Welcome to Biomaterials Research Laboratory (BRL)

Principal Investigator: Sumon Ganguli, PhD (Email: sumonganguli@yahoo.com, sumonganguli@cu.ac.bd). If you wish to join as a MS/M.Phil/PhD student, please email.

About Biomaterials Research Laboratory (BRL)

Biomaterials Research Laboratory (BRL)

Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

University of Chittagong

Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh

Research activities in BRL cover both fundamentals and applications, ranging from Macro (natural biopolymers) to Nano (synthetic nanomaterials), and Environmental Education are performed by close collaborations both within the University as well as between local and international institutions in a synergistic manner. The laboratory also investigate food related research and hydrogel for tissue engineering.

Principal Investigator :- Dr. Sumon Ganguli, Associate Professor and Ex-chairman

sumonganguli@yahoo.com or sumonganguli@cu.ac.bd

Vision:

The BRL at ACCE, CU aspires to excel in chemical research. 

 Mission:

BRL is committed to prepare an excellent researcher through applied research of national and international impact, build proactive collaborations with other Universities and Industries.

Goals:

Enhance the quality of the education through research to serve the society.

Enhance the basic and applied research framework.

Increase enrolment in the chemistry research.

Build partnerships with the University and Industry to achieve the BRL goals.​

In Brief: 

Dr. Sumon Ganguli is an Associate Professor and Ex-Chairman of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (ACCE), University of Chittagong (CU) where he has been a faculty member since 2012. He has M.Sc. from Islamic University, Kushtia, and earned Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Department of Material Science, University of Tsukuba, Japan. He has a total of 53 research publications to his credit in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. He was awarded Japanese Govt. Scholarship, obtained DST and ISR fellowship of India. He was also awarded BUGC and TWAS postdoctoral fellowship (2022-2023). He was served as visiting fellow at the University of Tsukuba, Japan for two weeks. Besides, he has 13 projects that are running, and five have been completed. His field of interest includes- Bio-Polymers, Material Chemistry and Nano-Chemistry, Green Synthesis, as well as Environmental Education giving the importance of water quality. He established (2016) the Biomaterial Research Laboratory (BRL) at the Department of ACCE financed by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Bangladesh. He has research collaboration (2019-2022) with the QAEHS, The University of Queensland, Australia. He also worked (2019-2020) as an Editorial Board member of the Chittagong University Journal of Science (CUJS). He is also a Editorial Board member of the Indinesian J. of Environmental Management and Sustainability. He is a Life Member of Bangladesh Chemical Society (BCS), and Bangladesh Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BSBMB). He attended an intensive training program on ‘Supply chain security in the pharmaceutical industry” jointly sponsored by CSIR-NEIST (Assam, India), CSIR-CLRI (Chennai, India) and PNNL (WA, USA), USDA-CSP (Washington DC, USA), CRDF Global (Arlington, USA) at 2020. At 2021, he was trained on Chemical Safety and Security in Bangladesh, jointly arranged by USDA-CSP (Washington DC, USA), CRDF Global (Arlington, USA) and BUET, Bangladesh. He is involved in various social activities. Dr. Ganguli is the founder president of the Cultural Society of Chittagong University (CSCU) and an active member of Bangabondhu Parisad, Chittagong District.

Lab Members

Members:

Present Members:

Senior/Non-degree Research Fellow (SNRF & NRF):

Degree Research Fellow (DRF):

Past Members:

Researches

Four Main Research Themes Include:

Enzyme-Polymer Conjugates and Their Application:
Enzymes are generally inactive under extreme conditions such as high temperature which actually limits their applications. We targeted to improve enzymatic functions under high temperature using enzyme-polymer conjugations. Bio-conjugations improve enzyme activity even after serious heat treatment. Moreover, we also used low molecular weight compounds to save enzymes under unfavorable conditions.

(J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131(18), 6549-6553).

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131(18), 6549-6553.

