Dr. Debmalya Bhunia - Chemical Biology - Best Researcher Award

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

DEBMALYA BHUNIA'S academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, which paved the way for his outstanding contributions to the field of organic and medicinal chemistry. He completed his doctoral research at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India, where he earned his degree from the University of Calcutta. During his studies, Debmalya focused on designing and synthesizing organelle-specific peptides, small molecules, and lipids for targeted drug delivery systems. His work involved advancing drug delivery mechanisms, particularly using liposomal lipopeptides for tumor inhibition. This early academic pursuit set the stage for a career dedicated to innovative biomedical research.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🌍

After his doctoral work, Debmalya honed his expertise further by working at various prestigious institutions. He served as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at The Ohio State University, where his research focused on the design and synthesis of noncanonical nucleobases and novel peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). His work in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department involved developing cell-based assays for PNA-DNA/RNA interactions, which are crucial for understanding genetic material manipulation. Debmalya then moved to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, where he made significant contributions in chemical biology and molecular biology, particularly in DNA/RNA mutagenesis, DNA preservation, and the design of cancer vaccines using innovative peptide nucleic acid strategies.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Debmalya’s research focuses on the intersection of chemical biology, DNA/RNA sequence manipulation, and therapeutic development. He has developed new methodologies for DNA preservation and translation inhibition, contributing to a deeper understanding of gene expression regulation. His expertise in designing bifacial PNAs and utilizing click chemistry for DNA Chemical Biology coupling has opened new avenues for genetic research and therapy development. His recent work includes exploring potential applications of peptide nucleic acids in cancer vaccine development, positioning him at the forefront of genetic engineering and molecular therapeutics.

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Debmalya’s exceptional research and innovative contributions have been recognized by his peers in academia and industry. His work on peptide-based drug delivery systems and cancer Chemical Biology vaccines has garnered attention for its potential in translational medicine. At Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, he was promoted to Senior Fellow in January 2025, underscoring his commitment and expertise in advancing biomedical sciences. His postdoctoral fellowships at The Ohio State University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, coupled with his early career accomplishments, reflect his standing as a prominent figure in chemical biology and molecular medicine.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐

Debmalya’s work has significantly influenced the fields of drug delivery, peptide chemistry, and molecular therapeutics. His innovative research on peptide nucleic acids and DNA/RNA Chemical Biology interactions holds great promise for improving our understanding of genetic diseases and developing targeted therapies. His pioneering efforts in cancer vaccine design using peptide nucleic acids demonstrate his ability to bridge the gap between basic chemistry and clinical applications. Debmalya’s impact is not limited to academia but extends to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, where his findings could lead to the development of novel treatments.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🚀

As Debmalya advances in his career, his research is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realms of chemical biology, therapeutic development, and molecular engineering. His ongoing work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory promises to yield even more groundbreaking discoveries, particularly in the area of cancer therapy and genetic manipulation. His future contributions will likely continue to shape the future of personalized medicine, gene therapy, and targeted drug delivery, making him a key figure in the evolution of modern biomedical sciences.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Title: Peptide nucleic acids: Recent advancements and future opportunities in biomedical applications
Authors: Achinta Sannigrahi; Nayan De; Debmalya Bhunia; Jhuma Bhadra
Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry (2025)
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108146
Title: Modular synthesis of functional libraries by accelerated SuFEx click chemistry
Authors: Joshua Homer; Rebecca A. Koelln; Andrew Barrow; Timothy Gialelis; Zlata Boiarska; Nikita Steinohrt; Erinna Lee; Wen-Hsuan Yang; Robert Johnson; Taemoon Chung et al.
Journal: Chemical Science (2024)
DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05729a
Title: Designed hybrid anticancer nuclear-localized peptide inhibits aggressive cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Prasenjit Mondal; Saswat Mohapatra; Debmalya Bhunia; Prabir Kumar Gharai; Nabanita Mukherjee; Varsha Gupta; Satyajit Ghosh; Surajit Ghosh
Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry (2022)
DOI: 10.1039/D1MD00324K
Title: Synthesis of bifacial Peptide Nucleic Acids with diketopiperazine backbones
Authors: Not specified
Journal: Synlett (2022-03-18)
DOI: 10.1055/a-1802-6873
Title: A Small Molecule with Bridged Carbonyl and Tri‐fluoro‐aceto‐phenone Groups Impedes Microtubule Dynamics and Subsequently Triggers Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Not specified
Journal: ChemMedChem (2021-09-06)
DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100192

