Kiran Rajappa

As a Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineer, I am passionate about using biological sciences to solve real-world challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation. My career has focused on developing and optimizing biochemical processes to improve product efficiency, reduce waste, and drive sustainable practices. From laboratory research to industrial scale-up, I have gained hands-on experience in translating scientific advancements into impactful solutions. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I work alongside diverse teams to bring research from concept to implementation. Committed to advancing biotechnology for a healthier, more sustainable future, I am eager to contribute innovative solutions that make a positive difference.

NEOSTIK TAPES PRIVATE LIMITED, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA

I had the opportunity to intern at Neostik Tapes Private Limited, a company specializing in the manufacturing, design, and fabrication of polyurethane foams. During this internship, I gained both theoretical and practical knowledge of foam manufacturing and design processes. I also joined a project titled “Development of a Novel Biomedical Sponge Formulation for Clinical Use,” which was focused on applications in the medical industry. Throughout my time there, the mentors and support staff were incredibly helpful, and even the company owner provided valuable guidance and support, making it a truly enriching experience.

KARNATAKA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD [KSPCB], BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA

• I had a valuable opportunity to intern at KSPCB (Karnataka State Pollution Control Board), where I learned about monitoring and assessing air, water, and soil quality across the state.
• I also contributed to a project titled “Assessment of Microbial Resistance to Heavy Metals and its Wastewater Bioremediation Ability,” focused on developing bioremediation techniques for the treatment of heavy metal contamination.

ACHARYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA

I had an excellent opportunity to complete a three-month internship on “Design and Synthesis of REDOX Active Systems for Biomedical Applications” under the guidance of Dr. Harish M.N.K. from the Department of Chemistry at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, from February to April 2023. During this time, I gained hands-on experience with various filtration techniques, learned how to design chemical reactions, analyze results using thin-layer chromatography, and effectively handle chemicals and laboratory instruments.

Amperometric Biosensors as an Analytical Tool in Food, Dairy and Fermentation Industries [2020]

Sivashankar, Shilpa & S Kumar, Navaneeth & R, Kiran & Mazumder, Nilakshi

Biosensors are analytical devices that detect biological components in their environment and produce signals that can be easily measured using physicochemical detectors. The development of biosensors has significantly advanced traditional methods, such as detecting contaminants in the pharmaceutical industry and diagnosing diseases through biomarkers.

Development of Hemostatic PVA-Starch Foam and Hydrogel For Topical Wound Treatment

A biocompatible and hemostatic foam and hydrogel were created using Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and starch, with antibiotics included to improve their antimicrobial effectiveness. Initial hydrogel characterization showed a gradual absorption and release of moisture, which supports the controlled release of antimicrobials like antibiotics and nanoparticles. The swelling behavior and kinetics of both the foam and hydrogel were studied, with results showing that the hydrogel's weight increased by eight times and the foam's weight by around four times after reaching maximum absorption.

Fundamentals of qPCR and Immunoblotting

I had the opportunity to work with a range of modern biotechnology techniques, gaining hands-on experience with instruments like Nanodrop, qPCR, SDS-PAGE, RT-PCR, and Western Blotting, among others. This five-day professional training at Merck Innovation Lab in Bengaluru also enhanced my problem-solving skills in various aspects of molecular biology.

• Industrial Biotechnology - Coursera
• Methods of Molecular Biology- Coursera
• Introduction to the Biology of Cancer (with Honors)- Coursera
• The Science of Stem cells- Coursera
• Industrial Biotechnology- National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL)
• Nanotechnology in Agriculture - National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL)

• International Conference on "Global Convergence in Technology, Entrepreneurship, Computing and Value Engineering: Principles and Practices", Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Bengaluru-57, 07/16/21 - 07/17/21, Cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris for Nutraceutical Application and Biodiesel production from waste water.
• International Conference of Contemporary Antimicrobial Research 2021, Acharya Institute of Technology, Soldevanahalli, Bengaluru - 107, 09/12/2021 – 10/12/2021.
• TECHNOTSAVA - 2023: A Student Project & Research Symposium, Acharya Institute of Technology, Soldevanahalli, Bengaluru- 107, 05/06/23.

COVID VOLUNTEER

I volunteered during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise awareness about the virus in local communities in Hessarghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Additionally, I helped distribute food to residents in the area during the pandemic.