RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION OF FACULTY

The Amity Institute of Microbial Technology has the privilege of having highly experienced faculty with up to 40 years of research and teaching experience at prestigious academic institutions in India and abroad. They are undertaking research and supervising Ph.D., M.Phil. and D.Sc. scholars in various areas of Microbial Science. Some of the research areas are:

Symbiotic Fungus and its Application :

We have discovered a multifunctional mycorrhiza-like-fungus Piriformospora indica, which can be cultivated in batch and fermentor (European Patent 1997). The growth of this novel multifunctional symbiotic fungus was considerably enhanced when incubated with nano-particles viz, Titanium-di-oxide, silver and carbon nanotubes. The above nano-particles also enhanced the growth of E coli and Pseudomonas fluorescence retrieved from hospital patients. Likewise co-cultivation of Podophyllum hexandrum callus tissues with nano-particles also enhanced the Podophyllotoxin – an anti-cancer drug. Nanomaterials are at the leading edge of the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Their unique size-dependent properties make these materials superior and indispensable in many areas of human activity. Their mode of action on the living cells lead to sensing, diagnostic and treatment capabilities such as targeted drug delivery, gene therapy and disease detection.

Biotic and Abiotic stress tolerance, Nutritional Quality Improvement :

The research emphasis has been on application of biotechnological tools to supplement the conventional methods for improvement in nutritional quality and disease resistance traits, to get a healthier farm produce in an environment friendly way. The thrust is on issues related to environmental degradation and its mitigation through latest biotechnological solutions, microbiological safety of food, IPR and related policy issues.

Industrial Biotechnology :

The main focus of research is on development of microbial process technology for production of value added biopharmaceuticals like CoQ10, β-carotene, Astaxanthin, Chlorophyllin, Tacrolimun etc. Besides this, we work on turn key project on Scale up process development of antioxidants and anti-aging biopharmaceuticals and biotransformation process for new drug design.

Polysaccharides and Medicinal Chemistry :

Natural Polysaccharides from seeds of Cassia and their derivatives has been a thrust area in science and opens up a wide range of possible uses. Polysaccharide derivates are used, for example, in varied industries like detergents or paper, food industry, oil-well drilling etc. Some special derivates are used in medicine, biotechnology and pharmacy as carriers for enzymes and active ingredients. Structural modification of polysaccharides is being carried out with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, ionic and non-ionic reagents to create tailored functionalities, generating the syntheses using heterogeneous and homogenous process conditions. Another area in chemistry in which work in under process is Medicinal chemistry related to isolation of secondary metabolites and their value addition for enhancement of known activity especially for Trigonella-foenum graceum. Isolating polysaccharides from algae species for their potential use as a food source is under investigation.

Mushroom Biotechnology and Bioremediation :

Medicinal mushroom research is focused on discovering compounds that can modulate positively or negatively the biologic response of immune cells. Those compounds are being sought for the treatment of cancer, immunodeficiency diseases (AIDS), immunosuppression, combinational therapy with antibiotics and as adjuncts for vaccines. Several classes of compounds, such as Polysaccharides, proteins, lipopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, antibiotic, nucleotides, and lipid derivatives, all have been classified as molecules that have potent effects on the immune system. Medicinal mushroom extracts have the properties to stimulate macrophages and Natural Killer (NK) cells to produce cytokines such as interferons, interleukins and others that are targeted towards cancer cells. Having plethora of bioactive molecules the medicinal mushrooms can cure a number of diseases, which are otherwise difficult to treat. Institute has a mandate to standardize the culture conditions of important medicinal mushrooms in which the maximum bioactive molecules can be produced. We are also involved in germplasm collection, evaluation and improvement for better yield and bioactive molecules. Currently scientists from AIMT are working on medicinal mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum, Tricholoma, Coriolus, Schyzophullum etc.

Nutritional Enhancement in Indian Diet :

Malnutrition is a significant public health issue in India. As much as half of the Indian female and child population is suffering from Iron deficiency, causing anaemia (NFHS report). Similarly, Zn-deficiency relates to weak immune system, neurodegeneration and many more health problems, as Zn is the basic requirement for a number of metalloproteins. Thus, supply of micronutrients to human body is absolutely necessary. Most of the diseases can be prevented with the balanced supply of the micronutrients in the diet. Our mandate is to improve the micronutrients level in Indian diet, through ‘genetic engineering’.

Phytoremediation of Saline Soi l:

Salinity is a major issue affecting agricultural productivity and soil health. Our aim is phytotoremediation of saline soils by using novel microbial consortia and medicinal plants. This will help in sustainable utilization of wasteland for reducing the salinity and also providing sustenance to marginal farmers. We are also working on interaction of microbial consortia with cultivated plants of high altitude for growth optimization under adverse conditions. We also provide turn key solutions for micropropagation of medicinal, aromatic and horticultural plants.


