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Principal investigator: Dr. Uday Sankar Senapati
Designation: Associate Professor
Major Research Project Targeting bacterial biofilms with polyphenol loaded and silver doped ZnO nanoparticles: Prospects for agro-horticultural applications.
Funding agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India.
Duration: February 2023- February 2026 (Completed)
Amount: 57.76 lakhs
Role in the Project: Principal Investigator
Patent Indian Design patent entitles, “Charcoal Extruder Removable Die” (Accepted)
My research focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using eco-friendly, plant-based and biological routes that eliminate toxic chemicals and promote sustainability. The synthesized nanomaterials are extensively characterized using advanced techniques to understand their structural, optical, and physicochemical properties. Emphasis is placed on tailoring nanoparticle functionality for applications in sustainable arboriculture, where they enhance crop productivity, nutrient delivery, and disease resistance with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, these nanomaterials are explored for their potential in optoelectronic device fabrication, contributing to the development of efficient, low-cost, and environmentally benign technologies. By integrating green chemistry principles with nanotechnology, this research aims to bridge fundamental science and real-world applications, supporting sustainable development and next-generation device innovation.
Research on strongly correlated condensed matter is a vibrant and interdisciplinary field within physics that focuses on understanding the behavior of materials where the interactions between electrons or atoms are so strong that they cannot be adequately described by simple models. These materials often exhibit exotic phenomena such as high-temperature superconductivity, metal-insulator transitions, magnetic ordering, and unconventional electronic states. Recent advancements in experimental techniques and theoretical methods have led to significant progress in elucidating the complex behavior of strongly correlated systems. Investigating quantum phase transitions and critical phenomena in strongly correlated materials sheds light on the interplay between competing ground states and quantum fluctuations. Experimental studies near quantum critical points reveal universal behavior and novel quantum phases, providing valuable insights into the nature of correlated electron systems.
This research program explores the synthesis of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and computational social science to quantify the evolution of geopolitical conflict and infrastructure security. By employing agent-based simulations and reinforcement learning in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, the work demonstrates that systemic resilience is determined by the velocity of adaptive learning within multi-dimensional threat environments. Central to this research is the extit{Chakravyuh-inspired} defense methodology, which translates classical strategic formations into rigorous computational models for critical infrastructure protection. By utilizing Markov decision processes and physics-driven simulations, the framework optimizes multi-layered defensive traps, providing a theoretical and computational foundation for organizational resilience against stochastic and adversarial disruptions.
Introduction
Noble metal nano-clusters, particularly those composed of gold (Au), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu), have attracted significant attention due to their unique optical properties that differ fundamentally from their bulk counterparts. When the size of these metallic systems is reduced to the nanometer scale—typically below 2–3 nm—they transition from classical plasmonic nano-particles to quantum-confined nano-clusters. In this regime, the continuous electronic band structure breaks into discrete energy levels, leading to molecule-like optical behavior.
These unusual optical characteristics arise from a combination of quantum confinement, surface effects, and electron–photon interactions, making noble metal nanoclusters highly relevant in fields such as sensing, bioimaging, catalysis, and optoelectronics.
In bulk metals, electrons are delocalized and form continuous energy bands. However, in nanoclusters, the reduction in size confines electrons within a very small volume, leading to quantization of energy levels.
As a result
This phenomenon, known as quantum confinement, is the primary reason for the dramatic changes in optical properties. Unlike larger nanoparticles that exhibit metallic behavior, nanoclusters behave more like molecules with well-defined electronic transitions.
Noble metal nanoclusters exhibit distinct absorption spectra compared to larger nanoparticles.
Key Features:
In larger metal nanoparticles, optical absorption is dominated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR)—a collective oscillation of conduction electrons. However, in nanoclusters:
This leads to sharp, well-defined spectral features resembling those of molecules rather than bulk metals.
Apurba Das is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research spanning condensed matter physics, nanoscience, and biomaterials, with a strong focus on addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, energy, and advanced materials.
