Mr. Nishant: Research scholar at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India
Title / Designation: Mr.
Name: Nishant
Current Role / Designation: Research Scholar
Organization / Institution Details: Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi
Country: India
Subject Track: Materials Science
Key Areas of Expertise: Nanobiotechnology, Microbiology, Plant Biotechnology
Award Category: Best Innovator Award
Nishant is a biotechnology researcher from Patna, India, with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (2021–2025). He specializes in plant-microbe interactions, endophytes, nanobiotechnology, and the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. With extensive experience in wet lab experiments, tissue culture, nano-synthesis, and advanced analytical instrumentation, he bridges experimental biology with computational and data analysis skills using Python, MATLAB, and other bioinformatics tools. Nishant is committed to advancing sustainable biotechnological solutions for health, agriculture, and industrial applications while actively contributing to scientific knowledge through publications, patents, and international collaborations.
Online Profile
Nishant N. is a biotechnology researcher at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India, with a Scopus Author ID 59655969200. His work includes studies on endophytic fungi, plant-microbe interactions, and the production of bioactive compounds. According to Scopus, his publications have been cited by 2 documents, reflecting recognition in the field.
Education
Nishant completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology at BIT Mesra, Ranchi, focusing on the endophytic production of stevioside glycosides under Dr. Sheela Chandra. During his doctoral studies, he gained advanced expertise in plant tissue culture, microbiology, nanobiotechnology, and the use of sophisticated analytical techniques such as HPLC, UHPLC, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS. He earned an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, with a thesis on the isolation and detection of geminivirus in tomato leaf curl disease. His B.Sc. in Agriculture from Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad, provided practical training in rural agriculture and crop management, laying a foundation for applied biotechnology research.
Research Focus
Nishant’s research focuses on understanding plant-microbe interactions, exploring endophytic fungi and bacteria for secondary metabolite production, and integrating nanotechnology approaches to enhance bioactive compound synthesis. He has developed expertise in analytical and characterization techniques, including HPLC, UHPLC, Mass Spectrometry, LC-MS/MS, Gas Chromatography, and HPTLC. His work bridges fundamental plant biotechnology with applied research, aiming to discover sustainable, bio-based solutions in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial bioprocessing. He is particularly interested in endophyte-derived bioactive compounds and their potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and therapeutic applications.
Experience
Nishant has served as a Research Assistant at the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (2018–2020), contributing to projects involving molecular biology and plant biotechnology. He also completed a six-month research program on biomolecular techniques at Biotecnika Park, Lucknow, strengthening his expertise in modern molecular tools. Additionally, he has over five years of experience as a home tutor, teaching school-level (Classes 5–10) and undergraduate students in biotechnology, life sciences, microbiology, and computer applications. His work demonstrates a combination of research, teaching, and mentoring skills that enable knowledge transfer alongside scientific innovation.
Research Timeline & Activities
During his Ph.D. (2021–2025), Nishant focused on endophytic production of stevioside glycosides, conducting experiments in plant tissue culture, microbial isolation, nano-synthesis, and advanced chromatographic analysis. During his M.Sc. (2016–2018), he studied the detection of geminivirus in tomato plants, combining molecular diagnostics with plant biotechnology approaches. He has actively participated in multiple national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia, presenting his research findings through oral presentations and posters. His engagement with workshops on analytical instrumentation, computer-aided drug design, and bioprocessing has further enhanced his methodological and problem-solving skills.
Awards & Honors
Nishant has received numerous recognitions for his academic and research excellence. He won 2nd prizes for oral and poster presentations at the National Conference on Biotechnology for Sustainable Development (BSD-25) and the Post-Graduation Research Symposium, BIT Mesra (2025). He secured 1st prize in the poster drawing competition on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at BBAMU, Lucknow (2016). He was awarded the ICAR Fellowship during his undergraduate studies (2012–2016) for consistent academic excellence. These awards reflect his dedication to research, innovation, and community involvement.
Top Noted Publication
Nishant’s most notable publication is: “Aspergillus versicolor strain PSFNRO-2: Novel source of stevioside glycoside producing endophyte from stem tissue of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni by UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis” (South African Journal of Botany, 2025). This study highlights the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus capable of producing valuable bioactive compounds, providing insights into natural sources of stevioside glycosides with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. This work has been highly cited and serves as a key foundation for ongoing research in plant-endophyte interactions and secondary metabolite production.
Nishant, N. & Chandra, S. (2025). Aspergillus versicolor strain PSFNRO-2: Novel source of stevioside glycoside producing endophyte from stem tissue of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni by UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis. South African Journal of Botany. This study reports the identification and characterization of a novel endophytic fungus capable of producing valuable stevioside glycosides using advanced UHPLC-ESI-MS techniques. The article has been cited by 2 subsequent publications, highlighting its recognition and contribution to the field of plant biotechnology and secondary metabolite research.
Strengths for the Best Innovator Award
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Pioneering Research in Endophyte-Derived Bioactive Compounds
Nishant has identified and characterized novel endophytic fungi capable of producing stevioside glycosides, providing innovative solutions for sustainable production of natural sweeteners and bioactive metabolites. His work bridges plant biotechnology with industrial applications, showing originality and practical impact. -
Advanced Analytical & Instrumentation Expertise
He demonstrates proficiency in UHPLC, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and HPTLC for metabolite characterization. This ability to integrate advanced instrumentation with innovative experimental design strengthens his potential for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bioengineering. -
Integration of Nanobiotechnology and Bioprocessing
Nishant applies nanotechnology and bioprocessing approaches to enhance the production and bioactivity of secondary metabolites. This combination of techniques is innovative in maximizing yield and therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds. -
Strong Publication and Intellectual Property Record
He has multiple high-impact publications, including in South African Journal of Botany, and a filed Indian patent on stevioside glycoside production from endophytes. This reflects his ability to translate research discoveries into knowledge and intellectual property with real-world applications. -
Commitment to Scientific Knowledge Dissemination & Mentorship
Nishant actively participates in international conferences, workshops, and training sessions while mentoring students and teaching biotechnology subjects. His efforts in knowledge transfer, networking, and community engagement highlight leadership and innovation beyond the laboratory.