Doctoral Candidate

Chennai, India

Education B.Tech Chemical Engineering (Honors), Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT KGP), 2015.

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Research Focus

Proteins at air-water and oil-water interfaces

Therapeutic proteins (specifically monoclonal antibodies) are surface active and adsorb onto air- protein solution interfaces, like the headspace of the vial containing the drug formulation. When this protein-laden interface is distorted during compression, cavitation and coalescence events, the proteins aggregate and are released into the solution as particulate matter affecting the potency, quality, safety and immunogenicity of the biologic therapeutics. We have developed a methodology to study these interfacial phenomena and to measure the interfacial rheology of these proteinaceous films and subsequently characterize the protein particles formed. Influence of surfactants like polysorbates and poloxamers are being studied. Silicone oil is used as a lubricant in pre-filled syringes. These hydrophobic surfaces also act as a source of aggregation, and these liquid-liquid interfaces are of interest as well.

Underwater bubble dynamics on aerophilic, porous polymer films

The spreading of water droplets on hydrophilic and hydrophobic solid substrates is a well-studied problem. The analogous problem of an air bubble spreading on the underside of an immersed substrate is not well understood. This work explores the spreading of bubbles against an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) film. This film is porous and hydrophobic (aerophilic). This can potentially be used to prevent foaming in applications where a solid-liquid-gas interface is involved, like froth flotation for mineral processing, carbon dioxide/methane capture, and this film can be used as a foam prevention lid in bio-reactors for cell culture.