PRAKASH SARANGI | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. PRAKASH SARANGI | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, IMPHAL, INDIA.

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Prakash Kumar Sarangi’s academic journey reflects his unwavering dedication to the field of biotechnology and environmental sustainability. Born with a keen interest in natural sciences, he pursued his undergraduate studies in Botany, Chemistry, and Zoology at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, India, in 1997. This early foundation laid the groundwork for his later focus on environmental biology and biotechnology. Dr. Sarangi continued to expand his knowledge by earning a Master’s degree in Botany with a specialization in Environmental Biology from Ravenshaw University in 1999. His growing interest in applied science led him to pursue an M.Tech in Agricultural Biotechnology from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in 2005, where he delved deeper into agricultural and environmental biotechnology.

Driven by a passion for applied research in microbial technology, Dr. Sarangi obtained his Ph.D. in Microbial Biotechnology from Ravenshaw University in 2011. His doctoral research was both interdisciplinary and focused on practical applications of microbial technology in environmental biotechnology, solidifying his expertise in the field of waste biomass utilization and microbial biodegradation.

Professional Endeavors đź’Ľ

Dr. Sarangi has amassed over a decade of experience in both academia and research, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable technologies. Since 2012, he has served as a Scientist Senior Scale in the Department of Microbial Biotechnology at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphal, India. His role in this esteemed institution has allowed him to pursue cutting-edge research while mentoring the next generation of scientists. Dr. Sarangi’s academic career has also seen him take on teaching roles as a Visiting Faculty at various universities, including the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology and MATS University. In addition, he was an Assistant Professor and Research Officer at the Rajkumar Academy of Bioinfotech & Research, Bhubaneswar, where he contributed to teaching and research in biotechnology.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Prakash Kumar Sarangi’s research is primarily focused on environmental sustainability and the conversion of agro-industrial waste into valuable bioenergy and biomaterials. His work in bioprocess engineering, microbial catalytic systems, and microbial cellulose utilization has the potential to revolutionize how waste biomass is managed. He specializes in the microbial degradation of biomass, particularly lignocellulosic biomass, and the conversion of waste into second-generation biofuels and other bio-based products. His research aims to address the global challenges of waste disposal and the need for sustainable bioenergy solutions. Dr. Sarangi has made groundbreaking contributions in the areas of bioconversion technologies, which focus on transforming agricultural and industrial waste into valuable chemicals, biochemicals, and biomaterials. His innovative approach to waste-to-value technologies holds immense promise for both environmental remediation and sustainable production.

Dr. Sarangi has taken a leadership role as the principal investigator in various research and development projects on agro-industrial waste biomass conversion, biofuel production, and microbial biodegradation. His multidisciplinary approach combines principles from microbial biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and environmental sustainability, making his work a crucial part of the drive toward a circular economy.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Sarangi’s extensive body of work has earned him international recognition and respect in the fields of microbial biotechnology and environmental engineering. He has published over 100 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals and contributed to more than 60 book chapters. Additionally, his research has been included in over 70 conference proceedings, underscoring his impact within the scientific community. His contributions have extended beyond academic publishing, as he has authored 20 books with renowned publishers such as Springer Nature, CRC Press, Elsevier, and AAP. These publications serve as valuable resources for researchers, practitioners, and students, further cementing Dr. Sarangi’s position as a thought leader in the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Sarangi’s work has had a lasting impact on the scientific community and society. Through his research on waste biomass conversion and bioprocessing, he is helping to build a more sustainable future. His work has the potential to address critical environmental issues, such as waste management, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. By developing innovative solutions for biofuel production and microbial biodegradation, Dr. Sarangi is not only contributing to the scientific understanding of these processes but also advancing practical applications that can benefit industries, communities, and ecosystems worldwide.

His efforts to promote sustainable practices in the biotechnology field have inspired numerous young researchers and academics. Through his teaching and mentorship, he has influenced the careers of many students who are now contributing to various aspects of biotechnology and environmental science.

Legacy and Future Contributions đź”®

Looking toward the future, Dr. Prakash Kumar Sarangi is committed to continuing his groundbreaking work in the field of microbial biotechnology. His ongoing research aims to develop even more efficient and sustainable processes for converting waste biomass into valuable resources, thus supporting global efforts to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and transition to renewable energy sources. With his expertise in bioprocess engineering and waste biomass utilization, Dr. Sarangi is poised to contribute significantly to the development of novel bio-based materials and chemicals, making a lasting impact on industries such as agriculture, energy, and environmental remediation.

