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Sankarprasad Bhuniya

Associate Professor of Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences

Odnoklassniki
Education Qualifications
  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2003-2006), Pohang University of Science & Technology, Rep. of Korea, and Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA
  • Ph.D (1995-2000)., Materials Science Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, WB, India
  • M.Sc. (1993-1995): , Department of Chemistry, IIT Kharagpur
Education Qualifications
  • 2014-2020: Research Professor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore India
  • 2013-2014: Research Professor, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Republic of Korea
  • 2009-2013: Research Professor, Korea University, Seoul, Rep. of Korea,
  • 2007-2009: Senior Scientist, GVK Biosciences Pvt Ltd
  • 2001-2003: Senior Scientist, ATIRA, Ahmedabad, India
  • 2000-2001: Senior Chemist, Universal Agrochem Industries Ltd., Kolkata India
Area of Specialization
  • MRI
  • Fluorescent probes
  • Medicinal chemistry
  • Drug delivery
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine
Research Topic
MRI (T1-Weighted) Activated Theranostics

It is an advanced approach that combines therapy and diagnostics in a single platform for precise, image-guided treatment. It uses smart nanocarriers that respond to specific biological triggers, such as hypoxia or enzyme activity in tumors, to release drugs selectively at the target site. Simultaneously, these systems activate T1-weighted MRI signals, enabling real-time visualization of drug delivery and therapeutic response. This dual functionality improves treatment accuracy, minimizes side effects, and provides continuous feedback on efficacy. Such theranostic platforms are paving the way for personalized medicine, especially in managing complex diseases like cancer and genetic disorders.

Fluorescent Probes

They enable the study of chemical transformations at the molecular level within complex cellular environments. These bio-inspired tools exploit differences in molecular reactivity to selectively detect and visualize specific species in live cells. Fluorescent probes offer a powerful strategy for sorting and identifying biological signals in real time, helping to unravel cellular processes. Current research focuses on developing probes to monitor organelle-specific pH changes, cellular senescence, biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, and cell cycle progression. These probes provide valuable insights into cellular function and disease, advancing both basic biology and medical diagnostics.

Research Focus

The research focuses on developing advanced molecular tools and nanomedicine platforms that combine diagnostics and therapy—known as theranostics—for precise disease detection and targeted treatment. It includes designing MRI-activated nanodevices for controlled drug delivery in tumors, creating chemoselective fluorescent probes for imaging cellular processes such as pH changes, senescence, and neurodegenerative disease markers, and developing peptide–drug conjugates for targeted cancer therapy. The overall aim is to advance personalized medicine through innovative chemical, biological, and nanotechnological approaches.

Research Guidance

Research guidance is provided in the field of interdisciplinary sciences, focusing on the development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools. His mentorship encompasses various aspects of molecular imaging, nanomedicine, and chemical biology. His research group actively engages in projects related to MRI (T1-weighted) activated theranostics, fluorescent probes for bioimaging, and the development of peptide–drug conjugates for targeted therapy. Students under his mentorship are involved in cutting-edge research that integrates chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology to address complex biomedical challenges.

Awards and Achievements
  • CSIR-JRF (1994): Qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
  • GATE 99.51 percentile (1995, 10th rank in India); CSIR qualified ( JRF, 1994)
Visiting Scientist

i) Brainpool fellow -Korea national science foundation -2018, Visited KBSI, Republic of Korea
ii) Brainpool fellow -Korea national science foundation -2020, Visited POSTECH, Republic of Korea

International recognition

Selected as Brain Pool fellow by the National Research Foundation –the Republic of Korea in the year 2018

