I'm Dr. G. Muthukumar, and I completed my Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, under Dr. J. Arockia Selvi, Professor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology-KTR. The creation of highly selective biochemical sensing devices is my main area of research. For instance, finding all the analytes in a single sample could be challenging. In contrast, sample preparation and separation may be necessary for individual analyte detection with high selectivity and sensitivity. To make the devices work better by being more sensitive and selective while reducing interference, we might need to use special nanomaterials like 2-dimensional layered inorganic materials and polymer composites.
I am primarily interested in synthesizing nanocomposites and biocompatible nanomaterials for applications such as biosensors, catalysis, energy harvesting and storage, biodegradable electronics, and flexible electronics.
EDUCATION
1. Yadava College: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, IN
2012-06 to 2015-05 | B.Sc Chemistry (Department of Chemistry)
2. Madurai Kamaraj University: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, IN
2015-06 to 2017-05 | M.Sc Chemistry (Department of Chemistry)
3. Kaohsiung Medical University: Kaohsiung City, TW
2023-06-20 to 2023-11-20 | Research Intern (Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry)
4. SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University): Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, IN
2020-12-29 to 2025-03-07 | Ph.D. Chemistry (Department of Chemistry)
5. The University of Tokyo: Tokyo, Tokyo, JP
2025-09-20 to present | Post-Doctoral Researcher (Institute of Industrial Science)
Toward non-enzymatic glucose sensing based on organic electronics: organic field-effect transistors with multifunctionalized extended-gate electrodes Yui Sasaki, Muthukumar Govindaraj, Tsuyoshi Minami Analytical Sciences, 2026 Accurate glucose analysis has been a major research focus for the past five decades since the pioneering development of enzymatic glucose sensing, driven by the global demand for rapid and reliable diagnostics. In contrast to well-established enzymatic glucose sensors, the development of chemical sensors based on supramolecular receptors remains a developing area. Among the supramolecular receptors for glucose, phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivatives provide unique functions, such as the formation of boronate esters with glucose and their reversibility. In this study, we focus on organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) combined with PBA derivatives as chemical sensors. Although the beneficial properties of OFETs have been explored for physical sensor applications in organic electronics, the instability of organic devices remains a major limitation for chemical sensing applications. To address this issue, an extended-gate structure was employed as the OFET-based chemical sensor configuration. In this sensor design, an extended-gate electrode functionalized with a PBA derivative self-assembled monolayer was connected to the gate electrode of the OFET, enabling glucose detection via boronate ester formation at the aqueous-sensing electrode interface. In this mini-review, we introduce strategies for establishing non-enzymatic glucose sensors using OFETs with multifunctionalized extended-gate electrodes. Notably, selective glucose detection in human blood plasma has been demonstrated by combining a two-dimensional material that suppresses the physical adsorption of endogenous proteins onto an extended-gate electrode. Finally, an approach that integrates a microfluidic chamber into an extended-gate-based OFET device is introduced to highlight the inherent reversibility of the PBA derivative. Graphical abstract
Recent advances in metal-organic frameworks for electrochemical sensing applications Magesh Kumar Muthukumaran, Muthukumar Govindaraj, Sakthivel Kogularasu, Balasubramanian Sriram, Bharathi Kannan Raja, Sea-Fue Wang, Guo-Ping Chang-Chien, Arockia Selvi J Talanta Open, 2025 Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising electrode modifiers in electrochemical sensing owing to their unique structural attributes, such as high surface area, tunable porosity, high catalytic activity, and abundant active sites. These properties make MOF-based systems highly effective for detecting a wide range of analytes, including heavy metals, antibiotics, environmental pollutants, and biomarkers. MOFs offer rapid, cost-effective analysis, yet challenges remain in optimizing their electrochemical properties to fully meet the demands of practical applications, particularly in energy conversion and storage (e.g., supercapacitors, batteries, and water-splitting catalysts) and in the fabrication of high-performance electrochemical sensors. This review critically examines the electrochemical properties of MOF-based materials for detecting various analytes, exploring their current limitations and potential for improvement. Particular focus is given to the design and synthesis strategies that enhance MOFs' structural and electrochemical properties, making them more suitable for real-world applications. Furthermore, this review highlights the challenges associated with MOF stability and conductivity and suggests pathways for overcoming these barriers. Reviewing recent advancements in MOF synthesis and functionality, this article provides a comprehensive overview of how MOFs can be developed as next-generation electrochemical sensing platforms. It also discusses future perspectives, including integrating MOFs into multifunctional sensors and their potential role in wearable and IoT-enabled devices. This review bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, offering valuable insights into the future of MOF-based electrochemical technologies.