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Reza Tayyebi was born in neyshaboor, iran, in 1970. he began his academic journey at kharazmi university of iran, where he earned his b.sc. in general chemistry in 1992. showing an early passion for inorganic chemistry, he pursued his m.sc. and ph.d. at shiraz university, under the supervision of professor darioush mohajer. his doctoral thesis focused on catalytic oxygenation systems, setting the foundation for his later work in catalysis and green organic synthesis.

🧑‍🏫 Professional endeavors

Reza Tayyebi embarked on his academic career at hakim sabzevari university in 1999, quickly rising through the ranks from assistant professor to full professor by 2007. his teaching portfolio spans a wide range of chemistry courses, including inorganic and organic chemistry, catalysis, and bio-inorganic chemistry. tayyebi’s dedication to education and research saw him serve as director of the university's research council for six years, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Tayyebi’s research is centered on green synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, and the synthesis of nanomaterials. his work on heterocyclic chemistry and organic synthesis heteropolyoxometalates has contributed significantly to advancements in organic methodology and environmental sustainability. a notable area of his research involves photocatalysis and nanocomposites, where he has explored the applications of these materials in various fields, publishing over 150 isi-cited papers.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Tayyebi has earned numerous awards for his contributions to chemistry. he was recognized as hakim sabzevari university’s young researcher for six consecutive years, from 2001 to 2007, and was ranked as the distinguished researcher at the university multiple times. his international recognition includes being a visiting organic synthesis professor at ens paris saclay in 2017 and an invited professor in 2018, further elevating his global academic profile.

🌍 Impact and influence

Throughout his career, tayyebi has made substantial contributions to the global chemistry community. his research has not only expanded the understanding of organic synthesis catalysis and green chemistry but also influenced the development of more sustainable chemical processes. his work on nanomaterials and photocatalysis has broad applications in environmental science and materials engineering, making an impact in both academia and industry.

📚 Legacy and future contributions

Reza Tayyebi's legacy lies in his commitment to green chemistry and sustainable solutions. his pioneering work in the synthesis and application of nanomaterials and heteropolyoxometalates continues to inspire new research in the field. as a full professor, he remains deeply involved in mentoring the next generation of chemists organic synthesis and pushing the boundaries of chemical research.

Notable Publications

Application of graphene/zinc-based metal-organic framework nanocomposite for electrochemical sensing of As (III) in water resources
Authors: M Baghayeri, M Ghanei-Motlagh, R Tayebee, M Fayazi, F Narenji
Journal: Analytica Chimica Acta, 1099, pages 60-67, 2020.

Synthesis of a zinc-based metal-organic framework with histamine as an organic linker for the dispersive solid-phase extraction of organophosphorus pesticides in water and …
Authors: A Amiri, R Tayebee, A Abdar, FN Sani
Journal: Journal of Chromatography A, 1597, pages 39-45, 2019.

New and highly efficient Ag doped ZnO visible nano photocatalyst for removing of methylene blue
Authors: R Mohammadzadeh Kakhki, R Tayebee, F Ahsani
Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 28, pages 5941-5952, 2017.

Caesium carbonate supported on hydroxyapatite‐encapsulated Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystallites as a novel magnetically basic catalyst for the one‐pot …
Authors: B Maleki, S Barat Nam Chalaki, S Sedigh Ashrafi, E Rezaee Seresht, ...
Journal: Applied Organometallic Chemistry, 29(5), pages 290-295, 2015.

Green synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo [b] pyrans, pyrano [2, 3-c] pyrazoles and spiro [indoline-3, 4′-pyrano [2, 3-c] pyrazoles catalyzed by nano-structured diphosphate in water
Authors: B Maleki, N Nasiri, R Tayebee, A Khojastehnezhad, HA Akhlaghi
Journal: RSC Advances, 6(82), pages 79128-79134, 2016.