Patents
  • Kim JS, Bhuniya S, Lee S, Hong K-S, Lee H, Moon H. Uridine-based gadolinium complex, method for manufacturing the same, and MRI contrast agent comprising the complex. Korean Patent KR2012107541.
  • Kim JS, Bhuniya S, Lee S, Hong K-S, Lee H, Moon H. Preparation of uridine-based gadolinium complexes as MRI contrast agents. US Patent 9,290,535. March 22, 2016.
  •   Bhuniya S, Mishra S, Velusamy N, Bobba KN, Anupama B, Divya N. Hydrogen sulfide for cancer biomarker. Indian Patent 556490. 2025.
  • Bhuniya S, Mishra S, Velusamy N, Bobba KN, Anupama B, Divya N. Fluorescent exomarker probes for hydrogen sulfide detection. US Patent 10,502,742. 2019.
Patents

1. Afrin F, Bhuniya S, editors. Smart Drug Delivery Systems: Futuristic Window in Cancer Therapy. IntechOpen Series. Vol 6. 2024. doi:10.5772/intechopen.111191.
2. Biswas S, Bhuniya S. Fluorescence guided activatable cancer theranostics: its development and prospect. In: Afrin F, Bhuniya S, eds. Smart Drug Delivery Systems – Futuristic Window in Cancer Therapy. IntechOpen; 2024:1-25. doi:10.5772/intechopen.115104.
3. Murugan D, Hanson S, PV J, Biswas R, Nair BG, Bhuniya S, Mishra N. The emerging role of phytochemicals in nanotechnology for targeting liver cancer. In: Liver Cancer and Phytomedicine: Chemoprevention, Chemo Sensitization and Chemotherapy Strategies. 2024:599-630.

Publications (corresponding author)