Sponsored Research Projects


Some of the important research projects, sponsored by National/International funding organizations, undertaken at AIMT are:

    • Interaction of Microfungi and Rhizobacteria for enhancement of Biomass and Secondary Metabolitics of Bacopa monniera for Therapetically Valueable Agent; Funded by CSIR
    • Development of diagnostics for geranium (Pelargonium spp.) viruses; Funded by DST (SERC fast track young scientist scheme)
    • Promote Collaborative Research in German Universities; Funded by INSA & DFG (Germany)
    • Expression of microbial iron Chelators in fungus and wheat: A solution to global Iron Deficiency Anemia; Funded by NSF (USA) - DST (India)
    • Piriformospora indica as a potential biofertilizer; Funded by Biotech International Limited
    • Indo-Italian Scientific collaboration between The University of Turin (Italy) & Amity University (India); TWAS Fellowship
    • Genome organization and development of diagnostics for Capsicum viruses; Funded by CSIR
    • Germplasm evaluation, improvement & pharmacological assessment of the medicinal mushroon Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum); Funded by CSIR
    • Short-term training course on diagnosis and management of plant viruses; Funded by DBT
    • Phytoremediation of saline soils by novel Arbuscular mycorrhiza-like-fungus for value addition and growth promotion of selected medicinal plants; Funded by Ministry of Environment & Forests
    • Growth analysis of value addition of some cultivated plants on interaction with multifunctional symbiotic fungus Piriformospora indica; Funded by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DRDO)-Leh
    • Exploring the role of Piriformospora indica as bioweedicide and value addition to Naga Chilli of North East India; Funded by Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur (Assam), Ministry of Defence
    • Molecular Studies on Interaction of Piriformospora indica and Rhizobacteria (jointly with JNU, New Delhi); Funded by DBT
    • Proteomics of Excessive Production of Artemisinin from high yielding varieties of Artemisia annua co-cultivated with a novel symbiotic fungus: Funded by DRDE (DRDO) Gwalior
    • Characterization of pathotype diversity in Alternaria brassicae isolates through DNA polymorphism & host pathogen interaction and evaluation for induction of systemic resistance; Funded by DST
    • Characterization, cataloging and transfer of high phytosterol content in low arucic genotypes of Indian mustard B. juncea; Funded by ICAR

     

    Patent Filed/Submitted to Patent Office

    S. No.

    PATENT

    Inventor's Name

    Institution /Department

    Remarks
    (Provisional/
    Complete)

    1

    A Nanomaterial Based Culture Medium For Microbial Growth Enhancement.

    Ajit Varma, V.K Jain, Suman Ram Prasad

    AIMT

    Complete

    2

    Binding agents from Cassia Species

    Harsha Kharkwal                  

    AIMT

    Complete

    3

    A formulation from emulsifying agent from native and derivatized grandis gum

    Harsha Kharkwal                  

    AIMT

    Complete

    4

    Suspending agent from cassia species

    Harsha Kharkwal                  

    AIMT

    Complete

    5

    Method of regeneration by somatic embryogenesis of Coleus forskohlii

    Deependra Tyagi, A.C Kharkwal, Ajit Verma                                     

    AIMT

    Provisional

    6

    Saponin Derivatives

    Geetanjali Chauhan, H.Kharkwal, Manisha Sharma, Ajit Varma,                             

    AIMT

    Complete

    7

    A modified medium for co-cultivation of sebacinales fungi with plants of lamiaceae family

    Amit Kharkwal, A. Dass, A. Verma                                                  

    AIMT

    Complete

    8

    Invitro immobilized bacillus megaterium cell for the production of demethylated colchicosides from cochicines and process thereof

    B.K Behera                                

    AIMT

    Complete

    9

    Polygalactomannans and Modified Polygalactomannans from Fenugreek and their uses thereof

    Ms. Manisha Sharma, Harsa, Geetanjali, Ajit Varma

    AIMT

    Complete

    10

    Nano material, their method of production and application thereof.

    Ram Prasad, Jyoti Pande, Ajit Varma

    AIMT

    Complete

    Publications (2005-2010)

