Assistant Professor Dr Baskaran Gunasekaran
Assistant Professor | Department of Biotechnology
Academic Qualifications
PhD Biochemistry
MSc Biochemistry
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
Areas of Interest
Metabolic and clinical biochemistry
Enzyme Biochemistry
Medicinal and pharmaceutical biochemistry
Bioremediation and environmental biochemistry
Research
Research Grants
- Name of grant: Product development grant (Industry grant)
Funder: Maystar Beauty Sdn Bhd
Project Ttle: Development, characterization and capsulation of hypocholesterolemia and anti-obesity polyherbal formulation (PHF) against multiple cholesterol metabolism targets
Code: -
Duration: 2 years
Role: PI
Amount: RM 363,000
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Research Consortium Grant
Funder: WWF-Malaysia through Ministry of Finance
Project Ttle: Greening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Aquaculture via Circular Economy in Johor, Malaysia
Code: -
Duration: 1 year
Role: Co-PI
Amount: RM 1.2 million
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Conservation Partnership Scheme (CPS) grant
Funder: WWF-Malaysia
Project Ttle: The effect of insect meal substitution on the physiological performances of pacific white shrimp (litopenaeus vannamei)
Code: -
Duration: 6 months
Role: Co-PI
Amount: RM 60,000
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Bivalve Aquaculture Research Excellence Consortium
Funder: Ministry of Higher Education
Project Ttle: Development of insect-based microparticle diets in the hatchery culture of larvae, juveniles and adults of Angelwing clams (Pholas orientalis)
Code: -
Duration: 2 years
Role: Co-PI
Amount: RM 500,000
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Research Excellence & Innovation Grant (REIG)
Funder: UCSI University
Project Ttle: A gene-based microarray of Basella alba extract on global gene expression profiles in human breast carcinoma cell line MDA MB 231
Code: -
Duration: 2 years
Role: PI
Amount: RM 47,900
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Research Excellence & Innovation Grant (REIG)
Funder: UCSI University
Project Ttle: Identifying the intestinal microbiota of shrimps impervious to acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) & development of disease control feed incorporated with indigenous probiotics
Code: -
Duration: 2 years
Role: Co-PI
Amount: RM 48,000
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
Funder: Ministry of Higher Education
Project Ttle: Comprehending the structural interaction between bacterial leukotoxin (LtxA) and human leukocytes
Code: -
Duration: 3 years
Role: Co-PI
Amount: RM 167,800
Status: On-going - Name of grant: Pioneer Scientist Innovative Fund (PSIF)
Funder: UCSI University
Project Ttle: Effects of drying techniques on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Code: -
Duration: 1 year
Role: PI
Amount: RM 25,000
Status: Completed - Name of grant: Putra Innovation Grant
Funder: -
Project Ttle: University grant to support postgraduate research
Code: -
Duration: 1 year
Role: Student
Amount: RM 15,000
Status: Completed - Name of grant: Public-Private Research Network (PPRN)
Funder: Ministry of Higher Education
Project Ttle: Improvement on structure and mechanical strength of bone scaffold
Code: -
Duration: 1 year
Role: PI
Amount: RM 50,000
Status: Completed - Name of grant: Innohub commerceialization grant
Funder: Universiti Putra Malaysia
Project Ttle: Bone scaffolding for bone repair using cockle shells
Code: -
Duration: 2 years
Role: PI
Amount: RM 100,000
Status: Completed
Current Research Project
- Development, characterization and capsulation of hypocholesterolemia and anti-obesity polyherbal formulation (PHF) against multiple cholesterol metabolism targets
- Greening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Aquaculture via Circular Economy in Johor, Malaysia
- The effect of insect meal substitution on the physiological performances of pacific white shrimp (litopenaeus vannamei)
- Development of insect-based microparticle diets in the hatchery culture of larvae, juveniles and adults of Angelwing clams (Pholas orientalis)
- A gene-based microarray of Basella alba extract on global gene expression profiles in human breast carcinoma cell line MDA MB 231
Publications
- Pui Yan, L., Yeen Linn, N., Arunasalam, M., Choon Hui, T., Salvamani, S., & Baskaran, G. (2022). Changes in Physicochemical, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Candy Incorporated with Basella Alba upon Storage. Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, 1-13.
