BSBE Newsletter

Some of his most memorable research moments came from pairing experiments with computational models. Novel electrical signals recorded from vas deferens smooth muscle — unlike anything reported before — became puzzles that modelling helped unravel. Similar studies on urinary bladder smooth muscle were equally satisfying, as unexpected observations gradually made sense when examined through both physiological recordings and simulations.

A major shift in his work came with compartmental modeling. Unlike traditional analytical approaches that become unwieldy with biological complexity, compartmental models break cells down into simpler units governed by one-dimensional equations. Tools like NEURON and GENESIS handle the numerical heavy lifting, letting researchers focus on building realistic neuron and muscle models and running virtual experiments that wet labs can’t yet achieve. He believes the future of medical engineering lies in integrative, systems-level work. Disorders such as urinary incontinence — common, distressing, and increasingly prevalent — remain poorly understood because fundamental organ-level physiology is underexplored.

Addressing such challenges requires a multi-pronged approach involving physiology, biophysics, engineering, mathematics and computation — a blend he finds both essential and intellectually stimulating. Teaching is another source of reward. He describes the spark of curiosity in students — their varied strengths and sharp questions — as a continual stimulus that shapes his own teaching.

“One gets a great high when asked a tricky question and can answer it on one’s feet, ” he adds. Books have been an important influence as well. Bernard Katz’s Nerve, Muscle and Synapse remains his enduring favourite for its clarity and depth.”

Many of his favourite quiet corners on campus have disappeared — the forest trail behind Hostel 5, and the secluded valley with a small temple on the other side of the hill — but he recalls them as places of rare serenity. The Central Library, he adds, continues to offer unmatched calm, a dependable refuge for reflection and clear thinking. What has stayed with him most strongly, however, is the intellectual atmosphere that emerges when curiosity is shared — whether in the lab, a classroom, or a quiet corridor after a seminar. Those moments, he reflects, often spark ideas that grow into experiments, models, or simply new ways of seeing a familiar problem.

His interest in this field was sparked by the link between developmental biology and environmental exposure. The famous case of cyclopia in sheep in Idaho during the 1950s — in which a compound from corn lilies disrupted Hedgehog signaling—showed how minor molecular changes could significantly impact development. Likewise, in India, the endosulfan tragedy, where exposure caused congenital and reproductive abnormalities, illustrated how environmental toxins could interfere with the same pathway. These incidents inspired Prof. Shinde to investigate the ways molecules affect Hedgehog signaling and cilia function.

In his laboratory, Prof. Shinde investigates how different signaling receptors and molecules are transported in and out of the cilium to achieve precise signaling outcomes. Using molecular biology and cloning methods, his team develops various molecular tools to track these molecular movements and analyze how protein-protein interactions sustain ciliary and overall cellular homeostasis. His research seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying developmental defects and to enhance our understanding of genetic disorders.

Prof. Shinde has a deep passion for teaching. His wife, who studied pedagogy at the University of California, San Francisco during his early academic years, offered advice that influenced his teaching approach. He designs his lectures based on his own learning preferences — incorporating animations, schematic diagrams, and interactive elements. Prof. Shinde believes research should be fueled by passion and perseverance. In the lab, he stresses that students should work for their own growth, fostering intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and the freedom to fail without fear.

Joining IIT Bombay and receiving recognition for his work were among his most rewarding accomplishments. He claims that if he had not become a scientist, he might have pursued a career in civil service. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys watching comedy shows, spending quality time with his family, and occasionally playing cricket or volleyball.

Prof. Shinde credits his PhD advisor, wife, and senior colleagues for guiding his academic journey. While acknowledging the rise of AI, he remains grounded in his strengths as an experimental biologist, believing technology should aid—not overshadow—science. His goal remains simple: to pursue curiosity-driven research.

While pursuing his PhD in Prof. Prashant Phale’s lab at IIT Bombay, Sandesh tackled a pressing issue: the buildup of crop residues and chemical pesticides in soil, which often make their way through the food chain to our plates. Realizing that single-organism solutions just aren’t enough for this multi-component problem, he created a multi-organism “cocktail”—a consortium of five beneficial bacteria, including strains like Pseudomonas, Acetobacter, and Cupriavidus, naturally isolated from contaminated soils and plant roots.