We showed a novel strategy for the regulation and preservation of the enzymatic activity even after heat treatment by the complex formation with a cationic smart copolymer, poly(N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-graft poly(ethylene glycol) (PEAMA-g-PEG). PEAMA-g-PEG suppressed the enzymatic activity of lysozyme completely without any conformational change, indicating complex formation and the capping of the active site of lysozyme by PEAMA-g-PEG. The addition of an anionic polymer, poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc), recovered the inhibited enzymatic activity of the lysozyme/PEAMA-g-PEG complex completely. Surprisingly, even after heating the lysozyme with PEAMA-g-PEG for 20 min at 98 °C, the addition of PAAc recovered 80% enzymatic activity of lysozyme. Circular dichroism (CD) spectral analysis clearly indicated that the irreversible inactivation of lysozyme induced by the heat treatment was suppressed by the complex formation with PEAMA-g-PEG.

(Langmuir, 2012, 28, 4334-4338)

2. Composite Materials:

Within this research theme, we seek to fabricate biofiber-reinforced thermoplastic/thermosetting matrix-based composites for a wide range of applications. We use both marine (alginate, chitosan etc.) and plant based (jute, areca nut, coconut, starch etc.) fibers. We characterize composites’ properties and evaluate them as a potential candidate. We recently started to work on hydrogel.

(J. Pure and Appl. Chem. Res., 2018, 7(3), 217-229)

3. Nano-materials:

Within this research concept, we attempt to synthesize solely novel nanomaterial (NPs) with various morphologies or combine nanomaterial with natural/synthetic polymer to enhance better performance towards potential applications such as antimicrobial activity, antiinflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and enviornmental remiadiation (adsorption/photolysis). 

(Published Data (4.2, Heliyon, 2023) and ChemistrySelect, 2019, 4, 12464-12471)

4. Environmental Research: Water/Soil/Food Chemistry and Risk Assessment:

We characterize nanocomposite/hybrid and evaluate them as a potential candidate to aid environmental remediation. Furthermore, recently, we are investigating hydro-geochemical signatures, quality indices and health risk assessment from water/soil/food (rice, lentil, fish) samples with special reference to Bangladesh.

(J. of Mat. and Env. Sciences, 2021, 12 (2), 308-328, Malaysian J. of Chemistry, 2021, 23 (1), 74-102)

(Indonesian J. of Env. Sustainability and Management, 4, 2020, 90-101)

Publications

Publications:

Collaborators

Collaborators:

Current Projects

Running Projects:

Completed Projects

Completed Projects:

Awards

• Undergraduate and Graduate level scholarships

  December 2004

  Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh

• Monbukagakusho scholarships

  October 2007

  MEXT, Japan

• Outstanding Presenter Award

  January 2014

  Kohn Kaen Univ. Thailand

• Strengtheing Supply Chain Security in the Pharmaceutical Industry in Bangladesh and India, 2020

  CRDF Global, USDA, (USA) and PNNL, CSIR (INDIA)

• Chemical Safety and Security in Bangladesh, 2021

  Sponsored by-CRDF Global, USDA, (USA) and Arranged by-BUET, Bangladesh

• DST and ISR Fellowship of India (2021)

• BUGC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022-2023)

• TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022-2023)

Presentations

Invited Lecture

1. “Regulation of Enzyme Activity by Artificial Smart Copolymer"  Sumon Ganguli, January 20, 2009, The 2009 TIMS-NTHU Joint Symposium: Nano and Bio-related Materials and Technology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.

2. Bio-related Science, Sumon Ganguli, 2018, Symposium on Nano-technology, Dept. of Physics, University of Chittagong.

3. "Water Pollution" Sumon Ganguli, NEAR, 2019, University of Chittagong.

4. "Lab Safety" Sumon Ganguli, Feb, 3, 2021, JNIRCMPS, University of Chittagong.

