Systems IMHCS, M.G.University, Kottayam, Kerala, Mar. 24 – 26, 2017.
• Workshop on Creative Writing for Tapping Funding Resources and Effective Publication, Institute of Plant Science, M.G.University, Kottayam, Kerala, Feb. 27-28, 2017.
• Workshop on Computational Chemistry and Applications, Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences, Pampady, Kottayam, Kerala Dec. 30, 2016 – Jan. 1, 2017
• Workshop on Crystal and Molecular Structure Determination from X-ray Diffraction Measurements, Periyar University, Salem, Mar. 28 – 29, 2016.
• National Seminar on Photonics and its Applications, Department of Optoelectronics, University of Kerala, Dec. 9-11, 2015,
• Refresher course, Academic staff college, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Dec. 2015.
• National Seminar on Characterisation methods, Govt. College Kattappana, Nov. 25-26. 2015.
• National Workshop on Rietveld Refinement, Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences, Pampady, Kottayam, Sept. 11-13, 2015.
• National Seminar on Material Science with special emphasis on Crystallography, Government College, Kottayam, Sept. 9-11, 2015.
• Physics Alumni Meeting (Inaguration & amp; Lecture), Department of Physics, Government College, Kottayam, Aug. 15, 2015.
• National seminar on advanced materials and characterization techniques, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Mar. 27-28, 2015.
• National Symposium on X-ray diffraction and Recent Advances in Crystallography, Periar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Feb. 27-28, 2015.
• UGC sponsored seminar “Material characterization tools and techniques “, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kerala, Mar. 19 – 21, 2015.
• Workshop on Electron Microscopy – Theory, Applications and Sample preparation Techniques, CUSAT, Kerala, Mar. 4-7, 2015.
• National Science Day Celebration, Inaugural Lecture, Centre for Materials for Electronic Technology (CMET) Trichur, Kerala, Feb. 27, 2015.
• National Conference on Advances in Crystal Growth and Nanotechnology, CMS College, Kottayam, Jan. 15-16, 2015.
• Seminar on Impact of Crystallography on Modern Science, CUSAT, Dec. 30, 2014.
• Seminar on Impact of Crystallography on Modern Science, Govt. Arts and Science College, Kozhikode, Dec. 6, 2014.
• Refresher course, Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Nov. 2014.
• National Science Day Celebration, DIET, Kottayam, Kerala, Feb. 28, 2014.
• Refresher course, Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Nov. 2013.
• National Seminar on spectroscopic techniques and its applications for material characterization, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Oct. 3-4, 2013.
• Seminar, Physics Association, CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala, 2013.
• National conference on scientific computing, IIITM, Kerala, Jun 20-21, 2013.
• Emerging Trends in Growth and Characterization of Single Crystals and Nanomaterials, Sacred Heart College, Chalakudy, Kerala, Mar. 11-12, 2013.
• National Colloquium on 100 years of crystallography, Sreenivasa Ramanujan Institute of Basic Sciences, KSCSTE, Govt. of Kerala, Feb. 7-9, 2013.
• Refresher Course, Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Jan. 2013.
• “Theory of X-ray diffraction”- UGC Sponsored National Workshop on `Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Microstructural Characterization of Materials, Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam, Kerala, Feb. 6-7, 2012.
• “Biomolecular Dynamics” National Conference cum Workshop in Scientific Computing (NCSC 2012), IIITM-K, Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 11-14, 2012.
• “Biomolecular Modelling” at Prof.K.V.Thomas Endowment National Workshop 2011 on Current Trends in Molecular Modeling, Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kochi, Kerala, Mar. 2011.
• “Symmetry in Science and Nature” Developments in Science and Technology, National Science Day Celebration Seminar, Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, M.G.University, Kottayam, Kerala, Feb. , 2011
• Refresher course, Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 2011.

