Dr Biyani launched India-Japan bilateral research project on Cancer in collaboration with Prof Ashok Kumar (University of Rajasthan) and Prof Takanori Ichiki (University of Tokyo)>>>>Dr Biyani host an International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering & Technology at Biyani Girls College in Jaipur on Nov 26-27, 2010 >>>>Dr Biyani's work highlighted on the Front cover page of Analytical Biochemistry (issue 409) by Elsevier Publication.
Research Interests

..:: Major Area Of Research Field ::..

Molecular Evolutionary Engineering, Nano-Bio device, Bio-drug discovery, Molecular diagnostics, Microarray, Functional Proteomics, DNA-based nano architecture.


..:: Ongoing Research Projects ::..


    1. Development of the High-speed Molecular Evolution System for Enzymes using    Nanobiochip Technologies.

    This 5 years (2009~2013) project aims to establish innovative manufacturing molecular machines based on nanobioscience under CREST program of Japan Science & Technology.

    Object: To develop a chip-based system platform to perform the directed evolution (i.e., the generation of genetic diversity followed by selection of improved functional variant) on a chip which reduces cost, time with several order of magnitudes and increase precision over conventional off chip-based system. This project is targeted to improve the catalytic activity of cellulase (an enzyme to convert biomass into fermentable sugars) for cost-effective biofuel production. Final goal of this project to realize a practical and versatile system for the evolution of enzyme molecule that are useful in various application fields including medicines, diagnosis, food processing, bioenergy, bioremediation, biosensors.


    Project director: Prof Takanori Ichiki, The University of Tokyo Collaborators: Prof Takashi Funatsu (The University of Tokyo), Prof Naoto Nemoto (Saitama University), and Nikon instrumentation group


     2. On-chip cell analysis of cancer preventive phytochemicals in Indian herbal plant    extracts.

    This 2 years (2010~2012) bilateral project between India (Biyani College, University of Rajasthan) and Japan (University of Tokyo) aims to discover chemopreventive drugs (phytochemicals) for cancer under India-Japan Cooperative Science Program funded by DST (India) and JSPS (Japan).

    Object: The object of this research project is to develop a high-throughput on-chip based platform for molecular mechanism-based analysis and evaluating chemopreventive effects of a wide array of phytochemicals derived from various Indian herbal plant extracts. To accomplish this and as shown below, first a high-throughput electrical and optical measurement system using on-chip micorcapillary electrophoresis and FUCCI (fluorescent ubiqutination-based cell cycle indicator) will be developed and optimized for analysing the effects of phytochemicals on cancer cells (Japanese side). On the other side, various plant extracts will be prepared and studied in its crude from on the chemopreventive action in mice as animal model followed by isolation of active phytochemicals (Indian side). Finally, new combination with improved action of phytochemicals will be evaluated against cancer by experiment-exchange training programs for young researchers of both countries.

    Collaborators: Prof Takanori Ichiki, Prof Takanori Akagi (The University of Tokyo), Prof Ashok Kumar (University of Rajasthan).

    3. On-line database development for genotyping diagnostics for fungal plant pathogens.

    This bilateral project is committed to the principles of open research with a mutual interest between India (Biyani College, University of Rajasthan) and Japan (Nishigaki Lab, Saitama University) since its inception in 2009 and is funded by internal resources of each counter-part institutes.

    Object: This project is aimed first, to build a molecular database and a convenient on-line method for rapid identification of plant pathogens and second, to develop a comprehensive cyber-infrastructure and computer-based environment that enables distributed teams of molecular bio-researchers to collaborate and leverage their work by cataloging and integrating available data into a format that can be easily shared and maximally utilized. To demonstrate this, near one hundred fungi pathogenic species from different fields in India will be used to archive Genome Profiling (GP)-based fungal database format.


    Collaborators: Prof Koichi Nishigaki (Saitama University), Prof P.C. Trivedi (University of Rajasthan).

    4. Directed evolution and screening of translation enhancer sequences (5’UTR) for    improved protein synthesis in cell-free systems.

    This project is committed to the principles of open research with a mutual interest between India (Biyani College) and Japan (Shimadzu Biotech and Saitama University) since its inception in 2007 and is funded by internal resources of each side.

