Ramaswamy Nagarajan

Ramaswamy Nagarajan, Ph.D.

Distinguished University Professor, Co-Director of HEROES

College
Francis College of Engineering
Department
Plastics Engineering, HEROES, Fabric Discovery Center, PERC, Nanomanufacturing Center for Excellence, NERVE, RURI, LoCSST,
Phone
978-934-3454
Email
Ramaswamy_Nagarajan@uml.edu
Links

Expertise

Sustainable approaches to polymers, additives and multifunctional materials, structure-property-utility relationships of plastics and elastomers. Polymers and additives from renewable resources. Thermal & morphological characterization of materials, prototyping and scalable manufacture of flexible electronic products.

Research Interests

Interdisciplinary research for safer advanced multifunctional polymers and additives. Fire retardants, surfactants, electronic, photo-responsive polymers, multifunctional coatings for fabric, organic photovoltaics, materials and processes for energy conversion and storage, biocatalysis and biomimetic catalysis for advance functional materials and therapeutic oligomers, nanostructured sensors for sensing of toxins, wireless structural health monitoring and physiological monitoring.

Education

  • Ph.D.: Polymer Science (Plastics Engineering), (2000), University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA
    Dissertation/Thesis Title: Enzymatic synthesis of Polyaniline complexed with DNA and other polyelectrolyte templates
  • MS: Polymer Science, (1998), University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, Massachusetts
  • BT: Rubber Technology, (1994), Anna University - Chennai, India
  • BS: Chemistry, (1991), Loyola College, University of Madras - Chennai, India

Biosketch

Ramaswamy Nagarajan is a Distinguished University Professor (Fall 2022 - Summer 2025) of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Ramaswamy Nagarajan is a professor of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is the co-director of the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), co-founder and co-director of the Harnessing Emerging Research Opportunities to Empower Soldiers (HEROES) Initiative. He is also the co-Director of the Fabric Discovery Center at Lowell.

He has a combination of science and engineering background with bachelor degrees in chemistry and rubber technology and a doctoral degree in polymer science from the University Massachusetts. His current research interests include greener advanced functional materials, multifunctional fabrics, greener flame retardant additives and surfactants, materials for energy conversion/storage and roll-to-roll manufacture of flexible electronic products. Working at the interface of science and engineering his research group has been involved in utilizing fundamental materials research and engineering solutions for addressing problems and advancing technology in new and emerging areas. He is the Co-editor of Journal of Renewable Materials and has published 70 papers in peer-reviewed journals and holds 20 US Patents.

Selected Awards and Honors

  • Distinguished University Professor 2022-2025 - University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Pillar of Excellence Award 2018 - UMass Lowell
  • Faculty Member of the Year Award, Teaching - Graduate Student Association, UMass Lowell
  • Special award for paper Hysteresis - An experimental set-up for laboratory studies" - Indian Institute of Technology
  • Faculty Member of the Award for 2011 - 2012 (2012), Teaching - Graduate Student Association - UMass Lowell
  • (2011) - Citations from State Senator Eileen Donoghue and Representative James Arciero
  • Non-halogenated flame retardant materials (2011) - U.S Environmental Protection Agency P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet)
  • U.S Environmental Protection Agency P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) award (2011), Service, Professional - EPA
  • UML Research Champion of the Year award (2011), Scholarship/Research - Toxics Use Reduction Institute
  • Honor from State Senator/State Representative (2011)
  • UML Research Champion of the Year award (2011), Scholarship/Research - Toxics Use Reduction Institute UML
  • Sustainable Polymers and Additives (2009) - James V. Dandeneau Endowed Professorship
  • James V. Dandeneau Endowed Professorship (2009), Service, University - UML
  • Biocatalytic Polymerization of Naturally Occurring Green Tea Flavonoids for Cancer Therapy (2006) - U.S Environmental Protection Agency P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet)
  • U.S Environmental Protection Agency P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) award (2006), Service, University - EPA
  • Mark J. Elliot Outstanding Student Award for Polymer Science research (2000), Service, University - UMass Lowell
  • Special award for paper Hysteresis - An experimental set-up for laboratory studies (1994) - Indian Institute of Technology, Kharaghpur, India.

