Personal Information

Dr. Anuj K. Sharma

Associate Professor

M. Sc. (IIT Roorkee); Ph. D. (IIT Kanpur); Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Washington University in St. Louis, USA)

anuj.sharma@curaj.ac.in

9929987969

  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Coordination Chemistry
  •  Inorganic Medicine
  •  Synthetic Chemistry
  • Bio-Inorganic Chemistry
  • Magneto-Structural Correlations
  • Neurodegenerative Disease
  • Metals in Biology
  • Radio-Pharmaceuticals

Current Position: Associate Professor at Central University of Rajasthan

Previous positions:

Assistant Professor at Central University of Rajasthan

DST-INSPIRE Faculty at Central University of Rajasthan

Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Washington University in St. Louis, USA

 Project: Development of Novel Chemical Compounds for Prevention,                                                   

Diagnosis, Imaging and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Advisor: Professor Liviu M. Mirica

Ph. D., Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India

Thesis Title: “Phenoxo-Bridged CuII Dimers and Phenoxo-/Acetato-Bridged Homo-(NiII3, Co II3, and Fe II3) and Hetero-nuclear (Ni II2MnII, NiII2CoII, and CoII2MnII) Trimers: Magneto-Structural Studies

Advisor: Professor R. N. Mukherjee

M. Sc. Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India

Project : “Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Metal Chelating Resins”

B.Sc. J. V. College Baraut (C. C. S. University Meerut)

Dr. Anuj K. Sharma, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Central University of Rajasthan
Area of Interest: Bio-Inorganic Chemistry, Inorganic Medicine, Coordination Chemistry.
Email id: anuj.sharma@curaj.ac.in

My research program is centered on synthetic inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry to address important metal-mediated processes relevant to medicinal problems. In addition, we are trying to develop smart molecules having interesting and fundamental coordination chemistry and with potential application in future electronics. New strategies are being used to synthesize and characterize new organic molecules and inorganic complexes, with the ultimate goal to help unsolved problems with broad implications to our society. Main research areas pursued to attract students with different research interests and to provide them with a good training for their future chemistry careers and are as follows:

Project 1. Multifunctional Compounds for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegeneration leads to the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons. For most neurodegenerative diseases, aetiology is not completely understood, but recognized as multi-faceted disorder in which the patient’s brains show several features such as proteins misfolding and aggregation, oxidative stress and free radical formation, metal dyshomeostasis.

 Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases can be benefited by developing drugs those can target these multiple problems. These so called multifunctional compounds (MFC) comprises of two or more following properties: (i) recognize the site of binding and selectively chelate metal ions and control their redox properties; (ii) can act as antioxidants; (iii) cholinesterase inhibition; (iv) Anti-inflammatory activity; etc. These MFCs are expected to be more efficient and potential neuroprotective disease-modifying drugs. We are developing some interesting molecules to image the amyloid aggregates responsible for neuronal cell death, their disaggregation or inhibition to their formation, control the ROS production etc.

Some recent publications related to this project are listed here:

  1. Chemistry-An Asian Journal, 2022, 17(21). E202200736.
  2. Inorg. Chem. 2022, 61, 10294-10309.
  3. Dalton Trans. 2022, 51, 9302-9313.
  4. ACS Chemical Neurosciences, 2020, 11, 17, 2741-2752
  5. RSC Advances, 2020, 10, 28827-28837.
  6. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 2020, 210, 111174.
  7. ACS Chemical Neurosciences, 2020, 11, 10, 1471-1481.
  8. Dalton Trans. 2020, 49, 4100-4113.
  9. Metallomics 2019,11, 64.
  10. ACS Omega, 2019, 4, 4519-4529.
  11. ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng. 2018, 4, 2860.
  12. Inorg. Chimica Acta 2018,  471, 419.
  13. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2016, 120, 16305.
  14. RSC Advances 2016, 6, 89732.
  15. Chemistry Select 2016,  1(21), 6902.
  16. Project 2. Temperature induced spin crossover behavior in Fe and Co Complexes

