Pijus Kumar Sasmal | Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal | Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, India.

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal is an Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. With a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and extensive postdoctoral experience at prestigious institutions like Princeton University, Rutgers University, and Philipps Universität Marburg, his research spans the interface of chemistry and biology. Dr. Sasmal’s work focuses on the design and synthesis of novel organic and inorganic compounds for applications in chemical biology and medicinal therapeutics, including targeted metal-based anticancer and antimicrobial agents, bioorthogonal chemistry, and photoactivatable prodrugs. He has published 31 research articles, with an h-index of 17 and over 1,400 citations. His contributions have earned him several awards, including the CRSI Young Scientist Award and the Early Career Research Award from SERB-DST. Dr. Sasmal’s innovative research positions him as a leading figure in his field, with significant potential for future advancements.

Profile
Education

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal is a distinguished academic with a strong foundation in chemistry. He completed his Ph.D. in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, in April 2010. His doctoral research, under the guidance of Prof. Akhil R. Chakravarty, focused on the chemistry of oxovanadium(IV) complexes and their photoinduced cytotoxicity and DNA cleavage activity, which set the stage for his future work in chemical biology and medicinal therapeutics. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Sasmal earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, in 2005, where he conducted research on the synthesis of β-arylvinylbromides via brominative decarboxylation under the supervision of Prof. Bhisma K. Patel. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry (Honors) from Midnapore College, Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, which he completed in 2003.

Professional Experience

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal is an accomplished Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, where he has been serving since October 2015. With a strong foundation in chemistry and chemical biology, Dr. Sasmal’s expertise extends to cutting-edge research in the design and synthesis of novel organic and inorganic compounds for applications in chemical biology and medicinal therapeutics. Prior to his current role, he gained extensive international experience through postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions, including Princeton University and Rutgers University in the USA, as well as Philipps Universität Marburg in Germany. His research during these fellowships focused on advanced topics such as polymeric nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, hydrogel-nanoparticle hybrid scaffolds, and metal complex catalysis within living biological systems. Dr. Sasmal’s professional journey reflects his dedication to advancing the frontiers of chemical and biological research.

Research Interest

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal’s research bridges the disciplines of chemistry and biology, with a focus on the design and synthesis of novel organic and inorganic compounds for biomedical applications. His research interests encompass the development of targeted metal-based anticancer and antimicrobial agents, which are tailored to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects. Dr. Sasmal also investigates metal-catalyzed bioorthogonal chemistry within living cells, aiming to achieve precise chemical transformations without interfering with native biological processes. Additionally, his work explores the creation of photoactivatable prodrugs that allow for site-selective and controlled drug activation within cells. Another key area of his research involves the development of metal complexes as biosensors for detecting biologically important molecules, contributing to advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring. Overall, Dr. Sasmal’s research is driven by the goal of integrating chemical innovation with biological systems to address critical challenges in medicine.

Research Skills

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal is an accomplished researcher with extensive expertise in the interdisciplinary field of chemistry and biology. His research skills encompass the design and synthesis of novel organic and inorganic compounds, particularly metal-based agents, for applications in chemical biology and medicinal therapeutics. Dr. Sasmal has a strong command over metal-catalyzed bioorthogonal chemistry, photoactivatable prodrugs, and biosensors for detecting biologically significant molecules. His experience in targeted drug delivery and imaging applications through polymeric nanoparticles and hydrogel-nanoparticle hybrid scaffolds further highlights his innovative approach to addressing complex biological challenges. Dr. Sasmal’s ability to integrate chemistry with biological systems, coupled with his proficiency in advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques, has enabled him to make significant contributions to the development of anticancer and antimicrobial agents. His research is well-documented, with numerous high-impact publications, demonstrating his capacity for leading cutting-edge research in chemical biology.

 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal, an esteemed Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to the field of chemistry. Among his notable accolades is the prestigious CRSI Young Scientist Award in February 2023, highlighting his exceptional research achievements. He was also honored with the Early Career Research Award by SERB-DST in 2016, a testament to his promising work in the early stages of his career. Additionally, Dr. Sasmal received a Start-Up Grant from the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2016, further supporting his innovative research endeavors. His doctoral work earned him the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award for the academic year 2010-2011 from the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry at IISc Bangalore. His dedication to research has been consistently recognized, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences.

