Dr. Apurba Kumar Sarkar is an accomplished microbiologist and technical consultant with over 15 years of experience in microbiological research, analytical instrumentation, probiotics, and food safety. He obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, India, where his doctoral research focused on the isolation and characterization of multidrug-resistant non-fermenters from clinical specimens — a topic of pressing global concern.
His research career is marked by a strong publication record, with more than 10 peer-reviewed articles in respected international journals, including Wiley Food Science & Nutrition, Advances in Bioresources, and the Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology. He has contributed significant findings in the fields of antibiotic resistance, probiotic development, saffron quality evaluation, and microbial genetics. Several of his works have been published as the first or corresponding author, demonstrating h
Microbiology, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary
FUTURE PROJECTS
Prevalence of blaNDM-positive uropathogenic non-fermenters in Dhaka – collaboration with International Medical College.
Applications Invited
Formulation and in-vitro efficacy assessment of multi-strain probiotic consortium against protein energy malnutrition – co-supervisor with R.K. University, Gujarat, India.
Applications Invited
Nutritional composition study of Moringa oleifera Lam leaf – collaboration with Bio Tech Consortium Ltd., Dhaka.
Applications Invited
3
Scopus Publications
35
Scholar Citations
3
Scholar h-index
1
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Formulation and in-vitro functional evaluation of a Bacillus-based multi-strain probiotic consortium relevant to protein-energy malnutrition Priya Mori, Ishita Modasiya, Mehul Chauhan, Hina Maniya, Vijay Kumar, et al. Plos One, 2026 Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) remains a critical global health challenge, characterized by impaired nutrient absorption and chronic gut inflammation. While probiotics offer a potential therapeutic avenue, the efficacy of single-strain interventions is often limited. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a Bacillus -based multi-strain probiotic consortium (MSPC) specifically tailored for PEM. Three strains— Bacillus spizizenii BAB 7915, Bacillus tequilensis , and Bacillus rugosus -were selected based on their non-antagonistic, synergistic growth profiles. The MSPC demonstrated superior functional attributes compared to individual strains, exhibiting significant proteolytic activity (0.52 ± 0.03 U/mL) and robust anti-inflammatory potential (5.33 ± 0.06 U/mL). Additionally, the consortium showed high tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions and strong antioxidant properties. These results suggest that the MSPC can effectively enhance protein hydrolysis and mitigate gut inflammation, providing a scientifically validated, low-cost formulation for the nutritional rehabilitation of PEM patients.
Exploring infant gut–derived probiotics through 16S rRNA identification and in vitro functional characterization Ishita Modasiya, Ritesh Nasit, Harsh Purohit, Apurba Kumar Sarkar, Vijay Kumar Plos One, 2026 The infant gut microbiota significantly influences health outcomes, impacting digestion, immunity, and metabolic processes. Identifying beneficial microbes from this source offers promising avenues for novel probiotic development. This study aimed to identify and characterize potential probiotic bacterial isolates from infant fecal samples using 16S rRNA–based identification and in vitro experimental evaluations. A total of 47 isolates were initially screened. Two promising candidates, Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2, were selected and evaluated for gastrointestinal resilience (acid and bile tolerance), functional properties (autoaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, bile salt hydrolase activity, antioxidant activity via FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays), and safety (antibiotic susceptibility). Their genetic affiliations were confirmed using 16S rRNA sequencing, followed by bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses. Both Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2 demonstrated strong acid (pH 1.5) and bile (2%) tolerance, high autoaggregation (>70%), and notable cell surface hydrophobicity (>90% for xylene). Comparative analysis of antibiotic susceptibility confirmed their safety. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequencing supported the taxonomic affiliation of the isolates. Functionally, both strains exhibited bile salt hydrolase activity and strong antioxidant potential, with FRAP values exceeding 75%. These findings suggest Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2 may be considered potential candidates for probiotic applications related to gut health and oxidative stress modulation. They hold potential for development as novel functional food ingredients or health-promoting supplements, although in vivo or clinical studies are needed to confirm any therapeutic effects.
In Vitro Screening of Bacterial Isolates From Dairy Products for Probiotic Properties and Other Health-Promoting Attributes Ishita Modasiya, Priya Mori, Hina Maniya, Mehul Chauhan, Chand Ram Grover, et al. Food Science and Nutrition, 2024 The present research was aimed to isolate potential probiotic organisms from dairy products locally made in and around the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. A total of 224 colonies were screened for primary attributes. Based on the results, 70 isolates were carried further for secondary screening. Out of these, only 23 isolates were further tested for antioxidant activities. Only 6 potential probiotic strains were found to have all the probiotic attributes. These isolates demonstrated survivability up to 4 h at pH ≤ 3, bile concentration ≥ 1.5%, autoaggregation ability ≥ 81.08%, and cell surface hydrophobicity more than 70% while using toluene as the test hydrocarbon. The promising six isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing for species‐level identification and found to be belonging to the genus Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus. The isolates demonstrated higher antioxidant potential as determined by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods. For all three methods, L. rhamnosus was taken as a positive control that showed 85.61%, 39.56%, and 78.18% reduction of free radicals as determined by the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, respectively. Compared to this, Limosilactobacillus fermentum BAB 7912 demonstrated the highest reduction of ABTS radicals (83.45%), while Bacillus subtilis BAB 7918 reduced 29.95% DPPH free radicals and Bacillus spizizenii BAB 7915 reduced 80.93% ferric ions as determined by the FRAP method. Isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing for species‐level identification and found to be belonging to genus Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Formulation and in-vitro functional evaluation of a Bacillus-based multi-strain probiotic consortium relevant to protein-energy malnutrition P Mori, I Modasiya, M Chauhan, H Maniya, V Kumar, AK Sarkar PLoS One 21 (3), e0345821 , 2026 2026.0 Citations: 1
Exploring infant gut–derived probiotics through 16S rRNA identification and in vitro functional characterization I Modasiya, R Nasit, H Purohit, AK Sarkar, V Kumar Plos one 21 (2), e0343741 , 2026 2026.0 Citations: 1
Quantitative estimation of saffron components by using HPLC an approach for the determination of saffron quality SA Kumar Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 13 (8), 2036-2039 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 1
In Vitro Screening of Bacterial Isolates From Dairy Products for Probiotic Properties and Other Health‐Promoting Attributes I Modasiya, P Mori, H Maniya, M Chauhan, CR Grover, V Kumar, ... Food science & nutrition 12 (12), 10756-10769 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 24
Equilibrium Study of Bovine Serum Albumin with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 at Different Temperatures for an Improved Bradford Protein Quantification Assay. MR Islam, SA Sony, S Islam, HMS Uddin, AK Sarkar, MK Masud, ... Advances in Bioresearch 8 (5) , 2017 2017.0
Status of qnr and aac(6’)-lb-cr Genes in Quinolone-Resistant Non-Fermenters MA Apurba Kumar Sarkar, M.Shaker International Multispecialty Journal of Health (IMJH) 2 (12), 11-17 , 2016 2016.0
A STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF THE LEAF AND STEM OF ALOCASIA INDICA L. MR Karim, N Ferdous, N Roy, MGS Jahan, AK Sarkar, MS Shovon Journal of Advances in Applied Sciences and Technology March 2 (1), 46-54 , 2015 2015.0 Citations: 5
ISOLATIONA NDI DENTIF'ICATIONO F'ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANTG RAMI IEGATII'E BACTERIAF'ROM DIF'FTRENTC LINICAL SPECIMENS AK Sarkar journal of microbial world 17 (1), 155-160 , 2015 2015.0
Isolation identification and antibiotic susceptibility test of non-fermenters from different clinical specimens AK Sarkar, M Shaker, RD Fasle Journal of Advances in Applied Sciences and Technology 1 (1), 48-52 , 2014 2014.0 Citations: 3
The Plasmid Profile Of Multidrug Resistant Nonfermenters Isolated From Different Clinical Specimens Of Beed And Akola District Of Maharashtra, India AK Sarkar November 2018 9 (6), 07-11 , 0
PREVALENCE OF EXTENDED SPECTRM β-LACTAMASE AND METALLO β-LACTAMASE GENES AMONG CLINICAL ISOLATES OF NONFERMENTING GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA SA Kumar, S Mohammad, AI Mohammed, SM Abdullah
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
In Vitro Screening of Bacterial Isolates From Dairy Products for Probiotic Properties and Other Health‐Promoting Attributes I Modasiya, P Mori, H Maniya, M Chauhan, CR Grover, V Kumar, ... Food science & nutrition 12 (12), 10756-10769 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 24
A STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF THE LEAF AND STEM OF ALOCASIA INDICA L. MR Karim, N Ferdous, N Roy, MGS Jahan, AK Sarkar, MS Shovon Journal of Advances in Applied Sciences and Technology March 2 (1), 46-54 , 2015 2015.0 Citations: 5
Isolation identification and antibiotic susceptibility test of non-fermenters from different clinical specimens AK Sarkar, M Shaker, RD Fasle Journal of Advances in Applied Sciences and Technology 1 (1), 48-52 , 2014 2014.0 Citations: 3
Formulation and in-vitro functional evaluation of a Bacillus-based multi-strain probiotic consortium relevant to protein-energy malnutrition P Mori, I Modasiya, M Chauhan, H Maniya, V Kumar, AK Sarkar PLoS One 21 (3), e0345821 , 2026 2026.0 Citations: 1
Exploring infant gut–derived probiotics through 16S rRNA identification and in vitro functional characterization I Modasiya, R Nasit, H Purohit, AK Sarkar, V Kumar Plos one 21 (2), e0343741 , 2026 2026.0 Citations: 1
Quantitative estimation of saffron components by using HPLC an approach for the determination of saffron quality SA Kumar Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology 13 (8), 2036-2039 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 1
Equilibrium Study of Bovine Serum Albumin with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 at Different Temperatures for an Improved Bradford Protein Quantification Assay. MR Islam, SA Sony, S Islam, HMS Uddin, AK Sarkar, MK Masud, ... Advances in Bioresearch 8 (5) , 2017 2017.0
Status of qnr and aac(6’)-lb-cr Genes in Quinolone-Resistant Non-Fermenters MA Apurba Kumar Sarkar, M.Shaker International Multispecialty Journal of Health (IMJH) 2 (12), 11-17 , 2016 2016.0
ISOLATIONA NDI DENTIF'ICATIONO F'ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANTG RAMI IEGATII'E BACTERIAF'ROM DIF'FTRENTC LINICAL SPECIMENS AK Sarkar journal of microbial world 17 (1), 155-160 , 2015 2015.0
The Plasmid Profile Of Multidrug Resistant Nonfermenters Isolated From Different Clinical Specimens Of Beed And Akola District Of Maharashtra, India AK Sarkar November 2018 9 (6), 07-11 , 0
PREVALENCE OF EXTENDED SPECTRM β-LACTAMASE AND METALLO β-LACTAMASE GENES AMONG CLINICAL ISOLATES OF NONFERMENTING GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA SA Kumar, S Mohammad, AI Mohammed, SM Abdullah