Spin state switching in transition metal complexes of electronic configurations d4-d7 with the help of external stimuli like temperature (T), pressure (P) or light irradiation (hv) is known as Spin Crossover (SCO) phenomena. SCO complexes of iron(II) (3d6 system) and of cobalt(II) (3d7 system)  have been studied extensively primarily due to bistability features showing abrupt spin transition (ST) with hysteresis loops. These SCO systems were the first tested as memory devices. The existence of wide hysteresis near room temperature in molecular SCO systems is rare. We have developed a new series of relatively strong field bidentate and tridentate N-donor ligands comprising of extensive conjugation. Successfully, our research group have isolated a good number of interesting iron(II) and cobalt complexes which show different SCO behaviors above room temperature depending upon various substituents on Schiff bases. The prime focus of this work is to establish a correlation between crystallographic evidences and observed SCO behaviors of iron(II) complexes at different temperatures. 

A recent publications from our lab related to this project are listed here:

  1. MRS Advances, 2019, 4 (28-29), 1597-1610.
  2. Dalton Trans. 2022, 51, 9302-9313.

Project 3. Ru and Cu complexes for Anti-cancer Activity

Currently, metal based chemotherapeutics are engrossing with effective and emerging possibilities. Among those potential therapeutic agents, Cu and Ru based complexes are emerging as the one with most promising anticancer activities. In our lab we are developing new Ru and Cu complexes, their complete characterization and biological evaluation including anti-cancer potential.

Some recent publications related to this project

  1. Khan, T. A.; Bhar, K.; Thirumoorthi, R.; Roy, T. K.; Sharma, A. K.* “Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Water-Soluble Half-sandwich Ruthenium (II) Arene Halido Complexes” New Journal of Chemistry, 2020, 44, 239-257. [DOI: 10.1039/C9NJ03663F]
  2. Raj M. V. N.; Bhar, K.; Jain, S.; Rana, M.; Khan, T. A.; Sharma, A. K.* “Syntheses, X-ray structures, electrochemical properties and biological evaluation of mono- and di-nuclear N2O2-donor ligand-Fe systems” Transition Metal Chemistry, 2019, 44(7), 615-626.

Project 4. Model complexes for Metalloenzyme

Copper and Zinc-containing metalloenzyme is the widest category studied till date. Oxidase and hydrolases constitutes an important class of zinc-containing metalloenzymes. Oxidase enzymes are related to important functions like browning of fruits etc. Alkaline phosphatase (AP), is an example of hydrolases which catalyzes the non-specific hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters. Hydrolysis of phosphate esters catalyzed by metal ion is widely studied because it is involved in many biological functions like energy transduction, biosynthesis, and regulation of protein and control of secondary messengers. Our present work focus on the design and synthesis of some model bis(phenoxo) bridged dizinc and dicopper complexes containing NNO-donor reduced Schiff bases to understand the mechanistic pathway of the catalytic cycle.

Some recent publications related to this project

  1. Sheoran, M.; Bhar, K.; Jain, S.; Rana, M.; Khan, T. A.; Sharma, A. K. Polyhedron, 2019, 161, 169-178.
  2. Sheoran, M.; Bhar, K.; Khan, T. A.; Sharma, A. K.; Sunil G. Naik, Polyhedron 2017, 129, 82–91
  3. Sheoran, M.; Bhar, K.; Khan, T. A.; Naik, S. G.; Sharma, A. K.*, Journal of Chemical Science, 2018, 130, 108.

 

S. No. Authors Title of Article Journal/Conference Details Journal/Conference Publication Year
1 Rana, M.; Cho, H.J.; Arya, H.; Bhatt, T. K.; Bhar, K.; Mirica, L. M.; Sharma, A. K.* “Azo-Stilbene and Pyridine-Amine Hybrid Multifunctional Molecules to Target Metal Mediated Neurotoxicity and Amyloid-β Aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease” Inorg. Chem. 2022, 61, 10294-10309. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c00502] Publication Date: June 29, 2022. [Impact factor = 5.436] Journal 2022

S.No.

