Unique Features:
 Development of SAM and cross-linkable small-molecule HTMs for inverted
    PSCs
 Tunable energy levels for optimal band alignment and reduced recombination
 High hole mobility with excellent film-forming and stability characteristics
 Library of 50+ new HTMs enabling structure–property–performance
    optimization
 Solution-processable materials for flexible, large-area and low-temperature
    PSC fabrication

Natural Product Chemistry
Harnessing the natural wealth (plant/herbal/microbial) of the region to obtain novel biologically active compounds or leads for drug synthesis, exploring traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and tribal medicine for lead structures and correlating/corroborating this wealth of knowledge with modern diagnostic chemical and biological testing methods. The natural products isolated from plants/microbial cultures are screened against several biological targets for antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory activities. This is done through interdisciplinary collaborations within the institute and also with several national laboratories and universities. In addition, we have a very good facility for in vivo screening of molecules with biological potential. The abundant natural products are synthetically modified for enhancement of biological activity. By utilizing the rich repository of phytomolecules, we are supporting the quality control/standardization of herbal raw materials and finished products for Ayurveda and herbal industry. The
scientific validation of herbal formulations, both classical and proprietary products are taken up in the institute. We have established a facility for herbal formulations with special focus on making galenical formulations of traditional medicines.

Unique Features:
 Methodological explorations for effective evaluation and validation of
    traditional wisdom
 Exploration of the medicinal plants and microbes of the Western Ghats
 Large repository of phytomolecules and analogues
 Skill and expertise for isolation and characterization of natural products.
 Semisynthetic modification of natural products
 Multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional projects in CNS disorders and
    infectious diseases

Development of sustainable and green methods for chemical synthesis
The quest for sustainable development in chemistry has tempted both organic chemists and environmental chemists to search for green and environmentally friendly methodologies. For sustainable development, the methodologies should
address three main factors: 1) reduced consumption of raw materials and energy, 2) maximum use of renewable resources and 3) minimal use of harmful chemicals. These new methods must be environment friendly with minimum of waste, with high efficiency and by utilizing processes with 100 % atom economy. There is an increasing demands for product safety and efficacy in the chemical industry and allied branches and this trend is evident in other branches of industry as well, due to increasing concerns for biodegradability of the products. The development of efficient methods to access complex molecules with multiple stereogenic centers has become a substantial challenge in both academic research and industrial applications. The growing importance of the chemical industry and other branches as part of Make in India initiatives of Government of India and the growing needs of effective, environmentally sound production methods, we are focusing developing sustainable methods by developing novel and efficient green routes for chemical
synthesis.

Unique Features:
 Sustainable synthetic routes towards scaffolds for medicinal and materialinterests
 Green chemistry routes for chemical intermediates, agrochemicals and advanced pharmaceutical ingredients
 Organic photochemistry methodologies for green synthesis

Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Medicinal plants have demonstrated their potential as a repository of bio-active molecules with promising therapeutic potential and represent an important pool for the identification of novel drug leads. To investigate new phytochemical entities (NPCEs), naturally occurring phytomolecules are subjected to semi-synthetic modification, transforming them into pharmacologically active NPCEs that serve as lead candidates for clinical translation. In-depth investigations underlying molecular mechanisms were ruled out using detailed in vitro and in silico approach. In the area
of chemical biology, an interdisciplinary team is investigating the intrinsic complexities of cell-surface glycans that impede to track the metabolic changes in cells. Metabolic glycan labelling (MGL) on the cell surfaces plays a pivotal role in cellular recognition like cell–cell communication and host–pathogen interactions etc. Moreover, fundamental structural changes have been observed in the course of many physiological processes which leads to the development of disease (e.g., cancer) progression.

Unique Features:
 Semi-synthetic modification of bioactive natural products isolated from plants
 New Phytochemical Entities (NPCEs) as advanced Hits / Leads towards anti-
  cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antiviral potential

Process Development Towards Chemical Entities
The team working on process development has successfully established different technologies for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (Nitazoxanide, Galidesivir, Molnupiravir and EIDD 1931), fluorescent dyes (red, blue, green and yellow) for security applications and agrochemicals (Flonicamid and spirotetramat). We focus on developing processes that utilize indigenous raw materials that are readily available. Another important factor that we take care of is the reduction in the number of process steps and also avoiding purification by column chromatography,
thereby decreasing the cost of production.
Unique Features:
 Scalable processes utilizing easily available raw materials
 Reduction in process steps and production cost
 High yielding steps that doesn’t require expensive purifications

Engineering Lead-Free Halide Perovskites: From Molecular Design to Light
Harvesting

Thermoelectric Materials: Waste Heat Harvesting and Self-Powered Sensing