This innovative bacterial concoction delivers three major benefits. First, it breaks down toxic compounds in pesticide-polluted soil, making it safer for crops and the environment. Second, it boosts plant growth by providing natural hormones and nutrients, reducing farmers’ dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Third, it acts as a biocontrol agent, suppressing harmful fungi, such as phytopathogenic species, and keeping crop diseases at bay.

Sandesh’s journey from lab to field was hands-on and persistent. He started with lab tests—in vitro, then small pots and cups — followed by larger-scale field trials on crops like mung, wheat, spinach, and amaranth. Whether in controlled or open environments, and even in highly toxic soils tainted by chemicals like 24D, his “cocktail” consistently reduced toxicity and enhanced plant growth.

During the COVID lockdowns, Sandesh experimented on his own farm, collecting pesticide-contaminated soil, isolating bacteria capable of degrading toxic residues. One of the key strains, Cupriavidus, was specifically isolated by Sandesh himself from his own farmland.

The resulting bioformulation has now moved towards commercialization, with a patent filed for IP protection of the developed bioformulation (bacterial mix with carrier material). Sandesh is driven to make the product affordable and scalable for India’s small farmers, particularly those without greenhouses or polyhouses. He envisions long-term storage, larger volumes—from grams to quintals—and even liquid bioformulation for modern drip irrigation systems.

As climate change looms and the need for sustainable practices grows, Sandesh’s work is paving the way for cleaner soil, healthier crops, and a brighter future for Indian agriculture.

At NCI, Alka is pioneering work in CAR-T cell therapy, focusing on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and B-cell leukemia. Unlike conventional autologous therapies that rely on a patient’s own T cells—often rendered dysfunctional after multiple chemotherapy and radiation treatments—her research explores allogeneic or “off-the-shelf” CAR-T therapies derived from healthy donors. Her team aims to make this breakthrough therapy more accessible to patients worldwide.

When asked about how she joined Prof. Purwar’s lab, she said she had always been interested in immunology. She wanted to pursue research that would directly benefit the patients. So, when Prof. Purwar proposed a project aligned with patient benefit, she was eager to join. She emphasized that she always wanted her research to be translational.

In the initial stages of her PhD, for the first three annual progress seminars (APS), all she had to report were negative results—such as T cells not growing and other unsuccessful attempts. It was only in the fourth APS that she was finally able to present positive results. She recalled that one of the lab members even advised her to consider a different research area, but instead of losing hope, she took this as a challenge. She added that all of it was possible because of Prof. Purwar’s vision, and she considered herself “just a hand” in executing it.

She also shared some of the struggles during her PhD days. For experiments, she had to bring mice from ACTREC in Kharghar and often worked in less-than-ideal conditions, as clean facilities were occupied. When the imaging facility at ACTREC was nonfunctional, she had to travel to Parel for alternatives—commuting frequently between IIT, ACTREC, and Parel. In contrast, at NIH, she now has access to an animal facility located in the basement, where she can perform all her required tests efficiently.

On being listed among TIME100’s emerging leaders and honored by the President of India, she calls it a moment of pride for not just herself but for the entire team that stood behind her scientific journey. Her pursuit of impactful, patient-centric science helped lay the foundation for ImmunoACT, a biotech startup from IIT Bombay translating CAR-T cell research into clinical impact in India.

While acknowledging the differences in research ecosystems between India and the US, she emphasizes how Indian startups are bridging these gaps. “The science we do here can surely be replicated in India. The efficiency will take time, but the vision is clear” she asserts.

Amrutraj’s interest in viruses started during his Master’s dissertation at Gulbarga University, where he worked on bacteriophages — viruses that infect bacteria. At IIT Bombay, he shifted his focus to giant viruses like Mimivirus, unusual because of their huge genomes and unexpected complexity. During his PhD, he discovered that these viruses carry a functional Rab GTPase, a protein normally associated with eukaryotic cells. This finding hinted that giant viruses might be using — or imitating — host-cell machinery to set up “viral factories, ” the compartments where they replicate.

