Department of Biotechnology
Dr. K. Renugadevi
M.Sc., PhD., (Assistant Professor)
Email:
renugadevi_btsf@tcarts.in
renugadevi_btsf@tcarts.in
Date of Joining:
2017-06-16
2017-06-16
Educational Background
Pre and Postdoctoral Fellow (2013-2016): Paediatric Ocular Genetic Testing for Diagnosis and counselling of Selective Congenital Diseases.
Under the Guidance of:
- Dr. Vijayalakshmi Perumalsamy, Chief Medical Consultant, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India.
- Dr.A.S.Karthikeyan,Visiting Volunteer Faculty, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India. Senior Consultant and International Faculty, Pediatric Ophthalmology & Ocular Genetics, CMER (Shenzhen) Dennis Lam Hospital , Shenzhen , China. Honorary Consultant, Lumbini Eye Institute , Siddarthanagar, Nepal.
Ph.D in Bio-Medical Science from Aravind Medical Research Foundation (Madurai Kamaraj University) awarded on 28th October, 2014.
Ph.D. Thesis Title - “Molecular Genetics and Functional Analysis of Albinism Patients in India”.
Under the Guidance of: Dr.P.Sundaresan, Senior Research Scientist- Dept. of Genetics Dr.G.Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Aravind Eye Hospital, No-1, Anna Nagar Madurai-20
- M.Sc in Botany at Madurai Kamaraj University (Direct Distance Education) from 2017 to 2019 with First class
- M.Sc in Genomics at School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University from 2002 to 2004 with First class
- B.Sc in Botany (spl. in. Industrial Microbiology) at Lady Doak College, Madurai from 1999 to 2002 with First class
- HSC at Sirumalar Girls Hr.Sec.School Nagamalai, Madurai from 1998 to 1999 with First class
- SSLC at Sirumalar Girls Hr.Sec.School Nagamalai, Madurai from 1996 to 1997 with First class
Professional Experience
- Teaching Assistant for M.Sc Genomics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences in School of Biological Sciences from Aug 2004 to April 2005 at Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
- Lecturer for M.Sc, Department of Microbiology from June 2005 to November 2005 at Madura College, Madurai
- Lecturer for B.Sc & M.Sc, Department of Zoology with specialization in Biotechnology from December 2005 to April 2006 at Lady Doak College, Madurai
- Assistant professor for M.Sc, Department of Zoology with specialization in Biotechnology from December 2016 to April 2017 at Lady Doak College, Madurai
- Assistant professor for M.Sc, Department of Biotechnology (NCoE-MHRD) from June 2017 to May 2020 at Thiagarajar College, Madurai
- Assistant professor for M.Sc (Microbiology), Department of Microbiology from June 2020 to May 2024 at Thiagarajar College, Madurai
- Assistant professor for M.Sc (Biotechnology), Department of Biotechnology from June 2024 to till now at Thiagarajar College
- Head In-charge, Department of Biotechnology from May 2025 to till now
Awards & Recognitions
Projects:
“Elucidation of iodine rich nano-material from seaweeds to implement its
spectrum of potential as novel source using hyt mouse line models”. TAMILNADU STATE COUNCIL FOR 2022-2023. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENT PROJECTS SCHEME. (MS-0797 - Rs. 7500 /-). Completed
Achievements:
- CSIR-SRF Fellowship from April 2011 to March 2013 (Two Years).
- DST-DAAD PPP Fellowship (Indo-German Collaboration – 2009 to 2011, 3 weeks visit to JUSTUS-LIEBIG-UNIVERSITY, GIESSEN, GERMANY).
- Travel Grant from DST to attend Asia ARVO conference held at Singapore - January, 2011.
- Travel Grant from ICMR to attend ARVO conference held at Florida, USA - May, 2012.
- Awarded as first best poster presentation in 10th Annual Research Advisory Committee Meeting held at Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai -2011.
