Dr. Sanjai Saxena
Professor
Specialization
Plant-microbe/animal-microbe interaction, natural product-based drug discovery
ssaxena@thapar.edu; Date of Joining: 07-03-2002
Plant-microbe/animal-microbe interaction, natural product-based drug discovery
ssaxena@thapar.edu; Date of Joining: 07-03-2002
Professional Identity: LinkedIn
Academic Identities: Google Scholar; Vidwan; Orcid; Research Gate
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
Ph. D. Biological Sciences spl. Fungal biotechnology*, 2000
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Saraswati Vihar, Pachpedi, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), 482001, India | Department of Biological Sciences
* Thesis - Efficacy of microbial secondary metabolites to enhance the mycoherbicidal potential of some fungi for the management of Lantana camara L.
M.Sc. Biological Sciences spl. biotechnology**, 1996
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Saraswati Vihar, Pachpedi, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), 482001, India | Department of Biological Sciences
** First class first position, Gold Medallist
B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany, 1992
University of Delhi, Delhi (India) | Swami Sharddhanand College, Alipur, Delhi 110036
PROFESSIONAL SYNOPSIS
I have ensued over 22 years of exceptional leadership experience at the intersection of biotechnology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. My research primarily focuses on investigating the intricate interactions between plants and microbes in their natural environments. These interactions rely on a diverse array of signal molecules that play a vital role in facilitating communication. My work revolves around harnessing these plant-microbe interactions and delving into the exploration of novel biomolecules involved in the process. These biomolecules hold immense potential for enhancing agricultural productivity and can be utilized as valuable therapeutic agents in healthcare. To achieve this, I have spearheaded the development of innovative screening platforms for evaluating various biological activities.
My research encompasses a range of screening assays, including phytotoxic assays and physiological assays to assess both abiotic and biotic stresses in plant systems. Additionally, I have conducted extensive studies to identify antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, and anti-cancer compounds. Furthermore, I have dedicated efforts to discovering novel molecules that interfere with the mechanisms underlying the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's Dementia, Parkinson's disease, obesity, anti-gout/arthritic conditions, and type II diabetes. In recent years, I have ventured into the captivating realms of bioinformatics and machine learning. By integrating these cutting-edge disciplines into my research, I aim to unravel complex patterns and predict crucial outcomes in the realms of food security and medicine.
Through my multifaceted research career, I have consistently demonstrated a passion for pioneering breakthroughs at the intersection of biology, technology, and agriculture. I am committed to driving innovation, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions with profound societal impact.
RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
2022 |
2021
2020
2019
Book Chapter (Peer reviewed)
AWARDS & HONOURS
Individual
2018 |
DST- Lockheed Martin-Tata Trusts–FICCI-India Innovation Growth Program (IIGP) 2.0 University Challenge 2018 Award, for Rs. 10 Lakh under the Social Theme for Innovative product development to enhance shelf life of fruits and vegetables at the Farm end and Transportation, at Hotel Taj Mahal, Man Singh Road, New Delhi on August 02, 2018 |
2018 |
Challenge for Change-Innovation/Start-up Award received by Mrs. Vasundhara Raje CM (Rajasthan), for Rs. 25 lakhs for a solution to enhance the shelf life of agricultural produce by the Department of IT & Communications, Govt. of Rajasthan at Digifest held on 27th July 2018 at Bikaner. |
2014 |
Eminent Microbiologist Award by Association for Advancement of Biodiversity Science, Dharwad, Karnataka, India |
2013 |
FABS (Fellow of Association for Advancement of Biodiversity Science), Dharwad, Karnataka |
2012 |
Bharat Jyoti Award, India International Friendship Society, New Delhi |
2012 |
M.J Thirumalachar Merit award, for best poster presentation by Mycological Society of India (MSI), Chennai, India at National Conference on Mycodiversity with its Sustainable Exploration and Biotechnological Applications & 38th MSI meeting, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati-444603, Maharashtra, & Department of Botany, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University on 6-7 Feb.2012 |
2010 |
Biographed in Marquis Who’s Who World |
2006 |
Biographed in Marquis Who’s Who Asia |
2001 |
ICSU-INSA Travel Award, Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, India for giving an Invited talk at the British Mycological Society (BMS) symposium” Fungal Metabolites: Impact and Exploitation” held at the University of Wales, Swansea (UK). |
1999 |
Best Oral Presentation in Young Scientist Session at an International Conference of Plant–pathogen interactions, Osmania University, Hyderabad |
1997-2000 |
Junior Research Fellow, Indian Council for Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Dehradun |
1996 |
T. D. Dharmadhikari Gold Medal and Certificate of Merit for securing first class first position in M. Sc. Biological Science at Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur |
1996 |
Qualified GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) examination in Life Sciences |
1991 |
Certificate of Merit, for standing first in the Annual Examination of Second Year of B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany course at Swami Sharddhanand College, University of Delhi. |
Start-up based
2022 |
AGPHARM BIOINNOVATIONS LLP is the winner of the Best Early-stage startup category of ROAR-Punjab’s biggest Idea hunt on 31st August 2002 from CM Punjab, S. Bhagwant Mann at Kalkat Bhawan Mohali on 5th September 2022. Comprises of a Cash prize of Rs. 2 Lakhs. |
2021 |
AGPHARM BIOINNOVATIONS LLP is selected as a game-changer startup in the Food Systems Game Changers Lab (FSGCL), a global program for supporting ideas, enterprises, and initiatives that have the potential to transform our world’s food systems. This program is jointly supported by EAT, IDEO, Thought for Food (TFF), and The Rockefeller Foundation. |
2021 |
FLCTD (Facility for low carbon utility) Accelerator program by SANGAM VENTURES: Successfully completed the UNIDO, GEF, and Atal Innovation Mission program, shortlisted among the top 8 for the Demo Day to the Jury comprising of Investors. |
2020 |
AGPHARM BIOINNOVATIONS LLP wins the Social Alpha Quest for Agritech Innovations band and becomes a part of the first cohort of the India Agritech Incubation Network (IAIN) jointly promoted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Tata Trusts, and SIIC, IIT Kanpur. |
AD-HOC REFREE / EDITORIAL BOARD
Ad-hoc reviewer to the following journals
2003 |
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Journal of Plant Physiology |
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Indian Journal of Pharmacology |
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Indian Journal of Exptl. Biology |
2004 |
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Indian J of Pharmacology |
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Letters in Applied Microbiology |
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2005 |
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Indian J of Pharmacology |
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2006 |
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Indian J of Pharmacology |
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Journal of Applied Microbiology |
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2007 |
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Journal of Appl. Microbiology |
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Letters in Applied Microbiology |
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2008 |