Thus was born HaystackAnalytics, a company that combines genomic science with scalable software solutions. Their first product, ΩTBTM (Omega TB), delivers complete 18-drug susceptibility results within 15 days — a significant leap from the conventional 60-day process. Their next innovation, infexnTM-NGS, can identify bacterial, fungal, and viral infections within 24 hours, directly from patient samples — bypassing the need for time-consuming cultures and panels. Recently, they have also launched genome-based wellness testing - identifi, offering individuals insights into genetic predispositions for lifestyle and metabolic conditions.

With over 15 operational centers across India and partnerships with hospitals like JJ, NIMS, and Max, HaystackAnalytics has grown from a lab idea to a healthcare disruptor. “Our aim was to bring precision medicine to the bedside,” says Amrutraj. “We built not only the assays but also the software — ensuring results are consistent, reproducible, and clinically meaningful.”

From decoding viral genomes to human health, Amrutraj’s story is a testament to how curiosity in the lab can evolve into innovation that impacts society at scale.

At WildTechDNA, Rahul and his global team have developed ultra-rapid DNA detection tools that help combat illegal wildlife trade by identifying animal species from complex samples like tissue, blood or fecal matter- innovations now being piloted by the Canadian and Japanese governments to detect European/American/Japanese eels at ports within minutes. The company also designs molecular diagnostic kits for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and ultra-rapid pathogen detection.

Reflecting on his IIT Bombay days, Rahul credits his time at Prof. Swati Patankar’s lab for nurturing flexibility and problem-solving skills vital to startup life. “Swati trained us to adapt quickly and think independently — qualities that perfectly translate to entrepreneurship, ” he notes. The hands-on lab culture and freedom to experiment shaped his approach to research and innovation.

Rahul’s first brush with startups began with opportunities at NCL Innovation Park and SINE, IIT Bombay’s incubation center, where his early venture received strong support and mentorship. “Dr. Poyni Bhatt and the SINE team were instrumental during the formative years, ” he says. His experiences in India’s startup ecosystem prepared him to later expand globally through WildTechDNA.

Comparing his entrepreneurial experiences in India and Canada, Rahul points to the early-stage funding and clear regulatory frameworks as Canada’s strengths, while India’s large market and cost-effective operations make it a fertile ground for future biotech ventures. He believes India is rapidly catching up and will soon rival Western ecosystems in fostering science-based innovation.

For aspiring scientists, his message is grounded and practical: “In startups, science is only 30–40% of the journey. The rest is understanding markets, customers, and adaptability. Don’t be married to your idea — be ready to pivot overnight. ” His words capture the spirit of a new generation of BSBE innovators who see science not just as discovery, but as design of solutions, systems, and sustainable futures.

His first startup, Biosense, aimed to make diagnostic devices affordable and accessible, especially in resource-limited settings. However, in 2022, Abhishek turned his focus toward a new problem — the critical shortage of quality therapy for children with developmental disorders. Along with his spouse, a pediatric neurologist, he founded Butterfly Learnings, a tech-driven platform that integrates therapy, schooling, and early diagnosis for children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

At Butterfly Learnings, therapy centers are designed like schools rather than clinics to make children comfortable. The platform digitizes all therapy sessions, creating India’s largest longitudinal database of pediatric neurodevelopmental data. This data-driven approach allows therapy to be personalized, measurable, and continuously improved.

One of the company’s most innovative efforts involves eye-tracking technology, licensed from the University of California, San Diego, to detect early signs of autism as young as 12 months, along with research into blood biomarkers. The goal is to make therapy not only accessible but scientifically benchmarked and objective.

Abhishek credits BSBE for shaping his interdisciplinary mindset. “BSBE helped me connect medicine with engineering and think about real-world applications, ” he says.

Currently, Butterfly Learnings operates across major Tier I and Tier II cities with a team of over 600 professionals. The next step, Abhishek says, is to establish an academy to train therapists and ensure consistent quality of care. Reflecting on his journey, he credits IIT Bombay and BSBE for nurturing his drive to blend medicine with technology and to create solutions with real-world impact.

