Leena Saikumar
PORTFOLIO
MSc Pharmaceutical Science & Medicinal Chemistry Research Student
As a pharmaceutical researcher, I possess extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry, biochemical assays, spectroscopic analyses, and organic chemistry. My skill set includes experimental design, data analysis, and report writing. I am well-versed in in-silico investigations, cell culture, and bioassays for drug discovery. Upholding ethical principles and prioritizing professional development are deeply important to me in the field of pharmaceutical research, and I am currently seeking opportunities for career advancement in drug discovery and development.
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A little about me
MY QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
- MSc in Pharmaceutical Science, Kingston University, 2024 (Distinction).
- Modules: Clinical trials, pharmaceutical technology, Drug Design & Discovery and delivery, statistics, and quality systems.
- Research Focus: The cytotoxicity study of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on retinal pigment epithelium cell line to treat eye diseases.
- BSc. Honours in Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University, 2022 (First Class Honours).
- Modules: Synthesis chemistry, computational docking study, organic chemistry, cell culture, bioassay study, chromatography techniques, and spectroscopy analysis.
- Research Focus: The study of novel cholinesterase inhibitors against cholinesterase enzymes for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
- BSc. Majoring in Medicinal Chemistry, Monash University, 2021.
- Modules: Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Green Chemistry, Biochemistry.
- Research Focus: Computational analysis of various novel scaffolds for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
in my early days...
On June 29, 2015, a fall down the stairs drastically changed my life, resulting in severe facial injuries and two surgeries to repair shattered bones with titanium plates. Despite the pain and emotional toll, I maintained a brave face and relied on laughter to cope. My recovery was challenging, compounded by heavy medications and restrictions on sports, particularly basketball, which I loved.
Determined to succeed, I enrolled in the demanding IB diploma program at Wells International School. During this time, I developed a deep passion for chemistry and life sciences, inspired by the medical aspects of my recovery. This newfound interest led me to create my first-ever experimental design, a project that further fueled my enthusiasm for the field. Through perseverance, extra study, and unwavering courage, I overcame obstacles and excelled in my studies. This experience taught me resilience and confidence, proving that I was truly unbreakable.
My jOURNEY AS A RESEARCH SCHOLAR
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THESIS 1
SYNTHESIS AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES OF DIPHENYLMETHANIMINES AS POTENTIAL INHIBITORS OF CHOLINESTERASE ENZYMES
I conducted molecular docking on diphenylmethanimine derivatives conjugated with benzaldehydes and primary arylamines, selecting 18 compounds for synthesis. Thirteen successful products were confirmed through NMR spectroscopy and chromatography. Biological activity evaluation showed potent cholinergic inhibition for compounds LS_05, LS_08, and LS_09 against AChE and BChE. LS_04 exhibited high selectivity for BChE. LS_08 and LS_09 demonstrated strong blood-brain barrier permeation. LS_09 showed promising biological activities in computational and in vitro assays.
Unlocking Discoveries & accomplishments
Integrated into silico studies such as molecular docking and protein-ligand interactions analysis.
- ChemDraw 20 & Chem3D
- VMD Autodock tool
- PolyMol
- Protein-Ligand Profiler
Contributed to synthesizing innovative compounds for potential Alzheimer's treatments using organic chemistry techniques.
Successfully conducted biochemical assays and spectroscopic analyses for compound assessment.
- TLC, LC, LC-MS and 1H NMR analysis to confirm the structure and the purity of the samples
- Ellman’s Assay to study the cholinergic activity
- ThT Assay to study the Amyloid Beta protein activity
- PAMPA Assay to investigate the BBB permeability
Additionally, a cytotoxicity study (MTT assay) of the compounds against SHSY 5Y Neuroblastoma cells was conducted.
My jOURNEY AS A RESEARCH SCHOLAR
THESIS 2
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF SUNITINIB MALEATE ON RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM (RPE) CELLS
Understanding the eye's posterior segment is crucial for studying ocular diseases. TKIs, including Sunitinib Maleate (SM), which show promise in treating eye conditions by targeting VEGF pathways. The research investigates SM's impact on ARPE-19 cells, revealing concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects and early apoptotic behaviour. This study informs safe dosages (<0.1 μM) for potential therapeutic use in ocular drug delivery systems.
Unlocking Discoveries & accomplishments
Demonstrated skills in handling biological materials and maintaining sterile conditions for cell biology research.
- Cell Reviving, subculture and cryopreservation of ARPE-19 cell line.
Contributed to evaluating tyrosine kinase inhibitors' impact on cell health and potential eye disease treatments.
- Tested the cell viability against different concentrations of SM
- Identified the safe dose of SM for therapeutic usage.
- Annexin V Apoptosis detection study to determine the mode of cell death.
Effectively addressed experimental challenges, planned experiments, managed resources, and interpreted data to advance understanding of eye diseases and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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I was
created
to discover