Tungsten Trioxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Heterointerface for a Disposable Electrochemical Detection of Methotrexate Anticancer Drug Magesh Kumar Muthukumaran, Muthukumar Govindaraj, Arockia Selvi J ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2025 In this work, we prepared the 2D/2D heterostructure of tungsten trioxide/hexagonal boron nitride (WO3/h-BN) with a modified screen-printed carbon electrode (WO3/h-BN/SPCE) for the electrochemical detection of methotrexate (MTX). MTX is a potent anticancer medication, but its severe off-target toxicity limits it. As a result, accurate measurement of MTX levels is necessary to provide medical practitioners with vital clinical information. Most importantly, we explored the 2D configuration of the WO3 material on the 2D interface of h-BN to achieve an effective heterostructure configuration, which opens a new avenue for electrochemical applications. The 2D/2D integration of WO3/h-BN enhances the development of active sites, promoting expedited charge transfer and increased electronic conductivity. The material characterization confirms the effective formation of the prepared materials, and the electrochemical characterizations were utilized to assess their analytical performance. The synergistic effects significantly enhance the modified electrode’s preference by increasing sensitivity, lowering the limit of detection (0.016 μM), and providing a wider linear response (0.4–105 μM) for MTX detection. Furthermore, this proposed sensor toward MTX detection shows excellent selectivity with good reproducibility. Finally, the efficacy of WO3/h-BN/SPCE was evaluated by determining MTX concentrations in human blood serum, confirming its suitability for complex matrices.
Morphological Tailoring of Transition Metal Tungstate Nanoreinforced Composite: A Key to Unlock High-Performance Supercapacitors Sabarikaruthapandi Ramar, Ponnaiah Sathish Kumar, Muthukumar Govindaraj, Magesh Kumar Muthukumaran, Bharathi Kannan Raja, Arockia Selvi J Energy and Fuels, 2025 Nickel tungstate (NW) is a favorable probe material for supercapacitors (SCs), but optimizing its material properties and morphology for better activity and stability remains challenging. The annealing temperature crucially affects metal tungstate’s material properties, phase formation, and morphology. This study employs solvothermal synthesis and calcination at 550 °C (NW-1), 650 °C (NW-2), and 750 °C (NW-3) to produce NW nanoparticles for SC electrodes, with graphene oxide (GO) incorporated to enhance electrochemical performance. The synthesized materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Higher calcination temperatures altered the NW morphology from spherical to spindle-like structures. Notably, NW-3 exhibited significant improvements in morphology and electrochemical properties while maintaining the NW phase structure. These enhancements, including improved conductivity, increased redox activity, and reduced internal resistance, are attributed to the mutual enhancement of GO’s carbon-based material and NW’s pseudocapacitive properties. Among the samples, the NW-3/GO composite demonstrated the maximum specific capacitance of 794 F g–1 at 1 A g–1. In a 1 M KOH electrolyte, a solid-state symmetric SC (NW-3@GO//NW-3@GO, SSC) attained a supreme energy density of 132.8 Wh kg–1 and a power density of 2863 W kg–1. The SSC retained 85% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles at 10 A g–1. These results highlight the potential of NW-3@GO as an optimized electrode for SCs.
Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Metallic-Ag/Nickel Oxide on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composite: An Electrochemical Investigation of Synthetic Vanillin Muthukumar Govindaraj, Balasubramanian Sriram, Sea-Fue Wang, Magesh Kumar Muthukumaran, Sakthivel Kogularasu, Guo-Ping Chang-Chien, Arockia Selvi J. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2025 In this study, we developed a sensor based on surfactant-assisted synthesis of metallic silver-enriched nickel oxide confined on graphitic carbon nitride (Ag/NiO/g-CN)-modified electrode to construct a sensitive and selective voltammetric sensor for detecting vanillin in confectionaries samples. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed the crystal structure and respective functional groups of the synthesized Ag/NiO/g-CN composite. The valence states of silver, nickel, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and morphological investigations revealed the elemental distribution and nano-structured particles, respectively. The electrocatalyst-modified electrode properties and electrochemical sensing performances were evaluated using different voltammetric and spectroscopic techniques. The Ag/NiO/g-CN composite, exhibiting a large active surface area, excellent conductivity, and synergistic interaction, proved to be a suitable electrode material for electrochemical sensor applications. The sensor demonstrated a detection limit of 0.9 nM and a broad linear range of 0.004–366.8 μM. Electrochemical investigations further highlighted the sensor’s excellent reproducibility, repeatability, fast response, and functional stability. The constructed sensor also exhibited outstanding selectivity against potential interferents and demonstrated its practical applicability by successfully detecting vanillin in spiked food samples.
Toward non-enzymatic glucose sensing based on organic electronics: organic field-effect transistors with multifunctionalized extended-gate electrodes Y Sasaki, M Govindaraj, T Minami Analytical Sciences, 1-9 , 2026 2026
Well-designed construction of rare earth ruddlesden-popper oxide confined on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets: A promising electrocatalyst for the monitoring of anthropogenic … SSR Shanlee, M Govindaraj, TW Chen, JA Selvi, PCR Stella, SS Taha, ... Process Safety and Environmental Protection 210, 108663 , 2026 2026
Enhanced Faradaic Pseudo-capacitance in reduced π-conjugated carbon network anchored with Strontium Tungstate Nano-Hybrids for High-Energy Supercapacitors S Ramar, PS Kumar, BK Raja, M Govindaraj Materials Advances , 2026 2026
Unravelling the HER activity of functionalized biochar: a pathway to cost-effective electrocatalysis AJ Kalasan Susai, MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, AS J Journal of Materials Chemistry A 14 (2), 736-762 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Electropolymerized melamine on fluoride-free molten salt etching 2D niobium carbide MXene: A promising electrocatalyst for free radical antioxidant diphenylamine detection in … M Govindaraj, MK Muthukumaran, PC Tsai, K Prakasham, G Andaluri, ... Food Chemistry 495 (3), 146387 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Facile hydrothermal synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of rods-like silver tungstate decorated graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite: A selective electrochemical … B Sriram, M Govindaraj, SF Wang, S Kogularasu, JA Selvi Chemical Engineering Journal 519, 165397 , 2025 2025 Citations: 11
Tungsten Trioxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Heterointerface for a Disposable Electrochemical Detection of Methotrexate Anticancer Drug MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, AS J ACS Applied Nano Materials 8 (26), 13381–13393 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Fabrication of Electrochemical Transducers Using 2D Nanocomposites for the Selective Detection of Antibiotics and Food Adulterants in Real World Samples M Govindaraj SRM Institute of Science and Technology-Kattankulathur , 2025 2025
Morphological Tailoring of Transition Metal Tungstate Nanoreinforced Composite: A Key to Unlock High-Performance Supercapacitors S Ramar, P Sathish Kumar, M Govindaraj, MK Muthukumaran, BK Raja, ... Energy & Fuels 39 (21), 10070–10082 , 2025 2025 Citations: 12
Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Metallic-Ag/Nickel Oxide on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composite: An Electrochemical Investigation of Synthetic Vanillin M Govindaraj, B Sriram, SF Wang, MK Muthukumaran, S Kogularasu, ... ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 17 (7), 11287–11299 , 2025 2025 Citations: 32
Synergistic Effect of Nickel Hydroxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Hybrid: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Detecting 5-Fluorouracil in Human Blood Serum MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, AS J Langmuir 41 (2), 1321–1332 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Sensing Applications MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, S Kogularasu, B Sriram, BK Raja, ... Talanta Open 11, 100396 , 2024 2024 Citations: 113
Activity augmentation of a functionalized 2D conjugated polymer matrix with iron vanadate nano-bulbs for real-time detection of levofloxacin BK Raja, M Govindaraj, MK Muthukumaran, S Ramar, AS J New Journal of Chemistry 48 (35), 15324-15337 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Crystal Plane Integrated Strontium Oxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanohybrid For Rapid Electrochemical Sensing of Anticancer Drug In Human Blood Serum Sample MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, BK Raja, AS J Analytical Methods 15 (42), 5639-5654 , 2023 2023 Citations: 13
Electrostatic Self Assembly of Metal-Free Hexagonal Boron Nitride/Protonated Carbon Nitride (h-BN/PCN) Nanohybrid: A Synergistically Upgraded 2D/2D Sustainable Electrocatalyst … M Govindaraj, UG P K, MK Muthukumaran, K Sekar, A Maruthapillai, AS J ChemNanoMat 9 (11), e202300330 , 2023 2023 Citations: 15
Current advancements and prospects of enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors M Govindaraj, A Srivastava, MK Muthukumaran, PC Tsai, YC Lin, BK Raja, ... International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 253 (2), 126680–126708 , 2023 2023 Citations: 192
In situ synthesis of polythiophene encapsulated 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanocomposite based electrochemical transducer for detection of 5-fluorouracil with high selectivity MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, BK Raja, AS J RSC advances 13 (5), 2780-2794 , 2023 2023 Citations: 24
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets Decorated with Strontium Tungstate Nanospheres as an Electrochemical Transducer for Sulfamethazine Sensing M Govindaraj, J Rajendran, UG P K, MK Muthukumaran, B Jayaraman, ... ACS Applied Nano Materials 6 (2), 930–945 , 2023 2023 Citations: 50
Corrosion Resistance Of Super Elastic Nickel - Titanium Alloy In Artificial Saliva In Presence Of Almox 250mg Tablet R Susai, K Arjunan, M Govindaraj Int J Nano Corr Sci and Engg 3 (4), 254-266 , 2016 2016 Citations: 6
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Current advancements and prospects of enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors M Govindaraj, A Srivastava, MK Muthukumaran, PC Tsai, YC Lin, BK Raja, ... International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 253 (2), 126680–126708 , 2023 2023 Citations: 192
Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Sensing Applications MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, S Kogularasu, B Sriram, BK Raja, ... Talanta Open 11, 100396 , 2024 2024 Citations: 113
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets Decorated with Strontium Tungstate Nanospheres as an Electrochemical Transducer for Sulfamethazine Sensing M Govindaraj, J Rajendran, UG P K, MK Muthukumaran, B Jayaraman, ... ACS Applied Nano Materials 6 (2), 930–945 , 2023 2023 Citations: 50
Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Metallic-Ag/Nickel Oxide on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composite: An Electrochemical Investigation of Synthetic Vanillin M Govindaraj, B Sriram, SF Wang, MK Muthukumaran, S Kogularasu, ... ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 17 (7), 11287–11299 , 2025 2025 Citations: 32
