Dr. Archana Rana: Assistant Professor at DELHI UNIVERSITY, India
Dr. Archana is a driven and committed researcher with a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from the AcSIR-National Physical Laboratory. Her research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology and sustainability, with a special focus on the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials. She has made significant contributions to the development of eco-friendly methods for producing multifunctional nanomaterials that hold promise for various biological applications, including antimicrobial and agricultural uses. Dr. Archana has authored several impactful papers and presented her research at prestigious international conferences. Her work strives to balance scientific innovation with environmental responsibility, driving the future of sustainable nanomaterials.
Online Profiles
Citations: 143
h-index: 5
i10-index: 5
These metrics reflect the growing influence of Dr. Archana’s work in the field of green synthesis nanomaterials. The citations and h-index highlight the significant academic recognition her research has garnered, particularly in nanotechnology and material science
Education
Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences, AcSIR-National Physical Laboratory (2018-2023): Dr. Archana’s doctoral research, funded by UGC, focused on green synthesis-based nanomaterials and their potential applications in the biological field. She developed novel nanocomposites with antimicrobial and optical properties that show promise for use in agriculture and healthcare.
M.Sc. in Chemistry, Thapar University (2012-2014): Her postgraduate research focused on the breaking of carbon-oxygen bonds over Schiff base complexes, exploring catalytic reactions with amines and diphenyl ethers.
Bachelor of Education, Maharishi Dayanand University-Rohtak (2015-2017): Dr. Archana also holds a teaching degree, reflecting her interest in education and knowledge dissemination.
B.Sc. in Chemistry (Hons.), Delhi University- A.R.S.D. (2009-2012): Her undergraduate studies laid the foundation for her deep understanding of chemical sciences, which she later applied to her advanced research in nanotechnology.
Research Focus
Dr. Archana’s research centers on the sustainable synthesis of nanomaterials using green chemistry principles. She focuses on developing metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts, waste materials, and other natural resources, thus minimizing the environmental impact typically associated with traditional chemical synthesis methods. These green-synthesized nanomaterials are characterized by unique properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and nonlinear optical behaviors, which have applications in various industries. In particular, her work in the field of agricultural sustainability and healthcare aims to promote eco-friendly solutions while addressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and environmental pollution.
Experience
Dr. Archana is currently serving as a Guest Faculty at Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi University, where she teaches undergraduate chemistry students. Since 2025, she has been sharing her extensive knowledge of nanotechnology and materials science with future scientists. Her academic journey began with her doctoral research at AcSIR-National Physical Laboratory, where she was awarded the UGC Research Fellowship (JRF & SRF). This role allowed her to gain hands-on experience in the synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials. Additionally, Dr. Archana has collaborated with several research teams to publish high-impact papers and contribute to the advancement of green chemistry and nanoscience.
Research Timeline & Activities
2018-2023: Dr. Archana pursued her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences at AcSIR-NPL, with her research focused on developing sustainable and green nanomaterials for biological applications. She was involved in every stage of the research process, from nanoparticle synthesis to their biological testing, and contributed extensively to publications in international journals.
2023-Present: She continues her academic career as a Guest Faculty at Acharya Narendra Dev College, while maintaining her research momentum. Her work includes further exploration into nanomaterials for sustainable agriculture and healthcare.
Dr. Archana has actively participated in numerous conferences and workshops in the field, presenting her research on topics like antimicrobial nanomaterials and plant-mediated synthesis techniques. She has been invited as a speaker at various national and international events, sharing her findings on the safe and effective use of nanomaterials in real-world applications.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Archana has received multiple accolades throughout her academic career. Some of her key honors include:
UGC Funded Research Fellowship (JRF & SRF) for her Ph.D. research, which allowed her to explore the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles for biological and agricultural uses.
Invited Speaker at International Conferences: Dr. Archana was invited to speak at the GI-YSRI-2023 in New Delhi and APA NANOFORUM-2022, where she shared her groundbreaking research on nanomaterials fabricated using plant extracts for antimicrobial applications.
Multiple First-Author Publications: Dr. Archana’s research has been regularly published in top-tier journals such as Materials Advances, Sustainable Food Technology, and RSC Advances, underlining her influence in the field of sustainable nanomaterials.
Top Noted Publications
“Recent Advancements in Plant- and Microbe-Mediated Synthesis of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanomaterials and Their Emerging Antimicrobial Applications”, ACS Applied Nano Materials (2023), 6 (10), 8106-8134.
