Areas of Interest
Biochemistry, cell biology, inflammation, in silico studies, Indian traditional knowledge system
Educational Qualification
B. Sc., M. Sc. Biochemistry
Ph. D. in Biochemistry
Work Experience
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Assistant Professor, School of Biosciences, MACFAST (Apr 2021 – Present)
Research Fellow, School of Biosciences, M.G. University (Jan 2014 – 2020)
Principal Investigator, Women Scientist (KSCSTE-BLP), M.G. University (June 2017 – Dec 2020)
Lecturer in Biochemistry, Mar Thoma College, M.G. University (Jan 2007 – Dec 2013)
Lecturer in Biochemistry, St. Mary’s College, M.G. University (Sep 2004 – Jan 2007)
Researcher, Business Innovation and Incubation Centre, M.G. University (Jan 2019 – June 2019).
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RESEARCH EXPERTISE:
Animal Cell Culture: Cytokine estimation, QRT-PCR (Roche LightCycler 96, QuantStudio 3), gel documentation, cytometry, cell migration/differentiation, handling THP-1, U937, RAW264.7.
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: LC-MS (Waters Acquity qDA, HRLC-MS 12950), Shimadzu HPLC, Camag HPTLC.
Spectroscopy: UV-Vis, FTIR (Shimadzu IR Prestige), Raman (WITec Alpha 300RA).
Microscopy: Fluorescence and phase-contrast (Olympus IX51 with HDI Camera).
Other Techniques: ELISA, enzyme assays, FACS analysis.
Computational Tools: GraphPad Prism, Origin 6.0, Lab Solutions (Shimadzu), MS Office, image analysis.
Bioinformatics & Docking: AutoDock4, Discovery Studio, SwissADME, SWISS Target, DataWarrior, Molsoft.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND DISTINCTIONS
Design patent: Vibrational Ear Cleaning Device with Ayurvedic Herb (Design No. 438624-001, 27/11/2024).
Research guidesh under M G university (Order Number 11389/AC A 6/2023/M.G.)
Evaluator, Young Innovators Programme (YIP), KDISC – District Level.
Expert speaker : National Seminar : Economic of IPR: An Indian Prespective on12- 12 December 2023 at St. Xaviers College,Vaikom.
Invited Speaker: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Topic: Molecular Docking – An in silico approach to drug discovery, July 2022).
Startup Approval: M.G. University Business Innovation and Incubation Center.
Principal Investigator: 3-Year Project under KSCSTE “Back to Lab” Programme.
SFE Young Ethnopharmacologist Award (2019), SFEC, Manipal.
Outstanding Oral Presentation, INNOPHARM3 (2018), Goa.
4th Rank in M.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Kerala.
NCC ‘B’ Certificate holder.
Journal Publication
• Tijo Cherian , Teena Merlin , Karthika Rajendran , Jacob Thomas “Biogenic production and characterization of SeNPs (selenium nanoparticles) utilizing aqueous fruit extract of Morus alba and assessment of their biological potentialities” Results in Surfaces and Interfaces (2025) : pp.1-19, 26668459
• Beena Cherian, Tijo Cherian, Teena Merlin & Shilpa Jose “Investigation of antibiosis, anti‑diabetic,antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, molecular docking and dye egradation potential of green synthesized copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) nanoparticles using mushroom Pleurotus florida” Discover Nano (2025) : pp.1-28, 27319229b
• Mostafa Mohammed Atiyah, Teena Merlin and Smitha Vijayan “Antifungal Potential of Sophora flavescens Root Extract: HR-LCMS Analysis and Molecular Docking of Bioactive Compounds Against Nosocomial Fungal Pathogens” Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology (2025) : pp.1854-1867, 0973-7510
• Sijo Asokan , Teena Jacob , Tijo Cherian , Teena Merlin , Vivekanandhan S , Afaf A AlSosowaa , Mostafa Mohammed Atiyah , Faheem Q Al-Mojahid , Willie J.G.M. Peijnenburg , Smitha Vijayan “HR-LCMS profiling, in vitro and in silico assessment of the antibacterial activities of endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NWR-14 from Piper chaba W. Hunter” Phytomedicine Plus (2025) : pp.., 2667-0313.