    • Prasad R, Pham GH, Kumari R, Singh A, Yadav V, Sachdev M, Peskan T, Hehl S, Oelmüller R and Varma A (2005) Sebacinaceae: Culturable Mycorrhiza–like Endosymbiotic Fungi and their Interaction with Non-transformed and Transformed Roots. In: Root Organ Culture of Mycorrhizal Fungi. (ed Declerck S) Soil Biology Series, Springer-Verlag, Germany, pp. 291-312
    • Rai M and Varma A (2005) Arbuscular mycorrhiza-like biotechnological potential of Piriformospora indica, which promotes the growth of Adhatpda vasica Nees. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, Chile (South America) 8: 107-11
    • Kaldorf M, Koch B, Rexer K-H, Kost G and Varma A (2005) Patterns of Interaction between Populus Esch5 and Piriformospora indica: A Transition from Mutualism to Antagonism. Plant Biology, Germany. 7: 210-218
    • Oelmüller R, Peškan-Berghöfer T, Shahollari B, Trebicka A, Sherameti Irena, Varma A (2005) MATH-domain proteins represent a novel protein family in Arabidopsis thaliana and at least one member is modified in roots in the course of a plant/microbe interaction. Physiologia Plantarum 124:152-166
    • Sherameti I, Shahollari B, Venus Y, Altschmied L, Varma A and Oelmüller R (2005) The endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica stimulates the expression of nitrate reductase and the starch-degrading enzyme glucan-water dikinase in tobacco and Arabidopsis roots through a homeodomain transcription factor which binds to a conserved motif in their promoters. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 280:26241-7
    • Malla R, Prasad R, Kumari R, Giang PH, Pokharel U, Oelmüller R and Varma A (2005) Phosphorus solubilizing symbiotic fungus: Piriformospra indica. Endocytobiosis. Cell Res 15: 579-600
    • Kumari R, Sachdev M, Prasad R, Garg A P, Sharma S, Giang PH and Varma A (2005) Microbiology of Termite Hill and Soil. In: Intestinal Microorganisms of Termites and Other Invertebrates. (eds. Koenig H and Varma A) Soil Biology Series, Springer-Verlag, Germany 6: 351-372
    • Kumari R, Prasad R, Pham GH, Garg AP and Varma A (2005) Biotechnology- An Overview. In: Biotechnological Applications of Microbes. Microbiology Series (eds. Varma A and Podila G) IK International- India, New York Vol. 2, pp. 1-41
    • Shahollari B, Varma A and Oelmüller R (2005) Expression of a receptor kinase in Arabidopsis roots is stimulated by the basidiomycete Piriformospora indica and the protein accumulates in Triton X-100 insoluble plasma membrane microdomains. Journal of Plant Physiology 162: 945-958
    • Kumari R, Varma A and Oelmüller R (2005) Piriformospora indica: A Noel Cultivable Symbiotic Fungus with Multiple Plant Protection Applications. In: Proceedings of the Asian Conference on Emerging Trends in Plant-Microbe interactions (Eds. Gnanamanickam SS, Balasubramanian R, Anand N), Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, India pp 102-103
    • Hampp R, Hurek T, Kharkwal AC, Kharkwal H and Varma A (2006) Fungus Protoplast: Impediments on Biotechnology. In: Microbes: Health and Environment. Microbiology Series (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A) IK International- India, New York, Vol. 3, pp. 241-288
    • Chauhan A K, Das A, Kharkwal H, Kharkwal AC and Varma A (2006) Impact of Microorganisms on Environment and Health. In: Microbes: Health and Environment. Microbiology Series (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A) IK International- India, New York, Vol. 3, pp. 1-12
    • Das A, Prasad R, Bhatnagar K, Lavekar GS and Varma A (2006) Synergism between Medicinal Plants and Microbes. In: Microbes: Health and Environment. Microbiology Series (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A) IK International- India, New York, Vol. 3, pp. 13- 64
    • Kharkwal Harsha, Kharkwal Amit, Bisaria VS and Varma A (2006) ASSOCHAM Global Knowledge Millenium Summit-IV (Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) pp 117-128
    • Shende Sarika, Bhagwat Kanchan, Wadegaonkar Prasad, Rai Mahendra and Varma A (2006) Piriformospora indica as potential biofertilizer. Prospects and Limitations. In: Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizer (Ed. M K Rai), The Harworth Press, Inc. New York, pp. 477-496
    • Bhatnagar K and Varma A (2006) The healthy marriage between terrestrial orchids and fungi. Journal of Hill Research, India, Vol. 19: 1-12
    • Rezaee Danesh Y, Mohammadi Goltapeh E, Alizadeh A, Varma A and Mukerjii KG (2006) Distribution and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi from soybean rhizospherein Iran. Journal of Agricultural Technology 2(2): 251-257
    • Shahollari B, Varma A and Oelmüller R (2007) A leucine rich repeat protein is required for growth promotion and enhanced seed production mediated by the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Journal, USA. (Published online: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2007.03028.x)
    • Das A, Prasad R, Srivastava A, Giang PH and Varma A (2007) Fungal Siderophores: Structure, Functions and Regulations. In: Microbial Siderophores (eds Chincholkar S and Varma A), Springer-Verlag, Germany 12: 1-42
    • Malla R, Pokharel U, Prasad R, Oelmüller R and Varma A (2007) Immuno-Technology for the Localization of Acid   Phosphatase using Native Gel Bands in Piriformospora indica and other Soil Microorganism. In: Modern Tools and Techniques (eds. Oelmüller R and Varma A) Springer-Verlag, Germany 11: 211-234
    • Kharkwal AC, Prasad R, Kharkwal H, Das A, Bhatnagar K, Sherameti I, Oelmüller R and Varma A (2007) Co-Cultivation with Sebacinales. In: Modern Tools and Techniques (eds. Oelmüller R and Varma A) Springer-Verlag, Germany 11: 245-269
    • Shahollari B, Bhatnagar K, Sherameti I, Varma A and Oelmüller R (2007) Molecular Symbiotic Analysis Between Arabiopsis thaliana and Piriformospora indica. In: Modern Tools and Techniques (eds. Oelmüller R and Varma A) Springer-Verlag, Germany 11: 307-318
    • Rezaee Danesh Y, Mohammadi Goltapeh E, Alizadeh A, Varma A and Mukerjii KG (2007) Arbuscular-mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Alfalfa Rhizosphere in Iran. American-Eurasian J. Agric. And Environ. Sci., 2(5): 574-580.
    • Sherameti I, Oelmüller R and Varma A (2007) Molecular Analysis of P. indica-Mediated Heavy Metal Resistance in Arabidopsis using Proteomics. In: Modern Tools and Techniques (eds. Oelmüller R and Varma A) Springer-Verlag, Germany 11: 355-362
    • Ortas I and Varma A (2007) Field Trials of Bioinoculants. In: Modern Tools and Techniques (eds. Oelmüller R and Varma A) Springer-Verlag, Germany 11: 397-414
    • Gaur A and Varma A (2007) Research Methods in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. In: Modern Tools and Techniques (eds. Oelmüller R and Varma A) Springer-Verlag, Germany 11: 377-396
