director’s message march 2018 issue · agriculture biotechnology and bioinformatics held on 22nd...

the faculty and students.

The main aspiration of the

faculty and students at the

School of Biotechnology and

Bioinformatics is to be able

to innovate and find better

solutions for sustainable de-

velopment in areas of food,

environment and therapeu-

tics. With the kind and con-

stant support from the man-

agement, this School strives

to make a difference to socie-

ty through scientific pursuits.

May all our creative thoughts

be influenced by science and

culminate into technology.

The School of Bio-

technology and Bioinformat-

ics is happy to publish the 2nd

edition of the Scientific

Newsletter titled ‘Vigyan

Pravah’. The trend of scien-

tific culture and inquiry is

spreading amongst the facul-

ty and students of the School.

Interesting abstracts of the

research work of some of the

students have been published

to motivate the younger stu-

dents. The wave of innova-

tion and creativity has caught

on with the students resulting

in a Technical Festival

“Technoczar” held in January

2018 to showcase novel ideas

and projects of the students.

The festival culminated in the

formation of the REDX Club

an Innovation club of the

School of Biotechnology and

Bioinformatics which intends

to nurture fresh novel ideas

for creation of prototypes by

Faculty Achievements

Resource Persons

• Dr. Shanooba P.M. delivered a talk at the "Power Talk"

organized by Association of Food Scientists and Technolo-

gist, India (AFSTI) Mumbai on 29th July, 2017. The talk

was focused on Nutraceuitical Values of Vegetables of

Gourd Family.

• Dr. Azza Silotry Naik delivered a talk at the "Power Talk"

organized by Association of Food Scientists and Technolo-

gist, India (AFSTI) Mumbai on 29th July, 2017. The talk

was focused on Vitamin D deficiency and methods of bio-

fortification.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• National Conference on

Innovations in Food,

Environment and Health

Care NCIFEH-2018

September 28-29, 2018

Director’s Message March 2018

Issue –2

CONTENTS

DIRECTOR’S MES-

SAGE

FACULTY ACHEIVE-

MENTS

STUDENTS’

ACHEIVEMENTS

EVENTS

EXTENSION ACTIVI-

TIES

RESEARCH

CONTRIBUTION OF

STUDENTS’

...Nurturing Science

• Dr. V.V.N. Ravi Kishore acted as the liason and resource faculty for the Hands-on “Indo-

German Workshop on Organic Electronics” organized by SBB on 5th December, 2017.

• Dr. Manish Bhat delivered a talk on "Career Guidance & Skill Development" to undergraduate

students of Shri Dyaneshwar Maskuji Burungale Science and Arts College, Shegaon, Buldhana on

29th December, 2017.

Power talk by Dr. Shanooba P.M

Research Publications

• Sunita Singh, Arpita Gupte (2017) Utilization of buttermilk processing waste for Cephalosporin C

production by A. chrysogenum NCIM 1069. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 6(10): 1497 -

1506

• Selvaa Kumar C., Sneha Dokhale (2017) Identification of Metalloproteases Like Domain in Triticum

aestivum α/β Gliadin Protein from Bioinformatics Perspective : A Hypothesis. Research Journal of Life

Sciences, Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences. 3(3): 136 - 156

• Yadnya P., Liji T. (2017) Toxic effect of clove oil on the survival and histology of various tissues of

pestiferous land snail Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822). Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricul-

tural Sciences. 5(4): 492-505.

• Mohanty IR., Selvaa Kumar C., Rajesh S. (2017) Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitory Activity of Ber-

berine and Mangiferin: An In Silico Approach. International Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Me-

tabolism. 3(1): 018 - 022.

• Azza Silotry Naik, Subhash Kudale (2017) Local indigenous fruit-derived juices as alternative source

of acidity regulatiors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, DOI:10.1002/.jsfa.8684

• Shine D and Subhash Abel (2017) Computational Studies on the Identification of Potential Leads from

Wine Polyphenols for Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor4 (MGLUR4). Research Journal of Life Sci-

ences, Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences. 3(4): 1 - 15.

• Mala,P., Payel D., Sunita Singh (2017) Molecular phylogeny and evolution of tropical vegetal genus

Coccinia (Cucurbitaceae) using chloroplast barcode markers and its implications for speciation patterns.

Annals of Plant Science. 6(12):1817-1823.

Resource Persons

• Mr. Ashish Dabade delivered a talk on "Biogenic Amines and Food Biotechnology" at state level seminar on Recent Advances in Food,

Agriculture Biotechnology and Bioinformatics held on 22nd December, 2017.

• Mr. Pramod Kumar Gupta visited as a resource person for 'Seminar cum Hands-on Training on Bioinformatics' organized by Bharati

Vidyapeeth, Pune on 20th January, 2018. He delivered a talk in the subject 'Systems Biology '.

• Dr. Neelu Joshi was interviewed by RJ Malishka from 93.5 Red FM regarding the seedless papaya available in the market. Dr. Neelu

Joshi gave scientific explanations related to the formation of these seedless papayas.


“WORK GIVES YOU

MEANING AND PUR-

POSE AND LIFE IS

EMPTY WITHOUT IT “

- STEPHEN HAWKING


Image credit: Kristian Peters // CC-BY-SA 3.0

Mr. Pramod Kumar Gupta delivering talk at Bharathiya Vidyapeeth, Pune

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plagiomnium_affine_laminazellen.jpeg

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Issue No 2 March 2018

Research Publications

• Smriti Patel, Debjani Dasgupta (2017) Quality by design approach to protein PEGyla-

tion. Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology. 5(4):085-089.

• Sneha, P., Seetharaman, B., Shapshak, P. (2017) Amyloidogenic Pattern Prediction of

HIV-1 Proteins. Global Virology II - HIV and NeuroAIDS, Springer Publications 823-

895. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-7290-6_33.