International Conferences in which papers presented/Participated

• Interaction of alkaloid capped gold nanoparticles with ct-DNA using calorimetric and spectroscopic methods, International meeting on Highly Correlated Systems ( IMHCS-2017), School of Pure and Applied Physics and IIUCNN, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Mar. 24-26, 2017.
• Magnetic nanoparticles in biological medium, International meeting on Highly Correlated Systems ( IMHCS-2017), School of Pure and Applied Physics and IIUCNN, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Mar. 24-26, 2017.
• Interaction between Naringenin capped Silver nanoparticles and Human Serum Albumin, International meeting on Highly Correlated Systems (IMHCS-2017), School of Pure and Applied Physics and IIUCNN, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Mar. 24-26, 2017. (Second Prize)
• Structural flexibility of multifunctional 2-Pyridone derivative in a crystal engineering perspective. International meeting on Highly Correlated Systems ( IMHCS-2017), School of Pure and Applied Physics and IIUCNN, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Mar. 24-26, 2017.
• Structural studies of ydna duplexes elucidated through Molecular dynamic methods, International meeting on Highly Correlated Systems (IMHCS-2017), School of Pure and Applied Physics and IIUCNN, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Mar. 24-26, 2017.
• Fiber optic Sensor for the detection of ammonia in air, 11^th Asia Pacific Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Technologies, Mar. 6-10, 2017
• Interaction of flavone diosmine with ct-DNA using calorimetric and spectroscopic studies, International conference on advances in biotechnology and biotheraputics (ICABBS- 2017), Sathyabhama University, Tamilnadu, Mar. 8-10, 2017.
• Molecular Recognition of the Flavanoid Luteolin with Duplex DNA. P-136, International Conference on Science, Engineering Technology & Management (ICSETM–2017) K. E. College, Mannanam, Kerala, Mar. 8-9, 2017.
• Structural, Optical and Photocatalytic study of PEG capped Mg doped ZnS nanoparticles, International conference on New trends in Applied Chemistry (NTAC-2017), Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala, Feb. 9-11, 2017.
• Structure and Dynamics of base modified DNA sequence, International conference on New trends in Applied Chemistry (NTAC-2017), Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala, Feb. 9-11, 2017.
• Interaction of Hesperetin capped gold nanoparticle with ct-DNA: Spectroscopic and Calorimetric studies. International conference on New trends in Applied Chemistry (NTAC-2017), Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala, Feb. 9-11, 2017.
• Interaction of quinoline alkaloid capped gold nanoparticles with ct-DNA using calorimetric and spectroscopic methods. International conference on advances in biological systems and materials science in nanoworld (ABSMSNW-2017), IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Feb. 19-22, 2017.
• ZnS quantum dots an efficient candidate for the controlled release of anti-cancer drug. International conference on Advances in biological systems and materials science in nanoworld (ABSMSNW-2017), Department of physics, IIT, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Feb. 19-22, 2017.
• Surface Plasmon Resonance based fiber optic dopamine sensor using BSA-gold  nano-cluster/Polymer composite, International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, VIT University (ICNAN-2016), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Oct. 19-21, 2016.
• Calorimetric and spectroscopic study: The interaction of L-cysteine functionalized selenium nanoparticles with calf thymus DNA 1st International conference on Nano science and Nanotechnology (ICNAN`16), VIT University (ICNAN-2016), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Oct. 19-21, 2016.
• International Seminar on Science of Music, NAADAM, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Sept. 25-27, 2015.
• International Conference on Chemical Biology: Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics (ICCB-2014), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad during Feb. 6-8, 2014
• 6th International Symposium on recent trends in molecular structure and function, Madras University, Tamil Nadu, Jan. 22-24, 2014.