Selected Publications

  • “Microencapsulation and controlled release of insect repellent geraniol in gelatin/gum arabic microcapsules” (Ogilvie-Battersby, J. D., Nagarajan R., Mosurkal, R., Orbey, N.) Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 640, 128494 (2022)
  • “Bio-Based Flame-Retardant Coatings Based on the Synergistic Combination of Tannic Acid and Phytic Acid for Nylon–Cotton Blends.” (Kulkarni, S., Xia, Z., Yu, S., Kiratitanavit, W., Morgan, A. B., Kumar, J., Mosurkal, R., Nagarajan, R.). ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, (2021)
  • “Identifying sustainable alternatives to dimethyl formamide for coating applications using Hansen Solubility Parameters.” (Yu, S., Sharma, R., Morose, G., & Nagarajan, R.). Journal of Cleaner Production, 322, 129011, (2021).
  • “Facile microwave assisted flame retardant treatment for cotton fabric using a biobased industrial byproduct: phytic acid.” (Yu, S., Xia, Z., Kiratitanavit, W., Kulkarni, S., Kumar, J., Mosurkal, R., & Nagarajan, R.). Cellulose, 28(16), 10655-10674, (2021).
  • “Thermomechanical and sequential stress performance of photovoltaic backsheets.” (Perez, P., Iyer, S., Thellen, C., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R., Ratto, J. A., & Rothacker, A.). Solar Energy, 216, 133-144, (2021).
  • “Effects of mask-wearing on the inhalability and deposition of airborne SARS-CoV-2 aerosols in human upper airway.” (Xi, J., Si, X. A., & Nagarajan, R.). Physics of Fluids, 32(12), 123312, (2020).
  • “A Bio-derived Char Forming Flame Retardant Additive for Nylon 6 Based on Crosslinked Tannic Acid.” (Xia, Z., Kiratitanavit, W., Facendola, P., Yu, S., Kumar, J., Mosurkal, R., & Nagarajan, R.). Thermochimica Acta, 693, 178750, (2020).
  • “Antioxidant activity of synthetic polymers of phenolic compounds.” (Nagarajan, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Salemme, A., Togna, A. R., Saso, L., & Bruno, F.). Polymers, 12(8), 1646., 2020).
  • “One-layer water vapor poly (olefin) barriers compete metal sputtering onto flexible substrates.” (Maji, T., Tsimenidis, K., Nagarajan, R., Mosurkal, R., Kumar, J., & Gkikas, M.). Polymer, 197, 122487, (2020).
  • “Unusual role of labile phenolics in imparting flame resistance to polyamide” (S. Yu S, Z. Xia, W. Kiratitanavit. S. Thota. J. Kumar, R. Mosurkal, Nagarajan, R.) Polymer Degradation and Stability 175, 109103, (2020).
  • “A Bio-derived Char Forming Flame Retardant Additive for Nylon 6 Based on Crosslinked Tannic Acid” (Z. Xia, W. Kiratitanavit, P. Facendola, S. Yu, S., J. Kumar, R. Mosurkal, Nagarajan, R.). Themochimica Acta , 693, 178750, (2020).
  • “Barrier Properties and Abrasion Resistance of Biopolymer-Based Coatings on Biodegradable Poly(lactic Acid) Films” (Mohd Aris, Z., Bavishi, V., Sharma, R., Nagarajan, R.,) Polymer Engineering and Science, 59, 1874-1881 (2019).
  • “Covalent functionalization of cellulose in cotton and a nylon-cotton blend with phytic acid for flame retardant properties” (Thota, S., Somisetti, V., Kulkarni, S., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R., & Mosurkal, R.) Cellulose, 1-14 (2019).
  • “Biocatalytic Synthesis of Fluorescent Conjugated Polyserotonin”Kiratitanavit, (W., Bruno, F. F., Xia, Z., Yu, S., Kumar, J., & Nagarajan, R.) Journal of Renewable Materials, 7(2), 205-214 (2019).
  • Aris, Z.F., Bouldin, R.M., Pelletier, M.G., Gaines, P.C., Budhlall, B., Nagarajan, R. (2017). Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrophilically Functionalized Polygalacturonic Acid. Carbohydrate Polymers,155 432–439.
  • Kurup, P.U., Sullivan, C., Hannagan, R., Yu, S., Azimi, H., Robertson, S., Ryan, D.K., Nagarajan, R., Ponrathnam, T., Howe, G. (2016). A Review of Technologies for Characterization of Heavy Metal Contaminants. Indian Geotechnical Journal, 1–16.
  • Barry, C.M., Budhlall, B., Nagarajan, R. (2016). Undergraduate modules for bio-based plastics: educational modules focused on bio-based polymers resulted in good learning outcomes for undergraduate students. Plastics Engineering,72(3) 30.
  • Ponrathnam, T., Cho, J., Kurup, P.U., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2015). Enhancing detection of nitroaromatic vapors by utilizing polymer coatings on quartz crystal microbalances having strong dipoles. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical,216 443–452.
  • Xia, Z., Singh, A., Kiratitanavit, W., Mosurkal, R., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2015). Unraveling the mechanism of thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of tannic acid. Thermochimica Acta,605 77–85.
  • Nagarajan, R. (2015). ”Non-equilibrium” block copolymer micelles with glassy cores. Journal of colloid and interface science.
