Qualification

• PhD      Biochemistry, 1991,   (CSIR-CLRI), University of Madras, India 
  Title – “Study of the therapeutic effect of honey on wound healing in rats” – 1991 – under the guidance of Dr.K.Thomas Joseph, Former Area Leader, Biological Sciences Division, CSIR-CLRI

(CSIR-National Eligibility Test – qualified in First attempt, 1986)

• M Sc     Biochemistry, 1985, University of Madras, India
• B Sc      Biochemistry, 1983, University of Madras, India

Area of Interest

• Biomaterials, Tissue repair and regeneration, Nano-biotechnology, Cancer biology, ECM

Areas of specialization

• Wound healing, diabetes, cancer, nanotechnology, liver fibrosis, green technology for leather, plant products for woundhealing

Research & Teaching Experience

Media Coverage of our research

• Isabgol based wound material to treat diabetic wounds – Business Line – May 09, 2018
• IIT develops dressing for faster healing
• Researchers at IIT-Madras make dressing material that heals wounds faster – Hindustan Times – May 07, 2018
• Big relief for diabetic patients! Quick wound-healing dressing material developed by IIT students in landmark research – Financial Express – May 08, 2018
• Here's How IIT Madras Students Are Making Wound Healing Easier For Diabetics – May 08, 2018

Patents

• A novel pellet fuel and a process for the preparation thereof,  Kuttalam Iyappan, Lonchin Suguna, Narasimhan Kannan Chandrababu,  Nagarajan Vedaraman, Thotapalli Parvathaleswara Sastry, Kavitha Sundar , Indian Patent Application no. is 2352DEL2014; dt. 20/Aug/2014
• A novel process for total lime-sulfide free unhairing of skins/hides using animal/herbal enzymes, C.Rose, L. Suguna, R. Rajini, N. Samivelu, V. Ramalingam, S. Rathinasamy, K. Iyappan, T.P. Sastry and T. Ramasami. U.S. Patent S.No. 10/350, 375, dt 23.01.2003 (Appln. No. 60/395,895 filed on July 15, 2002). PCT patent, S.No. PCT/IN03/00074 filed on 24.03.2003. Indian Patent, S.No. 285 DEL/2002.

 Technology Transfer

• An MOU has been signed between CLRI and Textan Chemicals Private Limited, India, for Rs.16, 00,000/- based on the US patent, in 2003

External Funding

• Rs.15, 00,000/- has been awarded under Women Scientists’ Scheme by DST, India in 2004