    • Malla R, Pokharel U, Prasad R and Varma A (2007) Proteomics and Genomics Approach to Study Plant- Microbe Cross Communication. In: Microbes for Human Life (eds. Chauhan AK, Harsha K and Varma A) IK  International- India, Vol. 4: 609-636
    • Prasad R, Malla R, Bhatnagar K., Das A, Kharkwal H, Verma N, Garg AP and Varma A (2007) Beneficial microorganisms: Herbal and Medicinal Plants. In: Microbes for Human Life (eds. Chauhan AK, Harsha K and Varma A) IK International- India, Vol. 4: 49-72
    • Das A and Varma A (2007) Intervention of Microbes in Promotion of Nutritional Attributes of Yogurt. In: Microbes for Human Life (eds. Chauhan AK, Harsha K and Varma A) IK International- India, Vol. 4: 89-112
    • Das A, Bhatnagar K, Prasad R, Paul A, Kumar T, Kumar M S, Kharkwal H, Verma N and Varma A (2007) Fermented Health Foods: Boon to Mankind. In: Microbes for Human Life (eds. Chauhan AK, Harsha K and Varma A) IK International- India, Vol. 4: 113-148
    • Kharkwal AC, Kharkwal H, Bhatnagar K, and Varma A (2007) History of Medical Microbiology. In: Microbes for Human Life (eds. Chauhan AK, Harsha K and Varma A) IK International- India, Vol. 4: 1-18
    • Kharkwal H, Kharkwal AC, Prasad R and Varma A (2007) Medicinal Plants for Human Life. In: Microbes for Human Life (eds. Chauhan AK, Harsha K and Varma A) IK International- India, Vol. 4:19-32
    • Kamal Shwet and Varma A (2007) Peatland Microbiology. In: Microbiology of extreme soils (eds Dion P and Nautiyal CS), Springer-Verlag, Germany Vol. 13: 177-204
    • Verma N and Varma A (2007) Diagnostics and Management of Orchid Viruses (eds Rao GP, Bernard C and Lebas B), Stadium Press, USA vol. 4, pp 269-285
    • Bagde US and Varma A (2007) Mechanism of biochemical changes induced by lead in the population of Escherichia coli and Aerobacter aerogenes, Journal of Current Sciences 10(2): 555-561
    • Bagde US and Varma A (2007) Mechanism of biochemical changes induced by chromium in the population of Escherichia coli and Aerobacter aerogenes, Journal of Current Sciences 10(2): 562-568
    • Gosal S.K., Lalit Kumar, Kalia A., Rajni Chauhan, Ajit Varma (2007) Comparative role of Piriformospora indica as biofertilizer for plant growth promoting and micronutrient acquisition activity on Dendrocalamus strictus seedlings. Journal of Bamboo and Rattan 6  (3 & 4):223-228
    • Sherameti I, Venus Y, Drezewiecki C, Tripathi S, Dan VM, Nitz I, Varma A, Grundler FM, Oelmüller R (2008) PYK10, a β-glucosidase located in the endoplasmatic reticulum, is crucial for the beneficial interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica The Plant Journal     doi: 10.1111/j.1365-313X.2008.03424.x
    • Sherameti Irena, Tripathi Swati, Varma Ajit  and Oelmüller Ralf (2008) The Root-Colonizing Endophyte Pirifomospora indica Confers Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis by Stimulating the Expression of Drought Stress–Related Genes in Leaves MPMI Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 799–807
    • Vadassery Jyothilakshmi, Ritter Claudia, Venus Yvonne, Camehl Iris, Varma Ajit, Shahollari Bationa, Novák Ondŕej, Strnad Miroslav, Ludwig-Müller Jutta and Oelmüller Ralf (2008) The Role of Auxins and Cytokinins in the Mutualistic Interaction Between Arabidopsis and Piriformospora indica MPMI Vol. 21, No. 10, 2008, pp. 1371–1383.
    • Prasad R, Bagde US, Pushpangadan P, Varma Ajit (2008) Bacopa monniera L: Pharmacological Aspects and Case Study Involving Piriformospora indica. International Journal of Integrative Biology, Singapore 3: 100-110 (Available online: http://www.classicrus.com/IJIB/Arch/2008/1074.pdf)
    • Tripathi S, Kamal S, Sherameti I, Oelmuller R and Varma A (2008) Mycorrhizal Fungi and Other Root Endophytes as Biocontrol Agents against Root Pathogens. In: Mycorrhizae 3rd Edition (Varma, A. and Hock, B. eds) Springer- Verlag, Germany 281-306
    • Singh D, Verma N and Varma A (2008) The fungal transmitted viruses. In: Mycorrhizae 3rd Edition (Varma, A. and Hock, B. eds) Springer- Verlag, Germany 485-506
    • Kharkwal AC, Kharkwal H, Sherameti I, Oelmueller R  and Varma A (2008) Novel symbiotrophic endophytes. In: Mycorrhizae 3rd Edition (Varma, A. and Hock, B. eds) Springer- Verlag, Germany 753-766
    • Prasad R, Sharma M, Chatterjee S, Chauhan G, Tripathi S, Das A, Kamal S, Rawat AKS, Bhutani KK, Rai MK, Pushpangdan P and Varma A (2008) Interactions of Piriformospora indica with Medicinal Plants In: Mycorrhizae 3rd Edition (Varma, A. and Hock, B. eds) Springer- Verlag, Germany pp 655-678
    • Pindi PK, Kishore N, Reddy SR, Reddy SM, Bhatnagar K and Varma A (2008) Metagenomics: A Splendid Novel Approach to Explore and Exploit Microbial Diversity for Nano-Biotechnological Applications
    • Pavan K , N Kishore, S Ram Reddy and S M Reddy, S Chatterjee, I Sherameti, R Oelmueller, and A Varma Metagenomics (2008): A Splendid Novel Approach to Explore and Exploit Microbial Diversity. Proceeding of the colloquium 2007 edited by Prof Alok Shrivastava
    • Gosal SK, Chandi GK, Gosal SS and Varma Ajit (2008) Role of Piriformospora indica and Pseudomonas fluorescens as growth promoting agents in biotized micropropagated plants of Populus deltoids. Indian Journal of Agroforestry. 10: 84-90
    • Agnihotri Abha, Gupta K, Prem D, Sarkar, Mehra VS, Zargar SM (2009) Genetic enhancement in rapeseed- mustard for quality and disease resistance through in vitro techniques; In: Proceedings: 16th Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas, Ballarat, Australia, Sept 14- 16, 2009
    • Agnihotri Abha (2009) Regulation of biotech crops in India. In Proceedings: INDO-US Sponsored International Congress-Cum-Workshop on IPR, Amity University, October 5- 7, 2009
    • Prasad R, Narayanan R, Malla R, Sharma PK, Bagde US and Varma A (2009) The RNA world. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), Publisher: IK International-India pp 273-286
    • Sharma Manisha, Tripathi Swati, Chauhan Geetanjali, Kharkwal Harsha and Varma Ajit (2009) Microbial Biodiversity and It’s Molecular Aspects. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 11-28
    • Pandey Jyoti, Dan Vipin Mohan and Varma Ajit (2009) Microscopy: Key to Understand Molecular Biotechnology, In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 29-46
    • Pohani Meghna and Varma Ajit (2009) The Cell. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 47-60
    • Dan Vipin Mohan, Tripathi Swati, Kamal Shwet and Varma Ajit (2009) Soil Metagenomics: Discovering the Unknown World. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 369-384
    • Shrivastava Neeraj, Kamal Shwet and Varma Ajit (2009) Cancer and It’s Biology. In: A Textbook on Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 401-436
    • Kamal Shwet, Pandey Jyoti, Ghignone Stefano and Varma Ajit (2009) Mushroom Biology and Biotechnology: An Overview. In: A Textbook on Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 573-628