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Jour. of Ethnopharmacology |
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Journal of Applied Microbiology |
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2009 |
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Jour. of Ethnopharmacology |
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Journal of Applied Microbiology |
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2010 |
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Biocontrol Science & Tech. |
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Letters in Applied Microbiology |
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Jour. of Ethnopharmacology |
2011 |
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Letters in Appl. Microbiology |
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Jour. of Ethnopharmacology |
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Pharmaceutical Biology |
2012 |
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Pharmaceutical Biology |
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Jour. of Ethnopharmacology |
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Appl. Microbiol. & Biotech. |
2013 |
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Journal of Basic Microbiology |
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Journal of Food Biochemistry |
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Indian Journal of Microbiology |
2014 |
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Journal of Food Biochemistry |
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Jour. of Ethnopharmacology |
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Journal of Basic Microbiology |
2015 |
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Appl. Microbiol. & Biotech. |
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Indian J of Pharmacologay |
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Crop Protection |
2016 |
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Sydowia |
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Canadian J of Microbiology |
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BMC Complement. & Alt. Med. |
2017 |
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Appl. Microbiol. & Biotech. |
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2018 |
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Mycologia |
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Microbiology Open |
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2019 |
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Methods X |
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2020 |
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Current Microbiology |
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2021 |
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Microbial Ecology |
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Indian Journal of Microbiology |
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Editorial Board Member
2022 |
Associate Editor, Frontiers in Fungal Biology |
2022 |
Review Editor, Microbiotechnology section in Frontiers in Microbiology/ Frontiers in Bioengineering & Biotechnology |
2020 |
Review Editor, Frontiers in Fungal Biology |
2019 |
Editorial Board Member, MycoAsia |
2014- to date |
Editorial Board Member, Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology, Research and Management |
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
EXPERT FOR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
2021 |
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Expert, AICTE New Delhi |
2019 |
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Member, Research Advisory Council, Chitkara University, Institute of Engineering & Technology; Rajpura, Punjab |
2018 |
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Lead (Chair) Screening LoI’s under the 5th BioCARe Projects Call, DBT, Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI |
2018 |
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Expert Member in 4th review committee of BioCARe Projects, DBT, Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI |
2017 |
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Reviewer of Sponsored Projects, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI |
2016 |
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Expert Member in review committee of BioCARe Projects, DBT, Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI |
2014 |
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Reviewer / Expert for SERB projects, DST, GoI |
2013 |
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Expert Reviewer for NER Twinning projects (Aromatic & Medicinal Plants), DST, GoI |
2008-2009 |
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Expert Member, Central Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Testing Reference Laboratory, Patiala |
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Expert Reviewer, International Collaborative Projects, DBT, GoI |
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2007 |
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Expert, Biotechnology and Life Sciences Research for Science and Technology Roadmap of 10 (ten) life sciences Laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
ACADEMIC EXPERT/ RESOURCE PERSON
2022 |
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External Ph.D. examiner, AcSIR – CSIR, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu |
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External Ph.D. examiner, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104 |
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External Ph.D. examiner, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab |
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2021 |
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External Ph.D. examiner, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab |
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External Ph.D. examiner, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab |
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2018 |
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External Ph.D. examiner, North East Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya |
2014 |
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External M. Phil examiner, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab |
2011 |
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External examiner, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Haryana |
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External examiner, Ambala College of Engineering, Mithapur, Ambala (Kurukshetra University) |
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2009 |
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External M. Phil examiner, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) |
2008 |
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External Ph.D. Examiner, for Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) |
2012 |
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External M. Phil examiner, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab |
CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS ORGANIZED
2018 |
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Convener, International Conference on Drug Discovery: Biotech and Pharma at Crossroads, 15-17th Feb 2018, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala. |
2017 |
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Coordinator, Summer Training Program in “Advances in Modern Biotechnology”, 05th June 2017-12th July 2017, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala |
2014 |
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Coordinator, Summer Training Program in Modern Biotechnology from 09 June 2014-15 July 2014, TIFAC- Centre for Relevance and Excellence (CORE) in Agro and Industrial Biotechnology, Thapar University, Patiala. |
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES
TEACHING EXPERIENCE (+20 years)
UG Courses
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PG Courses
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Current Courses taken
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