  • Bouldin, R.M., Kokil, A., Ponrathnam, T., Urban, N., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R. (2014). Biocatalyic synthesis of unusually photoluminescent oligomers and electrically conducting polymers of 4-(3-pyrrolyl)butyric acid. Journal of Applied Polymer Science.
  • Bouldin, R.M., Kokil, A., Ponrathnam, T., Urban, N., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R. (2014). Biocatalyic synthesis of unusually photoluminescent oligomers and electrically conducting polymers of 4-(3-pyrrolyl)butyric acid. Journal of Applied Polymer Science.
  • Bouldin, R.M., Singh, A., Magaletta, M., Connor, S., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2014). Biocatalytic Synthesis of Fluorescent Conjugated Indole Oligomers. Bioengineering,1(4) 246–259.
  • Suthiwangcharoen, N., Nagarajan, R. (2014). Enhancing Enzyme Stability by Construction of Polymer-Enzyme Conjugate Micelles for Decontamination of Organophosphate Agents. Biomacromolecules.
  • Ford, E.N., Suthiwangcharoen, N., D’Angelo, P.A., Nagarajan, R. (2014). Role of single-walled carbon nanotubes on ester hydrolysis and topography of electrospun bovine serum albumin/poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.
  • Aris, Z.F., Bouldin, R.M., Nagarajan, R., Budhlall, B., Bavishi, V. (2013). Hydrophilic modification of water insoluble polysaccharide as surface-active agents (13/841,903:). US Patent Appl
  • Ravichandran, S., Nagarajan, S., Ku, B.C., Coughlin, B., Emrick, T., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2012). Halogen-free ultra-high flame retardant polymers through enzyme catalysis. Green Chemistry,14(3) 819-824.
  • Ravichandran, S., Nagarajan, S., Kokil, A., Ponrathnam, T., Bouldin, R.M., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2012). Micellar Nanoreactors for Hematin Catalyzed Synthesis of Electrically Conducting Polypyrrole. Langmuir,28(37) 13380-13386.
  • Satapathi, S., Ravichandran, S., Mosurkal, R., Nagarajan, S., Li, L., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2011). Biocatalytic synthesis of two-photon active resveratrol oligomer. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,48(12) 1061-1066.
  • Liu, S., Sun, H., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Gu, Z., Cho, J., Kurup, P. (2011). Dynamic chemical vapor sensing with nanofibrous film based surface acoustic wave sensors. Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical,167(1) 8-13.
  • Kokil, A., Kumar, A., Balasubramaniam, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J. (2011). Facile synthesis and patterning of silver nanoparticles for surface plasmon generation. Journal of Nanophotonics,5(1).
  • Kokil, A., Ravichandran, S., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2011). Horseradish peroxidase catalyzed synthesis of polycardanol microcapsules. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,48(12) 1004-1008.
  • Ponrathnam, T., Cho, J., Kurup, P., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J. (2011). Investigation of QCM sensors with azobenzene functionalized coatings for the detection of nitroaromatics. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,48(12) 1031-1037.
  • Bouldin, R.M., Kyriazidis, L., Fidler, A., Ravichandran, S., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R. (2011). Oxidoreductase catalyzed polymerization of 3-methylpyrrole. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,48(12) 976-982.
  • Bouldin, R., Ravichandran, S., Kokil, A., Garhwal, R., Nagarajan, S., Kumar, J., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R. (2011). Synthesis of polypyrrole with fewer structural defects using enzyme catalysis. Synthetic Metals,161(15-16) 1611-1617.
  • SAI, L.I., PONRATHNAM, T., HONGWEI, S.U., Nagarajan, R., KUMAR, J., ZHIYONG, G.U., KURUP, P. (2010). Detection of Explosive Vapors by Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors Containing Novel Siloxane Based Coatings. Journal of Macromolecular Science: Pure & Applied Chemistry,47(12) 1172-1175.
  • Liu, S., Ponrathnam, T., Sun, H., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Gu, Z., Kurup, P. (2010). Detection of explosive vapors by surface acoustic wave sensors containing novel siloxane based coatings. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,47(12) 1172-1175.
  • Bruno, F.F., Trotta, A., Fossey, S., Nagarajan, S., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2010). Enzymatic synthesis and characterization of polyquercetin. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,47(12) 1191-1196.
  • Nagarajan, R. (2010). Selected Papers from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell 10th Technical Symposium in Honor of Professor Sukant K. Tripathy. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,47(12) 1149.
  • Tewari, A., Kokil, A., Ravichandran, S., Nagarajan, S., Bouldin, R., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J. (2010). Soybean peroxidase catalyzed enzymatic synthesis of pyrrole/edot copolymers. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics,211(14) 1610-1617.