• Patel, P., Panda, P., Patil, S., Panchal, H. (2018) Mutation Based Structural Modelling

and Dynamics Study of Alpha Fetoprotein: An Insight to Inhibitory Mechanism in

Breast Cancer. Journal of Proteomics & Bioinformatics, 111017025. doi:10.4172/

jpb.1000462

Gene Sequence Submission

• Selvaa Kumar C. Gene Sequence of Fanconi anaemia group G protein in Homo sapi-

ens (Accession No. NM-004629.1).

• Uchgaonkar, P. V., Samant, M. P., Padmadas, N., Singh, S. and Dasgupta,D.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain MGPB31, 16s rRNA complete sequence. (Accession

no. MF511820). Title: A study on the antibacterial activity of a marine isolate from

Maharashtra, India.

• Uchgaonkar, P. V., Samant, M. P., Padmadas, N., Singh,S. and Dasgupta, D. Ba-

cillus paralicheniformis strain TVMKW16 16s rRNA complete sequence. (Accession

no MF511907). Title: A study on the antibacterial activity of a marine isolate from

Kovalam beach, India.

Posters

• Dr. Selvaa Kumar C. supervised an e-poster titled "Gene-Specific-Candidate-Driven

Study to decipher Genetic Predisposition to Rotavirus Infection" at the Next Gen Ge-

nomics, Biology, Bioinformatics and Technologies Conference held at Odisha from 2nd

- 4th October, 2017.

• Dr. Naveen P. and Ms. Sneha Dokhale presented a poster on "Combined Gene Ex-

pression Analysis in HIV - Associated Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's

Disease: An In silico approach," at the Indian Conference on Bioinformatics, INBIX'

17 organized by Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur during 7th - 9th November,

2017. Mr. Naveen P. also participated in the idea pitch - in session of the Conference.

• Mr. Ashish Dabade supervised a poster titled "Functional properties of crude protein

from de-oiled rice bran and its application as food additives" presented at Elsevier 3rd

International Conference on Global Food Security: Global Challenges, Local Solutions

and Connected pathways, Cape Town, South Africa held during 3rd - 6th December,

2017.

“NOTHING IS BETTER

THAN READING AND

GAINING MORE AND

MORE KNOWLEDGE”

- STEPHEN HAWKING


Dr. Naveen P presenting poster at Birla Institute

of scientific research,Jaipur

Mr. Sumit Kamat presenting poster at Elsevier 3rd International Conference,South Africa

Awards

• Dr. Sheetal Sonawadekar and Dr. Azza Silotry Naik along with their team of students received DuPont NutriScholars Award, by

DuPont Nutrition and Health, Mumbai. The Indian food product proposal submitted by Dr. Sonawadekar and Dr. Silotry was selected for

the award. The awardee will receive a research fund of Rs. 10,000/- for development of the product. • Mr. Pramodkumar Gupta won second prize in Poster Competition for the poster entitled "In silico analysis and molecular docking

studies of RH1 drug with up and down regulated protein kinases in RH1 resistance human breast cancer cell line MDAMB231 in search

of off-target to RH1 drug" at Rajasthan Science Congress - 2017 held at Amity University, Rajasthan, 13th -15th October, 2017.


“HOWEVER DIFFICULT

LIFE MAY SEEM, THERE IS

ALWAYS SOMETHING

YOU CAN DO AND SUC-

CEED AT. WHERE

THERE'S LIFE, THERE'S

HOPE “

- STEPHEN HAWKING

Memberships

• Dr. Sunita Singh has been nominated as the member of Board of Studies-Biomedical Sciences by

MGM Institute of Health Sciences (Deemed University), Navi Mumbai for a period of 2018-2020.

• Dr. Arpita Gupte has been nominated as a member of Doctoral Review Committee (DRC) in the

field of Biochemistry / Biotechnology / Microbiology in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Parul

University, Vadodara, Gujarat. The membership of DRC is for the doctoral students admitted in the

year 2017-18.

• Dr. Selvaa Kumar C has been appointed as the member of the Editorial Panel of E- Chronicon

"EC Proteomics and Bioinformatics".

• Mr. Pramod Kumar Gupta has been invited by 'Bioleagues Worldwide' to join the Organizing

Committee of the upcoming Indo Oncology Summit to be held during 2nd-4th Feb, 2018, at Mayfair

Lagoon, Bhubaneshwar, India.

Workshops/Seminars/ Conference/Refresher course attended • Dr. Debjani Dasgupta and Dr. Naveen P. attended CII Higher Education Summit on 23rd August,

2017 at Vivanta, Taj, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.

• Dr. Debjani Dasgupta attended 2nd WRCB Industry Day "From Lab to Bedside: Challenges and

opportunities in converting proof of concept to product", organized by Wadhwani Research Center

for Bioengineering (WRCB) at IIT Bombay on 8th September, 2017.

• Dr. Manish Bhat, attended the conference "The International Education and Skill Summit (TIESS)

2017" at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon on 19th September, 2017.

• Ms. Nidhi Sharma and Ms. Shreedevi Kulkarni participated in the International Workshop on

Biomedical Test Equipments and calibrations organized by Lub Dub Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd

and Datrend Systems Inc. on 4th October, 2017.


https://sciencing.com/difference-plant-animal-cell-division-5843738.html


Workshops/Seminars/ Conference/Refresher course attended…..

• Ms. Divya Subramanian attended the Med Tech Event on the theme "Entrepreneurship, Medical Devices and Diag-

nostics, Regulatory Affairs" organized by Sine, IIT Bombay at IIT, Bombay held on 6th October, 2017.

• Pramod Kumar Gupta (2017) Synthesis, biological evaluation, docking and QSAR studies of some novel thiazoli-

dinediones as partial Parγagonists. International conference on medical, biological and pharmaceutical science

(ICMBPS) held in Berlin, Germany on 3rd-4th Nov, 2017.

