This Department has a presence in all three campuses of the University

Department Head:

Prof. S. Krupanidhi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Programmes offered by the department:

Undergraduate Programme:

B.Sc. (Biosciences) Hons. , offered at all three campuses

The following programmes are offered only at the Prasanthi Nilayam campus:

Postgraduate Programme: M.Sc.(Biosciences)

M.Phil Programme: Biosciences

Ph.D. Programme: Doctoral degree

Teaching Staff Profile:

PRASANTHINILAYAM CAMPUS

• Prof. S. Krupanidhi M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Professor, HoD
  Area of specialization: Immunology, Developmental Biology, Evolutionary biology
  
• Dr. R. Basavaraju M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Reader
  Area of specialization: Plant breeding, Plant Biotechnology, Tissue Culture
  
• Shri K. Anil Kumar M.Sc.
  Hon. faculty
  Area of specialization: Taxonomy of Plants
  
• Dr. B. S. Vijayakumar M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Reader
  Area of specialization: Microbiology, Mycology, Fungal Biotechnology
  
• Dr. (Mrs). Parvathi Chary M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph.D.
  Lecturer
  Area of specialization: Plant Molecular Biology
  
• Mrs. G. Jayaprada M.Sc.
  Lecturer
  Area of specialization: Genetics

BRINDAVAN CAMPUS

• Dr. K.V. Srinivas M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Reader
  Area of specialization: Ornithology
  
• Dr. A. Ashok M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Lecturer
  Area of specialization: Aquaculture; Animal Physiology

ANANTAPUR CAMPUS

• Prof. (Miss) B. Poornasri Devi M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Professor
  Area of specialization: Tissue Culture, Azadirachtin Juss, Indica studies, Biotechnology
  
• Name Dr. (Mrs.) K. Sarada M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.
  Reader
  Area of specialization: Mycology, Microbiology
  
• Miss. Isha Sai M.Sc.
  Teaching Assistant
  Area of specialization: Biotechnology
  
• Dr. (Miss) Vijeyakumari M.Sc., Ph.D.
  Teaching Assistant
  Area of specialization: Biotechnology
  
• Miss. K. B. Meera Raj M.Sc.
  Teaching Assistant
  Area of specialization: Biotechnology
  
• Miss. Sruthi Harish M.Sc.
  Teaching Assistant
  Area of specialization: Biotechnology

National/international seminars and workshops organised at the department:

In the year 2006-2007:

Department of Biosciences and Chemistry jointly conducted an International Symposium on “Emerging trends in Biological and Chemical Sciences” from 8th to 10^th August 2006.

After the formal welcome address by Prof. S. Krupanidhi there were six speakers in the inaugural session. Prof. Ramesh K Nayak, NIH, Bethesda, U.S.A., spoke on 'The genesis of the symposium'.  Prof. S. Krupanidhi, Head, Dept of Biosciences and Dr. Chelli Janardhana, Head, Department of Chemistry, each presented for 15 minutes the profiles of their respective departments.

The Chief Guest Sri Anil V. Gokak, Vice Chancellor, SSSU gave the inaugural address. The Chief Guest also advocated imparting and generating the parallel interests in both spirituality and science to curb the rat race and to instill discipline. The Vice Chancellor reiterated the need for interdisciplinary approach to unravel the mysteries of life.

There were two keynote addresses. Both focussed on the Educare aspects citing examples in their respective disciplines. Dr. Padmaja Mummaneni, Senior Scientist, FDA, Silver Spring, USA, and Dr. Ganesh Kumar, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA presented on the topics viz., Educare in Biosciences and Chemistry and Spirituality respectively.

