Dr. M. Arumugam

Arumugam
Professional Experience
  • Principal Scientist, October 2020 - Present
  • Senior Scientist, October 2016 - Oct 2020
  • Scientist, October 2012 - Oct 2016
  • Scientist ‘B’, DRDO-DIBER, Haldwani, October 2009 to Oct 2012
Area of Expertise
  1. Algal Biotechnology
  2. Protein Biochemistry
  3. Selenoproteins Basic biology and Applications
Achievements & Awards
  • Our work awarded with best oral presentation and first prize in WANACON-2025 “World Animal Nutrition Conference and & Feed Tech Expo” organized by Nagpur Veterinary college, Maharastra Animal and Fishery Science University, Nagpur during 20-22 Jan 2025.
  • Young Scientist, Research grant, DST-SERB, Govt. of India, 2013-2016
  • Junior Research Fellow, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), 2000-02
  • Senior Research Fellow, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), 2004
  • Merit Scholarship from Government of Tamil Nadu for the year 1992-94
PhD Awards
Name of the students with AcSIR Enrolment Number Fellowships Date of joining Thesis Title Date of degree award Current affiliation
Aswathy, U (10BB15A39022) DST-INSPIRE JRF Aug 2015 Investigation on the effect of Plant Growth Regulators on essential Omega-3 fatty acid production and its applications from Nannochloropsis oceanica CASA CC201 14 Aug 2020 Department of Chemical Engineering and Bio Engineering, Hanyang University, South Korea
Sujitha, BS (10BB14A39008) DST-INSPIRE SRF Aug 2014 Biochemical and molecular characterization of nitrogen stress mediated lipid accumulation in Scenedesmus quadricauda CASA CC202 28 May 2020 Looking for permanent faculty position in Trivandrum, Kerala only
Reshma, R (10BB15J39007) DBT-JRF Jan 2015 Identification of selenoprotein T and enrichment of organic selenium from edible microalgae for nutraceutical applications 18 May 2021 Scientist, Pulviago Private ltd, Trivandrum, Kerala.

 

Publications

Patent:

  • Muthu Arumugam and Ragini Reshma. “Organic selenium-enriched edible marine microalgal biomass” UK Patent No. GB2603709 dated 07-08-2024

Publications:

  • Vasanthakumar, S., Manikandan, M and Muthu Arumugam. (2024) "Green synthesis, characterization and functional validation of bio-transformed selenium nanoparticles." Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports 39: 101760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101760 [IF-2.300, Q2]
  • Reshma, R., Arumugam, M. (2023) In vivo studies on bioavailability, toxicity, and antioxidant defense of organic selenium-enriched microalga biomass in Wistar rats. Journal of Applied Phycology 35,1699-1713. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-023-03007-x [IF- 3. 404, Q1]
  • Silpa, V., Athira, V.A., Nandulal, A.M., Gokulvel, E., Mishra, T., Venugopal, V.V., Arumugam, M., Kothakota, A. and Venkatesh, T., (2023). Influence of refrigerated adsorption dehumidified drying towards the retention of phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant properties of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): Performance comparison with convection, solar and fluidized bed dryer. Industrial Crops and Products, 200, p.116839. [IF-6.449, Q1] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.116839
  • Ummalyma, S.B., Chiang, A., Herojit, N. and Arumugam, M., (2023). Sustainable microalgal cultivation in poultry slaughterhouse wastewater for biorefinery products and pollutant removal. Bioresource Technology, p.128790. [IF-11.889, Q1] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128790
  • Elamathi Vimali, Nagamalai Sakthi Vignesh, Muthusamy Kandasamy, Sepperumal Murugesan, Amarajothi Dhakshinamoorthy, Muthu Arumugam, Innasi Muthu Ganesh Moorthy, Balasubramaniem Ashokkumar & Perumal Varalakshmi. (2022) Influence of Food Waste and Graphene Oxide Nanosheets on Monoraphidium sp. VV1 Biomass and Biodiesel Production. Topics in Catalysis. (Accepted) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-022-01755-7 [IF- 2. 781, Q3]
  • Reshma, R., Arumugam, M. (2022) Organic selenium fortification in edible marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica CASA CC201 for food and feed applications. Algal Research. 66, July 2022, 102787 (Accepted) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2022.102787 [IF- 5. 276, Q1]
  • Arumugam, Muthu (2022) "Advanced Technologies and Perspectives on Sustainable Microalgae Production." Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 10. 10.3389/fbioe.2022.841261 [IF- 6. 064, Q1]
  • Balakrishnan, Jeyakumar, Bhalram Krishnan, Thiyagarajan Sekar, Parthasarathy Ayothi, Ramkumar Muthu, Vellaikumar Sampathrajan, Arumugam Muthu, Sugasini Dhavamani, and Kathiresan Shanmugam. "Maternal supplementation of high-value PUFA-Rich Isochrysis sp. biomass prevents monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in first-generation Wistar rats." Neurochemistry International (2022): 105292. (Accepted) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105292 [IF-4.297, Q2]
  • Udayan, A., Sreekumar, N., & Arumugam, M. (2022). Statistical optimization and formulation of microalga cultivation medium for improved omega 3 fatty acid production. Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing, 1-11. (Accepted) https://doi.org/10.1007/s43393-021-00069-1
  • Vimali, E., Gunaseelan, S., Devi, V.C., Mothil, S., Arumugam, M., Ashokkumar, B., Ganeshmoorthy, I., Pugazhendhi, A. and Varalakshmi, P., 2022. Comparative study of different catalysts mediated FAME conversion from macroalga Padina tetrastromatica biomass and hydrothermal liquefaction facilitated bio-oil production. Chemosphere, p.133485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133485 [IF-8.943, Q1]
  • Ayothi, Parthasarathy, Muthu Arumugam, and Kathiresan Shanmugam (2021) "Iron and Methyl Jasmonate Increase High Value PUFA Production by Elevating the Expression of Desaturase Genes in Marine Microalga Isochrysis sp." Journal of Applied Microbiology. 132 (3): 2042-2053. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15356 [IF-4.059, Q2]
  • Arumugam, M., Udayan, A., Sabapathy, H., and Abraham, B (2021) Plant growth regulator triggered metabolomic profile leading to an increased lipid accumulation in edible marine microalga. Journal of Applied Phycology 33 (3), 1353-1365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-021-02424-0 [IF-3.404, Q1]
  • Thangaswamy, Sujin Jeba Kumar, Mushtaq A. Mir, and Arumugam Muthu. (2021) Green synthesis of mono and bimetallic alloy nanoparticles of gold and silver using aqueous extract of Chlorella acidophile for potential applications in sensor. Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology. 51(10):1026-1035. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826068.2021.1894441 [IF-3.141, Q3]