National Conferences in which papers presented/Participated

• UGC sponsored national seminar on Frontiers of Nanotechnology, Marthoma College for women, Kerala. Aug. 8-9, 2017.
• Optical fiber sensors for applications, National Seminar on Advances in Scientific and Industrial Instrumentation (ASCII-2017), Department of Instrumentation, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Feb. 22-23, 2017.
• Optical nonlinearities of iron doped zinc sulphide quantum dots. 61^st DAE solid state physics Symposium, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Dec. 26 – 30, 2016.
• Nonlinear optical properties of bio-synthesized gold nanoparticles, National Laser Symposium (NLS-25), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Dec. 20-23, 2016.
• Systematic investigation of composition dependent structural and Raman scattering studies of Zn_1-xCd_xS alloy quantum dots. National conference on computational and experimental physics of functional materials (NCCEPFM-2016), Dec. 16-17, 2016.
• Workshop on NAAC Accreditation Process, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Apr. 12, 2016.
• National Seminar on Photonics and its Applications, Department of Optoelectronics,University of Kerala, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, Dec. 9-11, 2015.
• National seminar on advanced materials and characterization techniques, University of Kerala, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, Mar. 27-28, 2015.
• National Symposium on X-ray diffraction and Recent Advances in Crystallography, Periar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Feb. 27 – 28, 2015.
• National Conference on Advances in Crystal Growth and Nanotechnology, CMS college, Kottayam, Kerala, Jan. 15-16, 2015.
• 59^th DAE-Solid State Physics Symposium (DAE-SSPS), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Dec. 16-20,2014.
• National Laser Symposium (NL-23), S.V.University, Thirupathi, Dec. 3-6, 2014.
• National Seminar on Crystallography 43A, Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, Mar. 28-30, 2014.
• National Conference on Advanced Materials and Applications. NIT, Thiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Apr 4-5, 2013.
• Emerging Trends in Growth and Characterization of Single Crystals and Nanomaterials, Sacred Heart College, Chalakkudy, Kerala, Mar. 11-12, 2013.
• National conference on Advances in Chemical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana,  Mar 1-2, 2013.
• National Conference on Recent Trends in Materials Science (RTMS-2011), Jaypee University of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh, Oct. 8-10, 2011.
•  Mini-Symposium on Macromolecular Crystallography, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Oct. 2011.

Other Activities

• Member, Local advisory committee, International meeting on Highly Correlated Systems IMHCS, M. G. University, Kottayam, Kerala, 24-26, 2017.
• Member, National Organizing Committee, National Seminar on Photonics and its Applications, Department of Optoelectronics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Dec. 2015.
• Member, National Organizing committee, National Symposium on X-ray diffraction and Recent Advances in Crystallography, Periar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Feb. 27-28, 2015.
• Member, Organizing committee, International Year of Crystallography, Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Govt. of Kerala, Aug. 19, 2014.
• Convener, Seminar on International year of Crystallography, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Feb. 21, 2014.
• Convener, National Seminar on Nanophotonics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Jun. 26, 2014.
• Chairman Technical committee, 23^rd Swadesi Science Congress, jointly by Swadeshi Science Movement, Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Nov. 6-8 2013.
• Chairman Scientific Session National conference on Advances in Chemical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, Mar. 1-2, 2013 .
• Member National Organizing committee, National Colloquium on 100 years of crystallography, conducted by Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment, Feb. 7-9, 2013.
• Resource person INCULCATE, Govt. of Kerala.

Coordinator

• Seminar on “The Hunt for the Blue LED”, School of Pure and Applied Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Oct. 14, 2015.
• Seminar on Piezoelectric Thin Films – Influence of film texture for MEMS, School of Pure and Applied Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala Jun. 18, 2015.
• Workshop on Developments in Crystallography, School of Pure and Applied Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Dec.16-17, 2014.
• International Year International Year of Crystallography (IYCr), Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment, Govt. of Kerala, 2014.
• National seminar on 100 years of crystallography, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, 2013.
• National Seminar on Advanced Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, Jan. 8-19, 2011.
• XIV Refresher Course on Experimental Physics (Sponsored by Academy of Sciences In India), Nov. 18-Dec. 3, 2010.

Other Responsibilities

• Member, Biotechnology Mission, CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Member IQAC, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Member, Academic council, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Member, Board of studies in Optoelectronics, University of Kerala.
• Member, Board of Studies, Department of Physics, CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Member Board of Studies- Subject Expert, Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, Kerala.
• Member Board of Studies- Subject Expert, Department of Instrumentation, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, Kerala.
• Chairman, BOS 2014(MSc, MPhil), School of Pure and Applied Physics (SPAP), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Member Board of Studies- Subject Expert, S. B. College, Changanassery, Kera;a.
• Member Academic Council (2013-2015), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Member, Board of Studies (B. Sc.), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.
• Chairman, Board of Studies (M. Sc), School of Pure and Applied Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.

Maintenance of XRD machine

• Consultancy for Data Processing and Structure Solution from X-ray Data.

