Deepak M | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Deepak M | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Deepak M’s academic journey is rooted in Chemistry, with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu in 2008. His passion for chemistry led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same university, which he completed in 2023. His research focus throughout his academic career has centered on the exploration of medicinal plants and the chemistry behind their active components, aligning with his current work as a scientist specializing in phytochemistry.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Deepak has amassed over 13 years of professional experience in the field of phytochemistry. His career is closely tied to the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR) at Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram, where he has held multiple positions since 2010. He currently serves as a Scientist at CMPR, a role he has held since April 2021. Prior to this, Dr. Deepak was a Project Scientist (2016-2021), a Senior Research Fellow (2012-2016), and a Junior Research Fellow (2010-2012) at CMPR. Before his tenure at CMPR, he worked as a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), Government of Kerala, where he focused on water quality research from 2009 to 2010.

Research Focus and Expertise 🔬

Dr. Deepak’s research is deeply rooted in phytochemistry, with a particular emphasis on the phytochemical characterization of medicinal plants. His work includes the scientific validation of traditional knowledge and the study of secondary metabolites found in plants, which are crucial for understanding their medicinal potential. Over the years, he has gained significant expertise in using sophisticated analytical instruments such as HPLC, HPTLC, FTIR, GC, GC/MS, and LC/MS to isolate, identify, and characterize active compounds in plants. His dedication to the standardization of Ayurvedic formulations and the isolation of natural compounds has positioned him as a leading expert in his field. Dr. Deepak is particularly interested in the screening of biological activities of plant-derived compounds, further contributing to the validation of Ayurvedic medicine.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Deepak’s work in phytochemical screening has significantly influenced the scientific community’s understanding of medicinal plants and their therapeutic potential. His contributions extend beyond his research as he has collaborated on various projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the National Medicinal Plants Board, and the Ministry of AYUSH. Additionally, his work has also received funding from private sector entities such as the TATA Trusts, Mumbai. These collaborations have further reinforced his impact on both the academic and practical aspects of medicinal plant research.

Academic Citations 📚

Dr. Deepak’s research has been cited extensively in international journals, a testament to the importance and relevance of his work in the field of medicinal plant research. His publications, which span more than 20 research articles, cover a range of topics including phytochemical profiling, biological activity screening, and the scientific validation of traditional medicinal knowledge. These contributions have influenced further studies and developments in the use of plant-derived medicines.

Technical Skills 🧑‍💻

Dr. Deepak is highly skilled in using state-of-the-art analytical instruments crucial for phytochemical research. His proficiency with instruments such as HPLC, HPTLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and LC/MS enables him to conduct comprehensive analyses of plant materials. His ability to isolate, separate, purify, and identify natural compounds from plants has been instrumental in his research. He is also well-versed in water quality monitoring, a skill that complements his work on plant-based formulations and their applications in Ayurvedic medicine.

Teaching and Mentorship 👨‍🏫

Though his primary focus has been on research, Dr. Deepak’s expertise in phytochemistry and medicinal plants has allowed him to contribute to academic environments as well. His role as a mentor to junior research fellows and project scientists at CMPR has helped nurture the next generation of scientists specializing in the field. His guidance in phytochemical analysis and biological evaluation has provided valuable hands-on experience to students and research fellows.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Dr. Deepak’s career thus far reflects a commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. His ongoing work at CMPR, particularly in plant-based compound isolation and biological activity screening, promises to open new avenues for Ayurvedic formulations and natural medicine. As he continues his research, Dr. Deepak aims to further develop sustainable methods for identifying and utilizing plant-derived bioactive compounds, contributing to the growing field of natural products research. His future work will undoubtedly focus on bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern scientific validation, solidifying his legacy in phytochemistry.

📖Notable Publications

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils from Stem, Root, Fruit and Leaf of Piper longum Linn
Authors: T. Varughese, P.K. Unnikrishnan, M. Deepak, I. Balachandran, …
Journal: Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants
Volume: 19 (1), Pages: 52-58
Year: 2016

Pharmacognostic characterization and comparison of fruits of Tribulus terrestris L. and Pedalium murex L.
Authors: A. Jayanthy, M. Deepak, A.B. Remashree
Journal: Not provided
Year: 2013

Spectrophotometric and tandem mass spectroscopic analysis of Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.) for its polyphenolics characterization
Authors: C.T. Sulaiman, M. Deepak, I. Balachandran
Journal: Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
Volume: 7 (4), Pages: 471-473
Year: 2018

Chemical profiling of selected Ayurveda formulations recommended for COVID-19
Authors: S. C.T., R. Deepak M., P.R., A. E.M., I. Balachandran
Journal: Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
Volume: 10 (1), Pages: 1-5
Year: 2021