1. Bhuniya S, Vrettos EI. Hypoxia-activated theragnostic prodrugs (HATPs): current state and future perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2024;16(4):557.
2. Bhuniya S, Demina TS, Akopova TA. Advances in applications of polysaccharides and polysaccharide-based materials. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(12):6482.
3. Demina TS, Kilyashova LA, Popyrina TN, Svidchenko EA, Bhuniya S, Akopova TA, Grandfils C. Polysaccharides as stabilizers for polymeric microcarriers fabrication. Polymers. 2022;13(18):3045.
4. Bhuniya S, Hong KS. Diagnostic significance of pH-responsive Gd3+-based T1 MR contrast agents. Invest Magn Res Imag. 2019;23:17-25.
5. Singha S, Kim D, Bhuniya S, Kumerai T. Fluorescence analysis: from sensing to imaging. J Anal Methods Chem. 2018;2018:2654127.
6. Kim EJ, Bhuniya S, Lee H, et al. In vivo tracking of phagocytic immune cells using a dual imaging probe with gadolinium-enhanced MRI and near-infrared fluorescence. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2016;8:10266-10273.
7. Kim EJ, Bhuniya S, Lee H, et al. An activatable prodrug for the treatment of metastatic tumors. J Am Chem Soc. 2014;136:13888-13894.
8. Bhuniya S, Maiti S, Kim EJ, et al. An activatable targeted theranostic for cancer therapy and imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed. 2014;53(17):4469-4474.
9. Jang JH, Bhuniya S, Kang J, Yeom A, Hong KS, Kim JS. Cu2+-induced bimodal (optical/MRI) contrast agent for cellular imaging. Org Lett. 2013;15(18):4702-4705.
10. Bhuniya S, Lee MH, Jeon HM, et al. Fluorescence off-on reporter for real time monitoring of gemcitabine delivery to the cancer cells. Chem Commun. 2013;49:7141-7143.
11. Maiti S, Park N, Han JH, et al. Gemcitabine-coumarin-biotin conjugates: a target specific theranostic anti-cancer prodrug. J Am Chem Soc. 2013;135(11):4567-4572.
12. Lee MH, Kim JY, Han JH, Bhuniya S, Sessler JL, Kang C, Kim JS. Direct fluorescence monitoring of the delivery and cellular uptake of a cancer-targeted RGD peptide-appended naphthalimide theragnostic prodrug. J Am Chem Soc. 2012;134:12668-12674.
13. Park J, Bhuniya S, Lee H, et al. DTTA-ligated uridine-quantum dot (QD) conjugate as a bimodal contrast agent for cellular imaging. Chem Commun. 2012;48:3218-3220.
14. Lee MH, Han JH, Kwon PS, Bhuniya S, Kim JY, Sessler J, Kang C, Kim JS. A hepatocyte targeting single galactose-appended naphthalimide: a tool for intracellular thiol imaging in vivo. J Am Chem Soc. 2012;134(2):1316-1322.
15. Lee S, Lee JH, Pradhan T, Lim CS, Cho BR, Bhuniya S, Kim S, Kim JS. Fluorescent turn-on Zn2+ sensing in aqueous and cellular medium. Sens Actuators B. 2011;160(1):1489-1493.
16. Bhuniya S, Moon H, Lee H, et al. Uridine-based paramagnetic supramolecular nanoaggregate with high relaxivity capable of detecting primitive liver tumor lesion. Biomaterials. 2011;32(27):6533-6540.
17. Zhang JF, Lim CS, Bhuniya S, Cho BR, Kim JS. A highly selective colorimetric and ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for fluoride ion detection. Org Lett. 2011;15(18):4702-4705.
18. Ren WX, Bhuniya S, Zhang JF, et al. New fluorogenic chemodosimetric system for mercury ion recognition. Tetrahedron Lett. 2010;51(44):5784-5786.
19. Jung HS, Ko KC, Lee JH, et al. Rationally designed fluorescence turn-on sensor: a new design strategy based on orbital control. Inorg Chem. 2010;49(18):8552-8557.
20. Zhang JF, Bhuniya S, Lee YH, Bae C, Lee JH, Kim JS. Novel 2,2′-bipyridine-modified calix[4]arenes: ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for Zn2+ ion. Tetrahedron Lett. 2010;51(29):3719-3723.
21. Kim HJ, Bhuniya S, Mahajan RK, et al. Fluorescence turn-on sensors for HSO4−. Chem Commun. 2009;46:7128-7130.
22. Seo YJ, Bhuniya S, Yi JW, Kim BH. A co-assembled probing system using the homoadenine self-duplex signal. Tetrahedron Lett. 2008;49(21):2701-2703.
23. Chong HS, Mhaske S, Lin M, Bhuniya S, Song HA, Brechbiel MW, Sun X. Synthetic ligands for targeted PET imaging and radiotherapy of copper. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007;17(22):6107-6110.
24. Seo YJ, Bhuniya S, Tapadar S, Jeong WY, Kim BH. Expanded fluorescent nucleoside analog as hybridization probe. Bull Kor Chem Soc. 2007;28(11):1923-1924.
25. Seo YJ, Bhuniya S, Kim BH. Reversible sol-gel signaling system with epMB for the study of enzyme- and pH-triggered oligonucleotide release from a biotin hydrogel. Chem Commun. 2007;1804-1806.
26. Bhuniya S, Seo YJ, Kim BH. (S)-(+)-Ibuprofen based hydrogelators: an approach toward an anti-inflammatory drug delivery. Tetrahedron Lett. 2006;47(40):7153-7156.
27. Bhuniya S, Kim BH. An insulin sensing sugar based fluorescent hydrogel. Chem Commun. 2006;1842-1844.
28. Bhuniya S, Park SM, Kim BH. Biotin-amino acid conjugates: an approach toward self-assembled hydrogelation. Org Lett. 2005;7(9):1741-1744.
29. Bhuniya S, Rahman S, Satyananda AJ, Gharia MM, Dave AM. A novel route to synthesize allyl starch and synthesis of biodegradable hydrogel by co-polymerizing allyl modified starch with methacrylic acid and acrylamide. J Polym Sci A Polym Chem. 2003;41(11):1650-1658.
30. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Heterocyclic based epoxy terminated structural adhesive II. Curing, adhesive strength and thermal stability. J Appl Polym Sci. 2002;86(14):3520-3526.
31. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Phosphorus based epoxy terminated structural adhesive II. Curing, adhesive strength and thermal stability. Eur Polym J. 2002;38(1):195-201.
32. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Heterocyclic based epoxy terminated structural adhesive II. Curing, adhesive strength and thermal stability. J Polym Mater. 2002;19(4):395-402.
33. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Synthesis and characterization of a new epoxy resin. J Polym Mater. 1998;15(4):335-341.
34. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Synthesis and characterization of new epoxy-terminated polymer. Int J Polym Mater Polym Biomater. 1998;42(1-2):27-37.

Publications (Co-author)

1. Bhuniya S, Vrettos EI. Hypoxia-activated theragnostic prodrugs (HATPs): current state and future perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2024;16(4):557.
2. Bhuniya S, Demina TS, Akopova TA. Advances in applications of polysaccharides and polysaccharide-based materials. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(12):6482.
3. Demina TS, Kilyashova LA, Popyrina TN, Svidchenko EA, Bhuniya S, Akopova TA, Grandfils C. Polysaccharides as stabilizers for polymeric microcarriers fabrication. Polymers. 2022;13(18):3045.
4. Bhuniya S, Hong KS. Diagnostic significance of pH-responsive Gd3+-based T1 MR contrast agents. Invest Magn Res Imag. 2019;23:17-25.
5. Singha S, Kim D, Bhuniya S, Kumerai T. Fluorescence analysis: from sensing to imaging. J Anal Methods Chem. 2018;2018:2654127.
6. Kim EJ, Bhuniya S, Lee H, et al. In vivo tracking of phagocytic immune cells using a dual imaging probe with gadolinium-enhanced MRI and near-infrared fluorescence. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2016;8:10266-10273.
7. Kim EJ, Bhuniya S, Lee H, et al. An activatable prodrug for the treatment of metastatic tumors. J Am Chem Soc. 2014;136:13888-13894.
8. Bhuniya S, Maiti S, Kim EJ, et al. An activatable targeted theranostic for cancer therapy and imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed. 2014;53(17):4469-4474.
9. Jang JH, Bhuniya S, Kang J, Yeom A, Hong KS, Kim JS. Cu2+-induced bimodal (optical/MRI) contrast agent for cellular imaging. Org Lett. 2013;15(18):4702-4705.
10. Bhuniya S, Lee MH, Jeon HM, et al. Fluorescence off-on reporter for real time monitoring of gemcitabine delivery to the cancer cells. Chem Commun. 2013;49:7141-7143.
11. Maiti S, Park N, Han JH, et al. Gemcitabine-coumarin-biotin conjugates: a target specific theranostic anti-cancer prodrug. J Am Chem Soc. 2013;135(11):4567-4572.
12. Lee MH, Kim JY, Han JH, Bhuniya S, Sessler JL, Kang C, Kim JS. Direct fluorescence monitoring of the delivery and cellular uptake of a cancer-targeted RGD peptide-appended naphthalimide theragnostic prodrug. J Am Chem Soc. 2012;134:12668-12674.
13. Park J, Bhuniya S, Lee H, et al. DTTA-ligated uridine-quantum dot (QD) conjugate as a bimodal contrast agent for cellular imaging. Chem Commun. 2012;48:3218-3220.
14. Lee MH, Han JH, Kwon PS, Bhuniya S, Kim JY, Sessler J, Kang C, Kim JS. A hepatocyte targeting single galactose-appended naphthalimide: a tool for intracellular thiol imaging in vivo. J Am Chem Soc. 2012;134(2):1316-1322.
15. Lee S, Lee JH, Pradhan T, Lim CS, Cho BR, Bhuniya S, Kim S, Kim JS. Fluorescent turn-on Zn2+ sensing in aqueous and cellular medium. Sens Actuators B. 2011;160(1):1489-1493.
16. Bhuniya S, Moon H, Lee H, et al. Uridine-based paramagnetic supramolecular nanoaggregate with high relaxivity capable of detecting primitive liver tumor lesion. Biomaterials. 2011;32(27):6533-6540.
17. Zhang JF, Lim CS, Bhuniya S, Cho BR, Kim JS. A highly selective colorimetric and ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for fluoride ion detection. Org Lett. 2011;15(18):4702-4705.
18. Ren WX, Bhuniya S, Zhang JF, et al. New fluorogenic chemodosimetric system for mercury ion recognition. Tetrahedron Lett. 2010;51(44):5784-5786.