    • Pathania Meenakshi and Varma Ajit (2009) Biotechnological Applications of Hairy Roots. In: A Textbook on Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 705-734
    • Sharma Manisha, Chauhan Geetanjali, Kharkwal Harsha and Varma Ajit (2009) Medically Important Members of Family Enterobacteriaceae: Identification Techniques. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India 1169-1180
    • Chauhan Geetanjali, Sharma Manisha, Kharkwal Harsha and Varma Ajit (2009) SSCP-A Novel Approach. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 1197-1208
    • Tripathi Swati, Dan Vipin Mohan, Kamal Shwet and Varma Ajit (2009) Molecular Markers for Mutant Germplasm Characterization. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 1245-1254
    • Pathania Meenakshi, Singh Dipika, Verma Neeraj and Varma Ajit (2009) The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology. In: A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology (eds. Chauhan AK and Varma A), IK International-India pp 1293-1321
    • Vadassery Jyothilakshmi, Tripathi Swati, Prasad Ram, Varma Ajit, Oelmüller Ralf (2009) Monodehydroascorbate reductase 2 and dehydroascorbate reductase 5 are crucial for a mutualistic interaction between Piriformospora indica and Arabidopsis  J Plant Physiol 165:60–70
    • Piriformospora indica: A novel multifunctional symbiotic fungus. International Journal of Symbiosis (2009), USA (an invited article) 49: 1-18
    • Ingle Avinash, Varma Ajit and Rai Mahendra (2009) Trochothecenes as Bioweapons: Prevention and Control, Mycotoxin
    • Das A and Varma A (2009) Symbiosis: Art of living. In: Symbiotic Fungi: Principles and Practice (eds Ajit Varma and Amit C Kharkwal) Springer-Verlag, Germany
    • Krüger D, Sharma M, and Varma A (2009) Assessing the Mycorrhizal Diversity of Soils and Identification of Fungus Fruiting Bodies and Axenic Cultures. In: Symbiotic Fungi: Principles and Practice (eds Ajit Varma and Amit C Kharkwal) Springer-Verlag, Germany
    • Goltapeh E. Mohammadi, Danesh YR, Kamal Shwet, and Varma Ajit (2009) Biology and Molecular Approaches in Genetic Improvement of Cultivated Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). In: Symbiotic Fungi: Principles and Practice (eds Ajit Varma and Amit C Kharkwal) Springer-Verlag, Germany
    • Hohl Helwig and Varma Ajit (2009) Soil-The Living Matrix. In: Soil Heavy Metals (Irena Sherameti and Ajit Varma eds) Springer-Verlag, Germany
    • Kamal Shwet, Prasad Ram and Varma Ajit (2009) Soil Microbial Diversity in Relation to Heavy Metals. In: Soil Heavy Metals (Irena Sherameti and Ajit Varma eds) Springer-Verlag, Germany
    • Pathak K, Keharia H, Kharkwal AC (2009) Isolation, Cultivation and In Planta Visualization of Bacterial Endophytes in Hanging Roots of Banyan Tree (Ficus bengalensis). In: Symbiotic Fungi: Principles and Practice (eds Ajit Varma and Amit C Kharkwal) Springer-Verlag, Germany
    • Joshi DD, Uniyal RC, Kharkwal H and Sharma R (2009) Optimisation of Research and Development in Herbal Sector. Medherb 2009 green pages (India and Indonesia); pp 54-62
    • Chauhan G, Chauhan S, Sharma M, Tyagi D, Sheoran M, Kharkwal H (2009) Patenting of Medicinal Plants (Fenugreek): A Review. “Indo-US Sponsored International Congress-cum-Workshop on IPR” at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida,05-07 Oct 2009, pp 9-10
    • Sharma M, Chauhan G, Tyagi D, Tripathi S, Kharkwal H (2009) Patenting Fenugreek Formulations having Antimicrobial Activity against Hospital Pathogens. “Indo-US Sponsored International Congress-cum-Workshop on IPR” at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida,05-07 Oct 2009, pp 49-50
    • Prasad R and Sahu BK (2009) IPRs and agriculture biotechnology: International policy implication for India. In: International Conference on “Recent Trends in Life Science Researchers vis-à-vis Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development and Human Welfare”. June 27th-29th 2009 at VBU University, Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. India pp. 186
    • Prasad R, Sahu BK, Bagde US, Saran A, Rohila D and Kamal S (2009) IPRs and Agro Biotechnology: Current scenario of International Policy Implication for India. In: INDO-US Sponsored International Congress- Cum- Workshop on IPR” . October 5th – 7th 2009 at Amity University, Noida, India.
    • Varma A, Prasad R, Nagpal S and Jain VK (2009) Interaction of microorganisms with nanoparticles for nanomedicine. In: National Symposium on “Nanoscience: Theory and Applications”. November 6th – 7th, 2009 at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
    • Agnihotri Abha (2010) Emerging Techniques: Bio-safety Issues in India. In Proceedings: National Symposium on Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture: The Present Scenario Organized by PTCA(I) and University of Calcutta, March 3- 5, 2010
    • Agnihotri Abha, Prem Deepak, Gupta Kadambari, Mehra Vinod Singh, Nashaat Nash (2010) Fatty acid composition and fungal disease resistance in advance progenies of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) derived from interspecific crosses involving B. juncea / B. carinata and microspore mutagenesis. In: Proceedings: 17th Crucifer Genetics Workshop Brassica2010, Saskatoon, Canada Sept 5-8, 2010
    • Agnihotri Abha (2010). Synergy of biotechnological approaches with conventional breeding to improve quality of rapeseed-mustard oil and meal
    • Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology: S10: 00-00, pp 154-162 (in press)
    • Gupta Kadambari, Prem Deepak and Agnihotri Abha (2010). Pyramiding white rust and Alternaria blight resistance in low erucic Brassica juncea [( L.) Czern & Coss] using Brassica carinata. Journal of Oilseed Brassica. Vol 1, number 2, 2010 (in press)
    • Nautiyal Chandra Shekhar, Chauhan Puneet Singh, DasGupta Sangeeta Mehta, Seem Karishma, Varma Ajit  and Staddon William J  (2010) Interaction of Paenibacillus lentimorbus NRRL B-30488 and Piriformospora indica DSM 11827 on nodulation, rhizosphere functional diversity and community structure of Cicer arientium L. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. DOI 10.1007/s11274-010-0312-z 
    • Sharma M, Chauhan G, Pushpangadan P, Varma A and Kharkwal H (2010) Herbal Contraception: A call for Education and Research. Medicinal Plants- International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries 2(1): 21-31
    • Chauhan Geetanjali, Sharma Manisha, Varma Ajit and Kharkwal Harsha (2010) Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory potential of fenugreek. Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries. 2(1): 39-44