The inaugural session ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Srikanth K. Nadadur, Senior Scientist, EPA, Research Triangle, USA and Mr. D.V.N.R. Malliswar, Ph.D. Scholar, Dept of Biosciences.  There were a total of 6 technical sessions in the subject of Biosciences and 3 technical sessions in Chemistry, which were conducted in parallel sessions. There were interactive sessions and a common valedictory function. The technical sessions focused on the latest topics such as Molecular Immunology, Neurological diseases and Cellular oxidant environment, Environmental Biology, Plant Biology and Health and disease in the post-genomic era out of the discipline of Biosciences. There were three technical sessions identified in chemistry - 'Potential applications of novel therapeutics, Health and disease - A chemist perspective and Applied Chemistry'. There were a total of 37 presentations along with an illuminating talk by Prof. K. Anil Kumar on the 'Message of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba' emphasizing on the education for life.

Visiting Faculty:

A number of eminent scholars both from within the country and abroad visit the department and interact with students and faculty in long term as well as short term basis. Following is the list of important persons who interacted with faculty and students during the last few years.

1. Prof. R. Manjunath, Department of Biochemistry, IISc, Bangalore, delivered lectures in ‘Tools and Techniques in Research Methodology’, for M.Phil students during the period 20^th to 27^th June 2006.

2. Prof. Ravi Prakash Maharsh, Department of Biosicens, Dayanand University, Rohtak, delivered lectures on ‘Molecular Evolution, Cancer Biology, Molecular phylogeny, and Gene Therapy’, for the II MSc students covering the course BIOSCI 901, 904A, 702-B during the period 1^st June to 2^nd July 2006.

3. Prof. Anupam Dixit, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, delivered lectures on ‘Molecular Phylogeny of plants, plant classification’ for I MSc students covering the course BIOSCI-703 during the period 1^st June to 2^nd July 2006.

4. Prof. T.N. Lakanpal, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, delivered lectures on ‘Fungal Biotechnology’, for II MSc students covering the course BIOSCI-903 during the period 20^th June to 1^st Aug 2006.

5. Dr. M.R. Heble, Rtd. BATC Scientist, Mumbai, delivered lectures on ‘Chemotaxonomy’ for I MSc students covering the course BIOSCI-703 during the period 18^th and 21^st July 2006 and  22^nd Aug 2006.

6. Dr. Amit Krishna De, Asst. Executive secretary, Indian Science Congress, Kolkata, delivered lectures on ‘Nutrition and digestion, energy and metabolism’ for the II MSc students covering the course BIOSCI-903 during the period 19^th to 30^th Aug and on 25^th Nov 2006.

7. Prof. T.N. Lakanpal, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, delivered lectures on ‘Mycology and Plant Pathology’, for II MSc students covering the course BIOSCI-903 during the period 19^th to 30^th Aug and on 25^th Nov 2006. He also delivered lectures on ‘Plant Resource Utilization’ during 25^th Feb and 8^th Mar 2007.

8. Dr. Srikanth Nadadir, EPA, Research Triangle, NC, USA, delivered lectures on ‘Techniques of Molecular Biology’, for M.Phil students during the period 24^th to 30^th July 2006.

9. Prof. Raviprakash, Department of Biosciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, delivered expert lectures on guidance and advice to handle Research topics for staff and research scholars related to UGC SAP and Ph.D. scholars.

10. Dr. Scott Doughman, North Carolina, USA interacted with the faculty research scholars and reviewed the article ‘Clustral – w programme analysis, Omega 3 Lecture’ on 15^th Dec 2006.

11. Dr. Sanjeevi Carani, Molecular medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweeden, delivered lecture on ‘MHC Immunology’ from 6^th to 8^th Dec 2006.

12. Prof. Ravi Prakash, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rhotak, delivered a lecture on ‘Molecular Developmental Biology, Drosophilla’ on 28^th Dec 2006.

13. Dr. G. Iyer, Ramanarayan College, Mumbai delivered a lecture on ‘Enzyme Immobilization’ on 28^th Dec 2006.

14. Prof. V. Narall, George Ordal, Biochemistry, Illinois Medical Schoool, Illinois, delivered lecture on ‘Environmental Awareness, Bioenzyme Kinetics’ on 5^th Jan 2007.

