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 🎓

Jhuma Bhadra embarked on her academic journey with a keen interest in chemistry, which eventually led her to earn a Ph.D. in the subject. Her formative years were marked by rigorous academic training, setting a strong foundation in the fundamental and applied aspects of chemistry. Her early studies laid the groundwork for her future research endeavors in nucleolipid synthesis and antimicrobial therapeutics, areas that have profound implications in biomedical sciences.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

Jhuma’s professional career commenced with impactful postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions like Boston College and Clemson University. At Boston College, she explored bacteriophage modification using Boron warheads, while her tenure at Clemson University focused on designing and synthesizing aminoglycoside and Hoechst-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) to study their antibacterial activity. Her academic career progressed as she joined Kurseong College as an Assistant Professor, where she continued to contribute to the field of chemistry. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Sarojini Naidu College for Women, where she furthers her research and teaching responsibilities.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🤞

Jhuma Bhadra’s research is centered around the synthesis and biomedical application of nucleolipids. Her notable work includes the design of novel aminoglycoside-nucleolipid conjugates aimed at developing potential antimicrobial therapeutics. Her research is not just confined to theoretical aspects but extends to practical applications that have the potential to combat Chemical Biology antibiotic resistance, a critical global health challenge. Her dedication to advancing the field is evident in her role as a supervisor to two Junior Research Fellows, guiding the next generation of researchers.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Jhuma’s scholarly contributions have been recognized by the scientific community, notably through the receipt of a substantial grant from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB-DST) under the EMEQ scheme. The Rs. 48.9 lakh funding supports her groundbreaking project on antimicrobial therapeutics, underscoring the importance and potential impact of her work. Chemical Biology This recognition highlights her role as a leading researcher in her field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Jhuma Bhadra’s research impacts both the scientific community and broader society. Her work on nucleolipids and antimicrobial therapeutics addresses pressing health issues, contributing to the development of new strategies to combat bacterial infections. By integrating her research findings into her teaching, she influences and inspires her students, fostering a new wave of Chemical Biology scientific inquiry and innovation in chemistry.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 💡

Jhuma’s legacy in the field of chemistry is characterized by her innovative approach to research and her commitment to education. As she continues her work at Sarojini Naidu College for Women, her contributions are poised to expand the frontiers of nucleolipid research and antimicrobial therapies. Her future endeavors will likely include further exploration of biomedical applications, continuing to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical healthcare solutions. Jhuma Bhadra’s dedication ensures her lasting influence in the realm of chemical sciences and beyond.

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
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108146

Title: Understanding Antisense Oligonucleotide Efficiency in Inhibiting Prokaryotic Gene Expression
Authors: Sandra Story, Sayantan Bhaduri, Sudakshina Ganguly, Rambabu Dakarapu, Sarah L. Wicks, Jhuma Bhadra, Simeon Kwange, Dev Arya
Journal: ACS Infectious Diseases
DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00645

Title: Self-Transfecting GMO-PMO Chimera Targeting Nanog Enable Gene Silencing In Vitro and Suppresses Tumor Growth in 4T1 Allografts in Mouse
Authors: Ujjal Das, Jayanta Kundu, Pallab Shaw, Chandra Bose, Atanu Ghosh, Shalini Gupta, Sudipta Sarkar, Jhuma Bhadra, Surajit Sinha
Journal: Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids
DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.03.011

Title: Cananginone Abrogates EMT in Breast Cancer Cells through Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Chandra Bose, Ujjal Das, Tapan Kumar Kuilya, Joyanta Mondal, Jhuma Bhadra, Priyanjalee Banerjee, Rajib Kumar Goswami, Surajit Sinha
Journal: Chemistry & Biodiversity
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100823

Title: Self-Transfecting GMO-PMO and PMO-GMO Chimeras Enable Gene Silencing In Vitro and In Vivo Zebrafish Model and NANOG Inhibition Induce the Apoptosis in Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Jayanta Kundu, Ujjal Das, Chandra Bose, Jhuma Bhadra, Surajit Sinha
Journal: Preprint
DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.04.447039