Name of the project:2021-2023 | "Drop & Detect”: Distance-based assay for Candida albicans using Paper-based Microfluidic devices and Isothermal amplification.

Investigator: Co-I

Funding agencies:Core Research Grant, Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

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ORCID- ID

Books Published:

1. “Cryptococcus spp. Complex in peninsular India”. Project-ID (72793), Lambert Academic Publishing -LAP (2012) trademark of: AV Akademikerverlag GmbH & Co. KG, Heinrich-Böcking-Str. 6-8, 66121, Saarbrücken, Germany.ISBN: 978-3-659-30406-4 (ISBN-13); 365-9-304-069 (ISBN-10)
2. “Taxonomic Updates with Key Focus on Medically Important Aspergilli”. Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016; p251 – p255. Bhim Pratap Singh, Vijay Kumar Gupta (eds.), Molecular Markers in Mycology, Fungal Biology.ISBN: 978-3-319-34106-4 (Online ISBN); 978-3-319-34104-0 (Print ISBN).DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-34106-4_12
3. “Current Approaches towards Development of Molecular Markers in Diagnostics of Invasive Aspergillosis”. Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016; p257 - p273. Bhim Pratap Singh, Vijay Kumar Gupta (eds.), Molecular Markers in Mycology, Fungal Biology. ISBN: 978-3-319-34106-4 (Online ISBN); 978-3-319-34104-0 (Print ISBN). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-34106-4_13 .
4. “Biology of Pathogenic Actinobacteria: Nocardia and Allied Genera”. Elsevier B.V. 2018; p225 – p233. Bhim Pratap Singh, Vijay Kumar Gupta, Ajith Kumar Passari (eds.). New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Actinobacteria: Diversity and Biotechnological Applications. ISBN: 978-0-444-63994-3 (Paperback ISBN). DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63994-3.00015-1.
5. “Aspergillus terreus: Taxonomy, biology and bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications”. Elsevier 2020; p215 – p223. Praveen Gehlot, Joginder Singh (eds). New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Recent Advances in Application of Fungi and Fungal Metabolites: Current Aspects. ISBN: 978-3-319-34106-4 (Online ISBN); 978-3-319-34104-0 (Print ISBN). ISBN: 978-0-12-821005-5 (Final). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821005-5.00015-6.

To characterize extracellular secretory proteases in yeast and filamentous forms of different fungal genera and to standardize different culture media & incubation period on enzyme production.

Several virulence attributes have been identified in candidal infection, among which are the hydrolases, including the secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps). This study evaluated and compared the in vitro level of Saps from Candida albicans in non-smokers, smokers, and patients with leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Candida cell count (CCC) at 48 h was also assessed. The higher level of Saps from C albicans in individuals with leukoplakia and OSCC suggests that this pathogen plays a role in disease development and could aid in identifying the pathogenic commensal.

To identify the various dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophyte mould causing Onychomycosis and study their pattern of clinical manifestation and to identify the risk groups and predisposing factors leading to Onychomycosis in the population with the help of a questionnaire.

To determine prospectively the species types and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida isolates from oral candidiasis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck malignancy.

Environmental isolation of Onygenales member from coriaceous vegetation and sewage and sludge and to establish and design a axenic media to demonstrate invitro keratinase enzyme activity. Further the study aims to evaluate the role of extracellular keratinase activity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Onygenales fungal genera.

To evaluate the antifungal property of Tea Tree Oil extract (Melaleuca alternifolia) against Candida Albicans and to compare the antifungal efficacy of Tea Tree Oil extract (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Nystatin with that of Chlorhexidine gluconate as endodontic irrigants, at two different time intervals of inoculation of Candida Albicans.

To evaluate the role of antifungal agent as an adjuvant in the treatment of oral lichen planus.