Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Skills
Publications
References
Timeline
Generic

Arpitha Chikkanna

Perth,Australia

Summary

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.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Officer

PYC Therapeutics
Perth, WA
03.2025 - 07.2025
  • Cultured and maintained human, mouse, and monkey cell lines under PC2 biosafety conditions, optimizing protocols for neuronal viability.
  • Isolated high-quality RNA from neuronal cultures using KingFisher automated extraction system to support gene expression studies.
  • Executed RT-PCR to analyze exon skipping events in specific transcripts, validating splicing modulation outcomes.
  • Conducted one-step and two-step ddPCR for detecting splice variants and assessing gene expression increases with absolute quantification.
  • Extracted total protein from in vitro cultured human neuronal cells and rat brain tissue using optimized methods to preserve integrity.
  • Performed ELISA on protein extracts from cell cultures and brain tissue to quantify neurobiological targets.
  • Analyzed ELISA data using GraphPad Prism for statistical significance, creating standard curves and comparative plots.
  • Executed LDH cytotoxicity assays and transfection experiments in neuronal cells to investigate gene manipulation effects.

Research Assistant, CMMIT

Murdoch University
Perth, WA
06.2024 - 09.2024
  • Developed and optimized aptamer-antibody-based electrochemical biosensors for sensitive and specific protein detection in clinical samples.
  • Designed and validated nucleic acid aptamer assays for rapid, low-cost diagnostic applications, including in vitro and clinical cross-validation.
  • Conducted binding and detection assays using aptamers and antibodies to evaluate biosensor effectiveness.
  • Performed data analysis using GraphPad Prism and SEM, generating quantitative metrics on biosensor performance.
  • Documented findings and prepared detailed reports and publication drafts to support research dissemination and project progress.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University
01.2019 - 09.2024
  • Cultured and maintained mammalian cell lines (e.g., HEK 293, Saos-2, patient B-cells, mouse cells) following PC2 guidelines.
  • Designed and synthesized antisense oligonucleotides (2’OMe PS, PMO ASOs) and primers.
  • Performed transfection techniques (electroporation, lipid transfection) and evaluated antisense oligonucleotides' efficacy via cell-based assays (e.g., WST-1 assay, flow cytometry).
  • Conducted RNA and DNA extraction, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, protein purification, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.
  • Conducted in-depth research into transcript splicing, RNA manipulation, and gene expression modification for therapeutic outcomes.
  • Developed high-throughput screening techniques for testing antisense oligonucleotides’ efficacy in gene silencing.
  • Maintained detailed laboratory records and contributed to research progress updates for team meetings.
  • Contributed to publications and grant proposals and filed a patent for novel therapeutic approaches.

Senior Research Fellow

Indian Institute of Science
08.2014 - 12.2018
  • Conducted microbiological testing, including bacterial DNA isolation, sequencing, and culture.
  • Managed project timelines, strategy, and budget planning; supervised undergraduate students.
  • Performed immunohistochemical assays and handled tissue cultures for various environmental and biological studies.
  • Developed protocols for optimizing bacterial mineral dissolution under different environmental conditions.
  • Supported various environmental monitoring and cleanup projects, applying innovative microbial biotechnology approaches.
  • Analyzed complex biochemical data and communicated findings in comprehensive reports for grant applications and scientific meetings.

Education

Ph.D. - Medical Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University
09.2024

M.Sc. - Biochemistry (Microbiology, Dairy Microbiology, Biotechnology)

Jain University
01.2014

B.Sc. - Triple Major in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Biotechnology

Jain University
01.2012

Skills

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

Skills

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

Publications

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

References

  • Assoc. Prof. Rakesh N Veedu, CMMIT, Murdoch University, r.veedu@murdoch.edu.au, +61 8 9360 2803
  • Dr. Tri Bao Le, Principal Scientist, RAGE Biotech Pty Ltd, tribaole@gmail.com, +61 431 704131

Timeline

Research Officer

PYC Therapeutics
03.2025 - 07.2025

Research Assistant, CMMIT

Murdoch University
06.2024 - 09.2024

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University
01.2019 - 09.2024

Senior Research Fellow

Indian Institute of Science
08.2014 - 12.2018

Ph.D. - Medical Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University

M.Sc. - Biochemistry (Microbiology, Dairy Microbiology, Biotechnology)

Jain University

B.Sc. - Triple Major in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Biotechnology

Jain University
Arpitha Chikkanna