Funding Agency

Title

Duration

  1.  

DST, India

 

“Smart metal Chelators for MRI Contrast Agents” [35Lakh]

2014-19

 

       2.

 

DST-SERB

Multifunctional Small Molecule based on Azo-Stilbene Molecular Framework as Amyloid Imaging Agents and Metal Chelators for Controlling Metal Induced-

Neurodegenrative Diseases” [54.3 lakhs]

2016-19

      3.

UGC

Design and Synthesis of Selected Transition Metal (Fe, Ru, Rh, Ir) complexes/Arene Complexes and Investigating their Anticancer Potential [10 lakhs]

2018-20

      4.

DST-SERB

International Travel Support [1.1 lakhs]

2018

      5.

DST-SERB

Crystal Engineering and Molecular Magnetism in some 3d bivalent metal organic framework (*Mentor of Dr. Kishalay Bhar, NPDF) [21 lakhs]

2017-19

      6.

NPIU

Small Molecule Fluorescent Probes for amyloid-beta for the detection of Alzheimer's Disease” Co-PI [18.3 lakhs]

2019

       7.

CSIR, India

Thermal and photo induced iron(II) spin crossover materials using smartly designed bi-, tri-, and tetradentate N-donor ligands [25.4 lakhs]

2021-2024

        8.

DST-SERB

Novel Smart Bio-conjugated Cu and Ru Metal Based Molecular Agents with Enhanced Anti-Cancer Potential and Reduced Side-Effects

2022-2025

 

 

Attended

Here is the list:

S. No.

Type of presentation

Title of the presentation

Details of Conference & Organizers

35

Invited Talk

Multifunctional Inorganic Systems Designed for Theranostic Applications in Alzheimer’s Disease

XIX Modern Trends in Inorganic Chemistry conference organized at BHU Varanasi 15th – 17th, December, 2022

34

Invited Talk (resource person)

Selected Topics from Traditional and Contemporary Bioinorganic Chemistry

Refresher Course in Chemistry from 31st October – 15th November 2022, for college and University teachers, organized by UGC Human Resource Development Centre, NEHU, Shillong (Online).

33

Invited Talk (resource person)

An Overview of Metals in Biology: Both Traditional and Contemporary Bioinorganic Chemistry Topics

Two-week online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) in Chemical Sciences  from 1-15 February 2022 organized by Miranda House and Ramanujan College, Delhi University.

32

Invited Talk (resource person)

ICT Integrated Pedagogy of Chemistry of Daily Life

Capacity building of State resource group (SRGs) of northern region on the use of Learning Outcomes through ICT integrated pedagogy in teaching of Chemistry, mathematics and Life Sciences organized by RIE Ajmer from 17-21 January 2022.

31

Invited Talk (resource person)

Bonding Theories in Transition Metal Chemistry

Capacity building of State resource group (SRGs) of northern region on the use of Learning Outcomes through ICT integrated pedagogy in teaching of Chemistry, mathematics and Life Sciences organized by RIE Ajmer from 17-21 January 2022.

30

Invited Talk

Elements of Medicinal Importance: Functions in the Human Body

A one day symposium on  Ahmedabad University on 23 January 2022

29

Invited Talk

Metal-Ligand coordination in some multifunctional inorganic systems designed for biomedical applications

 

International Seminar as “Young Scientist Conclave (YSC-2021)” from 7-8th August 2021 by Indian Chemical Society for 160th Birth Anniversary of Acharya P. C. Ray

28

Invited Keynote Talk

Role of metal ions in neurodegenerative diseases and on-going research to develop multifunctional chelators as theranostic agents

"Recent Trends in Chemistry and Environment" (RTCE-2021) organized by the Department of Chemistry, M.S.J. Govt. P.G. College, Bharatpur Rajasthan, India, to be held during 5-6 March, 2021.

