Prof. (Dr.) Monalisa Mukherjee's
Her research focuses on diverse background like chemical biology, catalysis, material science and drug delivery. She aims towards the development of functional molecules of use to humankind with various approaches, among which the biomimetic or bio- inspired is one of the most significant routes. She is also trying to introduce artificial molecules (designed based on an understanding of in vivo reactions) into living cells to examine the chemical reactions within living organisms. She conducts research at the intersection of chemistry, materila science and biology. The major aim lies in exploring innovative technologies in nanoscale manipulation and design at a molecular scale which has the potential for societal impact in areas such as energy, health care, and the environment. She has established Moleculare and Material Science (MMS), Biological and Molecular Science (BMS) and Molecular Energy and Catalysis (MEC) Research Laboratories.
She discovered the existence of ice helix locked within crystalline hexagonally packed hydrogel nanotubes inspired by the ancient art of origami. Utilizing micro- and nanoscale technologies to engineer nano-materials and block co-polymers as molecular legos to construct exotic nanostructures she significantly contributed in bioimaging, targeted delivery of biologics and diabetic wound healing.
Schematic of the formation of hydrogel nanotubes (HNTs) via self- rolling of polymer nanosheets at 40 ËšC with ice helices entrapped in their hollow channels.
Schematic Illustration of the Formation of a Kagome Lattice (KL) and Janus Nanomicelles (JNMs) via Free-Radical-Mediated Aqueous Copolymerization Using Block Copolymers and Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) as a Filler.
In the current scenario of coronavirus pandemic, She has contributed significantly by giving comprehensive insights exploring a series of bioisosteres derived from triazole functionalized heteroatom co-doped carbon quantum dots (TFH-CQDs) based on detailed investigations and design of peptide inhibitors to combat human coronaviruses. The work entitled “Exploring the role of triazole functionalized heteroatom co-doped carbon quantum dots against human coronaviruses” is recently published in Nano today https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2020.101001
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CQDs-based bioisosteres (chemical groups having similar physical and chemical properties with broadly similar type of biological activity)
Understanding the receptor recognition mechanism of human coronaviruses with host cells is imperative to elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of TFH-CQDs.
Hydrothermal synthesis of carbyne nanocrystals within nanoconstricted 2D graphene moiré layers, using agro-industrial waste molasses as the carbon source.