Selected List of Publications (h index – 16) Number of citations >1600 

1. An investigation of konjac glucomannan-keratin hydrogel scaffold loaded with Avena sativa extracts for diabetic wound healing Praveen Krishna, T. Ponrasu, K. Ramya, R. Balaji, L. Suguna and M. Vignesh, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 165, 92-102, 2018, IF 3.887.
2. Development of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-isabgol nanocomposite dressings for enhanced vascularization and accelerated wound healing in normal and diabetic rats Ponrasu T, Ramya K, Balaji R, Ganeshkumar M, Suguna L and Vignesh M. Journal of Colloid & Interface Science,  517, 251–264, 2018, IF 4.233.
3. Morin incorporated polysaccharide-protein (psyllium-keratin) hydrogel scaffolds accelerate diabetic wound healing in Wistar rats, T. Ponrasu; Veerasubramanian, Praveen Krishna; Kannan, Ramya; Selvakumar, Gopika; Suguna, Lonchin; Muthuvijayan, Vignesh, RSC Advances, 8, 2305–2314, 2018, IF 3.108.
4. Accelerated healing of diabetic wounds treated with L-Glutamic acid loaded hydrogels through enhanced collagen deposition and angiogenesis: An in vivo study, Ponrasu T, Balaji R, Sudip Chakraborty, Ramya K, Suguna L & Vignesh Muthuvijayan Scientific Reports, 7(Article No.10701), 1-14, 2017, IF 4.259 (Nature Publishing group)
5. Isabgol-silk fibroin 3D composite scaffolds as an effective dermal substitute for cutaneous wound healing in rats T. Ponrasu, P. Vishal, K. Ramya, L Suguna and Vignesh Muthuvijayan, RSC Advances, 6, 73617-73626, 2016, IF 3.108
6. Influence of pullulan hydrogel on suture-less healing in rats, V. Sangeetha Priya, K. Iyappan, V.S. Gayathri, S. William and L. Suguna, Wound Medicine, September, 14, 1-5, 2016.
7. Curcumin loaded on pullulan acetate nanoparticles protects the liver from damage induced by DEN, M. Ganeshkumar, T. Ponrasu, M.K.  Subamekala, M. Janani and L.  Suguna, RSC Advances, 6, 5599–5610, 2016, IF 3.108.
8. Investigation and analysis of a PV standalone system for industrial leather processing, L. Suguna, N. K. Chandrababu, V.S. Gayathri and K. Iyappan, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 4, (12), 12613-12624, 2015, IF 7.089
9. Wound healing activity of a collagen-derived cryptic peptide, Pradipta Banerjee, Lonchin Suguna, Shanthi C, Amino acids, 47(2):317-328, 2015, IF 3.196
10. Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Solanum indicum Linn Berries, B. Bhuvaneswari, M. Manimegalai and Lonchin Suguna, International Journal of Clinical Toxicology (Invited paper), 2 (2):71-76, 2014
11. A Comparative Study of Photovoltaic (Direct and Battery-Integrated) Cell powered Electro Chemical Oxidation of Synthetic Tannery Effluent, Iyappan K, Balasubramanian N, Suguna L, Saravanan P and Vedaraman N, Res. J. Chem. Environ, 18 (11)  34-42, 2014, IF (0.64)
12. Efficacy of Annona squamosa L on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen during wound repair in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, T. Ponrasu and L. Suguna, Biomed Research International, Volume 2014, Article ID 124352, 10 pages, IF (2.476).
13. Green synthesis of pullulan stabilized gold nanoparticles for cancer targeted drug delivery, M. Ganeshkumar, T.Ponrasu, M.D. Raja, M.K. Subamekala and Lonchin Suguna,  Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Mol. Biomol Spectroscopy, 130: 64 –71, 2014, IF (2.536)
14. Efficacy of Acorus calamus on collagen maturation on full thickness cutaneous wounds in rats, T. Ponrasu, K.N. Madhukumar,  M. Ganeshkumar, K.Iyappan, V. Sangeetha Priya, V.S. Gayathri and L. Suguna, Pharmacognosy Magazine, 10 (38):299-305, 2014, IF (1.201)
15. Role of Annona squamosa on antioxidants during wound healing in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats, Ponrasu T, Subamekala MK, Ganeshkumar M and Lonchin Suguna, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2: (4) 77-84, 2013, IF (0.255)
16. An eco-friendly method for short term preservation of skins/hides using Semecarpus anacardium nut extract, K. Iyappan, T. Ponrasu, V. Sangeethapriya, V.S. Gayathri and L. Suguna, Environmental Science and Pollution Research 20:6324–6330, 2013, IF (2.741)
17. Efficacy of L-proline administration on the early responses during cutaneous wound healing in rats, T.Ponrasu,  S.Jamuna, A.Mathew, K.N.Madhukumar, M.Ganeshkumar, K.Iyappan and  L. Suguna, Amino Acids, 45, 179-189, 2013, IF (3.173)
