Specialization

Pharmaceutical sciences, Natural products

Email

mvasundhara@thapar.edu; Date of Joining: 12-05-2006

Academic Qualifications

 

Ph.D. (2017), Thapar University, Patiala

M.Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics) (1994), College of Pharmacy, Delhi University

B.Pharmacy (1992), College of Pharmacy, Delhi University

12^th (1986) DSSSCE, CBSE, Delhi

 

Teaching & Professional Experience

 

Assistant Professor III, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (July 2022-Till date Teaching & research)

Assistant Professor, Thapar University (May 2006- May 2022 Teaching & research)

Lecturer & Head, Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Banur (Sept. 2005- April 2006 Teaching)

 

Awards/Scholarship: GATE 92 (92.10 Percentile)

 

Courses Taught (UG & PG)

 

Basic Biology, Anatomy, Physiology and Health Education, Reaction Engineering & Enzyme Technology, Bioprocess Technology, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomanufacturing,

Biopharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Technology, Drug discovery & design, Downstream processing, Cell biology and physiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Industrial enzyme technology, Introduction to Biology

 

Industrial Experience

 

Research Scientist, J.K. Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (April 1998 - August 1999)

Research Associate, J.K. Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (August 1995 - April 1998)

Research Pharmacist Trainee, J.K. Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Shripati Singhania R&D Centre, Faridabad (August 1994 - August 1995)

 

SCI Publications                                                            

• M. Vasundhara, Manoj Baranwal, Anil Kumar (2016) Fusarium tricinctum, An endophytic fungus exhibits cell growth inhibition and antioxidant activity. Indian Journal of Microbiology 56 (4) 433-438 (IF2.2)

 

• M. Vasundhara, Anil Kumar, M. Sudhakara Reddy (2016) Molecular approaches to screen bioactive compounds from endophytic fungi. Frontiers in Microbiology 7: 1774 (IF6.0)

• Mondem Vasundhara, Manoj Baranwal, Nallapeta Sivaramaiah, Anil Kumar (2017) Isolation and characterization of trichalasin-producing endophytic fungus from Taxus baccata.  Annals of Microbiology 67, 255–261 (IF3.1)

• Harman Gill, M. Vasundhara (2019) World Journal of Microbiology and biotechnology Isolation of taxol producing endophytic fungus Alternaria brassicicola from non‑Taxus medicinal plant Terminalia arjuna 35, 74 (IF4.2)  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11274-019-2651-8

• Rajat Viz, Fatima Bhadra, Sukesh kumar Gupta, Sairam Krishnamurthy, M.Vasundhara (2021) Journal of Applied Microbiology. Neuroprotective effects of quercetin produced by an endophytic fungus Nigrospora oryzae isolated from Tinospora cordifolia 132 (1), 365-380 doi: 10.1111/jam.15174 (IF4.0)

• Fatima Bhadra, Anu Gupta, M. Vasundhara, M. Sudhakara Reddy (2022) Endophytic fungi: a potential source of industrial enzyme producers. 3 Biotech 12 (4), 86 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03145-y (IF2.8)

• Rajnish Yadav, Mondem Vasundhara, Thavamani Rajamani, Trichur S Suryanarayanan, Sudhakara M Reddy (2022) Isolation and characterization of thermostable and alkali-tolerant cellulase from litter endophytic fungus Bartalinia pondoensis Folia Microbiologica 67 (6) 955-964 (IF2.6) doi: 10.1007/s12223-022-00991-4

• Pant A, Vasundhara M. (2023) Endophytic fungi: a potential source for drugs against central nervous system disorders. Braz J Microbiol. 1-21 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42770-023-00997-1 (IF2.2)

• Anushka Garg, Anjali Chauhan, Charu Agnihotri, Bhim Pratap Singh, Vasundhara Mondem, Soumen Basu, and Shekhar Agnihotri (2023) Sunlight active cellulose/g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nano-photocatalyst for simultaneous degradation of methylene blue dye and atenolol drug in real wastewater. Nanotechnology, 34, 505705 doi 10.1088/1361-6528/acf9ad (IF3.5)

• Dwinder Sidhu, M. Vasundhara, Priyankar Dey (2023) The intestinal-level metabolic benefits of green tea catechins: Mechanistic insights from pre-clinical and clinical studies. Phytomedicine 123, 155207 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155207 (IF6.7)

• Mondem Vasundhara, Kirti Singh, Trichur S. Suryanarayanan, Mondem Sudhakara Reddy (2024) Alkaliphilic and thermostable lipase production by leaf litter fungus Leptosphaerulina trifolii A SMR-2011. Archives of Microbiology 206, (6) 1-10 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-024-03997-3 (IF2.3)

• Gupta, A., Vasundhara, M. Withanolides production by the endophytic fungus Penicillium oxalicum associated with Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 40, 215 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-024-04017-8 (IF4.2) 