Dr. Sarangi’s legacy lies in his innovative approach to sustainability, his dedication to teaching, and his ongoing contributions to the field of microbial biotechnology. His work not only addresses current environmental challenges but also provides a roadmap for future generations of scientists to follow in the pursuit of a more sustainable and environmentally responsible world.

In summary, Dr. Prakash Kumar Sarangi’s career has been marked by remarkable academic achievements, a deep commitment to sustainability, and a passion for advancing the field of microbial biotechnology. With his innovative research and dedication to solving environmental problems, Dr. Sarangi continues to shape the future of biotechnology, leaving an indelible mark on both academia and the world at large.

Citations

A total of 1,851 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        1,851
  • h-index          130
  • i10-index       23

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Transesterification of castor oil and ethanol using green catalyst for biodiesel production through Box-Behnken design
    Authors: Rajak, A.K., Harikrishna, M., Mahato, D.L., Karuna, M.S.L., Sarangi, P.K.
    Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
    Year: 2025.
  • Title: Organic ligand-assisted Fe(II)-activated persulfate for enhanced degradation of chlorinated aromatic contaminants in soil remediation
    Authors: Vasudhevan, P., Shuhao, L., Ruoyu, Z., Dixit, S., Pu, S.
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
    Year: 2025.
  • Title: Deciphering the importance of nanoencapsulation to improve the availability of bioactive molecules in food sources to the human body
    Authors: Pugazhendhi, A., Alshehri, M.A., Kandasamy, S., Sarangi, P.K., Sharma, A.
    Journal: Food Chemistry
    Year: 2025.
  • Title: Closing the loop: A comprehensive exploration of Taiwan’s e-waste to resource conversion journey
    Authors: Gollakota, A.R.K., Mishra, R., Pai, C.-L., Kumar Sarangi, P., Arivalagan, P.
    Journal: Environmental Research
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Food Waste to Food Security: Transition from Bioresources to Sustainability
    Authors: Sarangi, P.K., Pal, P., Singh, A.K., Sahoo, U.K., Prus, P.
    Journal: Resources
    Year: 2024.

Dhanji Rajani | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Dhanji Rajani | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Microcare laboratory and Tuberculosis research centre, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits đź“š

Dr. Rajani’s journey into the world of microbiology began with a strong foundation in science. He completed his B.Sc in Microbiology in 2000 from the prestigious Sir P P Institute of Science. His enthusiasm for laboratory sciences led him to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (PGDMLT) in 2001 from K K Jani Paramedical Institute.

With a passion for advancing his knowledge, Dr. Rajani completed his M.Sc in Medical Microbiology in 2003 from the Aditya Vikram Birla Postgraduate Institute. His academic rigor culminated in a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology in 2012 from Bhavnagar University, solidifying his expertise in the field. 🎓


Professional Endeavors 🏥

Dr. Rajani’s career spans nearly two decades, marked by notable contributions to medical microbiology.

  • Microbiologist at Microcare Lab & TRC (2004–Present):
    Dr. Rajani has been a cornerstone of Microcare Lab & TRC, where he continues to lead diagnostic advancements. His role involves overseeing microbiological testing, ensuring accuracy, and implementing innovative diagnostic techniques.
  • Chief Microbiologist at Smt. R B Shah Mahavir Hospital (2009–2013):
    As Chief Microbiologist, Dr. Rajani played a pivotal role in enhancing laboratory operations, managing a team of experts, and ensuring quality assurance in diagnostic services. His leadership contributed to the hospital’s reputation for reliable microbiological testing.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Rajani’s research interests revolve around medical microbiology, particularly in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. His Ph.D. research has added valuable insights to the field, emphasizing innovation in microbial identification techniques.

His work at Microcare Lab involves addressing public health challenges, optimizing diagnostic protocols, and ensuring swift detection of pathogens. Dr. Rajani’s contributions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) studies are noteworthy, addressing a critical global health concern. 🌍


Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Rajani’s expertise has earned him recognition among peers and institutions. While leading diagnostic labs, his commitment to quality and precision garnered respect and trust within the medical community.

