Chemistry Tag

Sri Akash Sai S.M, a final-year postgraduate student from the Department of Chemistry, SSSIHL, earned recognition for his outstanding presentation at the Online International Symposium on Current Trends in Advanced Materials 2024. The event was organized by the Department of Chemistry, VIT-AP University’s School of Advanced Sciences, in collaboration with the American Chemical Society, and took place from 26th to 31st August 2024.

During the symposium, Sri Akash Sai received special mention for his insightful research on “Ruddlesden-Popper Phases of LaNiO₃ Perovskite Oxides and Their Application in Supercapacitors.” His work explores the innovative application of these perovskite oxides in supercapacitors, a cutting-edge technology in energy storage. His research was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kumar Sai Smaran and Sri Undavalli Venkata Gopi.

The symposium featured renowned scientists and researchers from across the globe, who gathered to discuss the latest trends and breakthroughs in materials science and chemistry. Esteemed speakers included Prof. Kazuo Umemura (Tokyo University of Science, Japan), Prof. Sabu Thomas (Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam), Prof. Rachel A. Oliver (University of Cambridge, UK), and Prof. Partha Sarathi Mukherjee (IISc, Bangalore). The poster presentation competition attracted 125 participants from various institutions worldwide.

Identifying the Issue

• Commonly used anti-cancer drugs come with side-effects.
• Need for better drugs to cure cancer.

Objective of the Research

• Pyrazoles are well-known pharmacophores. To explore pyrazole –andrographolide hybrids
• To synthesize novel pyrazole acetals of andrographolide and isoandrographolide with potent anti-cancer activity

Who should read this?

Research community working in cancer drug discovery and development, medicinal chemists, and pharmaceutical industry

Solution

Designed and synthesized novel pyrazole acetals of andrographolide and isoandrographolide with potent anti-cancer activity. Four compounds, having promising GI50s (50% growth inhibitory activity) on all 60-cell lines were selected for further in vitro studies. Out of these four compounds, compound 1g exhibited the best IC₅₀ (3.08 µM) against the colon cancer cell line, HCT-116.

Key Features and Benefits

• Semi-synthetic natural products
• Potent anti-cancer activity against colon cancer cell line HCT-116
• Arresting in HCT-116 cell cycle progression in G0/G1 phase, cell apoptosis, and elevated levels of ROS in HCT-116 cells
• ADMET screening

Impact

• Synthesis of novel pyrazole acetals of andrographolide and isoandrographolide
• Investigated the synthesized compounds on 60 human cancer cell lines.
• Potent compound 1g induced G0/G1 phase arrest, cell apoptosis by increasing the levels of ROS in HCT-116 cells

Team

Siva Kumar Rokkam, Manohar Bhujel, Dolly Jain, Lakshminath Sripada, Srinivas Nanduri, Avinash Bajaj and Nageswara Rao Golakoti

Title of paper: “Synthesis of novel pyrazole acetals of andrographolide and isoandrographolide as potent anticancer agents”

Read Paper Here: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/ra/d4ra00547c

Sri Undavalli Venkata Gopi, a Research Scholar from the Department of Chemistry, under the supervision of Dr. Kumar Sai Smaran, delivered an oral presentation titled “Defect Engineering Pathways Towards Unlocking the Potential of Perovskites in Supercapatteries” at the 18th International Symposium of Polymer Electrolytes (ISPE-18). The event took place from 23-28 June 2024, in Langkawi, Malaysia, and was organized by the ACS Malaysia Chapter.

Sri Gopi’s oral presentation explored how the inherent options to manipulate the stoichiometries (defects) in perovskite derivatives and their higher-order analogues can be utilized. Specifically, their oxygen deficiency attributes can be employed in anionic intercalated mechanism-based supercapatteries, which was the core of his presentation at the conference.

Sri Gopi was also the recipient of the ISPE 18 Young Researcher Travel Award, which acknowledges young talents for their contributions to the field of energy storage. To encourage participation from young researchers worldwide, the ISPE 18 Young Researcher Travel Award is awarded to eligible and deserving scholars who demonstrated academic excellence through the quality of their research. The travel award (100,000 INR approx.) was awarded to only four participants worldwide, including Sri Gopi.