  • Ravichandran, S., Bouldin, R., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R. (2010). €œA Renewable Waste Material for the Synthesis of a Novel Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Polymer. Journal of Cleaner Production,,19((5)) 454-458.
  • Nagarajan, S., Nagarajan, R., Bruno, F., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2009). A stable biomimetic redox catalyst obtained by the enzyme catalyzed amidation of iron porphyrin. Green Chemistry,11(3) 334-338.
  • Kumar, A., Nagarajan, S., Yang, K., Anandakathir, R., Singh, J., Nagarajan, R., Jain, A., Kumar, J. (2008). A simple technique for submicron scale patterning of silver using visible light interference. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,45(11) 964-967.
  • Nagarajan, S., Nagarajan, R., Braunhut, S.J., Bruno, F., McIntosh, D., Samuelson, L., Kumar, J. (2008). Biocatalytically Oligomerized Epicatechin with Potent and Specific Anti-proliferative Activity for Human Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules,13(11).
  • Ku, B., Kim, D.W., Steeves, D., Nagarajan, R., Blumstein, A., Kumar, J., Gibson, P.W., Ratto, J.A., Samuelson, L.A. (2008). Molecularly ordered structure and permeability properties of amphiphilic polyacetylene-multilayer nanocomposites. Composites Science and Technology,68(15-16).
  • Yang, S., Yang, K., Jain, A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J. (2008). Patterning flexible substrates using surface relief structures in azobenzene functionalized polymer films. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,45(11) 939-942.
  • Cazeca, M.J., Nagarajan, R., Sheu, M.S., Gow, M., Comptois, C., Sabnis, R.W., Farnsworth, A. (2007). Study of thin polymeric film deposited by the PECVD process for use at 193nm. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,44(12) 1317-1322.
  • Niu, L., Nagarajan, R., Guan, F., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2006). Biocatalytic synthesis of multi-block copolymer composed of poly(tetrahydrofuran) and poly(ethylene oxide). Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,43(12) 1975-1981.
  • Bruno, F.F., Fossey, S.A., Nagarajan, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A. (2006). Biomimetic synthesis of water-soluble conducting copolymers/homopolymers of pyrrole and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene. Biomacromolecules,7(2) 586-589.
  • Kim, D.W., Ku, B.C., Steeves, D., Nagarajan, R., Blumstein, A., Kumar, J., Gibson, P.W., Ratto, J.A., Samuelson, L.A. (2006). Hydrophobic barrier: Molecular self-assembly of amphiphilic polyacetylenes within aluminosilicate nanoplatelets. Journal of Membrane Science,275(1-2) 12-16.
  • Wang, Y., Yang, K., Wang, X., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2006). In situ polymerization of amphiphilic diacetylene for hole transport in solid state dye-sensitized solar cells. Organic Electronics: physics, materials, applications,7(6) 546-550.
  • Trakhtenberg, S., Warner, J.C., Nagarajan, R., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2006). Spectroscopic and microscopic analysis of photo-cross-linked vinylbenzylthymine copolymers for photoresist applications. Chemistry of Materials,18(12) 2873-2878.
  • Niu, L., Nagarajan, R., Feng, D., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2006). Synthesis of main-chain liquid-crystalline polyesters containing diphenyl mesogens by chemo-enzymatic route. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry,43(12) 1983-1990.
  • Mosurkal, R., Kumar, R., Bruno, F.F., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L., Kumar, J. (2005). Biocatalytic synthesis of novel electronic and photovoltaic materials. Pure and Applied Chemistry,77(1) 263-272.
  • Bruno, F.F., Nagarajan, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A. (2005). Biocatalytic synthesis of water-soluble oligo(catechins). Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,42 A(11) 1547-1554.
  • Kim, M., Nagarajan, R., Snook, J.H., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2005). Nanostructured assembly of homopolymers for a flexible bragg grating. Advanced Materials,17(5) 631-633.
  • Trakhtenberg, S., Hangun-Balkir, Y., Warner, J.C., Bruno, F.F., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A. (2005). Photo-cross-linked immobilization of polyelectrolytes for enzymatic construction of conductive nanocomposites. Journal of the American Chemical Society,127(25) 9100-9104.
  • Wang, X., Sandman, D.J., Bruno, F., Nagarajan, R. (2005). Poly[bis-(p-toluene sulphonate) of 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol] Langmuir-Blodgett thin film formation and characterization. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,42 A(11) 1555-1560.
