Nilakshi Patel

Sumitomo Scholarship Sumitomo Corporation Mar 2022 Selected as one of the Sumitomo Scholars for the academic year 2021-22 and was awarded an educational scholarship worth Rs. 20,000 from Sumitomo Corporation.

E-Shodh, National Level Research Meet Jai Hind College Dec 2021 Authored and presented a research paper titled "Phytochemicals and de novo miniprotein designing: Potential anti-viral therapeutic candidates against SARS-CoV-2 infection." at E-shodh, National level research meet and won prize in Science category for the same.The interaction between the spike proteins present on the etiological agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and human host transmembrane protein ACE2 receptor has been a prominent target for developing efficient and promising… Show more Authored and presented a research paper titled "Phytochemicals and de novo miniprotein designing: Potential anti-viral therapeutic candidates against SARS-CoV-2 infection." at E-shodh, National level research meet and won prize in Science category for the same.The interaction between the spike proteins present on the etiological agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and human host transmembrane protein ACE2 receptor has been a prominent target for developing efficient and promising therapeutics to subdue the ongoing pandemic and exponential increase in morbidity and mortality. In this study, we focus on two treatment approaches: miniproteins and phytochemicals. Miniproteins are small, stable, and bind firmly to the spike proteins blocking its binding to ACE2. Phytochemicals with augmented bioactivity and diminutive toxicity, exhibit the potential to be an efficient alternative to Remdesivir for treating the infection. Using NCBI, ChEMBL, PDB, and BLAST, preliminary development of miniproteins was carried out. Our synthesised miniprotein consists of an antiviral peptide with higher affinity to ACE2 receptor than RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and possesses structural properties similar to that of the template. Our meta-analysis enabled us to advance previously published data by carrying docking studies of Lycorine and thereby comparing it with Remdesivir. One phytochemical was selected out of few likely candidates, based on its known anti-viral activity and its properties explored including binding with SARS-CoV-2 thus proving its applicability for combating or managing the current pandemic. Our interest of phytochemical Tylophorine was studied to establish its potentials thereby proposing it to be one of the probable candidates. Our study will provide a basis for advancing our understanding towards enabling the discovery and application of potential antiviral therapeutics. Show less

National Conference 'COVID19 times: Opportunities in Difficulties'. HSNC UNIVERSITY, MUMBAI Faculty of Science and Technology Jul 2021 Winners for undergraduate category. Authored and presented a research paper titled "Awareness and Research Challenges- Roadblocks for a COVID-free Era". The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel strain of beta coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant variants has affected millions of people worldwide since 2019. By 2021, the increased understanding and analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome, led to the development of vaccines. This rush in vaccine development, led to the spread of… Show more Winners for undergraduate category. Authored and presented a research paper titled "Awareness and Research Challenges- Roadblocks for a COVID-free Era". The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel strain of beta coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant variants has affected millions of people worldwide since 2019. By 2021, the increased understanding and analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome, led to the development of vaccines. This rush in vaccine development, led to the spread of uncertainty regarding its efficacy and safety amongst the masses. However, with the pandemic still raging with no sight of relief, vaccination has become inevitable. The present study was carried out to gauge public awareness and perception towards the virus and vaccines via surveys conducted before and after the second wave of COVID-19. An interview with a laboratory personnel revealed several research challenges and their possible solutions in understanding the virus and its transmission and testing patterns. This study aimed at highlighting some of the hindrances for an infection free future using the data obtained during the ongoing pandemic. Show less

Sumitomo Scholarship Sumitomo Corporation Mar 2021 Selected as one of the Sumitomo Scholars for the academic year 2020-21 and was awarded an educational scholarship worth Rs. 20,000 from Sumitomo Corporation.

Xplore 2021 Jai Hind College Feb 2021 Awarded Certificate Of Participation for Xplore, Science Research Competition (Exhibition).

Xplore 2020 Jai Hind College Feb 2020 Awarded Certificate Of Participation for Xplore, Science Research Competition (Exhibition).

Best CR of the Year Jai Hind College Jan 2020

First on Scholar's List Jai Hind College Jan 2020

Special Achievement Certificate Silver Zone Foundation, New Delhi Feb 2017 Awarded for achieving 1st Position in class and 373rd State Rank in International Olympiad Of Science.

Academic Excellence St. Anne's Convent School Dec 2016 Awarded for outstanding performance, achievements and excelling in scholastic activities for Academic Year 2015-16

Academic Excellence St. Anne's Convent School Dec 2015 Awarded for outstanding performance, achievements and excelling in scholastic activities for Academic Year 2014-15