The focus of my laboratory is to study the genetic diversity and functional properties of lactic acid bacteria(LAB) and bacilli found in several fermented foods using the tools of molecular biology. We also study several industrially important microorganisms through genomics and bioinformatic approaches. Besides, we characterize enzymes like phytase, fibrinolytic enzymes, lipase, protease,phytase, β- galactosidase, sea weed hydrolyzing enzymes that has vivid applications in functional food formulation. Evaluation of horizontal gene transfer in LAB for antibiotic resistant and pediocin PA-1 production, plantaricin and development of reporter bacteria for sensing antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria through Bio-nanotechnology based approaches etc are also our prime research activities. Our research activities are also concentrated on development of indigenous probiotic cultures following genomic approaches and development of detection tool for antibiotic resistance such as multidrug resistance, vancomycin resistance and aminoglycoside resistance in LAB. Our group is also actively involved in imparting advanced training in molecular biology techniques for upcoming researchers.
Food Biotechnology; Molecular Biology, Bionanotechnology & Bioinformatics
Fellow, Association of Food Scientists & Technologists, India
First Fellow, Microbiologists Society, India
CSIR-DAAD exchange of Academics 2015
Lalji Godhoo SN award of AFSTi-2013.
CSIR-CFTRI Foundation Day Award for the year 2013-14 & 2018-19 for Scientific Contribution in R & D.
Biotechnology Training, JICA, Japan
DAAD fellow, Germany
Raman Research Fellow, USA
Fellow, Indian Association of Applied Microbiologists
Fellow, Academy of Microbiological Sciences (FAMI)
Fellow, National Academy of Biological Sciences.
Fellow, Biotech Research Society, India
Fellow, Royal Society of Biology, London
Fellow, National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi
Convenor-member- Bureau of Indian Standards (FAD15.1)