Kiran Mawale | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Kiran Mawale | Agricultural and Biological Sciences
| Young Scientist Award

CSIR Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysore | India

Dr. Kiran Mawale’s research focuses on the development, characterization, and application of nanoparticles in plant systems, particularly in enhancing growth, metabolite production, and pest management in Capsicum species. His work integrates nanotechnology with plant biotechnology to explore the modulation of phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites and antioxidant responses using metallic, chitosan-based, and biogenic nanoparticles. He has systematically studied the phytostimulatory and biochemical impacts of nanoparticle formulations on in vitro and ex vitro chilli cultures, demonstrating significant improvements in plant growth, bioactive yield, and resistance to thrips infestation. His research extends to molecular biology through the differential expression analysis of genes associated with pungency and antioxidant activity. By employing advanced characterization techniques such as DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM, he established structure–function relationships between nanoparticle properties and their biological effects. His interdisciplinary contributions encompass nanoscience, plant cell culture, and metabolite profiling, with a strong emphasis on sustainable, nano-enabled strategies for crop protection and quality enhancement. Collectively, his findings advance the field of agri-nanobiotechnology, offering eco-friendly approaches for improving plant health, productivity, and biochemical fortification.

Featured Publications

Mawale, K. S., Kaila, N. H. J., Halami, P. M., Ramakrishna, C., Singanahalli Shivaramu, M., & Serva Peddha, M. (2025, October 10). Physicochemical and functional characterization of pearl millet-based probiotic beverage for antiaging potential in Caenorhabditis elegans. Foods, 14(20), 3460. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14203460

Raphel, S., & Halami, P. M. (2025, June). Bioactive compounds from food-grade Bacillus. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13935

Goel, A., & Halami, P. M. (2024, September). Safety assessment of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 and its persistence in gastrointestinal tract. Microbial Pathogenesis, 186, 106824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106824

Peerzade, I. J., Mutturi, S., & Halami, P. M. (2024, May). Improved production of RNA-inhibiting antimicrobial peptide by Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 facilitated by a genetic algorithm optimized medium. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-024-02998-2

Goel, A., Chauhan, A. S., & Halami, P. M. (2023, December). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 enriched carrot (Daucus carota) nectar: A value-added beverage with enhanced vitamin A. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 17(12), 10205–10216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-023-02104-2

Archer, A. C., Muthukumar, S. P., & Halami, P. M. (2023, October). Correction to: Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2759 and MCC2760 alleviate inflammation and intestinal function in high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 15(5), 1271–1272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-023-10122-1

Pushpendra D. Pratap | Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Pushpendra D. Pratap | Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

Research Analyst | Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital | India

Dr. Pushpendra D. Pratap, Ph.D., FSASS, FIOASD, FBBS, is a distinguished biochemist and molecular biologist affiliated with ERA’S Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow. He completed his doctoral studies under the guidance of Prof. Syed Tasleem Raza, focusing on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cervical cancer, particularly the role of interleukin gene polymorphisms and human papillomavirus (HPV) in disease susceptibility. His research expertise spans molecular biology, cancer genetics, genomics, proteomics, and oxidative stress, with extensive experience in techniques such as ELISA, RT-PCR, UPLC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS. Dr. Pratap has made significant contributions to understanding cancer pathophysiology, investigating signaling pathways including angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation, and cell proliferation across multiple cancers such as cervical, breast, prostate, ovarian, colorectal, and brain tumors. His research integrates translational approaches, aiming to bridge laboratory findings with therapeutic applications. He has supervised undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, fostering the next generation of researchers, while also contributing to diagnostic advancements including HLA-B-27 and COVID-19 testing. An accomplished academic, Dr. Pratap has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, authored book chapters, and participated in numerous national and international conferences, including poster and oral presentations. He has received recognition for his work, including the International Best Poster Presentation Award. Dr. Pratap also holds fellowships with leading scientific organizations, including the Scholars Academic and Scientific Society, the International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development, and Bose Science Society. Beyond research, he is dedicated to educational mentorship, clinical biochemistry, and personalized medicine. With a career built on innovation, rigorous scientific inquiry, and academic leadership, Dr. Pushpendra D. Pratap continues to advance the understanding of complex biochemical mechanisms and their application in human health.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

  1. Charles, M. R., Raza, S. T., Pratap, P., & Eba, A. (2024). Association of genetic polymorphisms in base excision repair pathways and cervical cancer risk factors in a tertiary care centre. Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Biology, 9(1).

  2. Pratap, P. D., & Ahmad, S. (2024). A neuroprotective approach towards nature’s goods for nervous system disorders: Current update. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23(2).

  3. Khan, M., Ahmad, S., & Pratap, P. D. (2024). Microbial dysbiosis and associated human diseases. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 20(2).

  1. Pratap, P. D., Raza, S. T., & Ahmad, S. (2024). MicroRNA as markers involved in the progression of cervical cancer. In Futuristic Trends in Medical Sciences (Vol. 3, Book 26, Chapter 4).

  1. Pratap, P. D., Raza, S. T., Zaidi, G., Kunwar, S., Eba, A., & Rajput, M. (2024). Evaluation of the association between genetic polymorphism of interleukin-1 beta (–511C/T and +3953C/T) and cervical cancer susceptibility. South Asian Journal of Cancer.