Conclusion

Dr. Pijus Kumar Sasmal is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His significant contributions to chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, coupled with prestigious awards and a robust publication record, highlight his excellence as a researcher. To further strengthen his candidacy, enhancing the visibility and application of his research through patents, expanding leadership roles, and diversifying his publication outlets could be beneficial. Overall, his achievements and ongoing research efforts make him a strong contender for this award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Organoiridium-catalyzed bioorthogonal chemistry
    • Authors: Chauhan, D., Prasad, P., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: Coordination Chemistry Reviews
    • Year: 2024
  • Nitrodopamine modified MnO2 NS-MoS2QDs hybrid nanocomposite for the extracellular and intracellular detection of glutathione
    • Authors: Sivakumar, G., Gupta, A., Babu, A., Sasmal, P.K., Maji, S.
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry B
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 4
  • Multifunctional Iridium(III)-Platinum(IV) Conjugates as Potent Anticancer Theranostic Agents
    • Authors: Gupta, A., Pandey, A.K., Mondal, T., Bhattacharya, J., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 6
  • Development of Mitochondria Targeting AIE-Active Cyclometalated Iridium Complexes as Potent Antimalarial Agents
    • Authors: Kumari, G., Gupta, A., Sah, R.K., Singh, S., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 7
  • Visible and NIR light photoactivatable o-hydroxycinnamate system for efficient drug release with fluorescence monitoring
    • Authors: Gupta, A., Singh, N., Gautam, A., Kumar, S., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4
  • COVID-19 detection using AIE-active iridium complexes
    • Authors: Gupta, A., Adarsh, T., Manchanda, V., Sasmal, P.K., Gupta, S.
    • Journal: Dalton Transactions
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 6
  • AIE-active cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes for the detection of lipopolysaccharides and wash-free imaging of bacteria
    • Authors: Gautam, A., Gupta, A., Prasad, P., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: Dalton Transactions
    • Year: 2023 (Article in Press)
    • Citations: 8
  • Algal Biomass-Loaded Hydrogel Scaffolds as a Biomimetic Platform with Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities
    • Authors: Agarwal, A., Kumar, A., Garg, P., Chowdhury, C., Mukherjee, M.
    • Journal: ACS Applied Polymer Materials
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4
  • Photoactivatable o-Hydroxycinnamic Platforms for Bioimaging and Therapeutic Release
    • Authors: Gupta, A., Gautam, A., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3
  • Mitochondria-Targeted Photoactivatable Real-Time Monitoring of a Controlled Drug Delivery Platform
    • Authors: Singh, N., Gupta, A., Prasad, P., Gupta, S., Sasmal, P.K.
    • Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 12

 

Mehlika Dilek Altıntop | Medicinal Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mehlika Dilek Altıntop | Medicinal Chemistry| Women Researcher Award

Professor Doctorate of Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Eskişehir, Turkey.

Mehlika Dilek Altıntop is a researcher specializing in the synthesis of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential for cancer and metabolic disorders. Her work focuses on designing and evaluating enzyme inhibitors, particularly aldose reductase inhibitors for diabetes treatment. In pharmaceutical chemistry, she investigates new chemical entities with antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Altıntop also explores molecular hybridization to enhance biological activity and is involved in drug development, including the creation of innovative compounds like triazolothiadiazine derivatives. Her research contributes significantly to advancing treatment options and improving therapeutic outcomes.

Profile

Education:

Mehlika Dilek Altıntop’s educational journey began at İkieylül Elementary School, where she completed her primary education from 1991 to 1996. She then attended Eskişehir Anatolian High School for her secondary and high school education from 1996 to 2003. Pursuing higher education, she enrolled at Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, graduating with her undergraduate degree in 2007. She continued her academic career at Anadolu University, where she completed a Master’s Degree with Thesis in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Graduate School of Health Sciences between 2007 and 2009. Subsequently, she earned her Doctoral Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the same institution, graduating in 2012. Additionally, she possesses an excellent command of English, which complements her academic and professional expertise.

Academic Titles:

Prof. Dr. Mehlika Dilek Altıntop has had a distinguished career at Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy. She began as a Research Assistant from 2010 to 2012, where she gained foundational experience in pharmaceutical research. She then advanced to the role of Research Assistant Doctor from 2012 to 2014, further deepening her expertise. Her career continued to progress as she took on the position of Assistant Professor Doctor from 2014 to 2015, during which she began to establish her reputation in the field. In 2015, she was promoted to Associate Professor Doctor, a role she held until 2020. Since 2020, Prof. Dr. Altıntop has served as a Professor Doctor at Anadolu University, where she continues to contribute significantly to the field of pharmacy through both her research and teaching activities. Her career reflects a consistent trajectory of academic growth and leadership.