15. Dr. Surya Prakash S., Scientist, CDC, Atlanta, USA delivered a lecture on ‘Immunology’ during 2^nd and 20^th Feb 2007.

16. Dr. Prakash Sambare, Scientist, Centre for Disease, Atlanta, USA visited the department and delivered lectures on ‘Immunology’ during 2^nd and 20^th Feb 2007.

Research activities:

M.Phil. Research Candidates:

M.Phil. Theses work Completed / submitted (2006):

M.Sc.(Biosciences) Dissertations 2005-06 Batch:

11. List of Publications:

1. S. Krupanidhi, “Science and Culture”, Popular Article, Journal of Science and Culture, 72, May-June, 2006, p. 187-189.

2. A.S. Viswanathan & S. Krupanidhi, “Numerical Phenetic – A dndrogram for primates”, Proceedings of the Zoological Society of India, 5, June 2006, (1), p.1-9.

3. R. Basavaraju, “Qualitative genet analysis in Pearl Millie resistance to dowry mildew”, Kavaka, 32, 145-151, 2006.

4. Prashant Kumar Sharma and B.S. Vijayakumar, “Studies on ectomy Corhiza, soil and rhizosphere fungi associated with Zucalyptus globules”, Journal of Ecobiology, 18(1), 2006, p. 91-93.

5. B.S. Vijayakumar and Ratnakaram Sai Tej Raju, “Biodiversity of ecto mycorrhizage and soil microfungi associated with Tectoma grandis”, Journal of Ecobiology, 18(4) 2006, p.397-398.

6. N.D.R. Rao, M.G. Anand and P. Chary, “Concurrence among 4 biomarkers for identification of elite neem (Azadirachita indica A Juss) chemotypes of azadirachitn-A”, Genetics & Breeding, Vol. 59(2), p. 131-144, Sep 2006.

7.  Sai Jyothi Pattnaik, N.D.R. Rao and Parvathi Chary, “Ecomorphometric markers reflect variations in Azadirachtin-A content of Azadirachta indcia A. Juss (Meliaceae) in select regions of Andhra Pradesh, India”, Current Science, Vol. 91(5), p.628 – 636, 10^th Sept 2006.

8. Srikanth Kota, N.D.R Rao and Parvathi Chary, “In vitro response of select regions of Azadirachta indica A.Juss (Meliaceae) as clucidated by biochemical and molecular variations”, Current Science, Vol. 91(6), p.770-776, 25^th Sept 2006.

9. K. Venkateswara Rao, “Studies on Intra specific variations of Andrographics paniculata Nees in Prasanthinilayam”, Biodiversity in India, Vol4, p.10-18, 2006.

10. Karthik Iyer, C. Parthasarathy and R. Basavaraju, “The role of phytohormones on caulogenesis and morphogenesis in plant tissue culture – pearl millet and green gram in Recent trends in Biotechnology” Eds T. Pullaiah and N. Ramaswamy Regency Publications, pp.48-50, 2006.

11. E. Ramulu, P. Sujith Kumar and R. Basavaraju, “The role of phytohormones on caulogenesis in plant tissue culture – ground nut and mustard in Recent trends in Biotechnology”, Eds T. Pullaiah and N. Ramaswamy Regency Publications, pp.51-54, 2006.

12. M.G. Anand, N.D. Raghupati Rao and P.Chary, “Ecomorphological characteristics as an indictor for Azadirachtin – A variations in Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) micropopulations”, Phytomorphology, pp.56, 2006.

13. Krupanidhi S., Mdhukar S.S., and Doughman S.D., “Insilico tools for evaluating conservation homology amongst interleukins, On line journal of Bioinformatics, pp.8(1), 1-6, 2007.

14. M.G. Anand, N.D. Raghupati Rao and Parvathi Chary, “Habitat related variations of Azadirachtin  - A content corroborated by molecular cataloguing in neem”, Journal of Plant Biochem and Biotechnology, 2007.