“India is entering its golden phase for innovation, ” Abhishek says. “The market, capital, and talent are all here. We should build solutions in India, for India — and make a difference where it matters most.”

During his master’s project with Prof. Debjani Paul, Samrat developed a portable, smartphone-based microscope for detecting sickle cell anemia. When he first showed the rough prototype to a few pathologists, their reaction said everything — one of them even asked if they could buy it on the spot. That moment of unexpected validation turned what was just an academic idea into something real and worth building. It eventually grew into Cilika, MedPrime’s digital microscope that brings advanced diagnostics within reach for many more people.

MedPrime Technologies started in 2014 with a small team that simply wanted to close the gap between lab research and real-world clinical needs. In the early days, one of the toughest hurdles was getting doctors to move from familiar manual microscopes to digital imaging. It wasn’t just about building the tech — it was about earning their trust and showing that the new system could genuinely make their work easier and more reliable. Through years of refinement, MedPrime engineered Cilika to provide real-time imaging without lag, a full-field view comparable to the eyepiece, and the convenience of smartphone integration for easy sharing and documentation.

Samrat’s years at BSBE shaped how MedPrime thinks and builds — with solid science on one side and practical engineering on the other. The department’s interdisciplinary culture taught him that real innovation happens when science, technology, and society meet. That’s why MedPrime still works hand-in-hand with researchers and clinicians to make sure its devices actually solve day-to-day diagnostic problems.

For the future, Samrat sees AI and digital pathology transforming the way healthcare looks at samples and diseases. MedPrime is already working on AI-based blood smear analysis and fully automated microscopes that can bring reliable diagnostics to places that do not have access today. “Digitization is the way forward, ” Samrat says. “Our goal is to make world-class diagnostic tools accessible to everyone — a vision that began at BSBE and continues to grow from there.”

Prof. Udgaonkar’s fascination with protein folding began during his PhD and postdoctoral research, where he explored how molecular chains self-assemble into functional forms—or misfold to cause disease. At TIFR, he and Prof. G. Krishnamurthy used spectroscopy tools like NMR and time-resolved fluorescence to track these transformations in real-time. In the early 1990s, he played a key role in establishing the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru, envisioned by Obaid Siddiqi to expand TIFR’s biology research.

At NCBS, his group explored whether proteins follow single or multiple folding pathways. They demonstrated that proteins can indeed take multiple routes and pass through transient “molten” intermediates that reveal how folding succeeds or fails. Using model proteins such as barstar, monellin, and tau, his team provided insights into the fine balance between structural stability and aggregation — knowledge central to understanding disorders like Alzheimer’s and prion diseases.

Now at IISER Pune, where he served as Director from 2017 to 2023, Prof. Udgaonkar continues to investigate protein folding and misfolding using advanced biophysical techniques, like hydrogen exchange–mass spectrometry and FRET. At IIT Bombay’s BSBE department, he collaborates with faculty such as Prof. Samir Maji, Prof. Ranjith Padinhateeri, Prof. Roop Mallik and Prof. Ashutosh Kumar, appreciating the department’s open, interdisciplinary culture and its curious students. “Do work that genuinely interests you,” he advises young scientists. “You may not always understand your system completely, but pursuing meaningful questions is the surest way to discovery.”

Whether at NCBS, IISER, or BSBE, Prof. Udgaonkar’s legacy lies not only in uncovering how proteins find their form, but in inspiring generations to think deeply, question boldly, and keep unfolding the mysteries of life — one molecule at a time.

Dr. Kundu began his research career during a pivotal era for biology, as the field of epigenetics was being revived. “The first histone acetyltransferase, GCN5, was discovered—and I began thinking about how chromatin controls gene expression,” he recalls. With a strong base in chemistry and molecular biology, he founded his lab at JNCASR in 1999 to study transcriptional regulation in chromatin. He later identified small-molecule modulators of epigenetic enzymes, some now commercially available and explored as next-generation therapeutics. As Director of CDRI since 2018, he expanded the institute’s focus, creating new divisions in Cancer Biology, Ageing & Neuroscience, and Virus Research, and established a Pharmacovigilance Centre. He led national programs, like the Pan-CSIR Cancer Research initiative, and filed five Investigational New Drug applications, including the anti-COVID compound umifenovir, which reached Phase III trials.

