Department of Microbiology

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About the Department

The Department was started in the year 2009 and was housed under the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences. The Department is committed to excellence in education, research and extension. The Department is being strengthened with various research units and periodical update / modernization of the curricula. The Department of Microbiology at the Pondicherry University, School of Life Sciences, brings together a variety of researchers as faculty of this programme who are specialized in their domains and united by the common goal of understanding the “Microbes”.The department has been offering M.Sc. and Ph.D. courses in Microbiology.

As the microbial activities are so diverse, the microbiology programme is a multidisciplinary subject, which will have the roots of life science, environmental science, and engineering. Traditional microbiology is considered to be an important area of study in biology since it has enormous potential and vast scope in fermentation, bioremediation and biomedical technology. But the recent developments from human microbiome project, metagenomics and microbial genome projects have expanded its scope and potential in the next generation drug design, molecular pathogenesis, phylogeography, production of smart biomolecules, etc. Modern Microbiology has expanded its roots in genome technology, nanobiotechnology, green energy (biofuel) technology, bioelectronics, etc. Considering recent innovations and rapid growth of microbiological approaches and applications in human and environmental sustainability, the M.Sc. Microbiology curriculum is designed to enlighten the students in basics of Microbiology to recent developments.

Vision

To emerge as world class department and excel in Microbiology through innovative, collaborative and inter-disciplinary research.

Mission

  • To offer quality education and research in Microbiology
  • To encourage research and development skills among students in Microbiology
  • To reveal excellence in exploitation of microbial resources for human health and greener applications

+91-413-2654-868 / 870

head.mib@pondiuni.ac.in

Vision and Message of Head of Department

Dr. Maheswaran Mani

  • Professor

Department of Microbiology is dedicated to achieve excellence in education, research, and innovation in microbiology. Department has highly qualified faculty members trained at leading global institutions and are committed to develop an encouraging academic environment. We are offering M.Sc. Microbiology and Ph.D. Microbiology and our M.Sc. Microbiology program is highly competitive, and receives highest number of applications in every year, reflecting its national standing and academic quality. There are several ongoing research projects funded by various national and international organizations such as DST, DBT, SERB, ICMR, EU and Indo-Russia collaboration. Our department has established collaborations and signed several MoUs with leading institutions in India and abroad, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary and international research among students. Our faculties and students publish high quality research papers and book chapters, demonstrating our commitment to impactful scientific advancement. We invite prospective students, researchers, and collaborators to explore the vibrant academic and research ecosystem of our department.

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Office Contact Details

+91-413-2654-874

pudept.microbiology@gmail.com

Programmes Offered

M.Sc. Microbiology
Ph.D. Microbiology

Faculty

Profile Pic DR.Joseph Selvin

Dr. Joseph Selvin

Professor
ProfilePhoto-MaheswaranMani

Dr. Maheswaran Mani

Professor
Thillai - Thillai Sekar V

Dr. V. Thillai Sekar

Associate Professor
Dr. Sharmili Jagtap

Dr. Sharmili Jagtap

Assistant Professor
ProfilePhoto-DrReginaSharmilaDass

Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass

Associate Professor
ProfilePhoto-BusiSiddhardha

Dr. Busi Siddhardha

Associate Professor
vinoth rajendran profile

Dr. Vinoth Rajendran

DST INSPIRE Assistant Professor

The Department has state-of-the-art laboratories with an excellent modern instrumentation facility for teaching and advanced research in Microbiology. The instrument facility includes- Laminar air flow, autoclave, microbial incubators, BOD incubator, High Speed Refrigerated Centrifuges, HPLC, Ultracentrifuge, PCR, CO2-incubators, microscopes, UVVis Spectrophotometers, water-purifier and -80°C. Further major equipment are available in the Central Instrumentation Facility.

The faculty members are actively engaged in research and published papers in international impact journals. Various funded projects by UGC, DST-SERB, DBT, DST Indo-Ireland and CSIR are being implemented in Department of Microbiology. Based on the expertise of the faculty, the following thrust areas of research are being promoted in the Department of Microbiology:
  • Metagenomics and Microbial Bioprospecting
  • Fungal Genetics and Mycotoxicology
  • Microbial Biocatalysis and Drug Discovery
  • Enzyme Technology
  • Host-Pathogen interaction

Department of Microbiology is awarded with several research grants from funding agencies such as DBT, ICMR, SERB, European Union and Indo-Russia grant. The department is also supported by DST-FIST programme.