• Dr. Shanooba P. M. represented School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D. Y. Patil University at Food Ingredi-

ents India Exhibition at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon on 10th November, 2017. She also participated in the

technical seminar on FSSAI - New Initiatives at the event.

• Dr. Arpita Gupte attended and successfully completed UGC Sponsored Refresher Course in "Bio-Sciences" conduct-

ed at University of Mumbai from 23rd October to 11th November, 2017.

• Dr. Debjani Dasgupta attended the 2nd Edition of Principals Conclave on 'Building Institutions of

Excellence' organized by CII western region at WeSchool Campus, Mumbai on 20th Nov, 2017.

• Dr. Naveen P., Dr. Selvaa Kumar C., Ms. Nidhi Sharma and Ms. Shreedevi Kulkarni attended

Microsoft Education Workshop on "A Digital Transformation in Education" at Microsoft India Of-

fice, Kalina, Santacruz on 23rd November, 2017.

• Ms. Nidhi Sharma attended the INUP (Indian Nano Electronics Users' Programme) familiarization

workshop at IIT, Bombay from 29th November - 1st December, 2017.

“LIFE WOULD BE

TRAGIC IF IT WEREN'T

FUNNY”

- STEPHEN HAWKING


Participants at Indo-German Workshop on Organic Electronics

Judges/Examiners

• Dr. Thankamani Marar and Dr. Jyoti Tope were nominated as a Judge for 12th Inter - Collegiate /

Institute / Department Avishkar Research Convention: 2017 - 18 (Final Round), at KLE Society's Sci-

ence and Commerce College, Kalamboli on 20th December, 2017.

Workshops/Seminars/ Conference/Refresher course attended…..

• Ms. Yadnya Parvate attended the Basic Mass Spectrometry Workshop on "Protein Identi-

fication to Quantification" at Mass Spectrometry facility, IIT-Bombay (MASSFIITB),

Mumbai on 11th December 2017.

• Dr. V.V.N. Ravi Kishore participated in ‘Science Academies' Referesher Course on

"Foundations of Physical Chemistry and its Applications" at Indian Women Scientist' As-

sociation, Vashi, Navi Mumbai held on 15th - 30th December, 2017.

• Mr. Ashish Dabade attended a workshop for newly empaneled training partners FoSTaC,

FSSAI held at FDA Bhavan New Delhi on 4th January, 2018.

• Mr. Pramod Kumar Gupta successfully completed a course on ‘Step- by -Step guide to

reviewing’ conducted by Elsevier Publishing Campus on 8th December, 2017.


• Students of Biomedical Engineering (Ankita Ramesh, Parineeta Sengupta, Komal Ravi Shankar

Chaudhary, Prajakta Nagesh Relekar and Krishna Kumar) participated in a Continuing Education Program "9th Summer Workshop

on Bioprocess Engineering - Lectures & Laboratory 2017", organized by the Department of Biotechnology, IIT, Madras from 3 rd -13th

July, 2017.

• Vinay Iyer (M. Tech Integrated) successfully completed the YES FOUNDATION Media for Social Change Fellowship 2017 at New

Delhi.

• Alumni Madhushree Varunjikar (B. Tech Biotechnology Batch 2016) was awarded with the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the

Erasmus Mundus Master Course "European M.Sc. in Marine Environment and Resources".

• Amrita De, Satyanarayan, Kanchanlata Singh, A.S.R. Koti and V.V.N. Ravi Kishore presented a poster on “Investigating Nanome-

chanical variations of cell elasticity in Human Hepatic Cells(WRL-68) upon action of Tubulin Inhibitors: An Atomic Force Microscopy

Study”, Biochemical at the meeting of Society of Biological Chemists (India). Mumbai Chapter entitled ”Recent Advances in Chemical

Biology ” held at UM-DAE Centre for excellence in Basic Sciences.

“THE GREATEST ENEMY

OF KNOWLEDGE IS

NOT IGNORANCE, IT IS

THE ILLUSION OF

KNOWLEDGE. “

- STEPHEN HAWKING


Mr. Ashish Dabhade at 1 day workshop on newly empaneled training partners FoSTaC

FSSAI FDA Bhavan, New Delhi

Students’ Achievements


• Shiti Ghosh, Satyanarayan, Mustansyrr Bohri, A.S.R. Koti and V.V.N. Ravi Kishore presented a post-

er on “Biomechanical Variations in Fibrosarcoma Cells upon Microtubule Disruption Probed By

Atomic Force Microscopy”, Biochemical at the meeting of Society of Biological Chemists (India).

Mumbai Chapter entitled ”Recent Advances in Chemical Biology ” held at UM-DAE Centre for

excellence in Basic Sciences.

• Pranali Vankore (B. Tech Bioinformatics) and Mr. Pramodkumar Gupta, won the first prize in

Poster Competition for the poster entitled "3D structure modelling and analysis of Human Mucin -

6 protein" in Rajasthan Science Congress - 2017 held at Amity University, Rajasthan from 13th-

15th October, 2017.

• Subhash Kudale, Rekha B and Purushottam H. successfully completed their Ph.D. viva - voce open

defense on 1st November, 2017.

• Suneet Kamath, (M.Sc. Food Science and Technology) presented a poster titled "Functional properties

of crude protein from de-oiled rice bran and its application as food additives" at Elsevier 3rd International

Conference on Global Food Security: Global Challenges, Local Solutions and Connected pathways,

Cape Town, South Africa held during 3rd - 6th December, 2017.

• Madhura Paranjpe (M. Tech Integrated) presented a poster entitled 'Association of single nucleotide

polymorphism in FABP2 Gene with the risk of T2DM in Indian population' at International Conference

organized by SARC and IRAJ Research Forum at Goa, India held on 17th December 2017 .