15. Sujanya S, Sri Devi B.P. and Isha sai, “In vitro production of Azadirachtin from cell suspension cultures of Azadirachta indica”, Journal of Bioscicens, 2006, In press.

16. Poorna Sri Devi B and Rashmi Kapoor, “Awareness level of rural women about neem products and its association with selected socio personal characteristics”, Rural India, 2006, accepted for publication.

17. Poorna Sri Devi B and Rashmi Kapoor, “The role of rural women in the dynamics of neem biotechnologices”, Rural India, 2006, accepted for publication.

18. Sarada Kali and Prakasa Rao, “Studies on anti microbial traits of essential oils of Digera ravens frosh and shade dried leaves and roots of Anatapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India”, Asian Journal of experimental Sciences, Vol.20, 04, 2006, p.209-21.

19. Sarada Kali and Prakasa Rao, “Studies on the screening of Diazotropus and allied anieroflora from the phyllo, Rhizospheres and leaf sheaths of Bajra (Peunisefum typhoides var”, Journal of Microbial world, 2006, var. wec-75, Vol.11, No.3, pp.47-50.

20. Vijhee Vijayaratnam, Ying wang Elevao, Gracheva, Jainet Richmond, Taiza Kawano, Jillian M. Couto John A. Calarco, Yishi Jin and Mei Zhan, “The C2H2 Zine, finger protein SYD-9 is a putative post transcriptional regulator for synaptic transmission”, PNAS, 103: 10450-10455, 2006.

21. Isha Sai, “Invitro production of azadirachtin from cell suspension cultures of Azadirachta indica”, Journal of Biosciences, 2006, In press.

  Papers presented in Seminars/Workshops/Conferences etc.:

1. Prof. S. Krupanidhi, “Co-existence – An invulnerable requirement for Life”, in the 17^th All India Congress of Zoology at Baramati, organized by Zoological Society of India at Vidya Pratishthan’s Arts, Science commerce college, Baramati, Maharashtra, from 15^th to 17^th October 2006.

2. Dr. B.S. Vijayakumar, “Teaching of Biosciences with Value Orientation’ at the National Conference on ‘Advances in Technology– Need  for  Global  Ethics”, organized by ahatma Gandhi National Institute of Research and Social Action, Hyderabad from 11th to 12th October 2006.

3. Dr. B.S. Vijayakumar, Robin Sharma, K.N. Raya and A.S. Viswanathan “Studies on Biodiversity of Hyphomycetes from the forest soils of Puttaparthi Mandal, Anantapur District, A.P.”, “Studies on the Aero-Mycoflora of vidyagiri campus Prasanthinilayam and its envorinemtns” presented in the National Conference on recent trends in Mycological Research and 33^rd Annual meeting of mycological society of India, during 28^th and 29^th Dec 2006 organized by department of Botany, JJ College of Arts and Sciences, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu.

4. Dr. K. Venkateswara Rao, “Integrated approach to Bio-Diesel – Development, for self-employment in Rural Areas”, at the Technology choices – Experiences in SGSY: Problems and prospects, organized by NIRD, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad from 1^st to 10^th June 2006.

5. Prof. S. Krupanidhi, DVNR Malliswar, “Numerical and in silico tools for evaluating the morphological (primates) and molecular (interleukins) homology”, in the section of Animal, veterinary and Fishers Sciences of 94^th Indian Science congress held at Chidambaram, during 3^rd and 7^th Jan 2007.

6. Dr. B.S. Vijayakumar, Robin Sharma, K.N. Raya, “Studies on biodiversity of Hyphomyctes from the semi-arid tropical forest soils of Prasanthinilayam, Anantapur, A.P. and culturing in in 11tr Baby Fermenter for the extraction of its crude metabolite namely cellulose and studying its activity” in the section of Animal, veterinary and Fishers Sciences of 94^th Indian Science congress held at Chidambaram, during 3^rd and 7^th Jan 2007.

