About The Book

This book is a follow-up of the highly successful e- Faculty and Scholars Development Program titled “Frontiers in Life Sciences and Value-Added Products from Bioresources” held on 12-17th February 2024. This book explores the innovative studies and developments in the range of Biotechnology and bioresources domains. Here we have highlighted the utilization of various natural resources into products. The role of cynobacterial exopolysaccharides, the effects of contemporary phytopharmaceuticals on health, and developments in algal biotechnology are also explored. The phytopharmaceuticals on health, and developments in algal biotechnology are also explained. The book also delves into the phytochemicals and nutraceuticals, highlighting their economic value and health advantages, particularly in rural areas. Through this collection, readers gain insights into the latest research, technological advancements, and practical applications of bioresources, fostering a deeper understanding of their significant role in health, industry, and the environment. This compilation serves as an essential resource for researchers, academics, and professionals interested in the dynamic field of life sciences and bioresources innovation.

About Author

Dr. T.C. Venkateswarulu is the Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology at the School of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research (VFSTR), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Under his leadership, the Department of Biotechnology successfully completed NBA Cycle 2 accreditation and also achieved Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) accreditation, marking a significant milestone in academic excellence. He has expertise in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioprocess Optimization and made significant contributions to the field. He has authored over 100 articles in international and national journals and co-edited a book. As a dedicated mentor, he has guided two scholars to complete their Ph.D. in Biotechnology, showcasing his commitment to fostering academic growth.

He is also associated with the ICMR-funded project in 2024 as a Co-Principal Investigator with a focus on bionanozymes for therapeutic applications, highlighting his contributions to cutting-edge research. Prof. T.C. Venkateswarulu has been recognized with the Young Scientist Award from the Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences. Additionally, his exceptional service at VFSTR earned him a certificate of excellence from the university governance. As a respected reviewer for leading scientific journals, he was honored with the Outstanding Reviewing Award Certificate by Elsevier for his efforts in maintaining the quality of scientific publications. His research emphasizes offering innovative solutions to industrial and environmental challenges, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Prof. Venkateswarulu’s work exemplifies his dedication to advancing the field of biotechnology while inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Malathi Balasubramaniyan

M. Tech., PhD.

Assistant Professor

Department of Biotechnology

Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research

Vadlamudi - 522213, Guntur Dist.

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Malathi Balasubramaniyan is an accomplished researcher and educator with extensive experience in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology. Her research expertise has an interesting spectrum of Nano-Biotechnology, Drug delivery and smart hybrid materials. She is actively involved in interdisciplinary research. Dr. Balasubramaniyan has more than 12 years of research and teaching experience. She has obtained project grants from prestigious organizations such as DBT and TNSCST. She has served as peer reviewer for prestigious high-impact journals. With a strong publication record, she has authored high-impact papers in SCI/WoS journals. With numerous book chapters and five filed patent, she has further established her prominence in the field. She was the Head of the Nanotheranostic Laboratory, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology. Her lab played a vital role in training students, contributing significantly to their academic and professional growth. She earned her doctorate degree in Nanobiotechnology at Centre for Nanoscience and Technology, Anna University, Chennai. Her research focused on the synthesis of nanocarriers for vaccine delivery. Her postgraduate research in SASTRA University, delved into the field of nanotoxicology. She is currently working in Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology, and Research (VFSTR), Vadlamudi, Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. Charles David 

M. Tech., PhD., (NIT Tiruchirappalli)

Associate Professor,

Department of Biotechnology

Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research

Vadlamudi - 522213, Guntur Dist.

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Charles David received his Doctorate from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. His research interests are Environmental Technology, Renewable Energy, Nanocomposites, and Biopolymers for water treatment applications. He also has expertise in implementing computational tools for process optimization, Design of Experiments, and Artificial Neural Networks. He has published several research articles in international peer-reviewed journals. During his research at NIT Tiruchirappalli, he was awarded a TEQIP Fellowship, funded by the World Bank. Currently, Dr. Charles David is working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research, Vadlamudi, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. With nine years of teaching experience, he mentors PhD scholars and B. Tech students. He serves as the In-charge Faculty for 1 Ton per day capacity Biogas Facility to convert food wastes into biomethane. Since March 2021, he has been involved in a DST (SEED) funded project titled “STI Hub for income generation and Livelihood Improvement of Scheduled Caste Community of Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh” File No: DST/SEED/SCSP/STI/2020/354; in which, he serves as one of the lead investigator for an intervention - Sustainable biogas production by anaerobic digestion of organic wastes.

Dr. Md. Nazneen Bobby
M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Associate Professor,

Department of Biotechnology,

Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research

Vadlamudi - 522213, Guntur Dist.

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Md. Nazneen Bobby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Vignan Foundation for Science Technology and Research, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, with 17 years of experience in teaching, research, and extension. She specializes in Plant Biotechnology, Microbial Technology, Herbal Formulations, Phyto-medicine, Soilless culture, and Spirulina cultivation. She holds an M. Phil in Biotechnology (Gold Medal) from Periyar University and a Ph.D. from Bharathiar University. Dr. Bobby has published 44 research papers with over 500 citations and a total impact factor of 57. She is a life member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Microbiologists of India. She has supervised two doctoral theses and currently guides seven Ph.D. scholars. She has established a medicinal plant garden, led national and international conferences, and organized training programs in collaboration with various institutions. Dr. Bobby is also the Principal Investigator for an ongoing project aimed at enhancing the livelihood of the Scheduled Caste community in Guntur through the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, with a udget of Rs. 1.6 Crores.

Dr. O. N. Tiwari

Principal Scientist,

CCUBGA, Division of Microbiology,

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (PUSA),

New Delhi-110012

Prof. Onkar Nath Tiwari is a Principal Scientist in the Division of Microbiology at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, with over 30 years of expertise in research, teaching, and extension in Agriculture, Horticulture, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Allahabad, followed by postdoctoral work in the USA, and was a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin during 2012-2013 under the DBT Overseas Program. He has authored over 165 publications in high-impact international journals (with impact factors ranging from 10.72 to 18.78), 30 publications in Indian journals, and more than 30 book chapters. He has contributed 134 cyanobacterial strains to the NCBI gene bank and holds a German patent. With a robust research profile, he has led 14 major R&D projects totaling over 25 Crore in funding and guided 21 Ph.D. scholars. Dr. Tiwari serves on the editorial boards of more than 10 international journals and has visited over 20 countries.

He has received several prestigious awards, including the Best Scientist Award at the Algal Biomass Summit (2012) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Life Sciences (2018). He is a life member of 12 scientific societies, has earned multiple honorary fellowships, and was the National Coordinator for the DBT’s Algal Biofuel Programme (2009-2013). Dr. Tiwari’s current research focuses on polysaccharide-based bioremediation of heavy metals, microbial fuel cells for wastewater treatment, lipid biosynthesis, sustainable biodiesel production, and advancing sustainable livelihoods through science and technology interventions.