Rekha Thiruvengadam | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rekha Thiruvengadam | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, at Saveetha medical college and hospital, India.

Dr. K. Rekha is a distinguished microbiologist and Professor at Helix Research Lab, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she specializes in virology, antimicrobial resistance, nanotechnology, and environmental microbiology. Her research contributions span internationally, with collaborative roles in South Korea and Taiwan, and a postdoctoral fellowship in nanoparticle studies. She has mentored Ph.D. scholars, published in high-impact journals, and presented at numerous national and international symposia. Dr. Rekha has received awards for academic excellence and is recognized for her innovative research in biosciences, including patent achievements and esteemed journal reviews. Driven by a commitment to scientific advancement and academic mentorship, she continues to make impactful contributions to global health through microbial innovation and natural product pharmacology. 🌱🔬

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Rekha holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology (2011–2016) from Tamil University, where she explored antiviral potentials of medicinal plant extracts and synthesized silver nanoparticles for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) treatment. Her M.Phil. in Biotechnology (2003–2004) and M.Sc. in Microbiology (1999–2001) were both completed at Bharathidasan University, India, where she laid the foundation for her scientific research career. She began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Microbiology (1997–1999) from the same institution. Her educational path is defined by interdisciplinary exposure across microbiology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. Her doctoral work included extensive analysis of phenolic compounds and nanoparticle-mediated viral inhibition. Her academic mentors include Dr. C. Sivasubramanian, and her international experience enhanced her skill set in phytotoxicity and biochemical assays. Her diverse academic background laid the groundwork for a research career that bridges traditional knowledge and modern biomedical innovation. 📚🧪

🧪 Experience 

Dr. K. Rekha brings over 20 years of rich academic and research experience, with roles across India, South Korea, and Taiwan. She currently serves as Professor at Helix Research Lab, Saveetha Institute, where she mentors scholars and leads research on infectious diseases. From 2022 to 2024, she was a Research Professor at Sejong University, South Korea, working on the links between hypertension and cancer. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at MIET College, India (2018–2022), and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Konkuk University, South Korea (2016–2017), focusing on plant-microbe interactions. She also worked as a Research Assistant at National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan (2005–2008), contributing to IBDV and protein studies. Starting her academic career as a Lecturer at St. Joseph’s College (2001–2005), Dr. Rekha has also taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in microbiology and biotechnology. Her international exposure shaped her innovative and global approach to research. 🌍📖

🔬 Research Interest 

Dr. K. Rekha’s research centers on microbiology, nanotechnology, plant-derived antiviral compounds, and environmental biotechnology. Her doctoral research investigated the biosynthesis and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles from Momordica charantia, demonstrating efficacy against IBDV. She explores phytochemical profiling, antioxidant responses, and microbial inhibition using green-synthesized nanoparticles. In recent years, she extended her research to examine correlations between hypertension and cancer, and she uses computational biology to identify therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders. Her interests include epidemiology, enzyme inhibition, and biosafety of nanoparticles. She also engages in biotechnological applications of algae for biofuel production and has published on anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal extracts. As a passionate advocate for nature-based therapies and sustainable biotechnology, she works at the intersection of traditional herbal sciences and modern nanomedicine. 🧬🌿⚗️

🏆 Awards 

Dr. K. Rekha has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for her academic excellence and research innovation. She qualified for India’s prestigious National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship and Assistant Professorship in 2004, conducted by ASRB. In 2023, she received the Excellent Poster Presentation Award from the Korean Society of Environmental Health and Toxicology for her innovative work on optimizing algae conditions for biodiesel production. Her patent, titled A method for preventing microbial contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables”, granted in 2023, reflects her translational research impact. She also serves as a peer reviewer for leading journals published by The Lancet, Springer, Elsevier, and Wiley. Her consistent contributions to microbial science and natural product biotechnology have earned her a place among globally respected scientists. 🏅🔖📄

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Rekha has published widely in Science Citation Index (SCI)-indexed journals, contributing to high-impact research in biotechnology and pharmacology. Her recent publications include:

1. Drug Repurposing for Lassa Virus

  • Journal: Journal of Computational Biophysics and Chemistry

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: I couldn’t locate specific information about this paper. You might consider checking the journal’s official website or academic databases for more details.

2. Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Treatment

  • Authors: Rekha Thiruvengadam, Durai Singh Carmelin, Benod Kumar Kondapavuluri, Srisugamathi Gurusamy, Baskar Venkidasamy, Muthu Thiruvengadam

  • Journal: Clinica Chimica Acta

  • Publication Date: March 28, 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2025.120267

  • Summary: This paper discusses the role of biomarkers in the treatment of lung cancer, focusing on their potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies.CoLab

3. Antidiabetic Algae Peptides Study

  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: Specific information about this study wasn’t found in the available sources. For more details, please refer to the journal’s publications or relevant scientific databases.

4. PGP Actinomycetes Consortia Study

  • Journal: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: I couldn’t find specific details about this study. You may want to consult the journal’s archives or academic search engines for more information.

5. Bioactive Nanoparticles for Oxidative Stress

  • Journal: Industrial Crops and Products

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: No specific information was located regarding this paper. Checking the journal’s official publications or scientific repositories might provide the needed details.CoLab+1MDPI+1

6. Pomegranate in Cancer Prevention

  • Journal: Food Science & Nutrition

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: While the exact paper wasn’t found, several studies highlight pomegranate’s potential in cancer prevention:

    • Pomegranate extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, modulating signaling pathways involved in cancer progression.

    • Compounds like punicalagin and ellagic acid in pomegranate have shown anticancer activities in various studies. PubMed+1PubMed+1MDPI+4Bentham Science+4SpringerLink+4

Conclusion

Dr. K. Rekha is a highly accomplished and dedicated researcher with a diverse academic portfolio, consistent international research contributions, and a strong record of mentorship and publications. Her interdisciplinary expertise in microbiology, nanotechnology, and environmental health aligns with global research priorities.

jaishree SANKARANARAYANAN | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. jaishree SANKARANARAYANAN | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Ms. jaishree SANKARANARAYANAN, at chonnam national university, India.

S. Jaishree (DOB: 06/11/1997) 🇮🇳 is an emerging biomedical scientist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at Chonnam National University, South Korea, with a stellar GPA of 4.17/4.5. Her research journey centers on anti-inflammatory therapies using exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, particularly targeting osteoarthritis. She has hands-on expertise in cutting-edge molecular biology techniques including PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and confocal microscopy. Jaishree has actively presented her work at prestigious international conferences across South Korea and published impactful studies in high-impact journals. Her academic path, marked by perseverance and curiosity, began in India with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Microbiology and Medical Microbiology. Fluent in academic collaboration, she aims to revolutionize regenerative medicine. With a strong foundation in experimental and clinical science, her career goal is to become a research scientist and contribute to translational medicine. 🌿

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Jaishree’s academic journey reflects her dedication to life sciences and human health. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2022–26) from Chonnam National University, Hwasun, South Korea, focusing on clinical oncology, immunology, and biochemistry. Her thesis investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of MSC-derived exosomes in osteoarthritis. 🎓 She completed her M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology (2018–21) at Dr. ALMPGIBMS, University of Madras, with a thesis on the biofilm inhibition properties of natural extracts. During her B.Sc. in Microbiology (2015–18) at Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women, she excelled with distinction, exploring the antibacterial activity of Indian spices. Her educational background also includes Higher Secondary Certification (2015) from Kendriya Vidyalaya, majoring in biology and chemistry. She has consistently demonstrated a passion for biomedical innovation, with solid performance across multidisciplinary domains and an appetite for research that bridges traditional remedies with molecular science. 📘

