Dr. Pankaj Suman completed B.V.Sc. (2004) from Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur; M.Sc. (2006; Biotechnology) from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and Ph.D. (2011; Immunology) from the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi. He also worked as a visiting scholar at the Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany (2007-2010). Later, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow (2011-2013) at NII, New Delhi, and then as Assistant Professor (2013-2014) at Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Before joining the NIAB in 2017, he was associated with the Animal Husbandry and Fishery Resources Department, Govt. of Bihar as a Veterinary Clinician.

Research experience and interests
Suman’s experience spans towards development of aptamer, antibodies and nanozymes based technologies for development of diagnostics and therapeutics. These technologies are being used solely or in combination to develop affordable diagnostics for animal diseases; improvement of reproductive efficiency and for enhanced digestibility of plant biomass (cellulose) in the rumen of livestock. His interest is to provide affordable solution to the clinical problems in veterinary medicine while working at the interface of animal physiology, nanotechnology, biosensing and drug delivery. Currently, his laboratory is working on biomarker discovery and development of aptamer and monoclonal antibody based point of care diagnostics for snake venom detection; development of aptamer based technologies for detection of residual antibiotics in animal products (like milk and meat) and for oestrous or pregnancy in farm animals; nanopatch for transdermal drug/hormone delivery; engineering cellulosomal enzyme complex in the form of nanozymes to enhance breakdown of cellulose (present in plant) into simple sugar moieties.

Aptamer based lateral flow device for the detection of heat or estrous in buffalo
Optimal fertility in livestock is most important factor for the success of livestock industry. Silent heat leading to failure in conception is the leading cause of reproductive insufficiency in buffalos. To address the problems associated with detection of oestrous, we aim of develop an aptamer based point-of-care diagnostic platform to detect progesterone (selected as a biomarker for oestrous detection) level in milk. We have established a highly efficient method for selection of aptamers against small molecules like hormones, antibiotics, toxins etc. Progesterone specific aptamers are being validated through several techniques and development of a lateral flow based assay for its detection is in progress.

Fig 1. (A) Method followed for the selection of aptamer and (B) aptamer showing binding with progesterone molecule

Aptamer based affordable diagnostics for detection of antibiotics in milk and meat
Antibiotics are widely used throughout the world, across a diverse array of extensive and intensive livestock management practices to safeguard the health and welfare of livestock; to improve the growth and productive performance; to lower the incidence of disease; to reduce morbidity and mortality; and also for production of abundant quantities of high-quality and low-cost food for human consumption. Further, consumption of residual antibiotics present in animal products are also the reason for the emergence of drug resistant microbes. To avoid the intake of such animal products and for exclusion of such products from the supply chain; need of a point-of-care and affordable diagnostics has been realised. Development of an aptamer based lateral flow assay for detection of small molecules in biological sample was a challenge which we have overcome with the use of different chemical conjugation methods and working towards enhancing the sensitivity of the assay. We have developed a device for the detection of oxytetracycline in milk and meat whilst working for the development of such devices for other antibiotics that are commonly used in veterinary practices. It gives the result (for the presence or absence of oxytetracyline) within 10 minutes and the assay can be performed at the door step near to the animals.

Fig 2. Aptamer based lateral flow assay for detection of oxytetracyline in milk and meat

Differential detection of cobra and krait venom using antibody and aptamers
India accounts for the highest number of death of human being worldwide due to snake bite. Envenomation has not spared the livestock but due to underreporting of the incidences of snake bites, proper data is not available. Polyvalent antivenom therapies are now being reported to be ineffective as it provides protection in only 60-70% of the cases. In addition, it has reported potent side effects. There is an increasing need to develop monovalent antivenom therapy for which identification of the snake is very crucial. In that direction, we have generated monoclonal antibodies and aptamers that can differentiate the cobra and krait venom form other venoms. In future, we will expand this study to develop one assay platform to differentiate the major “big four” (Cobra, Krait, Russel’s viper and Saw Scaled viper) bites through lateral flow assay based devices.