This comprehensive review explores the most recent advancements in the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials using plant and microbe sources. It emphasizes their potential as antimicrobial agents, highlighting their growing importance in combating pathogens in medical and agricultural applications. The paper also discusses innovative methods of synthesis that are both environmentally friendly and scalable for industrial use.
Co-authors: S. Pathak, D.K. Lim, S.K. Kim, R. Srivastava, S.N. Sharma, R. Verma.“Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Method from Artocarpus Hetrophyllus for Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Applications”, Materials Today: Proceedings (2020), 28, 332-336.
This publication delves into the synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles via a green method, using Artocarpus Hetrophyllus (jackfruit) as a precursor. The study investigates their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, demonstrating their effectiveness as potential candidates for use in medical and environmental settings.
Co-authors: S.N. Sharma, R. Srivastava.“An Investigation of Antimicrobial Activity for Plant Pathogens by Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica and Mangifera indica”, Physchem (2023), 3 (1), 125-146.
This study focuses on the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Azadirachta indica (neem) and Mangifera indica (mango) plant extracts. The research highlights their effectiveness in combating plant pathogens, showcasing the potential of plant-based nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture.
Co-authors: A. Kumari, A.K. Chaudhary, R. Srivastava, D. Kamil, P. Vashishtha.“Multifaceted Properties of TiO₂ Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Mangifera indica and Azadirachta indica Plant Extracts: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Non-Linear Optical Properties”, Materials Advances (2024), 5 (7), 2767-2784.
This paper examines the multifaceted properties of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles synthesized using extracts from Mangifera indica and Azadirachta indica. It provides an in-depth analysis of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and nonlinear optical properties, and their potential applications in agriculture, healthcare, and nanomedicine.
Co-authors: S. Pathak, K. Kumar, A. Kumari, S. Chopra, M. Kumar, D. Kamil.“Ultrafast Transient Absorption Spectroscopic (UFTAS) and Antibacterial Efficacy Studies of Phytofabricated Silver Nanoparticles Using Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract”, Inorganic Chemistry Communications (2022), 110233.
This study presents an ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopic (UFTAS) analysis of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) leaf extract. The research demonstrates the potential of these nanoparticles in combating bacterial infections, with a particular focus on their kinetic properties and antimicrobial effectiveness.
Co-authors: A.K. Chaudhary, S. Saini, R. Srivastava, M. Kumar, S.N. Sharma.
strengths for the Best Innovator Award
1. Pioneering Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Dr. Archana’s innovative approach to green synthesis of nanomaterials sets her apart in the field of nanotechnology. By utilizing plant extracts and waste materials, she has developed eco-friendly methods that not only reduce the environmental impact but also provide cost-effective, scalable solutions for nanomaterial production. Her work on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles through green synthesis has revolutionized the development of nanomaterials with multifunctional properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and nonlinear optical behaviors, opening new possibilities for their application in agriculture and healthcare.
2. Bridging Nanotechnology and Sustainability
Dr. Archana’s research stands out for its dedication to sustainability. She balances the advancement of cutting-edge nanomaterials with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Her pioneering work on sustainable nanomaterials addresses pressing global issues like antimicrobial resistance and pollution, by designing solutions that not only work in various industrial sectors but also align with the green chemistry movement, proving that innovation and environmentalism can go hand-in-hand.
3. Innovative Applications in Healthcare and Agriculture
One of the strongest facets of Dr. Archana’s work lies in her ability to translate complex nanomaterials into practical, real-world solutions. Her research on the development of antimicrobial nanomaterials and their application in agriculture to combat plant pathogens represents a novel approach to sustainable farming. Likewise, her focus on healthcare—particularly antimicrobial nanoparticles for use in medical settings—demonstrates her ability to harness the potential of nanotechnology to improve human health, all while minimizing environmental harm.
4. Groundbreaking Contributions to Scientific Literature
Dr. Archana has consistently contributed high-impact publications that shape the future of nanotechnology and green chemistry. With multiple papers in renowned journals like ACS Applied Nano Materials and Materials Advances, her research has influenced the direction of future studies in the sustainable synthesis of nanomaterials. Her work is cited by a growing number of researchers, and her publications have become a critical resource for anyone exploring the biological applications of nanomaterials.
5. Educational Leadership and Mentorship
In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Dr. Archana’s role as a Guest Faculty at Acharya Narendra Dev College demonstrates her commitment to knowledge dissemination. As a mentor and educator, she is shaping the next generation of scientists in nanotechnology and material science. Her passion for teaching, coupled with her ability to simplify complex concepts, reflects her holistic approach to both research and education, ensuring her innovations will have lasting impacts for years to come.