Dr. Mamta is working on a project entitled 'Nano-enabled biostimulant for sustainable agriculture: Optimizing scale-up parameters through genomic approaches for commercialization,' focusing on improving lipopeptide production through genetic manipulation of the bacterium Bacillus velezensis strain OB9. Specifically, CRISPR/Cas9 is used to confirm the function of the lipopeptide genes (surfactin and fengycin) identified for biostimulant activity and to enhance the production of the active ingredients. This nano-enabled bacterial-based biostimulant (nOB9) was developed from the active compounds, predominantly lipopeptides, produced by Bacillus velezensis strain OB9 and encapsulated in nanoparticles of halloysite (HNT) clay. The efficacy of nOB9 as a biosurfactant, along with its effects on plant protection and agricultural yield, has been demonstrated in several crops such as yellow beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. Support for this study is provided by the Genomic Application Partnership Program (GAPP) from Genome Quebec and Genome Canada
Contact email: mamta.rani@mcgill.ca
Ruby completed her BSc. in Food Science with the specialization in Food Chemistry from McGill University in the summer of 2020. She joined SAFE Nano group as a MSc student and fast tracked to PhD. Ruby is co-supervised by Dr. Saji George and Dr. Audrey Moores (Dept of Chemical Engineering, McGill) where her research is addressing the effect of environmental aging on the phototoxicity of photoactive nanomaterials. She published a journal article on the effect of eco corona on the surface chemistry of TiO2 nanoparticles and their toxicity to algae. Currently, she is investigating the photochemistry and phototoxicity of quantum dots under environmentally relevant conditions.
Contact email: ziruo.liu@mail.mcgill.ca
Estee completed her BSc in Food Science from McGill University in the summer of 2021.
Her research aims to understand the potential toxicity and inflammatory effects of common food nanomaterials and to discover the novel application of nanotechnology (design and development of polymer-based drug delivery systems) focusing on chronic intestinal bowel disease (IBD). Estee’s work integrates the principles of chemistry, biology, and immunology to create a deeper understanding of novel approaches to food nanomaterials, ensuring their safe applications.
Contact Email: estee.ngew@mail.mcgill.ca
Mohammad completed his bachelors and master's from American university of Beirut on plant protection and agricultural engineering. His research focuses on developing and testing bacterial-based crop biostimulants and biocontrol agents to manage mycotoxigenic fungi, such as Fusarium graminearum, and economically important fungal pathogens, including Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Rhizoctonia solani AG-3. This work involves exploring the genes and pathways associated with these processes. Additionally, he aims to optimize the product using nanotechnologies, such as encapsulation, to enhance stability and efficiency (release profiles, loading capacity, and targeting), making it suitable for field applications.
Contact email:
mohammad.kaddoura@mail.mcgill.ca
Laura has a master's degree in Food and Biotechnology from Korea University and a Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering from the National University of Trujillo, Peru. Throughout her career, she have engaged in projects focused on cellular processes, molecular biology techniques, and in vivo assessments, showcasing her expertise in biotechnological applications. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, aiming to elucidate the potential role of endophytes and their bioactive compounds through various biochemical assays and greenhouse trials. Her research seeks to protect crop plants against abiotic stress and develop efficient nanocomposite delivery systems for these bioactive compounds, all while contributing to cost reduction and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Contact email:
Unnikrishnan is specializing in nanotoxicology and emerging contaminants, with a strong focus on understanding the health risks posed by ingested nanoplastics (NPls). His multidisciplinary approach integrates toxicology, environmental science, and biotechnology research to evaluate how nanomaterials interact with biological systems, particularly in the human gastrointestinal tract. His work aims to develop methodologies and tools for assessing these risks in both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions, with the ultimate goal of risk mitigation.
Contact email:
Vikash was an ICAR fellow with a background in agricultural biotechnology. He earned his bachelor's degree from Punjab Agricultural University, India, and his master's degree in plant molecular biology and biotechnology from Anand Agricultural University, India. His master's research focused on proteomics, specifically antifungal peptides against Fusarium oxysporum in oilseed crops. His research centers on using CRISPR-Cas9 to manipulate two lipopeptide genes (Surfactin and Fengycin) in Bacillus velezensis, aiming to enhance their biostimulant properties.
Contact email:
vikash.choubey@mail.mcgill.ca
Chava Sowmya Devi, a PhD student with a dual M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry and Microbiology. She previously worked as a Research Fellow at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, where she specialized in bioengineering and process chemistry. Her current research focuses on applying CRISPR technology to improve fengycin yield in Bacillus velezensis
Contact email :
sowmya.chava@mail.mcgill.ca
Praise completed her bachelor's degree at Covenant University, Nigeria, and is currently pursuing a master's degree with a thesis project focused on optimizing the production of lipopeptide biosurfactants. These biosurfactants, produced by bacteria, act as biocontrol agents in the agricultural industry. Her research aims to identify cost-effective media and optimize bacterial growth conditions by utilizing industrial waste to reduce production costs and enhance sustainability.
Contact email: