Research Projects

Reproductive decline in human has become an evident phenomenon in recent years. Male infertility contributes nearly 50% of overall cases. Chronic stress due to modern lifestyle, psychological stress, environmental factors, and not surprisingly, global warming has emerged as a significant contributor to overall loss of fertility in animals, including humans. Chronic stress works through several mechanisms. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS and sub-sequent oxidative stress has been cited as a key mechanism for decline in male fertility. Current studies have shown efficacy of antioxidant therapies, nevertheless, they face challenges of instability, low bioavailability, and side effects at higher doses, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic solutions. Inspired by our ongoing work and findings, the project proposes the development of amine-functionalized Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as advanced antioxidant nanotherapeutics to combat stress-induced male infertility. These CQDs will be designed for superior ROS quenching, efficient cellular uptake, and targeted action with minimal systemic exposure. The methodology adopts a systematic and multidisciplinary approach, beginning with the green synthesis of CQDs from sustainable sources like plant material and plastic waste, followed by advanced functionalization using amino acids to enhance antioxidant properties. High-throughput in vitro assays will assess the CQDs' efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Subsequent rapid screening in Drosophila melanogaster and confirmatory testing in Wistar rat models will validate their therapeutic potential. Key outcomes include the establishment of CQDs as a patentable therapeutic solution for male infertility, with the potential to extend applications to ageing, neurodegeneration, and other oxidative stress-related disorders. Additionally, the repurposing of plastic waste into valuable nanomaterials contributes to environmental sustainability. The proposed work promises a transformative impact on reproductive health and opens new frontiers in eco-friendly nano-therapy.