• Rahitha Devi, S.J., Prakash Kumar, B., Bashi, M.B., Chinchu, J.U., Merlin, T. “Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of polyherbal decoction, Balaguluchyadi kashayam.” Adv. Tradit. Med. (18-03-2020) : pp.20,641-643, 2662-4060.
• Teena Merlin, Prakash Kumar “Free Radical Scavenging, Antioxidant Potential, And Nitric Oxide Inhibition In Human Thp1 Derived Macrophages By Kokilaksham ashayam” Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research (12-06-2019) : pp.82-86, 2455-3891
• Hashim, M.S., Lincy, S., Remya, V., Teena, M., Anila, L “Effect of polyphenolic compounds from Coriandrum sativum on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human lymphocytes.phages” Food Chem (23-08-2004) : pp.92,653–6, ISSN: 03698211, 22501746
Conference Publication
• Ardra A P, Dr. Teena Merlin* Exploring the phytochemical profile of Synsepalum dulcificum leaf extract. (2024). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Advancements and Innovations in Phytochemistry, Nutraceuticals, and Functional Foods (p. 159). MACFAST College. ISBN 978-81-954713-7-9.
• Faheem Q. AL-Mojahid, Dr. Teena Merlin*. Phytochemical profile of Chandraprabha Vatika. (2024). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Advancements and Innovations in Phytochemistry, Nutraceuticals, and Functional Foods. MACFAST College. ISBN 978-81-954713-7-9.
• Elizabeth Jacob, Dr. Teena Merlin* Phytochemical screening and standardization of Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam: An ayurvedic polyherbal formulation. (2024). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Advancements and Innovations in Phytochemistry, Nutraceuticals, and Functional Foods. MACFAST College. ISBN 978-81-954713-7-9.
• Jacqueline Joe, Dr. Teena Merlin, Dr. Indu C Nair* Pouteria caimito: A novel source for bacterial exopolysaccharides. (2024). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Advancements and Innovations in Phytochemistry, Nutraceuticals, and Functional Foods (p. 147). MACFAST College. ISBN 978-81-954713-7-9.
• Arsha Johns, Dr. Teena Merlin, Dr. Smitha Vijayan* Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential of Garcinia gummi-gutta seed extract: Implications for metabolic health. (2024). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Advancements and Innovations in Phytochemistry, Nutraceuticals, and Functional Foods (p. 94). MACFAST College. ISBN 978-81-954713-7-9.
• Sini Kurien, Dr. Teena Merlin, Dr. Smitha Vijayan* Analysis of phytochemical constituents, quantification, and antibacterial properties of ethanolic leaf extract of Thespesia populnea. (2024). In Proceedings of the International Conference on Advancements and Innovations in Phytochemistry, Nutraceuticals, and Functional Foods (p. 165). MACFAST College. ISBN 978-81-954713-7-9.
• Ardra A P, Dr. Teena Merlin* Phytochemical profiling, bioactivity evaluation, and in silico analysis of Synsepalum dulcificum leaf extract (SDELE). (2025). In Bioradiance 2025 (p. 50). Pushpagiri Research Centre. ISBN 978-81-987828-9-2.
• Faheem Q. AL-Mojahid, Afaf A. Alsosowaa, Dr. Teena Merlin* Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, MTT assay, and HR-LCMS of Tribulus terrestris. (2025). In Bioradiance 2025 (p. 58). Pushpagiri Research Centre. ISBN 978-81-987828-9-2.
• Jacqueline Joe, Dr. Teena Merlin, Dr. Indu C Nair* Endophytic bacteria from fruit as a novel source of exopolysaccharides. (2025). In Bioradiance 2025 (p. 60). Pushpagiri Research Centre. ISBN 978-81-987828-9-2.
• Elizabeth Jacob, Dr. Teena Merlin* Scientific validation of Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam: Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity and HR-LCMS–based compound identification. (2025). In Bioradiance 2025 (p. 109). Pushpagiri Research Centre. ISBN 978-81-987828-9-2.
