BIOGRAPHY
Prof. Surajit Das is currently working at the Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India. He holds PhD in Marine Biology for his research work on marine microbiology from continental slope of Bay of Bengal. His area of research includes bacterial biofilm, and marine biotechnology. He has more than 16 years of post-PhD research experience in microbial biofilm, environmental biotechnology, bioremediation, mangrove biology, plant-microbe interaction, marine microbial bioactive metabolites, microbial ecology, environmental science, biodiversity and marine microbiology. The main goal of his research is to understand the genetic regulation of microbial biofilm for the improvement and development of biofilm-based biotechnological approaches. His research statement is “To carry out strategic and applied research in the area of water, wastewater treatment, bioremediation, marine environment along with capacity building for sustainable development”.
EXPERTISE INFORMATION
Research Group
- Microbiology and Ecology
Areas of Interest
- Bacterial biofilm, Environmental biotechnology, Marine microbiology, Aquaculture, Fish biotechnology, Biodiversity & ecology
Surajit Das
সুরজিৎ দাস / सुरजित दास
Professor, Life Science
surajit@nitrkl.ac.in / surajit.cas@gmail.com
0661 - 246 2684
9556425605
3
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)199
PUBLICATIONS28
SPONSORED PROJECTS1
CONSULTANCY PROJECTS40
DOCTORAL STUDENTS4
CONTINUING EDUCATIONPERSONAL INFORMATION
Surajit Das
Professor
Life Science
Room Number: MN-340
Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Sundargarh, Odisha, India - 769008
2008
Ph.D.
Marine Biology (Microbiology)Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University
Teaching Experience
- Microbiology, NIT Rourkela, 27 Jul 2009 - Till date
- Microbiology & Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, 03 Mar 2008 - 24 Jul 2009
Post Doctoral Research Experience
- Marine biotechnology, University of Tasmania, 01 May 2008 - 31 Oct 2008
Consortium of Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture, Health , Energy and Environment Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB)
- Co-Investigator
- 60
- Running Sponsored
Development of a Hybrid Constructed Wetland System for Treatment of Acidic Drainage in Coal Mine Sumps using Waste-Derived Materials along with recovery of valuable resources Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB)
- Co-Investigator
- 36
- Running Sponsored
Exploring marine microbial diversity and application of marine microbial polymer and compounds for environmental and biomedical applications Science & Technology Department, Govt of Odisha
- Principal Investigator
- 24
- Running Sponsored
Understanding the marine bacterial biofilm community structure and harnessing the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of biofilm for bioremediation and bioprospecting Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Running Sponsored
Deciphering the interplay between biofilm matrix component and small RNA in biofilm regulation and catabolic gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 for phenanthrene degradation Department Of Biotechnology
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Running Sponsored
Studies on condition Assessment & Management Plan for Mahanadi river basin National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Running Sponsored
Identification and molecular characterization of autophagy-inducing chemo preventive molecules from marine microorganisms to target oral squamous cell carcinoma. DST,Odisha
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Screening and identification of canonical mitophagy inducing phytochemicals from Bacopamonnieri to target NLRP3 inflammasome activation for oral cancer therapeutics. DBT
- Co-Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Involvement of bacterial cytoskeleton in morphogenesis during biofilm development for xenobiotic degradation. BRNS
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Biofilm developmental stages of marine bacteria and biofilm-EPS based bioremediation of toxic heavy metals from industrial wastewater. Science & Technology Department,Govt Of Odisha
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Biotechnological approaches of plant associated microbes for improved plant productivity and ecosystem functioning in mangrove forest of Bhitarakanika, Odisha, India. DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Role of microorganisms on the productivity of the Bhitarakanika Mangrove Forest and potentiality of rhizosphere inhabiting bacteria in mangrove reforestation. CSIR
