← Back to Faculty List
Faculty Image

Prof Devjani Banerjee

PhD | School of Sciences |Gujarat University | Awarded | Subject: Life Sciences | Specialization: Toxicology | June 2003-Jan 2008

Title: Studies on the effect of Ochratoxin on different organs in mice and it’s amelioration by Emblica officinalis extract.

M.Sc| School of Sciences| Gujarat University | Class First | Major: Biochemistry | June 2001- April 2003

B. Sc| C U Shah Science College| Gujarat University | Class First Major: Biochemistry| Optional: Chemistry | June 1998 - April 2001 Awarded M J Patani Gold Medal

Exam Passed (SET: State Level Eligibility Test) | November 2017

Schooling | Kendriya Vidyalaya | Sahibaugh | Ahmedabad

Email: devjani.banerjee@gsfcuniversity.ac.in

Prof. Devjani Banerjee is an accomplished academician and researcher in the field of Life Sciences with over two decades of teaching and research experience, specializing in Toxicology, Antimicrobial Peptides, Drug Resistance, and Computational Biology. Currently serving as a Professor at the Department of Life Sciences, GSFC University, and held additional administrative responsibilities as the Head of the Department Life Sciences, Associate Dean Life Sciences and Coordinator of the Research & Development Cell and NAAC initiatives.

Dr. Banerjee earned her Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Gujarat University, with a specialization in Toxicology, focusing on the effects of Ochratoxin and the protective role of Emblica officinalis. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, graduating with distinction (gold medalist), and has qualified the Gujarat SET examination.

Her extensive career includes significant academic and research roles at reputed institutions such as The M.S. University of Baroda and ARIBAS (Ashok & Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences) affiliated to Sardar Patel University. A committed educator, Dr. Banerjee teaches a range of advanced subjects including Immunology, Virology, Genetics, and Research Methodology. She is also actively involved in curriculum development and educational policy, serving on the syllabus committee for Gujarat Technological University and participating in numerous workshops, FDPs, and national seminars. Banerjee’s work has also reached public platforms, with media features highlighting her groundbreaking research on plastic-degrading microbes for which she has been awarded with Gaurav Puraskar. Her contributions to science, education, and society reflect a rare blend of academic rigor, innovation, and leadership. She has been awarded with research funding from ICMR, DST, GSBTM, ANRF of National and International relevance.

 

PhD | M.Sc | B.Sc

Prof. Devjani Banerjee multidisciplinary expertise combines laboratory biology, toxicology, computational biochemistry, and public health research. Her research area focusses on

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) : Surveillance and genetic analysis of resistant organisms | Active involvement in state and national surveillance programs on AMR (GSBTM and ICMR-funded).

Drug Resistance Mechanisms : Focus on β-lactamase gene variants and development of lead inhibitor molecules to counteract resistant enzymes.

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) : Isolation and characterization of AMPs from various sources including Capra hircus (Goat), Gallus gallus (Chicken), and Humans | Purification of peptides with potential therapeutic applications.

Fungal Toxins : Toxicological studies on the effects of mycotoxins like ochratoxin in mice, with an emphasis on mitigation using natural products such as Emblica officinalis.

Plastic Degradation : Research on biodegradation pathways and organisms involved in breaking down plastic pollutants, for which she received the Gaurav Puraskar.

Computational Tools : Application of computational methods in protein-ligand interactions and drug design.

Research Articles

1. Devjani Banerjee, Siddhi Darji, Avani Raulji, Axita Patel, Himanshu Pandya, Rupal Patel, Chirag Patel, Bhashkar Datta. 2025Meropenem, Ceftazidime, and Polymyxin-B Combination Therapy: A Novel Approach to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in MDR, XDR, and PDR Escherichia Coli. (In Communication).

2. Naman Shah, Rhydham Karnik, Siddhi Darji, Ranjitsinh.V. Devkar, Devjani Banerjee, Debjani Chakraborty, Photoactive ruthenium polypyridine cage incorporating Doxorubicin: Synthesis, photorelease, and photocytotoxicity of doxorubicin with blue light, Inorganic Chemistry Communications, Volume 167, 2024. (IF: 5.3). Grant Details: DST-PURSE, Grant/Award Number: FS/206/19-20; RFSMS-BSR, Grant/Award Number: F.5-71/2007(BSR); University Grants Commission, Grant/Award Number: UGC F. No. 43-238/2014(SR)

3. Banerjee, D*. I. Rath, S. L., Darji, S. A. and Mandal, N., 2024 Mutations in V84I & A184V of blaTEM cluster plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of Ω-loop leading to genesis of IR-TEM. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (IF: 2.7). Grant Details: Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

