Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, United States
Dr. Neeraj S. Thakur, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), is a highly motivated researcher specializing in drug delivery systems, theranostic platforms, and AI-based approaches for developing novel diagnostics and treatments. With over a decade of international research experience spanning the USA, Europe, and Asia, Dr. Thakur has led multiple projects related to nanomaterial design, formulation development, and the synthesis of advanced drug delivery systems for treating diseases like cancer and infections. His expertise extends to both small molecules and large biomolecules, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. He has an extensive publication record with 29 papers, five patents, six book chapters, and significant contributions to the field.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Thakur earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology) from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, India, where his research focused on the development of nanoparticle-based fluorescent probes for biomedical applications. He also holds an M.Tech in Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology) from NIPER, Mohali, where he was the class topper, and a B.Pharm degree from Shri G.S. Institute of Technology and Science, Indore. Additionally, he is pursuing a Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Experience
Dr. Thakur has held significant roles in various research institutions. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at OUHSC, he established research laboratories and led projects on nanomaterial development for drug delivery systems targeting multiple applications, including inner ear and ocular delivery. Prior to this, he worked at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where he developed hybrid micelle formulations for transdermal delivery and designed iontophoretic devices. He also contributed to the Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), India, where he led the development of topical drug delivery systems and was involved in several patent filings. These experiences have honed his skills in formulation and analytical development, laboratory management, and industrial collaboration.
Research Interests
Dr. Thakur’s research interests focus on the development of advanced drug delivery systems, particularly using nanomaterials such as polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. His work aims to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by enhancing their delivery to specific sites in the body, such as the inner ear, ocular tissues, and tumors. He is also dedicated to the integration of AI-based approaches for optimizing drug delivery design, ensuring more precise treatments for conditions like cancer and ototoxicity. His passion extends to the creation of theranostic platforms for early disease diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Awards
Throughout his career, Dr. Thakur has received numerous accolades for his contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. Notable among them are the John B. Bruce Scholarship Award (2024), the Best Abstract Award at AAPS Pharm360 (2023), and the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (2020-2021). His earlier achievements include the DST-INSPIRE and CSIR Research Fellowships, which are awarded to the top 1% of students in India. These recognitions underscore his impact on the scientific community and his leadership in advancing pharmaceutical research.
Publications
Dr. Thakur has authored 29 peer-reviewed papers, with some of his recent work focused on innovative drug delivery systems. Key publications include:
Thakur, N.S., et al., “Crosslinked Hybrid Nanoparticle Embedded in Thermogel For Sustained Co-Delivery to Inner Ear,” Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2024.
Thakur, N.S., et al., “Progress and Promise of Photoresponsive Nanocarriers for Precision Drug Delivery in Cancer,” Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews, 2024.
Thakur, N.S., et al., “Dual Stimuli-Responsive and Sustained Drug Delivery Nanosensogel for Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity,” Journal of Controlled Release, 2024.
Paul, S., et al., “Co-Administration of Chemo-Phototherapeutic Loaded Lignin Nanoarchitecture for Skin Cancer and Bacterial Infections,” ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2024.
Kumar, S., et al., “Bioengineered Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based Biosensors and Applications,” Sensors and Diagnostics, 2023. These works, which cover nanomedicine, drug delivery, and nanomaterial innovation, have significantly contributed to the field of pharmaceutical sciences and have been widely cited.
Conclusion
Dr. Neeraj S. Thakur’s multifaceted career highlights his dedication to advancing pharmaceutical research through innovation in nanotechnology and drug delivery systems. His profound knowledge in both academic and industrial settings, along with his leadership in driving collaborative research projects, continues to position him as a key figure in his field. With a focus on precision medicine, AI-based design, and the development of targeted therapies, Dr. Thakur is making remarkable strides toward improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of drug delivery and diagnostics.