  • Sujitha, BS and M. Arumugam (2020) Targeted Metabolomic and Biochemical Changes During Nitrogen Stress Mediated Lipid Accumulation in Scenedesmus quadricauda CASA CC202. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 8:585632. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2020.585632 , [IF-6.064, Q1]
  • Sujin Jeba Kumar T.,V.R. Akshay., M.Vasundhara., and M. Arumugam (2020) Biosynthesis of multiphase iron nanoparticles using Syzygium aromaticum and their magnetic properties. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. (Article in press), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125241 [IF-5.518, Q2]
  • Reshma, R., Kumari, S., & Arumugam, M. (2021) Structural elucidation of selenocysteine insertion machinery of microalgal selenoprotein T and its transcriptional analysis. Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry 68(3) 636-647. https://doi.org/10.1002/bab.1974 [IF-2.724, Q4]
  • Nagamalai Sakthi Vignesh, Elamathi Vimalia, Ramalingam Sangeetha, Muthu Arumugam, Balasubramaniem Ashokkumar, Innasimuthu Ganeshmoorthy, Perumal Varalakshmi (2020) Sustainable biofuel from microalgae: Application of lignocellulosic wastes and bio-iron nanoparticle for biodiesel production. Fuel 278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.118326 [IF-8.053, Q1]
  • Udayan, A., Sabapathy, H., & Arumugam, M. (2020). Stress hormones mediated lipid accumulation and modulation of specific fatty acids in Nannochloropsis oceanica CASA CC201. Bioresource Technology, 123437. (Article in presses) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123437 [IF-11.889, Q1]
  • Vanavil, B., Selvaraj, K., Aanandhalakshmi, R., Sri, K. U., & Arumugam, M. (2020). Bioactive and thermostable sulphated polysaccharide from Sargassum swartzii with drug delivery applications. Int. J. Biol. Macromol.,153:190-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.332 [IF-8.025, Q1]
  • Thiyagarajan S, Arumugam M & Kathiresan S (2020) Identification and Functional Characterization of Two Novel Fatty Acid Genes from Marine Microalgae for Eicosapentaenoic Acid Production. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 190, 1371-1384. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-019-03176-x [IF-3.094, Q3]
  • Devi, Rajan., Nampoothiri, Kesavan., Sukumaran, Rajeev., Raveendran, Sindhu and Muthu, Arumugam. (2019). Lipase of Pseudomonas guariconesis as an additive in laundry detergent and transesterification biocatalyst. J Basic Microbiol. 60 (2): 11-125. 10.1002/jobm.201900326 [IF-2.650, Q4]
  • Balakrishnan, J., Dhavamani, S., Govindan Sadasivam, S., Arumugam, M., Vellaikumar, S., Ramalingam, J., & Shanmugam, K. (2019). Omega‐3‐rich Isochrysis sp. biomass enhances brain docosahexaenoic acid levels and improves serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in Wistar rats. J Sci Food Agric. 99(13):6066-6075. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.9884 [IF-4.125, Q1]
  • 23. Aswathy, U., Kathiresan, S., Arumugam, M (2018) Kinetin and Gibberellic acid (GA3) act synergistically to produce high value polyunsaturated fatty acids in Nannochloropsis oceanica CASA CC201. Algal Research. 32: 182-192 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2018.03.007 [IF-5.276, Q1].
  • Thiyagarajan, S., Arumugam, M., Senthil, N., Vellaikumar, S., Kathiresan S (2018). Functional characterization and substrate specificity analysis of D6-desaturase from marine microalga Isochrysis sp. Biotechnol Lett (2018) 40:577-584. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-017-2501-4 [IF-2.716, Q3].
  • Reshma, R. and Arumugam, M (2017). Selective degradation of the recalcitrant cell wall of Scenedesmus quadricauda CASA CC202. Planta 246 (4) 779-790. doi: 10.1007/s00425-017-2732-6. [IF-4.540, Q1].
  • Anusree, VM., Sujitha, BS, Anand, J., Arumugam, M. (2017): Dissolved inorganic carbonate sustain the growth, lipid and biomass yield of Scenedesmus quadricauda under nitrogen starved condition. Indian J Exp Biol. 55(10): 702-710. http://10.10.100.66:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3183 [IF-0.944, Q4]
  • Ramya, AN., Ambily, PS., Sujitha, BS., Arumugam.M., Maiti, KK. (2017). Single cell lipid profiling of Scenedesmus quadricauda CASA-CC202 under nitrogen starved condition by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) fingerprinting. Algal Research 25: 200-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2017.05.011 [IF-5.216, Q1].
  • Moorthy, R.K., Premalatha, M., and Arumugam, M. (2017). Batch Sedimentation Studies for Freshwater Green Alga Scenedesmus abundans Using Combination of Flocculants. Frontiers in Chemistry (Section- Chemical Engineering), 5, 37. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2017.00037 [IF-5.545, Q2].