- Honored with the PEARL foundation Best Woman Assistant Professor Award in recognition of outstanding contributions in the field of Microbiology during National Conference on SMART SUMMIT-2021 at Madurai June 19, 2021 Organized by PEARL Foundation Educational Excellence Awards to Higher Education in India.
- Appreciation with cash award received from the Thiagarajar College Management for the special efforts in paper publication on 2024 & 2025
NPTEL Courses Completed:
- Completed course in “Current regulatory requirements for conducting clinical trials in India for investigational new drugs/new drug (Version 3.0)” with ELITE certification. (Course duration August 2021 to October 2021)
Research Publications
Book Chapters:
- Preeti, A., Kanakalakshmi, A., Renugadevi, K., Archana, C. M., Anbarasi, G., & Kaarunya, E.* (2025). Emerging contaminants of high concern in the water ecosystem: Economic aspects and a perspective for sustainable detection approach. In M. K. Jindal (Ed.), Emerging contaminants and associated treatment technologies (Chap. 4). Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-89591-3. ISBN: 978-3-031-89590-6 (Print), 978-3-031-89591-3 (eBook).
Published August 26, 2025. - Archana, C. M., Kanakalakshmi, A., Nithya, K., Kaarunya, E., & Renugadevi, K.* (2025). Health effects of emerging contaminants: Effects on humans via ingestion of contaminated water. In M. K. Jindal (Ed.), Emerging contaminants and associated treatment technologies (Chap. 9). Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-89591-3
ISBN: 978-3-031-89590-6 (Print), 978-3-031-89591-3 (eBook). Published August 26, 2025. Kanakalakshmi, A., Kaarunya, E., Archana, C. M., & Renugadevi, K.* (2025). Extreme alteration of diversity due to cell phone tower radiation. In M. Tamilselvi & B. Winmayil (Eds.), The impact of climate change on global sustainability: Interdisciplinary perspectives and solutions (Chap. 1). JEC Publication.
ISBN: 9369761942, 978-9369761944.
Published May 6, 2025.Journal Publications:
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Perumalsamy, V., & Sundaresan, P. (2010). Spectrum of candidate gene mutations associated with Indian familial oculocutaneous and ocular albinism. Molecular Vision, 16, 1514–1524.
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Perumalsamy, V., & Sundaresan, P. (2009). Novel mutations associated with oculocutaneous albinism. Human Genetics, 125, 340. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19309806/
- Kathirvel, R., Asnet Mary, J., Perumalsamy, V., Seshadri, S., Jagadeesh, S., Suresh, B., Nampoothiri, S., Shenbagarathai, R., Krishnaswamy, S., & Sundaresan, P. (2014). Molecular genetic testing for carrier, prenatal diagnosis, and computational analysis of oculocutaneous albinism type 1. Journal of Genetic Disorders & Genetic Reports, 3(2).
- Arcot Sadagopan, K., Kathirvel, R., Keep, R. B., Sundaresan, P., Huang, H., Rolfs, A., Parthiban, K., & Vijayalakshmi, P. (2016). Cutaneous freckling: A possible new clinical marker for the diagnosis of Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome in Indian Asian patients with oculocutaneous albinism. Ophthalmic Genetics, 37(4), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/13816810.2016.1183217
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Vijayalakshmi, P., & Sundaresan, P. (2017). Molecular genetic analysis and diagnosis of albinism patients in India. JSM Genetics & Genomics, 4(1), 1024.
- Shobana, B., Renugadevi, K., & Prakash, P. (2025). Hybrid BaFe₂O₄@W₂CTₓ nanomaterial-driven photoelectrochemical biosensor for precise quantification of Bacillus spp. in food spoilage surveillance. Microchemical Journal, 216, 115370.
- Babu, S., Kathirvel, R., & Periakaruppan, P. (2025). Photoelectrochemical detection of Penicillium spp. using MgFe₂O₄@V₂CTₓ for ensuring food safety. Food Bioscience, —, 107392.
- Shobana, B., Renugadevi, K., & Prakash, P. (2025). Label-free photoelectrochemical detection of Aspergillus flavus in food samples using NiFe₂O₄@Ti₃C₂Tₓ nanocomposite with an ultra-low detection limit. Microchemical Journal, 216, —.
