BA

Balaprasad Ankamwar

ORCID iD 0000-0002-9986-6298
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About

Prof. (Dr.) Balaprasad Gangaram Ankamwar
Former Professor, Department of Chemistry, Bio-Inspired Materials Research Laboratory, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Formerly University of Pune), Pune-411007, India
He is an accomplished chemist, academician, researcher, teacher, and mentor with more than 38 years of professional experience in the Government of Maharashtra and higher education. He served as Professor in the Dept. of Chemistry at S. P. Pune University and superannuated on 30 June 2024.
He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry (2002). Following his doctoral research, he carried out advanced research at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, under the supervision of Dr. Murali Sastry, focusing on biosynthesis of nanomaterials and their applications. He subsequently undertook postdoctoral research at National Taiwan University (NTU) (2006–2007) under Prof. Ru-Shi Liu, in collaboration with the Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, under Prof. Michael Hsiao. His postdoctoral work focused on risk evaluation of nanomaterial exposure using innovative genomic and imaging technologies.
His principal research domain is bio-inspired nanomaterials synthesis and applications, with biological and chemical synthesis of nanoparticles, nanomaterials-based sensors, Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), biomineralization, crystal growth, morphology and polymorphic phase transitions of calcium carbonate nanoparticles, graphene, H2 generation, nanotoxicity, and environmental applications of natural resources. He has also investigated ZnO, Au, Ag, and Fe₃O₄ nanomaterials, including their biological and non-antibacterial properties.
One of his most notable scientific contributions is the landmark research publication “Biological Synthesis of Triangular Gold Nanoprisms,” published in the prestigious journal Nature Materials in July 2004. His research has subsequently appeared in international peer-reviewed journals including ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, Applied Surface Science, RSC Advances, Analytical Methods, Materials Chemistry Frontiers, 3 Biotech, Nanotechnology, Environmental Technology Reviews, International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, ACS Omega, Applied Nanoscience, Chemical Letters, Next Research, and Particle & Particle Systems Characterization.
Prof. Ankamwar has contributed 48 Scopus-indexed research articles, with approximately 5,724 citations, in addition to two monographs, two edited books & 14 book chapters. His research work has received international visibility through three journal cover images, published by Wiley-VCH, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and American Scientific Publishers.
His contribution to research training is equally significant. He has supervised 3 post-doctoral researchers, 4 Ph.D. scholars (including one as Co-Guide), 2 M.Phil. & 49 project students (46 PG and 3 UG). His students have achieved notable academic distinctions, including Dr. Saee Gharpure, who received the Gold Medal for Best Ph.D. Thesis in 2024, and Ms. Janvi Shirsul, who secured First Position in an Article Competition at international conference in 2022. His former students have also progressed to doctoral and research careers in Germany and other countries.
Prof. Ankamwar has been associated with several funded research projects, including BCUD, UGC-DAE CSR, and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, as well as internationally funded post-doctoral research.
In recognition of his academic and scientific contributions, he has been listed among the Top 2% of Scientists in the World in the Stanford University rankings from 2020 to 2025. His other recognitions include the Shaikshik Aagaaz “गुणों से गुणवत्ता तक” Smart Teacher Award (2023–24), Distinguished Best Researchers and Academicians Award, Eco Revolution–2012, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Best Teacher Award in Chemical Sciences (2016), Indian Academy of Sciences Teacher Fellowship (2004) & Best Student Award (1994). He has delivered approximately 40 invited and keynote lectures at State, National, and International conferences in India and abroad, including Taiwan and Sri Lanka. He also served as a jury member for the Vilakshan 2023 Open Science Exhibition in Pune.
As an academic innovator, Prof. Ankamwar designed and introduced the course “Nanomaterials and Applications (PC-446)” in the Dept. of Chemistry, S. P. Pune University, in 2011, reflecting his commitment to integrating emerging areas of nanoscience into higher education.
With a career spanning over 38 years, Prof. Ankamwar has made sustained contributions to chemistry, nanoscience, materials research, higher education, and scientific mentorship. His work represents a distinctive integration of bio-inspired science, H2 generation, nanotechnology, interdisciplinary research, and education, and his continuing engagement with research and mentoring reflects his enduring commitment to advancing science and nurturing the next generation of researchers.

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Publications (66)