Virtual Meeting of the Princeton ACS Section 

Thursday, August 25, 2022

 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM via GoToMeeting

First-row Transition Metals: Polishing Diseases to Augmenting Molecular Diagnostics 

Varsha Kelkar Mane, Ph.D., FRSC., FICS

Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology, University of Mumbai, India

Abstract: First-row transition metals are known to play multiple roles in the biological systems. They are known to be beneficial and also are known to be toxic, based on their speciation and interactions with the macromolecules. The ancient ayurvedicformulations/bhasmas tapped the potential of these elements and mended them for combating infections as well as balancing the tridoshas.

In line with the ancient Indian knowledge, we use our expertise to synthesize iron nanoparticles and copper water so as to be used effectively for: 

·       Boosting PCR in molecular diagnostics

·       Arresting amyloid polymerization

·       Inducing glial cell differentiation and

·       Polishing water borne diseases especially those caused by E.coli

Our studies on hitherto overlooked iron oxide nanoparticles and copper water unravel, epitomize, and focus on their untapped potential in developing possible cures for “impossible” diseases.

Biography: Professor Varsha Kelkar Mane is a professor and head of the Department of Biotechnology, the University of Mumbai.

Her demonstrated expertise spans the gamut of areas of biochemistry, biotechnology, bioprospecting, environment, and diagnosis. She pioneered scientific research underlining the role of microbial ecosystems not just in deterioration, but in preservation of archival papers, polymers, rock surfaces as well as bone fossilization in India. She has developed numerous easy to use, economical tools and techniques for microbial sampling, green air purifiers, microalgal cosmeceuticals, on-field maturity testing for bamboo cultivars together with development of a green/ zero waste method of production of wool from bamboo, wheat, and rice straws and soyabean peels. Her seminal studies systematically exemplified and epitomized scientific rationale underlying ancient Indian wisdom of storing water in copper jars. Exciting atomic force micrographs taken at time intervals demonstrated the deflating enteropathogen when stored in contact with copper water. It also demonstrated the deactivating potential of copper water/ Tamrjal against a potent nosocomial pathogen Candida albicans. She is currently involved in exploring applications of her technologies to industry. 

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