27

Invited Talk (resource person)

Traditional and Contemporary Bioinorganic Chemistry: An overview

Gyan Ganga Programme jointly organized by Commissionerate, College Education Rajasthan and Department of Chemistry, S.P.C. Government College Ajmer from 11-16 January 2021.

26

Invited Talk

Data Processing using SCAN & NOVA Software tools: UV-visible Spectroscopy & Cyclic voltammetry

 

A one-week National e-Workshop cum value added course entitled “HANDS-ON TRAINING & PRACTICES IN COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY” from Nov. 23-27, 2020 by J. C. Bose University of Science and Technology YMCA Faridabad

25

Invited Talk

Role of metal ions in neurodegenerative diseases and on-going research to develop multifunctional chelators as theranostic agents

Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research Amity University, NOIDA on 29.10.2020 as a part of “Metals in Biology course”

24

Invited Talk

Multifunctional Inorganic Systems for Biomedical Applications

“Meet IIT Roorkee Chemistry Alumni” organised by Department of Chemistry during 10-15th August 2020. Online Webinar series.

23

Invited Talk

Novel Small Metal-based Molecular Agents Designed for Therapeutic Applications

Webinar on

“Challenges in Vaccine Development and Therapeutic Applications of Chemistry” organised by Department of Chemistry, Manipal University, Jaipur, on 28th July 2020. Online Webinar series.

22

Short Invited Lecture

Multifunctional Inorganic Systems for Biomedical Applications

XVIII Modern Trends in Inorganic Chemistry conference organized at IIT Guwahati from 11th – 14th, December, 2019.

21

Plenary Lecture and Session Chair

Novel Multifunctional Inorganic Systems for Biomedical Applications

32nd Indo-Canadian Multidisciplinary Research: Trends and Prospects Organised by Institute of Infrastructure, Research and Management, Ahmedabad on 28th – 29th, December, 2018.

20

Invited Lecture and Session Chair

Judicious Design of Multifunctional Inorganic Systems for Biomedical Applications

 

International Conference on Advanced Materials, Energy, & Environmental Sustainability Organized by Department of Chemistry & Physics, UPES, Dehradun National Conference on 14th– 15th, December, 2018.

19

ORAL

Smart Multifunctional Systems for Metal-Amyloids Interaction and Imaging Applications

National Conference on New Trends in Research and Education in Chemical Sciences' organized at Regional Institute of Education, Ajmer from 25-27, October 2018.

18

Session Chair

NA

Department of Chemistry, Sophia Girls’ College (Autonomous), Ajmer, Rajasthan organized National Conference on “Advances in Science & Technology – an Interdisciplinary Approach (ASTIA – 2018) on 15th– 16th, October, 2018.

17

ORAL

Smart Multifunctional Systems for Metal-Amyloids Interaction and Imaging Applications

43rd International Conference of Coordination Chemistry (ICCC-2018) held at Sendai, Japan during 30 July to 04 August 2018

16

Invited

Lecture

Multifunctional Molecular Frameworks Designed for Metal-Chelation Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease

National Conference on Recent Frontiers in Chemistry” held at HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand during 27-28th April 2018

15

ORAL

Congo-Red-inspired-azo-stilbene molecular frameworks designed for

metal-chelation therapy in Alzheimer’s disease

24th ISCB International Conference on (ISCBC-2018) on Frontier Research in Chemistry & Biology Interface” held at Manipal University, Jaipur from 11-13th January 2018

14

Lecture

Magneto-structural properties of phenolate-acetate-bridged polynuclear metal complexes

National Symposium on Technologically Advanced Functional Materials (NSTAFM-2017) being organized by the Department of Physics, Central University of Rajasthan during 16-17th, March 2017