Fig 3. Generation of monoclonal antibody for rapid detection of cobra venom upon snake bite

Surface modified Nanozymes for enhanced digestibility of roughages in livestock
Availability of ample animal based food is a powerful way to ensure the world’s poorest can improve their diet, either through the animals they raise or the income they receive from them. With time, it is being realised that to feed the growing human population, more land has to be devoted to the cultivation of food and cash crops that will further reduce the grazing land available to animals. On the other hand, more crop residues and agro-industrial by-products will be produced that can be converted to valuable animal feed by improving their digestibility and bioavailability. We intend to develop nanoparticles having enzymatic activity through surface modification to enhance the digestibility and bioavailability of cellulosic biomass in rumen of farm animals. It will bring a substantial enhancement in productivity of those animals who largely depend on feeding of dry roughages.

Patent:

1.  Suman P , Kumar P, Birader K. Aptamers for the detection of progesterone. Indian patent, Application No. 202241067962 (25/11/2022).

2.  Suman P, Birader K, Yasaswi KMSM, Reddy S. A portable device for field level rapid antimicrobial sensitivity testing and process thereof Indian Patent, Application No. 202141050200 (02/11/2021).

3.  Suman P, Yathirajarao T, Kumar P. A method for detection of subclinical and clinical mastitis and assessment of microbial quality of milk using non-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles. Indian Patent, Application No. 201941044822 (05/11/2019).

4.  Suman P, Birader K, Yathirajarao T. “An aptamer – based lateral flow assay for detection of oxytetracycline”. Indian Patent Application No. 202041051281 (25/11/ 2020).

5.  Suman P, Sai Keerthana L, Kaul S, Yathirajarao T. “Rapid and differential detection of cobra and krait venom using monoclonal antibody”; Indian Patent Application Number – 202041050355 (19/11/2020).

6.  Suman P, Kaul S. “Aptamers for binding to snake venom, its paper based rapid screening, and uses thereof”; Indian Patent Application Number – 202041048600 (06/11/ 2020).

Technologies Developed:
1.  An aptamer based lateral flow device for detection of antibiotic (oxytetracycline) in milk and meat.

2.  A field applicable method for early detection of subclinical mastitis and microbial quality of milk.

3.  A field applicable point-of-care diagnostics for differential detection of snake venom using antibodies and aptamers.

4.  A method for aptamer selection and characterization without need of high end equipment and facilities.

5.  A device and method for on field antimicrobial sensitivity testing

Technologies Transferred:
1.  A field applicable method for early detection of subclinical mastitis and microbial quality of milk.

2.  A device and method for on field antimicrobial sensitivity testing

Research publications (Selected):
1. Kumar P, Anitha A, Das A, Deepalakshmi G, Suman P. 2024. Point-of-care impedimetric aptasensor to detect the luteinizing hormone. Mikrochim Acta; 191(2):115. doi: 10.1007/s00604-024-06191-w.

2. Kumar P,  Birader K, and Suman P.  2022. Development of an Impedimetric Aptasensor for Detection of Progesterone in Undiluted Biological Fluids. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science doi: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00185

3.  Kaul S, Sai Keerthana L, Kumar P, Birader K, Tammineni Y, Rawat D, Suman P.  2021. Cytotoxin antibody-based colourimetric sensor for field-level differential detection of elapid among big four snake venom. PLoS Negl Trop Dis;15(10):e0009841. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009841.

4.  Birader K, Kumar P, Yathirajarao T, Barla JA, Reddy S, Suman P. 2021. Colorimetric aptasensor for on-site detection of oxytetracycline antibiotic in milk. Food Chemistry, 129659.

5.  Godbole G*, Suman P*, Malik A*, Galvankar M, Joshi N, Fazleabas A, Gupta SK, Modi D. 2017. Decrease in Expression of HOXA10 in the Decidua after Embryo Implantation Promotes Trophoblast Invasion. Endocrinology doi: 10.1210/en.2017-00032. *Equal contribution

6.  Suman P*, Gandhi S, Kumar P, Garg K. 2017. Prospects of electrochemical immunosensors for early diagnosis of preeclampsia. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 77 (1):e12584. *Corresponding Author

7.  Malhotra SS, Suman P, Gupta SK. 2015. Alpha or beta human chorionic gonadotropin knockdown decrease BeWo cell fusion by down-regulating PKA and CREB activation. Scientific Reports 5:11210.

