During my research work, I have standardized two colorectal tumor models (One cell-based and one chemical-derived), which can be used for translational research work. My core expertise lies in gene cloning and expression (mainly proteomics), animal cell culture, and the cellular analysis of the effects of changes in gene expression. I have also perfected the art of site-directed mutagenesis in genes cloned into any vectors, based on which, I have developed overexpression mutant cell lines expressing wild-type and mutant genes. My latest ongoing work involves repurposing a combination of known drugs as an anti-cancer therapeutic with good in-vivo results. Repurposed drugs have already been tested for safety as they are administered for other ailments. Therefore, the time required to bring such drugs to market is reduced considerably.
EDUCATION
2024: Ph.D. from Lovely Professional University. Subject: Biotechnology. Core Research Area: Cancer Biology
2013: M.S. (Research) from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. Subject Biotechnology. Core Research Area: Molecular Oncology
2010: Bachelor of Technology from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra. Subject: Industrial Biotechnology
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Cancer Research, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Lymphoma: TLR signaling dysregulation, potential proteomic techniques, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives Wajid Mohammad Sheikh, Sahibha Javeed, Junaid Munawar, Jasmeena Jan, Bilal Ahmad Rather, Ubaid Sayed Shah, Adil Mehraj Khan, Chirag Chopra, Indrani Jadhav, Shabir Hassan, Showkeen Muzamil Bashir Proteomics A Promising Approach for Cancer Research Proteome Signaling Dysregulation in Cancer Therapeutic Interventions and Future Perspectives Volume 2, 2026
Structure-Based Identification of Ponganone V from Pongamia pinnata as a Potential KPC-2 β-Lactamase Inhibitor: Insights from Docking, ADMET, and Molecular Dynamics Himanshu Jangid, Chirag Chopra, Atif Khurshid Wani Microbiology Research, 2025 Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CREs) pose a critical threat to global public health, largely driven by the enzymatic activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-2 (KPC-2), a class A serine β-lactamase that hydrolyzes most β-lactam antibiotics. While β-lactamase inhibitors like avibactam offer temporary relief, emerging KPC variants demand novel, sustainable inhibitory scaffolds. This study aimed to identify and characterize potential natural inhibitors of KPC-2 from Pongamia pinnata, leveraging a comprehensive in silico workflow. A curated library of 86 phytochemicals was docked against the active site of KPC-2 (PDB ID: 3DW0). The top-performing ligands were subjected to ADMET profiling (pkCSM), and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations (GROMACS) to evaluate structural stability and interaction persistence, using avibactam as control. Ponganone V exhibited the most favorable binding energy (−9.0 kcal/mol), engaging Ser70 via a hydrogen bond and forming π–π interactions with Trp105. Glabrachromene II demonstrated a broader interaction network but reduced long-term stability. ADMET analysis confirmed high intestinal absorption, non-mutagenicity, and absence of hERG inhibition for both ligands. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that Ponganone V maintained compact structure and stable hydrogen bonding throughout the 100 ns trajectory, closely mirroring the behavior of avibactam, whereas Glabrachromene II displayed increased fluctuation and loss of compactness beyond 80 ns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further supported these findings, with Ponganone V showing restricted conformational motion and a single deep free energy basin, while avibactam and Glabrachromene II exhibited broader conformational sampling and multiple energy minima. The integrated computational findings highlight Ponganone V as a potent and pharmacologically viable natural KPC-2 inhibitor, with strong binding affinity, sustained structural stability, and minimal toxicity. This study underscores the untapped potential of Pongamia pinnata phytochemicals as future anti-resistance therapeutics and provides a rational basis for their experimental validation.
Dietary antioxidants in mitigating carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatoxicity: An integrative review of preclinical insights Harsh Kumar, Neetika Kimta, Sumeet Kapoor, Eugenie Nepovimova, Chirag Chopra, Tejas Suthar, Diána Ungai, Kovács Béla, Endre Harsanyi, Ayaz Mukarram Shaikh Journal of Functional Foods, 2025 Liver toxicity has remained the primary health concern globally, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) is well-known as a hepatotoxic agent. Being a powerful pro-oxidant, CCl 4 induces liver damage via lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which often leads to hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis and, in some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. Owing to the limitations of traditional treatments and their related toxicity, dietary antioxidants have emerged as an effective natural solution for liver protection. The current review comprehends the information about plant-derived antioxidants such as curcumin, chlorogenic acids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, ginsenosides, hesperidin, kaempferol, lycopene, naringenin, quercetin, resveratrol, and rutin explores their potential in mitigating CCl 4 -induced liver toxicity based on preclinical data. It also discusses the diverse mechanisms and preclinical studies on animals, highlighting the potential of dietary antioxidants in reducing liver damage. This review intends to serve as the foundation to signify the potential of dietary antioxidants in managing and preventing liver toxicity and open new avenues for future research to explore their clinical applications. • CCl 4 causes hepatotoxicity due to lipid peroxidation, alkylation and reactive intermediate, and NPAQI. • Plants-derived dietary antioxidants have a significant health effect. • Dietary antioxidants mitigated the CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity by activation of various defense pathways.