- Al-Nema, M., Gaurav, A., Lee, V. S., Gunasekaran, B., Lee, M. T., Okechukwu, P., & Nimmanpipug, P. (2022). Structure-based discovery and bio-evaluation of a cyclopenta [4, 5] thieno [2, 3-d] pyrimidin-4-one as a phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor. RSC Advances, 12(3), 1576-1591.
- Al-Nema, M., Gaurav, A., Lee, V. S., Gunasekaran, B., Lee, M. T., & Okechukwu, P. (2021). Identification of dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 1B/10A using structure-based drug design approach. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 342, 117485.
- De Silva, C., Nawawi, N. M., Abd Karim, M. M., Abd Gani, S., Masarudin, M. J., Gunasekaran, B., & Ahmad, S. A. (2021). The Mechanistic Action of Biosynthesised Silver Nanoparticles and Its Application in Aquaculture and Livestock Industries. Animals, 11(7), 2097.
- Manogaran, M., Yasid, N. A., Othman, A. R., Gunasekaran, B., Halmi, M. I. E., & Shukor, M. Y. A. (2021). Biodecolourisation of Reactive Red 120 as a Sole Carbon Source by a Bacterial Consortium—Toxicity Assessment and Statistical Optimisation. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2424.
- Tan, S. A., Yam, H. C., Cheong, S. L., Chow, Y. C., Bok, C. Y., Ho, J. M., ... & Gunasekaran, B. (2021). Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis peptidyl arginine deiminase, a virulence factor, by antioxidant-rich Cratoxylum cochinchinense: In vitro and in silico evaluation. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences.
- Foo S.Y., Chan S.Q., Sharryl T.X.S, Puah J.Y., Hong Y.L, Thiviya D., Gunasekaran B., Shamala Salvamani. (2021). Hypoglycemic effects and molecular mechanisms of plant flavonoids. Evidence Based and Complimentary Medicine.
- Al-Nema, M., Gaurav, A., Lee, V.S., Gunasekaran, B., Lee, M.T. and Okechukwu, P. (2021). Identification of dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 1B/10A using structure-based drug design approach. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 342, p.117485.
- De Silva, C., Nawawi, N.M., Abd Karim, M.M., Abd Gani, S., Masarudin, M.J., Gunasekaran, B. and Ahmad, S.A. (2021). The Mechanistic Action of Biosynthesised Silver Nanoparticles and Its Application in Aquaculture and Livestock Industries. Animals, 11(7), p.2097.
- Manogaran, M., Yasid, N.A., Othman, A.R., Gunasekaran, B., Halmi, M.I.E. and Shukor, M.Y.A. (2021). Biodecolourisation of Reactive Red 120 as a Sole Carbon Source by a Bacterial Consortium—Toxicity Assessment and Statistical Optimisation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), p.2424.
- Ling, T.S., Chandrasegaran, S., Xuan, L.Z., Suan, T.L., Elaine, E., Nathan, D.V., Chai, Y.H., Gunasekaran, B. and Salvamani, S., 2021. The potential benefits of nanotechnology in treating Alzheimer’s disease. BioMed Research International, 2021.
- Gunasekaran, B., & Shukor, M. Y. (2020). HMG-CoA Reductase as Target for Drug Development. In Targeting Enzymes for Pharmaceutical Development (pp. 245-250). Humana, New York, NY.
- De Silva, C., Noor, A. M., Abd Karim, M. M., Gunasekaran, B., Abd Gani, S., Cabrera, M. A., & Ahmad, S. A. (2020). The green synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles from Serratia spp. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Química, 19(3), 1327-1339.
- Mohamad Noor, A.A., De Silva, C., Gunasekaran, B., Abd Gani, S., Abd Karim, M. M., Ahmad, S. A. (2020). Identification of marine bacteria isolated from marine soil sediments and their ability to biosynthesise AgNPs extra cellularly, 1, 52-56
- Gunasekaran, B., & Shukor, M. Y. (2020). HMG-CoA Reductase as Target for Drug Development. In Targeting Enzymes for Pharmaceutical Development (pp. 245-250). Humana, New York, NY.
- Khalidi, S. A. M., Sabullah, M. K., Sani, S. A., Ahmad, S. A., Shukor, M. Y., Jaafar, I. N. M., & Gunasekaran, B. (2019). Acetylcholinesterase from the brain of Monopterus albus as detection of metal ions. In Journal of Physics: Conference
- Baskaran, AK Muhammaddul Qawiy and Mohammad Taha (2019). An Inhibitive Method to Determine Heavy Metals using A Cysteine Protease Ficin, International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE) ISSN: 2278-3075, Volume-8 Issue-5S.