    • Camehl Iris, Sherameti Irena, Venus Y, Bethke G, Varma A, Lee Justin and Oelmueller R (2010) Ethylene signalling and ethylene targeted transcription factors are required for balancing beneficial and non-benificial traits in the symbiosis between the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and Arabidopsis thaliana. New Phytologists DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.03149.x (added doi)
    • Ghahfarokhi M. Rabiey and Goltapeh E. Mohammadi and Varma A (2010) Potential of the root endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica; Sebacina vermifera and Trichoderma species in biocontrol ofTake-all disease of wheat Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici in vitro. Journal of Agricultural Technology Vol.6(1): 11-18
    • Sharma M, Gosal SK , Gupta R P  and Varma A (2010).Comparative role of Piriformospora indica with  VAM fungi. Indian J of Ecology. 35 (1): 22-24
    • Bagde US, Prasad Ram and Varma A (2010) Mass cultivation of Piriformospora indica in New Brunswick Fermenter and its formulation as biofertilizer. Asian J. of Microbial Biotech. Env. Sc. 12: 911 – 916
    • Bagde US, Prasad Ram and Varma A (2010) Characterization of culture filtrates of Piriformospora indica. Asian J.  of Microbial Biotech. Env. Sc. 12 : 805 – 809
    • Oelmüller Ralf, Shrivastava Neeraj, Pohani Meghna, Upadhayaya Kailash C, Sherameti Irena, Murugan Paul, Singh Shashibala and Varma Ajit (2010). Microbe–Microbe, Microbe-Plant. In: Biocommunication in Soil Microorganisms. Guenther Witzani (eds.) Springer Verlag, Germany, 23: 439- 464
    • Bakshi Madhunita and Varma Ajit (2010) Soil Enzymology. In: Soil Enzyme: The State-of-Art. Girish Shukla and Ajit Varma (eds.), Springer- Verlag, Germany, 22: 1-24
    • Das Shonkor Kumar and Varma Ajit (2010) Role of Enzymes in Maintaining Soil Health. In: Soil Enzymology. Girish Shukla and Ajit Varma (eds.), Springer-Verlag, Germany, 22: 25-42
    • Malla Rajani, Pokharel Utprekshya, Prasad Ram and Varma Ajit (2010) Molecular Techniques to Study Polymorphism between Closely Related Microorganisms in Relation to Specific Protein Phosphatase. In: Soil Enzymology. Girish Shukla and Ajit Varma (eds.), Springer- Verlag, Germany, 22: 339-362
    • Meghvansi Mukesh K, Singh Lokendra, Srivastava Ravi B and Varma Ajit (2010) Assessing the Role of Earthworms in Biocontrol of Soil-borne Plant Fungal Diseases. In: Biology of Earthworms. Ayten Karaca and Ajit Varma (Eds.), Springer Verlag, Germany 24: 173-190
    • Tajbakhsh J, Goltapeh E Mohammadi and Varma Ajit (2010) Vermicompost as a Biological Soil Amendment. In: Biology of Earthworms, Ayten Karaca and Ajit Varma (Eds.), Springer Verlag, Germany 24:215-228
    • Chauhan G, Sharma M, Pushpangadan P and Kharkwal H (2010) Pharmacognostic, Preliminary Phytochemical Studies and Anticancerous Potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum. Pharma Science Monitor (International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science) (Manuscript id is PSM-10- 76)pp 350-359
    • Kharkwal Amit C., Singh Dharam, Prakash Om, Katare Deepshikha Pande and Varma Ajit (2010) Traditional and Biotechnological Strategies for Conservation of Indian Podophyllum hexandrum Royle - A Case Study. In: Medicinal Plant Biology (Rajesh Arora ed) CAB International
    • Navjoyt, Kharkwal Harsha, Bala Kumud and Katare Deepshikha P (2010) Tissue restoration, Tissue Regeneration and Regenerative Medicine “INPALMS-2010” at Amity University Uttar Pradesh,  Noida, 25-30th Oct 2010, pp 166
    • Assunção Ana G L, Herrero Eva, Lin Ya-Fen, Huettel Bruno, Talukdar Sangita, Smaczniak Cezary, Immink Richard GH, Eldik Mandy van, Fiers Mark, Schat Henk, and Aarts Mark GM  (2010) Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factors bZIP19 and bZIP23 regulate the adaptation to zinc deficiency. 107(22): 10296–10301 PNAS. www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1004788107
    • Cherian Elizabeth and Jayachandran K (2010) Isolation of a novel bacteria Bacillus pantothenticus 8063, capable of natural rubber latex degradation.  . Research Journal of Biotechnology Vol.5(2) May 2010, p:14-18
    • Cherian Elizabeth and Mathew Jyothis (2010) Bacterial sensitivity to organic herbal extracts. Baselius Researcher. Vol.11 (2) Jun-Dec, 2010, p-1-6
    • Cherian Elizabeth and Jayachandran K.  (2010) Biological treatment of natural rubber latex centrifugation effluent using activated sludge system enriched with Bacillus sp. SBS25. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 67(05), pp. 725 - 733.
    • Cherian Elizabeth and Joseph Elsam (2010) Impact of sodium chloride stress on the seed germination and vegetative growth of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. Star Research Reach. 2(3): 1-9
    • Gosal SK, Chandi Gurpreet K, Gosal SS and Varma Ajit (2010) Biotization of micropropagated Aloe vera with Pseudomonas fluorescens & Piriformospora indica. Journal of Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Sciences (In press)
    • Oelmuller, Ralf; Vadassery, Jyothilakshmi; Ritter, Claudia; Venus, Yvonne; Camehl, Iris; Varma, Ajit; Shahollari, Bationa; Strnad, Miroslav; Novak, Ondrej; Ludwig-Müller, Jutta (2010) Piriformospora indica-mediated growth promotion in Arabidopsis requires trans-cytokinin biosynthesis and the cytokinin receptor combination CRE1/AHK2, and the fungus rescues the dwarf phenotype of the auxin overproducer sur1-1 by conjugating free auxins Plant J (In press)
    • Kharkwal A.C., Singh D., Prakash O, Pande-Katare D., Varma A., Bhattacharaya A., Ahuja P.S. (2010) Traditional and Biotechnological Strategies for Conservation of Indian Podophyllum hexandrum Royle - A Case Study. In: Medicinal Plant Biotechnology (ed Rajesh Arora) CABI UK pp 48-70
    • Bagde US, Prasad R and Varma A (2010) Influence of culture filtrate of Piriformospora indica on growth and yield of seed oil in Helianthus annus. Symbiosis (Accepted)
    • Suman, Prasad R, Jain VK and Varma A (2010a) Role of nanomaterials in symbiotic fungus growth enhancement. Current Science (Accepted)
    • Bagde US, Prasad R and Varma A (2010) Characterizations of culture filtrate of Piriformospora indica by analysis. Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences (Accepted)
    • Bagde US, Prasad R and Varma A (2010)  Mass cultivation of Piriformopsora indica in new Brunswick fermenter and its formulation as biofertilizer. Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences (Accepted)
    • Pandey RK, Prasad R, Mangunath VG and Goswami BK (2010) Biotechnology of biocontrol based biopesticides: Core component of biological deterrents. In: Fungal Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Gupta VK, Tuohy M and Gaur RK) LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing AG & Co. KG, Germany (in Press)
    • Bagde US, Prasad R and Varma A (2010) Legal Provisions for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in India. In: Textbook for Intellectual Property Rights (eds. Varma A and Agnihotri A), IK International-India (In Press)