The International Symposium on Polymer Electrolytes (ISPE) is a premier conference in the field of energy storage. The 18th session held in Langkawi, Malaysia, focused on the theme “Zero Carbon Emission by Revolutionizing Energy with Polymer Electrolytes.” The conference encouraged scientific presentations on a variety of topics, including Lithium-ion batteries and related technologies, Supercapacitors and allied technologies, Solar cells, Fuel cells, Sensors,
Actuators, and emerging energy-related themes

The conference featured esteemed pioneers in the energy storage field, such as Prof. Michel Armand, Prof. Stefano Passerini, Prof. Maria Forsyth, Prof. Masayoshi Watanabe, and Prof. Vito di Noto.

Watch: Sri Gopi Receiving the Young Researcher Travel Award

Identifying the Issue

• Off-target effects of the anti-cancer drugs available in the market.
• Need for better anti-cancer drugs with high potency and low toxicity.

Objective of the Research

• To synthesize novel Spirobibenzopyrans with potent anti-cancer activity. \
• this study focuses on creating compounds with powerful anti-cancer properties while minimizing toxicity

Who should read this?

Research community working in cancer drug discovery and development, medicinal chemists, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Solution

Design and synthesis of Spirobibenzopyrans with potent anti-cancer activity

Key Features and Benefits

• One pot synthesis of Spirobibenzopyrans using Lewis acid catalysts.
• Screening of anti-cancer activity of the synthesized Spirobibenzopyrans by a phenotypic approach.
• HIT compounds identified.
• Toxic dose determined in Drosophila

Impact

• Potent compounds 5-methoxyspirobibenzopyran and 6-methoxybibenzopyran act as potent pJNK inhibitors. pJNK is an oncogenic target.
• The correlation between the docking studies and the experimental studies were established.

Team

• Dr. Prashant Rai, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Dr. Rohit Kumar, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University
• Jyotsna Singh, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University
• Prof. Srikrishna Saripella, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University,
• Prof. Nageswara Rao Golakoti, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Title of paper: Design, synthesis, in-vitro, and in-vivo anti‐cancer evaluation of the novel spirobibenzopyrans on epithelial cancer model of Drosophila melanogaster

Read Paper Here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11696-022-02321-x

Identifying the Issue

• Understand structure-activity relationship of non-linear optical property of chalcone derivatives
• Study of non-linear optical properties of the chalcone derivatives using same method under identical conditions.

Objective of the Research

• To synthesize novel chalcone derivatives and establish their structure-activity relationship

Who should read this?

Research community working in Material science and Optics.

Solution

Identification of the best architecture and the substituent in chalcone derivatives for enhanced optical property.

Key Features and Benefits

• Establishment of structure-activity relationship of non-linear optical property of chalcone derivatives
• The study led to the understanding that chalcones with A-A-D architecture show best non-linear optical properties.

Impact

• Compounds with A-A-D architecture show best non-linear optical properties.
• The electron withdrawing group when incorporated in Ring A results in enhanced optical activities.

Team

• Prashant Rai, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Prajal Chettri, Department of Physics, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Swayamsiddha Kar, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Malhar Anupam Nagar, Department of Physics, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Shailesh Srivastava, Department of Physics, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Nageswara Rao Golakoti, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Title of paper: Synthesis, characterization and structure–activity relationship of non‐linear optical response of chalcone derivatives with in silico insights.

Read Paper Here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11696-020-01487-6

Identifying the Issue

• Commonly used anti-cancer drugs come with the side-effects
• Need for better drugs to cure cancer

Objective of the Research

• To synthesize benzopyrylium salts with potent anti-cancer activity.
• To revolutionize cancer treatment by developing potent drugs that minimize side effects. Specifically, we’re focusing on benzopyrylium salts, compounds showing incredible promise in the fight against cancer.

Who should read this?