- Sook-Chin Chew, Choon-Hui Tan, Liew-Phing Pui, Pei-Nee Chong, Baskaran Gunasekaran and Nyam Kar Lin (2019). Encapsulation Technologies: A Tool for Functional Foods Development, International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE) ISSN: 2278-3075, Volume-8 Issue-5S.
- Mohd Khalizan Sabullah, Jualang Azlan Gansau, Hartinie Marbawi, Ainol Azifa Mohd Faik, Suraya Abdul Sani1, Rahmath Abdulla, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Mohd Yunus Shukor and Baskaran Gunasekaran (2018). Potential use of Acetylcholinesterase from Osteochilus hasselti in Monitoring Heavy Metal Pollution in Malaysia River, ASM Science Journal, 11, Special Issue 2, 2018 for SANREM, 225-234.
- Shamala Salvamani, Baskaran Gunasekaran, Mohd Yunus Shukor, Md. Zuki Abu Bakar, Siti Aqlima Ahmad (2016). Phytochemicals investigation, hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of Amaranthus viridis leaf extract in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits, RSC Advances, 6, 32685-32696.
- Shamala Salvamani, Baskaran Gunasekaran, Mohd Yunus Shukor, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Mohd Khalizan Sabullah and Siti Aqlima Ahmad (2016). Anti-HMG-CoA reductase, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Amaranthus viridis leaf extract as a potential treatment for hypercholesterolemia, Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Article ID 8090841
- Baskaran, Gunasekaran, Azrina Azlan, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Swee Keong Yeap and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2015). Hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant effects of Basella alba inhibit atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits, Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Article ID 751714.
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Shamala Salvamani, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Aqlima Ahmad, Parveen Devi Pattiram and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2015). HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity and phytocomponent investigation of Basella alba leaf extract as a treatment for hypercholesterolemia, Drug Design, Development & Therapy, vol. 2015, 509-517
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2014). Antiatherosclerotic effects of plant flavonoids, BioMed Research International Journal, 480258.
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Mohd Arif Syed, Shamala Salvamani, Parveen Devi Pattiram, Mohd Khalizan Sabullah and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2014). Purification of protease from Coriandrum sativum using ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration method, Bulletin of Environmental Science and Management, vol. 2(2), 53-57.
- Noor Azlina Masdor, Mohd Izuan Effendi Helmi, Baskaran Gunasekaran and Rosni Sulaiman (2014). Screening of heavy metals in selected vegetables using the papain inhibitive assay, Asian Journal of Plant Biology, vol. 2, No. 2, 28-31.
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Mohd Hakimi Mohd Kasim, Shamala Salvamani and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2014). Field trials on heavy metals using alpha-chymotryopsin enzyme assay, Journal of Environmental, Microbiology and Toxicology, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 25-34.
Conferences
- Strengthening Industry and Academia Partnership (SIAP 2020)- Securing Water for Shared Prosperity, UCSI University Malaysia, 24th March 2020 (delegate)
- Shamala Salvamani and Baskaran Gunasekaran (2019). Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of Amaranthus viridis leaf extract in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits, 3 rd International Conference on Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 24th April 2019 (Poster presenter)
- Sustainability Summit Asia, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, 15th November 2018 (invited delegate)
- Sustainability Development Goals Conference, UCSI University, 22nd July 2018 (delegate).
- Strengthening Industry-Academia Partnership (SIAP 2018)- Rubber and Palm oil UCSI University Malaysia, 10th July 2018 (delegate)
- Siti Aishah Muhammad Khalidi, Suraya Abd. Sani, Mohd Yunus Shukor, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Nur Adeela Yasid, ‘Izazy Nur Mohd Jaafar and Gunasekaran Baskaran, Mohd Khalizan Sabullaha (2019). Acetylcholinesterase from Monopterus albus for the Detection of Carbamate and Organophosphate, Asia Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Vol. 27 (2) Suppl.
- Thayaalini Subramaniam, Yam Hok Chai, Shamala Salvamani and Baskaran Gunasekaran (2018). Preliminary Assessment of Herbal Remedies in Inhibiting Citrullination of Arginine: An Implication in Mitigating Rheumatoid Arthritis, International Conference on Recent Trends in Humanities & Science, UTAR Kampar, Perak (Oral presenter)
- Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya (invited delegate)
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Azrina Azlan, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha, Mohd Yunus Shukor (2014). Anti cholesterolemic effects of Basella alba inhibits atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits, Monash University Science Symposium (Poster presenter).
