
Dynamic PhD Graduate Assistant at Pondicherry University with expertise in molecular biology, cell culture and animal model. Successfully characterized probiotics and conducted advanced oxidative stress assays, enhancing understanding of microbiome-host interactions. Proficient in protein purification and data analysis, demonstrating strong analytical skills and a commitment to scientific excellence.
Professional academic researcher with proven track record in conducting and supporting high-level research initiatives. Skilled in data analysis, literature review, and academic writing, contributing to significant advancements in various research work. Reliable team collaborator with focus on achieving impactful results and adapting to changing academic demands.
1. Investigated the role of gut microbiota-derived biomolecules (exopolysaccharides and bacteriocins) in regulating oxidative stress and host cellular responses.
2. Isolated and characterized probiotic bacteria from bat gut microbiota, focusing on host-specific microbial diversity.
3. Performed extraction, purification, and functional characterization of EPS and bacteriocins.
4. Conducted molecular biology experiments, including RNA/DNA isolation and RT-PCR for gene expression analysis (PGC-1α, SIRT1, SIRT3 and Nrf2).
5. Evaluated antioxidant activity using different assays (DPPH, ABTS, Superoxide, Lipid peroxidation).
6. Performed protein purification (size exclusion chromatography) and analysisusing AKTA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting (Basic).
Cell Culture studies
7. Performed extensive mammalian cell culture work across intestinal and neuronal models.
8. Worked with human colorectal and gut epithelial cell lines including SW480, Caco-2, HT-29 and HCT116 to study microbiome–host interactions.
9. Conducted functional assays to evaluate cytoprotection, oxidative stress response and cellular metabolism.
10. Performed neuronal cell culture using Neuro2a (N2a) and SH-SY5Y cells to assess mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroprotective effects
11. Maintained sterile culture conditions and performed cell viability and treatment-based assays
In Vivo work
12. Established and handled the 3-NPA-induced neurodegeneration model and performed behavioral assays, oxidative stress, and RT-PCR studies in the brain.
13. Linked cellular findings with in vivo outcomes study disease mechanisms.
Characterization of probiotics
Molecular Biology: RNA/DNA isolation, RT-PCR (gene expression analysis)
Protein Techniques: SDS-PAGE, basic Western blotting (Basic), protein purification (AKTA)
Cell Culture: Mammalian cell culture (SW480, Caco-2, HT-29, HCT116, Neuro2a, SH-SY5Y), sterile techniques, viability and treatment assays
Biochemical & Functional Assays
Oxidative stress assays expertise
Metabolic Assays: Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Flow cytometry
Annexin V-FITC based apoptosis analysis
Mitochondrial Function: JC-1 dye, Rhodamine 123 (mitochondrial membrane potential)
Data acquisition and interpretation (basic level)
Analytical techniques
AKTA prime protein purification, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, TG-DSC, Thin layer chromatography, MALDI-TOF analysis
Computational and Bioinformatics Studies
Data analysis and visualization using GraphPad Prismand OriginPro
Phylogenetic analysis using MEGA
Protein identification and peptide analysis using Mascot
In silico protein structure analysis, Protein sequence retrieval, annotation, and functional analysis using UniProt/Swiss-Prot
Basic programming- Python
Hands on training on laboratory animals (HOLA 22), Department of Pharmacology, MGMC&RI
Published Research Articles
1. Saini, B., Lakra, A. K., Behera, S., Tilwani, Y. M., Kumbha, S. B., Prabhakaran, V., ... & Arul, V. (2025). A novel bacteriocin from insectivorous bat (Hipposideros speoris) intestine mimicking mammalian FAM216B: probiotic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Enterococcus hirae BNT6. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 1-23.
2. Jha, N., Esakkiraj, P., Saini, B., Varsha, P., Shinde, P. B., & Arul, V. (2025). Biofunctionalization of selenium nanoparticles using a Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) leaves polysaccharide: Statistical optimization, characterization, and bioactivity analysis. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 148659.
3. Tilwani, Y. M., Wani, B. A., Jom, M., Khumbha, S. B., Varsha, P., Saini, B., ... & Arul, V. (2025). Preparation and physicochemical characterization of different biocomposite films blended with bacterial exopolysaccharide EPS MC-5 and bacteriocin for food packaging applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 297, 139832.