• Arsha Johns, Dr. Teena Merlin, Dr. Smitha Vijayan* Unveiling the anti-breast cancer and antioxidant properties of Garcinia gummi-gutta (2025). In Bioradiance 2025 (p. 107). Pushpagiri Research Centre. ISBN 978-81-987828-9-2.
• Faheem Q. Al-Mojahid*, Dr.Teena Merlin, Afaf A. Al- Sosowaa, Mojeeb Abdo Abdullah Qasem. Prevalence of antistreptolysin O and rheumatic factor among joint arthritis patients attending orthopedic clinics in Dhamar City, Yemen. (2024). In Energy, Environment and Health for a Sustainable Future (pp. 5–8). Sree Ayyappa College. ISBN 978-81-955890-9-8.
• Jacqueline Joe, Dr. Teena Merlin &Dr. Indu C Nair (2025). “Pouteria caimito: A Novel Source of Bacterial Exopolysaccharides”. Two-Day National Seminar “Towards a Healthier India: Harnessing Scientific Innovations for Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship (THAMIRS 2025)”, organized by the PG Department of Food and Industrial Microbiology and Department of Botany, Bishop Kurialacherry College for Women, Kottayam, Kerala, during 20–21 November 2025(Poster presentation)
• Jacqueline Joe, Dr. Teena Merlin &Dr. Indu C Nair (2026). “Isolation, Characterization, And Application Of Bacterial Exopolysaccharides In Bio-Composite Film For Food Packaging”. Kerala Science Congress,January 30—February 2,2026. (Oral presentation)
• Jacqueline Joe, Dr. Teena Merlin &Dr. Indu C Nair (2026). “Characterization Of Exopolysaccharide from A Bacterial Source”. National Research Conference & Kerala Higher Education Expo 2026, organized by the Department of Higher Education and the Kerala State Higher Education Council, held at Government College for Women, 9–11 February 2026. (Poster presentation).
• Faheem Q. AL-Mojahid, Afaf A. Alsosowaa, Dr. Teena Merlin* (2025). Exploring the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris – An in vitro study. Oral presentation at the Two-Day National Seminar “Towards a Healthier India: Harnessing Scientific Innovations for Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship (THAMIRS 2025)”, organized by the PG Department of Food and Industrial Microbiology and Department of Botany, Bishop Kurialacherry College for Women, Kottayam, Kerala, during 20–21 November 2025. Oral presentation
• Faheem Q. Al-Mojahid, Afaf A. Alsosowaa, and Teena Merlin* (2026). An in vitro approach to explore the phytochemical insights and biological activities of the ethanolic fruit extract of Tribulus terrestris used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI). Presented at the National Research Conference & Kerala Higher Education Expo 2026, organized by the Department of Higher Education and the Kerala State Higher Education Council, held at Government College for Women, 9–11 February 2026. Oral presentation.
• Elizabeth Jacob, Dr. Teena Merlin* HRLCMS guided identification of Bioactive compounds in Dasamulakatutrayadi kashayam with antioxidant and antimicrobial correlations. Poster presentation at 10th foundation day of IUCBR and SSH and one day seminar on recent trends in biomedical research, 28th June 2025, M G university campus at Thalappady at Kottayam.
• Ardra A P & Dr. Teena Merlin (2025) “Multiphase Evaluation of Synsepalum dulcificum Leaf Extract: From Phytochemical Profiling to Biological Activity with In Silico Insights into Antidiabetic Potential”. One-day seminar on “Recent Trends in Biomedical Research” held on 28th June 2025 by the Inter University Center for Biomedical Research & Super Specialty Hospital (IUCBR&SSH), M.G. University, Kottayam, Kerala, on the occasion of its 10th Foundation Day. (Poster presentation)
• Ardra A P & Dr. Teena Merlin (2025) “Multiphase Evaluation of Synsepalum dulcificum Leaf Extract: From Phytochemical Profiling to Biological Activity with In Silico Insights into Antidiabetic Potential” in the International Conference on Mathematics in Technology, Industry and Finance (ICMTIF 2025) organised by Department of Mathematics, Devaswom Board Pampa College, Parumala during 26–27 August 2025 (Oral Presentation)
• Ardra A P & Dr. Teena Merlin (2026). “Phytochemical Profiling And Bioactivity Evaluation Of Synsepalum Dulcificum Leaf Extract: An In Vitro And In Silico Approach For Wound Healing” Kerala Science Congress,January 30—February 2,2026. (poster presentation)
• Ardra A P & Dr. Teena Merlin (2026). “Wound Healing Effect Of Synsepalum Dulcificum Leaf Extract- An In Vitro And In Silico Approach”. National Research Conference & Kerala Higher Education Expo 2026, organized by the Department of Higher Education and the Kerala State Higher Education Council, held at Government College for Women, 9–11 February 2026. (Poster presentation).