  • Jawaharraj, K., Karpagam, R., Ashokkumar, B., Kathiresan, S., Moorthy, I.M.G., Arumugam, M. and Varalakshmi, P., (2017). Improved biomass and lipid production in Synechocystis sp. NN using industrial wastes and nano-catalyst coupled transesterification for biodiesel production. Bioresource Technology. 242: 128-132. 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.03.067 [IF-11.889, Q1]
  • Udayan, A. and Arumugam, M., (2017). Selective Enrichment of Eicosapentaenoic acid (20: 5n-3) in N. oceanica CASA CC201 by Natural Auxin Supplementation. Bioresource Technology. 242: 329-333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.03.149 [IF-5.651]
  • Javee, A., Sulochana, S. B., Pallissery, S. J., & Arumugam, M. (2016). Major Lipid Body Protein: A Conserved Structural Component of Lipid Body Accumulated during Abiotic Stress in S. quadricauda CASA-CC202. Frontiers in Energy Research, 4, 37. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2016.00037 [IF-3.858, Q3]
  • Sulochana, BS., Arumugam, M. (2016): Influence of abscisic acid on growth, biomass and lipid yield of Scenedesmus quadricauda under nitrogen starved condition. Biores. Technol. 213:198-203. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.02.078 [IF-5.117, Q1]
  • Saurabh, M., Kishor, J.,Srinivasan, R., Arumugam, M., Raghavendra, R, Gupta, P., Rajeswari, H., Ajitkumar. P. (2015): NDK Interacts with FtsZ and Converts GDP to GTP to Trigger FtsZ polymerisation - A Novel Role for NDK. PLoS ONE, 10.1371/journal.pone.0143677 [IF-3.752, Q2]
  • Anand, J., Arumugam, M. (2015): Enhanced lipid accumulation and biomass yield of Scenedesmus quadricauda under nitrogen starved condition. Biores. Technol.131:246-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.12.097 [IF-11.889, Q1]
  • Mir, MA., Arumugam, M., Mondal, S., Rajeswari, H., Ramakumar, S., Ajitkumar, P. (2014): Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cell Division Protein, FtsE, is an ATPase in Dimeric Form. The Protein Journal, 34(1):35-47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10930-014-9593-7 [IF-2.499]
  • Ranjith, KR., Rao, HP., Arumugam, M. (2014): Lipid extraction methods from microalgae: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Energy Research, 2, 61. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2014.00061. [IF-2.746]
  • Arumugam, M., Ajitkumar, P. (2013): Heat and SDS insensitive NDK dimers are largely stabilised by hydrophobic interaction to form functional hexamer in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Acta biochimica Polonica. 60 (2) 199-207. https://doi.org/10.18388/abp.2013_1972  [IF-2.124]
  • Arumugam, M., Agarwal, A., Arya, MC., Ahmed, Z. (2013): Influence of nitrogen sources on biomass productivity of microalgae Scenedesmus bijugatus. Biores. Technol. 131:246-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.159 [IF-4.917]
  • Thomas, L., Joseph, A., Arumugam, M., Pandey, A. (2013): Production, purification, characterization and over-expression of xylanases from actinomycetes. Indina J.Exp. Biol. 51: 875-884. [IF-1.165]
  • Arumugam, M., Ajitkumar, P. (2012): Histidine 117 in the His-Gly-Ser-Asp motif is required for the biochemical activities of Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase of Mycobacterium smegmatis. Open Biochem J. 6: 56-62.  10.2174/1874091X01206010071
  • Arumugam, M., Anand, D., Vijayarangan, N., Anbukayalvizhi, C., Rao, M., Vijay, S., Rajeswari, H., Ajitkumar, P. (2012): Nucleoside diphosphate kinase gene is expressed through multiple transcripts in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Int. J. Microbiol Res, 4 (4): 201-210. DOI: 10.9735/0975-5276.4.4.201-210
  • Arumugam, M., Agarwal, A., Arya, MC., Ahmed, Z. (2011): Influence of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources on biomass yield of Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorococcum sp. Int. J. Energy Environ. 2 (6): 1125-1132
  • Arumugam, M., Agarwal, A., Arya, MC., Ahmed, Z. (2011): Microalgae: A Renewable Source for Second Generation Biofuel. Current Science. 100 (8), 1141-1142. Record Number- 20113195461 [IF-0.833]
  • Roy, S., Vijay, S., Arumugam, M., Deepak, A., Mir, MA., Ajitkumar, P. (2011): Mycobacterium tuberculosis expresses FtsE gene through multiple transcripts. Currt Microbiol.62(5),1581-1589. 10.1007/s00284-011-9897-1  [IF-1.519]
  • Prabuddha, G., Rajeswari, H., Arumugam, M., Mishra, S., Raghu, B., Praveen, A., Nagasuma, C., Srinivasan, S., Indi, S., Ajitkumar, P. (2009): Mycobacterium tuberculosis FtsZ requires at least one arginine residue at the C-Terminal end for polymerisation in vitro. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin: 42(1):58-69. DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmp105  [IF-2.200]
Alumni
Sujitha Dr. Sujitha B S (Year of PhD Award 2020)

