Seminars

Abstract: Rare events leading to phenotypic variation in a population of genetically identical cells is a recurring theme in current biological research. Recent research indicates that such `non-genetic individuality' can be driven by the intrinsic stochasticity of gene expression. Correspondingly there is a need to develop analytical approaches for modeling fluctuations and rare events in stochastic gene expression. In this talk I will discuss analytical approaches developed by my group for stochastic models of gene expression.

Abstract : Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils animal fats and acid oil using heterogeneous/homogeneous acid/ base catalyst. In the present work synthesis of biodiesel is carried out in three different type of reactor viz. fixed bed reactor batch reactor and microreactor. The process for the production of biodiesel can be intensified significantly by employing a heterogeneous catalyst. In the present work a heterogeneous catalyst ZnO/ZSM-5 is used that promotes both esterification and transesterification simultaneously.

Abstract: There has been considerable work on reactive separations especially for reactive distillation and reactive chromatography. Absorption accompanied by reaction is also the subject of classical multiphase gas-liquid reactions wherein reaction takes place between the liquid substrate and the dissolved gas. However an opposite case of reactive stripping wherein reaction taking place in the vapor phase between the stripped-off component and the gas is rare. An example of such reactive stripping process is hydrogen-water exchange used for the separation of hydrogen isotopes.

Abstract: Cyanobacteria are a group of photosynthetic prokaryotes that inhabit in diverse ecosystems with simple oxygen (O2) evolving mechanism similar to that in higher plants. They are believed to be responsible for the creation of oxygenic atmosphere on earth and are credited with 20-30% of the global photosynthesis currently. Cyanobacteria use light energy from the sunlight to fix atmospheric CO2 and convert it into energy rich sugar molecules for their growth development and metabolic process. Cyanothece sp.

Abstract : Cyanobacteria are a promising platform for solar-powered CO2-consuming production of biofuels petroleum substitutes and other useful products using photosynthesis. Transformation of selected cyanobacteria resulting in targeted gene replacement deletion or addition is relatively facile and consequently metabolic steps or even pathways can be introduced or enhanced in the cyanobacterium. The organism that is the focus of our research is Synechocystis sp.

Abstract: This talk will provide an overview of the computational research conducted for understanding and predicting thermodynamics and rheological properties of self-assembled nanomaterials industrial polymeric resins and bituminous materials (petrochemical heavy residues). Thermodynamics and rheology of self assembled mesophases of nanoparticles: Anisotropic interaction fields encoded in nanoparticles of non-spherical shape can drive their assembly into many complex ordered or partially ordered structures (”mesophases”).

Abstract Immobilized enzyme based glucose biosensors are in demand for diabetes management. In the present work glucose oxidase (GOD) enzyme was immobilized in mesoporous silica (SBA-15) host particles. The effect of external morphology aspect ratio internal pore diameter of SBA-15 particles and surface functionalization of SBA-15 on GOD activity and performance of the glucose biosensor was studied.

Abstract : Nanoparticles are generally embedded inside the pores of porous solid to prevent their aggregation in order to achieve better performance in catalysis water treatment etc. The present work aims to show that nanoparticles need not be embedded only inside the pores but can also be embedded in different regions of porous solid (in-between the pores or on the external surface of solid etc.) to enhance the reactivity in diffusion-adsorption-reaction systems.

Abstract: Top down nano-fabrication methods are limited by the fact that it is not possible to incorporate complex location specific details on surface at molecular length scales. In this talk I will address this limitation and show how self-organization in thin films and macromolecular self-assembly based techniques such as DNA origami may solve this problem.

Abstract: Technological breakthrough in recombinant DNA technology combined with advanced bioprocesses has made commercial production of recombinant biologics possible at a large scale. Nearly 70% of the biologics are produced using Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells as the hosts. Investing quite a huge amount of money and time in creating a "producer cell line" biopharmaceutical industries focus on enhancing productivity to gain higher profits. To enhance productivity it is essential to understand productivity at the molecular level.