Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering
Experience
11 years teaching and research
Current Courses Taught
Enzymology and Enzyme Technology, Bioseparation Technology, Downstream Processing, Green Technology
Research Interests
• Production of Microbial and algal biomass for Biofuel production; biomass harvesting using carbon nanomaterials and conversion to FAME and value added products.
• Bioremediation and Waste water treatment (involving algae and bacteria)
• Fermentation and Enzyme Technology (Microbial enzyme production, purification, kinetic studies and immobilization of enzymes for industrial applications)
• Downstream Processing (Bio-separation techniques for purification of protein and lipid bio-products)
Teaching Interests
Enzyme Technology, Biochemistry, Green Technology, Bioseparation, Industrial Biotechnology, Fermentation Technology
Professional Activities
Conference Presentations
1. Optimization of Growth and Lipid Production in Euglena gracilis under Mixotrophic Cultivation. Anwesha Khanra, Nikunj Sharma, Monika Prakash Rai*. ISNPMP 2016, 1-2 March 2016, TERI, New Delhi.
2. Growth, Harvesting and Lipid Production from Microalgae for Biodiesel Production. Monika Prakash Rai, Vrinda, Anwesha Kjhanra, Arpita Bhattacharya International conference of material science and technology, 4th March 2016. University of Delhi.
3. Repetitive extractive fermentation of Bacillus cereus for protease production and its industrial application. Monika Prakash Rai. Bacillus Act 2015, 27-31 October 2015 JNU, New Delhi.
4. Sorption of lead, cadmium, and nickel with increase in lipid production by microalgae. Monika Prakash Rai. National seminar on innovative, advance research in bio-medical, and environmental dynamics. 9-10 October 2015, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, New Delhi.
5. Growth and lipid production from Chlorella sp. and Anabaena sp. for bioenergy application. Monika Prakash Rai and Nikunj Sharma. CHEMCON 2013, 66th Annual session of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers & Joint Indo-North American Symposium, IICT-Mumbai, December 27-30, 2013.
6. Algae lipids and a/ß hydrolase proteins as major regulators in cancer. Nikunj Sharma and Monika Prakash Rai*. International symposium on frontiers in cancer research: prevention to therapeutics, November 15-16 2013, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida.
7. Potential of biologically active compounds from algae as anticancer agents. Shivani Gupta, Trishnamoni Gautam, Monika Prakash Rai*. International symposium on frontiers in cancer research: prevention to therapeutics, November 15-16 2013, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida.
8. Paper entitled “Growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in cow waste as a low cost medium for bio-diesel production. Monika Prakash Rai and Nikunj Sharma. Bioenergy and Environment Sustainable Technologies -2013, Arunai Engg College, Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu, Jan 27-30 2013. (ISBN: 978-81-926424-0-6).
9. Oil extraction from Chlorella biomass for the production of biodiesel, Monika Prakash Rai and Subhasha Nigam. Global Vision 2020; May 3-4, 2013, EAST, Tiruneveli, Tamilnadu.
10. Paper entitled “Enhanced production of lipid from Chlorella pyrenoidosa under mixotrophy for bio-diesel application” Monika Prakash Rai, Subhasha Nigam, Rupali Gupta. International Bioenergy Summit- 2012, Algae & Synthetic Biology: Potential of Biofuels, organized by DBT and TERI, India Habitat Center, New Delhi., Nov 5-6 2012.
11. UK-India Teaching Partnership Development Forum- 2012, organized by University of Nottingham and Manipal University and supported by British Council, 26-27July 2012, India Habitat Center, New Delhi.(Participated)
12. International conference on Bioscience and Bioengineering: A Collaborative Approach. July 06-07 2012 held at IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad.(Participated)
13. National Workshop on “Pollution Prevention Paradigm” organized by Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management in association with Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, held on May 11, 2012, Amity University Noida.(Participated)
14. Paper entitled “Comparative study on production of biodiesel from Aphanothese and Fisherella sp. Monika Prakash Rai and Subhasha Nigam. International conference “Banglore India Bio-2011” at Banglore in May 2011.
15. Paper entitled “Microalgae: a renewable energy source for biodiesel production” Subhasha Nigam, Monika Prakash Rai, Vikalp Jain. International conference ISPR-2010, held at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during Feb 2010.
16. Paper entitled “Application of Aqueous Two-Phase System in Simultaneous Production and Separation of an industrially important Bacillus Protease” Monika Prakash Rai. National seminar on Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology” held at Indian Habitat center, New Delhi (22nd Jan 2008).
17. Paper entitled “Production and Separation of a Bacillus Protease in Aqueous Two-Phase System Suitable for detergent Industry” Monika Prakash Rai and R. M. Banik. National seminar on “Biotechnology in genomic era: Industrial Priorities- 2006” held at IILM- AHL, Greater Noida.
18. Paper entitled “The potential application of aqueous two-phase system in simultaneous production and separation of a Bacillus protease suitable for dairy industry” Monika Prakash and R. M. Banik. Published in “International Congress on Bioprocesses in food Industries-2004” held at Clermont-Ferrand, France.
19. Paper entitled “Laundry detergent compatibility of the alkaline protease from Bacillus cereus” R.M.Banik, Monika Prakash, Indian Science congress-2004 held at Chandigarh and adjudged as Best Paper in the congress.
20. Paper entitled “Extracellular protease from microbial sources and its industrial applications” R.M.Banik, Monika Prakash, “National Conference on Biomass as source of energy and chemicals-2004” held at I.T., B.H.U.
21. Paper entitled “Aqueous Two-Phase System- A Biofriendly Method for Separation of Biochemicals” R.M.Banik, Monika Prakash, A. Anand, A. Santiagu Best Paper in the “National Conference on Separation in Process Industry-2003” held at I.T., B.H.U.
GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROJECT:
1. PI on a regular project entitled “Production of biodiesel from microalgae as a renewable energy source” funded by Technology System Development, Department of Science and Technology, Amount of grant – Rs.24,03,800/- (2010-2013). (Completed)
2. PI on project entitled “A new approach to enhance lipid yield of microalgae in a photo-heterotrophic fed-batch bioreactor for biodiesel production” Extramural Scheme, Rs. 26,51,250, 3 years. (Ongoing).
RESEARCH SUPERVISION:
Ph.D. Students: 03
Other Achievements
1. Received Distinguished Visiting Scientist Award for the year 2011 from University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
2. Qualified Joint C.S.I.R – U.G.C NET, Dec.2001& June 2002.
4. Qualified Graduate Aptitude Test in LIFE SCIECES in 2001.
Contact Information
Amity Institute of Biotechnology (AIB)
AUUP Noida