Dr. Ankit Saneja

Dietetics & Nutrition Technology (Formulation)
Scientist D
Formulations for Food, Health and Agricultural Applications
01894-233339 Ext: 485
PhD
CV.pdf

Our laboratory integrates synthetic, supramolecular and formulation chemistry with nanotechnology to design advanced delivery systems and sustainable biomaterials. We focus on chemical modification, conjugation strategies and host-guest inclusion complexes to improve the solubility, stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Using nano based approaches such as self-emulsifying systems, nanofibers and liposomal carriers, we translate chemical innovations into effective therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. In parallel, we develop biodegradable active packaging and functional materials from natural polymers using green chemistry principles. Our research also explores cyclodextrin based systems for agricultural biostimulants, aiming to create efficient, scalable and environmentally sustainable solutions. Through a combination of fundamental chemistry and translational research, our goal is to develop innovative, scalable and sustainable solutions with real world impact across health, food and agricultural sectors.

The key themes of our laboratory are:

1. Advanced Drug Delivery & Formulation Chemistry

Our laboratory focuses on designing advanced drug delivery systems using formulation and synthetic chemistry approaches. We develop systems such as nanoemulsions, self-emulsifying systems, nanofibers, liposomes, and inclusion complexes. These strategies improve solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs, enabling effective therapeutic outcomes in diverse disease conditions.

2. Supramolecular & Conjugation Chemistry

We explore supramolecular chemistry and chemical conjugation strategies to modify bioactive molecules. This includes cyclodextrin based host-guest complexes and lipid or polymer conjugates to improve stability and functionality. These approaches help in controlled delivery, improved molecular interactions and enhanced biological performance of pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical compounds.

3. Nutraceuticals & Translational Therapeutics

Our research emphasizes translating natural bioactives into effective therapeutic systems. We work on flavonoids, antioxidants, and plant derived compounds to improve their delivery and efficacy. Applications include management of metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer, bridging the gap between natural products and clinically relevant formulations.

4. Sustainable Biomaterials & Active Packaging

We develop biodegradable films and functional biomaterials using natural polymers such as alginate, carrageenan, and pullulan. These materials are engineered with bioactive compounds to provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Our goal is to create sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics for food packaging and preservation applications.

5. Green Chemistry & Agrobiotechnology

Our laboratory adopts green chemistry principles to design environmentally friendly formulations. We also develop cyclodextrin based delivery systems for plant biostimulants to enhance stress tolerance under adverse environmental conditions. This work supports sustainable agriculture by improving plant resilience, productivity and adaptation to climate stress.

Awards to Group:

Ms. Ruchika and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Dhritlahre (PhD Fellows) received prestigious IGSTC Industrial Fellowship 2022.

Mr. Nabab Khan (PhD Fellow) received prestigious IGSTC Industrial Fellowship 2023.

Mr. Nabab Khan (PhD Fellow) received ACS Sponsored Best Poster Award at M2ChemSF02025), held at NIT Hamirpur, India from 4-6 September, 2025.

Ms. Neha Rana (PhD Fellow) received best poster award in IC-SAPHAL 2026, held from 06th February 2026 to 8th February 2026, organized by Center for Agriculture Research and Innovation (CARI), Guru Nanak Dev university, Amritsar, Punjab

Key Publications:

Carbohydrate Polymers, 125679 [Follow]

Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 56, 101816 [Follow]

Materials Advances 7, 6285 – 6296 [Follow]

Trends in Chemistry 8 (7), 513 – 516 [Follow]

RSC Pharmaceutics [Follow]

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 69, 10979-10992 [Follow]

Trends in Plant Science, 1-5 [Accepted]

Cleaner Materials, 21, 1000418 [Follow]

Food and Bioprocess Technology 19 (4), 184  [Follow]

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture 13, 19 [Follow]

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 150884 [Follow]

Bioresource Technology 134077 [Follow]

Journal of Molecular Structure 144904 [Follow]

Sustainable Food Technology 4, 2076 [Follow]

Drug Discovery Today 104548 [Follow]

Journal of Molecular Structure 1341, 142652 [Follow]