At IIT Bombay, Dr. Kundu discovered an interdisciplinary environment that reflected his scientific vision. He describes BSBE as a space where mechanobiology, cancer biology, epigenetics, and theoretical modeling converge. His lectures on epigenetics and its role in disease and drug discovery were well received, especially his insights on social epigenomics—how experiences, nutrition, and mental health can leave heritable molecular marks across generations.

An advocate of collaboration, Dr. Kundu believes that no single lab can answer all questions. At BSBE, he interacted with chemists, structural biologists, and biophysicists—building bridges across disciplines. He notes the department’s strengths in mechanobiology, AI-based chromatin modelling, cryo-EM, and NMR structural biology, and envisions exciting opportunities in biotherapeutics through partnerships with the Chemistry Department. “IIT Bombay’s interdisciplinary spirit is unmatched. It allows theory and experiment to meet in the most creative ways,” he adds.

As a mentor, Dr. Kundu keeps his door open —literally. He continues to guide young researchers across India, many of whom now lead their own labs. Outside the lab, he is an ardent music lover and flautist, and a keen admirer of art—from Nandalal Bose to Van Gogh. “Art and music expand a scientist’s vision,” he says. “They teach us to see patterns and emotions behind structures.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Kundu envisions epigenetics advancing through three fronts — therapeutic targeting, lifestyle-based prevention, and early diagnostic tools - emphasizing that it is vision, not resources, that defines progress today.

Prof. Rinti Banerjee— former Head of BSBE, an outstanding translational researcher, and one of the rare faculty members with an MBBS degree—was known for bridging medicine and engineering with exceptional clarity and impact. An alumna of our department (Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, 2000), she dedicated her career to developing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions, as well as inspiring interdisciplinary collaboration.

An internationally recognized expert in smart biomaterials, nanomedicine, and drug delivery, she published over 100 research articles and editorials, and served on the editorial boards of several leading journals. She received numerous prestigious awards, including the CDRI Award for Excellence in Drug Research (2015), NASI–Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award (2014), National Award for Women Bioscientists (2011), and the Indo-US Frontiers of Engineering Award (2010).

A two-time recipient of both the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Exploration grant and the Samsung Global Research Outreach program, her multidisciplinary research led to several patented technologies in nanomedicine, drug delivery, and healthcare applications.

The Visiting Chair has been envisioned to bring leading women medical researchers, clinicians, industry experts, and innovators to our department, strengthening the ecosystem of translational research. Women with an MBBS degree and an exemplary record in healthcare will be invited to guide multidisciplinary teams, foster collaborations, and contribute to work that directly benefits society—reflecting the principles Prof. Banerjee championed throughout her career.

We are grateful to Dr. Bhagwati Prasad, Ms. Rekha Koita, our alumni, and all well-wishers whose support has made this Chair a reality. Their generosity ensures that Prof. Rinti Banerjee’s pioneering spirit continues to shape our department’s vision and inspire future generations.

On gender, she acknowledges challenges: “People sometimes question your passion just because you are a woman. But if women don’t advocate for women, who will?” Her philosophy is grounded in empathy and humility. “Listening to children and their families is the most meaningful part of my work,” she adds. “You must be inquisitive, willing to learn, and never let ego get in the way.”

She shared that she considers her Visiting Chair Professorship at IIT Bombay a great honor, especially as it is established in the name of Prof. Rinti Banerjee, whose pioneering work continues to inspire many. She expressed a deep sense of responsibility to do justice to this role and to contribute meaningfully to the department’s vision.

Prof. Lakhanpaul emphasizes that impactful research must be built on community partnership, with patients and the public actively shaping how science translates into real-world benefit.

At IIT Bombay, she aims to strengthen this approach through collaboration and co-creation, calling it a “two-way learning process.” Her focus lies in developing inclusive health technologies, citing the COVID-19 crisis, where many Black and South Asian people were misdiagnosed due to pulse oximeters not calibrated for darker skin tones.