• Prachi Tandale and Madhura Paranjpe (M. Tech Integrated) were awarded second prize for the

poster entitled 'Study of single-nucleotide polymorphism within candidate gene (TCF7L2) associated

with Type II diabetes in Western Indian population' at National Conference on "Multidisciplinary

Approaches in Life Science: Research and Application for Sustainable Development" organized by

Department of Botany, Biotechnology and IQAC of Yashwantrao Chavan Institute of Science,

Satara, Maharashtra on 5th - 6th January, 2018.

• Pranav R. Thakkar (B. Tech Bioinformatics) presented a poster titled “In silico based docking of

chloroquine to understand their interaction with the target binding site of Actin protein' at

'Bioinformatica Indica' on 8th - 10th January, 2018, organized by Department of Computational Biology

and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, State Inter-University Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics,

Centre of Excellence in Ayurinformatics and Computer Aided Drug Design DBT-BIF Centre.

Student’s Achievements

Credit: ktsdesign/Shutterstock.com

Tertiary Structure of a Protein Molecule (Interactive Biology, 2017).

“IT MATTERS IF YOU

JUST DON'T GIVE UP “

- STEPHEN HAWKING

Events

“QUIET PEOPLE HAVE

THE LOUDEST

MINDS”

- STEPHEN HAWKING

• A two day HACCP certification program was conducted on 31st Ju-

ly, 1st, 11th & 12th August 2017 for M.Sc.-II students and ex M.Sc. stu-

dents of 2015-2017 batch. The training partners for the program were

SafeFoods Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Indani, an expert auditor and trainer conducted

the program. Throughout the program there was continuous evaluation

and learning through presentations, group discussions etc. Students

gained knowledge of a crucial Food safety management system that

made them ‘Industry Ready.’

• Ms. Prakruti Shah, Scientist II, Global RDQ Chocolate, Mondelez International delivered

guest lecture on "Chocolate and Confectionery' on 11th September 2017. She explained the

recent developments in chocolate industry in terms of novel ingredients, new product for-

mats and new technologies.

• A training session VLife Science Technologies, Nova Lead Pharma Pvt. Ltd. was conduct-

ed on 12th September, 2017. Dr. Sammi Mukhopadhaya, Principal Scientist, Vlife Science

Technologies, conducted training CADD, Molecular Modelling, QSAR, Molecular Dock-

ing. Students of B.Tech Bioinformatics programme attended the training.

• Workshop on Soft Skills titled "Campus to Corporate" was organized by Training and

Placement Cell on 16th September 2017.Talk was delivered by Mrs. Jyotsna Datar on

‘Power Dressing and Corporate etiquette’, Mr. Deepak Datar on ‘Interview skills and atti-

tude’ and Mr. Bhushan Patil on ‘Resume building’.

• Training Programme on ‘Radiology Work Station’ was conducted for final year students of

B. Tech Biomedical Engineering on 18th September, 2017 by Mr. Jigish Modi at Modi

Medicare Pvt. Ltd., Ghatkopar.

• ‘National Science Academies’ sponsored Lecture Workshop on

'Biotechnology for Crop Improvement' was held on 21st and 22nd Sep-

tember, 2017. The workshop was attended by students and faculties

from different colleges of Mumbai as well as from School of Biotech-

nology and Bioinformatics. Talks on topics like biotechnological strate-

gies for crop improvement, RNA interference, genome editing and ge-

netically modified crops were delivered. Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Senior Re-

search Advisor, Punjab Agriculture University ; Dr. Anjan Banerjee,

IISER Pune; Dr. S.R. Yadav, Shivaji University, Kolhapur; Dr. Sudhir

Singh, Scientist BARC; Dr. Neelu Joshi, SBB, DYPU were resource

persons for the workshop.

• Arindum Ghatak (Awarded PhD in 2016) and Dr. Palak Cha-

turvedi (M. Tech 2011 Batch) co-authored the paper entitled ‘Pearl

millet genome sequence provides a resource to improve agronomic traits in arid environ-

ments’ in Nature Biotechnology (Impact Factor: 41.667)


Participants at the two day HACCP certification program

Lecture on "Chocolate and Confectionery' by Ms. Prakruti Shah


“YOU CANNOT UNDER-

STAND THE GLORIES OF

THE UNIVERSE WITHOUT

BELIEVING THERE IS

SOME SUPREME POWER

BEHIND IT."

- STEPHEN HAWKING

Events

• Guest Lecture by Mr. Jayanta Roy, Consulant and Career Coach deliv-

ered a talk on 'Human Excellence and Competitiveness for Sustainable

Industry Growth' for final year students of B. Tech Biomedical Engi-

neering on 23rd September, 2017.

• One day training on 'Basics of Pharmaceutical Techniques' was held on

7th October, 2017 for students of final semester of M.Sc. M.Tech. and

B.Tech. programmes. Mrs. Kirti Aphale, Industry Expert (Head, Mi-

crobiology Division-Merck - Animal Health, Pune) was the resource

person. She provided an introduction to pharma industry, career oppor-

tunities along with the required skills in Biotech and Pharma Industry.

She elaborated on Good manufacturing practices and validation, Industrial safety, vaccine

development etc.

• Guest Lectures on the theme 'Drug Discovery' was held on 9th October, 2017. The resource

persons for the talks were Dr. Santosh Chajjed (Associate Professor, MET college, Nasik),

Dr. Santosh Bothe (Research Head, NMIMS, Shirpur), Dr. Virupaksha Bastikar (Assistant

Professor, Dept. of Biotechnology, Amity, Mumbai). The speakers deliberated on Drug

discovery process, synthesis, drug-drug interaction, computational and medicinal chemis-

try.

• A seminar on Study Opportunities at Illinois University by Mr. Srikumar, Director

(Marketing, Illinois University) was held on 9th October, 2017.