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Enhanced carbonate precipitation of ureolytic and nitrifying microbe treated rubber waste water. DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Studies on impact and response of ecologically important bacteria towards environmental stressors of Bhitarkanika Mangrove ecosystem. Odisha. Moes
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Design and Development of low cost oxygen concentrator. NIT
- Co-Investigator
- 6
- Completed Sponsored
Zeolite-based Low-cost Hybrid Membrane Photo-Bioreactor System for Treating Recycling of High Strength Industrial Wastewater. SERB - DST
- Co-Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Characterization of marine bacterial bio film for utilization in degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon DST
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Identification,cloning, expression ,purification and characterization of DNA demethylase enzyme activity: Investigation of the mechanism of demethylation of cytosine -5-carbon methylated -DNA keeping the DNA strand intact DBT
- Co-Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Understanding bio film modulation and catabolic gene expression by quorum sensing autoinducers in marine bacteria for degradation of poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Taxonomy and diversity of culture dependent and culture-independent heterotrophic bacteria of bhitarakanika mangrove ecosystem,odisha,india MOEFCC
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles from manglicolous fungi of Indian Sundarban and their applications in sequestration of heavy metals form contaminated water DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Phototrophic biofilm based waste water recycling for sustainable water usage in rubber latex coagulation DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 48
- Completed Sponsored
Diversity and Synthesis of Immunoglobulin in the Indian Major Carps (Under NFBSFARA) ICAR
- Principal Investigator
- 48
- Completed Sponsored
Biosynthesis of Biological active nad enzymatically resistant Oligosaccharide- Ferulic acid conjugate (a prodrug to target colo-rectal cancer) in microemulsion system (RGYI) DBT
- Co-Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Oxomolybdenum Complexes of Aroyl hydrazones:Characterization, Biological and Catalytic Evaluation CSIR
- Co-Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Molecular Characterization and Genetic Analysis of Biofilm forming Mercurry Resistant Marine Bacteria for Bioremediation fo Mercurry DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 12
- Completed Sponsored
Studies on association between bio film formation and quorum sensing auto inducer impotential marine bacteria for enhanced utilisation I bioremediation DBT
- Principal Investigator
- 36
- Completed Sponsored
Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Bioactive Peptides and Marine-Derived Compounds as novel chemotherapeutic drug to Modulate Epidermal Growth Factor Driven Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma Multiforme Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
- Co-Investigator
- 24
- Running Sponsored
Ecological Study in Balanda OpenCast Abondoned Mine of MCL at Talcher Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), Sambalpur
- Principal Consultant
- 01 Jan 2021 - 31 Mar 2022
- Completed Consultancy
S. Das and S. Chatterjee,"Treatment of chromium contaminated leather effluent using filamentous fungal biofilm",IN 394979, Granted to NIT Rourkela, 2022 << Patent >>
S. Das and Kri. U. Mahto,"Development of bacterial biofilm on low-cost substratum for degradation of phenanthrene",IN 567617, Granted to NIT Rourkela, 2025 << Patent >>
S. Das and S. Behera,"Method for enhanced biosynthesis and extraction of polyhydroxybutyrate from marine bacterium Streptomyces nigra KDS4",IN 592111, Granted to NIT Rourkela, 2026 << Patent >>
Total Publications: 199
S. Kumari, B. Gupta, and S. Das,"Functional amyloid of extracellular polymeric substances of marine bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFL-P1 in the binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons", Process Biochemistry, vol.130, pp.67-77, Elsevier, April 2023, 10.1016/j.procbio.2023.04.007 Article
S. Rath, S. Fatma, A. K. Nayak, and S. Das,"Involvement of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in biofilm architecture and extracellular polymeric matrix stabilization in Pseudomonas putida KT2440", Biochimie, vol.247, pp.65-76, Elsevier, August 2026, 10.1016/j.biochi.2026.05.012 Article
S. Rath and S. Das,"Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and DNA repair mechanisms in mangrove bacteria exposed to climatic and environmental stressors", Environmental Pollution, vol.339, pp.122722, Elsevier, December 2023, 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122722 Article