Dr Sujitha B S joined CSIR-NIIST in 2014 as DST-INSPIRE JRF under the guidance of Dr. Muthu Arumugam. Her PhD work mainly focused on the biochemical and molecular characterization of nitrogen stress mediated lipid accumulation in Scenedesmus quadricauda.
Aswathy U Dr. Aswathy Udayan (Year of PhD Award 2020)

Dr. Aswathy Udayan joined CSIR-NIIST in 2015 as a DST-INSPIRE JRF and later became an SRF under the guidance of Dr. Muthu Arumugam, conducting impactful research from 2015 to 2020. Her PhD work focused on the sustainable enrichment of essential omega-3 fatty acids from edible microalga, purifying polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and evaluating their neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. Following her PhD, she pursued a postdoctoral position at Hanyang University in South Korea, where she further developed her expertise in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and omega-3 fatty acid extraction. Currently, Dr. Aswathy Udayan serves as an Assistant Manager at Aurea Biolabs.
Reshma Dr. Reshma R (Year of PhD Award 2021)

Dr. Reshma R joined CSIR-NIIST in 2015 as a DBT-JRF. Her PhD work focused on the identification and characterization of selenoproteins from microalgae as well as production of selenium enriched microalgal biomass for food and feed applications to meet dietary selenium deficiency. Dr Reshma also a co-inventor of “Organic selenium enriched edible microalga” Dr Reshma R is working as a Scientist, Pulviago Private ltd, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Vijayan Dr Vijayan Durairaj (Post-Doctoral Fellow)

He joined with Dr. Muthu Arumugam in CSIR-NIIST as National post doctoral Fellow (NPDF award) with Research grant funded by DST-SERB between March 2019-2021 (2 years). He was involved in developing an Algal-bacterial consortium towards enhance photosynthetic efficiency for values products. Currently he is working as Team Lead- Microbiology in a firm focusing on Green Hydrogen production.
Hari Mr. Hariharan S (Project Associate-II)

His work drew on the effect of phytohormones on omega-3 fatty acids in edible marine microalgae, Nannochloropsis oceanica.
Nayanana Ms. Nayana J (MPhil Project)

Joined CSIR-NIIST for MPhil project work under the guidance of Dr. Muthu Arumugam from 2019-2020. The work was on Algae-Bacterial interactions from waste water. After completion of the course, qualified for GATE, UGC-NET (Environmental Science) and CSIR-NET. Currently working as a Guest lecturer of Microbiology at SN college for Women, Kollam.
Janardana Mr. Janardana V (Project Trainee)

He joined CSIR-NIIST in 2018 as a project trainee to complete his dissertation, a requirement for his Integrated MSc in Life Sciences at the Central University of Tamil Nadu. He focused on the biogenic synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using Scenedesmus quadricauda CASA CC 202, as well as their impact on lipid profiling. Currently, he is working as a quality professional in a pharmaceutical organization in Bengaluru.
Anand Dr Anand J (Project Associate)

His work focused on the “Biochemical molecular investigation of stress mediated microalgae and its lipid accumulation and biomass productivity” in the “DST-SERB” funded project. Currently, he is working as Research Scientist, in Reliance Industrial Limited, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Athira Ms Athira L (Project Associate)

She worked as a project associate from 5 March 2024 to 4 September 2024. Her work was related to 'Green hydrogen production’. Currently she is working as HSST Chemistry in SNVHSS Panayara, Varkala.
Sruthi Ms Sruthi KS (Project Associate)

