Dr. Patharla Chiranjeevi

I am a dedicated and accomplished professional currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biochemical Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, at Lulea Technological University, Sweden. My primary focus is on advancing the field of biohydrogen production through biological routes. In my present role, I am involved in pioneering research on microbial electrosynthesis of multicarbon chemicals from CO2 sequestration.
My research journey began as a SERB-National Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, where I delved into the microbial-catalyzed bio-electrochemical fermentation of direct industrial CO2 utilization for the production of carboxylates. This expertise was further honed during my prior postdoctoral stint at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, where I contributed to the development of acidogenic and photosynthetic processes for bioenergy production through waste remediation, scaling up studies to establish an acidogenic biohydrogen pilot plant.
My doctoral thesis, completed in 2018 at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, focused on the integration of acidogenic and photosynthetic processes for bioenergy production, waste remediation, and the recovery of bio-based products. Notably, I successfully designed and implemented a sustainable waste biorefinery approach, demonstrating my ability to bridge multiple disciplines in advanced biotechnology.
My research interests extend to photosynthetic microbial fuel cells, plant microbial fuel cells, bioelectrochemical treatment systems, and photosynthetic eco-electrogenic systems for wastewater treatment. I have a strong publication record in reputable journals such as Biotechnology Advances, Bioresource Technology, and Renewable Energy, reflecting the impact and significance of my contributions to the field. My research has garnered recognition, as evidenced by numerous awards and a substantial number of citations.
In addition to my research endeavours, I actively engage in mentoring and supporting students at various academic levels, drawing on my rich experience in designing and implementing experimental methodologies. My commitment to trans-disciplinary applications and my proficiency in diverse bioprocesses make me a valuable asset to any academic or research institution. I am eager to contribute my expertise to furthering advancements in biohydrogen production, waste valorization, and sustainable bioprocess engineering.

• First prize for best Oral Presentation on "Microalgae Mining for Exploration of High-Value Products and Nutraceuticals." National Seminar on Recent Advances on Food Biotechnology
• Organized by Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at Bhavan's Vivekananda College of Sciences, Humanities and Commerce, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad 17-18th February 2016
• Finalist in “YOUNG SCIENTIST COMPETITION 2014” with Video 2 "Biohydrogen production from wastewater treatment." http://woobox.com/sigu5j in 5th Edition of EU-India STI Cooperation Days of “INDIGO POLICY and INNO INDIGO projects” organized by APRE-Agency for the Promotion of European Research and CSIR-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (12-13 November 2014 in Chennai, India)
• Selected as CSIR-Senior Research Fellow from Oct 2014 to Oct 2017
• Second prize for best poster award for ‘Comparative evaluation of Firmicute and Proteobacteria on biohydrogen production through wastewater treatment’ during International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (ICABB-2013), 10th BRSI Convention, The Biotech Research Society and Dr
• DY Patil Institute of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Pune 25-27th Nov 2013
• Area of R&D and Specialization: Renewable energy, Biohydrogen production through biological routes, Algal biotechnology, waste/wastewater treatment, Microbiology, Bio-electrochemical Systems, Microbial Electrosynthesis, Biotechnology, Ecological Engineering Systems, Environmental ecology
• Bio-hydrogen Production from Wastes through Anaerobic Dark Fermentation
• Microalgae cultivation and operating photo bioreactors and optimization studies towards upscaling the processes
• Photosynthetic Fuel Cell (Photosynthetic bacteria as biocatalysts and algal bio-cathodes)
• Microbial Fuel Cells, Bio-electrochemical Systems, and Microbial Electrolysis Cells
• Bioreactor design and operation
• Ecological Engineering Systems for the treatment of low-strength wastewater

Research Publications/Patents/Chapters/Conference Proceedings:

• Research papers published in SCI Journals: 24
• Chapters contributed for books: 7
• Conference Proceedings: 25

Projects:

1. Title of Project: CO2 Electro-biorefinery: Industrial carbon dioxide conversion into multicarbon chemicals through integrated bioelectrochemical and biological processes