A defining moment came when her six-week-old son suffered from whooping cough — an experience that inspired her to support other mothers. Her students now study the living conditions of asylum seekers in the UK, extending her mission to help marginalized communities. Outside work, she enjoys traveling and dancing, and dreams of a child-led community research festival. Inspired by her parents’ values and the film Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, she now leads a culturally sensitive parental program backed by the UK government. “At the end of the day,” she says, “you should go to sleep knowing you’ve done something good—and wake up wanting to do more.“

Over time, his role as Technical Superintendent (System Administrator) expanded far beyond maintaining systems. He became an integral part of the department’s administrative and academic workflow — handling PhD admissions, timetable coordination, data generation for institutional reports, and even conducting sessions to train students in Linux and research software installations. His adaptability and problem-solving mindset have made him the “go-to person” whenever technology stands between a student and their research.

Reflecting on his nearly two-decade journey, Maheshwar notes the department’s remarkable transition to complete digitalization. From manual processes to advanced tools like ASC portals, online meetings, plagiarism checks, and automated data systems, BSBE’s operations today are built on the very systems he helped implement and maintain. His training at ASCI Hyderabad in Data Management for Administration further refined his use of Excel, PivotTables, and Lookup functions, enhancing how the department processes vast datasets for reports, grants, and admissions.

What drives him is the satisfaction of solving a technical challenge that enables someone else’s success. Guided by the values of service excellence, continuous learning, and integrity, he embodies the quiet efficiency that keeps BSBE’s complex academic and technical ecosystem running smoothly.

Outside work, Maheshwar enjoys simple routines that keep him connected and grounded. He has always loved playing table tennis and cricket, the latter of which he used to play regularly before life got busier. These days, most of his free time goes into being there for his two children. He also naturally gravitates toward helping people understand things, whether it’s a small technical doubt or a quick explanation, something that has stayed with him over the years.

To younger technical staff, his advice is simple yet profound — “Always say yes to learning, stay positive, and be dependable.” In a department that thrives on collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation, Maheshwar’s journey stands as a reflection of how dedication and adaptability power not just systems — but an entire community.

As a System Administrator, no two days are the same for Ashish. From keeping the Wi-Fi running and the network secure to helping students with tech issues and updating the department website, he makes sure BSBE’s digital systems hum along smoothly. “My day usually starts with checking logs and ends with whatever new problem pops up,” he says.

One memory that stands out is from the lockdown, when he and his colleague, Maheshwar Naithani, managed the department’s online PhD interviews, making sure everything ran smoothly for candidates and faculty. Another is from 2018, when he helped a PhD student recover critical research data just before her thesis defence. “Seeing her relief and happiness made me realize how much our work affects others,” he recalls.

Over the years, Ashish has watched BSBE’s digital landscape change dramatically — from standalone systems to fully integrated online platforms, upgraded security, and cloud-based collaboration tools. His role has grown too, moving beyond basic IT maintenance to managing digital events, web systems, and online communication platforms like Teams and Zoom.

Described by colleagues as approachable and ever-helpful, Ashish attributes his success to patience and empathy. “Listening carefully and responding promptly builds trust,” he says. His guiding principle is simple — stay curious, keep learning, and build good relationships. Teaching has also become a rewarding part of his journey. Taking sessions on Linux basics for students under Prof. Bhaumik’s course, he enjoys bridging the gap between technical systems and academic research.

When not immersed in his work, Ashish enjoys switching to adventure mode. He is passionate about driving and riding, possessing deep knowledge of both cars and bikes, and frequently takes short road trips. Known as the department's Tech guy, he loves researching and comparing the newest gadgets (phones, laptops, TVs, etc.) out of genuine curiosity. He is also an avid movie fan, enjoying films both in the theatre and on OTT platforms.

After ten years at BSBE, Ashish says what he values most is the spirit of teamwork and respect. “Everyone here — faculty, students, and staff — really works together like one big family,” he says. Looking ahead, he hopes IT will keep supporting research and collaboration behind the scenes, quietly keeping BSBE’s work moving forward.