    Object: Cell-free translation systems have become an important and convenient tool for proteomic analyses but low functional protein yields obtained using an exogenous mRNA template due to low translational efficiency is the biggest problem in the use of cell-free translation systems. This project aims to develop a novel strategy for the in vitro selection of strong translation enhancer sequences for use in any given cell-free translation system using mRNA display

    Collaborators: Dr Masamitsu Shikata (Shimadzu Corp.), Prof Naoto Nemoto (Saitama University).

    5. Development of Bio-ID briefcase and Bio-ID chip for home health monitoring.

    This bilateral project between India and Japan is committed to the principles of open research since its inception in 2011 and is funded by internal resources. This project is aimed to establish a molecular surveillance system for home health monitoring and to develop an ‘all-in-one’ molecular diagnostic chip for on-line and in-house detection of malaria-causing plasmodium species and their resistance to multiple malarial drugs. This system will fulfill the ASSURED criteria: Affordable (<$3 per running sample), Sensitive (single-base difference), Specific (gene-level), User friendly (in-house application), Rapid and robust (<30 min), Equipment-free (portable-to-microchip) and Delivered to those who need it (on-line).
    Collaborators: SMS Medical College, Saitama U, Akita Prefectural U, Lifetech Co. Ltd.

    6. On-chip Protein phosphorylation for global identification of bona fide substrates of protein kinase.

    This trilateral project between India, Japan and UK is committed to the principles of open research since its inception in 2010 and is funded by internal resources. This project is aimed to develop a new array platform for global identification of bona fide substrates of protein kinase and analysis of on-chip protein phosphorylation.
    Collaborators: Prof Nancy Papalopulu (University of Manchester), Prof Takanori Ichiki (The University of Tokyo), Prof Tsunehiko Higuchi (Nagoya City University).

     7. Directed enzyme evolution of Lin genes for the improved degradation and detoxification of Hexachlorocyclohexance (HCH) and their application in field-scale bioremediation.

    This project is aimed to screen a variant of Lin genes (superior biological enzyme) for the improved degradation and detoxification of Hexachlorocyclohexance (HCH) and their application in field-scale bioremediation.
    Collaborators: Prof Rup Lal (University of Delhi), Prof Takanori Ichiki (The University of Tokyo).

    8. In vitro selection of peptide aptamer to inhibit misfolded SOD1 aggregation and their drug application in Motor Neuron Disease (ALS).

    This bilateral project between India and Japan is aimed to screen peptide aptamer to inhibit misfolded SOD1 aggregation and their drug application to cure Motor Neuron Disease.
    Collaborators: Dr Koji Yamanaka (Brain Science Institute, RIKEN), Prof Koichi Nishigaki (Saitama University), Dr Koichiro Kitamura (Janusys Corporation).

    8. G-quadruplex-conjugated multi-dimensional self-assembly growth for bionanoarchitectures.

    Collaborators: Prof Koichi Nishigaki (Saitama University), Prof Yoshifumi Nishimura (Yokohama City University), Dr Masahiro Fujita (RIKEN)




    ..:: Accomplished Research Projects ::..


    1. Saitama-Bio project

    This 5 years (2003~2007) project aimed to apply evolutionary molecular engineering to advanced bio-industries under CREATE program of Japan Science & Technology and titled as REDS (Rational Evolutionary Design of Advanced Biomolecules).


    Project director: Prof Yuzuru Husimi


    Project collaborators: [Industry] Chiome Bioscience Inc., Katakura Industries Co.Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd., Asubio Pharmaceuticals Inc., Janusys Corporation, Lifetech Co.Ltd., Enplas Corporation. [Academia] Saitama University, RIKEN, The University of Tokyo, Kyushu University, Niigata University, Toyohashi University of Technology, Ochanomizu University. [Government] Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama Industrial Technology Center


    Project Achievements: [Equipment developed] Universal high speed evolution reactor process, Microbiology analytical devices, Miniature SPR bio sensor, Simple analytical system for genome variations. [High-functional biomolecules created] New high function antibodies, New high function peptides, Cancer related functional molecules, Cell differentiation factors, Harmful chemical substance non toxic bacterial drugs. [3 venture companies established] (1) Development of antibody medicines using Japan’s proprietary, new AdLib method from Chiome Bioscience, Inc. (2) Diagnostic reagents and therapeutic drugs from peptides (protein) of JANUSYS corporation and (3) Energy and reduced sludge from new wastewater treatment system of Clarus Environment, Co., Ltd.