Dr. Balasubramanian Murugesan | Cell Surface Receptors | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Balasubramanian Murugesan, K.S.Rangasamy College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Tamilnadu State, India, India

Dr. M. Balasubramanian, M.Phil., Ph.D., SET, is an accomplished Indian researcher and educator specializing in microbiology, enterobacterial infections, molecular biology, and lichen-based bioprospective studies. Born on May 17, 1984, he brings over 14 years of cumulative experience in academia and industry. His expertise spans molecular simulations and therapeutic compound discovery from natural sources, particularly lichens. With a strong foundation in life sciences and teaching biotechnology at both UG and PG levels, Dr. Balasubramanian is committed to nurturing scientific inquiry and translational research. He is actively involved in advanced drug discovery using in silico techniques and has published widely in SCOPUS and Web of Science-indexed journals. His interdisciplinary work, particularly in evaluating the biomedical potential of foliose lichens, has earned him professional recognition. As a life member of various academic societies, he continues to contribute to global biosciences with impactful teaching, research, and innovation.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

1. Multidisciplinary Expertise
   Dr. Balasubramanian’s research spans across core areas of modern biosciences, including microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, phytochemistry, and computational simulations. His work contributes directly to combating infectious diseases and cancer therapeutics.

2. Outstanding Research Contributions
   With over 11 peer-reviewed publications, many in SCOPUS, Web of Science, and SCI-indexed journals, he has explored novel bioactive compounds from lichens and plants. His recent in silico study on usnic acid as a potential anti-cancer agent showcases the translational relevance of his research.

3. Academic & Industrial Experience
   Accumulating 14+ years of combined teaching and industrial experience, he has shaped student careers while applying his knowledge in practical settings — a rare blend of academic insight and applied research.

4. Award-Winning Track Record & Recognitions

   • Ranked 8th in B.Sc. Microbiology by Periyar University

   • Completed NITTTR training on Biotechnology & Biomedical Engineering

   • Holder of a Certificate of Excellence, recognizing his research quality and productivity

5. Membership in Professional Bodies
   Active life member in five national and international organizations, such as the Indian Microbiology Society, Indian Lichenological Society, and the International Association of Engineers, reflecting his professional network and scientific credibility.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Grant Acquisition and Funding Visibility
   There is limited data on participation in externally funded research projects. Securing national/international research grants could further elevate the impact and scope of his research.

2. International Collaborations
   While his research is impactful, collaboration with global institutions could enhance visibility and provide broader application and funding opportunities.

3. Technology Transfer and Patents
   Patenting and product commercialization of the bioactive compounds explored (like lichen-derived anti-cancer agents) would strengthen the applied dimension of his research.

Educational Qualifications:

Dr. Balasubramanian’s educational background showcases academic distinction across microbiology and biotechnology. He earned his B.Sc. in Microbiology from Periyar University, securing the 8th rank in March 2004. Following this, he pursued an M.Phil. in Biotechnology from Periyar University in 2008, completing it with First Class (68%). His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Animal Biotechnology specialization) from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, in 2015, where his research focused on in vitro, in silico, and in vivo biomedical applications of foliose lichens. Additionally, he qualified the State Eligibility Test (SET) conducted by Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal, in 2016. His solid academic credentials are supported by his deep-rooted interest in microbial pathogenesis, pharmacological studies, and computational biology. Dr. Balasubramanian’s education has laid a firm foundation for his prolific research and impactful academic career.

Professional Experience:

With 13 years and 6 months of teaching experience and 1 year and 2 months in industry, Dr. Balasubramanian has a rich, multidisciplinary background. He began as a Lecturer at Vivekanandha College for Women, Tiruchengode (2007–2008), teaching undergraduate and postgraduate biotechnology students. He later served as an Assistant Professor at SSM College of Arts and Science, Komarapalayam (2009–2010), handling core UG biotechnology subjects. His cumulative experience of over 14 years blends academic excellence with industry-relevant applications. His teaching is research-oriented, focusing on molecular biology, drug development, and microbiology. Apart from classroom instruction, he has supervised numerous student projects, engaged in scientific collaborations, and developed educational resources. Dr. Balasubramanian’s career reflects a commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and research skills among students, while also contributing significantly to applied biomedical research in academia.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. M. Balasubramanian has earned multiple recognitions for his academic and research excellence. He achieved the 8th Rank in B.Sc. Microbiology from Periyar University (2004), marking early academic distinction. He completed a short-term training course on “Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering” at NITTTR, Chandigarh in 2008, conducted by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. He has been honored with a Certificate of Excellence for his impactful scientific contributions, reflecting peer recognition for his ongoing commitment to biotechnology. He is also a Life Member of respected organizations including the Indian Lichenological Society, International Association of Engineers (UK), Indian Microbiology Society, and others. These memberships affirm his standing in the global scientific community. Dr. Balasubramanian’s recognition stems from his interdisciplinary research in natural compound therapeutics, molecular dynamics, and microbial pharmacology, qualifying him as a top candidate for research awards in his field.

Research Focus:

Dr. Balasubramanian’s research is focused on the biomedical potential of natural compounds, especially foliose lichens, using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methodologies. His Ph.D. work involved extensive analysis of Sticta weigelii, Dermatocarpon vellereum, and Heterodermia boryi for their pharmacological efficacy. He explores molecular docking and dynamic simulations to assess ligand interactions with cancer and microbial proteins—particularly relevant in oncology and antimicrobial therapy. He is also deeply engaged in microbial diversity studies, bioprospection, and green synthesis of bioactive compounds from plants and lichens. His interdisciplinary methods integrate microbiology, pharmacology, computational biology, and plant chemistry, producing findings that have appeared in SCOPUS and Web of Science journals. Recent studies include targeting cervical cancer proteins using lichen-derived molecules. His translational research approach aims to bridge traditional medicine with modern biotechnology, contributing to novel drug development and therapeutic strategies in healthcare.

Publications Top Notes:

1. 🧪 Salivary analysis of reative oxygen species in OSF and OSCC patients – Int. J. Biosci. (2012)

2. 🧬 Effect of α-tocopherol on salivary ROS in oral submucous fibrosis – Ann. Clin. Biochem. (2012)

3. 🌳 Genetic diversity in Acacia constricta and Acacia farnesiana – Int. J. Med. Res. (2012)

4. 🌿 Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis – J. Chem. Pharm. Res. (2012)

5. 🦠 Antimycobacterial activity of foliose lichens – Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Res. (2014)

6. 🌱 Antioxidant properties of foliose lichens – J. Chem. Pharm. Res. (2014)

7. 💊 Pharmacological study of Flavoparmelia caperata for analgesic use – IOSR J. Pharm. (2018)

8. 🧫 In vitro and in vivo study on foliose lichens for biomedical uses – Int. Interdisciplinary Res. J. (2018)

9. 🌾 Secondary metabolites and anticancer activity of Azadirachta indica – J. Appl. Sci. Comp. (2019)

10. 📚 Review of pharmaceutical uses of Heliotropium genus – Eur. J. Pharm. Med. Res. (2020)

Conclusion:

Dr. M. Balasubramanian’s extensive work in the discovery of natural bioactive compounds, especially his interdisciplinary research into cancer therapeutics using lichens and computational biology, represents an exemplary model of innovation in life sciences. His strong academic foundation, consistent publishing record, and societal relevance of research make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. With further international collaboration and grant-funded projects, he is poised to become a thought leader in biomedical biotechnology.