4. Khound, P., Pandya, H., Patel, R., Patel, N., Darji, S. A., Trivedi, P., Mehta, V.,Raulji, A., and Banerjee, D*. 2024. An Approach to Track and Analyze the Trend of Antimicrobial Resistance Using Python: A Pilot Study for Anand, Gujarat, India—May 2022–August 2023. Microbial Drug Resistance (IF: 2.6). Grant Details: Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

5. Banerjee, D.* Chandani P, Kajal, P. 2023. Degradation Of Plastic Beads Containing Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) By Sequential Photolysis, Hydrolysis And Bacterial Isolates. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology. Springer Nature. (IF: 2.7). Awarded: Gaurav Puraskar.

6. Darji, S., Trivedi, P., Mehta, V. and Banerjee, D. * 2023. The role of water molecules and its dynamics to the binding site of β-lactamase enzyme with respect to β-lactamase inhibitor. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB) (IF: 1.4). 60 (750-755). 10.56042/ijbb.v60i9.4029. Grant Details: Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

7. P Khanvilkar, SR Dash, D Banerjee, A Vohra, R Devkar, Chakraborty D. 2021.Organoruthenium (II) complexes featuring pyrazole - linked thiosemicarbazone ligands: Synthesis DNS / BSA interactions, molecular docking and cytotoxicity studies. Applied Organometallic Chemistry. (IF: 4.2). 35 (8), 1-17. Grant Details: DST-PURSE, Grant/Award Number: FS/206/19-20; RFSMS-BSR, Grant/Award Number: F.5-71/2007(BSR); University Grants Commission, Grant/Award Number: UGC F. No. 43-238/2014(SR).

8. Himanshu Toor, Devjani Banerjee.* Soumya Lipsa Rath, Siddhi Darji. 2021. Computation drug re-purposing targeting the spikeglycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 as an effective strategy to neutralize COVID – 19. European Journal of Pharmacology (IF - 3.2). 5: 890: 173720. 

9. Himanshu G. Toor, Devjani I. Banerjee,*  and Jenabhai B. Chauhan. 2021. In Silico Evaluation of Human Cathelicidin LL-37 as a Novel Therapeutic Inhibitor of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Toxin of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Microbial Drug Resistance. (IF – 2.4).  27 (5). 602-615.Grant Details: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India (IRIS ID: 2011-13260).

10. Devjani Banerjee* and Tejas Gohil. 2016. Interaction of antimicrobial peptide with Mycolyl Transferase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. International Journal of Mycobacteriology. (IF – 1.2).   5 (1), 83–88. .Grant Details: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India (IRIS ID: 2011-13260).

11. Devjani Banerjee*, Tejas Gohil, Rachna Patel and Karishma Shah. 2015. Cathecol And Eugenol   Reversing The Resistance Of MRSA towards the B Lactam Antibiotics. Asian Jr of Microbiology Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. 17(1):139-144. Grant Details: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India (IRIS ID: 2011-13260) .

12. Devjani Banerjee*, Tejas Gohil, Sunil Trivedi. 2015. Antimicrobial Activity Of Oligomeric B Defensin Isolated From Heart Tissue Of Capra Hircus. International Journal Of Pharmacy And Pharmaceutical Sciences. 7 (3), 2015. 131-135.Grant Details: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India (IRIS ID: 2011-13260) 

13. Devjani Banerjee*, Tejas Gohil, Himashu Toor and Yogita Patel. 2015. Multi Drug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. ARIBAS, Quest. 3 (1)9- 13.

14. Devjani Banerjee*, Tejas Gohil and Sarika Dudhat. 2015. Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Medical Gauze as Unseen Environmental Pollutant. Asian Journal of Water Environment and Pollution. 12 (2), 87–.91.

15. Devjani Banerjee*, Tejas Gohil, Pratha Brahmbhatt and Honey Davawala. 2014. Purification of B defensin 3 from Chickens blood. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 6 (1), 773 – 776. Grant Details: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India (IRIS ID: 2011-13260) 

16. Devjani Banerjee*, and Barkha Shah. 2014.Antiproliferative activity of Piper Betel leaf extracts on Human Lung Cancer Cell Line (A549). International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 6(1), 432 – 435.

17. Devjani Banerjee*, and Bijal Rathode. 2013. To Optimise the Cultural Conditions on the Production of Kojic Acid by Aspergillus species. 2014. International Journal of Life Sciences 2 (3), 168-175.

