DNA Scineer-Ankur
Namaste!
Embracing the dawn of discovery, I proudly introduce myself as Ankur Singh, a fervent explorer of the mysteries of life. Hailing from India, I am immersed in the vibrant world of DNA Nanotechnology, where scientific wonders unfold with every experiment conducted in the renowned laboratory of Dr. Dhiraj Bhatia at IIT Gandhinagar.
Fuelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a heart ablaze with passion, I dance on the precipice of limitless possibilities, driven by an unwavering belief in the transformative power of science. My portfolio stands as a testament to the remarkable projects I have meticulously crafted, each serving as a stepping stone towards forging a brighter future. Together, let us embark on an exhilarating journey, where we fuse intellect and imagination to shape a world where dreams metamorphose into reality.
RESEARCH
Since the remarkable discovery of Deoxyribonucleic Acid, commonly known as DNA, researchers have been captivated by its intricate structure and immense potential. However, in the wake of the genetic engineering and whole genome sequencing revolution, the genetic aspects of DNA have often overshadowed its awe-inspiring polymeric nature.
In an inspiring turn of events, Dr. Ned Seeman embarked on a groundbreaking journey, exploring the profound possibilities of utilizing polymeric DNA strands as scaffolds to overcome challenges in protein crystallization. His visionary work paved the way for the flourishing field of DNA Nanotechnology, earning him the well-deserved title of its founding father.
My own endeavors revolve around harnessing the power of precisely programmed short DNA strands to design customizable, reproducible, and size-controlled scaffolds for cellular applications. Currently, I am passionately delving into the correlation between the scaffold's network density and its influence on various cellular responses, such as growth, attachment, proliferation, and differentiation capabilities. The ultimate challenge lies in enhancing the mechanical stiffness of the scaffold while preserving the purity of DNA itself. Join me on this remarkable journey of scientific discovery, as we strive to unlock new frontiers and push the boundaries of what is possible. Stay tuned for exciting updates that lie ahead!
EXPERIENCE
(3/2021-4/2021)
M.Sc. Biotechnology
M.Sc. Thesis Project-Dr Prashanth K., Dept of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University.
MSc thesis project under Dr. Prashanth where I worked on “Identification and Molecular characterization of the persister cell phenotype in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii”.
(05/2019–06/2019)
Summer Intern
Institute of Life Science, NALCO square, Bhubaneshwar
Third-year internship in Dr. Dileep Vasudevan’s Lab, ILS, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Under the tutelage of Dr. Dileep and Dr. Shankar Sahu, I worked on two different projects:
1. Cloning and Recombinant expression trials of a nerve growth factor (VGF) from Rattus norvegicus.
2. Cloning, Recombinant Expression, Purification, and Crystallization Screening of a Shrimp Viral Protein.
(06/2018–07/2018)
Summer Intern
ACTREC, Sector-22, Kharghar, New Mumbai
Second-year internship at Dr. Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s lab, ACTREC, Sec-22, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Worked under the guidance of Mr. Praveen Marathe on “Directed Chemical Evolution of Photoconvertible Fluorescent Proteins (pcFPs)”
(06/2017–07/2017)
Summer Intern
DR. Bharat B Chattoo's Genome Research Centre (GRC), MSU, Vadodara
Worked under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh Patkar at Bharat B. Chattoo’s Institute of Genome Research Centre on the project entitled “Heterologous Expression of a fungal antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase (ABM) in a transgenic yeast."
EDUCATION
2021-
Ph.D. in Biological Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
2019-2021
M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University,
Puducherry
2016-2019
B.Sc. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Vikram Sarabhai's Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology (VSI-CMB), MSU, Vadodara
2014-2015
HSC, ST. Xavier’s High School, Vapi
LAB-MEMBERS
SKILLS
Bio-AFM Microscopy
Confocal Microscopy
Mammalian Cell Culture
Molecular Biology Techniques
Microbiology Techniques
Scientific writing and communications
PUBLICATIONS
Research Articles
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P. Hivare et al., “Peptide functionalized DNA hydrogel enhances neuroblastoma cell growth and differentiation,” Nanoscale, vol. 14, no. 24, pp. 8611–8620, 2022, DOI: 10.1039/D1NR07187D.
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C. P. Kanth et al., “Assembly of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) to toxic fibrils may be related to pathogenesis of Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD),” Oct. 03, 2024. DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.01.616096.
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N. Singh, A. Singh, and D. Bhatia, “Self-Assembled DNA–Collagen Bioactive Scaffolds Promote Cellular Uptake and Neuronal Differentiation,” ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 308–321, Jan. 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c01216.
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A. Singh, N. Singh, M. E. Jinugu, P. Thareja, and D. Bhatia, “Programmable soft DNA hydrogels stimulate cellular endocytic pathways and proliferation,” Biomaterials Advances, vol. 166, p. 214040, Jan. 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.214040.
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A. Singh and D. Bhatia, “DNA cross-over motifs based, programmable supramolecular hydrogels for mechanoregulatory effects of cellular behaviour and cytoskeleton reorganization,” bioRxiv, p. 2025.05.14.653944, Jan. 2025, DOI: 10.1101/2025.05.14.653944.
Review
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A. Singh and D. Bhatia, “DNA Nanotechnology‐Based Supramolecular Assemblies for Targeted Biomedical Applications,” The Chemical Record, vol. 22, no. 8, Aug. 2022, DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200048.
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N. Singh, A. Singh, M. Dhanka, and D. Bhatia, “DNA functionalized programmable hybrid biomaterials for targeted multiplexed applications,” J. Mater. Chem. B, vol. 12, no. 30, pp. 7267–7291, 2024, DOI: 10.1039/D4TB00287C.
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N. Jain, A. Singh, and D. Bhatia, “DNA-amphiphilic nanostructures: synthesis, characterization and applications,” Nanoscale, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 18–52, 2025, DOI: 10.1039/D4NR03236E.