Published contribution to scientific conferences (Selected)

26. The Hydrogeochemical Signature Quality Indices and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in the Kaptai Lake Water and Fish, Dipta Das, Md. Nur E Alam, Konica Jannat Fatema, Md. Nazrul Islam, Md. Akter Hosen Rifat, Sabbir Howlader, and Sumon Ganguli, ICEPSD,02-04 September, 2022, Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

25. Association of Physical Exercise and Sleeping Habit with the COVID-19 Severity and Hospitalization: A Study among the Recovered Individuals in Bangladesh, Tahmida Shamsuddin, Nazrul Islam Kamol Dey, Suman Barua,Sabbir Howlader, Mohammad Delwer Hossain Howlader, Rivu Raj Chakraborty, Paritosh Kumar Biswas, and Sumon Ganguli, JNINC, 21st May 2022, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

24. The Hydrogeochemical Signature Quality Indices and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in the Kaptai Lake Water and Fish, Dipta Das, Md. Nur E Alam, Konica Jannat Fatema, Md. Nazrul Islam, Md. Akter Hosen Rifat, Sabbir Howlader, and Sumon Ganguli, JNINC, 21May 2022, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

23. A Facile Approach for Controlling the Size of Silver Nanoparticles using Different Species of Ophiorrhiza Genus for Improving their Biomedical Applications, Sabbir Howlader, A. K. M. Atique Ullah, Farhana Rumzum Bhuiyan, Saiful Islam, Benu K. Dey, and Sumon Ganguli, JNINC, 21 May 2022, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

22. Blumea lacera Leaf Extract Mediated Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs): Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential, Nakshi Saha, Sabbir Howlader, Farhana Rumzum Bhuiyan, Ferdausi Ali, Md. Ashraful Hoque, and Sumon Ganguli, JNINC, 21 May 2022, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

21. Synthesis of Plant Mediated Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) for Biomedical and Industrial Application, Aklima Akter Akhi, Sabbir Howlader, Nakshi Saha, K. Dey, and Sumon Ganguli, JNINC, 21May 2022, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

20. A Review on Photoanode for Improving the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell, Md. Abid Hasan, Sabbir Howlader, Sumon Ganguli, JNINC, 21 May 2022, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

19. Quality Assessment of the Water at the Chittagong University Campus and Bhatiary Lake, Chittagong, Md. Akter Hosen Rifat, Sabbir Howlader, Md. ArifulAlam, Ayesha Afrin, Ferdausi Ali, Shahidul Islam, and Sumon Ganguli, ICRAC, 07-08 February, 2020, Virtual Classroom, CSE 5F, New Academic Building, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

18. Switching the Enzymatic Activity: Improvement of Heat-resistance Based on Enzyme/Polymer Complex Formation, Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, ICFM, 06-08 January,2020, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.

17. Assessment of Drinking Water Quality at the Chittagong University Campus in Bangladesh, Md. Akter Hosen Rifat, Sabbir Howlader, Md. Ariful Alam, Ayesha Afrin, Ferdausi Ali, Shahidul Islam, and Sumon Ganguli, ICFM, 06-08 January,2020, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.

16. Size Controlled Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles via a Facile Route Based on Different Species of Ophiorrhiza Genus for Biomedical Applications, Sabbir Hawlader, Farhana Rumjhum Bhyuian, AKM Atiq Ullah, Siaful Islam, and Sumon Ganguli, ICSTB, 11-13 March, 2021, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

15. “Studies on the Adsorption Mechanism of AMP on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based on Molecular Dynamic Simulation” Yeasmin Akter Munni, Raju Dash, SM Zahid Hasan Sumon Ganguli, BSBMB Conference 2019, June, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

14. “Quality Assessment of Drinking Water at the Residential Halls at the University of Chittagong” Akter Hosen Rifat, Ariful Alam, Marjahan Akter, Ajit Ganguli, Ayesha Afrin, Shahidul Islam, Ferdousi Ali, Sumon Ganguli, , BSBMB Conference 2019, June, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

13. “Enzymatic Activity Under High Temperature”, Sumon Ganguli, Science Faculty Seminar Week, University of Chittagong. April 22, 2018.