Valorization of eggshell waste as sustainable mechanical reinforcement in biodegradable bio-packaging materials Amel Gacem, Krishna Kumar Yadav, Zeba Tabassum, Kamal Y. Thajudeen, Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed, Rosalina Ariesta Laeliocattleya, Aniswatul Khamidah, Sri Satya Antarlina, Maha Awjan Alreshidi, F.M. Aldosari, Mosab Kaseem, Chirag Chopra, Atif Khurshid Wani, Tabarak Malik Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2025 Plastics have long been the dominant material in packaging industries; however, their prevalence is gradually decreasing due to increasing government regulations and growing industry shifts toward eco-friendly alternatives. This transition aims to meet sustainability targets, reduce environmental pollution, and improve brand perception. Although bioplastics are biodegradable and eco-friendly, their mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties often fall short, limiting their application in advanced packaging that requires durability and low permeability. Concurrently, a large quantity of eggshell waste, rich in calcium carbonate, is discarded in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. The challenge of managing this waste, along with overcoming the limitations of bioplastics, calls for innovative solutions. This review discusses the potential of eggshell waste as a sustainable material in bio-packaging. It highlights how eggshells can serve as mechanical reinforcements in bioplastics through filler incorporation, transforming them into functional materials such as powders, nanoparticles, and derivatives like calcium oxide, calcium chloride, and calcium carbonate. Biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are frequently studied for integrating eggshell-derived materials. These materials significantly improve the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of bioplastic films, addressing both environmental and industrial challenges. The review also explores the obstacles and future directions in using eggshell waste in bioplastics, such as compatibility issues, scalability, and the need for optimized processing techniques. These advancements contribute to waste valorization and the development of eco-friendly materials, promoting a circular economy.
Harnessing microbes and plants for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants: Current paradigms and future perspectives Anjuman Ayub, Atif Khurshid Wani, Suhaib Mohd Malik, Mehvish Ayub, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh, Tabarak Malik Environmental Challenges, 2025 • Heavy metals are highly toxic to aquatic life, plants, and microorganisms, contributing to escalating environmental degradation. • Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, detoxify heavy metals through metabolic pathways that transform or immobilize toxic metals, reducing their bioavailability. • Phytoremediation utilizes specific plants that absorb and accumulate heavy metals in their tissues for environmental detoxification. The increasing contamination of the environment by heavy metals from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities cause significant risks to the ecosystems and human health. Heavy metals are toxic to aquatic life, plants, and microorganisms, worsening environmental degradation. However, various species have evolved natural detoxification mechanisms, making bioremediation an attractive strategy for environmental preservation. Bioremediation harnessing the natural detoxification capabilities of microorganisms and plants, has emerged as a sustainable and environment friendly alternative to traditional remediation methods. Microorganisms, particularly bacteria employ metabolic pathways to transform or sequester toxic metals, reducing their bioavailability, while certain plants uptake and accumulate heavy metals in their tissues for phytoremediation. The combined use of microbial consortia and plant systems enhances metal detoxification, stabilization, and uptake, offering improved efficiency across various environmental conditions. This study provides a comprehensive account of the recent advancements in the use of microorganisms and plants as sustainable strategies to detoxify heavy metal contaminants. It discusses the potential mechanisms employed by the microbes and plants to mineralize these emerging pollutants in the environment. Further we weigh the pros and cons of the plant and microbe-based remediation strategies, emphasizing their potential integration with conventional methods to develop comprehensive, sustainable solutions for heavy metal pollution control.
