Dr Dharam Singh: Industrial Microbiology

15/07/2026

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Ghost-rock karst systems remain one of the least explored microbial habitats. What role do the hidden microbial communities inside ghost-rock karst systems play in shaping Earth's biogeochemical cycles?

This first genome-resolved comparison of ghost-rock and groundwater microbiomes, published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology, reveals distinct metabolic strategies involved in trace gas oxidation, metal cycling, and bioweathering.

This new paper highlights the previously overlooked influence of these subsurface ecosystems on global biogeochemical processes: https://buff.ly/2PwKHmY

20/06/2026

L-asparaginase is an important enzyme widely used in healthcare, especially for treating ALL cancer, and in the food industry. In our recent review article, we examined the features of recombinant L-asparaginase and current approaches to improve it. This detailed study helps us better understand how the enzyme works, its chemical properties, and how it can be changed, supporting the creation of effective medicines. I am happy to share that early this year, we transferred the L-asparaginase technology to an industry for further phase of drug development. Read more in our recently published article in the journal Critical Reviews in Biotechnology.

L-Asparaginase (E.C.3.5.1.1; L-ASNase) hydrolyzes L-asparagine (an essential amino acid for the growth of leukemic cells) to aspartic acid and ammonia. It is obtained from various sources, includin...

23/05/2026

The high-altitude region of the Pangi-Chamba Himalayas (PCH) is not only home to me, but a gold mine for discovering extremophilic lignocellulolytic bacteria. Our new study has demonstrated the potential of bacterial strains to utilise lignocellulosic biomass as a substrate for the production of extremozymes. These Himalayan bacterial isolates provide valuable insights into their lignocellulolytic potential and offer opportunities for industrial applications in the bioenergy and bioremediation sectors. Many congratulations to all the scholars in my lab (Shamli, Ambika, Tamanna, and Palak).
I am glad to share our recently published article

https://rdcu.be/fjwEj