Awards:

Prof. Dr. Mehlika Dilek Altıntop has received numerous accolades throughout her distinguished career. In 2007, she was honored with the Anadolu University Faculty of Pharmacy Championship Award and the Graduate Scholarship from The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Her exceptional contributions were further recognized with the Anadolu University Science and Technology Encouragement Award and several Article Performance Awards from 2014 to 2018. She achieved the Gold and Platinum Article Performance Awards in 2015 and was named Outstanding Reviewer by the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 2016. In 2019, she received the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association Academy of Pharmacy Encouragement Award. Prof. Altıntop was awarded the Anadolu University Academic Outstanding Success Award in 2020 and 2021 and recognized as the Outstanding Woman Researcher in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at VIWA 2021. Her invention, “Targeted Novel Triazolothiadiazine Derivatives for The Treatment of Lung Cancer,” earned a Silver Medal at ISIF’21. Her top-cited articles in Archiv der Pharmazie and Open Chemistry further highlight her impactful research.

 

Dr. Mehlika Dilek Altıntop’s research focuses on medicinal chemistry, with a particular emphasis on:

Mehlika Dilek Altıntop’s research is centered on the synthesis and development of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential, particularly for cancer and metabolic disorders. Her work involves designing and evaluating enzyme inhibitors, such as aldose reductase inhibitors, to address conditions like diabetes. In pharmaceutical chemistry, she investigates new chemical entities and their pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial and anticancer properties. A key aspect of her research is molecular hybridization, where she combines different molecular scaffolds to enhance biological activity. Her focus on drug development includes the creation and testing of innovative drugs, exemplified by her work on triazolothiadiazine derivatives and other novel compounds. Altıntop’s contributions aim to advance therapeutic options and improve treatment outcomes across a range of medical conditions.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES:

  1. “Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of imidazothiazole-hydrazone hybrids as dual EGFR and Akt inhibitors for NSCLC therapy”
    Altıntop, M.D., Ertorun, İ., Akalın Çiftçi, G., Özdemir, A.
    European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2024
  2. “Design, Synthesis, and In Vivo Evaluation of a New Series of Indole-Chalcone Hybrids as Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Agents”
    Baramaki, I., Altıntop, M.D., Arslan, R., Hasan, A., Bektaş Türkmen, N.
    ACS Omega, 2024
  3. “Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of a New Series of 2-Pyrazolines as Potential Antileukemic Agents”
    Altıntop, M.D., Cantürk, Z., Özdemir, A.
    ACS Omega, 2023
  4. “Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of a New Series of Hydrazones as Small-Molecule Akt Inhibitors for NSCLC Therapy”
    Erdönmez, B., Altıntop, M.D., Akalın Çiftçi, G., Özdemir, A., Ece, A.
    ACS Omega, 2023
  5. “A new series of hydrazones as small-molecule aldose reductase inhibitors”
    Altıntop, M.D., Demir, Y., Türkeş, C., Beydemir, Ş., Özdemir, A.
    Archiv der Pharmazie, 2023
  6. “A new series of thiazole-hydrazone hybrids for Akt-targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer”
    Orujova, T., Ece, A., Akalın Çiftçi, G., Özdemir, A., Altıntop, M.D.
    Drug Development Research, 2023
  7. “Discovery of Small Molecule COX-1 and Akt Inhibitors as Anti-NSCLC Agents Endowed with Anti-Inflammatory Action”
    Altıntop, M.D., Akalın Çiftçi, G., Yılmaz Savaş, N., Alataş, Ö., Özdemir, A.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023
  8. “Microwave-assisted synthesis of a series of 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles endowed with selective COX-1 inhibitory potency”
    Altıntop, M.D., Temel, H.E., Özdemir, A.
    Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society, 2023
  9. “Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of arylidene indanones as small molecules for targeted therapy of non-small cell lung carcinoma and prostate cancer”
    Altıntop, M.D., Özdemir, A., Temel, H.E., Kaplancıklı, Z.A., Akalın Çiftçi, G.
    European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2022