Phone: 080 2293 2341
Email: nirmalya@iisc.ac.in
Ph. D., Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay, India, 2016
M. Ch. E., Chemical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, 2009
B. Ch. E., Chemical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, 2007
Enhancement of mobility of drug molecule for oral delivery
Molecular transport is key in drug development, especially for oral delivery, which is preferred for its convenience. However, oral bioavailability is often lower than intravenous methods due to barriers in the gastrointestinal tract. Our recent findings indicate that hydrophobic modifications, such as methylation, can enhance diffusivity in semi-dilute polymer solutions. This research aims to optimize the mucosal microenvironment and the interfacial property of the drug molecules to improve permeation. We aim to study methylated, fluorescent drug molecules to improve transport across the gastrointestinal mucosal layer. By manipulating these factors, we hope to enhance the transport of orally administered drugs, improving bioavailability, reducing costs, and increasing patient compliance.
Understanding the effect of “Magic Bullet” on improving drug potency
The impact of methyl or hydrophobic groups on drug molecules has gained significant attention in medicinal chemistry over the past decade, often referred to as the “magic methyl effect” or “magic bullet effect.” Recent studies have shown that targeted methylation can enhance the properties of drugs, such as binding affinity and biological activity. Our research uses molecular dynamics simulations to analyze these effects, highlighting the importance of conformational changes and the specific positioning of methyl groups. Moreover, the effect is position-specific, allowing us to identify optimal methylation sites for potency enhancement. This research provides guidance on effectively adding methyl groups to drug molecules, with important implications for healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Research Interests