  • Sahoo, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Roy, S., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J., Cholli, A.L. (2004). An enzymatically synthesized polyaniline: A solid-state NMR study. Macromolecules,37(11) 4130-4138.
  • Yang, S., Yang, K., Niu, L., Nagarajan, R., Bian, S., Jain, A.K., Kumar, J. (2004). Patterning of substrates using surface relief structures on an azobenzene-functionalized polymer film. Advanced Materials,16(8) 693-696.
  • Wu, X., Liu, W., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A., Cholli, A.L. (2004). Role of temperature in suppression of the formation of Pummerer's type ketone in enzymatic polymerization of 4-propylphenol: An in-situ variable temperature 1H NMR study. Macromolecules,37(6) 2322-2324.
  • Wu, X., Yang, S., Nijus, J.M., Nagarajan, R., Cholli, A.L., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J. (2004). Solvent specified conformation in poly(α-L-glutamic acid) thin films. Biomacromolecules,5(4) 1214-1218.
  • Bruno, F.F., Nagarajan, R., Roy, S., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A. (2003). Biomimetic Synthesis of Water Soluble Conductive Polypyrrole and Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene). Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,40 A(12) 1327-1333.
  • Roy, S., Fortier, J.M., Nagarajan, R., Tripathy, S., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F. (2002). Biomimetic synthesis of a water soluble conducting molecular complex of polyaniline and lignosulfonate. Biomacromolecules,3(5) 937-941.
  • Bruno, F.F., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A. (2002). Novel enzymatic polyethylene oxide-polyphenol system for ionic conductivity. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,39 A(10) 1061-1068.
  • Sahoo, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Chakraborty, S., Samuelson, L.A., Kumar, J., Cholli, A.L. (2002). Variation in the structure of conducting polyaniline with and without the presence of template during enzymatic polymerization: A solid-state NMR study. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,39 A(10) 1223-1240.
  • Roy, S., Nagarajan, R., Bruno, F., Tripathy, S., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L. (2001). A hinged iron porphyrin catalyst tailored for water soluble electroactive polymer synthesis. Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering,85 202-203.
  • Roy, S., Nagarajan, R., Wu, P., Yang, K., Bruno, F.F., Parmar, V.S., Tripathy, S.K., Kumar, J., Samuelson, L.A. (2001). Chemoenzymatic functionalization of ribonucleic acid with azobenzene chromophores. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,38 A(12) 1383-1392.
  • Nagarajan, R., Roy, S., Kumar, J., Tripathy, S.K., Dolukhanyan, T., Sung, C., Bruno, F., Samuelson, L.A. (2001). Enzymatic synthesis of molecular complexes of polyaniline with DNA and synthetic oligonucleotides: Thermal and morphological characterization. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,38 A(12) 1519-1537.
  • Sahoo, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L., Kumar, J., Cholli, A.L., Tripathy, S.K. (2001). Enzymatically synthesized polyaniline in the presence of a template poly(vinylphosphonic acid): A solid state NMR study. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,38 A(12) 1315-1328.
  • Nagarajan, R., Liu, W., Kumar, J., Tripathy, S.K., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A. (2001). Manipulating DNA conformation using intertwined conducting polymer chains. Macromolecules,34(12) 3921-3927.
  • Samuelson, L., Liu, W., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Bruno, F.F., Cholli, A., Tripathy, S. (2001). Nanoreactors for the enzymatic synthesis of conducting polyaniline. Synthetic Metals,119(1-3).
  • Singh, A., Roy, S., Samuelson, L., Bruno, F., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., John, V., Kaplan, D.L. (2001). Peroxidase, hematin, and pegylated-hematin catalyzed vinyl polymerizations in water. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,38 A(12) 1219-1230.
  • Bruno, F.F., Nagarajan, R., Stenhouse, P., Yang, K., Kumar, J., Tripathy, S.K., Samuelson, L.A. (2001). Polymerization of water-soluble conductive polyphenol using horseradish peroxidase. Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry,38 A(12) 1417-1426.
  • Nagarajan, R., Tripathy, S., Kumar, J., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L. (2000). Enzymatically synthesized conducting molecular complex of polyaniline and poly(vinylphosphonic acid). Macromolecules,33(26) 9542-9547.
  • Liu, W., Cholli, A.L., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Tripathy, S., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L. (1999). The role of template in the enzymatic synthesis of conducting polyaniline. Journal of the American Chemical Society,121(49) 11345-11355.