    Books Edited (since 2005-10)

          • Varma A and Podila GK (2005) Basic Research and Biotechnological Applications: Microbes. Microbiology Series, IK International, India, New York.
          • König H and Varma A (2005) Termite Gut and Its Bacteria. Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Varma A and Podila GK (2005) Biotechnological Applications of Microbes. Microbiology Series, IK International, India, New York.
          • Chauhan Ashok K and Varma A (2006) Microbes: Health and Environment, Microbiology Series, IK International, India, New York
          • Chauhan Ashok K, Kharkwal H and Varma A (2007) Microbes for Human Life, IK International, India, New York
          • Chincholkar S and Varma A (2007) Fungal Siderophores, Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Varma A and Oelmüller Ralf (2007) Modern Tools and Techniques, Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Varma A, Abbott L, Werner D and Hampp R (2008) Plant Surface Microbiology. Springer-Verlag, Germany (Revised)
          • Varma A (2008) Mycorrhiza: Structure, Function, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Third Edition, Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Chauhan AK and Varma A (2009) A Textbook of Molecular Biotechnology, IK International, India, New York
          • Varma A (2009) Mycorrhiza Principles & Practices Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Rai MK and Varma A (2009) Varma A Mycotoxins in Food, Feed and Bioweapons, Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Sheramati I and Varma A (2009) Soil Heavy Metals: Biology and Chemistry, Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Koenig H and Varma A (2009) Structure and Biochemistry of Prokaryotic Cell Wall Components, Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Ajit Varma and Amit C Kharkwal (2009) Symbiotic Fungi: Principles and Practice. Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Girish C Shukla and Ajit Varma (2010) Soil Enzymymology. Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Ayten Karaca and Ajit Varma (2010) Biology of Earthworms. Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Mahendra Rai and Ajit Varma (2010) Diversity and Biotechnology of Ectomycorrhizae. Springer-Verlag, Germany
          • Zakaria Solainman, Lynnet Abbott and Ajit Varma (2010) Microbial Cell Factories in Agriculture. Springer-Verlag, Germany (in press)
          • Erika Kothe and Ajit Varma (2010) Bio-Geo Interactions in Contaminated Soils. Springer-Verlag, Germany (in press)
          • Ralf Oelmüller, Gerhard Kost, Swati Tripathi and Ajit Varma (2010) Sebacinales: Forms, Functions and Biotechnological Applications. Springer-Verlag, Germany (in press)
          • Ebrahim Mohammadi Goltapeh, Younes Razae Danesh and Ajit Varma (2010) Fungi as Bioremediators. Springer-Verlag, Germany (in press)

