Dr. K. Indira Priyadarsini

Welcome to Priyadarsini Research

Explore the distinguished career of Dr. K. Indira Priyadarsini, an acclaimed scientist with over 36 years of pioneering research at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), where she served as Head of the Chemistry Division. Her expertise spans Radiation Chemistry, Bio-inorganic Chemistry, Antioxidants, and the development of Radioprotectors and Nutraceuticals. Recognized globally, including ranking among Stanford's Top 2% Scientists, her work continues to influence basic sciences and translational research through roles like DAE Raja Ramanna Fellow and Visiting Senior Professor at UM-DAE CEBS.

Biography

Dr. K. Indira Priyadarsini (FNASc, FRSC) embarked on her scientific journey at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) on August 1st, 1983, joining the Chemistry Division as a Scientific Officer (C) after completing the rigorous 26th batch of the BARC Training School (Chemistry, 1982-1983).

She earned her M.Sc. in Chemistry from Andhra University (1981) and her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Mumbai University (1990). Her international experience includes a prestigious European Communities Marie-Curie Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Gray Lab Cancer Research Centre, UK (February 1995 - December 1995).

Rising through the scientific ranks at BARC, she reached the position of Outstanding Scientist and served as the Head of the Chemistry Division at the time of her retirement on July 31st, 2019. Concurrently, she held the position of Senior Professor at the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI).

Following superannuation, Dr. Priyadarsini continued her academic pursuits as a DAE Raja Ramanna Fellow at the UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), University of Mumbai (April 2020 - March 2023), and subsequently as a Visiting Senior Professor at the same institute (April 2023 - December 2024). During her time at CEBS, she made significant contributions to teaching (Bio-Inorganic Chemistry, High Energy Radiation Chemistry), mentoring students, and furthering research in selenium chemistry.

53
H-Index
Top 2%
Stanford Ranking (Since 2020)
36+
Years at BARC

Research Excellence

Dr. Priyadarsini's research focuses on the interface of chemistry and biology, particularly in understanding redox processes relevant to health and disease. Her primary fields of specialization include:

During her time at UM-DAE CEBS, she initiated new research avenues including anti-microbial activity of selenium compounds, synthesis of novel curcumin-BF2 derivatives, and development of redox-active diselenides as catalysts.

Her work, extensively published and cited, has significantly advanced the understanding of free radical chemistry, antioxidant mechanisms, and the therapeutic potential of selenium and curcumin compounds.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Priyadarsini's scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous fellowships and awards:

She has also contributed internationally as an Expert/Consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna (2015) for Enhancing Education Programmes on Radiation Sciences.

Scientific & Academic Impact

Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Priyadarsini has made substantial contributions through administrative leadership, teaching, mentorship, and promoting science.

233+
Total Publications
53
H-Index
6+
Tech Transfers

Patents Published

  1. Use of 3,3'-Diselenodipropionic Acid (DSePA) as an Anticancer Agent.
    US Patent: US 11,213,499, B1.
    Inventors: Amit Kunwar, V.V. Gandhi, V. Gota, J. S. Goda, J. Kode, L.B. Kumbhare, V.K. Jain, K.I. Priyadarsini.
    Publication Date: January 4, 2022.
  2. A Process for the Preparation of Liposomes Using Supercooled Micelle and Emulsion.
    Indian Patent Number: 390956.
    Inventors: S.L. Gawali, K. C. Barick, K.I. Priyadarsini, P.A. Hassan.
    Publication Date: March 2022.
  3. A Portable device to Estimate Curcumin content in Turmeric.
    Indian Patent Application Number: 202221063957.
    Inventors: Tanveer Tadavi, Manender Yadav, B. E. Vardhamann, Karthikeyan Subbub, Neeraj Agarwal and K. I. Priyadarsini.
    Filing Date: November 9, 2022.
  4. An organoselenium compound developed as new chemical entity for treatment of radiation induced pneumonitis.
    (Under consideration by DGFA - Department of Atomic Energy)

Publications

Total Peer-Reviewed Publications: 233+ | H-index: 53

View ORCID Profile

Book Published / Edited

Editor of Special Journal Issues

Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications (Last 5 Years)

(Showing a representative list. Refer to ORCID/Scopus for the full list of 233+.)