  • Awards for Excellence: Dr. Rajani has been recognized for his innovative diagnostic methods and dedication to public health.
  • Community Impact: His efforts in ensuring accessible and accurate diagnostics have greatly benefited underprivileged communities, earning him local appreciation.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Dr. Rajani’s career is a testament to the transformative role of microbiology in healthcare. By bridging the gap between research and practical application, he has set benchmarks in laboratory diagnostics. His contributions to training young professionals have been instrumental in fostering the next generation of microbiologists. 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

His work in microbial testing and infection control has influenced healthcare practices, contributing to improved patient outcomes. Dr. Rajani’s proactive approach to disease surveillance has bolstered public health initiatives.


Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Dr. Rajani’s enduring passion for microbiology reflects in his continued efforts at Microcare Lab, where he mentors young scientists and collaborates on groundbreaking projects. His future endeavors aim to:

  • Expand research on emerging infectious diseases and their diagnostic challenges.
  • Advocate for widespread adoption of cost-effective diagnostic tools in resource-limited settings.
  • Promote awareness about antimicrobial stewardship to combat resistance.

His vision is to create a lasting impact on global healthcare through innovation, education, and community service.

Citations

A total of 1,871 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        1,871
  • h-index          99
  • i10-index       24

Notable Publications 

  • Synthesis of 4-(3-(1-substituted/unsubstituted-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl)propoxy)benzaldehydes: In vitro antimicrobial, antimalarial activities and In silico docking study
    • Authors: Al-Salehi, M.A., Parmar, M.P., Rajani, D.P., Patel, H.M., Trivedi, J.H.
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    • Year: 2024.
  • Antimycobacterial Activity of Solid Lipid Microparticles Loaded with Ursolic Acid and Oleanolic Acid: In Vitro, In Vivo, and Toxicity Assessments
    • Authors: Saini, V., Mata Espinosa, D., Pandey, A., Hernandez Pando, R., Srivastava, R.
    • Journal: Microorganisms
    • Year: 2024.
  • Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Quinoline-1,2,3-Triazole Hybrids as CYP51 Inhibitors: In Silico Study and In Vitro Antimicrobial Assessment
    • Authors: Chabhadiya, B.K., Naik, H.N., Mohite, B.A., Patel, H., Jauhari, S.
    • Journal: ChemistrySelect
    • Year: 2024.
  • Microwave accelerated green access to functionalized pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazoline-3-carboxylate scaffold and their pharmacological screening
    • Authors: Patel, R.C., Rajani, D.P., Kunjadiya, A., Patel, M.P.
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    • Year: 2024.
  • Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Isatin Incorporated Thiazolyl Hydrazines
    • Authors: Gore, V.A., Tekale, S.U., Jadhav, M.A., Rajani, D.P., Pawar, R.P.
    • Journal: Letters in Applied NanoBioScience
    • Year: 2024.

Debasmita Mohanty | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Debasmita Mohanty | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-CIFRI, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits đź“š

Debasmita Mohanty’s academic path in the realm of biotechnology and microbiology started with a strong foundation in science. Her journey began at Sailabala Women’s College in Cuttack, Odisha, where she completed her +2 Science in 2011. She then pursued a Bachelor’s in Microbiology (Honors) from the College of Basic Science and Humanities, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, graduating in 2014 with a solid grounding in microbiology and a score of 66.8%.Her academic pursuits deepened as she joined Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for her Master’s in Applied Microbiology, completing it in 2016 with an impressive 79.4% score. Her master’s thesis explored the beneficial effects of Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium butyricum in Labeo rohita, a species of fish, to combat Aeromonas hydrophila infections. Her work highlighted the importance of beneficial microbes in enhancing fish immunity, a field with significant implications for aquaculture sustainability.In pursuit of advanced knowledge and research, Debasmita embarked on a Ph.D. at Fakir Mohan University, Balasore. Her doctoral research focuses on understanding antimicrobial resistance among Aeromonas spp., with a special emphasis on Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) resistance in aquatic ecosystems. This critical work aims to address the emerging threats of antimicrobial resistance in water bodies, shedding light on the broader impact of microbial evolution on aquatic life and human health.