7. Dr. B.S. Vijayakumar, Robin Sharma, K.N. Raya, “Studies on T.viride from soils of Prasanthinilaym, Anantapur District, AP, and studies on Cellulase and its activity” presented in International Conference on Biotechnological approaches in Bioresource management during 23^rd and 26^th Jan 2007, department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Trichy.

8. Prof. S. Krupanidhi, “Biodiversity – A Biologist perspective” a lead lecture in the National Conference on Biodiversity conservation and Human Well-being held by department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, during 8th and 10^th Feb 2007.

9. Dr. B.S. Vijayakumar, Robin Sharma, K.N. Raya, A.S. Viswanathan and Ganesh Iyer “Studies on Biodiversity of Hyphomycetes of some of the Vengalammacheruvu forest soils of Puttaparthi mandal, A.P.” , “Studies on some of the Hyphomycetes fermentation and immobilization technology to produce cellulose”, and “Studies  on aerobiology of Puttaparthy mandal, Anantapur District, A.P.,” presented at the National Biotechnology Conference during 9^th and 11^th Feb 2007 at Sanathana Dharma College, Allappuzha, Kerala.

10. Sri Vennelraj J and Dr. R. Basavaraju, “In vitro culture of Medicinal Plants”, presented in the UGC National Seminar on Recent advances in Medicinal Plants research organized by the Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu during 3^rd and 4^th March 2007.

11. Prof.(Miss) B. Poorna Sri Devi “Importance of Value Education in Nutrition Education”, in the ‘Recent trends in Nutrition Education approaches’, conducted by the department of Home Science, SSSU, Anantapur Campus on 2nd Sept 2006.

12. Dr.(Mrs.) K. Sarada and Miss K Himabindu “Studies on the effect of organic and biopesticides on the growth, nutrient uptake, leachates analysis and yield of Horse gram (Dolichos biflorus) Roxb, Var.C.35”, at the National Conference on frontiers in Biofertilizers and Biopesticides, 25, p.40-41(2006).

13. Dr.(Mrs.) K Sarada and Miss Chayanika Raj “Studies on the application of graded doses of bio and bio organic fertilizers on the growth of green grow (vigna radiata) wilzek, var MC267 with physics chemical   analysis”,  at  the  National  Conference on frontiers in Biofertilizers and Biopesticides, 69, p.48-49(2006).

14. Dr.(Mrs.) K Sarada and Miss Harshaja “Studies on the screening of Diagatro and allied microflora from the aero, phyllo, and rhizospheres of finger millet (Elaus ine Coracana(L) var Ratnagiri with allopatic activities”, at the National seminar on News from Plant Pathology, 26, p.41-42(2006).

15. Dr.(Mrs.) K Sarada and Miss G Supraja, “Studies on the incidence of the microbial millece of white mustard     Brasica  alha  (linn)  var  linta  with  its biochemical and antinucrobial activity”, at the National seminar on News from Plant Pathology, 46, p.69-70(2006).

16. Prof.(Miss) B. Poorna Sri Devi and Miss Isha Sai, “Enhanced production of Azadirachtin in Electro stimulated neem suspension culture”, at the National seminar on Phyto medicine of Phyto Pharmocology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, between 29^th and 30^th November 2006.

17. Prof.(Miss) B. Poornasri Devi, Miss. Isha Sai & Mrs.Urbashi Chatterjee, “Enhanced production of Azadirachtin in electrostimulated neem suspension cultures”, at the National symposium on phytomedicine & pharmacology, Bangalore University from Nov 29^th 2006 to 30^th Feb 2007.

