Innovative researcher specializing in molecular and cellular biology, with expertise in protein and nucleic acid analysis. Skilled in culturing neuronal and mammalian cell lines, performing RNA-based assays, and extracting proteins from diverse tissues, including animal samples. Experienced in developing and optimizing biosensors for clinical protein detection, with a strong focus on translational neuroscience and RNA therapeutics targeting chronic diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. Proficient in high-throughput data analysis and project management, consistently delivering successful assay validation with clinical samples.
RNA Therapeutics & Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs): Design, synthesis, and optimization of ASOs (2’OMe PS, PMO) for gene silencing in chronic diseases and cancers Expertise in transcript splicing and gene expression modulation for therapeutic applications
Molecular Biology Techniques: Expertise in RT-PCR, ddPCR, sequencing, gel electrophoresis, RNA/DNA extraction, protein purification, immunoassays (ELISA, Western Blot, flow cytometry)
Cell Culture & Transfection: Experienced in culturing mammalian (HEK 293, Saos-2, patient B-cells, Mouse AML-12, Monkey NHP cells) and microbial cell lines, performing transfection via electroporation and lipid-based methods
Biosensor Development: Design and development of aptamer-antibody-based electrochemical biosensors for detecting proteins and biomarkers in clinical samples Proficient in enhancing biosensor sensitivity and specificity
Project Management & Data Analysis: Skilled in project planning, budget management, grant writing, and maintaining detailed records Proficient in data analysis and visualization using GraphPad Prism and SEM
Software: MS Office, MS Project, Power BI, LabView, GraphPad Prism, LIMS, QMS
Techniques: PCR, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, western blotting, flow cytometry, ELISA
Cell Culture: Mammalian and microbial cell culture, transfection techniques, cell viability assays
Biosensors: Aptamer-antibody-based systems, electrochemical biosensor development
Patent submission:
Chikkanna, A., et al., Development of novel RNA therapeutics for chronic diseases, cancer, and rare diseases, Murdoch University, 2024.
Publications:
*Wang, T., et al., Development of Nucleic Acid Aptamer-Based Lateral Flow Assays, Theranostics, 2021.
*Chikkanna, A., et al., Bio-weathering of granites from Eastern Dharwar Craton (India): A tango of bacterial metabolism and mineral chemistry, Biogeochemistry, 153, 3, 303-322, 2021.
* Chikkanna, A., et al., Arsenic Exposures, Poisoning, and Threat to Human Health: Arsenic Affecting Human Health, Environmental Exposures and Human Health Challenges, 86-105, 2019.
*Chikkanna, A., et al., Microbial Mineral Dissolution and Environmental Disasters: Microbes and Their Mineral Interactions, Microbial Biotechnology in Environmental Monitoring and Cleanup, 125-151, 2018.
* Chikkanna, A., et al., Expression and characterization of a potential exopolysaccharide from a newly isolated halophilic thermotolerant bacteria Halomonas nitroreducens strain WB1, PeerJ, 6, e4684, 2018.
* More, S. S., et al., Purification and characterization of phytase from Bacillus lehensis MLB2, Biologia, 70, 3, February, 2015, 10.1515/biolog-2015-0049.
* Supreeth, S., et al., Isolation, optimization, and production of two novel bacterial phytases from Aeromonas spp. using rice bran, BioTechnology: An Indian Journal, 0974-7435, 2015