• Namitha Vijay, Ardra A P, & Dr. Teena Merlin (2025). “Antioxidant and Antibacterial Constituents of Elaeocarpus serratus: A GC-MS and Molecular Docking Approach.” International Conference on “Wetland Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity” organized by Departments of botany & zoology Devaswom Board, Pampa College, Parumala, in association with KERALA STATE BIODIVERSITY BOARD , during 16–17 December 2025. (Paper presentation)
• Teena Merlin “Exploring the Therapeutic Potential Of Colletotrichum Gloeosporioides Isolated From Withania Somnifera For Efficacious Anticancer Agents” 4th International Congress Of Multidisciplinary Studies In Medical Sciences, Venue : ., Date : 10-02-2023, Published in IKSAD Global Publishing House Turkey pp.420, 978-625-8405-39-2
• Teena Merlin and Prakash K. B “In silico studies on the anti-inflammatory potential of the ayurvedic herbal decoction Kokilaksham Kashayam. ” 32nd Kerala Science Congress , Venue : Yuvakshetra Institute of Management Studies, Mundoor, Palakkad , Date : 25-02-2020, Published in Proceedings of 32nd Kerala Science Congress pp.152, ISBN NO : 978- 81-942768-0-7
• Teena Merlin, “Evaluation of anti inflammatoty activity of kokilaksham kashayam on Raw macrophage cell line” 31st Kerala Science Congress, Venue : Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Date : 02-02-2019, Published in 31st Kerala Science Congress pp.1, 81 – 86366 – 97
Book Published
• Smitha Vijayan , Teena Merlin , M.S. Jisha “Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of polymer sutures” ,Edition : 1, Publishd by Elsevier, San Diego in 2023-04-15
• Robert Antony, Priya Prasannakumar, I. Ameena, M. Sruthi, Teena Merlin, A. P. Ardra & K. Aswathy Surendran “Medicinal and Nutritional Importance of Amorphophallus campanulatus in Human Health” , Edition : 1, Publishd by Springer Nature, Singapore in 2024-09-19
• Teena Merlin, Smitha Vijayan “Cancer Therapy and Treatment Using Functionalized Peptide-Based Nanoformulations: An Environmental Friendly Method of Providing Healthcare” , Edition : 1, Publishd by Apple Academic Press in 2025-05-21
Seminar, Conference, Refresher course Attended
• Human Genome Seminar , Venue And Place : Dept. of Biochemistry , Kariyavattom, Organized And Sponsored By Dept. of Biochemistry , Kariyavattom, Kerala University from2002-07-22 to 2002-07-23
• Satellite Symposium on Extracellular Matrix in Health and Disease , Venue And Place :Technopark, Thiruvanathapuram, Organized And Sponsored By Dept. of Biochemistry at University of Kerala, Kariavattom from 2003-01-12 to 2003-01-13
• Molecular diagnostics and therapeutics , Venue And Place : Department of Biosciences, Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla , Organized And Sponsored By Department of Biosciences,Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla from 2013-01-27 to 2013-02-27
• Mass spectrometry and Raman Microcopy (NWMR-2015) , Venue And Place : School of Environmental Studies, M G university, Organized And Sponsored By Inter-university instrumentation center & Advanced center of Environmental studies & sustainable development from 2015-03-27 to 2015-03-28
• Awareness program on “Prevention and management of Lifestyle Diseases” , Venue And Place : School of Biosciences, M.G University , Organized And Sponsored By Department of student services in association with School of Biosciences, M.G University from 2016-03-17 to 2016-03-18
• Molecular docking & drug designing , Venue And Place : School of Biosciences, M G university, Organized And Sponsored By Inflammation Research Lab,School of BIosciences, M G university from 2016-03-23 to 2016-03-25