• Role: Co-PI
• Source of Funds: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
• Amount (INR): 50.62 Lakh
• Duration: 2019-2022

2. Title of Project: Microbial Electrosynthesis of Multicarbon Chemicals from CO2 Sequestration

• Role: PI
• Source of Funds: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
• Amount (INR): 22.38 Lakh
• Duration: 2020-2022

Participated and presented in Outreach Programs:

• Exhibited “Biohydrogen Pilot Scale Model and Waste Bio-Refinery Models” under the theme “Ecology and Environment” in CSIR Platinum Jubilee Science Mega Exhibition, jointly organized by CSIR-IICT-CCMB- NGRI at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad from 1- 6th September 2017
• I have exhibited “Living Machines for Ecological Restoration” under the theme “Ecology and Environment” in CSIR Platinum Jubilee Science Mega Exhibition, jointly organized by CSIR-IICT-CCMB- NGRI at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad from 1- 6th September 2017
• I have exhibited “Photo-bioreactors for Algal Cultivation” under the theme “Ecology and Environment” in CSIR Platinum Jubilee Science Mega Exhibition, jointly organized by CSIR-IICT-CCMB- NGRI at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad from 1- 6th September 2017
• Developed a Video Program on ‘Energy and Environment’, ‘Wealth from Waste’, ‘Nothing is Waste’ ‘Power from Drainage’ ‘Bioelectricity-microbial fuel cell’, ‘Electricity from wastewater’, ‘hydrogen from waste’ and ‘Everything is Energy’ for High School Children Awareness (21st National Children Science Congress-2013) with Focal Theme "Energy" for APCOST, Andhra Pradesh Government
• Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6-zcWU0L4s
• Open day of IICT 2011, 3rd August 2011 displayed renewable energy generation through wastewater treatment
• Open day of IICT 2009, 4th August 2009 displayed renewable energy generation through wastewater treatment
• Open day of IICT 2008, 4th August 2008 displayed bioelectricity generation from wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cell technology, biohydrogen production from wastewater by anaerobic process and bioplastics production from wastes
• I have participated in “YOUNG SCIENTIST COMPETITION 2014” With Video 2 "Biohydrogen production from wastewater treatment." http://woobox.com/sigu5j in 5th Edition of EU-India STI Cooperation Days of “INDIGO POLICY and INNO INDIGO projects” organized by APRE-Agency for the Promotion of European Research and CSIR–Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (12-13 November in Chennai, India)

A supervised team of staff members:

• Dr. S. Venkata Mohan,

Senior Principal Scientist, Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES) Lab, Environmental Engineering and Fossil Fuel (EEFF) Department, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Hyderabad, E-mail: vmohan_s@yahoo.com Mobile: +91 9849306934; 040-27191679

• Dr. P.N. Sarma

Former Head of our Department, Emeritus Scientist, Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES) Lab, Environmental Engineering and Fossil Fuel (EEFF) Department, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Hyderabad, E-mail: sarma1950@yahoo.com

• Dr. Y. V. Swamy

Former head of our department, Former Head, Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences (BEES) Lab, Environmental Engineering and Fossil Fuel (EEFF) Department, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT)

• Professor Dr. Shashidhar

Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Room 319, Academic Block -B, Kandi, Sangareddy, Medak District, Telangana,502285, Email: shashidhar@iith.ac.in; Phone: +91 6303072347; +91 40 2301-6016; Fax: (040) 2301 6032

• Assistant Prof. Dr. Sunil A. Patil

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Mohali, Knowledge city, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140306, E-mail: sunilmicro12@gmail.com, Mobile: +91 9860416416

Life member:

• The Biotech Research Society of India (BRSI) (LM 1452)
• Life member: Indian Association for Hydrogen Energy and Advanced Materials (IAHEAM)
• Life Alumina: Indo-German Center for Sustainable (IGCS) Student member: International Forum on Industrial Bioprocesses (IFIBiop) (SM No: 01)
• Membership: International Society for Energy Environment and Sustainability (ID: 18008)