18. Devjani Banerjee*, Swara Shah and Grieva Patel. 2013. Isolation of a Haemolysin producing Staphylococcus aureus from the Blood Sample of Gallus domesticus (Chicken) resistant to few Antibiotics. International Journal of Life Sciences. 2 (3), 163-167.

19. Devjani Banerjee*, and Pooja Thakore. 2015. Isolation and characterization of an antimicrobial protein from the liver of Goat Capra hircus. International Journal of Applied biology and Pharmaceutical Technology. 3 (1), 46-52.

20. Devjani Banerjee*, and Tejas Gohil. 2013. Antimicrobial Peptides: An review article. Acta Biologica Indica.

21. Devjani Banerjee*, and Pooja Thakkar. 2012. Isolation and characterization of an antimicrobial protein from the liver of Goat Capra hircus. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology. 3 (1), 46-52.

22. Devjani Chakraborty* and Barkha Shah. 2011. Antimicrobial, antihemolytic and antioxidative activity of Piper betel leaf extracts. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 3 (3), 192-199.

23. Devjani Chakraborty*, & Sunanda Chakraborty. 2010. Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of antibacterial and antifungal component from methanolic extract of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), Research Journal of phytochemistry. 4, 78-86.

24. Devjani Chakraborty* & R. J. Verma. 2010. Ameliorative effect of Emblica officinalis aqueous extract against ochratoxin – induced lipid peroxidation in the kidney and liver of mice. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health. (IF – 2.1). 23(1), 1 – 11.

25. Devjani Chakraborty* & R. J. Verma. 2009. Spermatotoxic effect of ochratoxin and it’s amelioration by Emblica officinalis aqueous extract. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica - Drug Research. 66 (6), (IF – 0.4). 689 – 695.

26. Devjani Chakraborty* & R. J. Verma. 2009. Ochratoxin induced lipid peroxidation in the testis of mice and its amelioration by Emblica officinalis Amla aqueous extract. VNSJU, Journal of Science and Technology. 1 (1), 17 – 22. Conference Proceedings

27. Sunanda Chakraborti & Devjani Chakraborty*. 2009. Bioactive components of aqueous extract of Green tea leaves (Camillia sinensis) and their antibacterial and antifungal activity. VNSJU, Journal of Science and Technology. 1 (1), 7 – 16. Conference Proceedings

28. R. J. Verma & Devjani Chakraborty* 2008. Emblica officinalis aqueous extract ameliorates Ochratoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the testis of mice.Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica Drug Research. 65 (2), (IF – 0.4). 187-194.

29. R. J. Verma & Devjani Chakraborty. 2008 Alterations in DNA, RNA and protein contents in liver and kidney of mice treated with ochratoxin and its amelioration by Emblica officinalis extract. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica – Drug Research. (IF – 0.4). 65 (1), 3-9. 

30. R. J. Verma & Devjani Chakraborty. 2007. Protection from oxidative damage using Emblica officinalis Gaertn. extracts in case of ochratoxin-induced toxicity in normal human RBC. Natural Product Radiance. (IF – 1.0).  6 (4),  212-220.

NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) Submissions NIH

 

Genomes

  • Micrococcus luteus strain CFR DC04 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: MN055981.1
  • Citrobacter freundii strain CFF DC2 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: MN055972.1
  • Staphylococcus aureus strain DCMR1 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KJ848330.1
  • Bacillus subtilis strain DCGS1 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KM207199.1
  • Citrobacter freundii strain DCYT1 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KM207198.1
  • Micrococcus luteus strain DCC4 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KJ094557.1
  • Bacillus cereus strain DCS5 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KF130874.1
  • Enterobacter hormaechei strain DCD12 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KF130873.1
  • Enterobacter asburiae strain DCY9 16S ribosomal RNA gene. GenBank: KF031146.1
  • Citrobacter freundii strain DTY beta-lactamase TEM (blaTEM) gene. GenBank: KX601694.1
  • Escherichia coli strain KDT extended spectrum beta lactamase TEM-1 (blaTEM1) gene. GenBank: KX580705.1
  • Capra hircus beta-defensin gene, intron 1. GenBank: KU720621.1

Proteins

  • Beta-lactamase TEM, Citrobacter freundii. GenBank: AOV81283.1
  • Extended spectrum of Beta lactamase TEM-1, Escherichia coli. GenBank: AOV81282.1

Bioprojects

  • Whole genome sequence of Antibiotic resistance Escherichia coli. Accession: PRJNA1207745  ID: 1207745.
  • Whole genome sequence of Antibiotic resistance Escherichia coli. Accession: PRJNA 1158954  ID: 1158954. NCBI Accession No. MFL1401494.1 (TEM 264; P251L), MFL1403558.1 (NDM 88).
  • International depository authority. (PRN D_FEB_16_089, Accession Number: MCC 0078, Taxonomic Designation Enterobacter hormaechei, Strain Designation: EH.DCT).