M. Priyadarshanee and S. Das,"Spectra metrology for interaction of heavy metals with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMCS-1 reveals static quenching and complexation dynamics of EPS with heavy metals", Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol.466, pp.133617, Elsevier, March 2024, 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133617 Article
A. D. Behera and S. Das,"Extracellular matrix of biofilm regulates the stress tolerance mechanism in Aspergillus terreus HLP5 against lead and phenanthrene co-pollutants", Environmental Microbiology, vol.28, no.5, Wiley, May 2026, 10.1111/1462-2920.70326 Article
A Hands-on Training cum Workshop on Basic Techniques in Bioprocess and Molecular Biology (BTBMB3) for Sustainable Bio-manufacturing Biotechnology and Medical Engineering (Workshop)
- Co-Coordinator
- 22 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
- Brochure
Workshop on Plant-Microbe Interactions in Biotechnology Life Science (Workshop)
- Coordinator
- 07 Apr 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
- Brochure
A Five Day Workshop on Mahanadi River Basin Management Civil Engineering (Workshop)
- Co-Coordinator
- 05 Nov 2024 - 09 Nov 2024
- Brochure
National workshop on Genomics for Microbial Diversity and Taxonomy (GEMTAX- 2019) Life Science (Workshop)
- Coordinator
- 21 Jan 2019 - 25 Jan 2019
- Brochure
- Advanced Microbiology {Theory}
- Advanced Techniques {Theory}
- Aquatic Biology and Marine Biotechnology {Theory}
- Biology {Theory}
- Biostatistics {Theory}
- Ecology and Environmental Sciences {Theory}
- Environmental Sciences and Biostatistics {Theory}
- Microbiology {Theory}
- Research Methodology {Theory}
- Advanced Techniques Laboratory {Practical}
- Bioanalytical Techniques Laboratory {Practical}
- Biotechnology Laboratory {Practical}
- Ecology and Environmental Sciences Laboratory {Practical}
- Microbiology Laboratory {Practical}
- Product Development Laboratory {Practical}
- Research Practice {Practical}
Ph.D. Students [37]
Mechanistic Exploration of Autophagy-inducing Agents as Host-directed Therapeutics against Intracellular Mycobacteria in Human Macrophages
Salina PatelEnrolled: Sep 2020Graduated : Jan 2026Co-Supervisor
Impact of Environmental Stressors on the Survival Response of Ecologically Important Bacteria of Bhitarkanika Mangrove Ecosystem
Sonalin RathEnrolled: Jul 2019Graduated : Jun 2025Supervisor
Exploring Marine Streptomyces for the Development of Biopolymer based Biomaterials and Biofilm Mediated Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Shivananda BeheraEnrolled: Jul 2019Graduated : Sep 2025Supervisor
Regulation of Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Pleomorphic Adaptation in Bacteria through RelA-mediated Stringent Response during Biofilm Development
Sumon DeyEnrolled: Jul 2018Graduated : Dec 2025Supervisor
Role of Functional Amyloid and Nucleotide Second Messenger in the Marine Bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PFL-P1 for Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Swetambari KumariEnrolled: Jul 2018Graduated : Jun 2025Supervisor
The Detailed Insight on a Novel rspA Gene of Salmonella Typhimurium and its Role in Modulating Bacterial Pathogenesis
Jasmin PradhanEnrolled: Jul 2018Graduated : Jul 2024Co-Supervisor
Interaction of Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Biofilm-forming Marine Bacteria with Petroleum Hydrocarbons for the Emulsification and Biodegradation
VandanaEnrolled: Jan 2018Graduated : Mar 2024Supervisor
Understanding the Diversity, Carbon Metabolism, Bioprospecting Potential and Impact of Environmental Alterations on Heterotrophic Bacteria from Bhitarkanika Mangrove Ecosystem
Krishna PalitEnrolled: Jul 2017Graduated : Jul 2024Supervisor
Multi-metal Resistance Mechanisms in Biofilm-forming Bacteria and Applications of Biofilm Associated Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Multi-metal Bioremediation
Monika PriyadarshaneeEnrolled: Jul 2017Graduated : May 2024Supervisor
Biofilm Modulation and Catabolic Gene Expression in Marine bacteria for Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Kumari Uma MahtoEnrolled: Jul 2017Graduated : Oct 2023Supervisor
Diversity of Biofilm-Forming Filamentous Fungi from Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem and Sequestration of Chromium by Fungal Biofilm and Biosynthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Shreosi ChatterjeeEnrolled: Aug 2016Graduated : Nov 2022Supervisor
Studies on Immunoglobulin D (IgD) in Catla catla (Hamilton) and Role of TNF Superfamily Molecules in Immunoglobulin Synthesis
Rajanya BanerjeeEnrolled: Jul 2014Graduated : Nov 2020Supervisor
Partial Characterization of Halotolerant Microbial Cellulases and their Application in Bioethanol Production using Sea Water System