Sruthi K S joined CSIR NIIST as a Project Associate II in August 2024, where her research focuses on ‘Omega-3 fatty acid enriched edible algal biomass as feed supplements.’ We use Nannochloropsis oceanica as feed supplement as a source of essential nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids for evaluation of performance in nursery fish feed which also a solution for cost effective source of nutrition that can produce significant amounts of high value nutritional products. In addition to her research work at NIIST, currently Sruthi K S working as a Molecular Technologist at the Export Inspection Agency, Kochi.
Vasanthakumar Mr. Vasanthakumar Saravanan is an enthusiastic young researcher in the field of algal biology, especially algal taxonomy and algal biotechnology. He joined CSIR-NIIST as a Project Associate in a DST-SERB funded project titled "Investigation on Identification and Biochemical Validation of Selenoproteins from Nannochloropsis ocenica CASA CC201 as a Functional Food/Feed Supplement," under the guidance of Dr. Muthu Arumugam. He conducted impactful research from December 2020 to February 2022. Currently, Vasanthakumar is working as a Doctoral researcher in the Metabolic Engineering Group at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.

 

Academic Qualification
  • Ph.D. in Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, in 2010.
  • M.Sc (Ag.) in Genectics and Plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, in 2002.
  • BSc (Ag.) from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, in 1999.
Team
Swati Ms. Swati Pawar
PhD Scholar (UGC-JRF)
Swati Pawar joined the Algal Biotechnology group as a UGC JRF fellow in August 2024. She is working on the genetic basis of Selenoproteins synthesis, selenium bioaccumulation, and metabolism in microalgae.
Hareeshma Ms. Hareeshma P S
PhD Scholar (UGC-JRF)
Hareeshma joined Algal biotechnology group at Jan 2025 as UGC jrf fellow. Qualified csir net jrf in June 2024. She mainly focuses on nutraceutical and pharmaceutical aspects of microalgae with special emphasis on the therapeutic potential of Omega-3 fatty acids from edible microalga.
Sujin Mr. Sujin Jeba Kumar T
PhD Scholar (DBT-SRF)
Sujin joined CSIR-NIIST as a DBT JRF. His PhD work focused on the Green nanotechnology using dual heterogeneous reduction system for synthesis of composite materials with enhanced properties.
Aswathy Ms. Aswathy Francis
MSc Research Intern
Joined CSIR-NIIST for MSc project work under the guidance of Dr. Muthu Arumugam. Aswathy focus her project work on “Exploring the Carbon sequestering potential of Microalga”.

 

Projects
  1. Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator for DBT-Task Force Project “Omega-3 fatty acid enriched edible algal biomass as feed supplements” (Three years) TEC recommended as Phase II project (#5) owing to its translational scope.
  2. Principal Investigator for CSIR funded project entitled “Novel Strategies for Scalable Green Hydrogen Production” (5. 0 L for One year)
  3. Co-principal Investigator for DST-SERB Core Research Grant, Govt of India, CRG/2022/002239 “A sustainable for oleochemical production from agro and industrial residues using non-conventional olegenious yeast and fungi (32.89 L, for three years)
  4. Principal Investigator for a research grant proposal to CSIR under Focused Basic Research- "Agriculture-Nutrition-Biotechnology (ANB) theme, Govt of India, MLP-0051 “Investigation on the separation, composition and utilisation of De-oiled microalgal biomass as value-added nutraceuticals”. (53.00 L, for three years)
  5. Principal Investigator for a research grant proposal to DST-SERB Core Research Grant, Govt of India, CRG/2019/001913 “Investigation on identification and biochemical validation of selenoproteins from Nannochloropsis oceanica CASA CC201 as functional food/feed supplements”. (34.28 L, for three years)
  6. Principal Investigator for a research grant proposal to DBT, Govt of India, “Investigation on the synergistic effect of phytohormoes on omega3 fatty acid production from Nanochloropsis sp.”. (57.14 L for two years)
  7. Principal Investigator for a research grant proposal to DST-SERB, Govt of India, “Bioprospecting of microalgal resources for nutritionally important high value lipid production”. (5.4 L for one year)
  8. Principal Investigator for a research grant proposal to DST, Govt of India, “Biochemical and molecular investigation on stress mediated lipid accumulation and biomass productivity in microalgae”. (21 L for three years)
  9. Activity leader (Co-PI) for CSIR network project “Encapsulated Microorganisms for Environmental Protection” CSC-0127. (186 L for five years)
Training programs

Skill Development Program:

CSIR-NIIST Skill Development Programme on
“Microalgal Lipidomics: Scaleup and FAME profile by GC-MS”
27-31st Aug 2024

Considering the futuristic application of microalgae-derived bio-economy in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food/feed and renewable energy sectors, CSIR-NIIST is conducting a hands-on skill development training program. The focused workshop was attended by 20 active participants from across the country including industry participants who are actively engaged in microalga based R &D. During the workshop, participants were learned and upskilled into the intricate world of algal biotechnology from culturing methods to advanced analytical techniques GC-MS based FAME profiling through gaining hands-on experience.