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 254, 114836 [Follow]

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 147961 [Follow]

Medicinal Chemistry Research 34 (9), 1974-1988 [Follow]

Food Bioscience 107429 [Follow]

ChemMedChem 20 (7), e202400532 [Follow]

Molecular Pharmaceutics 22 (1), 255-269 [Follow]

Biotechnology Advances 73, 108362 [Follow]

Journal of Molecular Liquids 391, 123348 [Follow]

Biomaterials Advances 154, 213627 [Follow]

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 70 (25), 7674-7682 [Follow]

Trends in Food Science & Technology 115, 347-365 [Follow]

Trends in Biotechnology 38 (5), 474-486 [Follow]

Books Edited

 

  • Saneja A, Panda AK, Lichtfouse E, Pharmaceutical Technology for Natural Products Delivery 1. Fundamentals and Applications, in series Sustainable Agriculture Reviews (SPRINGER NATURE, Switzerland) in press [ISBN: 978-3-030-41837-3]
  • Saneja A, Panda AK, Lichtfouse E, Pharmaceutical Technology for Natural Products Delivery 2. Impact of Nanotechnology, in series Sustainable Agriculture Reviews (SPRINGER NATURE, Switzerland) in press [ISBN: 978-3-030-41841-0]
  • Rana A, Saneja A, Kumar S, Lichtfouse E, Bioconversion of Food and Agricultural Waste into Value-added Materials, in series Sustainable Agriculture Reviews (SPRINGER NATURE, Switzerland) in press [ISBN: 978-3-030-84405-9]

Invited Talks (Recent Five)

 

  • Delivered Invited talk entitled “Polymeric Conjugation Based Approaches for Augmenting the Therapeutic Efficacy of Natural Products” in Symposium on Advances in the Natural Products Research, at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Hyderabad on 19 November, 2022

 

  • Delivered Invited talk entitled “Science Meets Sustainability: Bioconversion of Food and Agricultural Waste into  Value-Added Materials” in National Conference in Transformation in Sustainable Development in Indiaat SCVB Government College Palampur on 11th April, 2023.

 

  • Delivered Invited talk entitled “Deciphering the Complexation Mechanism of Nutraceuticals with Cyclodextrin Derivatives and its Translational Potential for Development of Oral Thin Films” in 6th Internation Conference on Nutraceutical and Chronic Diseases held at Punjab University, Chandigarh on 22nd February, 2024.

 

  • Delivered Invited talk entitled “Microbial Polysaccharide-Based Oral Thin Films for Nutraceutical Delivery: A Case Study of Pullulan” in 4th International Symposim on Ciliate Biology on Exploring the Microbial World from Human Health to Environmental Sustainability held at Delhi  University, Delhi on 4th April, 2024.

 

  • Delivered Keynote talk entitled “Orally Fast Dissolving Electrospun Nanofibers for Nutraceutical Delivery” in International Conference on Pharmaceutical Innovations & Spirit : The Annual Techno-Pharma Conclave held at Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi on 7th April, 2024.

 

Workshop/Trainings Organized

 

  • Organized Hands on Training Program on “Development of Nutraceutical Based Formulations and Their Characterization” from 22nd to 28th November, 2022 funded by SERB

 

  • Organized High End Workshop on “Nanotechnology in Nutraceutical Delivery” from 18th to 24th July, 2023 funded by SERB

 

  • Organized Training Program on “Development of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development on Nutraceutical Delivery Systems” under Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programmes (ESDP) Scheme from 15th January 2024 to 19th January 2024 funded by MSME.
 PhD Fellows:
 
Mr. Navneet Thakur, PA
Ms. Neha Rana, PA
Mr. Ankit Kumar Singh, JRF (CSIR)
Mr. Praveen Yadav, JRF (UGC)
 
PhD Alumni
 
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Dhritlahre
Dr. Ruchika
Dr. Nabab Khan
Dr. Kajal Kalia
Dr. Neha Bhardwaj
 
Motivated aspirants having their own fellowship like CSIR/UGC/DBT/INSPIRE are welcome to contact.

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