In situ synthesis of polythiophene encapsulated 2D hexagonal boron nitride nanocomposite based electrochemical transducer for detection of 5-fluorouracil with high selectivity MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, BK Raja, AS J RSC advances 13 (5), 2780-2794 , 2023 2023 Citations: 24
Electrostatic Self Assembly of Metal-Free Hexagonal Boron Nitride/Protonated Carbon Nitride (h-BN/PCN) Nanohybrid: A Synergistically Upgraded 2D/2D Sustainable Electrocatalyst … M Govindaraj, UG P K, MK Muthukumaran, K Sekar, A Maruthapillai, AS J ChemNanoMat 9 (11), e202300330 , 2023 2023 Citations: 15
Crystal Plane Integrated Strontium Oxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanohybrid For Rapid Electrochemical Sensing of Anticancer Drug In Human Blood Serum Sample MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, BK Raja, AS J Analytical Methods 15 (42), 5639-5654 , 2023 2023 Citations: 13
Morphological Tailoring of Transition Metal Tungstate Nanoreinforced Composite: A Key to Unlock High-Performance Supercapacitors S Ramar, P Sathish Kumar, M Govindaraj, MK Muthukumaran, BK Raja, ... Energy & Fuels 39 (21), 10070–10082 , 2025 2025 Citations: 12
Activity augmentation of a functionalized 2D conjugated polymer matrix with iron vanadate nano-bulbs for real-time detection of levofloxacin BK Raja, M Govindaraj, MK Muthukumaran, S Ramar, AS J New Journal of Chemistry 48 (35), 15324-15337 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Facile hydrothermal synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of rods-like silver tungstate decorated graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite: A selective electrochemical … B Sriram, M Govindaraj, SF Wang, S Kogularasu, JA Selvi Chemical Engineering Journal 519, 165397 , 2025 2025 Citations: 11
Corrosion Resistance Of Super Elastic Nickel - Titanium Alloy In Artificial Saliva In Presence Of Almox 250mg Tablet R Susai, K Arjunan, M Govindaraj Int J Nano Corr Sci and Engg 3 (4), 254-266 , 2016 2016 Citations: 6
Synergistic Effect of Nickel Hydroxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Hybrid: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Detecting 5-Fluorouracil in Human Blood Serum MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, AS J Langmuir 41 (2), 1321–1332 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Tungsten Trioxide/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Heterointerface for a Disposable Electrochemical Detection of Methotrexate Anticancer Drug MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, AS J ACS Applied Nano Materials 8 (26), 13381–13393 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Electropolymerized melamine on fluoride-free molten salt etching 2D niobium carbide MXene: A promising electrocatalyst for free radical antioxidant diphenylamine detection in … M Govindaraj, MK Muthukumaran, PC Tsai, K Prakasham, G Andaluri, ... Food Chemistry 495 (3), 146387 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Unravelling the HER activity of functionalized biochar: a pathway to cost-effective electrocatalysis AJ Kalasan Susai, MK Muthukumaran, M Govindaraj, AS J Journal of Materials Chemistry A 14 (2), 736-762 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Toward non-enzymatic glucose sensing based on organic electronics: organic field-effect transistors with multifunctionalized extended-gate electrodes Y Sasaki, M Govindaraj, T Minami Analytical Sciences, 1-9 , 2026 2026
Well-designed construction of rare earth ruddlesden-popper oxide confined on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets: A promising electrocatalyst for the monitoring of anthropogenic … SSR Shanlee, M Govindaraj, TW Chen, JA Selvi, PCR Stella, SS Taha, ... Process Safety and Environmental Protection 210, 108663 , 2026 2026
Enhanced Faradaic Pseudo-capacitance in reduced π-conjugated carbon network anchored with Strontium Tungstate Nano-Hybrids for High-Energy Supercapacitors S Ramar, PS Kumar, BK Raja, M Govindaraj Materials Advances , 2026 2026
Fabrication of Electrochemical Transducers Using 2D Nanocomposites for the Selective Detection of Antibiotics and Food Adulterants in Real World Samples M Govindaraj SRM Institute of Science and Technology-Kattankulathur , 2025 2025