Application Form 2026-27
banner

Dr. Sarika Vishnu Pawar

Home + Team + Dr. Sarika Vishnu Pawar
Dr. Sarika Vishnu Pawar

Dr. Sarika Vishnu Pawar

Associate Professor

Overview

Dr. Sarika Pawar holds a Ph.D. in Biology Applied to Human Health from Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy, where her doctoral and postdoctoral research focused on the cyclic-di-GMP signalling system and quorum-sensing pathways of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as targets for biofilm inhibition. With over 20 years of experience across microbiology, molecular biology, and food biotechnology, she has developed strong expertise in bacterial cell-to-cell communication, biofilm biology, and postbiotic science.

Her research career spans international positions at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Roma Tre University, Italy, and she currently holds a postdoctoral role at the Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, where she works on postbiotic interventions and food matrix engineering using Bacillus and Lactiplantibacillus systems.

She also spent more than a decade teaching microbiology at Dr. D. Y. Patil University in Pune. She has received competitive doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, including support from the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation and the NIFA-BARD international grant programme. She holds an Indian patent and has contributed to several research publications. Her current focus is on programming probiotic function through biofilm architecture and interactions with food matrices.

Qualifications
  • PhD in Biology Applied to Human Health, Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.
  • M.Sc. in Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  • B.Sc. in Microbiology, KTHM ACS College, Nashik
  • SET (State Eligibility Test) in Life Sciences, Maharashtra and Goa
Teaching: 12 years
Research: 20 years
Industry: 5 months

Professional Experience

  • Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Food Sciences, Volcani Institute, Agriculture Research Organization (ARO), Israel (2023–2025), funded by NIFA-BARD (The United States–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund). Projects: a) development of Bacillus strain BX77 as an anti-Salmonella feed/drink supplement in broilers; b) development of a functional beverage based on a new desert crop.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy (2015). Research on the biochemistry and molecular biology of cyclic-di-GMP and quorum-sensing signalling pathways in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Assistant Professor (Microbiology), Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil University (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune (2016–2023).
  • Lecturer (Microbiology), Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil University (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune (2006–2010).
  • Lecturer (Microbiology), Department of Microbiology, Pad. Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College, Pimpri, Pune (2004–2006).
  • Researcher, Bijasu Agri Research Laboratory, Kondhawa, Pune (2016). Biochemical profiling of antifungal activity of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) extract and its significance in traditional medicine.
  • Junior Research Fellow, Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (2011). Research on bioactive compounds from Indian medicinal plants as quorum-sensing inhibitors and anti-biofilm agents, and biosynthesis and characterization of nanoparticles for environmental applications.
  • Research Fellow, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (2010–2011). Research on interspecies and inter-kingdom interactions for biocontrol and pathogenesis in chronic infection.
  • Project Fellow, Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (2003). Isolation of plant growth-promoting bacteria from grape roots sponsored by Advanced Farm Logics Pvt. Ltd., Nashik

Grants, Fellowships and Patent

  • Researcher (NIFA-BARD Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2023): Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Israel
  • DPU IV (2018–2020), Ref. No. DPU/421/2018 Research grant: “Virtual screening for novel quorum-sensing inhibitors: Anti-virulence therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” Funded by Dr. D. Y. Patil (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra.
  • Granted Patent: System for processing agar waste/liquefied waste material. Patent No. 445733, Application No. 202221061434. Granted 18/08/2023.
  • Researcher (Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2015): Italian Ministry of University and Research (project code: RBFR10LHD1), Italy.
  • Doctoral scholarship (2012-2014): Doctoral School of Biology, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy

Publications

  • Pawar, S. V., Saldinger, S. S., & Shemesh, M. (2026). Postbiotics for Improving Food Quality and Safety: From Mechanistic Insights to Industrial Applications. LWT, 119066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2026.119066
  • Deshmukh, F., Kiran, K., Pawar, S. V., * Nawani, N., Golinska, P., Gade, A., … & Gaikwad, S. C. (2025). Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes Using Achyranthes aspera-Mediated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Green Synthesis Approach. Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment, 100269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scenv.2025.100269
  • Lokhande, K. B., Pawar, S. V.*, Madkaiker, S., Shrivastava, A., Venkateswara, S. K., Nawani, N., … & Singh, A. (2024). Screening of potential phytomolecules against MurG as drug target in nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa: perceptions from computational campaign. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 42(1), 495-508. https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2023.2194005
  • Kakodkar, P. V., Reddy, M. G. S., Pawar, S. V., & Nawani, N. N. (2024). Surface Demineralization in Enamel and Dentin Exposed to Mono-Species and Dual Species Biofilm of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans: In-Vitro Tooth Model Study. Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology Journal, 15(1).
  • Lokhande, K. B., Kale, A., Shahakar, B., Shrivastava, A., Nawani, N., Swamy, K. V., … & Pawar, S. V.* (2023). Terpenoid phytocompounds from mangrove plant Xylocarpus moluccensis as possible inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: In silico strategy. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 106, 107912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107912
  • Lokhande, K. B., Pawar, S. V., Nawani, N., Wani, M., Swamy, K. V., Ghosh, P., & Kale, A. A. (2023). Screening of potential phytocompounds against Atherosclerosis by directing Liver X Receptor alpha (LXRα): A computational manoeuvre. Preprint.
  • Lokhande, K. B., Tiwari, A., Gaikwad, S., Kore, S., Nawani, N., Wani, M., & Pawar, S. V.* (2023). Computational docking investigation of phytocompounds from bergamot essential oil against Serratia marcescens protease and FabI: Alternative pharmacological strategy. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 104, 107829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107829
  • Lokhande, K. B., Pawar, S. V.*, Madkaiker, S., Nawani, N., Venkateswara, S. K., & Ghosh, P. (2023). High throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation analysis of phytomolecules against BfmR of Acinetobacter baumannii: anti-virulent drug development campaign. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 41(7), 2698-2712. https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2022.2038271
  • Sangeet, S., Pawar, S., Nawani, N., Junnarkar, M., & Gaikwad, S. (2022). Computational approach to attenuate virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through bioinspired silver nanoparticles. 3 Biotech, 12(11), 317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03367-0
  • Yewale, P., Wagle, N., Lenka, S., Bannigol, P., Junnarkar, M., Prakash, D., Pawar, S., & Nawani, N. (2022). Studies on Biosmotrap: A multipurpose biological air purifier to minimize indoor and outdoor air pollution. Journal of Cleaner Production, 357, 132001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132001
  • Lokhande, K., Nawani, N., K. Venkateswara, S., & Pawar, S.* (2022). Biflavonoids from Rhus succedanea as probable natural inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: a molecular docking and molecular dynamics approach. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 40(10), 4376-4388. https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2020.1858165
  • Mansuri, A., Lokhande, K., Kore, S., Gaikwad, S., Nawani, N., Swamy, K. V., & Pawar, S*. (2022). Antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, biofilm inhibitory activities and chemical composition of Patchouli essential oil: in vitro and in silico approach. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 40(1), 154-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2020.1810124
  • Khan, S., Singh, S., Gaikwad, S., Nawani, N., Junnarkar, M., & Pawar, S. V*. (2020). Optimization of process parameters for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Piper betle leaf aqueous extract, and evaluation of their antiphytofungal activity. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(22), 27221-27233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05239-2
  • Shah, S., Gaikwad, S., Nagar, S., Kulshrestha, S., Vaidya, V., Nawani, N., & Pawar, S*. (2019). Biofilm inhibition and anti-quorum sensing activity of phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles against the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofouling, 35(1), 34-49. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2018.1563686
  • Junnarkar, M., Pawar, S., Gaikwad, S., Mandal, A., Jass, J., & Nawani, N. (2019). Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria from fresh vegetables: application in food preservation. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 57, 825-838. http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/51174
  • Pawar, S., Kalyankar, V., Dhamangaonkar, B., Dagade, S., Waghmode, S., & Cukkemane, A. (2017). Biochemical profiling of antifungal activity of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) extract and its significance in traditional medicine. J Adv Res Biotech, 2(1), 1-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.15226/2475-4714/2/1/00116
  • Pawar, S. V., Messina, M., Rinaldo, S., Cutruzzola, F., Kaever, V., Rampioni, G., & Leoni, L. (2016). Novel genetic tools to tackle c-di-GMP-dependent signalling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 120(1), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.12984
  • More, P. G., Karale, N. N., Lawand, A. S., Rajmane, S. V., Pawar, S. V., & Patil, R. H. (2013). A 4-(o-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminothiazole: An anti-quorum sensing compound. Medicinal Chemistry Research, 22(9), 4183-4191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00044-012-0291-8