12. “Switching the Enzymatic Activity: Improvement of Heat-resistance Based on Enzyme/Polymer Complex Formation” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, January 23-26, 2015, Kolkata, India.

11. “Enzyme Works Under High Temperarture” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, KentaroShiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry, Khon Kaen University, January 08-10, 2014, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

10. “Design of novel enzyme-polymer complex: On-off switch of enzyme activity by complementary charged polymers modified with poly(ethylene glycol)” Shunsuke Tomita, Takaaki Kurinomaru, ShinpeiKudo, Sumon Ganguli, Yukio Nagasaki, and Kentaro Shiraki, January 4-6, Bionanotechnology-III, Cambridge, UK.

9. “Noncovalent Modification of Proteins Using Smart Polymer: Implications in Modulating Protein Function and Improvement of Thermotorelant Property” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, KentaroShiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, 2010 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Society for Biomaterials, April 21-23, 2010, Washington State Convention Center, Washington, Seattle, USA.

8. “Design of Enzyme/Polymer Complex for the Improvement of Heat Resistance of Enzymes” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, KentaroShiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, March 03-05, MANA International Symposium 2010, Tsukuba, Epochal, Japan.

7. “Prevention of Heat-induced Inactivation of Enzymes Through Complexation with PEAMA-g-PEG” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, November 18-19, 2009, The 4th International Symposium on Atomic Technology (ISAT-4), Kobe, Japan.

6. “Reformulations of Enzyme Surface by PEAMA-g-PEG with the Improvement of Heat-resistant Property” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, December 07-09, 19 Symposium of MRS-Japan (MRSJ), Yokohama, Japan.

5. “Noncovalent Modification of Enzyme Based on Thermotolerant Enzyme / Smart Polymer Complex Formation: Implications in Modulating Protein Function” Ganguli Sumon, Yoshimoto Keitaro, Tomita Shunsuke, Sakuma Hiroshi, Matsuoka Tsuneyoshi,Shiraki Kentaro, Nagasaki Yukio. October 20-23, 2009, The 1st FAPS Polymer Congress, Nagoya, Japan.

4. “Effect of PEAMA-g-PEG on the Heat-induced Inactivation of Enzymes Based on Enzyme/Polymer Complex Formation” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki. October 10-12, 2009, Tsukuba (Japan)-Hsinchu (Taiwan) Bilateral Conference(TSAMS), Epochal, Tsukuba, Japan.

3. “Modulation of lysozyme activity by smart copolymer PEAMA-g-PEG: Recovery of its enzymatic activity after heat treatment using polyion-complex chemistry” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki, February 25-27, 2009, MANA International Symposium, Epochal Tsukuba, Japan.

2. “Regulation of Lysozyme Activity by Artificial Smart Copolymer: Recovery of its Enzymatic Activity After Heat treatment Using Polyion-complex Chemistry” Sumon Ganguli, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Shunsuke Tomita, Hiroshi Sakuma, Tsuneyoshi Matsuoka, Kentaro Shiraki, Yukio Nagasaki. January 20, 2009, The 2009 TIMS-NTHU Joint Symposium: Nano and Bio-related Materials and Technology,National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.

1. “Prevention of heat induced inactivation of lysozyme using [poly(2-N,Ndiethylamino) ethyl methacrylate]-g-PEG” Ganguli Sumon, Yoshimoto Keitaro, Tomita Shunsuke, Sakuma Hiroshi, Matsuoka Tsuneyoshi, Shiraki Kentaro, Nagasaki Yukio. August 22, 2008, Tokyo University of Science, Hokkaido Campus, Hokkaido, Japan.