Palash Mandal | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Palash Mandal | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Charusat | India

Prof. Palash Mandal is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the P. D. Patel Institute of Applied Sciences, CHARUSAT University. His research primarily focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying liver diseases, with particular emphasis on alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disorders. He investigates oxidative stress, inflammation, gut microbiota modulation, and toll-like receptor signaling to identify potential therapeutic targets for hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. His work also explores the role of cytokines, innate immunity, and apoptosis in liver pathology, as well as the development of biomarkers and proteomic profiling for liver diseases. In addition, his research extends to studying metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, especially their interplay with liver dysfunction. Prof. Mandal has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing to advancements in hepatology, molecular biosciences, and inflammation biology. He has been actively involved in several funded research projects supported by national science agencies and has supervised numerous PhD and postgraduate students. Beyond research, he holds significant editorial responsibilities as Associate or Academic Editor for several international journals, including Frontiers in Gastroenterology, PLOS ONE, Mediators of Inflammation, and Discovery Applied Sciences. His professional affiliations span leading scientific societies such as the Society for Leukocyte Biology, the International Society for Hepatic Sinusoidal Research, and the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver. Prof. Mandal’s scientific contributions bridge fundamental biology and clinical relevance, aiming to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for liver-related and metabolic diseases.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gori, P. V., Raval, M., Patel, S., Patel, A., Solanki, N., Patel, P., Nandpal, M., Mandal, P., & Aghara, H. (2025, December). Argyreia nervosa (Brum.f.) Bojer. alleviates diabetes mellitus-induced male infertility. Molecular Biology Reports.

Sonavane, B., Chadha, P., Andhare, P., Dube, S., Singh, N. K., Mandal, P., Amin, S., & Madamwar, D. (2025, November). Phycoerythrin from Aulosira fertilissima: A bioactive macromolecule for longevity and neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology.

Sharma, D., Vaishnav, B. S., Pandey, N., & Mandal, P. (2025, September 30). Hepatic steatosis: Associated rs2954029 and rs2605100 genetic factors in an Indian population. Discover Applied Sciences.

Chadha, P., Aghara, H., Johnson, D., Sharma, D., Odedara, M., Patel, M., Kumar, H., Thiruvenkatam, V., & Mandal, P. (2025, July). Gardenin A alleviates alcohol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HepG2 and Caco2 cells via AMPK/Nrf2 pathway. Bioorganic Chemistry.

Aghara, H., Samanta, S., Patel, M., Chadha, P., Patel, D., Jha, A., & Mandal, P. (2025, July 9). Silver nanoparticles synthesized from Enicostemma littorale exhibit gut tight junction restoration and hepatoprotective activity via regulation of the inflammatory pathway. Pharmaceutics, 17(7), 895.

SHAFQUAT FAKHRAH | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Ms. SHAFQUAT FAKHRAH | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Ph.D scholar CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute India

Shafquat Fakhrah is a passionate and meticulous PhD scholar in Botany at Lucknow University, currently working at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), India. With a rich background in metabolomics, transcriptomics, and plant molecular biology, she focuses on unraveling biosynthetic pathways of plant-derived compounds using cutting-edge techniques. Her research contributions and leadership reflect a commitment to innovation in sustainable agriculture and plant-based therapeutics. She has successfully mentored graduate students and contributed to impactful scientific collaborations, showcasing her aptitude in both lab-based research and academic mentorship. 🌱🔬

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Shafquat holds a Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Botany (expected 2025) from Lucknow University, where her thesis explores “Comparative phenological, metabolite and molecular profiling of day and night jasmine.” 🌼🌙 She is affiliated with the CSIR-NBRI, a premier research institute.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Science (Zoology) from Patna Science College (2014), followed by a Master’s in Biotechnology from Patna University (2017), where she investigated the molecular genetics of Gossypium hirsutum under the guidance of Prof. Birendra Singh. 🧪📘

🧪 Experience

Over her research career, Shafquat has held several key roles:

  • Senior Research Fellow (ICMR) (2021–2025) under Dr. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty at NBRI, working on sustainable plant-based Vitamin D3 biosynthesis in Cestrum diurnum. 🧫💊
  • Project Fellow (2021–2022) with Dr. Satya Narayan Jena, where she led metabolomic profiling and gene expression analysis of Cannabis sativa and Papaver somniferum for cannabinoid and oripavin improvement. 🌿🧬
  • Project Fellow (2018–2021) under Dr. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, where she investigated underutilized legumes of Northeast India for food and nutrition security, contributing to crop improvement strategies and conservation. 🌾📈
    Her contributions include spectral analysis, chromatography, RNA-Seq, qRT-PCR, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and advanced bioinformatics. She has also supervised and mentored students and played a pivotal role in grant writing. 👩‍🔬👥

🔬 Research Interest

Her research interests lie at the intersection of plant metabolomics, functional genomics, and natural product biosynthesis, with a particular focus on underutilized and medicinal plants like Cestrum diurnum, Cannabis sativa, and Parkia timoriana. She is passionate about decoding molecular pathways involved in secondary metabolite production, especially for sustainable health and agricultural solutions. She also explores vitamin biosynthesis, trichome development, and stress-response mechanisms in plants. 🌿🧠🌡️

🏅 Awards

Shafquat has been recognized for her academic excellence and scientific outreach:

  • 🎯 Qualified GATE (Life Sciences) – 2020 (IIT-conducted national-level exam)
  • 🏆 Best Poster Award – India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020
  • 💼 Senior Research Fellowship (ICMR) – 2021
  • 🌟 InRes Young Fellow Award – 2024
    These accolades reflect her deep commitment to research, presentation skills, and leadership in the scientific community.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

Here is a list of her peer-reviewed publications with journal name, year, DOI link, and citations (where available):

Fakhrah Shafquat, Nasreen Bano, Kunwar Sarvendra, Rayees Ahmad Lone, Sagar Prasad Nayak, Alka Kumari, Prashant Kumar Rout, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty (2025).
“Elucidating the Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Networks in Underutilized Tree Bean (Parkia timoriana) Through Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Approaches.”
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-025-05199-z
📖 Cited by: [To be updated upon indexing]

Fakhrah Shafquat, Nasreen Bano, Soumit Kumar Behera, Krishna Kumar Rawat, Alka Kumari, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty (2024).
“Decoding the Flower-Anthesis Mechanism in Cestrum nocturnum and Cestrum diurnum
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s00344-024-11369-w
📖 Cited by: 1 article (Google Scholar)

Fakhrah Shafquat, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, Alka Kumari (2024).
“The Current Status and Challenges of Two Overlooked Medicinal Plants Cestrum diurnum and Cestrum nocturnum: A Review.”
Pharmacognosy Reviews, 18(36), pp. 101-110.
🔗 [Link to be updated upon indexing]
📖 Cited by: [To be indexed]

Differential miRNA expression and regulatory mechanisms in pigmentation and fiber development of white and brown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

The Root-Tuber Trypsin Inhibitor of Winged Bean and Its Anti-cancerous Activity Against Osteosarcoma Cell-Line

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the HD2 protein family and its response to drought and salt stress in Gossypium species

Transcriptome Meta-Analysis Associated Targeting Hub Genes and Pathways of Drought and Salt Stress Responses in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): A Network Biology Approach