Dr. S. Murugan

Dr. S. Murugan, M.Sc., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Division of Biotechnology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences (KITS). He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Bharathiar University – Pasteur Institute, Coonoor, awarded in 2009, an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University – Sivanthi Aditanar College, Nagercoil, and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Bharathiar University – SNMV College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. He joined KITS on 24.07.2008 and is associated with ORCID and Scopus research profiles.

Dr. Murugan has teaching experience in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Algae Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Recombinant Products, Metabolic Engineering, Microbiology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Bioethics, Biosafety and IPR, and Vaccine Technology. His research interests include medical microbiology, microbial biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, neuropsychopharmacology, and environmental biotechnology. His research work encompasses areas related to microbial applications, nanobiotechnology, environmental biotechnology, antimicrobial studies, microbial disease management, and neurobiological research.

He has handled research projects funded by DST-SERB, ICSSR and the Division of Biotechnology (DBT). The projects include investigation of the antibacterial effect of bismuth vanadate against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a study on the prevalence and awareness of asthma among brick kiln workers and households in selected areas of South India, and optimization of membrane-immobilized nanoparticles for textile dye colour removal. The projects have received funding of ₹26 lakhs, ₹3.76 lakhs and ₹14.65 lakhs respectively, with Dr. Murugan serving as Co-Principal Investigator in the DBT-funded project.

Dr. Murugan has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed research publications in areas including medical and microbial biotechnology, nanomaterials, environmental remediation, antimicrobial activity, agricultural biotechnology, neuroinflammation, Parkinson's disease, microbial polymers, carotenoids, wastewater treatment and biosorption. His recent publications include research and review articles appearing in journals such as Plants, Engineering Proceedings, Journal of Cluster Science, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Bioresource Technology, Environmental Research, Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, Microchimica Acta, Neurological Sciences and Neuroscience Letters. He is also a member of the Association of Microbiologists of India.