Book chapter

  • Gaikwad, S., Joseph, D., Bhad, S., Devkar, S., Pawar, S*. (2026). The Role of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanomaterials in the Fortification of Plant Nutrients and Improvement of Crop Production, In Sustainable Applications of Multifunctional Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles. Elsevier. 251-279. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-44123-3.00013-7
  • Leoni, L., Pawar, S. V., & Rampioni, G. (2017). Genetic tools to study c-di-GMP-dependent signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In c-di-GMP Signaling: Methods and Protocols (pp. 471-480). New York, NY: Springer New York. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7240-1_34

Course / Workshops / Webinar

  • Participated in the workshop on Intellectual Property Commercialization (2023) organized by Turnip Innovations Pvt. Ltd
  • Two-week Entrepreneurship course (2022) organized by Turnip Innovations Pvt. Ltd
  • DBT/WELLCOME Trust India Alliance one-day workshop on “Grant writing & funding opportunities at India Alliance”, DYPBBI, Pune 411033, 3rd Feb 2023
  • National Digital Library of India Event: – Importance of Biotechnology in day-to-day life, coordinator, DYPBBI, Pune 411033, 25th Jan 2023
  • Participated in the JoVE Webinar (2022): Using JoVE in teaching-learning pedagogy
  • Participated and successfully completed the 5-day online FDP on “Entrepreneurship, Innovations & Digital Skills in New Era of Artificial Intelligence”, AICTE, MOE’s IIC sponsored from 25th to 29th July 2022
  • Participated and successfully completed the 5-day online FDP on the theme “Inculcating Universal Human Values in Technical Education” organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) from 6th to 10th June, 2022
  • ISO 14001:2015 & Green Education Campus Awareness Training. 7th April, 2022 at Dental Implant Conference Room, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pimpri, Pune. The Resource person will be Mr. V. P Oka from Nashik.
  • ‘Pedagogy & teaching learning in current scenario of Covid 19 Pandemic.’ Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Tathawade, Pune. 26th – 27th Feb 2021
  • 5-day FDP-SI UHV Online Workshop Day FDP AICTE Incorporating Universal Human Values in Education. 1st – 5th Feb 2021
  • Leadership Talk with Motivational Speaker MHRD’s Innovation Cell: Dated 16th May 2020, 18th June 2020 and 27th June 2020
  • IIC Online Sessions conducted by Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), MHRD’s Innovation Cell, New Delhi, to promote Innovation, IPR, Entrepreneurship, and Start-ups among HEIs. Dated 28th April to 22nd May 2020 during the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown.
  • Webinar on: Microbiome: Listen to your gut Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS AHER, Mysuru 20th July 2020
  • International Webinar on Recent Developments of Micro to Nano Technology Dr. Lawrence D Cruze, MD (Pathology), Associate Professor, Department of Pathology Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai 22nd June 2020
  • Webinar Series: Sustainable Biosolutions 2020 by Biomall.in and Vel Tech Institute, Chennai, 12th – 18th May 2020
  • SCBT Webinar Session School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA 5th May 2020 to 27th May 2020