8.  Suman P, Gupta SK. 2014. STAT3 and ERK1/2 cross-talk in leukaemia inhibitory factor mediated trophoblastic JEG-3 cell invasion and expression of mucin 1 and Fos. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 72(1):65-74.

9.  Suman P, Shembekar N, Gupta SK. 2013. LIF increases the invasiveness of trophoblastic cells through integrated increase in the expression of adhesion molecules and pappalysin 1 with a concomitant decrease in the expression of TIMPs. Fertility and Sterility 99(2):533-42.

10.  Suman P, Gupta SK. 2012. Comparative analysis of the invasion-associated genes expression pattern in first trimester trophoblastic (HTR-8/SVneo) and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. Placenta 33(10):874-877.

11.  Suman P, Godbole G, Thakur R, Morales-Prieto DM, Modi DN, Markert UR, Gupta SK. 2012. AP-1 transcription factors, mucin-type molecules and MMPs regulate the IL-11 mediated invasiveness of JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells. PLoS One 7: e29745.

12.  Godbole G, Suman P, Gupta SK, Modi D (2011) Decidualized endometrial stromal cell derived factors promote trophoblast invasion. Fertility and Sterility 95(4):1278-1283.

13.  Suman P, Poehlmann TG, Prakash GJ, Markert UR, Gupta SK (2009) Interleukin-11 increases invasiveness of JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells by modulating STAT3 expression. Journal of Reproductive Immunology 82(1):1-11.

14.  Choudhury S, Kakkar V, Suman P, Chakrabarti K, Vrati S, Gupta SK. 2009. Immunogenicity of zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 and spermatozoa YLP(12) peptides presented on Johnson grass mosaic virus-like particles. Vaccine 27(22):2948-2953.

Book Edited

Immunodiagnostic Technologies from Laboratory to Point-Of-Care Testing. Springer, Singapore Suman P., Chandra P. (eds) doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5823-8 Print ISBN No. 978-981-15-5822-1 Online ISBN 978-981-15-5823-8

Book Chapters

1.  Nagar DN, Yathirajarao T, Kumar P, Kushwaha P, Suman P. 2021. Bead-Based SELEX for Aptamers Selection and Their Application in Detection of Diverse Antigens. In: Suman P., Chandra P. (eds) Immunodiagnostic Technologies from Laboratory to Point-Of-Care Testing. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5823-8_7

2.  Kaul S, Singh R, Kamaraju S, Suman P. 2021. Changing Trends in Immunosensing Technologies and Their Commercial Aspects in Animal Health and Welfare. In: Suman P., Chandra P. (eds) Immunodiagnostic Technologies from Laboratory to Point-Of-Care Testing. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5823-8_8

3.  Birader K, Keerthana LS, Yathirajarao T, Barla JA, Suman P. 2021. Methods for Enhancing Aptamer Affinity for Antigen Detection and Its Characterization. In: Suman P., Chandra P. (eds) Immunodiagnostic Technologies from Laboratory to Point-Of-Care Testing. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5823-8_9 

4.  Kumar P, Chakraborty S, Nagar D, Birader K, Suman P. 2021. Application of Biosensors to Enhance Reproductive Efficiency and Production of Livestock and Poultry by Diverse Antigen Analysis. In: Suman P., Chandra P. (eds) Immunodiagnostic Technologies from Laboratory to Point-Of-Care Testing. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5823-8_10

Dr. Anitha Arumugam
ICMR-Research Associate
Theranostic aptamer for botulinum toxins, Biosensors, Microneedle based drug delivery platform.

Mr. Pankaj Kumar 
PhD Scholar
Aptamer selection and engineering against hormones and development of aptamer based assays for estrous detection.

