Academic Profile

Ph.D. in Chemistry (2024)

Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

Supervisor: Prof. S. K. Mehta

DAAD Fellow (2021–23)

Technical University Berlin, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Michael Gradzielski

B.Sc - M.Sc. in Chemistry (2013-18)

Shoolini University, India

Research Interests

Dr. Amit Kumar is a formulation scientist specializing in the development of advanced colloidal and nano-enabled pesticide formulations for sustainable agriculture. His research focuses on designing emulsions, Pickering emulsions, nanoemulsions, and biopolymer-based delivery systems for controlled release and enhanced stability of agrochemical actives.

His work integrates colloid science, nanotechnology, and formulation engineering to develop environmentally friendly agrochemical delivery systems. The goal is to improve efficacy, stability, and safety of pesticides and biopesticides while reducing environmental impact.

Research Areas

1. Development of advanced pesticide formulations (SC, WDG, OD, microemulsion, nanoemulsion)
2. Pickering emulsions and nanoparticle-stabilized delivery systems
3. Essential oil and botanical-based pesticide formulations
4. Nano-enabled agrochemical delivery systems
5. Encapsulation and controlled release of agrochemical actives
6. Biopolymer-based nanoassemblies and protein nanoparticles
7. Sustainable agrochemical formulation strategies

Professional Data

Professional Experience

February 2024 – Present

Specialist (Formulation)

Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurugram, India

April 2024 – January 2025

Senior Project Associate

Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurugram, India

2021 – 2023

DAAD Fellow

Technical University Berlin, Germany

2021 – 2024

Senior Research Fellow

Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

2021 – 2024

Junior Research Fellow

Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

Selected Research Publications

1. Kumar, A., Kanwar, R., & Mehta, S. K. Development of phosphatidylcholine/Tween 80-based biocompatible clove oil-in-water nanoemulsion as a green nanocarrier for controlled herbicide delivery. Environmental Pollution, 2022, 293, 118558 (IF:7.3).
2. Kumar, A., & Mehta, S. K.Advancements in essential oil-based emulsions: Eco-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science,2025, 80, 101964 (IF: 7.0).
3. Kumar, A., Gradzielski, M., Kanwar, R., & Mehta, S. K.Optimization and fabrication of lecithin/saponin mixed biosurfactant nanoemulsion of geraniol. Langmuir, 2025, 41(16), 10108–10121. (IF: 3.9).
4. Kumar, A., Kanwar, R., & Mehta, S. K. (2021).Eucalyptus oil-based nanoemulsion: A potent green nanowagon for controlled delivery of emamectin benzoate. ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, 1(2), 76–88 (IF: 2.9).
5. Kumar, A., Kanwar, R., & Mehta, S. K. Recent development in essential oil-based nanocarriers for eco-friendly and sustainable agri-food applications: A review. ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, 2022, 2(5), 823–837. (IF: 2.9)
6. Kumar, A., Kanwar, R., & Mehta, S. K. (2026). Fabrication of zein/lecithin complexcomposite particles as delivery vehicles for essential oil. ACS Food Science & Technology.2026, ASAP Article, (IF: 2.8).

Published Book Chapters

1. Kumar, A., Arushi, Rathee, J., Bansal, H., & Mehta, S. K. (2025). Plant-based proteins: Beyond meat and beans. In Plant-based proteins. Elsevier.
2. Kumar, A., Rathee, J., & Mehta, S. K. (2023). Functionalization and industrial-scale fabrication of nanoemulsions with applications in pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural sectors. In Industrial applications of nanoemulsions. Elsevier.
3. Kanwar, R., Kumar, A.,Rathee, J., & Mehta, S. K. (2022).Metallosurfactants as drug delivery vehicles. In Metallosurfactants: From fundamentals to catalytic and biomedical applications. Wiley.
4. Sharma, A., & Kumar, A. (2020). Chemistry of isothiocyanates. In Spectrum of isothiocyanate chemistry and its applications. Nova Science Publishers.

Awards / Honours / Affiliations

1. DAAD Research Fellowship – Technical University Berlin, Germany(2021–2023)
2. Sponsorship by Deutsch-Indische Gesellschaft e.V. (German-Indian Society) for participation in academic activities in Germany (2023).
3. DST INSPIRE Fellowship (SRF) – Department of Science & Technology, Government of India(2021–2024)
4. DST INSPIRE Fellowship (JRF) – Department of Science & Technology, Government of India(2019–2021)
5. DST INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) – Department of Science & Technology, Government of India (2013-2018
6. Reviewer for journals including ACS Omega, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Measurement, ACS Food Science & Technology