A key thrust area of his research is the design and development of functional biomaterials, particularly hydroxyapatite-based ceramics, composites, and thin films for biomedical applications. Research in this domain emphasizes the role of electrical, structural, and surface properties of materials in influencing biological responses such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. He aims to contribute to emerging fields like bone tissue engineering, implant coatings, and bioactive materials.
He also has expertise in thin film deposition techniques, including RF magnetron sputtering, enabling the fabrication of advanced coatings and functional surfaces. Complementary efforts in surface and interface engineering are directed toward tailoring material properties for enhanced performance in biomedical and electronic applications.
In the area of nanoscience and nanophysics, research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructured materials. These studies are supported by strong capabilities in advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy, which facilitate detailed structural and microstructural analysis.
Another important research direction involves the study of dielectric and electrical properties of materials, particularly in the context of their functional applications in bioelectronics and smart devices. The department also explores interactions at the cell–material interface, incorporating biological techniques such as cell culture, protein adsorption studies, and biocompatibility assessment.
An interdisciplinary outlook, contributing to emerging areas such as
is also actively researched.
Through collaborations with other institutions and industry partners, the faculty members of the department leverage diverse expertise and resources to tackle complex scientific challenges and drive innovation. The department is committed to forstering a dynamic research environment that nurther creativity, collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration, with the aim of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and addressing pressing societal needs. The following are the research fields in which faculties are engaging their research.
Drawing inspiration from natural structures and processes, biomaterials researchers develop novel materials with unique properties and functions. Biomimetic materials, such as self-healing polymers, bio-inspired adhesives, and spider silk-based fibers, exhibit remarkable mechanical strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility for diverse applications. Spider silk (spidroin) is one of the most structurally ordered naturally occurring materials with outstanding properties such as high fracture toughness, extraordinary tensile strength, slow biodegradability, and enhanced biocompatibility. Spider silk´s toughness (~ 180 MJm-3) is significantly superior to any biological or artificial material, despite its structural similarity to synthetic analogues like nylon or Kevlar. The mechanical properties of spider silk are highly dependent on its structure. The orientation of micro- and nanofibers along the fibre axis is vital in enhancing its tensile strength and toughness. Because of these unique properties of spidroin, our researchers have been engaged in developing scaffolds using spider silk as one of the components primarily for bone tissue engineering.
In bone tissue repair, piezoelectric ceramics can serve multiple functions. Firstly, they can act as scaffolds, providing structural support for new bone growth. Additionally, the electrical signals produced by these ceramics can stimulate cellular activity, promoting bone regeneration and enhancing the healing process. Piezoelectirc ssuch as K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) and ZnO have been explored by the faculty members for designing next generation of "smart" scaffolds. Research in this field is ongoing, with efforts focused on optimizing the properties of piezoelectric ceramics for enhanced bone regeneration. By harnessing the unique properties of these materials, we aim to develop innovative strategies for improving the treatment of bone injuries and defects, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes for patients.
In recent years, additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing has gained significant traction across various industries due to its numerous advantages. One of the key benefits is its ability to produce highly complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing techniques. This complexity enables the creation of intricate and customized parts, making 3D printing ideal for rapid prototyping and small-batch production. The reserchers in the department wishes to generated the next generation of "smart" scaffolds using these advanced 3D printing technology tht will largely cater the biomedical industry, which still has to import such scaffolds at elevated cost.
Field of the Research Work: Molecular Recognition of Biomolecular Systems.
This research area focuses on understanding complex molecular mechanisms of drug-drug and drug-biomolecule at atomic level aiming to optimize the pharmaceutical efficacy of novel drug systems through a synergistic approach combining computational methods (DFT), experimental techniques, and in-silico simulations. Theoretical components emphasize detailed intermolecular interaction analysis in biological context; complementing this, molecular characterization incorporates a wide array of spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, we employ in-silico molecular docking to study protein-ligand binding. This integrated approach offers a robust framework for designing potent drug systems with better therapeutic efficacy.
