Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Series: Dr Ankan Dutta Chowdhury, Amity University Kolkata, India
Abstract
Our Emerging Investigator Series features exceptional work by early-career researchers working in the field of materials science.
Dr Ankan Dutta Chowdhury (ORCID: https://0000-0002-6391-5895) is an associate professor at the Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, India, and a Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellow awarded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India (2025). He is an interdisciplinary nanotechnologist working at the interface of materials chemistry, biosensing, nanomedicine, and electrochemical diagnostics. His research emphasizes translating functional nanomaterials into real-time and point-of-care applications. Chowdhury obtained his PhD from the Chemical Sciences Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), India, receiving the Best Thesis Award in 2016. Following his doctoral training, he pursued postdoctoral research as a MOST Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Chiao Tung University (Taiwan) and then the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) at Shizuoka University (Japan). His professional career began as an assistant professor in Japan, where he developed expertise in advanced nanofabrication, bio-nano interfaces, and diverse sensing mechanisms. After joining Amity University Kolkata, his research group focuses on the design and engineering of multifunctional nanomaterials for applications in cancer diagnostics, pathogen detection, food spoilage monitoring, gas sensing and targeted drug and gene delivery. His long-term vision is to develop integrated theranostic platforms that combine sensing, imaging, and targeted intervention, enabling precise, affordable, and accessible technologies for global health and societal impact.
Read Ankan Dutta Chowdhury’s Emerging Investigator Series article ‘Cu 3 N–Fe nanocube-based electrochemical sensing of cancer metabolites with minute-scale response time’ ( https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01603G ) and read more about him in the interview below:
MH: Your recent Materials Horizons Communication describes an electrochemical biosensor using iron-doped copper nitride (Cu 3 N–Fe) nanostructures for the rapid detection of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), a key metabolic biomarker released by cancer cells. How has your research evolved from your first article to this most recent article and where do you see your research going in future?
AC: My research journey has evolved from fundamental nanomaterial design toward translational biosensing and diagnostic platforms. During my early PhD and postdoctoral work, I primarily focused on developing nanostructured interfaces, such as graphene quantum dots, magnetic nanocomposites, and plasmonic assemblies for sensitive electrochemical and optical detection of biomolecules and pathogens. These studies helped to establish principles for signal amplification, surface functionalisation, and bio to nano interactions. Over time, my research has moved toward multifunctional and application-driven nanoplatforms, particularly for real-time disease diagnostics. The current Materials Horizons work on Cu3N–Fe nanocubes represents a natural progression, where we combine controlled nanocrystal engineering, metal doping, and electrocatalytic activity to directly sense human body-associated metabolites in rapid response times. This study bridges fundamental materials chemistry with clinically relevant bioanalysis, showing how controlled compositional tuning can significantly enhance sensing performance. Looking ahead, my group aims to expand this concept into integrated and portable diagnostic systems by coupling metal-doped Cu3N nanostructures with disposable electrodes and point-of-care devices. We are also interested in combining sensing with therapeutic or regulatory functions, such as integrating biosensing with targeted drug or siRNA delivery, thereby moving toward true theranostic nanoplatforms for cancer, infectious diseases, and food safety applications.
MH: In your opinion, what are the most important questions to be asked/answered in this field of research?
AC: Some of the most important questions involve how to reliably translate high-performance nanomaterial-based sensors from the laboratory to real clinical or field settings, and how to ensure reproducibility, robustness, and long-term stability. Another key question is how to integrate multifunctional nanomaterials into various applications such as sensing, imaging, and therapy into a single nanoplatform without compromising simplicity or cost-effectiveness. Addressing scalability, user-friendliness, and regulatory considerations will be crucial for real-world impact.
MH: What do you find most challenging about your research?
AC: Working at the interface of materials science, chemistry, biology, and engineering is both exciting and challenging. One major challenge is achieving consistent performance when moving from controlled laboratory conditions to complex biological or environmental samples. Additionally, as an early to mid-career researcher, balancing funding acquisition, administrative responsibilities, mentoring students, and maintaining research momentum is demanding. Access to advanced characterisation facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration is also essential and sometimes limiting.
MH: In which upcoming conferences or events may our readers meet you?
AC: I regularly participate in national and international conferences related to nanotechnology, biosensors, and analytical chemistry. Readers may meet me at conferences organised by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and Materials Research Society (MRS), as well as interdisciplinary meetings focused on biosensing, diagnostics, and nanomedicine. I also actively engage in academic seminars and collaborative meetings within India and abroad.
MH: How do you spend your spare time?
AC: Whenever possible, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, which helps me maintain balance and perspective. I also like reading, playing games and meeting people and occasionally watching movies or music. These activities help me refresh and return to research with renewed enthusiasm.
MH: Can you share one piece of career-related advice or wisdom with other early career scientists?
AC: My advice to early career scientists is to remain curious, persistent, and patient. Building a research career takes time, and setbacks are inevitable. Focusing on strong fundamentals, maintaining scientific integrity, and developing interdisciplinary skills can make a significant difference. Most importantly, try to find science in everything.
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