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Dr. Neeraja Pravin Dhole

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Dr. Neeraja Pravin Dhole

Dr. Neeraja Pravin Dhole

Assistant Professor- Environmental Biotechnology

Overview

Dr. Neeraja Dhole holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (2024) with specialization in microbial biotechnology, focusing on the bioprospection of gut flora from Duttaphrynus melanostictus for chitin valorization. She has qualified the CSIR-NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Life Sciences with an All-India Rank of 60. Her interdisciplinary research spans zoology, microbiology, and environmental biotechnology, with significant contributions in microbial enzyme production, optimization, and purification; chitin and cellulose degradation; production of ophthalmically important byproducts such as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc); biofuel generation from biowaste; and biocontrol applications of microbial enzymes against pathogenic insects and fungi. Currently, she is engaged in advanced research on plastic biodegradation, focusing on the microbial breakdown of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene using insect gut microbiota, with the aim of developing sustainable solutions for plastic waste management. Dr. Dhole has authored several international peer-reviewed publications and holds a biomedical patent. She brings a strong passion for applying microbial and biotechnological approaches for environmental sustainability, along with experience in teaching, research mentoring, and scientific communication.
Qualifications
  • M.Sc. in Zoology
  • CSIR NET JRF life sciences (AIR 60)
  • PhD. in Zoology with specialization in Zoology, applied microbiology and biotechnology
Teaching: 6 months
Research: 7 years

Awards and honours

  • Received patent for device designing “DEVICE TO IDENTIFY ANIMAL STRESS” from Government of India on 02/02/2023
  • Won 3rd prize for poster presentation at International Conference on Biotechnology: Perspective & Challenges, date :15-2-2020
  • Won 2nd prize for poster presentation at International conference on “Recent advances in science, technology, humanities, and management “(Icrasthm-2023)

Strengths

  • Microbial Biotechnology: Expertise in microbial isolation, bioconversion processes, and enzyme optimization.
  • Bioprocess Development: Experience in scaling bacterial chitinase production and optimizing yields for industrial applications.
  • Analytical Techniques: Proficient in HPLC, GC-MS, and spectrophotometry.
  • Scientific Communication: Published in peer-reviewed journals; experience in editorial processes.

Publications

  • Dhole, N. P., Phuge, S., Dar, M. A., & Pandit, R. S. (2022). Screening of chitin degrading bacteria from the gut of Asian common toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus: Implication for valorization of chitin-rich seafood waste. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 28, 102929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2022.102929
  • Dhole, N. P., Dar, M. A., & Pandit, R. S. (2021). Recent advances in the bioprospection and applications of chitinolytic bacteria for valorization of waste chitin. Archives of Microbiology, 203(6), 1953–1969. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-021-02234-5
  • Dar, M. A., Dhole, N. P., Xie, R., Pawar, K. D., Ullah, K., Rahi, P., Pandit, R. S., & Sun, J. (2021). Valorization potential of a novel bacteria strain, Bacillus altitudinis RSP75, towards lignocellulose bioconversion: An assessment of symbiotic bacteria from the stored grain pest, Tribolium castaneum. Microorganisms, 9(9), 1952. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091952
  • Dar, M. A., Dhole, N. P., Pawar, K. D., Xie, R., Shahnawaz, M., Pandit, R. S., & Sun, J. (2022). Ecotoxic effects of the plastic waste on marine fauna: An overview. In M. Shahnawaz, M. K. Sangale, Z. Daochen, & A. B. Ade (Eds.), Impact of plastic waste on the marine biota (Chapter 15). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5403-9_15
  • Dar, M. A., Syed, R., Pawar, K. D., Dhole, N. P., Xie, R., Pandit, R. S., & Sun, J. (2022). Evaluation and characterization of the cellulolytic bacterium, Bacillus pumilus SL8 isolated from the gut of oriental leafworm Spodoptera litura: An assessment of its potential value for lignocellulose bioconversion. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 27, 102459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2022.102459
  • Dar, M. A., Xie, R., Zabed, H. M., Pawar, K. D., Dhhole, N. P., & Sun, J. (2024). Current paradigms and future challenges in harnessing gut bacterial symbionts of insects for biodegradation of plastic waste. Insect Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.13417
  • Dhole, N. P., Dar, M. A., Ullah, K., Xie, R., Sun, J., Shahnawaz, M., & Pandit, R. S. (2024). A review on the prospection of psychrophilic bacteria, their adaptive strategies and valorization for sustainability. In P. Gupta & M. Shahnawaz (Eds.), Soil microbiome of the cold habitats: Trends and application (Chapter 10). CRC Press – Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003354031-10
  • Dhole, N. P., Dar, M. A., Kulkarni, R. R., Chaudhari, A., & Pandit, R. S. (2024). Insights of the toxic impact of microplastic on flora: Recent trends and challenges. In M. Shahnawaz, C. O. Adetunji, M. A. Dar, & D. Zhu (Eds.), Microplastic pollution. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8357-5
  • Dhole, N. P., Chaudhari, A., Kulkarni, R. R., Dar, M. A., & Pandit, R. S. (2024). Efficiencies in circular economy in plastic in different countries of the world under COVID-19 pandemic era. In O. A. Anani et al. (Eds.), Plastic and the COVID-19 pandemic (Chapter 12). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-74769-4_12
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