Dr. Kanagaraj Kuppusamy | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai University, Shanghai-India

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kuppusamy Kanagaraj embarked on his academic journey in chemistry with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Chemistry from Bharathiyar University, India, from 2002 to 2005. During this period, he demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, securing first rank at the college level and receiving the Best Student Award. He further pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry at Madurai Kamaraj University, India, from 2005 to 2007, where he ranked third among various affiliated colleges and first at the college level. His stellar academic performance continued in his M.Phil. (2007–2008) from Madurai Kamaraj University, where he secured the first rank. His M.Phil. dissertation, titled “Inclusion behavior of naturally occurring polyphenolic, caffeic acid, and a purine base, caffeine, and their complex inside cyclodextrins nanocavities,” laid the foundation for his extensive work in supramolecular chemistry. Dr. Kanagaraj culminated his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University (2008–2014), where his thesis, “Chemistry in constrained environments: utility of modified cyclodextrins in organic transformations,” showcased his expertise in cyclodextrin chemistry and catalysis.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kanagaraj has an impressive professional trajectory, with his primary focus being on supramolecular chemistry and catalysis. Currently, he is a Senior Research Associate and Scientist in Professor Julius Rebek Jr.’s group at the Center for Supramolecular Chemistry & Catalysis at Shanghai University, China. In addition, he is a Visiting Researcher at Sichuan University, China. He has held these positions since 2020. His research experience also includes Post-doctoral Research Fellowships at Sichuan University from 2014 to 2019. His early career began as a Junior Research Fellow (DBT) and Senior Research Fellow (CSIR) at Madurai Kamaraj University from 2008 to 2014, where he furthered his expertise in chemical transformations and catalysis.

🧫 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kanagaraj’s research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas, primarily focusing on supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, drug delivery, and the development of sensors. He has made significant contributions in the following areas:

• Chiral sensors and biosensors: Dr. Kanagaraj developed cyclodextrin-based derivatives for sensing applications. These sensors, which involve chromophore-appended cyclodextrins and chiral molecules, hold promise in detecting hazardous substances and bioactive molecules.
• Drug formulations and drug delivery: His research in formulating cyclodextrin-based biopolymers has contributed to advanced drug delivery systems.
• Supramolecular organocatalysis: Dr. Kanagaraj has utilized modified host cyclodextrins (CDs) as catalysts for various organic transformations, showcasing their potential in bioactive molecule synthesis.
• Heterogeneous catalysis: He has also explored modified materials like zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in catalysis for organic transformations.
• Nano-sensors: Dr. Kanagaraj’s work in developing nanomaterial-based chemosensors has contributed to the detection of environmentally hazardous substances.
• Natural product chemistry: His research includes the extraction and characterization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from natural sources.
• Synthetic organic chemistry: He has also significantly contributed to synthetic chemistry in drug discovery and pharmaceutical applications.

Dr. Kanagaraj’s research reflects his deep commitment to solving real-world problems through innovative chemical methodologies, including self-assembled functional materials, supramolecular photochemistry, and nano-sensors.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Kanagaraj has received numerous accolades for his work in the field of chemistry. Some of his key recognitions include:

• Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Grant: He was awarded 150,000 RMB in 2022 for his work on free radical cycloaddition under supramolecular capsule control.
• Chinese Government Postdoctoral Researcher: He received this prestigious fellowship from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and Sichuan University from 2017 to 2019, along with a 120,000 RMB start-up grant under the first-grade postdoctoral program in 2015.
• Best Oral Presentation Award: He earned this distinction at the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Chemical Sciences (IETC-2013), held at VIT University, India.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Senior Research Fellowship: He was awarded this fellowship from 2011 to 2014, marking his early contributions to research in India.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Kanagaraj’s research has had a wide-reaching impact, especially in supramolecular chemistry and catalysis. His innovations in drug delivery systems and supramolecular catalysis have opened new avenues in pharmaceutical chemistry. He has served as a reviewer for numerous high-impact journals, such as Analyst, Analytical Methods, and Nanoscale, contributing to the scientific community by evaluating cutting-edge research. His leadership roles, including serving as a Topic Editor for special issues in prestigious journals, reflect his influence in the academic world.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a diverse background in organic synthesis, catalysis, and sensors, Dr. Kanagaraj’s future contributions are set to leave a lasting legacy in the field of chemistry. His ongoing research in supramolecular structures, combined with his expertise in heterogeneous catalysis and drug formulation, promises to yield novel materials and processes that could revolutionize various industries, particularly pharmaceuticals and environmental chemistry. His work on the photocycloaddition of anthracene derivatives and his ongoing projects in China’s top universities illustrate his role in the global advancement of chemistry.