13

Poster

Congo-Red-inspired-azo-stilbene molecular frameworks designed for metal-chelation therapy in Alzheimer’s disease

International conference on Frontiers at Chemistry-Allied

Sciences Interface” during July 22-23, 2017 at Rajasthan University, Jaipur

12

Poster

Smart Metal Chelating Agents for Neurodegenrative Disease

International conference on Frontiers at Chemistry-Allied Sciences Interface” during April 25-26, 2016 at Rajasthan University, Jaipur

11

Poster

Metal and Amyloids: Interaction and Theranostic Agents

International Conference on Metal in Genetics and Biology held at IISc Bangalore, India during 17th-20th February 2016.

10

Poster

Smart Metal chelators for Metal-Amyloid Interaction and Amyloid Plaque Imaging

National symposium on emerging trends in chemical sciences held at Central University of Rajasthan on

18th March 2016

9

Poster

Multifunctional Systems for Metal-Amyloids Interaction and Imaging

Applications

XVI International Symposium of Modern Trends in Inorganic Chemistry, held during

December 06-08, 2015 at Jadavpur University, Kolkata

8

Poster

Multifunctional Compounds for Controlling Metal-Mediated Neurodegenration

17th CRSI National Symposium in Chemistry, held during February 06-08, 2015 at CSIR-NCL, Pune

7

ORAL

The Effect of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on the Amyloid-b Peptide Aggregation and Cellular Toxicity

Biochemistry & The Computational & Molecular Biophysics Retreat October 25th and 26th, 2013 held at Cedar Creek Conference Center, Missouri. USA

6

ORAL

Bifunctional Compounds for Controlling Metal-Mediated Aggregation of Aβ42 Peptide

Missouri Inorganic Day at St. Louis University, St. Louis, USA, on 5th May 2012

5

Poster

New Bifunctional  Compounds for Fluorescence Imaging and Controlling

Metal-Mediated Aggregation of Aβ42 Peptide

Biochemistry & The Computational & Molecular Biophysics Retreat October 25th and 26th, 2012 held at Cedar Creek Conference Center, Missouri. USA

4

Poster

New chemical agents for controlling amyloid-b peptide oligomerization/aggregation in

Alzheimer’s disease”

Biochemistry & The Computational & Molecular Biophysics Retreat October 8th & 9th, 2010 held at Cedar Creek Conference Center, Missouri. USA

3

Poster

New Chemical Agents for Controlling Amyloid-b Peptide Oligomerization/Aggregation in

Alzheimer’s Disease

St. Louis University in Missouri Inorganic Day on 8th May 2010.

2

Poster

Homo and Hetero Face-Shared Trioctahedral Linear Complexes: Magneto-structural Trend

First Asian Conference on  coordination Chemistry (ACCC-1), Okazaki, Japan (July 29th to 2nd

August, 2007).

1

Poster

Molecular and Electronic Structure of Coordination Complexes with Non-Innocent Ligands

A special symposium “Friends of Inorganic Chemistry” for the 70th birthday of Prof. Animesh Chakravorty held in December 2008 at IACS Kolkata, India

Organized

 

1.         Coordinator, Four weeks induction training program (20 January 2021 to 16th February 2020) by Teaching Learning Center @ Central University of Rajasthan. 

2.         Coordinator, One week online One Week Online Faculty Development Program on Implementation of New Education Policy -2020: Vocational Education and Skill Development from 14th – 18th Dec, 2020 by Teaching Learning Center @ Central University of Rajasthan. 

3.         Coordinator, Four weeks induction training program (27th May to 22nd June 2019) by Teaching Learning Center @ Central University of Rajasthan. 

4.         Member, Organizing committee of 10 days’ workshop on Teaching-Learning & Evaluation for Faculty Members of HEIs (14th to 24th December 2018) by Teaching Learning Center @ Central University of Rajasthan.