Picture1

Algal Lipidomics-2024: Scale-up and FAME profile by GC-MS” 27-31st Aug 2024

Research Areas

1. Understanding the lipid synthesis and enhancement strategies in microalgae:

Algal Biotechnology Research group at CSIR-NIIST focuses on understanding the lipid metabolism and enhancing lipid accumulation and biomass yield in Microalga. Nitrogen starvation boosts lipid content (2.27-fold increase) but decreases biomass. Our overall understating on stress mediated lipid enhancement and its biochemical relevance is one of thrust area with emphasis on the following.

  • MLDPs (Major Lipid Droplet Proteins): Markers for stress-induced lipid accumulation, increasing during abiotic stress.
  • Stress Hormone ABA: A 4-fold rise in Abscisic acid synthesis under nitrogen starvation was witnessed in freshwater alga which further triggers ABA responsive elements to cope-up the stress.
  • Stress-Associated Proteins (SAPs): Five major SAPs identified, with ongoing research into their roles in stress adaptation and lipid enhancement.

Future perspective: This work provides an underpinning for optimizing microalga strains for enhanced lipid accumulation and nutraceutical applications, to ensure a balanced diet.

MLDP

Over view of Nitrogen stress mediated lipid accumulation in Microalga

2. Enhancing essential omega-3 fatty acid, EPA Production in Microalgae:

Microalgae like Nannochloropsis oceanica are promising sources of EPA (C20:5), an essential omega-3 fatty acid crucial for cardiovascular well-being, brain health and neuroprotection. Despite its potential, low biomass productivity remains a major challenge for large-scale EPA production. Our approach and finding includes

  • Use of commercial grade affordable fertilisers and phytohormones to enhance the biomass and EPA yield.
  • Scaleup in 200 L photobioreacgtor, 300 L open raceway pond and validated with 2000 L commercial firm for its large scale cultivation
  • Validation and Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid enriched biomass as aquaculture feed supplements in collaboration with ICAR-CIFA.
ICAR

Effect of MeJA and SA on lipid accumulation and modulation of specific class of fatty acids

Future perspective: This approach provides a cost-effective strategy for improving EPA production, addressing global nutritional demands and overcoming the limitations of traditional cultivation methods.

3. Microalgal Selenoproteins: Biology and Therapeutic Applications:

Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for numerous biological functions, including redox balancing, thyroid metabolism, and intracellular signalling, facilitated by Selenoproteins. Microalgae uniquely possess the machinery (SECIS elements) to synthesize Selenoproteins, converting inorganic selenium into bioavailable organic forms. Our lab decoded the Selenoprotein T for the first time in microalga with experimental evidences and its possible clinical relevance in ER stress. Key finding includes

  • Decoding of Microalgal Selenoprotein T and its SCEIS machinery
  • Structural and Transcriptional validation
  • Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential

    -Engineered to bioaccumulate organic selenium, marking a significant advancement in biofortification (Patented bioprocess).
    -Organic selenium-enriched N. oceanica proved non-toxic and effective as a dietary supplement in Wistar rats.
    -Promoted growth, reduced cholesterol and LDL levels, and enhanced antioxidant defences by lowering oxidative stress markers (MDA) and increasing catalase activity

  • Selenium Nanoparticles (Se-NPs): Green synthesis, characterisation and demonstrated 74% radical scavenging activity and scalability for dietary and feed supplement applications.
NP

Microalgal Selenoproteins Basic biology and Translational Research

Future perspective: Selenium-enriched microalgae offer a sustainable, scalable, and versatile source for dietary supplements, feed additives, and bioactive compounds, with broad potential in health and nutrition industries.