Green nanoscience for healthcare: Advancing biomedical innovation through eco-synthesized nanoparticle Anjuman Ayub, Atif Khurshid Wani, Suhaib Mohd Malik, Mehvish Ayub, Reena Singh, Chirag Chopra, Tabarak Malik Biotechnology Reports, 2025 • Nanoparticles' size gives them unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. • Promotes sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional nanoparticle production methods. • Techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, and XRD are essential for studying nanoparticle properties and functionalities. Green synthesis is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to nanoparticle production using biological sources such as plant extracts and microorganisms. Unlike traditional chemical methods, it aligns with green chemistry principles by reducing toxic reagents, minimizing waste, and lowering environmental impact. Green-synthesized nanoparticles have shown great potential, especially in biomedicine, for targeted drug delivery, antimicrobial treatments, and imaging applications. Their properties can be finely tuned by controlling size, shape, and composition, supporting applications across electronics, healthcare, and environmental engineering. Characterization techniques are essential for analyzing their structural and functional attributes. However, challenges remain in terms of scalability, reproducibility, and lack of standardized synthesis protocols. The aim of this review is to explore recent advances in green nanoparticle synthesis, evaluate key mechanisms, highlight biomedical and environmental applications, and discuss current limitations. The review also emphasizes future directions and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to unlock the full potential of green nanotechnology.
Impact of phytoconstituents on oral health practices: a post COVID-19 observation Harsh Kumar, Reena Singh, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Chirag Chopra, Natália Cruz-Martins, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Amin F. Majdalawieh, Sivakumar Manickam, Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Dinesh Kumar, Indu Sharma, Varun Sharma Food Science and Human Wellness, 2024
Eco-friendly and safe alternatives for the valorization of shrimp farming waste Atif Khurshid Wani, Nahid Akhtar, Tahir ul Gani Mir, Farida Rahayu, Cece Suhara, Anjli Anjli, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh, Ajit Prakash, Noureddine El Messaoudi, Clara Dourado Fernandes, Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira, Rauoof Ahmad Rather, Juliana Heloisa Pinê Américo-Pinheiro Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2024
Bioprospecting microalgae for biofuel synthesis Nahid Akhtar, Atif Khurshid Wani, Reena Singh, Chirag Chopra, Sikandar I. Mulla, Farooq Sher, Juliana Heloisa Pinê Américo-Pinheiro Green Approach to Alternative Fuel for A Sustainable Future, 2023
Plant prebiotics and their role in the amelioration of diseases Amrit Pal Kaur, Sonali Bhardwaj, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Eugenie Nepovimova, Natália Cruz-Martins, Kamil Kuča, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh, Harsh Kumar, Fatih Șen, Vinod Kumar, Rachna Verma, Dinesh Kumar Biomolecules, 2021
Novel Controlled Release Pulmonary Drug Delivery Systems: Current updates and Challenges Daljeet S. Dhanjal, Meenu Mehta, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh, Parvarish Sharma, Dinesh K. Chellappan, Murtaza M. Tambuwala, Hamid A. Bakshi, Alaa A.A. Aljabali, Gaurav Gupta, Srinivas Nammi, Parteek Prasher, Kamal Dua, Saurabh Satija Modeling and Control of Drug Delivery Systems, 2021
Isolation and biochemical characterization of an alkalophilic, cold-active cellulase from bacteria isolated from Boniyar region of Kashmir Plant Archives, 2020
Comparative assessment of bio-ethanol production from co-cultures of zymomonas mobilis and saccharomyces cerevisiae European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings, 2019
Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Diseases Gyanesh Singh, U C Pachouri, Devika Chanu Khaidem, Aman Kundu, Chirag Chopra, Pushplata Singh F1000research, 2015
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Genome-Resolved Metagenomics of the Tumour Microbiome: From Strain Diversity to Functional Cancer Ecology S Ali, AA Chaudhary, WM Sheikh, MAM Ali, C Chopra, MA Dar, AK Wani, ... Pathology-Research and Practice, 156543 , 2026 2026
A review on design, synthesis, Structure Activity Relationships, and anticancer activity of benzimidazole derivatives AA Bhat, MA Mumtaz, A Hameed, MI Khan, J Singh, C Chopra, AK Wani Journal of Molecular Structure, 146543 , 2026 2026
