Prof. A. Thirugnanam

@nitrkl.ac.in

Associate Professor
National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India

EDUCATION

PhD (IIT Madras, India)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Biotransport
68

Scopus Publications

1316

Scholar Citations

19

Scholar h-index

26

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Effect of body mass index on heel pad mechanics: loading and unloading dynamics
    Tharani Kumaran, Monisha Gowri Srinivasan, Mirza Khalid Baig, Thirugnanam Arunachalam
    Medical Engineering Physics, 2026
  • HEEL PAD ANALYSIS DURING TERMINAL STANCE PHASE OF A GAIT CYCLE: LOADING AND UNLOADING CONDITIONS
    THARANI KUMARAN, MONISHA GOWRI SRINIVASAN, MIRZA KHALID BAIG, THIRUGNANAM ARUNACHALAM
    Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 2026
    Plantar heel pain (PHP) is the most common problem experienced by most individuals. The overweight and obese people are more inclined to musculoskeletal foot disorders or PHP. While conventional methods can measure stiffness and thickness to analyze heel pads (HP), they are ineffective in assessing HP under natural dynamic conditions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the HP in real-time during dynamic plantarflexion movement (baseline, unloading, and loading) using a 3D motion capture system and an indigenous force plate. A total of fifteen healthy participants were selected based on their BMI and categorized into normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obese (OB) categories. The retroreflective markers were placed on the HP region, and volunteers were asked to perform plantarflexion movements. The biomechanical output measures, such as stiffness and displacement of HP, were calculated and compared between groups. Statistical analysis was performed and validated based on significant differences. The study reveals that the stiffness of HP increases with an increase in BMI, which eventually causes heel pain in OB participants. Based on the stiffness and deformation in the soft tissues of HP, the study results can be used to design a suitable sole to improve comfort and reduce heel pain.
  • Starch-based biodegradable films amended with nano-starch and tannic acid-coated nano-starch exhibit enhanced mechanical and functional attributes with antimicrobial activity
    Biswanath Karmakar, Sayani Sarkar, Rakhi Chakraborty, Shyama Prasad Saha, Arunachalam Thirugnanam, et al.
    Carbohydrate Polymers, 2024
  • Effect of grain refinement on Cp-Ti sheets via repetitive corrugation and straightening technique for implant applications
    Moumita Ghosh, Arunachalam Thirugnanam
    Journal of Materials Research, 2024
  • Automation in orthodontics and orthopedics using artificial intelligence
    S. Gowri Priya, A. Thirugnanam
    Advances in Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Engineering Applications in Signals and Imaging, 2024
  • An overview of polymer-based-bioresorbable drug-eluting stents
    Rimzhim Arora, Monalisha Mohanta, Sandeep Jaiswal, A. Thirugnanam, Paramjeet Mohanta
    Innovation and Emerging Technologies, 2024
    Coronary artery disease treatments like coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty have several drawbacks, such as their invasive nature. Two main types of stents, bare metal stents (BMSs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs), are implemented to overcome these difficulties. The BMS offers strong mechanical support but can cause in-stent thrombosis and restenosis. Conventional DES, comprising a metal platform coated with drug-conjugated polymers, initially lowers restenosis but can cause early thrombosis and late in-stent restenosis. To overcome these limitations, biodegradable DESs are being explored to provide short-term support without long-term complications. However, biodegradable metal-based DES can trigger immunogenic reactions when degraded. The next generation of stents is shifting toward bioresorbable polymer-based DES because their degradation products are compatible with the metabolic system of the body. This review discusses the in vivo degradation mechanisms of bioresorbable polymers such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone (PCL) acid polymers. It was observed that these polymers primarily degrade via ester bond hydrolysis, influenced by polymer properties such as molecular weight, morphology, glass transition temperature, and composition. Additionally, this overview highlights ongoing advancements in bioresorbable polymer-based scaffolds like DESolve[Formula: see text]NX and FANTOM[Formula: see text]. These bioresorbable scaffolds are fabricated from poly-L-lactide acid and desamino tyrosine-based polymers, respectively. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid-coated platinum–chromium stents have also demonstrated effective performance, being fully absorbed within 4–6 months postimplantation. Moreover, PCL acid-based drug-eluting bifurcation stents have shown promise in treating cardiovascular diseases. However, the review emphasizes the necessity for continued research to address the existing challenges and enhance patient outcomes.