The Department of Microbiology is dedicated to develop students for successful careers by facilitating internship and placement opportunities at reputed academic/research institutes in India and abroad as doctoral and post-doctoral fellows.

Our MSc and PhD students are placed in top biotech/pharma firms such as Bharat Biotech, Biocon, CuraTeQ Biologics, Diligence Bio Pvt. Ltd., Aurobindo Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Auro Vaccine Pvt. Ltd., Sentienz Solutions, and KDC Lab etc.

List of Completed and Ongoing Projects in the Department
S. No Principal Investigator Title of the Project Funding Agency Period Amount (in lakhs) Status
1 Prof. Maheswaran Mani Identification and Characterization of Kit Interacting Receptors in Hematopoietic Cells DBT 2018-2021 25 Completed  
2 Prof. Maheswaran Mani Functions of Kit cross receptor signaling in Hematopoietic Stem Cell SERB 2020-2023 58 Completed  
3 Prof. Maheswaran Mani Identification of Signaling Network in Stem Cell Factor and Interleukin-3 Induced Synergistic Proliferation of Human Megakaryocytes ICMR 2020-2023 40 Ongoing
4 Prof. Joseph Selvin Secondary Metabolites synthesis in Chosen Marine Sponges DST 2004-2007 9.5 Completed
5 Prof. Joseph Selvin Biological control of shrimp diseases using antagonistic probiotics from marine bacterial symbionts UGC 2006-2009 7.47 Completed
6 Prof. Joseph Selvin Development of Novel Antimicrobial Agents from Endosymbiotic Marine Actinomycetes CSIR 2006-2009 14.3 Completed
7 Prof. Joseph Selvin Development of culture-independent approaches IFS Sweden 2006-2008 10.28 Completed
8 Prof. Joseph Selvin Shrimp Probiotics INSA 2007-2008 1.5 Completed
9 Prof. Joseph Selvin Uncultivable Bacteria Associated with Marine Sponges DBT-RGYI 2007-2010 23 Completed
10 Prof. Joseph Selvin Development of an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) System for Sustainable Shrimp Farming DBT 2007-2010 27.99 Completed
11 Prof. Joseph Selvin Exploration of Sponge Associated Marine Bacterial Endosymbionts MoES, New Delhi 2007-2009 15.63 Completed
12 Prof. Joseph Selvin Chemical ecology of Dendrilla nigra, a fouling sponge IFS, Sweden 2008-2010 8.56 Completed
13 Prof. Joseph Selvin Development of novel biosurfactants from marine actinobacteria CSIR 2010-2013 23 Completed
14 Prof. Joseph Selvin High throughput selection and production of biosurfactants from the metagenome of marine sponges DST-Indo-Ireland 2010-2013 6.2 Completed
15 Prof. Joseph Selvin Development of Greener Scale-up Bioprocess for the Production of Biosurfactants from Marine Actinobacteria DBT 2010-2013 43.65 Completed
16 Prof. Joseph Selvin High throughput selection and production of Poly-hydroxy Alkanoates (PHA) from the metagenome of marine sponge(s) DBT 2014-2017 53 Completed
17 Prof. Joseph Selvin Development of Antibiofilm Compounds from Marine Bacteria UGC 2015-2018 6.7 Completed
18 Prof. Joseph Selvin AMRWATCH: Defining the AMR Burden of Antimicrobial Manufacturing Waste in Puducherry and Chennai DBT-NERC 2020-2025 455 Ongoing
19 Prof. Joseph Selvin Impact of climate change on the emergence of stress tolerant Symbiodinium clade and altered microbiome in reef building corals DBT 2021-2025 378 Ongoing
20 Prof. Joseph Selvin Dissecting the role of vaginal and urinary tract Microbiome Dysbiosis in recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance: A case-control study ICMR 2024-2027 113 Ongoing
21 Dr. Thillai Sekar Development of Therapeutic Nanobodies against Dengue Virus using Nanobody-Phage Display Library PU – Seed Grant   3 Completed
22 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant Soil Microbiologist National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Government of India and Naandi Foundation May 2012 0.10 Completed
23 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Trainer and Field Work Consultant in Organic Agriculture (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land) National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Government of India and Naandi Foundation May 2014 0.25 Completed
24 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant for design of Technical Document on Pomegranate Cultivation using Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SDG 11- Sustainable cities and Communities) Wardha Family Farming Project (WFFP) and Naandi Foundation June 2015 to July 2015 0.60 Completed
25 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Organic Agriculture Field work (SDG 11- Sustainable cities and Communities) Wardha Family Farming Project (WFFP) and Naandi Foundation 21.05.2015 to 29.05.2015   0.25 Completed