Peer recognition

Reviewer in:

• Journal of Molecular Modelling, Springer.
• Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing. Springer.
• Chinese Optics Letters.
• HSOA Journal of Infectious and Non Infectious Diseases (USA)
• Optics Communications, Elsevier.
• Materials Letters, Elsevier.
• Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance
• Materials Today Communications, Elsevier.
• Materials Chemistry and Physics
• International journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Sensors and Actuators B: chemical
• Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Analysis

Important publications

• Colorimetric and Fiber Optic Sensing of Cysteine Using Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles
  D. R Raj and C. Sudarsanakumar, Plasmonics 13(1), 327-334 (2018).
  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-017-0517-1
• Fe induced optical limiting properties of Zn_1−x Fe_xS nanospheres
  T. V. Vineeshkumar, D. Rithesh Raj, S. Prasanth, N.V. Unnikrishnan, V.P.Mahadevan Pillai, C. Sudarasanakumar, Journal of Optics and Laser Technology 99, 220-229 (2017).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2017.09.006
  
• Elucidating the interaction of l-cysteine- capped selenium nanoparticles and human serum albumin: spectroscopic and thermodynamic analysis
  S. Prasanth and C. Sudarsanakumar, New Journal of Chemistry 41,9521-9530 (2017).
  https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ00477J
  
• Experimental Probing and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Molecular Recognition of DNA Duplexes by the Flavonoid Luteolin
  V. Mary, P. Haris, M. K. Varghese, P. Aparna, and C. Sudarsanakumar, Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, 57(9), 2237-2249 (2017).
  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jcim.6b00747
  
• A comprehensive approach to ascertain the binding mode of curcumin with DNA
  P. Haris, V. Mary, P. Aparna, K. V. Dileep and C. Sudarsanakumar, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 175, 155-163 (2017).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2016.11.049
  
• Surface plasmon resonance based fiber optic sensor for the detection of cysteine using diosmin capped silver nanoparticles
  D. R. Raj and C. Sudarsanakumar, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 253, 41-48 (2017).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2016.11.019
  
• Development of LSPR-Based Optical Fiber Dopamine Sensor Using L-Tyrosine-Capped Silver Nanoparticles and Its Nonlinear Optical Properties
  D. R. Raj, S. Prasanth and C. Sudarsanakumar. Plasmonics 12 (4), 1227-1234 (2017).
  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-016-0380-5
• Role of Mn²⁺ concentration in the linear and nonlinear optical properties of Ni_1-xMn_xSe nanoparticles
  B. Anugop, S. Prasanth, D. R. Raj, T. V. Vineeshkumar, S. Pranitha, VPM Pillai and C. Sudarsanakumar, Optical Materials 62, 297-305 (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2016.10.017
  
• A systematic investigation on the interaction of l-cysteine functionalised Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles with lysozyme
  S. Prasanth, DR Raj, RK Thomas, TV Vineeshkumar and C Sudarsanakumar, RSC Advances 6, 105010-105020 (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA20714F
  
• Exploring the interaction of L-cysteine capped CuS nanoparticles with Bovine serum Albumin (BSA): A Spectroscopic study
  S. Prasanth, D. R. Raj, T.V. Vineeshkumar, R. K. Thomas and  C. Sudarsanakumar,  RSC Advances, 6(63), 58288-58295 (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA03583C
  
• Composition dependent structural, Raman and nonlinear optical properties of PVA capped Zn_1-xy Cd_x Cu_yS quantum dots
  T. V. Vineeshkumar, D. R. Raj, S. Prasanth, P. Sankar, N. V. Unnikrishnan and C. Sudarsanakumar, Optical Materials 58, 128-135 (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2016.05.022
  
• Surface Plasmon Resonance based fiber optic sensor for mercury detection using gold nanoparticles PVA hybrid
  D. R. Raj, S. Prasanth, T. V. Vineeshkumar and C. Sudarsanakumar, Optics Communications 367, 102–107 (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2016.01.027
  
• Surface plasmon resonance based fiber optic dopamine sensor using green synthesized silver nanoparticles
  D. R. Raj, S. Prasanth, T. V. Vineeshkumar and C. Sudarsanakumar, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 224, 600-606  (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2015.10.106
  
• Conformational features of benzo‐homologated yDNA duplexes by molecular dynamics simulation
  P. Aparna, M. Varghese, M. K. Varghese, P. Haris and C. Sudarsanakumar, Biopolymers 105, 55-64 (2016).
  https://doi.org/10.1002/bip.22743
  