      Seminar/Workshop Organized/Upcoming (2005-10)

      S.N

      Name of the Workshop/Conference

      Convener

      Funded by

      1

      One Day Colloquium on Natural Disaster: Indian Perspective (September 17, 2005)

      Dr. Ajit Varma

      AUUP

      2

      Seminar-cum-Workshop on “Application of Nanotechnology in microbial & herbal product development” (March 23-27, 2007)

      Dr. Ajit Varma

      ICMR, CSIR, NMPB & other funding agencies

      3

      Workshop-cum-Brainstorming Session entitled “IPR Management in Indian Agriculture under Changing R&D Scenario – Implications of WTO, PVP&FR Act and Biodiversity Acts” (October 17, 2008)

      Dr. Ajit Varma

      NAAS

      4

      Indo US sponsored International seminar-cum workshop on IPR
      (October 5-7, 2009)

      Dr. Abha Agnihotri

      CSIR, ICMR, DBT, Ministry of Earth Sciences, DRDO, US Embassy

      5

      Diagnosis and management of plant viruses (June 15 – 25, 2010)

      Dr. Ajit Varma

      DBT

      6

      Indo-Italian Workshop on Bacteria & Fungi for Environmental Sustainability (November 29 – December 1, 2010)

      Dr. Ajit Varma

      Embassy of Italy in New Delhi, International Symbiosis Society, American Society of Microbiology

      7.

      Bilateral Indian - German Workshop in the frame of the program "Initiation and Intensification of Bilateral Cooperation (to be organized from March 8-10, 2011)
      Contact Person: Dr. Ajit Varma, DG, AIMT
      Email: ajitvarma@aihmr.amity.edu

      Dr. Ajit Varma

      DFG, Germany