  • Biodegradable AZ91 magnesium alloy/sirolimus/poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid-based substrate for cardiovascular device application
    Monalisha Mohanta, Yugesh Ramdhun, Arunachalam Thirugnanam, Ritvesh Gupta, Devendra Verma, et al.
    Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B Applied Biomaterials, 2024
    Biodegradable drug‐eluting stents (DESs) are gaining importance owing to their attractive features, such as complete drug release to the target site. Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising materials for future biodegradable DESs. However, there are few explorations using biodegradable Mg for cardiovascular stent application. In this present study, sirolimus‐loaded poly D, L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA)‐coated/ sirolimus‐fixed/AZ91 Mg alloy‐based substrate was developed via a layer‐by‐layer approach for cardiovascular stent application. The AZ91 Mg alloy was prepared through the squeeze casting technique. The casted AZ91 Mg alloy (Mg) was alkali‐treated to provide macroporous networks to hold the sirolimus and PLGA layers. The systematic characterization was investigated via electrochemical, optical, physicochemical, and in‐vitro biological characteristics. The presence of the Mg17Al12 phase in the Mg sample was found in the x‐ray diffraction system (XRD) spectrum which influences the corrosion behavior of the developed substrate. The alkali treatment increases the substrate's hydrophilicity which was confirmed through static contact angle measurement. The anti‐corrosion characteristic of casted‐AZ91 Mg alloy (Mg) was slightly less than the sirolimus‐loaded PLGA‐coated alkali‐treated AZ91 Mg alloy (Mg/Na/S/P) substrate. However, dissolution rates for both substrates were found to be controlled at cell culture conditions. Radiographic densities of AZ91 Mg alloy substrates (Mg, Mg/Na, and Mg/Na/S/P) were measured to be 0.795 ± 0.015, 0.742 ± 0.01, and 0.712 ± 0.017, respectively. The star‐shaped structure of 12% sirolimus/PLGA ensures the bioavailability of the drugs. Sirolimus release kinetic was fitted up to 80% with the “Higuchi model” for Mg samples, whereas Mg/Na/S/P showed 45% fitting with a zero‐order mechanism. The Mg/Na/S/P substrate showed a 70% antithrombotic effect compared to control. Further, alkali treatment enhances the antibacterial characteristic of AZ91 Mg alloy. Also, the alkali‐treated sirolimus‐loaded substrates (Mg/Na/S and Mg/Na/S/P) inhibit the valvular interstitial cell's growth significantly in in‐vitro. Hence, the results imply that sirolimus‐loaded PLGA‐coated AZ91 Mg alloy‐based substrate can be a potential candidate for cardiovascular stent application.
  • Bromelain-loaded polyvinyl alcohol–activated charcoal-based film for wound dressing applications
    Yugesh Ramdhun, Monalisha Mohanta, Thirugnanam Arunachalam, Ritvesh Gupta, Devendra Verma
    Macromolecular Research, 2023
  • Development of Multifunctional Commercial Pure Titanium-Polyethylene Glycol Drug-Eluting Substrates with Enhanced Optical and Antithrombotic Properties
    Monalisha Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology, 2023
  • Effect of Lifting Weight, Height and Asymmetry on Biomechanical Loading during Manual Lifting
    Anurag Vijaywargiya, Mahesh K. Bhiwapurkar, A Thirugnanam
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2023