• Energetics, Thermodynamics and Molecular Recognition of Piperine with DNA
  P. Haris,V. Mary, M. Haridas and C. Sudarsanakumar, Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling 55, 2644 – 2656 (2015).
  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jcim.5b00514
  
• Ammonia sensing properties of tapered plastic optical fiber coated with silver nanoparticles/PVP/PVA hybrid.
  D. R. Raj, S. Prasanth, T. V. Vineeshkumar and C. Sudarsanakumar, Optics Communications 340, 86-92 (2015).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2014.11.092
  
• Nonlinear optical properties and fluorescence quenching behaviour of PVP capped ZnS nanoparticles codoped with Mn²⁺ and Sm³⁺
  S. Prasanth, P. Irshad, D. R. Raj, T. V. Vineeshkumar, R. Philip and C. Sudarsanakumar, Journal of Luminiscence 166, 167-175 (2015).
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2015.05.028
  

Research Areas

• Single crystal X-ray structure determination.
• Exploring the three-dimensional molecular structure of highly functionalized molecular materials to expose the supramolecular features leading to various applications.
• Optimizing structural and bonding characteristics precisely to predict the ground and excited state activity/property of materials followed by a qualitative structure activity assessment for various applications using cutting-edge quantum chemical methods.
• Developing nanomaterial based fiber optic sensors for bio-applications.
• Spectroscopic and calorimetric studies on the interaction of nanoparticles with proteins.
• Biophysical and computational studies on the molecular recognition of natural drugs by DNA.
• Spectroscopic, calorimetric, cytotoxic, anti-bacterial and computational studies on the molecular recognition of natural drugs and its nanoparticle derivatives by ctDNA.
• Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles in polymeric matrices.
• Tuning the optical limiting properties of II-VI nanoparticles.
• Detection of harmful plastcizers in plastic packaged food & beverages.

Synthesis, structural and optical properties of alloy quantum dots for optical power limiting applications

Investigation of semiconductor nanocrystals has constituted one of the most active,cross-disciplinary research areas for over two decades. In particular, semiconducting metalsulfide nano-particulates possess novel optical, electrical and magnetic properties. Amongthe variety of semiconductor metal sulfide nano nanocrystals, ZnS is a wide band gap semiconductor with a band gap energy of 3.4 eV at 300 K having blue luminescence, large binding energy, high chemical, mechanical and thermal stability. It has become a challenge to control the property of semiconductors continuously independent of their size. It can be achieved by alloying with other elements and also by adjusting the constituent stoichiometry of alloyed semiconductors ie they exhibit novel composition-tunable properties. Our research work is mainly focused on the synthesis of surface passivated ZnS based alloy quantum dots [Zn_1-x M_x S (M= Cd, Co, Ni, Fe, and Cu)] by various polymeric ligands/matrix.The synthesized materials were analyzed by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, DRS, PL and FT-IR. In nano crystalline solids, band gap modification and strain induced changes in lattice parameters alter the intrinsic inter atomic distances and modify the energy levels of bonding electrons leading to the changes in their electronic and optical properties. We investigate the composition dependent optical non-linearity and limiting properties using Z-scan measurements and identified promising candidates in the design of optical devices like optical limiters for protecting human eye and optical sensors at both high and low power laser regimes.

Z scan curve and Optical limiting response of Zn_1-x Cd_xS at different Cd concentration Nanomaterial based fiber optic sensors for bio-applications

Sensors are very important in all aspects of healthcare and environmental monitoring.Developing new materials and technology for novel sensors invite great interest. Current health awareness demands for more reliable, robust, cost effective and compact sensors with higher sensitivity, selectivity and time response. Localized surface plasmon resonance(LSPR) based biosensors using metal nanoparticles invite attention due to their potential biomedical applications. The excellent biocompatibility, conductivity, catalytic properties,high surface-to- volume ratio and high density of metal nanoparticles facilitate extensive usage in bio- chemical sensor applications. Gold and silver nanoparticles are extensively used as sensors because of their outstanding LSPR properties. LSPR can be tuned based on the properties of capping material, surface modification, particle shape, medium of refractive index, surface charge and inter particle distance, more efficiently than the size of the particle. Different capping agents make them capable of sensing different analytes.Recently, these unique optical properties of metal nanoparticles are utilized in the field of fiber optic sensors for enhanced sensitivity, robustness and real time applications.Incorporation of metal nanoparticles such as gold, silver and copper nanoparticles into optical fibers pave way for new promising strategies for developing biological and chemical sensors. We work on environment friendly synthesis of silver, gold and other metal nanoparticles capped with different biomolecules and used for the detection and quantification of important analytes like dopamine, cysteine, ascorbic acid, ammonia and mercury, which are important in the diagnoses, monitoring, prevention and treatment ofseveral disorders.
Future perspective: Development of commercially viable LSPR based fiber optic sensor for biomedical applications.