Purification of Bhallathaka (Semecarpus anacardium Lf) enhanced anti-cancer activity
Authors: M. Deepak, M. Salman
Journal: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
Volume: 122, Article: 104898
Year: 2021

Md Ahasan Ahamed | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Mr. Md Ahasan Ahamed | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Bangladesh University of Textiles, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

📘 Early Academic Pursuits

The academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2014. During this phase, research was conducted on electricity generation from compression of speed breakers, demonstrating an early interest in applied engineering solutions. Further academic advancement led to a M.S. in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Konkuk University, South Korea (2020-2022), where the research focused on developing a pre-programmed microdroplet generator for controlling chemical concentrations. Currently, pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University (2022-2026), integrating Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) with nanopore sensing for point-of-care disease detection.

🏆 Professional Endeavors

With over six years of teaching and research experience, the professional journey includes roles as Lecturer and Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) from 2014 to 2020. Transitioning into the research domain, positions were held as a Graduate Research Assistant at Konkuk University (2020-2022) and Pennsylvania State University (2022-Present). Recently, appointed as a Visiting Scholar at Indiana University, Bloomington (2025-Present), further broadening the academic and research exposure.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A strong research background in point-of-care (POC) devices, disease diagnosis, and sensor technology has led to significant contributions in designing microfluidic devices and nanopore sensors. Proficiency in biochemical reaction methodologies, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), and CRISPR/Cas12, has played a crucial role in developing diagnostic tools for infectious diseases like Monkeypox, SARS-COVID, Cowpox, and HIV.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The research has had a profound impact on healthcare and diagnostic technologies, especially in early detection methods for infectious diseases. The work in integrating machine learning algorithms with sensor-based diagnostics has pushed the boundaries of automation and accuracy in medical testing. The interdisciplinary nature of the research—bridging mechanical design, electrical engineering, and biotechnology—positions it as a key contributor to next-generation disease detection systems.

📊 Academic Citations & Publications

With a growing influence in the academic world, the research work has been recognized with 67 citations, 18 published papers, and 6 conference and poster presentations. The continuous contribution to high-impact journals and international conferences highlights the commitment to advancing knowledge in biomedical engineering and sensor technology.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Expertise spans across instrumentation, fabrication, and analysis, including hands-on experience with: 3D Printing: Asiga UV Max X43, Ultimaker 3.0, Laser Systems: Universal Laser Systems, Microscopy: Optical Microscopes, Nikon Ti U Inverted Camera, pco.edge 5.5, Sensors & Electronics: Pressure Sensors (PX-309 series, Eve flow series), Axopatch 200b, Molecular Diagnostic Tools: Thermal Cycler (BIORAD T100), Plasma Treatment Machines, Software & Programming: MATLAB, Python, and Machine Learning Algorithms.

🎓 Teaching Experience

With over six years of teaching experience, expertise has been shared in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Drawing, Machine Design, MATLAB, and Python programming with undergraduate students. The ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications has benefited students in engineering and research domains.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, the focus remains on developing innovative diagnostic devices that are cost-effective, rapid, and highly accurate for real-world applications. The integration of machine learning with nanopore sensors will continue to be a significant area of exploration. Additionally, mentoring future researchers and students in interdisciplinary fields will be an integral part of academic and professional contributions.

📖Notable Publications

Sensitive and specific CRISPR-Cas12a assisted nanopore with RPA for Monkeypox detection
Authors: MA Ahamed, MAU Khalid, M Dong, AJ Politza, Z Zhang, A Kshirsagar, ...
Journal: Biosensors and Bioelectronics 246, 115866
Year: 2024

Electricity generation from speed breaker by air compression method using wells turbine
Authors: MA Ahamed, MI Reza, M Al-Amin
Journal: Journal of Advanced Engineering and Computation 4 (2), 140-148
Year: 2020

Pre-programmed microdroplet generator to control wide-ranging chemical concentrations
Authors: MA Ahamed, G Kim, Z Li, SJ Kim
Journal: Analytica Chimica Acta 1236, 340587
Year: 2022

Functionalized Cellulose for Textile Organic Pollutant Treatment: a Comprehensive Review
Authors: MM Rashid, N Abir, SAB Kamal, M Al-Amin, MA Ahamed, MT Islam, ...
Journal: Water Conservation Science and Engineering 9 (11)
Year: 2024

A Portable Centrifuge for Universal Nucleic Acid Extraction at the Point-of-Care
Authors: AJ Politza, T Liu, A Kshirsagar, M Dong, MA Ahamed, W Guan
Journal: Available at SSRN 4781228
Year: 2024