    Introduction: In India, physical manual activities in asymmetrical postures overtax the human musculoskeletal system, which may exceed workers' physical limitations. Thus the purpose of this study was to examine the physical stresses experienced by the subject, based on subjective and biomechanical loading estimates while lifting weights to various heights, in an asymmetric direction and propose the safe limit for manual lifting. Methods: A laboratory experiment was conducted utilizing twelve male subjects in the age group of 20 to 25 years who lifted 5 different weights between 10 to 20 kg from below the knee to various lifting heights (below the knee to ear level). The lifting task was performed in three asymmetric angles (45, 90, and 135-degree) using free-style lifting techniques. An ANOVA technique was used to analyze the influence of three parameters (Lifting weight, lifting height and asymmetric angle) on two responses; subjective estimates and biomechanical loading. The subjective estimate was obtained using workload assessment by body discomfort chart. The biomechanical loading (loading rate) was estimated from ground reaction force data, obtained from the force plate. Results: Both the responses; subjective estimates and biomechanical loading followed a consistent pattern in predicting physical stress. The result revealed that lifting weights with higher destination heights and asymmetry angles increased the physiological workload and discomfort. Experiments have shown that the loading rate is reduced by 8 to 10% for each increase in the 45-degree angle of asymmetry. Conclusion: In general, safe lifting of 15 kg weight up to ear level and 15 kg weight up to shoulder level are recommended for 45- and 90-degree asymmetry respectively to prevent any chronic injuries. A maximum of 12.5 kg lifting weight up to shoulder level is also proposed.
  • Ultra-fine grained commercial pure titanium for load-bearing applications
    Moumita Ghosh, S. Surekha, M. Anisha, A. Thirugnanam
    Materials Today Proceedings, 2023
  • Responsive Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Management of Diabetic Foot Neuropathy
    Darshan Bhor, Tharani K, Monisha Gowri, Bikash K. Mishra, Deepjyoti Kalita, et al.
    2023 IEEE 8th International Conference for Convergence in Technology I2ct 2023, 2023
  • Commercial pure titanium – A potential candidate for cardiovascular stent
    M. Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Materialwissenschaft Und Werkstofftechnik, 2022
  • Sequential immobilization of sirolimus and polyethylene glycol on ultrafine-grained commercial pure titanium for cardiovascular stent application
    Monalisha Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Journal of Materials Research, 2022
  • Investigation of optical and biocompatible properties of polyethylene glycol-aspirin loaded commercial pure titanium for cardiovascular device applications
    Monalisha Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Journal of Polymer Engineering, 2022
  • Intensification of yam-starch based biodegradable bioplastic film with bentonite for food packaging application
    Lopamudra Behera, Monalisha Mohanta, Arunachalam Thirugnanam
    Environmental Technology and Innovation, 2022
  • Evolution of commercially pure titanium/heparin/poly (ethylene glycol) substrate with improved biocompatibility for cardiovascular device applications
    Monalisha Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Materials Technology, 2022
  • Ergonomics Evaluation of Manual Lifting Task on Biomechanical Stress in Symmetric Posture
    Anurag Vijaywargiya, Mahesh K Bhiwapurkar, A. Thirugnanam
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2022
  • Development of biodegradable bioplastic films from Taro starch reinforced with bentonite
    Mrithula Shanmathy, Monalisha Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, 2021
  • Recent advances and future prospects of electrochemical processes for microalgae harvesting
    Nageshwari Krishnamoorthy, Yuwalee Unpaprom, Rameshprabu Ramaraj, Gaanty Pragas Maniam, Natanamurugaraj Govindan, et al.
    Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2021
  • Engineering principles and process designs for phosphorus recovery as struvite: A comprehensive review
    Nageshwari Krishnamoorthy, Baishali Dey, Yuwalee Unpaprom, Rameshprabu Ramaraj, Gaanty Pragas Maniam, et al.
    Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2021
  • Implementation of Multiple Regression Technique for Detection of Gait Asymmetry Using Experimental Gait Data
    Shreeshan Jena, Gaurav Mohan Sakhare, Subrata Kumar Panda, A. Thirugnanam
    Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 2021
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    Moumita Ghosh, A. Thirugnanam
    Studies in Big Data, 2021
  • Drug release studies of titanium-based polyethylene glycol coating as a multifunctional substrate
    Monalisha Mohanta, A. Thirugnanam
    Materials Today Proceedings, 2021
  • A comparative study of phosphorus recovery as struvite from cow and human urine
    Nageshwari Krishnamoorthy, Thirugnanam Arunachalam, Balasubramanian Paramasivan
    Materials Today Proceedings, 2021