18. Spontaneous ultra-fast synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Punica granatum for cancer targeted drug delivery, M.Ganeshkumar, T.Ponrasu, M.Sathishkumar and L. Suguna, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 106: 208-16, 2013, IF (3.887)
19. Preparation of amphiphilic hollow carbon nanosphere loaded insulin for oral delivery, M.Ganeshkumar, T.Ponrasu, M.Sathishkumar and L. Suguna, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 103: 238– 243, 2013, IF (3.887)
20. Sunlight shapes cancer drug carrier, M. Ganeshkumar, T. P. Sastry, M. Sathish kumar, M.G. Dinesh , S. Kannappan  and  L. Suguna, Nature India, DOI:10.1038/India, 2012, 108, Published online 27 July 2012.
21. Antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum, Bhuvaneswari, B, Rajeswari Hari,  Vasuki, R, Suguna, L., Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res., 5(3), 147-150, 2012, IF (0.4)
22. Sun light mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles as carrier for 6-mercaptopurine: Characterization and toxicity studies in zebrafish embryo model, M.  Ganeshkumar, T.P. Sastry, M. Sathish kumar, M.G. Dinesh, S. Kannappan  and  L. Suguna, Mat. Res. Bulletin, 7 (9), 2113-2119, 2012, IF (2.446)
23. Topical application of Acalypha indica accelerates rat cutaneous wound healing by up-regulating the expression of Type I and III collagen, Ganeshkumar M, Ponrasu T, Krithika R, Iyappan K, Subramani Gayathri VS and Lonchin  Suguna, J. Ethnopharmacol., 142 (1), 14–22, 2012, IF (2.981)
24. Developmental toxicity evaluation of ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, Thangavel Ponrasu, Moorthy Ganeshkumar and Lonchin Suguna, Journal of Pharmacy Research, 2012, 5(1), 277-279, IF (2.89)
25. Efficacy of a A. squamosa on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced  diabetic rats, T. Ponrasu and L. Suguna, International Wound Journal, 9(6) 613-623, 2012, IF (2.848)
26. Pullulan acetate nanoparticles based delivery system for hydrophobic drug, B. Santhosh Kumar, M. Ganesh Kumar, L. Suguna, T. P. Sastry and A. B. Mandal, International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, Vol 3 (1) 24-32, Jan – Mar 2012, IF (6.268)
27. Efficacy of Ageratum conyzoides on tissue repair and collagen formation in rats, K.Arul Prakash, R.Murugan, T.Ponrasu, K. Iyappan, V.S. Gayathri and L.Suguna, Clinical Exp Derm 37 (4), 418-424, 2012 IF (1.589)
28. Phyllanthin of standardised  P. amarus  extract attenuates liver oxidative stress in mice  and  exerts cytoprotective activity on human hepatoma cell line, Krithika Rajesh, R.J. Verma, P. Srivatsav and L. Suguna, J. Clin. Exp. Hepatology , 1 (2) 57-67, 2011
29. An eco-friendly method for short term preservation of skins/hides, L. Suguna, K.Iyappan, V.Rathinasamy,  N.K.Chandrababu and A.B.Mandal, Indian Leather, 43 (1) 35-42, 2009.
30. Alternatives to Salt Preservation: Preservation by Reducing Moisture Content, L.Suguna, V. Rathinasamy, Kuttalam Iyappan,  NK Chandrababu and Asit Baran Mandal, Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. 6 (4) 119-122, 2009
31. Influence of honey on energy metabolism during wound healing in rats, M. Sumitra, P. Manikantan, V.S. Gayathri and L. Suguna, Scholarly Research Exchange (Invited paper, Volume 2009  Article ID   (715320)
32. Emblica officinalis exerts wound healing action through upregulation of collagen and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk1/2)., M. Sumitra, P. Manikantan, V.S. Gayathri, P. Mahendran and L. Suguna, Wound Repair and Regeneration. 17, 99-107, 2009 IF (3.041)
33. An eco-friendly method for short term preservation of skins using extract from Aegle marmelos, L. Suguna, V.Rathinasamy, K.Iyappan, N.K.Chandrababu and  A.B. Mandal, Indian Leather, 41 (12) 115-125, 2008
34. Efficacy of silymarin and curcumin on dimethylnitrosamine induced liver fibrosis in rats, Joseph George, L. Suguna, R. Jayalakshmi and Gowri Chandrakasan, Biomedicine, 26, (3&4), 18-26, 2007.
35. Curcumin modulates collagen characteristics and free radical quenching during wound    healing in rats, P. Manikandan, M. Sumitra, V.S. Gayathri and L. Suguna Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 290 (1-2), 87-96, 2006. IF (2.669)
