Research Experience

Karthik K V

Projects

Ensemble machine learning model for drug discovery

Developing a general-purpose machine learning model with multiple base models for discovering novel agonists and antagonists for specific proteins with activity similar to known compounds. Here, the model is applied to identify drugs to target metastatic dormancy and optimized for training on very small datasets.

Acquainted with: Machine & Deep learning, pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, MD simulation, web scraping & data mining, python scripting, mammalian cell culture

3D Bioprinted hydroxyapatite loaded PCL scaffold

This work investigated the synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite microspheres (HAMS) and their application in drug delivery and bioprinting. HAMS were synthesized using hydrothermal techniques and characterized. The drug loading and release capabilities of the synthesized HAMS were evaluated. Further, HAMS were combined with polycaprolactone (PCL) to create a composite suitable for 3D bioprinting. The optimized composite was used to fabricate scaffolds using a BIOX6 3D bioprinter.

Acquainted with: 3D bioprinting, hydrothermal synthesis, ATR-FTIR, XRD, solvent casting, drug loading & release study

Trends in snake bite publications on PubMed

This work was carried out remotely and focused on aggregating publication data from various online sources (mainly PubMed) through web scraping and Python scripting and further analyzing the trends in the publications and the data under various subcategories. Various APIs, such as PubMed E-Utilities, were also used, and the results were used as bases for subsequent study.

Acquainted with: Python scripting, web scraping, PubMed scraping, PubMed E-utilities (API)

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis in relation to anticancer activity in leukaemia

Propolis is a natural adhesive produced by honeybees. This study explored two extracts, methanolic and ethanolic, prepared through Soxhlet extraction and maceration, respectively. The antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of these extracts were assessed. For quantification, flavonoid, phenolic, and tannin contents were determined in both extracts. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Antibacterial susceptibility test of the extracts was performed to evaluate their efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Acquainted with: Soxhlet extraction, toxicity (BSLT), cytotoxicity (MTT), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, SO, NO) assays, quantitative (TPC, TFC, TTC) and qualitative analysis, thin layer chromatography, docking (Autodock Vina)

Protein purification and some basic laboratory techniques

This work mainly focused on understanding protein purification and different chromatography techniques, including column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and utilizing HPLC and FPLC machines for purifying proteins and peptides. It also involved getting familiar with basic laboratory techniques like SDS-PAGE, lyophilization, and more.

Acquainted with: FPLC, HPLC, TLC, column chromatography, SDS-PAGE

Workshops & Training

Fundamentals of laboratory animal care and handling

Training on laboratory animal science, covering ethical, regulatory, and technical aspects.
Hands-on experience in animal handling and care, injection methods, blood collection, anesthesia, euthanasia techniques and laboratory procedures.

DST FIST 3D Bioprinting Technology & Applications hands-on workshop

Introduction to 3D bioprinting concepts, workflows, and applications of extrusion and DLP-based bioprinters
Hands-on demo and training on the CELLINK BIO X6 bioprinter

Picture credits to respective authors and Freepik