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Plant-Based Polymers in Food Packaging Industry Application
    M Padhan, S Sahoo, S Maity, A Thirugnanam
    Biopolymers from Plant Origin for Environmental Sustainability, 23-47 , 2026
    2026
  • Harnessing the Power of Thymoquinone: A Technological Transformation
    P Dileepan, M Padhan, S Sahoo, A Thirugnanam
    Next Research, 101277 , 2025
    2025
  • Starch-based biodegradable films amended with nano-starch and tannic acid-coated nano-starch exhibit enhanced mechanical and functional attributes with antimicrobial activity
    B Karmakar, S Sarkar, R Chakraborty, SP Saha, A Thirugnanam, PK Roy, ...
    Carbohydrate Polymers 341, 122321 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 31
  • An overview of polymer-based-bioresorbable drug-eluting stents
    R Arora, M Mohanta, S Jaiswal, A Thirugnanam, P Mohanta
    Innovation and Emerging Technologies 11, 2430002 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Determining safe limit for lifting task parameters in asymmetric posture during manual lifting
    A Vijaywargiya, M Bhiwapurkar, A Thirugnanam
    Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering: A … , 2024
    2024
  • Effect of grain refinement on Cp-Ti sheets via repetitive corrugation and straightening technique for implant applications
    M Ghosh, A Thirugnanam
    Journal of Materials Research 39 (10), 1548-1561 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Development of synergistic bioactive hydrogel for wound healing applications
    A Sahoo, S Sahoo, A Thirugnanam
    2024
  • Taro Starch-based Bioplastic Reinforced with Fuller’s Earth
    GG Nair, A Thirugnanam
    2024
  • Biodegradable AZ91 magnesium alloy/sirolimus/poly D, L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid‐based substrate for cardiovascular device application
    M Mohanta, Y Ramdhun, A Thirugnanam, R Gupta, D Verma, T Deepak, ...
    Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials 112 (1 … , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 8
  • Eggshell reinforced yam starch-based bioplastic for packaging applications
    N Sharif, M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Journal of Packaging Technology and Research 7 (2), 75-86 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 19
  • Responsive transcutaneous electrical stimulation for management of diabetic foot neuropathy
    D Bhor, K Tharani, M Gowri, BK Mishra, D Kalita, A Thirugnanam, ...
    2023 IEEE 8th International Conference for Convergence in Technology (I2CT), 1-6 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Effect of Lifting Weight, Height and Asymmetry on Biomechanical Loading during Manual Lifting
    A Vijaywargiya, MK Bhiwapurkar, A Thirugnanam
    International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health 13 (2), 180-189 , 2023
    2023
  • Development of Multifunctional Commercial Pure Titanium-Polyethylene Glycol Drug-Eluting Substrates with Enhanced Optical and Antithrombotic Properties: Mohanta and Thirugnanam
    M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology 14 (1), 37-51 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 10
  • Effect of Titanium Oxide Functionalized Surface on Adsorption and Dynamic Behaviour of the Amino Acids in an Aqueous Environment Using an All Atomic Molecular Dynamics Simulation
    S Sahoo, RK Avvari, A Thirugnanam
    2023
  • Ultra-fine grained commercial pure titanium for load-bearing applications
    M Ghosh, S Surekha, M Anisha, A Thirugnanam
    Materials Today: Proceedings 80, 1534-1537 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Surface modification of titanium for drug-eluting stents
    M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Surface Engineering, 257-287 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Evolution of commercially pure titanium/heparin/poly (ethylene glycol) substrate with improved biocompatibility for cardiovascular device applications
    M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Materials Technology 37 (14), 3100-3109 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 3
  • Commercial pure titanium–a potential candidate for cardiovascular stent
    M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik 53 (12), 1518-1543 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 16
  • Sequential immobilization of sirolimus and polyethylene glycol on ultrafine-grained commercial pure titanium for cardiovascular stent application
    M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Journal of Materials Research 37 (21), 3559-3574 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 4
  • Investigation of optical and biocompatible properties of polyethylene glycol-aspirin loaded commercial pure titanium for cardiovascular device applications
    M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Journal of Polymer Engineering 42 (8), 725-735 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 4