36. Establishment of an in vitro model for hepatic fibrosis: Isolation and characterization    of   hepatic stellate cells. Gayathri Ratnam, L. Suguna, K. Hari Prasad and Gowri Chandrakasan Biomedicine, 25 (2), 64-71, 2005.
37. Efficacy of Butea monosperma extract on dermal wound healing in rats. M. Sumitra, P. Manikandan and L. Suguna The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 37(3), 566- 573, 2005   IF (3.905)
38. The effect of nerve growth factor (NFG) on the early responses during the process   of wound healing M. Nithya, L. Suguna and C. Rose  Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1620, 25-31, 2003 IF (5.083)
39. Modulatory effect of Coccinia Modulatory effect  of  Coccinia indica on aortic collagen in  streptozotocin-   induced diabetic  rats S. Venkateswaran, L. Pari, L. Suguna, Gowri Chandrakasan  Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol.  vol. 30, 3, 157-163,  2003 IF (2.01)
40. Fibrin as a matrix for grafting 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate: preparation and                                                  characterization of the graft and its in vivo evaluation for wound healing. J.Sathian, T.P.  Sastry,  L. Suguna, Y. Lakshmi Narayana and Ganga Radha Krishnan Journal of Biomedical Material Research. 65A, 435-440, 2003 IF (3.076)
41. Similarity between the major collagens of cuttlefish cranial cartilage and cornea. P. Sivakumar, L. Suguna and G.Chandrakasan Comparative Biochem. Physiol. (B) 134, 1: 171-180, 2003 IF (1.757)
42. Influence of Terminalia chebula on dermal wound healing in rats. L. Suguna, Surjeet Singh, P. Sivakumar, S. Padmavathi and Gowri Chandrakasan Phytotherapy Research 16, 227-231 2002 IF (3.092)
43. Biochemical and physicochemical characterization of the heterotrimeric type V/XI like collagen from squid cranial cartilage and its similarity to the squid corneal collagen. P.Sivakumar, L.Suguna and Gowri Chandrakasan Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology (B) 125, 555-562, 2000 IF (1.757)
44. Impact of tannery effluent on collagen and molecular modifications in fresh water fish. P. Sivakumar, R. Arichandran, L. Suguna, M. Mariappan and Gowri Chandrakasan J. Fish Biology, 56, 999-1012, 2000 IF (1.519)
45. Study of Dermal wound healing activity of Trigonella foenum graceum in rats. M. Sumitra, P. Manikandan, L. Suguna, G Cehittar J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 28, 59 – 67, 2000 IF (2.19)
46. A matrix effect in mixed phospholipid/fatty acid vesicle formation L. Suguna, P.L. Luisi, P. Walde and B.H. Robinson J. Phys. Chem. B, 103, 10910-916, 1999 IF (3.177)
47. Purification and partial characterization of a type V like collagen from the muscle of   marine prawn, Penaeus indicus. P. Sivakumar, L. Suguna and Gowri Chandrakasan J. Biosciences. 22, 131-141, 1997 IF (1.422)
48. Effects of Centella  asiatica extract on dermal wound healing in rats. L. Suguna, P. Sivakumar and Gowri Chandrakasan Ind. J. Exp. Biol. 34, 1208-1211, 1996 IF (1.165)
49. Influence of arginine on wound healing in rats. P. Chithra, L. Suguna, and Gowri Chandrakasan  J.Clin. Biochem. Nutr.   18, 111-117, 1995. IF (2.19)
50. Influence of honey on collagen metabolism during wound healing in rats. L. Suguna, Gowri Chandrakasan, and  K. Thomas Joseph J.Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 13, 11-17, 1993. IF (2.19)
51. Influence of glutamic acid on wound healing in rats. L. Suguna, P. Chithra and Gowri Chandrakasan FASEB J 7,  A1486, 1993 IF (5.299)
52. Differentiation of keloid and hypertropic scar; correlation of the water proton relaxation times with the duration of the scar. Mary Babu, R. Padma Bai, L. Suguna, K. Ramachandran and  K. M. Ramakrishnan Physiol. Chem. Phys. & Med.NMR, 25, 113-120, 1993 (IF 0.854)
53. Influence of honey on collagen types I and III during wound healing in rats.  L.  Suguna, Gowri Chandrakasan and K. Thomas Joseph. Biomedicine Vol. 12, 2, 55-58, 1992.
54. Influence of honey on biochemical and biophysical parameters of wounds in rats. L. Suguna, Gowri Chandrakasan, and K. Thomas Joseph.J.Clin.Biochem.Nutr.14, 91-99,1992. IF (2.19)
55. Comparison of thermal stabilities and solubilities of human hypertropic scar, keloid and normal skin collagens.  L. Suguna, Mary Babu, R. Padma Bai, and Gowri Chandrakasan. Leather Science, Vol.34, 7, 8, 9, 1987.