• An intercollegiate public speaking contest ‘Voice for Biotechnology’

for the West Zone, India was organized on 13th October, 2017. The

program was held in collaboration with Novozymes, a multinational

company. The students spoke on i) 2G ethanol, ii) Nutrition and food

for all, iii) Water conservation. Students from universities and colleg-

es of west zone of India participated in the event. Prof. B. N. Thorat,

Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, ICT, Mumbai was the

Guest of Honor for the program.

Our Faculty with the CEO of Novozymes and other Judges of the Voice of Biotechnology Event

Winners of the competition Voice of Biotechnology Event

Events

• One day FOSTAC training on 'Basic Manufacturing practices in Food Technology' was organized by Training and Placement Cell on

28th November, 2017. Mrs. Vinita Nalawade, Manager-Food Safety Regulatory Affairs-Equinox, Navi Mumbai was the resource person

for the programme. She explained the basics related to Food safety, Food processing, GMP, cGMP and Food hygiene PRP.

• A Hands-on ‘Indo-German Workshop on Organic Electronics’ was organized on 5th December,

2017. Prof. Amitabh Bannerji, Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany in Collaboration with Prof.

Arnab Bhattacharya, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai were the resource per-

sons and the participants included faculty from colleges in Mumbai and Pune, internal faculty and se-

lected students. The participants got an opportunity to fabricate an organic light emitting diode (OLED)

and an organic solar cell.

• A Popular Science Lecture on ‘Understanding the molecular mechanism of cancer prevention by

dietary phytochemicals: From experimental models to clinical trials’ was held on 12th December, 2017.

The lecture was organized by Indian Women Scientist Association, Navi Mumbai and supported by

BRNS-DAE. Dr. Girish Maru, Honorary Consultant, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai delivered the lecture and

elucidated the mechanism of cancer prevention.

• A webinar talk on ‘Computational Medicine: An Introduction’ was held on 14th December, 2017. Dr. Shameer Khader, Scientist, Depart-

ment of Medical Informatics and Research Informatics, North Well Health, NewYork, Kipp Jhonson, BS Icanh School of Medicine at

Mount Sinai, NY highlighted the upcoming field of computational medicine and its growth in the recent years. The talk is also a part of

NIH, USA initiative for creating awareness. The speakers offered internship for interested students to work remotely.


“LOOK UP AT THE STARS

AND NOT DOWN AT

YOUR FEET. TRY TO MAKE

SENSE OF WHAT YOU SEE,

AND WONDER ABOUT

WHAT MAKES THE UNI-

VERSE EXIST. BE CURI-

OUS”

- STEPHEN HAWKING

Visit by DAV School Students Visit by Mithibai college Students


“INTELLIGENCE IS THE

ABILITY TO ADAPT TO

CHANGE”

- STEPHEN HAWKING

Events

• A workshop on ‘Rapid prototyping using Arudino Uno’ was conducted by

WeCan Education, a Technical Training Company, Navi Mumbai on 16th and

17th December, 2017. The participants learnt concepts based on algorithm

construction, communication concepts, hardware interfacing and software

development using Arudino Uno Platform. They were introduced to sensors

which could sense parameters such as light, temperature, motion and distance.

The students were evaluated and graded based on their performance through-

out the course of training.

• Organization of the first Annual Tech Fest 'TECHNOCZAR 2018' on 15th and 16th January,

2018. The first technical festival with the theme ‘Science and Technology in making

Swach, Swasth and Sammrudh Bharat’ was organized by the School. The website of Tech-

nical Fest of the School ‘Technoczar’ was launched on 10th October, 2017. The theme re-

vealing and launch of the website was done by the Hon'ble. Vice Chancellor Dr. Shirish

Patil in the presence of the Director, faculty and students. Guest of Honor Dr. Arvind Lali,

Professor and Head, Center of Energy Biosciences, ICT Mumbai and Vice Chancellor Dr.

Sirish Patil, D.Y Patil University, Nerul, inaugurated the event. The programme began with

the Power talks by Dr Arvind Lali, Dr. Soumyo Mukherji, Dr. Vasan Sambandmoorthy and

Dr. Girish Mahajan. The fest also included events like 'Enigma' wherein students presented

their ideas for better India and 'Brain Bytes', wherein students provided innovative solutions

for industry problems. The programme was a grand success with a footfall of around 1000

participants from various colleges of Mumbai.

• The School has signed a MoU for research collaborations with Dr. Gabha's JBC Research Foundation, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai.

• SBB_DYPU signed a MoU with WeCan Education, Bombay Test House, SRL Ltd for purpose of academic and research collaborations.

• The School has signed a MoU with Almashines Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad in order to help connect and engage alumni through

an online platform.

MOU’s

Annual Tech Fest 'TECHNOCZAR 2018'

Robot Czarina at 'TECHNOCZAR 2018'

Research Contributions of the Post-Graduate / Graduate Students


Application of process analytical technology (PAT) for enhancing the expression of recombinant

therapeutics in E. coli

Tungekar Mohd Aatir, M. Tech (Integrated)

This project deals with the study of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and its application in real-time monitoring to control the critical

process parameters that affect the critical quality attributes of the products being produced. The work precisely deals with two sensors viz., the

BlueInOneCELL Exhaust Gas Analyzer and Optek biomass monitoring sensor to study the trends of growth and metabolism and to predict

further improvements in enhancing the expression of recombinant therapeutic proteins using E. coli BL21DE3 cell line. BlueInOneCELL Ex-

haust Gas Analyzer was incorporated in the process to determine process parameters such as Oxygen Utilization Rate (OUR), Carbon- dioxide

Emission Rate (CER) and Respiratory Quotient (RQ) in real-time by online monitoring using BlueInOne VIS software. The data generated

was correlated with the growth of the cells during different stages of the growth cycle and substrate consumption. Once the trends of culture

growth and substrate utilization were studied and reproduced, the data was used to devise a substrate feeding strategy for enhancing the

growth of the bacterial cells. An attempt to scale up the process from the 1 L to 5 L bioreactor scale was undertaken using the constant P/V

strategy to study the application of the exhaust gas sensor at the higher scale keeping all other parameters constant. Using the Optek biomass

monitoring sensor, growth of the cells was measured in terms of Concentration Units (CU) which was then correlated with the Optical Density

at 600 nm (OD600nm) measured offline and the linearization (based on the 5 L values) was defined in the Optek control software to directly

measure the optical density online in the 5 L scale fed-batch process. This real-time monitoring would ensure process optimization, controlled

scale-up, increased reproducibility and productivity.