Dual dye degradation of methylene blue and orange II by a wetland-derived Acinetobacter species: RSM optimization, GC–MS pathway elucidation, and phytotoxicity assessment A Ayub, C Chopra, A Singh, R Singh, J Singh, AK Wani Bioresource Technology Reports, 102736 , 2026 2026
Lymphoma: TLR signaling dysregulation, potential proteomic techniques, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives WM Sheikh, S Javeed, J Munawar, J Jan, BA Rather, US Shah, AM Khan, ... Proteomics: A Promising Approach for Cancer Research, 297-314 , 2026 2026
Structure-Based Identification of Ponganone V from Pongamia pinnata as a Potential KPC-2 β-Lactamase Inhibitor: Insights from Docking, ADMET, and Molecular … H Jangid, C Chopra, AK Wani Microbiology Research 16 (12), 262 , 2025 2025
Eco-Smart Packaging: A Green Approach to Prolonging Freshness of Chicken and Chicken Products N Elboughdiri, K Kriaa, C Maatki, AA Assadi, Z Tabassum, C Chopra, ... Food and Bioprocess Technology 18 (11), 9250-9270 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Introduction to Immunosensors: Principles and Applications in Food Safety A Ayub, DS Dhanjal, V Sharma, DK Sharma, R Singh, C Chopra Ensuring Wellness: Immunosensors Monitoring Food Quality, and Pathogenicity … , 2025 2025
Dietary antioxidants in mitigating carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatoxicity: An integrative review of preclinical insights H Kumar, N Kimta, S Kapoor, E Nepovimova, C Chopra, T Suthar, ... Journal of Functional Foods 133, 107020 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Harnessing microbes and plants for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants: Current paradigms and future perspectives A Ayub, AK Wani, SM Malik, M Ayub, C Chopra, R Singh, T Malik Environmental Challenges 20, 101220 , 2025 2025 Citations: 11
Emerging technologies in biomass conversion: Bioengineering and nanocatalysts to AI-driven process optimization N Selwal, H Sultana, F Rahayu, B Hariyono, PD Riajaya, FT Kadarwati, ... Biomass and Bioenergy 200, 108054 , 2025 2025 Citations: 15
Valorization of eggshell waste as sustainable mechanical reinforcement in biodegradable bio-packaging materials A Gacem, KK Yadav, Z Tabasum, KY Thajudeen, MM Ahmed, ... Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 102273 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Green nanoscience for healthcare: Advancing biomedical innovation through eco-synthesized nanoparticle A Ayub, AK Wani, SM Malik, M Ayub, R Singh, C Chopra, T Malik Biotechnology Reports, e00913 , 2025 2025 Citations: 41
Unveiling the cancer-fighting potential of Rheum species (Rhubarb): Phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and mechanistic insights into the anticancer effects of key anthraquinones UM Khaja, C Chopra, A Sehgal, R Singh, SA Ganie Phytomedicine Plus 5 (3), 100831 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Structural characterization, functional analysis and computational annotation of a metagenome-derived Glucoamylase enzyme: Effect of temperature, pH, metal Ions, and … AK Wani, AS Alhegaili, F Imam, C Chopra, JHP Américo-Pinheiro, ... Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 67, 103662 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Harnessing microalgae as a bioresource for nutraceuticals: advancing bioactive compound exploration and shaping the future of health and functional food innovation A Ayub, F Rahayu, A Khamidah, SS Antarlina, K Iswari, K Supriyadi, ... Discover Applied Sciences 7 (5), 389 , 2025 2025 Citations: 26
Advancing dye degradation: integrating microbial metabolism, photocatalysis, and nanotechnology for eco-friendly solutions A Ayub, AK Wani, C Chopra, DK Sharma, O Amin, AW Wani, A Singh, ... Bacteria 4 (1), 15 , 2025 2025 Citations: 72
In-Silico Identification and Evaluation of Diosgenin as a Promising Phytomedicine Targeting MHC-I for Cancer Therapy S Jasrotia, AK Verma, T Singh, S Sheoran, S Arora, R Singh, C Chopra, ... 2025
Advances in the concept of functional foods and feeds: applications of cinnamon and turmeric as functional enrichment ingredients H Kumar, R Dhalaria, S Guleria, R Sharma, R Cimler, DS Dhanjal, ... Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 65 (6), 1144-1162 , 2025 2025 Citations: 32
Corrigendum to: Advances in Genetic Reprogramming: Prospects from Developmental Biology to Regenerative Medicine DS Dhanjal, R Singh, V Sharma, E Nepovimova, Vojtech, Adam, K Kuca, ... Current Medicinal Chemistry 32 (6), 1233-1233 , 2025 2025
The Role of 3D Printing in Revolutionizing Pharmaceuticals and Medicine R Singh, AK Wani, L Peter, K Randlova, J Hruska, C Chopra, K Kuca Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Plant prebiotics and their role in the amelioration of diseases AP Kaur, S Bhardwaj, DS Dhanjal, E Nepovimova, N Cruz-Martins, ... Biomolecules 11 (3), 440 , 2021 2021 Citations: 172
Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance-flipsides of the same coin S Bhardwaj, P Mehra, DS Dhanjal, P Sharma, V Sharma, R Singh, ... Current pharmaceutical design 28 (28), 2312-2329 , 2022 2022 Citations: 105
Potential usage of edible mushrooms and their residues to retrieve valuable supplies for industrial applications H Kumar, K Bhardwaj, R Sharma, E Nepovimova, N Cruz-Martins, ... Journal of Fungi 7 (6), 427 , 2021 2021 Citations: 98
Conifer-derived metallic nanoparticles: Green synthesis and biological applications K Bhardwaj, DS Dhanjal, A Sharma, E Nepovimova, A Kalia, S Thakur, ... International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21 (23), 9028 , 2020 2020 Citations: 80
CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensors for environmental monitoring and diagnostics AK Wani, N Akhtar, C Chopra, R Singh, JC Hong, US Kadam Environmental Technology & Innovation 34, 103625 , 2024 2024 Citations: 74
Advancing dye degradation: integrating microbial metabolism, photocatalysis, and nanotechnology for eco-friendly solutions A Ayub, AK Wani, C Chopra, DK Sharma, O Amin, AW Wani, A Singh, ... Bacteria 4 (1), 15 , 2025 2025 Citations: 72
Plant fortification of the diet for anti-ageing effects: A review DS Dhanjal, S Bhardwaj, R Sharma, K Bhardwaj, D Kumar, C Chopra, ... Nutrients 12 (10), 3008 , 2020 2020 Citations: 69
Genome centric engineering using ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9 systems for trait improvement and disease control in Animals AK Wani, N Akhtar, R Singh, A Prakash, SHA Raza, S Cavalu, C Chopra, ... Veterinary research communications 47 (1), 1-16 , 2023 2023 Citations: 65
Discovering untapped microbial communities through metagenomics for microplastic remediation: recent advances, challenges, and way forward AK Wani, N Akhtar, N Naqash, F Rahayu, D Djajadi, C Chopra, R Singh, ... Environmental Science and Pollution Research 30 (34), 81450-81473 , 2023 2023 Citations: 64
Applications of fruit polyphenols and their functionalized nanoparticles against foodborne bacteria: a mini review H Kumar, K Bhardwaj, N Cruz-Martins, E Nepovimova, P Oleksak, ... Molecules 26 (11), 3447 , 2021 2021 Citations: 61
Eco-friendly and safe alternatives for the valorization of shrimp farming waste AK Wani, N Akhtar, TG Mir, F Rahayu, C Suhara, A Anjli, C Chopra, ... Environmental Science and Pollution Research 31 (27), 38960-38989 , 2024 2024 Citations: 60
Bioprospecting culturable and unculturable microbial consortia through metagenomics for bioremediation AK Wani, N Akhtar, N Naqash, C Chopra, R Singh, V Kumar, S Kumar, ... Cleaner Chemical Engineering 2, 100017 , 2022 2022 Citations: 57
Immunosensors in food, health, environment, and agriculture: a review H Kumar, R Dhalaria, S Guleria, R Cimler, P Prerna, DS Dhanjal, ... Environmental Chemistry Letters 22 (5), 2573-2605 , 2024 2024 Citations: 53
Detection of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic residues in chicken meat: a review H Kumar, K Bhardwaj, T Kaur, E Nepovimova, K Kuča, V Kumar, ... Foods 9 (10), 1504 , 2020 2020 Citations: 52
Mycology-nanotechnology interface: applications in medicine and cosmetology DS Dhanjal, P Mehra, S Bhardwaj, R Singh, P Sharma, E Nepovimova, ... International journal of nanomedicine, 2505-2533 , 2022 2022 Citations: 46
Green nanoscience for healthcare: Advancing biomedical innovation through eco-synthesized nanoparticle A Ayub, AK Wani, SM Malik, M Ayub, R Singh, C Chopra, T Malik Biotechnology Reports, e00913 , 2025 2025 Citations: 41
Prospects of advanced metagenomics and meta-omics in the investigation of phytomicrobiome to forecast beneficial and pathogenic response AK Wani, N Akhtar, R Singh, C Chopra, P Kakade, M Borde, JM Al-Khayri, ... Molecular Biology Reports 49 (12), 12165-12179 , 2022 2022 Citations: 41
Gut-brain axis and Alzheimer's disease: Therapeutic interventions and strategies H Singh, C Chopra, H Singh, V Malgotra, AK Wani, DS Dhanjal, I Sharma, ... Journal of Functional Foods 112, 105915 , 2024 2024 Citations: 38
Advances in the concept of functional foods and feeds: applications of cinnamon and turmeric as functional enrichment ingredients H Kumar, R Dhalaria, S Guleria, R Sharma, R Cimler, DS Dhanjal, ... Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 65 (6), 1144-1162 , 2025 2025 Citations: 32
Mining microbial tapestry using high-throughput sequencing and In silico analysis of Trehalose synthase (TreS) derived from hot spring metagenome AK Wani, C Chopra, R Singh, S Ahmad, JHP Américo-Pinheiro Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 52, 102829 , 2023 2023 Citations: 32