- Shobana, B., Renugadevi, K., & Prakash, P. (2025). Strategical design of ZnWO₄@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite: An affordable and efficient photoelectrochemical sensor for the detection of Candida albicans. Microchemical Journal, 213, 113619.
- Shobana, B., Renugadevi, K., & Prakash, P. (2025). A highly sensitive microbial photoelectrochemical sensor based on Cu₂O@TiO₂/MXene for selective detection of Staphylococcus aureus in a polymicrobial environment. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 977, 118857.
- Shobana, B., Renugadevi, K., & Prakash, P. (2024). Transformative Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection: Advancing microbial surveillance in food matrices with a photosensor of silver-doped TiO₂/MXene nanocomposite. Microchemical Journal, 206, 111461.
- Babu, S., Kathirvel, R., & Periakaruppan, P. (2024). A glassy carbon electrode modified with gold-decorated iron oxide/carbon dots for light-assisted voltammetric detection of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, 20, 100532.
Shobana, B., Kumar, P. S., Renugadevi, K., & Prakash, P. (2024). Sensing the invisible: Ultra-low-level electrochemical detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on cobalt ferrite-doped silver nanocomposite (CoFe₂O₄/AgNPs) surfaces. Food Chemistry, 439, 138073.
Conference Proceedings:
- Kathirvel, R., Yaqub, S. S., Devi, K., Balasubramanian, S., Samuthirarajan, S. K., & Natarajan, A. N. (2022). Elucidation of phytochemical, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of seed extract from Swietenia mahagoni for future medicinal prospectus. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Progresses in Biological Sciences (ISBN: 978-93-83191-81-9).
- Dalvi Augustin Paulraj, S. S., Natarajan, A. N., & Kathirvel, R. (2022). Analysis and comparison of heavy metals and lactose concentration in cow milk samples from Vellakal and Thiruvedagam regions. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Progresses in Biological Sciences (ISBN: 978-93-83191-81-9).
Database / Web Resource Submission:
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Perumalsamy, V., & Sundaresan, P. (2010). MC1R gene mutations associated with albinism [Database entry]. Retina International. http://www.retina-international.org/sci_news/mc1rmut.htm
Conference Presentations (National & International Conference):
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Vijayalakshmi, P., & Sundaresan, P. (2008). Screening of oculocutaneous and ocular albinism gene variants in Indian albinism patients. Paper presented at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Indian Eye Research Group, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Vijayalakshmi, P., & Sundaresan, P. (2009). Genetic analysis of Indian oculocutaneous albinism patients. Paper presented at Asia–ARVO, Hyderabad, India.
- Sundaresan, P., Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., & Vijayalakshmi, P. (2010). Spectrum of candidate gene mutations associated with Indian familial oculocutaneous albinism patients. Paper presented at ARVO, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Vijayalakshmi, P., & Sundaresan, P. (2011). Molecular genetic analysis of tyrosinase (TYR) gene in Indian oculocutaneous albinism patients. Paper presented at Asia–ARVO, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.
- Kathirvel, R., Sil, A. K., Vijayalakshmi, P., & Sundaresan, P. (2011). Novel mutations in the MC1R gene: First evidence for oculocutaneous albinism type II in the Indian population. Paper presented at ARVO, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
- Kathirvel, R., Asnet Mary, J., Vijayalakshmi, P., Seshadri, S., Jagadeesh, S., Suresh, B., Nampoothiri, S., Shenbagarathai, R., Krishnaswamy, S., & Sundaresan, P. (2011). Molecular genetics and functional analysis of genes involved in albinism in India; and Prenatal diagnosis of oculocutaneous albinism type 1 by a gene sequence–based approach [Poster presentations]. 10th Annual Research Advisory Committee Meeting, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, India. (First Best Poster Award).
- Kathirvel, R., Asnet Mary, J., Vijayalakshmi, P., Seshadri, S., Jagadeesh, S., Suresh, B., Nampoothiri, S., Shenbagarathai, R., Krishnaswamy, S., & Sundaresan, P. (2012). Prenatal molecular diagnosis of fetal samples. Poster presented at ARVO, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
- Sundaresan, P., Kathirvel, R., Asnet Mary, J., Vijayalakshmi, P., Seshadri, S., Jagadeesh, S., Suresh, B., Nampoothiri, S., Shenbagarathai, R., & Krishnaswamy, S. (2012). Genetic carrier screening for oculocutaneous albinism in India. Poster presented at ARVO, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
Seminar Presentations (National & International):
- Uma Maheswari, D., Yogeshwari, V., Renugadevi, K., & Arun Nagendran, N. (2019, February 12–13). Purification and heavy metal analysis of drinking water using natural coagulants of Moringa oleifera and Strychnos potatorum seeds. Paper presented at the International Conference on Recent trends in mathematical and physical modeling and bioresource management strategies, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Goutame, L., Uma Maheswari, D., Renugadevi, K., & Arun Nagendran, N. (2020, January 20). Stimulation of melanin pigment in zebrafish models by the active group of Albizia lebbeck. Paper presented at the State Level Seminar on Recent Scenario in Phytochemical and Pharmacological Applications (RSPPA–2020), Department of Botany, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. (First prize)
- Keerthana Devi, B., Sahaya Shilpa Dalvi, A., Renugadevi, K., & Arun Nagendran, N. (2020, January 28). Analysis and comparison of purity and lactose concentration in cow’s milk from two different regions. Paper presented at FABS’20 State Level Intercollegiate Students’ Seminar/Meet, Department of Botany, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Keerthi Priya, K., Renuka, M., Helen Christina, D., Renugadevi, K., & Arun Nagendran, N. (2020, January 28). A pilot study on computational analysis of natural compounds to treat hypopigmentation using the iGEM tool. Paper presented at FABS’20 State Level Intercollegiate Students’ Seminar/Meet, Department of Botany, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Sowmiya, K., Elakkiya, M., Renugadevi, K., & Arun Nagendran, N. (2020, February 3). Identification and analysis of bioactive compounds from Tribulus terrestris for future therapeutic applications to improve melanin pigment. Paper presented at the PG & Research Department of Zoology, The American College, Madurai, in association with the Indian Science Congress Association (Chennai Chapter), Tamil Nadu, India.
- Srinithi, P., Elakkiya, M., Renugadevi, K., & Arun Nagendran, N. (2020, February 3). A study on computational stimulation of bioactive compounds from Tribulus terrestris for the production of melanin pigment in zebrafish models. Paper presented at the PG & Research Department of Zoology, The American College, Madurai, in association with the Indian Science Congress Association (Chennai Chapter), Tamil Nadu, India.
Resource Person in Conferences, Workshops, and Winter Schools:
- Kathirvel, R. (2017, January 4–7). Recent trends in molecular biology and bioinformatics [Workshop]. Lady Doak College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2017, October). Basics of bioinformatics [Winter school]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2017, November 23–28). Bioinformatics and drug designing [Winter school]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2017, November 23–28). Molecular techniques [Winter school]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2018, September). Forensic bioinformatics [Winter school]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2018, September 3). Waste management [International seminar]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2018, November). Pharmacoinformatics [Winter school]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2018, November). Bio-prospecting and sui generis [Winter school]. MHRD Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2019, February 2). Development of diagnostic techniques [Invited lecture]. In Infectious diseases: Challenges and solutions. Sri Sarada Niketan College of Science for Women, Karur, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Kathirvel, R. (2020, October 3–6). Computational biology and chemistry tools for drug designing [National virtual workshop]. Department of Microbiology, Thiagarajar College, Madurai, India.
Professional Memberships
- Recognized as ASSOCIATE in BOARD OF GENETIC COUNSELING -INDIA as Licensed / certified Genetic Counsellor. BOARD OF GENETIC COUNSELING -INDIA. 1.08.2022 for 3 years (Renewable)