• Chauhan, A., Agnihotri, S. & Vasundhara, M. Enhanced solar light-driven photocatalysis of norfloxacin using Fe-doped TiO₂: RSM optimization, DFT simulations, and toxicity study. Environ Sci Pollut Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-34080-5(IF5.8) 

• Bhadra, F., Vasundhara, M. Anti-inflammatory potential of aconitine produced by endophytic fungus Acremonium alternatum. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 40, 274 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-024-04083-y(IF4.2) 

Non-SCI Publications                                                            

• KS Singh, M Vasundhara (2015) Optimization of formulation parameters for controlled drug delivery from metformin hydrochloride loaded chitosan/TPP microspheres The Pharma Innovation Journal 4(9): 38-42

• Narendra Meena, M. Vasundhara, M. Sudhakara Reddy, Prashanth Suravajhala, U. S. Raghavender, Krishna Mohan Medicherla (2018) Draft genome sequence of a fungus (Fusarium tricinctum) cultured from a monoisolate native to the Himalayas. Genome announcements Volume 6 Issue 20 e00365-18

Recent conference presentations

• M. Vasundhara, Manoj Baranwal, Anil Kumar. Anticancer compounds from Fusarium tricinctum, an endophytic fungus isolated from Taxus baccata. National Seminar on “Emerging Trends in Analytical Sciences -2016: theme -Food & Pharma Analysis” on 21^st and 22^nd of March 2016, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.

• Harman Gill, M.Vasundhara Isolation of bioactive compound from endophytic fungi of medicinal plant. International conference on biotechnological research and innovation for sustainable development BioSD-2018. November 22-25, 2018, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad.

• Mondem Vasundhara, Rajat Vig, Fatima Bhadra, Sukesh Kumar Gupta, Krishnamurthy Sairam Neuroprotective effects of quercetin produced by an endophytic fungus Nigrospora oryzae isolated from Tinospora cordifolia. International conference on recent advances in biotechnology and environmental science (ICRABES). December 16-18, 2022, School of Biosciences & Technology,VIT, Vellore (Gold medal- Best presentation)

• Anu Gupta and M.Vasundhara Bioactive Withanamide A from Penicillium oxalicum, an endophytic fungus associated with Withania somnifera International conference on Fungal Biology and Plant-microbe Interactions ICFBPMI-2024 February 16-18, 2024 p-84. Centre of Advanced Study in Botany Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

• Dwinder Sidhu, M. Vasundhara, Priyankar Dey “Phytochemical fingerprinting and deciphering the metabolic pathways of catechin-producing endophytic fungi isolated from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze” International conference on “Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Bioprospects of Fungi for Agricultural, Industrial and Environmental Sustainability” BBBFAIES-2024 and Golden Jubilee Celebration of Mycological Society of India (1973-2023) Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai 06-08 March 2024

Book Chapters

• M. Vasundhara, M. Sudhakara Reddy and Anil Kumar Secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi and their biological activities (Chapter 18) ISBN: 978-0-444-63504-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63504-4.00018-9 Elsevier (2018)
• Anu Gupta, M. Vasundhara, Archana Singh and RN Kharwar Progress in Mycology An Indian perspective  Developments in endophytic fungal research in India (Chapter 9) ISBN 978-981-16-2349-3 Doi 10.1007/978-981-16-2350-9 Springer (2021)

Projects: Ongoing

 

Development of gut microbiota-resistant mucoadhesive bio-nano-encapsulation for efficient delivery of epigallocatechin gallate isolated from endophytic fungi of Camelia sinensis (Tea) SPG/2021/003324 DST-SERB-POWER

Duration: 36 months Cost: Rs. 29,60,408    Start date: 12^th August 2022

 

Training programs/Workshops attended

 

• International Conference on Packaging to win World Markets, held on 1-2 December, 1995 at New Delhi organized by Indian Institute of Packaging.

• The training program on testing and evaluation of packaging materials and packages, held during 5th-6th November, 1996, at Hotel Hilton, New Delhi organized by The Indian Institute of Packaging.

• A short term programme on “Biotechnology & Biochemical engineering” conducted by applied science department from 23.11.2009 to 27.11.2009 at National Institute of Technical Teachers training and Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh.

• Training program on ”Instrumental Method of Analysis” form 4^th to 6^th October 2010 (3 days) conducted by Thapar center for Industrial Research & Development, Patiala

• Faculty development program on classroom communication on May 2nd 2017 at Thapar University, Patiala organized by center for training and development.

• Completed the “New directions in Teaching & Learning 2017” delivered by Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Ireland in collaboration with TIET, Patiala.