Schematic diagram of NP-coated fiber optic dopamine sensor setup.Interaction of Natural drugs and its metal-nano- derivatives with DNA: Along with its anti-proliferating studies.

DNA is an important drug target facilitating the ability to manipulate vital processes.Drug molecules from plants are significant as many anticancer drugs are either from natural products or their derivatives. Various experimental techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, calorimetric techniques, Circular dichroism and electrophoresis are employed to understand the binding interaction. Further the binding mechanism is explored through Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation studies.

The emergence of Bio -Nano materials gives new prospects to researchers for solving the problems in biomedical applications. Comparative interaction studies between ct-DNA with natural drugs and its derivatives (nanoparticles) are also done through biophysical and computational techniques. MTT assay techniques are used to probe the cytotoxic effects of natural drugs and its derivatives to cancerous and normal human cells. Anti-bacterial studies
are also carried out on streptococcus bacteria, one of the major cancer causing agents in human beings.

Interactions studies of Nanoparticles with Proteins: A biophysical approach

Nanoparticles are increasingly considered for many biomedical applications such as imaging, targeted drug delivery vehicles, bio sensing and therapeutics. For the safe and effective use of nanoparticles in biomedical applications, it is necessary to understand the complex interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems and is also essential to assure the biocompatibility of developed nanoparticles. When the nanoparticles enter into the biological fluids, they interact with the plasma proteins and form a “protein corona”around the nanoparticles surface. Protein corona has significant role in modulating nanoparticle mobility and toxicity. It also regulates the nanoparticle-cell recognition. The interactions can alter the normal conformation and functioning of the proteins leading to unexpected biological reactions. The conjugation of nanoparticles with proteins may also increase the immunogenicity leading to undesired side effects. Therefore it is necessary to understand the physicochemical interactions of nanoparticles with proteins. We investigate the interactions of chalcogenide nanoparticles with proteins using spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques. It provides the information regarding the interacting forces, binding sites, binding affinity, conformational changes, and stability of the interacting molecules. The current investigations will certainly enhance the applications of nanoparticles in therapeutics and nano biotechnology.

Future Scope

Design and composition of nanoparticles for specific therapeutic applications such as bio-labelling, bio sensing and drug delivery.

Schematic representation of interactions of nanoparticles with Lysozyme and protein corona formation
Structure and Dynamics of Modified Nucleic Acids

Studies on size expanded nucleic acids mainly aim at the exploration of the structural properties of unnatural genetic system. The design and synthesis of size expanded nucleic acid analogs have revealed their unusual biophysical and biochemical properties. We aim to explore the conformational space of modified DNA and RNA duplex systems in order to understand the stability of the duplexes and the variation in the structural parameters on account of their modified bases through Molecular Dynamics simulation methods. Molecular Dynamics simulation methods were employed on modified xDNA, yDNA, xRNA and yRNA duplexes to investigate the possibility of expanding the natural helical alphabet by accommodating new base pairs. Future Scope: The structural investigation of base modified oligonucleotides can be useful in the design of more fluorescent nucleobase analogues which could be a potential tool in biological probing and sensing. They may also have applications in antisense therapeutics.

Size expanded versions of xRNA: Expanded Adenine rxA, Expanded Guanine rxG, Expanded Cytosine rxC and Expanded Uracil rxU.xRNA duplex containing natural and size expanded xA, xG, xC and xU ribo nucleobases. Base modified nucleic acids could expand the genetic alphabet and thereby enhance the functional potential of DNA.