Fabrication of a Low Cost 2-Dimensional Paper Based Microfluidic Biosensor For Detection of Bilirubin

Using Silver Nanoparticles

Phalke Ishan Vishwanath, M. Tech (Integrated)

Recent advances in field of biomedical science has paid a special attention towards the synthesis and use of metal nanoparticles which have

higher affinity towards biomolecules in the development of biosensors with prospective applications in diagnostics. Bilirubin is a brownish

yellow pigment present in human bile which is obtained as a result of heme destruction on RBC lysis. The biologically allowed range of bili-

rubin is 0.1mg/dL-1.0mg/dL. We set forth to fabricate a biosensor for bilirubin detection using silver nanoparticles on a microfluidic platform.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPads) are new class of point-of-care diagnostic devices that are inexpensive, easy to use and

designed specifically for use in developing countries. The paper based microfluidics channel comprises a porous matrix of hydrophilic cellu-

lose fibers that wick fluids along the path defined by channels. The side of the channel is bound by the hydrophobic barriers, and the top and

bottom of the channels are open to the atmosphere. Wax printing is one of the easy and low cost methods used for fabrication of hydrophobic

channels. When paper containing a drop of wax is heated, the wax melts and spreads both vertically and laterally into the paper. The vertical

spreading creates the hydrophobic barrier. The lateral spreading lowers the resolution of the channel and produces barriers that are much larg-

er than the originally printed pattern. The height of the channel is defined by the thickness of the paper and the diameter of wax drop. This

results in formation of hydrophobic channels and test zones where various bioanalyses is done. With the above aim, two samples of silver

(Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized by different chemical reduction methods and characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning

Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX/EDS). Sample I was found to contain spherical nanoparticles in the

size range of 60 nm - 70 nm and sample II was found to contain cubic nanoparticles in the size range 80 nm - 120 nm. Their interaction with

bilirubin was studied spectrophotometerically. Clear evidence of interaction is seen between silver nanoparticles and bilirubin depicting its

prospective use in diagnostics.


Research Contributions of the Post-Graduate / Graduate Students

Computation study of Interaction of Potential Anti-Cancer Compounds with Tubulin

Athanikar Aishwarya Shekhar, B. Tech Bioinformatics

Microtubules play an essential role in eukaryotic cellular process such as cell division, motility, intracellular transport. Therefore, it becomes

an attractive and promising therapeutic target for designing anti-cancer drugs. Microtubules are composed of α and β tubulin heterodimers.

Most of anti-mitotic drugs binds to these αβ tubulin subunits and affects the dynamics of microtubules. 2-Methoxyestradiol, is a potent micro-

tubule destabilizing agent that bind at the interface of α and β tubulin subunit i.e. colchicine site. The clinical success of 2-methoxyestradiol

(2ME) is dampened by the emergence of drug resistant tumor cells and presence of tubulin isotypes. The mutation of K350N in B9 sheet of

beta tubulin was found to be the cause of resistance for 2-ME in lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Also, the hematopoietic-specific βI tubulin iso-

type is naturally resistant to 2-ME, where in the βI tubulin isotype naturally encodes Val236-Ile change which causes resistance. However,

binding mode and its detailed interactions were not well understood at atomic level due to lack of structural information. We investigated the

binding mode and interaction of 2-ME using homology modelling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Our

results show that, the mutation affects the binding of 2ME at the interface of tubulin heterodimers.

Biochemical Characterization and Analysis of Bioactive Compound using Hairy Root System in Spilanthes ac-

mella L and Solanum nigrum L.

Kudale Subhash, Ph. D.

Solanum nigrum Linn. (black nightshade) and Spilanthes acmella Linn. are the medicinal plants from family Solanaceae and Asteraceae re-

spectively. Solanum nigrum is commonly used in the traditional medicine as a remedy for treating various ailments such as pain, inflammation

and fever. S. acmella is commonly referred to as the toothache plant, because of the analgesic action of its alkylamide constituents. Both the

plants are known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and larvicidal activity. Solasodine and Spilanthol are the

main bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites) present in S. nigrum and S. acmella respectively which have high market value because of

their medicinal use. It has been proved that hairy roots are the best source for extraction of secondary metabolites than the natural plant parts;

hence, the aim of present study is to evaluate biochemical composition and analysis of bioactive compounds from hairy roots of S. nigrum and

S. acmella.

Plants were collected from Lonavala, Maharashtra, India and maintained in green house. In-vitro cultures of both the plants were established

by seed germination and hairy roots were induced by Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer method using A. rhizogenes (ATCC 15834). Stem

explants showed high percent response than leaf for hairy root induction in both the plants. Transgenic nature of hairy roots was confirmed by

PCR analysis using specific primers. For optimal growth of HR, media optimization study was carried out and it was observed that MS and ½

MS media gave higher biomass yield for S. nigrum and S. acmella respectively, as compared with other media. Extracts of Field grown roots