26 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Consultant in Microbiology (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land) Araku Coffee Farming Project January 2017 0.20 Completed
27 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Consultant in Microbiology (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land) Araku Coffee Farming Project February 2018 0.40 Completed
28 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Consultant in Microbiology (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land Araku Coffee Farming Project February 2019 0.40 Completed
29 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Organic Agriculture (Sponsored) Sprukfield Company, Spanish Honourary Consulate in Togo and Government of Togo May 2019 2.20 Completed
30 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Demeter International Certification POABS Biotech Private Limited July 2019 0.10 Completed
31 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Demeter International Certification POABS Biotech Private Limited March 2020 0.10 Completed
32 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Consultant in Microbiology (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land) Araku Coffee Farming Project January 2020 0.40 Completed
33 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant, Preparation of a Technical Document entitled -Scaling-up of NBS innovative technologies & practices in agriculture, using pilot demonstrations and case studies in some of the ECA countries United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (UNFAO) Aug 2021 to Dec 2021 0.54 Completed
34 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Coffee fermentation using Indigenous Araku Yeasts Naandi Foundation Oct 2021 to Feb 2022 1.80 Completed
35 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Biodynamic Agriculture and Demeter Certification (SDG12- Responsible consumption and production) POABS Enterprises Pvt. Limited Sep 2021 to Dec 2022 1.40 Completed
36 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Yeasts from Coffee Araku Coffee Farming Project, Araku Livelihoods, Naandi Foundation October 2021 to June 2022 5.8 Completed
37 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Eco Regenerative Agriculture (SDG 5-Gender Equality; Fully sponsored Consultancy Project) Regenerative Agriculture Unit, Naandi Foundation 09-06-2022 to 13-06-2022 0.40 Completed
38 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Field Consultant (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land) Araku Livelihoods, Naandi Foundation 30-04-2022 to 04-05-2022 0.35 Completed
39 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Field Consultant (SDG 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 15- Life on Land) Araku Livelihoods, Naandi Foundation 23-03-2023 to 27-03-2023 0.31 Completed
40 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Biodynamic Agriculture and Demeter Certification (SDG12- Responsible consumption and production) POABS Enterprises Pvt. Limited 01-01-2023 to 30-06-2023 0.72 Completed
41 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Optimization of Methane in Anaerobic Digestion Carbon Loops Private Limited, Chennai Sep 2023 to Feb 2024 1 Completed
42 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Jury Member and Field Consultant (SDG 11- Sustainable cities and Communities; Fully Sponsored Consultancy Project) Araku Transformation Project, Naandi Foundation 13-02-2024 to 19-02-2024 0.40 Completed
43 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Consultant in Biodynamic Agriculture and Demeter Certification (SDG12- Responsible consumption and production) POABS Enterprises Pvt. Limited 01-01-2024 to 30-06-2024 0.81 Completed
44 Dr. Regina Sharmila Dass   Tripartite Diversity Evaluation Network for Terrains Araku Livelihoods, Naandi Foundation Aug 2024 to Feb 2025 3. 2 Ongoing
45 Dr. Busi Siddhardha Bioprospecting of Rhizosphere Pseudomonas spp. as biocontrol agents against certain fungal diseases of Solanum lycopersicum L. UGC 2012-2014 6.0 Completed
46 Dr. Busi Siddhardha Microbial metabolites as antiquorum sensing agent for the development of novel anti-infectives SERB 2014-2017 24.5 Completed
47 Dr. Busi Siddhardha Attenuation of quorum sensing and biofilm mediated virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by selected phytochemicals and understanding the mechanism of action SERB 2018-2021 38.81 Completed
48 Dr. Sharmili Shivajirao Jagtap Study of cellulolytic enzymes from soil microorganisms UGC 2013-2015 6.0 Completed
 
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