Mr. Yathirajarao T
PhD Scholar
Exploring the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles for detection of intrammary infection, 3 D printing, diagnostic devices.

Ms. Ankita Das
PhD Scholar
Systemic and omics approaches to understand patho-physiology of post-partam anoestros in livestock.

Ms. Deepali Rawat
PhD Scholar
Venom specific biomarker discovery, generation of monoclonal antibodies, aptasensor development.

Ms. Muskan
PhD Scholar
Therapeutic aptamers, point-of-care aptasensors, antimicrobial sensitivity testing devices.

Ms. Komal Birader
Project Associate-II
Monoclonal antibody and aptasensors for various infectious and non-infectious targets.

Ms. L. Sai Keerthana
Project Associate-II
Socio-economic upliftment of landless and marginal farmers of Yadgir (an aspirational district) of Karnataka through goat rearing.

Short Term Trainees:
Ms. Nishtha Shrimali
Mr. Hardik Chandawat
Ms. Twinkle P Thomas
Mr. Prabin K Sahoo

Field assistant:
Mr. Nandeesh US

Alumni:
Ms. Aswitha Balaji
Ms. Shalilni Chakraborty
Ms. Devika Nagar
Mr. Anil K
Ms. Jeannie Alice Barla
Ms. Rajini Kumari
Ms. T Sowmya
Ms. Sherin Kaul
Mr. K. Shashidhar Reddy
Mr. KMMS Yasaswi
Dr. Shradha Shetty
Mr. Channaveera
Mr. Sachin
Md. Azhar Subani
Mr. Ashok
Ms. Darshani Ghode
Ms. Deepalakshmi G

Visiting Scientist:
Dr. Toms Joseph (Oct 2021 – Dec 2021)

(Only those as PI are listed)

Aptamer/antibody based optoelectronic sensors
1. Aptamer based lateral flow device for the detection of heat or estrus in buffalo

2. Development of aptamer/antibody based point-of-care diagnostic for differential detection of venoms (Big four snakes) in envenomed individuals

3. Development of aptamer based lateral flow assays for detection of antibiotics

4. Application of iron oxide nanoparticles for development of assays to sequester mammalian and bacterial cells

5. Development of affordable point-of care diagnostics and safe assay system for corona virus infection

Nanofiber/transdermal nanopatch for delivery of hormones/drugs
1. Development of single injection nano-fibrous implant/transdermal patch for timed insemination in buffalo to overcome the problem of silent heat

Improving the production and reproductive performances of livestock
1. Expression of recombinant cellulase to improve the digestibility of cellulose rich dry roughages

2. Socio-economic upliftment of landless and marginal farmers of Yadgir district (an aspirational district) of Karnataka through goat rearing (Approved)
    a. Genomics of Indian goat breeds of high and low fecundity
    b. Affordable feeding practices for sustainable goat farming

3. Data accumulation, analysis and quality enhancement of bio-resources and ethno-veterinary practices used by the scheduled tribes of Telangana for livestock health and productivity (Approved)

National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB),
Opp. Journalist Colony, Near Gowlidoddy,
Extended Q City Road, Gachibowli,
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
PIN: 500 032

Email: pankajsuman[at]niab[dot]org[dot]in

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/pankaj.suman.1/bibliography/public/

https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=JkUoLxEAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2021/mar/29/a-new-tool-that-instantly-detects-antibiotics-in-milk-2282989.html

https://indusscrolls.com/new-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance/

https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/isw/New-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance.html

https://theindianbulletin.com/new-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance/

https://jionews.com/home/article/58/19066412/New-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance

https://republicnewsindia.com/new-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance/

https://delhipostnews.com/new-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance/

https://indusscrolls.com/new-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance/

http://www.nagalandpost.com/new-tool-to-fight-antimicrobial-resistance/230977.html

We have openings for PhD, Post-doc and training (at least 6 months). Interested students can email me (pankajsuman[at]niab[dot]org[dot]in) with Statement of Purpose and Complete CV.