Major thrust areas within the subject in which research activities are being actively pursued:

1. Environmental Biology
2. Protein Biochemistry
3. Molecular Biology
4. Immunology and Invertebrate Haematology
5. Microbial Biotechnology and Soil Mycology
6. Algae Biotechnology
7. Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology
8. Azadirachtin Juss Indica
9. Neem based Biotechnology for Rural Women

Facilities:

1. General Instrumentation Centre:

   1. UV Spectrophotometer, Hitachi
   2. Bio-Spectrophotometer, Elico
   3. BOD Incubator
   4. Plant Growth Chamber
   5. Orbital refrigerated illuminated shaker
   6. Orbital refrigerated shaker
   7. Ultra Centrifuge 65,000 rpm. Beckman
   8. Electronic Balance, Sartorius
2. Molecular Biology Lab:
   1. Mini Thermal Cycler M J Research
   2. Agarose gel electrophoresis set
   3. Biofuge, Heraeus
   4. Transilluminator, Vilber Lourmat
3. Immunology and Invertebrate Haematology lab:
   1. ELISA Reader, Asys Hitech
   2. Fluorescence Microscope, Nikon
   3. 6.6 Megapixels dedicated digital camera
   4. CO2 Incubator
   5. Laminar Flow
   6. Inverted Microscope, Car Zeiss
4. Proteomics Lab:
   1. FPLC, G E Health Care
   2. 2-D Electrophoresis set up, G E Health Care
   3. Gel Documentation set up, Vilber lourmat
   4. 2-D gel Software analyzer, Vilber lourmat
   5. Electrophoretic Set up vertical and Horizontal, G E Health Care
   6. Software protein – Ligand docking: Discovery studio Visualizer, Ligand Fit, Ligand score, Accelrys Software Inc.
   7. PHAST System, LKB
   8. FT IR Spectrophotometer
5. Scanning Electron Microscope Facility:
• Scanning Electron Microscope, Joel
6. Micro Photography Lab:
   1. Research Microscope, Carl Zeiss
   2. Stereo Microscope, Carl Zeiss
   3. Epilumniniscence Microscope, Carl Zeiss
   4. Stereomicroscope, Nikon
   5. Camera 1.3 mega pixels digital camera
7. Plant Tissue Culture Lab:
   1. Laminar Flow
   2. Water Distillation set
   3. Autoclave
   4. Tissue Culture Racks
   5. Plant Growth Chamber
   6. Green House for hardening and propagation of tissue culture plants
8. Microbial Biotechnology Lab:
   1. Laminar Flow
   2. Baby Fermenter
   3. Rotary shaker
   4. Refrigerated Table top Centrifuge, Beckman
   5. Trinocular Microscope with digital Camera

Other highlights:

• The department regularly conducts in house seminars for orientation and international level workshops on the research topics of current interest. To such workshops frontline researchers on the subject are invited to deliver talks.
  
• At Honours level, the curriculum includes 18 courses of both basic and applied courses spread over 6 semesters.
  
• M.Sc. Programme is integrated with Honours programme covers 16 courses which are modern and 9 of them are related to future subject of Biotechnology.
  
• In June 2004, the M.Sc.(Bioscience) Programme has been extended from B.Sc.(Hons) in Bioscience for girl students at Anantapur Campus.
  
• M.Sc. Programme, students are encouraged to do quality dissertations in lieu of practical courses. Those dissertations have lead to the publication of 80 papers.
  
• The thrust areas of faculty research have been fish nutrition, haemotology, soil fungi, VAM fungi, flouride technology and deflouridation methods, plant tissue culture.
  
• Mycorrhizal research, deflouridation research and plant tissue culture have lead to extension activity to local areas.
  
• Exposure to sophisticated equipments in the University laboratory.
  
• Integration of values with the subjects while teaching secular subjects.
  
• The alumni of the department are well placed both in academics and industry. Several alumni of the Department have gone abroad for higher studies and completed doctoral work in the U.S. and Canada. Some are still pursuing such studies. Some have chosen to stay back as faculty members of the University. Several are now in charge of major responsibilities at Super Specialty Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam and at Whitefield started by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Some have chosen to serve Bhagavan in different schools. Many of them are on faculties of different Universities and Institutions (University of Hyderabad, M.S.Swaminathan Institute, Colleges at Singareni, Trichy, Indian Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad). One has joined the Indian Forest Service.