• One-Day Pharmaceuticals and chemicals outreach and consultation workshop organized by Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion on Bridging the gap between industry and academia in pharmaceuticals and chemicals sector, 21^st September 2022, NIPER, SAS Nagar, Punjab

Conference/Workshops organized

 

National symposium on Trends in Plant Biotechnology & Agriculture & 41^st Annual meeting of the Plant Tissue Culture Association of India February 6-8, 2020 NSTPB-2020 Member of organizing committee:Treasurer

 

Membership

 

Life member Mycological Society of India

 

M.Sc. Thesis guided (25)

• Parminder Kaur June 2007 Preparation of chitosan microspheres of cefadroxil and optimization of formulation variables
• Tanzin Chhogial July 2008 Preparation and optimization of various parameters for the controlled release of propranolol hydrochloride from chitosan - TPP microspheres
• Taranpreet Kaur July 2009 Effect of pH of TPP solution and formulation parameters on the properties of drug containing chitosan microspheres
• Supriya Sachdeva July 2009 Immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisae using chitosan - TPP for the ethanol production
• Kumar Siddharth Singh July 2010 Preparation and optimization of various parameters for the controlled release of drug from chitosan -TPP microspheres
• Amit Kumar Singal July 2011 Preparation of the controlled release chitosan microspheres and optimization of the formulation parameter
• Shivani July 2012 Screening of endophytic fungi for antimicrobial activity
• Ranjan Singh July 2012 Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Fungi from Xylaria Species
• Nilza July 2013 Screening of endophytic fungi Xylaria for antibacterial and antifungal activity
• Kamalpreet Kaur July 2013 Formulation and evaluation of metformin hydrochloride microspheres by ionotropic gelation technique
• Ravleen Kaur July 2014 Preparation and evaluation of chitosan based controlled drug delivery systems
• Randeep Kaur July 2015 Release characteristics of ascorbic acid encapsulated chitosan treated alginate microspheres
• Ria Rawal July 2017 Antimicrobial activity of the endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plan
• Palak Middha July 2017 In-vitro antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plan
• Anmol June 2018 Antioxidant activity of the endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plant
• Harpuneet June 2018 Antimicrobial activity of the endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plant
• Sonali Bedi July 2019 L-Asparaginase producing endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plant
• Navdeep Kaur July 2020 Enhancement of taxol production by endophytic fungi from medicinal plants using co–cultivation technique
• Ankita Tandon July 2020 Microencapsulation technique: Recent developments & pharmaceutical applications
• Darshanjot Kaur July 2020 A comparison of  biologics/biosimilars regulatory framework for USA, Europe and India
• Jahanavi Walia August 2021 Fungal endophytes: A novel and potential source of antidiabetic drugs
• Nitika Dua August 2021 Design of novel drug delivery system (NDDS) of tolbutamide for diabetes management
• Ridham Bhatia July 2022 Starch nanoparticles for the controlled release of the antidiabetic drug- Tolbutamide
• Ananya Bharat July 2023 Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential from Bacopa monnieri
• Riya Goyal July 2024 Bioactive potential of Catechin producing endophytic fungi from Camellia sinensis L.

M.Tech. Thesis guided (9)

• Anushree July 2014 Chitosan particulate system as vitamin C carrier
• Darshleen Kaur July 2015 Evaluation and characterization of L-ascorbic acid encapsulated chitosan microspheres
• Harman Gill June 2018 Isolation of bioactive compounds from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants
• Rajat Vig July 2019 Neuroprotective compound Quercetin from endophytic fungus, Nigrospora oryzae isolated from Tinospora cordifolia
• Naina Saini July 2019 Bioactive potential of endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plant - Terminalia arjuna
• Anushree Pant July 2021 Bioactive potential of fungal endophytes from Withania somnifera
• Manmeet Kaur July 2022 Bioactive potential of fungal endophytes isolated from medicinal plants
• Navjot Kaur July 2022 Development of probiotic Psidium guajava beverage by using Pediococcus pentosaceus VNK-1 and its bioactive potential
• Sunny Yadav July 2023 Bioactive potential of endophytic fungi isolated from Eucalyptus globulus

 

Ph.D thesis (Ongoing)

 

Fatima Bhadra: Isolation and Characterization of Alkaloids from Endophytic Fungi of Argemone mexicana (L.): Their Bioactive Potential

Anu Gupta: Bioprospecting endophytic fungi from Withania somnifera producing withanolides

Anjali Chauhan: Studies on removal of selected pharmaceutical contaminants using TiO2-bionanocomposite

Dwinder Sidhu: Influence of gut microbiota resistant encapsulated catechin on hepatocellular immunometabolic homeostasis

Description of Research Interests

• Exploring various medicinal plants for the endophytes capable of producing different bioactive compounds. Identification of these endophytes based on morphological and molecular tools. Identification and characterization of these bioactive compounds produced by the endophytes and their role in therapeutics.
• To carry out research in the area of design of drug delivery systems for achieving controlled delivery of the drugs.