Indira DashEnrolled: Jan 2012Graduated : Oct 2020Co-Supervisor
Identification of Immunoglobulin IgZ and IgM and the Role of Innate Immune Signaling on their Synthesis in Catla Catla
Bhakti PatelEnrolled: Jul 2013Graduated : Jul 2018Supervisor
Synthesis of Fluorescent Nanoparticles and Bacteria-Nanoparticle Conjugates for Targeted Delivery of Cancer Therapeutics
Ritu RajEnrolled: Jan 2013Graduated : Jan 2018Supervisor
Bioremediation Potential of Biofilm forming Lead Resistant and Naphthalene utilizing Marine Bacteria
Supriya KumariEnrolled: May 2012Graduated : Jan 2018Supervisor
Diversity, Molecular Characterization and Bioremediation Potential of Cadmium Resistant and Biphenyl Degrading Marine Bacteria
Jaya ChakrabortyEnrolled: Jul 2011Graduated : Nov 2016Supervisor
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Hirak Ranjan DashEnrolled: Jul 2010Graduated : Jul 2015Supervisor
MICROBIOLOGY
Neelam MangwaniEnrolled: Dec 2009Graduated : Jul 2015Supervisor
Deciphering the role of marine filamentous fungal biofilm and mycelium based biocomposite for bioremediation of lead and phenanthrene co-pollutants
Abhaya Dayini BeheraEnrolled: Aug 2020Thesis SubmittedSupervisor
Microbiology
Nikhil KaserEnrolled: Jul 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Anjali DasEnrolled: Jul 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Akankshya RoutEnrolled: Aug 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Arpita MajiEnrolled: Jul 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Prabhudatta BeheraEnrolled: Jan 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Drisha RoyEnrolled: Jan 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Environmental Microbiology
Pupun SenapatiEnrolled: Jul 2025ContinuingSupervisor
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Anshu MahatoEnrolled: Jul 2025ContinuingSupervisor
MICROBIAL BIOFILM
Aditi MukhopadhyayEnrolled: Jul 2025ContinuingSupervisor
MICROBIOLOGY
Shubhamita NayakEnrolled: Jan 2025ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Trisnehi PradhanEnrolled: Aug 2023ContinuingSupervisor
MICROBIOLOGY
Poojarani PandaEnrolled: Aug 2023ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Aniruddha BanerjeeEnrolled: Jul 2023ContinuingSupervisor
Molecular microbiology
Ankit Kumar NayakEnrolled: Jan 2023ContinuingSupervisor
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Sourav Kumar PandaEnrolled: Mar 2022ContinuingSupervisor
Bacterial biofilm, environmental microbiology, quorum sensing
Sharmily ChakrabortyEnrolled: Jan 2022ContinuingSupervisor
Plant-microbe interaction under abiotic stress
Arya Kumar Dibyananda NaikEnrolled: Aug 2021ContinuingCo-Supervisor
Executive Ph.D. Students [3]
Microbiology
Daisy EkkaEnrolled: Jul 2026ContinuingSupervisor
MICROBIOLOGY
Anita Kumari ParajaEnrolled: Jul 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Microbiology
Bidyut PhukonEnrolled: Jul 2026ContinuingSupervisor
Awards And Honours
- Scientific Excellence Award in the “Global Summit on Blue Economy” held at Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, organized by Bhubaneswr City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) and Govt of Odisha from 13-14 March, 2026., 2026
- Junior Scientist Award in Environmental Microbiology from the Association of Microbiologists of India in 2009, 2009
- Endeavour Research Fellowship Award by the Australian Government for Postdoc research in University of Tasmania, 2008
- Junior Scientist for the Year 2007 award of National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, India, 2007
- Ramasamy Padayatchiar Endowment Merit Award by Government of Tamil Nadu for the year 2002-2003 from Annamalai University, 2003
Memberships / Fellowships
- Fellow, Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), 2026
- Fellow, Academy of Microbiological Sciences (FAMSc), 2025
- Mentor (FL3241) for the Science Academies' Summer Research Fellowship Programme conducted by Indian Academy of Sciences (Bengaluru), Indian National Science Academy (New Delhi), and The National Academy of Sciences, India (Allahabad), 2019
- Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) approved by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, 2018
- Life member (L-18910) of the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata, 2010
- Life member (LM-029-10) of the National Academy of Biological Sciences (NABS), Chennai, India, 2010
- Life member (L/M- 1052) of the National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, India, 2009
- Life member (474-2009) of the Association of Microbiologists of India, 2009
- Member of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM), South Asia, 2008
- HOC - Career Development Centre