The HK group focuses on developing organic materials from small molecules, polymers, and biopolymers. Our strategies for molecular design, synthesis, surface functionalization of biopolymers, coupled with techniques to control macromolecular assembly across length scales and nanofabrication, will address challenges in the development of functional materials. 

Sub-areas of our research 

A. Chemical modification of biopolymers and their self-assemblies. 

B. Responsive macromolecular systems

Recently, the HK group has isolated biopolymers (micrometer-long, highly crystalline) from natural resources (see atomic force microscopy images) and is actively looking for a JRF candidate with expertise in organic chemistry /polymer chemistry to advance this work. 

Details: https://iitgoa.ac.in/project-position/ , Last Date: 25-05-2026

News and Updates

April 2026: Received PMECRG grant from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India. Project Title: "Chemical modification of cellulose-based biopolymers and their self-assemblies" (INR: 71,40,000), Duration: (2026-2028). 

January 2026: Received Institute Start-up from the IIT Goa. Project Title "Photoredox-responsive supramolecular hydrogel actuators"  (INR: 5,00,000), Duration (2026-2028).

December 2025: Oral Presentation: SPSI-Macro 2025 conference – IIT Kharagpur Research Park, New Town, Kolkata.

November 2025: Invited Talk: Next Generation Functional Materials-2025: Functional non-equilibrium materials, IIT Dharwad.

October 2025: Dr. Kar joined the School of Chemical and Materials Sciences (Chemistry) at IIT Goa as an Assistant Professor.