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Azrina Azlan, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha, Mohd Yunus Shukor (2013). Anti cholesterolemic effects of Basella alba inhibits atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits, Monash University Science Symposium (Poster presenter).
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Azrina Azlan, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha, Mohd Yunus Shukor (2013). The inhibitory effect of some Malaysian plant extracts on the 3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase, 38th Annual Conference of Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Poster presenter).
- Baskaran Gunasekaran and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2010). Inhibitive enzyme assay for the detection of heavy metals using Coriandrum sativum, Biotech Colloquium UPM (Masters Final).
- Baskaran Gunasekaran and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2010). Herbs as potential medicine for diseases. 3rd World Conference on Siddhar Principles, Malaysian Society of Agastiyar (Delegate).
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Mohd Arif Syed and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2009). Inhibitive enzyme assay for the detection of heavy metals using Coriandrum sativum, Plant Biotechnology and Postgraduate Symposium (Oral speaker)
- Baskaran Gunasekaran, Mohd Arif Syed and Mohd Yunus Shukor (2008). Detection of heavy metals using protease from Ficin, Regional Conference on Biosensor and Biodiagnostics (Poster presenter)
Awards and Recognitions
- Finalist for Anugerah Saintis Muda 2019, Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change.
- Best Poster Award. International Conference on Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (ICMBB), 2019
- Young Scientist in Biochemistry, Venus International Foundation India, 2017
- Finalist for UKM Sustainability Challenge Competition, UKM-Sime Darby, 2017
- Gold medal Invention, Research and Innovation Exhibition (PRPI) UPM, 2016
- Certificate of Recognition by Ministry of International Trade and Industry, World Halal Innohub Programme, 2015
- Distinction award For PhD, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2015
- Finalist ‘Research in Flash’ Competition, Monash University Malaysia Campus, 2014
- 2 nd Prize 3minute thesis competition, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2013
- Consolation Prize, Science Direct and Scopus ChallengeStage I, 2013
- Consolation Prize, Science Direct and Scopus ChallengeStage II, 2013
- Young Leadership Award, Malaysian Indian Food and Beverage Manufacturing Association, 2013
- Finalist 3-minute thesis competition, Graduate School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2013
- Platinum Medal, British Invention Show (BIS). Alexandria Palace, 13-16th October, London. 2010
- Gold Medal, British Invention Show (BIS). Alexandria Palace, 13-16th October, London. 2010
- Curriculum Award, Second college, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2009
- Lang Setia Award, Second college, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2009
- Dean List Award, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences,Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2009
- Student Achievement Award, Second college, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2006
Contributions to Society
- Speaker in Technology Preview Pitch, BioMalaysia, 17th August 2015
- Future Builders Camp” for primary and secondary school children, Yayasan Suara Rakyat Malaysia 2015
- Speaker in SMK Seri Permata Kuala Lumper, representing UCSI University, 21st March 2017
- Speaker in Astro Vanavil-vizthugal TV program, 4th January 2018
- Every Child is a scientist Program (ECSP)
- Reviewer for Science Malaysiana Journal
- Reviewer for Biomed International Journal
- Reviewer for Evidence Based and Complimentary Medicine Journal
- Commercialization talk, “Industrial perspectives on Transforming Research Into Commercialization-Bridging Lab to Market”, UCSI University 2018
- Yakult program, “Laugh with your gut”, UCSI University 2018
- Tackling obesity: What works? Sunway Velocity Mall 12th Oct 2019
- 8th National Science and Maths Quiz 2021, Organized by Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University. 17-31 July 2021
Networks and Collaborations on Research
- Affliate of Young Scientist Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM).
- Member of Malaysia Natural Product Society
- Member- Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MSMBB)
- Member- Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
- The Centre for Drug Research, USM
- Natural Product Lab, IBS, UPM
- Bioremediation lab, UPM
- NARA institute of Science and Technology, Japan
- Agro-Biotech Institute Malaysia
- Malaysian Genome Institute
- International Medical University
Professional Affliation
- Member of Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
- Member of Malaysian Society of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MSMBB)
- Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM)
- Member of Malaysia Natural Product Society
- Member of Malaysian Wellness Society