19. Jung HS, Ko KC, Lee JH, et al. Rationally designed fluorescence turn-on sensor: a new design strategy based on orbital control. Inorg Chem. 2010;49(18):8552-8557.
20. Zhang JF, Bhuniya S, Lee YH, Bae C, Lee JH, Kim JS. Novel 2,2′-bipyridine-modified calix[4]arenes: ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for Zn2+ ion. Tetrahedron Lett. 2010;51(29):3719-3723.
21. Kim HJ, Bhuniya S, Mahajan RK, et al. Fluorescence turn-on sensors for HSO4−. Chem Commun. 2009;46:7128-7130.
22. Seo YJ, Bhuniya S, Yi JW, Kim BH. A co-assembled probing system using the homoadenine self-duplex signal. Tetrahedron Lett. 2008;49(21):2701-2703.
23. Chong HS, Mhaske S, Lin M, Bhuniya S, Song HA, Brechbiel MW, Sun X. Synthetic ligands for targeted PET imaging and radiotherapy of copper. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007;17(22):6107-6110.
24. Seo YJ, Bhuniya S, Tapadar S, Jeong WY, Kim BH. Expanded fluorescent nucleoside analog as hybridization probe. Bull Kor Chem Soc. 2007;28(11):1923-1924.
25. Seo YJ, Bhuniya S, Kim BH. Reversible sol-gel signaling system with epMB for the study of enzyme- and pH-triggered oligonucleotide release from a biotin hydrogel. Chem Commun. 2007;1804-1806.
26. Bhuniya S, Seo YJ, Kim BH. (S)-(+)-Ibuprofen based hydrogelators: an approach toward an anti-inflammatory drug delivery. Tetrahedron Lett. 2006;47(40):7153-7156.
27. Bhuniya S, Kim BH. An insulin sensing sugar based fluorescent hydrogel. Chem Commun. 2006;1842-1844.
28. Bhuniya S, Park SM, Kim BH. Biotin-amino acid conjugates: an approach toward self-assembled hydrogelation. Org Lett. 2005;7(9):1741-1744.
29. Bhuniya S, Rahman S, Satyananda AJ, Gharia MM, Dave AM. A novel route to synthesize allyl starch and synthesis of biodegradable hydrogel by co-polymerizing allyl modified starch with methacrylic acid and acrylamide. J Polym Sci A Polym Chem. 2003;41(11):1650-1658.
30. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Heterocyclic based epoxy terminated structural adhesive II. Curing, adhesive strength and thermal stability. J Appl Polym Sci. 2002;86(14):3520-3526.
31. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Phosphorus based epoxy terminated structural adhesive II. Curing, adhesive strength and thermal stability. Eur Polym J. 2002;38(1):195-201.
32. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Heterocyclic based epoxy terminated structural adhesive II. Curing, adhesive strength and thermal stability. J Polym Mater. 2002;19(4):395-402.
33. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Synthesis and characterization of a new epoxy resin. J Polym Mater. 1998;15(4):335-341.
34. Bhuniya S, Maiti S. Synthesis and characterization of new epoxy-terminated polymer. Int J Polym Mater Polym Biomater. 1998;42(1-2):27-37.

Projects

1. SERB-Early career research grant (2016-2019), Funded 36.4 lakhs, Principal Investigator
2. DST-RFBR Funded INR 31.00 Lakhs for research project (2020-2022)), Principal Investigator
3. CSIR -Extramural Research grant (2019-2022), Funded 24 lakhs, Principal investigator.
4. SERB-Core research grant (2020-2023), Funded 53.3 lakhs, Principal Investigator
5. SERB -Core grant (20024-2026): funded 42.92 Lakhs, Principal Investigator
6. SERB- Core grant (2022-2025): funded 37 lakhs, Co-investigator
7. CCRH Grant (2025-2026): funded 24 lakhs, Principal Investigator

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