Selected Presentations

  • Nanotechnology and its relevance to Radio Frequency Interrogation" - the AIDC conference, - Andover, MA USA
  • Advanced Functional Materials from Renewable Feedstock" - The Bioenvironmental Polymer Society Meeting, September 2012 - Denton, Texas, USA
  • Safer surfactants for cleaning products. - TURI Greener Materials Research Symposium, May 2011 - Lowell, MA
  • Nanotechnology enabled Sensor Auto-ID" - Auto-ID and Sensing Seminar & Expo, October 2010 - Andover MA USA
  • Nanotechnology, Sensors and RFID. A multidisciplinary approach to Sensing and Automatic Identification. University- Industry Collaboration in Auto-ID. - MIT Enterprise Forum, June 2010 - MIT Strata Center, Cambridge, MA
  • A multidisciplinary approach to Sensing and Automatic Identification" -–Nanotechnology, Sensors and RFID, June 2010 - MIT Cambridge MA USA
  • Toxics Use Reduction Institute 20th Anniversary Symposium - Greener routes to non-halogenated flame retardants, November 2009 - Bedford, MA
  • Greener routes to non-halogenated flame retardants" - Institute 20th Anniversary Symposium, November 2009 - Bedford, MA USA
  • "Greener routes to non-halogenated flame retardants" - Toxics Use Reduction Institute 20th Anniversary Symposium, November 2009 - Bedford, MA
  • Novel RF sensors for Structural Health Monitoring" - MIT Auto ID and Sensing Expo, October 2009 - MIT Cambridge MA USA
  • Nanotechnology and its relevance to Radio Frequency Interrogation" - the AIDC conference, October 2009 - Andover MA USA
  • Invited poster and technology demonstration on –Novel RF sensors for Structural Health Monitoring" - –Novel RF sensors for Structural Health Monitoring", October 2009 - Cambridge, MA
  • Novel Wireless Sensors for Structural Health Surveillance" - 7th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring, September 2009 - California
  • Nanotechnology and its relevance to Radio Frequency Interrogation - AIDC conference: Evolution of an RFID revolution, October 2008 - Andover, MA
  • Biocatalytically Synthesis of Polypyrrole" - 12th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, June 2008 - Washington, D.C
  • Sustainable Technologies _ Green Chemistry & Engineering" - Massachusetts Democratic Convention, June 2008 - Lowell, MA USA
  • Sustainable Packaging _Aspirations, Perceptions and Reality", June 2008 - Lowell, MA USA
  • Green Chemistry Principles for Synthesis of New classes of Materials - Green Chemistry & Commerce Council Innovators Roundtable: The Role of Tools, Labels, and Retail in Promoting Safer Chemistry, April 2007 - Lowell, MA
  • Introduction to Green Chemistry - The New England Consortium (TNEC) for students from Environmental Technology Program, December 2006 - Essex Agricultural and Technical High School, Danvers, MA
  • Introduction to Green Chemistry", December 2006 - Danvers, MA
  • Single-step biocatalytic synthesis of sexithiophene alpha-6T - Materials Research Society Meeting, November 2005 - Boston, MA
  • Thiophene oligomer as a ¥redox mediator for the biocatalytic synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT - American Chemical Society Meeting, July 2004 - Philadelphia, PA
  • Electronic and Photonic Polymers from Biocatalysis - Gordon Research Conference on Green Chemistry, July 2004 - Bristol, RI
  • Electronic and Photonic Polymers from Biocatalysis" - Green Chemistry, July 2004 - Bristol, RI
  • Synthesis of a Photoactive Azopolymer Complexed with Genomic DNA" - American Chemical Society Meeting, August 2002 - Boston MA
  • Synthesis of Electronic and Photonic Polymers Intertwined with DNA - American Chemical Society Meeting, October 2001 - Chicago, IL
  • DNA Conformation Switching Using a Templated Conducting Polymer - American Chemical Society Meeting, August 2000 - Washington D.C.
  • Synthesis of electronic and photonic polymers complexed with DNA" - K B Chandrasekhar center, August 2000 - Chennai, India
  • Synthesis of electronic and photonic polymers complexed with DNA, August 2000 - Anna University- K B Chandrasekhar center, Chennai, India

