Priyadarsini Research

Biography

Dr. K. Indira Priyadarsini (FNASc, FRSC) embarked on her scientific journey at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) on 1 August 1983, joining the Chemistry Division after completing the 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 Marie-Curie Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Gray Lab Cancer Research Centre, UK (Feb–Dec 1995).

She rose to the position of Outstanding Scientist and served as Head of the Chemistry Division before retiring on 31 July 2019. She continued as DAE Raja Ramanna Fellow and Visiting Senior Professor at UM-DAE CEBS (2020–2024), contributing to teaching and mentoring in radiation and bio-inorganic chemistry.

Photo Gallery

A visual journey through Dr. Priyadarsini's career — click any image to enlarge.

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:

• Radiation Chemistry: Investigating free radical reactions of antioxidants and the mechanisms controlling the anticancer activity of bio-reductive drugs in aqueous and organic solutions.
• Bio-inorganic Chemistry & Selenium Biology: Exploring redox chemistry and biological roles of selenium, synthesizing water-soluble organoselenium compounds as antioxidants and radioprotectors, and studying selenium radicals and anti-bacterial properties.
• Curcumin Research: Studying structural factors on curcumin activity, developing synthetic analogues, nano-curcumin formulations, and using fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor biomolecules.
• Nutraceuticals & Radioprotectors: Developing turmeric-based nutraceuticals and other compounds for supplements and radiation protection.
• Anti-cancer Agents & Nanomaterials: Developing novel agents and nano-formulations for enhanced bioavailability.

Her work, extensively published and cited, has significantly advanced 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:

• Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, India (FNASc), Allahabad (2003)
• Homi Bhabha Science & Technology Award, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) (2003)
• Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK (2009)
• CRSI Bronze Medal, Chemical Research Society of India (2010)
• Indian Nuclear Society's Outstanding Service Award (Radiation & Radioisotope Technologies) (2015)
• DAE Group Achievement Award for “Research on turmeric and development of its health care products” (Group Leader) (2017)
• Prof. Archana Sharma Memorial Lecture Award, National Academy of Sciences, India (2021)
• Selected among 75 women in leadership positions for the book series “She is Women in Chemistry” (RSC & O/o PSA, GoI) (2023)
• Fellow, Maharashtra Academy of Sciences (FMASc)
• Fellow, Association of Radiation Chemists (ARC)
• Young Investigator Award, 9th International Congress on Radiation Research, Canada (1991)
• Marie Curie Post-doctoral Fellowship, European Union (1995)
• Curiosity Driven Special Project grant by BRNS (2008)
• Listed among Top 2% scientists by Stanford University (Since 2020)

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 research, Dr. Priyadarsini has contributed through leadership, teaching, mentorship, tech transfer, and science outreach.

• Administrative Leadership (BARC): Head, Radiation Chemistry & Radiation Biology Section (2009–2016) and Head, Chemistry Division (Nov 2016 – July 2019), managing projects, collaborations, and infrastructure development.
• Technology Development & Transfer: Initiated industry-academia interactions leading to transfer of several in-house technologies (e.g., turmeric nutraceuticals, bio-available curcumin).
• Teaching & Mentorship: Senior Professor & PhD Guide (HBNI), course developer for radiation chemistry and bio-inorganic chemistry, mentor to doctoral and undergraduate students.
• Outreach & Editorial Work: Invited lectures, DST-INSPIRE teaching, journal reviewer (ACS, RSC, Elsevier, Wiley), co-editor of books and special issues.

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 DAE regulatory authorities)

Publications

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

Book Published / Edited

• V. K. Jain, K. I. Priyadarsini (Eds.), Organoselenium Compounds in Biology and Medicine: Synthesis, Biological and Therapeutic Treatments, RSC, UK (2018). ISBN: 978-1-78801-029-0.
• Multi-authored book 'Organoselenium Compounds in Biology & Medicine' published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK, 2017 (Co-Editor: V K Jain).

Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications (Last 5 Years)

(Representative list — refer to ORCID/Scopus for full list.)

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.

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.

Contact Information

• Email: indirapriyadarsini08@gmail.com
• ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6721-4375
• Location: Mumbai, India