Research community working in cancer drug discovery and development, medicinal chemists, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Solution

Design and synthesis of benzopyrylium salts with potent anti-cancer activity.

Key Features and Benefits

• One-pot synthesis of benzopyrylium salts – streamlines production, making these potent compounds more accessible.
• Our compounds show Potent anti-cancer activity against colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116, HCT-15, HT29, KM12, SW-620
• 5-Methoxybenzopyrylium salt acts as pJNK inhibitor as established by ex-vivo studies in Drosophila – This is significant because pJNK is a key target in cancer therapy
• Our studies in Drosophila melanogaster reinforce this, providing crucial insights into toxicity and efficacy.

Impact

• Potent compound 5-methoxybenzopyrylium salt acts as potent pJNK inhibitor. pJNK is an oncogenic target.
• The correlation between the docking studies and the experimental studies were established.

Team

• Dr. Prashant Rai, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
• Dr. Rohit Kumar, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University
• Jyotsna Singh, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University
• Prof. Srikrishna Saripella, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University,
• Prof. Nageswara Rao Golakoti, Department of Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

Title of paper: Synthesis, Characterization, In-Vitro and In-Vivo Anti-Cancer Evaluation of Novel Benzopyrylium Salts on Colorectal Cancer Model of Drosophila melanogaster

Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202304328

The spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation once again found its vibrant expression at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) during the celebration of National Science Day 2024 (NSD – 2024). This year’s festivities marked a collaborative effort between SSSIHL, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Smt Eswaramma High School, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, and Nexus Consulting, culminating in a memorable event held at the Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

Engaging Competitions:

From December 2023 to February 2024, a series of engaging competitions were organized, catering to the curious minds of students from Class 8 to Class 12 across India. The competitions spanned diverse fields including Essay Writing, Painting, Science Quiz, and Modeling. These competitions not only provided a platform for showcasing talent but also fostered a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among participants. With over 250 registrations from various corners of the country, the event witnessed a rich tapestry of intellect and creativity.

Grand Finale:

These competitions culminated on February 27th and 28th, 2024, at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. The air was electric with anticipation as participants showcased their prowess in their respective domains. The finalists, hailing from different regions, brought forth a diverse array of perspectives and ideas, enriching the atmosphere with their enthusiasm and passion for science.

Felicitation Ceremony:

On the auspicious occasion of February 28th, the winners were accorded due recognition and honor during the Valedictory Ceremony. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the Honorable Vice-Chancellor Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Campus Director Dr. R Raghunatha Sarma, and Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. R Gowrishankar. Their presence not only added prestige to the occasion but also served as an inspiration to the budding scientists and innovators present.

Encouraging Excellence:

The felicitation ceremony served as a fitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of scientific inquiry and excellence. The winners, through their outstanding performances, demonstrated the transformative power of curiosity and dedication. Their achievements underscored the importance of fostering a conducive environment that nurtures and encourages scientific temper and innovation.

A Glimpse into the Future:

As the curtains drew to a close on the festivities of NSD – 2024, they left behind a legacy of inspiration and aspiration. The event served as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for future generations to tread upon. It reinforced the belief that science, with its boundless possibilities, holds the key to addressing the myriad challenges facing humanity and charting a course toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

In conclusion, the celebration of National Science Day 2024 at SSSIHL is a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation, and excellence. It is a celebration not just of past achievements but also of the limitless potential that lies ahead, waiting to be unlocked through the relentless pursuit of knowledge and truth.

A detailed report with photographs is enclosed here.

View Report

View Photos

NSD 2024 – Quiz Finals https://www.youtube.com/live/wyDMk0U1zvo?si=mv4eRKy7N7ri0WuX

NSD 2024 – Valedictory Ceremony https://www.youtube.com/live/GOuJ5x-3QNE?si=H0aYW4AqWkiTwfoC

Press Release (16 Dec 2023) https://www.sssihl.edu.in/sri-sathya-sai-institute-of-higher-learning-hosts-inspiring-science-modeling-exhibition-as-part-of-national-science-day-2024-celebrations/