Selected Intellectual Property

  • Patent - Aris, Z., Bouldin, R., Nagarajan, R., Budhlall, B."Hydrophilic modification of water insoluble polysaccharide as surface-active agents," US Patent US9815912 B2 United States
  • Patent - Kumar, J., Bruno, F.F., Braunhut, S.J., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A., McIntosh, D., Foley, K."Sythesis of Oligo/Poly(Catechins) and Methods of Use," 8,143,308 B2 United States
  • Patent - Nagarajan, R., Balasubramanian, S., Mead, J., Chen, J.".ÒConductive formulations for deposition of binder-free metallic elements suitable for use in electrical, electronic and RF applicationsÓ," International Patent - WO/2010/065503 Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • Patent - Nagarajan, R., Balasubramanian, S., Cazeca, M., Sivasubramanian, S., Mead, J., Chen, J."ÒWireless Passive Radio-Frequency Strain And Displacement SensorsÓ Patent (Pending)," International Patent - WO/2011/066028 Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • Patent - Kumar, J., Ravichandran, S., Nagarajan, R., Nagarajan, S., Ku, B., Coughlin, E., Emrick, T."Halogenated Flame Retardant Materials from Phenolic Polymers and Copolymers," 61/481,414
  • - Ravichandran, S., Nagarajan, S., Ku, B.C., Coughlin, E.B., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R.""Non-halogenated flame retardant materials from phenolic polymers and co-polymers"," US Patent Application United States
  • Patent - Ravichandran, S., Nagarajan, S., Ku, B.C., Coughlin, E.B., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R.""Non-halogenated flame retardant materials from phenolic polymers and co-polymers"," US Patent Application (Submitted Spring 2010).
  • Patent - Bouldin, R., Ravichandran, S., Kokil, A., Nagarajan, S., Kumar, J., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R."Soybean peroxidase as a catalyst for enzymatic synthesis of conducting polymers' patent," Patent (Disclosure Filed to CVIP summer 2010).
  • Patent - Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R., Bouldin, R., Ravichandran, S., Kokil, A., Nagarajan, S., Bruno, F., Samuelson, L.A."Soybean Peroxidase as a Catalyst for Enzymatic Synthesis of Conducting Polymers," 72/622,612
  • Patent - Bouldin, R., Ravichandran, S., Kokil, A., Nagarajan, S., Kumar, J., Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R."ÒSoybean peroxidase as a catalyst for enzymatic synthesis of conducting polymersÓ,"
  • - Tripathy, S., Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Roy, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Ku, B., Lee, S.".ÒPolymerization of aromatic monomers using derivatives of hematinÓ Patent," U.S. Patent Number: 7,479,329 United States
  • Patent - Bruno, F.F., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, S., Braunhut, S.J., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A., McIntosh, D., Foley, K.".ÒSynthesis of oligo/poly(catechins) and methods of useÓ patent," U.S 20090170928 A1International Application No: PCT/US2006/015872 Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • Patent - Tripathy, S.K., Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Roy, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Ku, B., Lee, S.Ð., Soo-Hyoung, ."ÒPolymerization of aromatic monomers using derivatives of hematinÓ," 20020183470A1 United States
  • Patent - Bruno, F.F., Kumar, J., Nagarajan, S., Braunhut, S.J., Nagarajan, R., Samuelson, L.A., McIntosh, D., Foley, K."ÒSynthesis of oligo/poly(catechins) and methods of useÓ," U.S 20090170928
  • Patent - Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Tripathy, S., Liu, W., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J."ÒEnzymatic polymerizationÓ Patent," U.S Patent Number: 7,332,297 United States
  • - Tripathy, S.K., Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Roy, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Ku, B., Lee, S.Ð., Soo-Hyoung, .".ÒPolymerization of aromatic monomers using derivatives of hematinÓ Patent," 20070021587A1, 20080090103 A1, 20040198945A1, 20020183470A1
  • Patent - Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Tripathy, S., Liu, W., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J."ÒPolymer-template complex produced by enzymatic polymerizationÓ," U.S Patent Number: 7,309,582 United States
  • Patent - Tripathy, S., Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Roy, S., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Ku, B., Lee, S."ÒPolymerization of aromatic monomers using derivatives of hematinÓ Patent," U.S Patent Number: 7,294,686 United States
  • Patent - Bruno, F.F., Ferdinando, ., Samuelson, L., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Sennett, M."Assembled hematin, method for forming same and method for polymerizing aromatic monomers using same," U.S Patent Number: 7,510,739 (2009); 7,358,327 (2008); 7,344,751 (2008); 7,022,420 (2006). United States
  • Patent - Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Tripathy, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Liu, W."Method of forming an electrically conductive connection utilizing a polynucleotide/conductive polymer complexÓ Patent," U.S. Patent No: 7,056,675 United States
  • Patent - Samuelson, L., Bruno, F.F., Tripathy, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Liu, W."ÒEnzymatic template polymerizationÓ Patent," U.S Patent Number 7,001,996 United States
  • - Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J."ÒMethods for polymerization of electronic and photonic polymersÓ Patent," U.S. Patent No: 7,056,675 United States
  • - Bruno, F.F., Ferdinando, ., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Sennett, M."ÒAssembled hematin, method for forming same and method for polymerizing aromatic monomers using sameÓ," 20050208666A1 United States
  • Patent - Bruno, F.F., Ferdinando, ., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Sennett, M."ÒAssembled hematin, method for forming same and method for polymerizing aromatic monomers using sameÓ Patent," 20060078756A1, 20050208668A1, 20050208667A1, 20050208666A1
  • Patent - Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Tripathy, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Liu, W.".ÒEnzymatic template polymerizationÓ patent," 20050147990A1, 20050084888A1, 20050084887A1, 20050079533A1, 20040023346A1, 20060041110A1 Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • - Samuelson, L.A., Bruno, F.F., Tripathy, S.K., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J., Liu, W."ÒEnzymatic template polymerizationÓ," 20060041110A1 United States
  • Patent - Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J."ÒMethods for polymerization of electronic and photonic polymersÓ," 20050203275A1 United States
  • Patent - Bruno, F.F., Samuelson, L.A., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J."ÒMethods for polymerization of electronic and photonic polymersÓ Patent," 20050203276A1, 20050203275A1 Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • Patent - Samuelson, L.A., Tripathy, S.K., Bruno, F.F., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J."ÒEnzymatic polymerization of anilines or phenols around a templateÓ," U.S Patent Number 6,569,651 United States