Professional Endeavors and Work Experience 🏢

Debasmita began her professional journey in biotechnology and research at ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore. Her initial role as Skilled Supporting Staff in 2018 involved work on the “Determination of e-flow for non-lean and non-monsoon months in respect of Teesta Stage-IV HE Project, Sikkim.” This experience laid the groundwork for her understanding of water resource management and environmental assessments.Following this, she joined a project on “Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture and Fisheries” as Young Professional II at ICAR-CIFRI from May 2018 to November 2023. Her role contributed significantly to understanding the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, a sector crucial for food security. Her responsibilities included analyzing the impact of antimicrobial agents used in fish farming, investigating microbial resistance patterns, and identifying potential mitigation strategies to combat microbial resistance in aquatic environments.Currently, Debasmita serves as a Project Assistant for the National Mission for Clean Ganga at ICAR-CIFRI. Since November 2024, she has been engaged in research that aims to restore and protect the river Ganga’s ecosystem by focusing on water quality, pollutant reduction, and microbial health. Her work aligns with broader goals of promoting environmental sustainability and conserving aquatic biodiversity, showing her dedication to public welfare and sustainable practices.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌊🧪

Debasmita’s research is centered on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within aquaculture and water ecosystems. Her current focus on ESBL resistance among Aeromonas spp. addresses a serious challenge in the field of environmental microbiology. The findings from her studies contribute to developing guidelines on the responsible use of antimicrobials in aquaculture, aiming to safeguard both human health and ecological balance.Her studies on beneficial microbes’ role in protecting aquaculture species, such as Labeo rohita, highlight her proactive approach toward biosecurity and sustainability. She has contributed valuable insights into microbial therapies as alternative health solutions, reducing the reliance on chemical interventions and fostering healthier ecosystems.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆🌟

Throughout her academic and professional career, Debasmita has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in microbial research and environmental conservation. Her projects with ICAR-CIFRI have not only strengthened her expertise but also positioned her as an advocate for antimicrobial resistance awareness and sustainable practices in aquaculture. Although formal accolades are not detailed, her dedication and impactful work in environmental microbiology and sustainable aquaculture resonate as professional achievements.

Impact and Influence 🌍💧

Debasmita’s work in microbial resistance and sustainable aquaculture resonates with the global push toward environmental sustainability and safe food practices. Her involvement in the National Mission for Clean Ganga aligns with India’s vision for preserving natural resources, especially its critical water bodies. By understanding and mitigating antimicrobial resistance within aquatic ecosystems, Debasmita’s contributions aid in preserving biodiversity and ensuring food safety for future generations.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔬🌱

Looking ahead, Debasmita Mohanty is likely to continue making strides in environmental biotechnology, with a focus on microbial resistance and sustainable aquaculture practices. Her current research is paving the way for safer aquaculture methodologies, enhanced water management policies, and more effective strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance. She aspires to develop innovative solutions that benefit both ecosystems and communities, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications.In summary, Debasmita Mohanty’s journey reflects a dedication to scientific research, environmental conservation, and public welfare. Through her studies, she is shaping a legacy that will inspire future biotechnologists and environmental scientists, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient world. 🌎

Citations

A total of 137 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         137
  • h-index           14
  • i10-index        04

Notable Publications 

  • Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBLs) Producing Aeromonas spp. Isolated from Lamellidens marginalis (Lamark, 1819) of Sewage-Fed Wetland: A Phenotypic and Genotypic Approach
    • Authors: Mohanty, D., Das, B.K., Kumari, P., Dasgupta, S., Roy, S.
    • Journal: Microorganisms
    • Year: 2024.
  • Immunomodulatory Effect of Saponin Treatment and Microbial Infections Provoking the Expression of Mx Gene in Catla (Labeo catla)
    • Authors: Panda, S.P., Soren, D., Roy, P., Sahoo, A.K., Das, B.K.
    • Journal: Aquaculture International
    • Year: 2024.
  • Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Potential Modulators of Hemato-Biochemical Indices, Digestive Enzymes and Disease Resistance in Labeo rohita
    • Authors: Baisakhi, B., Swain, H.S., Bera, A.K., Upadhyay, A., Mohanty, D.
    • Journal: Agricultural Research
    • Year: 2024.
  • Chitosan Extracted from Portunus sanguinolentus (Three-Spot Swimming Crab) Shells: Its Physico-Chemical and Biological Potentials
    • Authors: Pradhan, J., Baisakhi, B., Das, B.K., Ananta, S., Mohanty, D.
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Biology
    • Year: 2024.
  • Synthesis of Chitosan Nanoparticles from Tasar Silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Pupae and Its Antioxidant Efficacy and Antibacterial Activity Against Fish Pathogens
    • Authors: Baisakhi, B., Mohanty, D., Das, B.K., Jena, K., Pradhan, J.
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Biology
    • Year: 2023.