National and International Conferences: Paper/Poster Presentations

  • Paper presented ‘Biofabricated silver nanoparticles from Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) leaves extract: Quorum sensing and biofilm inhibition’ at the 1st Global Conference on Cognitive Computing and Communication Technology (GC4T-2025) and DPU TechConnect 1.0 organized in collaboration with IEEE Pune Section at Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Science and Technology, Pune (4-5 April 2025)
  • Paper presented ‘Phytofabricated silver nanoparticles using Acacia catechu heartwood extract: antimicrobial activity and photocatalytic dye degradation’ In the 2025 1st Global Conference on Cognitive Computing and Communication Technology (GC4T-2025) & DPU TechConnect 1.0 organized in collaboration with IEEE Pune Section (4th & 5th April, 2025) at Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Science and Technology, Tathawade, Pune, India.
  • Paper presented: Ayushi Tiwari, Afrin Mansuri, Shuchi Nagar, Khushboo Pandey, Neelu Nawani, Swapnil Gaikwad, Supriya Kore, Manisha Junnarkar, Sarika Pawar* (2019). Inhibitory Action of Bergamot Oil Against Uropathogen Quorum Sensing Activity: In Vitro and In Silico Approach. Recent Advances in Modern Biology and Biotechnology (DYPBBI, Tathawade, Pune, India 14-16 March 2019) (First Prize).
  • Kirthika Nair, Afrin Mansuri, Shuchi Nagar, Swapnil Gaikwad, Khushboo Pandey, Supriya Kore, Manisha Junnarkar, Neelu Nawani, Sarika Pawar* (2019). Effect of Neroli oil on Serratia marcescens quorum-sensing activity: in vitro and in silico approach. Recent Advances in Modern Biology and Biotechnology (DYPBBI, Tathawade, Pune, India 14-16 March 2019) (Second Prize).
  • Kruti Kagathara, Afrin Mansuri, Shuchi Nagar, Khushboo Pandey, Manisha Junnarkar, Neelu Nawani, Sarika Pawar, Swapnil Gaikwad (2019) Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Efficacy and In Silico Computational Docking Studies of Green Silver Nanoparticles against Uropathogen. Recent Advances in Modern Biology and Biotechnology (DYPBBI, Tathawade, Pune, India 14-16 March 2019)
  • Sadaf Khan, Simran Singh, Neelu Nawani, Swapnil Gaikwad, Viniti Vaidya and Sarika Pawar* (2018) Optimization, characterization and antifungal activity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles. International conference on Biotechnological Innovation for Sustainable Development (BioSD) 22-25 November 2018, IICT, Hyderabad.
  • Nishtha Pathak, A. Sridhar, S. Kulkarni, A. Pawar, S. Awate, A. Vavle, P. Yewale, F. Khan, A. Mandal, N. N. Nawani, J. Jass (2016) Whole genome sequencing and identification of antibiotic resistance genes in coliforms isolated from natural water bodies. NextGen Genomics, Biology, Bioinformatics and Technologies (NGBT) Conference, 3-5 Oct 2016, Maradu, Kochi, Kerala
  • Sarika Vishnu Pawar, Marco Messina, Giordano Rampioni, and Livia Leoni (2015). Development of a biosensor for the identification of biofilm inhibitors targeting c-di-GMP signalling via a drug repurposing approach. 31st SIMGBM Congress (Ravenna, Italy, 23- 26 September 2015).
  • Sarika Vishnu Pawar, Marco Messina, Giordano Rampioni, Volkhard Kaever, and Livia Leoni (2014). Development of a biosensor for the screening of innovative anti-biofilm drugs. ESGB Meeting Biofilm-based Healthcare-associated Infections: from Microbiology to Clinics (Rome, Italy, 9-10 Oct, 2014).
  • Marco Messina, Sarika Vishnu Pawar, Giordano Rampioni, and Livia Leoni (2013). Development of a biosensor for the high-throughput screening of anti-biofilm drugs. 2nd Applied Synthetic Biology in Europe (Málaga, Spain, 25-27 Nov, 2013).
  • Sarika Vishnu Pawar, Marco Messina, Giordano Rampioni, and Livia Leoni (2013). Development of a biosensor for the high-throughput screening of anti-biofilm drugs. 30th SIMGBM Congress (Ischia, Italy, 18-21 Sept, 2013).
  • Attended National Biofilm Symposium at University of Copenhagen, Denmark (Nov 2010).
  • Gadekar V. G., Shilpa Pathak, Sanghani JA, Mukherjee SR, Arti Deshmukh, Pawar S. V., Amol Salagare, Nawani N. N., G. D. Tandon and B. P. Kapadnis (2010) Effect of agricultural and bioindustrial waste on survival of plant growth promoting acidophilic actinomycetes. National Conference on Emerging Trends in Biopharmaceuticals: Relevance to Human Health and 4th annual convention of Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy, Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab, India. 11-13 Nov 2010.
  • Kanishk Abjinav, G. Joshi, R. Patel, A. Deshmukh, A. Bhushan, S. Singh, A. Maurya, A. Salagare, S. Pathak, S. Pawar, N. N. Nawani, G. D. Tandon (2010) Non-edible Lignocellulosic Refuse as Feedstock for Microbial Production of Bioethanol. Climate Change conference, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Pathak S., Kaushik M., Bhatt M., Mehta A., Shah U., Pawar S., Nawani N. and G. D. Tandon (2010) Xanthan gum production using potato wastes by semi-solid-state fermentation. National Congress on “Bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture”, Shahada, India, 16th Feb 2010.
  • Pawar S., Misra R., Kanthan N., Gupta S., Pathak S., Nawani N. and G. D. Tandon (2010) Screening of biosurfactant-producing bacteria from diesel-contaminated soil. State-level Conference on “Recent trends in physicochemical sciences, biotechnology and biodiversity”, Dr. D. Y. Patil ACS College, Pimpri, Pune. India, 12-13 Feb 2010.
  • Technical presentation: Malhotra A., Nawani N. N., Singh A., Pawar S.V., Prakash D., Terdalkar S. and G. D. Tandon. Studies on prospective bioinoculum for the sustenance of mangroves for the prevention of tsunamis. International Congress of Chemistry and Environment. 21-23 Jan 2010 Thailand.
  • Ankit Saxena, Megha Iyer, Nidhi Vishal, S. V. Pawar, S. S. Pathak, A. D. Salagare, A. Deshmukh, N. N. Nawani and G. D. Tandon (2009) Biofuel production from lignocellulosic residues by segregated saccharification and fermentation. Proceedings of Climate Change and Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation, Pune, India. 11-12 Dec 2009
  • P. Pradhan, S. V. Pawar, S. S. Pathak, A. D. Salagare, A. Deshmukh, N. N. Nawani and G. D. Tandon (2009) Utility of lignocellulosic and marine waste for enhancing growth of flowering plants. Proceedings of Climate Change and Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation, Pune, India. 11-12 Dec 2009.
  • Malhotra A. Nawani N. N., Singh A., S. V. Pawar, Prakash D., Terdalkar S. and G. D. Tandon (2009). Studies on microbial diversity of the mangrove ecosystem of Ratnagiri. Proceedings of Climate Change and Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation, Pune, India. 11-12 Dec 2009.
  • Pawar S., Bhujbal S., Chanda C., Tandon G. D., and Kothekar V. (2008). Computational analysis of N-acyl homoserine lactone analogues against Pseudomonas aeruginosa transcriptor protein LasR. International Conference of Drug Discovery and Nanotechnology (Nanded, India, 26-28th Jan 2008).
x
ctaicon