(FGR) and Hairy roots (HR) grown on optimized media were prepared using three different solvents namely methanol, ethanol and distilled

water. In biochemical studies total phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids assays were carried out and it showed significant increase in HR than

the FGR within these solvents. Different phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by using RP-HPLC method. The antioxidant po-

tential between HR and FGR with the help of free radical scavenging activity by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, RO and SO assays was also evaluated

and compared. HR showed higher antioxidant activity than the FGR. Elicitation is known to enclave specific metabolite activity and hence in

present study three different chemical elicitors namely Chitosan, Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic acid were tested on HR for its effect on bio-

mass yield and secondary metabolite production. Increase in biomass yield was observed when methyl Jasmonate was used as elicitor for both

the plants. Chitosan and Methyl Jasmonate showed significant increase in secondary metabolite content in S. nigrum and S. acmella respec-

tively. Antioxidant Enzymes SOD, CAT and POX were evaluated during elicitation study and its induced activity was observed.Solasodine

and Spilanthol were quantified from S. nigrum and S. acmella plants respectively using RP-HPLC and higher content was observed in HR

than the FGR. It is also observed that, elicitation study showed increased content of bioactive compounds in both the plants. Solasodine and

Spilanthol were isolated from FGR, HR and HR treated by elicitor from S. nigrum and S. acmella plants respectively. Purification and confir-

mation of isolated Solasodine was done by RP-HPLC, FT-IR and NMR. HPLC analysis was done for Spilanthol and purification study is un-

der progress. Antimicrobial activity of FGR and HR was done with gram positive and gram negative bacteria and HR showed high antimicro-

bial activity than the FGR.

Research Contributions of the Ph. D. Students



Complete in vitro characterization of umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells

(UCMSC).

Purushothama Hanumanthaiah Siddagangamma, Ph. D.

In the development of stem cell-based therapeutic platforms for tissue regeneration, the source of stem cells to be utilized is of extreme im-

portance. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are considered one of the most promising tools for cell and cell-based gene therapy and are

reliable platforms to explore for regenerative medicine. The cell type was discovered more than 40 years ago by Friedenstein. These cells were

derived from rat bone marrow, displayed distinct morphology vis- a- vis the hematopoietic cells and were plastic adherent. These cells be-

haved like fibroblasts precursors given that they formed bone- and cartilage-like colonies, and formed colony forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-

F). Almost 20 years later, Caplan gave these cells the name they have today, Mesenchymal Stem Cells. During last decade the biological fea-

tures of multipotent mesenchymal/stromal cells were progressively compared first with hematopoietic stem cells and, more recently, with em-

bryonic stem cells. Although these comparisons have been crucial in helping to clarify their nature, there is now a robust amount of data indi-

cating that MSC in vitro represent an independent and heterogeneous group of progenitors with distinct self-renewal properties and established

differentiation potential. Self-renewal and differentiation potential are two criteria that define MSC as stem cells.

In this study, we have attempted to address these issues by studying Wharton Jelly Derived Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

(WJ-MSCs) as they are an important source of stem cell, easy to procure and are considered a Biological Waste and pose minimal ethical

problems to be harnessed into clinical practice. They are considered closest to embryonic although they do not retain any teratogenic proper-

ties and are classified under Adult Stem Cells. They have a high proliferation capacity and display differentiation potentials. Although

WJMSC holds promise, certain issues regarding their heterogeneity and differentiation potential in terms of their in vitro passages have to be

further studied. Therefore, we have undertaken the work by: a) Studying their phenotypic markers in addition to functional assays.b) Estab-

lishing Master Cell Banks and establishing single clones to further understand the property of heterogeneity of MSC.

In this study, we have established a master cell bank of Umbilical cord Wharton Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell which is been exten-

sively characterized based on their: I) (1) Plastic adherence, (2) Proliferation kinetics, (3) Senescence, (4) Differentiation potency, (5) Cell

Cycle analysis (6) CFU colony assay, (7) CFU differentiation assay, (8) Surface marker analysis, (9) Pluripotency gene expression and (10)

Karyotyping. II) 26 single cell clones of Mesenchymal Stem Cell were generated by limiting dilution from the above master cell bank. This

was undertaken to ask whether clones emerging from single cell colonies retained their characteristics and maintained their homogeneity.

These clones were also subjected to extensive characterization for all the above parameters. These results indicated that there is heterogeneity

creeping into the in vitro expanded mesenchymal stem cell population. The cells were positive for surface markers like CD44, CD105 and

CD90 and also negative for hematopoietic markers like CD45 and CD34. The surface marker also showed an increase in CD90 fibroblastic

cell marker as the number of doubling increased.

Credit: iStockPhoto



Evaluation of toxicity of Phyllanthus niruri aqueous extract on male reproductive system of Wistar rat

Bandekar Rekha, Ph. D.

Medicinal herbs and phytodrugs have been used since ancient time in Ayurveda and modern medicine for the treatment of a wide range of

diseases and are considered safe due to their natural origin. However, most of them have not been evaluated scientifically for side effects.

Phyllanthus niruri belonging to Euphorbiaceae family has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of renal stones, gall stones, ma-

laria, jaundice and diabetes. The hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, antimalarial properties reported in P. niruri are due to presence of various

phytochemicals. However toxic effects have been reported for short term exposure of P. niruri plant on serum biochemistry and certain organs

like kidney, liver, reproductive organs. Since testicular toxicity was observed on short term exposure, it is likely that long term treatment may

lead to compromised testicular function.

Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate the systemic toxicity and reproductive tissue toxicity caused by aqueous extract of

Phyllanthus niruri and its commercial formulation (Nirocil). Adult male Wistar rats (150-200gms) were given P. niruri whole plant extract

(1000 mg/kg bw) and Nirocil tablet (market formulation of P. niruri-200 mg/kg bw) orally for three weeks. Evaluation of serum parameters,

hormonal status, testicular marker enzymes, redox status of the testes were carried out. The histopathological alterations in reproductive tis-

sues were also recorded.