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Intensification of yam-starch based biodegradable bioplastic film with bentonite for food packaging application
    L Behera, M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Environmental Technology & Innovation 25, 102180 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 144
  • Introduction to artificial intelligence
    M Ghosh, A Thirugnanam
    Artificial intelligence for information management: A healthcare perspective … , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 131
  • Development of biodegradable bioplastic films from Taro starch reinforced with bentonite
    M Shanmathy, M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications 2, 100173 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 119
  • Microwave-assisted synthesis of porous chitosan–modified montmorillonite–hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds
    S Kar, T Kaur, A Thirugnanam
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 82, 628-636 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 92
  • Effect of Mg on the fracture characteristics of cast Al–7Si–Mg alloys
    A Thirugnanam, K Sukumaran, UTS Pillai, K Raghukandan, BC Pai
    Materials Science and Engineering: A 445, 405-414 , 2007
    2007
    Citations: 92
  • Development of EOG based human machine interface control system for motorized wheelchair
    B Champaty, J Jose, K Pal, A Thirugnanam
    2014 Annual International Conference on Emerging Research Areas: Magnetics … , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 88
  • Tailoring the bioactivity of commercially pure titanium by grain refinement using groove pressing
    A Thirugnanam, TSS Kumar, U Chakkingal
    Materials Science and Engineering: C 30 (1), 203-208 , 2010
    2010
    Citations: 64
  • Chitosan composite three dimensional macrospheric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
    V Vyas, T Kaur, A Thirugnanam
    International journal of biological macromolecules 104, 1946-1954 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 42
  • Gelatin–PEG based metronidazole-loaded vaginal delivery systems: preparation, characterization and in vitro antimicrobial efficiency
    SM Khade, B Behera, SS Sagiri, VK Singh, A Thirugnanam, K Pal, SS Ray, ...
    Iranian Polymer Journal 23 (3), 171-184 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 42
  • Nano and ultra fine grained metallic biomaterials by severe plastic deformation techniques
    B Ratna Sunil, A Thirugnanam, U Chakkingal, TS Sampath Kumar
    Materials Technology 31 (13), 743-755 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 41
  • Effect of carboxylated graphene nanoplatelets on mechanical and in-vitro biological properties of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
    T Kaur, A Thirugnanam, K Pramanik
    Materials Today Communications 12, 34-42 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 36
  • Starch-based biodegradable films amended with nano-starch and tannic acid-coated nano-starch exhibit enhanced mechanical and functional attributes with antimicrobial activity
    B Karmakar, S Sarkar, R Chakraborty, SP Saha, A Thirugnanam, PK Roy, ...
    Carbohydrate Polymers 341, 122321 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 31
  • The influence of silane and silane–PMMA coatings on the in vitro biodegradation behavior of AE42 magnesium alloy for cardiovascular stent applications
    O Majumder, AKS Bankoti, T Kaur, A Thirugnanam, AK Mondal
    RSC advances 6 (109), 107344-107354 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 25
  • Effect of porous activated charcoal reinforcement on mechanical and in-vitro biological properties of polyvinyl alcohol composite scaffolds
    T Kaur, A Thirugnanam
    Journal of materials science & technology 33 (7), 734-743 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 24
  • Genipin-crosslinked gelatin-based emulgels: An insight into the thermal, mechanical, and electrical studies
    SP Mallick, SS Sagiri, VK Singh, B Behera, A Thirugnanam, DK Pradhan, ...
    Aaps Pharmscitech 16 (6), 1254-1262 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 23
  • Biological and mechanical evaluation of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based composites reinforced with 1D, 2D and 3D carbon biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration
    T Kaur, S Kulanthaivel, A Thirugnanam, I Banerjee, K Pramanik
    Biomedical Materials 12 (2), 025012 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 22
  • Utilization of sea water based media for the production and characterization of cellulase by Fusarium subglutinans MTCC 11891
    D Indira, D Sharmila, P Balasubramanian, A Thirugnanam, R Jayabalan
    Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology 7, 187-192 , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 22
  • Tailoring the in vitro characteristics of poly (vinyl alcohol)-nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
    T Kaur, A Thirugnanam, K Pramanik
    Journal of Polymer Engineering , 2016
    2016
    Citations: 21
  • Eggshell reinforced yam starch-based bioplastic for packaging applications
    N Sharif, M Mohanta, A Thirugnanam
    Journal of Packaging Technology and Research 7 (2), 75-86 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 19
  • Bioactivity enhancement of commercial pure titanium by chemical treatments
    A Thirugnanam, TSS Kumar, U Chakkingal
    Trends in Biomaterials & Artificial Organs 23 (2) , 2009
    2009
    Citations: 19