Following are the research projects currently undergoing in our laboratory:
1. Understanding machine learning techniques in chemical reactions
A unique collaborative project is underway on developing ML models and deploying them to understand retrosynthetic pathways to prepare lead drug molecules. The work is now extrapolated to achieve green synthetic routes for preparing specialty chemicals.
2. Developing sustainable downstream processes for NCEs and specialty chemicals
Industrial reactions are successful based on their optimized downstream processes. Many biocatalysts are greener methods, yet they suffer with poor downstream processes leading to poor product yields. Downstream processes such as filtration, separation and isolation of product derivatives are carried for chosen NCEs and specialty chemicals.
3. In-house prototype AI-based robot for sample transfers
Our team is building a prototype for handling and transferring liquid samples in chromatographic systems. Patent is filed for the prototype AS-SBJ Kwika robot and is utilized by the laboratory systems only. Upscaling of robot for solid sample transfer in currently underway.
4. Chemistry of dietary fiber in variety of functional foods
Dietary fiber is associated with laxation and regulating blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Our team is working towards understanding the chemistry of dietary fiber found in functional foods. This study aims at analysing quantities of dieatry fiber in each of the food varieties with detailed calculations and AOAC standards.
5. Preparation and scale-up of important chemical intermediates - agro-based chemicals (under approval process)
Completed Projects
1. Understanding machine learning techniques in chemical reactions
A unique collaborative project is underway on developing ML models and deploying them to understand retrosynthetic pathways to prepare lead drug molecules. The work is now extrapolated to achieve green synthetic routes for preparing specialty chemicals.
2. Developing sustainable downstream processes for NCEs and specialty chemicals
Industrial reactions are successful based on their optimized downstream processes. Many biocatalysts are greener methods, yet they suffer with poor downstream processes leading to poor product yields. Downstream processes such as filtration, separation and isolation of product derivatives are carried for chosen NCEs and specialty chemicals.
3. In-house prototype AI-based robot for sample transfers
Our team is building a prototype for handling and transferring liquid samples in chromatographic systems. Patent is filed for the prototype AS-SBJ Kwika robot and is utilized by the laboratory systems only. Upscaling of robot for solid sample transfer in currently underway.
4. Chemistry of dietary fiber in variety of functional foods
Dietary fiber is associated with laxation and regulating blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Our team is working towards understanding the chemistry of dietary fiber found in functional foods. This study aims at analysing quantities of dieatry fiber in each of the food varieties with detailed calculations and AOAC standards.
5. Preparation and scale-up of important chemical intermediates - agro-based chemicals (under approval process)
Completed Projects
- Carbon-capture technologies (2013-2015)
- Zero-to-near zero liquid discharge from chemical industries (2015-2017)
- Phase-transfer catalysts for partial oxidation of drug moieties (intramural funded by NMIMS) project completed in 2016. Patent published and granted under Indian Act.
- A crop health monitoring system for detecting serious plant diseases. Indian Copyright granted on 18th April 2022.
- SPIONs nanoparticles and their course of action in nanomedicine completed on 10th August 2022. Research paper published on 8th August 2022 in Precision Nanomedicine.
- Project on bioactives found in edible mushrooms were studied and paper was published in May 2023.
- Tea leaves, associated metabolic functions and impact of tea cropping on selected SDGs (initial date: 15th August 2022). Timeline: 1 year (SLBPJ2022-16; intramural funding of 1.5 lakh). Project completed on 30th August 2023.
- Green metrics of relevant industrial reactions and developing downstream processes (2022-2024)
- Edible seaweeds - a nationwide survey (SBLPJ2024-20; intramural funding of 10 lakh INR)- Details on allergenicity, antiallegenicity of novel seaweed compounds and mechanism of action are documented. We have developed a proprietary tool to document the data that has passed integrity tests. Project completed on 10th October 2024
We have a team of analysts and a collaborative task force who work with us on the above projects and provide guidance respectively.
Following ongoing projects
1. Extraction, isolation of essential constituents from edible seaweeds
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Seaweed as a culinary cuisine. Courtesy: Pixabay
2. Selected organic synthetic routes mapping on chemical language models
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Machine-assisted green metrics. Courtesy: Pixabay
3. Food and Function relationships (SLBPJ2023-17, intramural funding of 3 lakh for 2 years granted on 1st February 2023)
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Food-Function Relationship
4. Calculation of green and sustainability metrics of organic reactions. Propriety tool created in-house by team of research analysts and passed integrity tests
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay