Dr. Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala

UKRI Future Leader Fellow, Assistant Professor

Area: Norcroft Building; University of Bradford
E-mail: a.ramachandrakurupsasikala@bradford.ac.uk
Phone: +441274238049
Link: https://www.arathyram.com/

Biography

Dr Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford. She is an interdisciplinary biomaterials researcher focused on advanced functional and sustainable biomaterials, nanotherapeutics, and self-powered therapeutic systems for regenerative medicine, cancer, and brain drug delivery. Her research has resulted in a granted Korean patent for a multifunctional implantable anticancer device, and she has secured competitive funding from EPSRC, the Royal Society, and Horizon 2020. Dr Sasikala is building international collaborations to translate biomaterials research into impactful healthcare technologies.

Beyond her research, Dr Sasikala is an EPSRC Engineering Early Career Forum member, contributing to shaping EPSRC’s strategy, supporting fellow researchers, and engaging with the research community. She also serves as a panel member for EPSRC grants, a reviewer for major national and international funding schemes, and an editorial board member for Chemical Engineering journals. She actively promotes inclusive science as local organiser for Soapbox Science Bradford and is deeply engaged in public outreach, participating in events such as Pint of Science, European Researchers’ Night, and STEM ambassador activities, inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Research

I have a strong interest in the development and translation of next-generation nanotherapeutics to address breakthrough healthcare challenges. I have always tried to broaden my horizons through interdisciplinary research and partnerships since receiving my Ph.D. and throughout my academic career. Our group is focused on developing innovative ways for producing smart and hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials with desirable properties to be used as targeted drug delivery carriers, non-invasive anticancer agents, tissue regeneration matrices, and bioimaging platforms. In our research, we use a highly interdisciplinary approach and work at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and biology. Some ongoing research areas include:

1. Synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials for cancer theranostics Application

Magnetic hyperthermia
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Photothermal therapy
Photodynamic therapy
Second Harmonic Generation Imaging

2. Development of non-invasive Blood Brain Barrier modulators for targeted drug delivery to the brain

Nanoelectroporation
PiezoMagnetic nanoparticles
Carbon nanoneedles

3. Remotely controlled stimuli-responsive Drug Delivery systems

PH sensitive
Ultrasound sensitive
Magnetic field sensitive
Light Sensitive

4. Development of Implantable Anticancer Devices (IADs)

Electrospun nanofiber-based IADs
Hydrogels based IADs
Microneedle based IADs

5. Biomimetic nanomaterials for regenerative medicine Application

Piezoelectric whitlockite nanoparticles
Piezoelectric Nerve conduits
Piezoelectric Bone implants
Piezoelectric Wound dressing patches

Professional activities

Awards (4)

Marie Curie Individual Fellowship (1 September 2020)
Young Investigator Award (1 December 2016)
Brain Korea 21 Plus Graduate Scholarship (1 September 2013)
DAAD Fellowship- Working Internships in Science and Engineering Programme (1 September 2010)

Employment (3)

University of Birmingham - Marie Curie Individual Fellow (21 September 2020)
Jeonbuk National University, South Korea - Assistant Research Professor (1 December 2016)
National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, India - Junior Research Fellow (14 July 2011)

Outreach activities (3)

Speaker at Nottingham Soapbox Science 2022
School outreach activities and Provision of materials for the British Science week celebration 2021 as a Stem Ambassador of West Midlands, UK
As part of the European Researchers' Night, hosted by the University of Bristol, I presented the Piezoelectric research at the Curiosity Carousel Knowledge Fair