Interaction of Phytochemicals with lectin may reveal new directions to glycobiology

The lectins are commonly defined as carbohydrate binding proteins showing considerable specificity in binding oligosaccharides through a carbohydrate recognizing domain (CRD). Protein glycosylation, one of the protein-modification events in which the protein generates its recognition structures for interaction with external ligands. Lectins have been implicated in most of these recognition events via their ability to decipher the glycocodes on the surface of cells. In addition to the essential carbohydrate-binding site,other functionally or structurally important sites may also be present on the lectins. However,lectin families might also interact with other molecules, such as non-protein amino acids and hydrophobic compounds. The presence of additional binding sites mainly for hydrophobic ligands, increases the versatility of lectins for future applications. Interaction studies between gallic acid and Spatholobus parviflorus (SPL) lectin had already been reported and thrown insight towards a new functional role of lectins in plant physiology. The study focuses on the binding studies of different non-carbohydrate ligands (n-CLs) with selected legume lectin without disturbing the site of sugar binding leaving the lectin free for molecular recognition. Even though further validation by X-ray crystallography was far challenging but makes it possible to elucidate the proper mode of ligand binding.

Future scopes includes experimental and sensible research strategy towards discovery of novel drug delivery systems targeting by profiling of cell-surface glycans,followed by controlled release of drugs.

Binding stategy of non-carbohydrate ligands with SPL lectin.

Accurate three dimensional structural features of chemical entities using X-ray Crystallography and First principle approach.

Our structural chemistry research focuses on the three dimensional molecular structure of highly functionalized organic materials, metal organic complexes and clusters to expose the supramolecular features with various applications from material science to biological systems. In recent scenario, much attention has been paid to explore the quantitative estimation of a variety of non-covalent interactions made available through a highly sophisticated method namely Hirshfeld surface analysis which facilitates crystal engineering applications. Enormous efforts have been provided to elucidate these interactions and their organizations to the supramolecular structural design; consequently, a proper understanding of these interactions is essential to extrapolate the structure-activity/property relationships precisely. This is rapidly gaining popularity and seeks to comprehend non-covalent interactions to reorganize molecules on the atomic level so as to achieve the goal of producing functional derivatization of materials with tuned activity.Cutting-edge quantum chemical tools being employed with sate of art workstations to optimize bonding characteristics, solvent effects and other structural parameters toward the activity of materials followed by a qualitative structure activity assessment for various materialistic applications. Optical profile of highly conjugated organic scaffolds associated with multiple functionalities is promising candidature to the photovoltaic, OLEDs and other lighting technologies. Structural modifications of these materials with respect to the supramolecular architecture can tune their optical behavior and can establish the mechanistic view of absorption and emission characteristics using the application of solution of time dependent Schrödinger equation through first principle approach.

Future scopes include experimental and theoretical charge density analysis on molecular crystals at extreme low temperature yielding quantitative basis to unravel intra and inter molecular bonding characteristics more effectively. We are also planning to perform a ‘mechanistic tribute’ to highly challenging multi-step organic reactions through
structural chemistry methods including transition state modeling.Through consultation perspective, our group supports the entire scientific community towards highly challenging crystallographic structure solution & refinement process up to publication level.

Multifunctional graphene-based SERS approach towards the detection of harmful plastcizers in plastic packaged food & beverages

Conventional plasmonic SERS substartes modified with graphene is known as Graphene mediated SERS (G-SERS). In G-SERS, graphene can take several roles:(1) a flat supporting graphene surface on which nanoparticles can be arranged ina controllable way (2) a spacer to avoid direct contact between the metal and the probe molecule, (3) protection from photoinduced defects and hence stabilization of SERS, (4) a vertical nanometer size gap for plasmonic field enhancement and (5) as a fluorescent quencher. Graphene mediated Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate with high electromagnetic enhancement is used to detect and evaluate the exposure of harmful chemicals from plastic food packaging. Plastics are indispensable part of modern life. All plastic is made from chemicals that have the potential to harm a person’s health. Bisphenol A (BPA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are two endocrine disrupting, high-production-volume chemicals used in plastics. When food is stored in plastic bags these chemicals can leach into the food and then be ingested. GSERS based sensors would be fabricated for the detection of BPA and DEHP and the real life samples like drinking water and medicines will be checked with the sensors that would be fabricated using the optimized G-SERS substrate.