Prof. Pranav Kumar Prabhakar

Biography

Dr. Pranav Kumar Prabhakar is a Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology at Nagaland University, Kohima, India. He earned his PhD in Biotechnology from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Dr. Prabhakar is internationally recognized for his contributions to biomedical and biotechnological research and has been consistently listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, USA, for five consecutive years (2021–2025). His research primarily focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes, its secondary complications, alternative therapies, and developing innovative strategies for oral insulin delivery. He has also made significant contributions to understanding signaling pathways using natural product–based interventions, advancing the scientific community’s knowledge in therapeutic approaches for chronic diseases. Dr. Prabhakar is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society (APCBEES). In addition to his research achievements, he serves on the editorial boards of several reputable international journals and is a regular reviewer for high-impact publications across biotechnology, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences. Over the course of his career, he has authored or edited 22 books, published over 150 research articles, contributed more than 40 book chapters, and presented his work through various oral and poster presentations.

Citation and No of Publications

Research Interest

(A) Management of Metabolic Disorders with Emphasis on Diabetes and Its Complications 

My research is centered on the translational management of metabolic disorders, with a primary focus on diabetes mellitus and its secondary complications involving cardiovascular, renal, and neurological systems. The work integrates clinical profiling with molecular and cellular investigations to elucidate disease-driving mechanisms such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysregulated metabolic signaling. By linking molecular biomarkers with patient-specific clinical outcomes, the research aims to enable early diagnosis, precision risk stratification, and targeted therapeutic interventions. This integrated approach seeks to improve treatment efficacy, delay disease progression, and reduce long-term metabolic and vascular complications. 

(B) Role of Plant-Based Therapeutics in Diabetic Wound Healing 

My research explores the role of plant-based therapeutics in the management of diabetic wound healing, with an emphasis on translational and molecular mechanisms. The work investigates bioactive phytochemicals that modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and impaired cellular signaling associated with chronic diabetic wounds. By integrating phytochemical profiling with cellular, molecular, and preclinical evaluations, the research aims to identify evidence-based, safe, and effective plant-derived interventions. This approach supports the development of novel therapeutic strategies to accelerate wound repair, restore tissue function, and reduce complications associated with diabetes-induced impaired healing. 

(C) Molecular and Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Early Detection of Prediabetes and Diabetes 

My research aims to identify sensitive and specific molecular biomarkers for the early, non-invasive diagnosis of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. By integrating multi-omics approaches—such as proteomics, metabolomics, and circulating microRNA profiling—with clinical phenotyping, the work seeks to uncover signatures detectable in easily accessible biofluids like blood, saliva, and urine. These biomarkers are evaluated for diagnostic accuracy, prognostic value, and mechanistic relevance to glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance. This precision approach supports earlier risk identification, improved disease stratification, and timely intervention to prevent progression to overt diabetes and its complications.