Achievements

• The interdisciplinary research work on “ Bio-compatible ZnS:Mn nanocrystals conjugated with L-citrulline, as fluorescent probes for DNA visualization and for finger print analysis in forensic studies”, has been filed for patent with the patent application number 4900/CHE/2012 on 23 rd November 2012.The present work deals with the applicability of manganese doped ZnS (ZnS:Mn) nanocrystals capped with L-citrulline as DNA-staining dye, by replacing ethidium bromide dye and its further application as a powder for forensic finger printing analysis. This opens up a new and cost effective, safe, totally nontoxic and bio compatible alternative in the form of citrulline capped ZnS:Mn nanoparticle for replacing highly toxic and carcinogenic ethidium bromide in DNA staining.
• Received the Best Paper Presentation Award (first prize) during the 2nd International Conference on “ Optoelectronic Materials and Thin films for Advanced Technology” (OMTAT 2013) conducted from 3rd to 5th of January, 2013 in Kochi, for the paper “ L-serine capped ZnS:Mn nanocrystals for plant cell biological studies and as a Growth enhancing agent for Micropropagation of Bacopa monnieri Linn”.
• Received the Best Paper Presentation Award (second prize) during the 2nd International Conference on “Nanotechnology at the Bio-Medical Interface” organized by Amrita Centre for Nanosciences & Molecular Medicine, Kochi, during 21 – 23 February, 2012, for the paper “Immobilisation of trypsin with chitosan capped ZnS:Mn nanocrystals for therapeutic applications”.
• Receipient of Best Paper Award (Oral Presentation) during the UGC Sponsored National Seminar on “Challenges in Nanoscience and Technology” organized by Department of Chemistry, St.Teresa’s College, Ernakulam during 28 – 29 July, 2011, for the paper “Synthesis and Optical Properties of Water-dispersible ZnS:Mn Nanocrystals Capped by L-Aminoacid Ligands”.
• Received the Sr. Marie Cecil Endowment award for Staff Research Publication for two consecutive academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15.
• Presented a paper in the Annual International Conference on Optoelectronics, Photonics & Applied Physics (OPAP) 2013, SINGAPORE, 4-5 February 2013.