International Conferences attended

National Conferences Attended

Workshops attended

1. Training Program on Good Laboratory Practice and Regulatory Issues held at Ghaziabad, by HRDC, from August 31-September 2006, organized by CSIR.
2. Workshop on “Management of Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology” held at Chennai from February 22-23, 2007, organized by Biotech Consortium India Limited.

Invited Talks

1. Lecture on “Efficacy of Annona squamosa on wound healing in rats” delivered on 19.02.2014 at the Department of Medical Biochemistry, PGIBMS, Taramani, Chennai.

1. Lecture delivered on “Wound healing potential of a biodegradable film from pullulan in rats”  at the 4^th International Conference on Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Apr 14-16, 2014, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Visits Abroad

• Texas, USA – to present a paper on “Efficacy of biodegradable film from pullulan on wound healing in rats" at 4^th International Conference on Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, April 14-16, 2014 (Invited talk)
• Bangkok, Thailand - To receive Fellow of  International Medical Sciences Academy  (FIMSA) and    to chair a session at 32^nd Annual Conference of International Medical Sciences Academy, IMSACON 2014, Oct 11-12, 2014, Bangkok, Thailand
• Geneva, Switzerland – to present a paper entitled, “Efficacy of Annona squamosa leaf extract on diabetic wound healing in   rats” (Oral presentation) at EWMA 2010, May 26-28, 2010, held at Geneva, Switzerland
• Florida, USA – To present a paper entitled, “Wound healing potential of Emblica officinalis by modulating collagen and decreasing reactive oxygen species” at SAWC and WHS 2007, April 28 – May 01, 2007, Tampa, Florida

Dr.CR Krishnamurthy memorial award from Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists (IABMS)
Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa Gold Medal Award
Fellow of International Medical Sciences Academy	Mr.V.V. Swaminathan Diamond Jubilee Research Endowment award (Gold Medal)

Awards Received

Honours / Recognition

• Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa Gold Medal Award -  for National economic growth through individual contribution - 2018
• Nominated by University of Madras as Member for Board of Studies in Biochemistry (Non-Academic) for three years from 01.06.2017 to 31.05.2020
• Examiner for conducting the project viva-voce examination for PG students, Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, held on 25.04.2017
• Served as Expert in the panel for the up-gradation of Assistant Professor (stage 3) to Associate Professor for the Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, 2016
• Conference Advisory Committee Member for “NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RECENT TRENDS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES – RESEARCH AND APPLICATION” (NSRTBS 2016), 19-20^th September, 2016 held at Meenakshi College for Women (autonomous), Chennai 600 024
• Chaired a session as a Judge for NSRTBS 2016, 19-20^th September, 2016 held at Meenakshi College for Women (autonomous), Chennai 600 024
• Conference Advisory Committee Member for “NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS” (NCAFM 2015), 28-29^th December, 2015 held at SSN College of Engineering, Chennai 603 110
• One of the Judges in the panel for selection of best oral presentation at NACFM, 2015
• Chaired a session in the IMSACON, 2014, held during Oct 11-12, 2014 at Bangkok, Thailand
• Served as Expert in the panel for the up-gradation of Assistant Professors of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, 2013
• Nominated by University of Madras as Member for Board of Studies in Biochemistry (Non-Academic) for three years from 01.12.2013 to 30.11.2016
• Chaired a session in International Seminar on Biochemistry for Tomorrow’s Medicine held during February 22-23, 2012 at Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women (Autonomous), Teynampet, Chennai
• Biography included in Who’s Who, Asia Edition (2007)
• Rs. 15,00,000/- awarded by Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, under Women Scientists Scheme – 2003
• Awarded Junior and Senior Research Fellowships by getting through NET in the first attempt  (All India Level) in the field of Life Sciences 1986 – 1991
• Qualified IN CERA (Common Examination for Research Admission) conducted by IIT – Mumbai, in 1985 (percentile score 83.33)
• Recognized Supervisor for guiding Ph.D. students at Anna University and Madras University.
• Recognized Examiner for Madras University, Anna University, Sri Ramachandra University, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.

Reviewer of Journals

Editorial Board Member

Affiliation

• Society of Biological Chemists (India) – Life Member L 1870
• Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists – Life Member L601
• The Indian Science Congress Association – Life Member L21048
• Society for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (India) – Life Member LM122
• National Academy of Biological Scientists (NABS) – Life Member LM- 069-17
• Wound Healing Society – Annual Member

• Mentor for M.Sc., students for their final year projects – more than 150
• Number of Ph.D. students – completed 3;   thesis submitted – 1 ongoing – 2
• Number of Postdoctoral fellow – 1 Research Associate (completed)