Selected Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research

  • Flame Retardant Textile Finishes (2019), Grant - HEROES US Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center SLIMMER Project
    Chen, W., Nagarajan, R., Kumar, J.
  • Advanced Materials and Processing for Improving Soldier Protection – Biobased, Biodegradable Latex Paper Coatings (2015), Grant - US Army
    Sobkowicz Kline, M.J. (Principal), Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • "Greener" Surfactants from Bio-Based Waste as Efficient Alternatives to Nonylphen (2013), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Sustainable Packaging Solutions Based on Biodegradable Plastics (2013), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • 'Greener' Surfactants from Bio-Based Waste as Efficient Alternatives to Nonylphen (2012), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • ($200K) TUES: Biobased Plastics for a Sustainable Future: Undergraduate Educational Modules for the Engineering Cirricula (2011), Grant - National Science Foundation
    Budhlall, B. (Principal), Barry, C.M. (Co-Principal), Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • Halogen-free Flame Retardant Materials (2011), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • EVSynthesis of Aramid Copolymers and Layer-by-Layer Flame Retardant (FR) Coatings (2013), Contract - U.S. ARMY RESEARCH OFFICE
    Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • Biobased Plastics for a Sustainable Future: Undergraduate Educational Modules for (2011), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • Design of novel flame retardant materials that operate through synergistic mechan (2010), Contract -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (2013), - Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, National Science Foundation
    Schmidt, D. (Co-Principal), Sobkowicz Kline, M.J., Reynaud, E., Nagarajan, R., McCarthy, S.P.
  • Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Center for Bioplastics and Bio (2013), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • Characterization of Particle Size Distribution of PHA Latex (2012), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • TGA-FTIR Characterization (2012), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Characterization of Flame Retardants Using PCFC (2012), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Investigation of the Quality Control of Compatibilized UPVC (2011), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • Nanomanufacturing Center For Excellence (2011), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Nanomanufacturing of Multifunctional Sensors (2010), Contract -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Funding For Various Initiatives (2009), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Co-Principal)
  • Organic Photovoltaics from Nano-patterned Fullerenes and Semi-conducting Polymers (2008), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Novel "Greener" Routes to Halogen-free Flame Retardant Materials (2010), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Nanomanufacturing of Multifunctional Sensors (2009), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Nanomanufacturing of Multifunctional Sensors (2007), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Development of Polymeric Composites and Nanostructures for Sustained Release of A (2008), Grant -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)
  • Low Cost and Low Stress Lens Molding (LCLS) Project (2007), -
    Nagarajan, R. (Principal)

Research Currently in Progress

  • Enzymatic and biomimetic synthesis of materials for environmentally safe flame retardants and polymers for drug delivery systems.

    New polymeric materials have been synthesized using enzymes such as Horseradish Peroxidase, and Lipase and their properties have been investigated. Several patents have been granted and patent applications have been filed. This work is being pursued in collaboration with Prof. Ram Nagarajan, Arthur Watterson, Prof. Virinder Parmar, and Lynne Samuelson and Nando Bruno (Solder Center, Natick)
    Kumar, J., Nagarajan, R., Watterson, A., Parmar, V., Samuelson, L., Bruno, N.