The results of the current study showed alterations in serum parameters on treatment with P. niruri and Nirocil which is suggestive of system-

ic toxicity. The level of the male reproductive hormone-testosterone was also found to be decreased.The administration of plant extract signifi-

cantly elevated the Malonaldehyde (MDA) level and altered the antioxidant status of the testes indicating that the extracts could induce oxida-

tive stress in the tissue. Changes were also observed in the activities of testicular marker enzymes and mitochondrial enzymes suggesting or-

gan and organelle toxicity. Pathological alterations were also noticed in cyto-architecture of testes, prostate and epididymis tissues confirming

reproductive system toxicity. Disorganization in the seminiferous tubules of the treated testes could probably be the reason for the observed

depletion in the epididymal sperm count. Thus the present study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of P. niruri and its market formulation

could adversely affect serum parameters and reproductive tissues in experimental animals. Therefore, caution should be exercised in indis-

criminate use of P. niruri as a medicinal plant.

Study of Hydrocarbon Degraders and Metal Bioremediation

Sonawdekar Sheetal, Ph. D.

Hydrocarbon and metal pollution is one of the main concerns of the current era. Soil contamination with hydrocarbons and metals may cause

accumulation of pollutants in animals and plant tissue leading to death or mutations. Currently common methods in use are majorly physical,

chemical or mechanical in nature. Due to incomplete decomposition of pollutants and high cost of operation there is a need for the better

methods of pollution control. In view of this bioremediation is becoming an increasingly popular technique for cleaning up contaminated sites.

The aim of present study was to screen hydrocarbon emulsifying and degrading bacteria from oil contaminated soils and to detect their effi-

ciency for heavy metal bioremediation. Nineteen different isolates were obtained from soils of ten oil polluted areas in and around Navi Mum-

bai using Bushnell and Hass broth as selective medium with engine oil. The oil degradative capacity of these isolates was evaluated using

Emulsification index, Gravimetric analysis and Gas Chromatography (with Mass Spectrometer). The oil emulsification index was found to be

in the range of 3 to 54% whereas oil degradative capacity was between 10 to 41%. GC-MS study showed the conversion of Heneicosane to

hexadecane indicating that the oil is partially degraded by the organism. The isolates were further screened for exopolysaccharide (EPS) pro-

duction. Culture 1 was selected based on the EPS production. EPS optimization study for culture 1 showed emulsification index and EPS pro-

duction to be 68% and 520mg/ml respectively. Biochemical tests and 16s RNA sequencing confirmed that the isolate was Bacillus cereus. The

Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy study indicated the presence of polysaccharides with carboxyl group and the absence of proteins.

Scanning Electron Microscopy was also performed to confirm the cell morphology and presence of EPS. The isolated culture was used for

heavy metal (Copper) bioremediation. Copper bioremediation of 88% was found at pH 5within 4h from 100 ppm copper solution. Equilibrium

adsorption experiments were carried out and the experimental data fits both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. In conclusion, the present

study shows that Bacillus cereus strain isolated from oil contaminated soil can be effectively used in the bioremediation of oil as well as heavy

metal pollution

Announcement

Issue No 2 March 2018 ...Nurturing Science

Rising to the call of the Government, India has pledged to realize the dream of a

Swachh Bharat by the year 2019 ensuring elimination of communicable diseas-

es and availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation to all.

Through modern day science and technology we aspire to achieve this global

transformation. Elimination of the use of pesticides, algal biodiesel, cure for

genetic diseases, production of vaccines and biosensors are only some Biotech-

nology wonders that have changed our lives for ever.

At the School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics we strive to keep pace and

be a part of this revolution by ensuring infrastructure, facilities and curriculum

of global standards. The National Conference on Food, Environment and Health

Care falls in tune with our mission to encompass all hallmarks of Biotechnology

as we endeavour to set higher bench marks in this amazing field. The Confer-

ence will be a nucleus of colossal deliberations on such spearheading develop-

ments in Food, Environment and Health care.

The two day Conference will be a melting pot of innovative ideas and initiatives

from all over the Nation. The program will see invited talks from eminent

speakers who are ambassadors of the changing face of technology in their re-

spective fields. Representatives of the successful entrepreneurial enterprises of

the country will share their experiences and challenges. A kaleidoscopic view of

novel and promising research carried out at academic level in fields of Food

Science, Environmental and Health care biotechnology will be presented

through oral and poster presentations. The congregation will lead to exchange of

scientific information between scientists, scholars and industrialists and foster

new collaborations. It will provide an opportunity for establishing liaisons span-

ning the chasms between these sectors. With interactive discussions and exper-

tise from all over the Nation brought under one roof we believe there will be a

lot to take home from the Conference.

The Conference will address an array of critically important areas in Food, En-

vironment and Health Care. The attention paid to concurrent research activities

will help confront unmet questions and overcome setbacks translating baseline

research into more constructive innovations. Participants will get an opportunity

to showcase their work and critical reviews will steer them in the right direction

and provide a vision for the future.

List of Speakers

*Dr. Sanjeev Galande Professor and Chair, Biology, Indian Institute of

Science Education and Research, Pune.

Prof. Smita S. Lele Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical

Technology, Mumbai.

Prof. Shyam R. Asolekar

Centre for Environmental Science and Engi-

neering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai.

Dr. Amit Dutt

Principal Investigator, Wellcome Trust/DBT

India Alliance Int Fellow, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Can-

cer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai.

Dr. Prabodh Halde

President, Association of Food Scientists and

Technologists (India) and Head Regulatory, Marico India Ltd., Mumbai.

Mr. Deepak Gadhia

Director, MSA RENEWTECH Foundation and

Trustee, Muni Seva Ashram, Gujarat.

Registration fees will cover the local hospitality and conference material. The fees will be accepted only by Online

Transfer (NEFT) submitted along with duly filled registration form by 30thAugust, 2018.

All registrations should be done strictly through conference website.

Please visit our conference website for Registration, Accommodation and for any other information

(http://www.ncifeh2018.in/)

National Conference on Innovations in Food, Environment and Healthcare

http://www.ncifeh2018.in/

director’s message march 2018 issue · agriculture biotechnology and bioinformatics held on 22nd...

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