🧪 Experience

Jaishree has developed robust research capabilities through hands-on roles in molecular biology and regenerative medicine. 🔬 At Chonnam National University, she has been instrumental in isolating and characterizing MSC-derived exosomes, optimizing their extraction using aqueous two-phase systems, and assessing their anti-inflammatory impact. She has mastered core lab techniques like ELISA, RT-PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, and immunofluorescence. In addition, she has contributed to ongoing studies comparing PRP versus PRP-Exosomes for osteoarthritis regression and decellularized ECM for cartilage repair. She also attended a week-long Next-Generation Sequencing workshop at InSTEM, Bengaluru (2021), which enhanced her molecular diagnostic skills. Her engagement in both basic and translational science is evident through numerous conference presentations and poster sessions in Korea. Jaishree’s ability to handle complex bioinformatics, experimental design, and therapeutic modeling positions her as a future leader in biomedical research and innovation. 💡

🔬 Research Interest

Jaishree’s research interests lie at the interface of regenerative medicine, inflammation biology, and exosome-based therapeutics. Her current Ph.D. project explores the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in alleviating inflammation and cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. She is particularly fascinated by drug delivery systems, MAPK/NF-κB signaling, and molecular mechanisms regulating inflammatory cascades. Additionally, she is involved in comparative efficacy studies of exosomes from different MSC sources and is interested in enhancing the biocompatibility and bioavailability of natural compounds such as cinnamaldehyde. 🌱 Her academic curiosity also extends to biofilm disruption, extracellular matrix engineering, and the clinical translation of anti-inflammatory compounds. Combining molecular techniques and pre-clinical disease models, Jaishree envisions a future where cell-free therapies become mainstream in chronic disease treatment. She is open to collaborative, cross-disciplinary research that spans microbiology, oncology, and immunotherapy. 🧠

🏅 Awards and Conferences

Jaishree has actively presented her research at renowned international conferences. Notable among them are:
📌 Oral Presentation at the Korean Society for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (May 2025) on exosome efficacy from different MSC sources.
📌 Poster Presentations at KMSCB (2022, 2023), showcasing advancements in exosome isolation and anti-inflammatory applications.
📌 OARSI 2025: Poster on suppression of inflammatory mediators via cinnamaldehyde in osteoarthritic models.
📌 21st Fall Conference, Korea (2024): Oral talk on modulation of IL-1β-induced inflammation using bone marrow-derived exosomes.
📌 Workshops & Seminars: Bioinformatics (2017), Genetic Engineering (2017), and NGS training (2021).
These participations highlight her evolving role as a communicator and innovator in biomedical science. 🎤 Her nominations are supported by strong academic references and recognized research excellence. 🏆

📚Top Noted  Publications

Jaishree’s research contributions have been published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and abstracts.

  1. (2025)
    Cinnamaldehyde-Mediated Suppression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Cartilage Degradation in Osteoarthritis Models.
    Osteoarthritis & Cartilage. [Link] — Cited by: 2

  2. (2025)
    Synergistic Reduction of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms Using Cinnamaldehyde and Silver Nanoparticles.
    Preprints. [Link] — Cited by: 0 (Preprint)

  3. (2024)
    Cinnamaldehyde-Mediated Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in Osteoarthritis Synoviocytes.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS). [Link] — Cited by: 11

  4. (2024)
    Cinnamaldehyde-Treated Exosomes via Aqueous Two-Phase System (ATPS) Attenuate Joint Inflammation.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS). [Link] — Cited by: 6

  5. (2024)
    HA Viscosupplement Modulates Inflammatory Mediators and Improves Chondrocyte Function in OA Models.
    ACS Omega. [Link] — Cited by: 3

  6. (2024)
    Exosomes Reshape the Osteoarthritic Defect Microenvironment and Enhance Cartilage Regeneration.
    International Journal of Stem Cells. [Link] — Cited by: 4

  7. (2023)
    Polynucleotides Suppress Inflammation and Promote Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in OA Synoviocytes.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS). [Link] — Cited by: 9

Under Review

  • (2025 – Submitted)
    Comparative Efficacy of Exosomes Derived from Different Cell Sources for Osteoarthritic Cartilage Repair.
    Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM Journal)(Under Review)

Conclusion

S. Jaishree is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in categories related to early-career excellence in biomedical or translational research. Her consistent research output, international engagement, and applied focus on osteoarthritis therapies using exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells reflect both scientific rigor and innovation. With continued development in leadership roles and expanded collaborative networks, she is poised to become a leading voice in regenerative medicine.