  1. Tinku; Shaikh, S. A.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Choudhary, S. Inhibition of α-synuclein fibrillation by curcumin and difluoro boron derivatized curcumin complexes in aqueous environment. J. Mol. Liq. 2024, 403, 124856.
  2. Sahoo, S.; Shaikh, S. A.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Choudhary, S. Interaction of curcumin and its derivatives with the carrier protein human serum albumin: Biophysical and thermodynamic approach. J. Chem. Thermodyn. 2024, 191, 107234.
  3. Jain, V. K.; Priyadarsini, K. I. Selenium: A wonder element in life and for life. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. A 2024, 94, 1–10.
  4. Jain, V. K.; Priyadarsini, K. I. Selenium compounds as promising antiviral agents. New J. Chem. 2024, 48, 123–134.
  5. Rahman, N.; Kushwah, N.; Priyadarsini, K. I. A redox active organodiselenide as an efficacious catalyst for synthesis of oxygen containing heterocyclic compounds. New J. Chem. 2023, 47, 456–465.
  6. Priyadarsini, K. I.; Jain, V. K. Selenium and platinum compounds in cancer therapy: Potentiality of their progeny as future chemotherapeutics. Curr. Chem. Biol. 2022, 16(1), 71-81.
  7. Shaikh, S. A.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Vavilala, S. L. Ebselen’s potential to inhibit planktonic and biofilm growth of Neisseria mucosa. Curr. Chem. Biol. 2022, 16(1), 63–70.
  8. Shaikh, S. A. M.; Gawali, S. L.; Jain, V. K.; Priyadarsini, K. I. Unravelling the molecular interaction of diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA) with human serum albumin (HSA). New J. Chem. 2022, 46, 10560–10568.
  9. Gandhi, V. V.; Gandhi, K. A.; Kumbhare, L. B.; Goda, J. S.; Gota, V.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Kunwar, A. 3,3′-Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA) induces reductive stress in A549 cells triggering p53-independent apoptosis: A novel mechanism for diselenides. Free Radical Biol. Med. 2021, 175, 1–17.
  10. Kunwar, A.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Jain, V. K. 3,3′-Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA): A redox active multifunctional molecule of biological relevance. Biochim. Biophys. Acta, Gen. Subj. 2021, 1865(1), 129768.
  11. Gajipara, A.; Shelar, S. B.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Hassan, P. A. Development of water-dispersible gelatin stabilized hydroxyapatite nanoformulation for curcumin delivery. J. Drug Delivery Sci. Technol. 2021, 66, 102769.
  12. Patel, B.; Mishra, S.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Vavilala, S. L. Elucidating the anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing potential of selenocystine against respiratory tract infections causing bacteria: In vitro and in silico studies. Biol. Chem. 2021, 402(2), 155–169.
  13. Verma, G.; Shetake, N. G.; Pandre, S.; Pandey, B. N.; Hassan, P. A.; Priyadarsini, K. I. Development of surface functionalized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for enhanced specificity towards tumor cells. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2020, 144, 105206.
  14. Shelar, S. B.; Gawali, S. L.; Barick, K. C.; Kunwar, A.; Mohan, A.; Priyadarsini, K. I.; Hassan, P. A. Electrostatically bound lanreotide peptide - gold nanoparticle conjugates for enhanced uptake in SSTR2-positive cancer cells. Mater. Sci. Eng., C 2020, 117, 111270.
  15. Priyadarsini, K. I.; Jain, V. K.; Kunwar, A. Role of trace element selenium in fighting COVID-19: Are we ignoring this important element? Curr. Sci. 2020, 119(8), 1242–1243.

Selected Invited Talks (Recent)

  1. “Selenium cantered radicals: stabilization by 2c-3e bonds and reactions” National conference on chemistry of chalcogenides, DIAT, Pune. March 2021.
  2. “ROS: Chemistry and reactions with plant phenols.” & “Chemistry and biology of trace element selenium.” UGC Refreshers course in Life Sciences, Manipur University. December 2021.
  3. “Turmeric-the wonder herb for human wellbeing.” National Science Day Celebrations, Vignan's Institute of Engineering for Women, Visakhapatnam. February 2022.
  4. “Rejoicing my journey in DAE. Did I have to break the bias?” Prof Archana Sharma Memorial Lecture Award, NASI International Women's Day. March 2022.
  5. “Pulse Radiolysis Studies on Selenium Centred radicals and their comparison with sulfur analogues.” 2nd International Conference on applications of radiation science and technology, IAEA Headquarters, Vienna. August 2022.
  6. “Novel Chemistry & Biology of Selenium: Fifteen Long Years of Joint Efforts.” CEBS seminar. October 2022.
  7. “Basic Research to Technology Developments: My experiences with chemistry Research.” Gitam University, Visakhapatnam. January 2023.
  8. “Current trends in developing traditional herbal medicine for modern diseases.” International conference of dissemination of traditional knowledge (CDTK-2023), New Delhi. February 2023.
  9. “Medicinal properties of turmeric: A promising therapeutic herb.” National workshop on medicinal plants, National Centre for science communication and policy research, New Delhi. February 2023.
  10. “Competence or Bias: My Experience with Chemistry Research.” NASI International Women's Day programme, Nagpur University. March 2023.
  11. “The multi-functional role of diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a selenocystine derivative.” National Conference on Chalcogen Chemistry, DIAT, Pune. March 2023.
  12. “GPx active selenium compounds: Redox reactions, Radioprotection and antimicrobial activity.” Selenium-2023, KAIST, South Korea. June 2023.
  13. “Selenium, a micronutrient with multiple roles.” Gitam Conference on Research in Chemistry (GCRC), Gitam University, Vizag. December 2023.
  14. “Probing electron transfer in trace elements.” 18th International conference on trace elements in man and animals, Bengalore. November 2024.

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