Research News Published in News Papers 

 

Plastic-eating bugs may tackle waste crisis Times of India, Ahmedabad, Nov 21;2013.
Plastic bugs may spare Kolkata a choking death. TNN | Nov 26, 2013, 05.39 AMIST
A&R Patel Institute of Biotechnology prove microbes consume plastic. 21Nov , 2013. Biossphere
Bacteria to degenerate plastic. Clean Journal India.
A breakthrough in controlling plastic garbage. Friday, November 22, 2013, Akshardhool

Trainings and Workshops: 14 I M. Sc Student’s Dissertation: 45 I Invited Lectures: 12 I International Conferences: 22 I National Conferences: 42

 

May 2025 onwards: Professor, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, GSFC University, Vadodara, Gujarat.

May 2024 – April 2025: Professor and Head, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, GSFC University, Vadodara, Gujarat.

September 2023: Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, GSFC University, Vadodara, Gujarat.

November 2021:  Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, GSFC University, Vadodara, Gujarat.

July 2018-November 2021: Assistant Professor (Temporary), Life Sciences, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology. The M S University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat.

2008-2017: Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, Department of Integrated Biotechnology, Ashok & Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences (ARIBAS), Affiliated to Sardar Patel University, Anand, Gujarat.

2007-2008: Worked as Senior Research Fellow, Gujarat Council of Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) Sponsored project. Research and to Establish Biotechnology Mission in the state of Gujarat.

2003-2007: Visiting lecturer in Department of Biochemistry, C. U. Shah College of Science, Department of Biochemistry. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

 

Major Grants / Minor Grants / International Grants / PhD, JRF, SRF / Members

  1. International Travel Grant, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for attending Microbe 2025, The American Society of Microbiology, June 2025, Los Angeles, California. 1.19 Lacs
  2. Gujarat State Biotechnology Research (GSBTM) Funding for National-Level Symposium 2025, On Bridging   Realms: Research Scholars Uniting For Informatics In Drug Discovery. 70 K
  3. Gujarat State Biotechnology Research (GSBTM) 2022, Major Research Funding for State Surveillance Program AMR and To Develop a Strategy for Drug Repurposing Studies to Combat AMR using Bioinformatics Tools for Alternative Lead Molecules Focusing on Inhibitor Resistant TEM (IR-TEM) Β-Lactamase, Gujarat. 2022 – 2025. Continue. 91.6 Lacs
  4. Gujarat State Biotechnology Research (GSBTM), 2021 Major Research Funding for Rational design of photolabile ruthenium (II) complexes for Photoinduced drug delivery in breast cancer cells. 2021 – 2025. 30 Lacs.
  5. GSBTM Funding for National Workshop on Informatics in AMR. 2022. 70 K
  6. GSBTM Funding for Faculty Development Program: Protein Ligand Binding Chemistry. 2020. 90 K
  7. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Major Research Funding for Purification of Antimicrobial Peptide Extracted from Goat’s Heart and Lung Tissue. National Surveillance Program AMR, India. 2011 – 2015.  25 Lacs

Details of Research Scholars: JRF: 05; SRF: 04 PhD Awarded: 02 Ongoing PhD: 06 (GATE, SET, NET, INSPIRE Fellows)

Memberships

  1. The Society for Mitochondria Research and Medicine, India.
  2. The Indian Science Congress Association, India.
  3. Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI).
  4. American Society of Microbiology.
  5. British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

2025:    Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education (P.A.C.E.®) Certificate of Credit. ASCLS (The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Services), US.

2025:    International Travel Grant, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

2024:   Certificate of Participation and course completion on Molecular Techniques to Monitor and Investigate Antimicrobial Resistance GCRF One Health Poultry Hub, UK Research and Innovation, Royal Veterinary College, UK.

2017:   State Level Entrance Test (SET), Gujarat.

2014:   Awarded Gaurav Puraskar by Charutar Vidya Mandal for the work done on Plastic Degradation.

2008:   Senior Research Fellow Department of Biotechnology and Department of Science and Technology.

2001:   Awarded M J Patani Gold Medal in Biochemistry B.Sc, C U Shah Science College, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.