• Recent Biochemical Approaches in Therapeutics (RBAT-III) , Venue And Place : Department of Biochemistry, Kariyavattom, Organized And Sponsored By Department of Biochemistry, Kerala University from 2017-02-15 to 2017-02-17
• Recent Biochemical Approaches in Therapeutics (RBAT-IV) , Venue And Place : Department of Biochemistry, Kariyavattom, Organized And Sponsored By Department of Biochemistry, Kerala University from 2018-01-23 to 2018-01-25
• NNOPHARM3, 3rd International Conference Academic and Industrial Innovations: Transitions in Pharmaceutical, Medical, and Biosciences , Venue And Place : Kala Academy, Goa, Organized And Sponsored By INNOPHARM3 from 2018-10-22 to 2018-10-23
• 3-day workshop on Image Analysis in Life Science Research (IALR)-2019 , Venue And Place : Dunes Hotel, Cochin., Organized And Sponsored By SciCon IALR-2019 from 2019-01-11 to 2019-01-13
• 31st Kerala Science Congress at Fatima Mata National College , Venue And Place : Fatima Mata National College, Kollam , Organized And Sponsored By KSC from 2019-02-03 to 2019-02-03
• 6th International Congress of the Society for Ethnopharmacology (SFEC-2019) , Venue And Place : Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka , Organized And Sponsored By SFEC from 2019-02-08 to 2019-02-10
• 32nd Kerala Science Congress , Venue And Place : Yuvakshetra Institute of Management Studies, Mundoor, Palakkad , Organized And Sponsored By KSCSTE from 2020-01-25 to 2020-01-27
• 6th International Congress of the Society for Ethnopharmacology (SFEC-2020) , Venue And Place : Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Organized And Sponsored By SFEC from 2020-02-15 to 2020-02-17
• Sixth International conference on Sustainable Utilisation of Tropical Plant Biomass –Opportunities for Innovation and entrepreneurship in Kerala , Venue And Place : chool of Biociences, M.G University, Organized And Sponsored By SBS, IUCOFSA, BIIC (M.G University) from 2020-12-14 to 2020-12-15
• Workshop (online) on ‘Fundamentals and Applications of Raman, AFM & Fluorecence Spectrometer’ , Venue And Place : M G University, Organized And Sponsored By SAIF-DST from 2021-02-02 to 2021-03-02
• Molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, Venue And Place : Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla , Organized And Sponsored By Department of Biociences, Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla in 2012-02-27 to 2012-02-27.
External fund mobilized for research projects
• Granted Rs. 25.7 lakhs for Project by Kerala State Council For Science, Technology And Environment, Thiruvanathapuram, Women Scientists Division (KSCSTE Order No.235/WSD-BLP/KSCSTE/2016- 17).
Award and Honours and Recognization
• Jacqueline Joe, Teena Merlin, Indu C Nair “Best Poster Presentation Award* in the biological sciences section at the National Research Conference and Kerala Higher Education Expo 2026, organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Kerala and the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), held at Government College for Women Thiruvananthapuram, during 09th-11th February 2026.
• Faheem Q. AL Mojahid, Teena Merlin ” Best Paper Presentation Award* at the National Research Conference and Kerala Higher Education Expo 2026, organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Kerala and the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), held at Government College for Women Thiruvananthapuram, during 09th-11th February 2026.
• Faheem Q. AL Mojahid, Teena Merlin Awarded the Best oraL Paper Presentation Award award at the sixth Scientific Conference of Al-Baydha University – The Environment in The 21st Century: Reality, Challenges, and Solutions” conference in the natural Sciences session held at Al-Baydha University -Yemen.
• Student Start-Up ,Award Agency : Business Innovation And Incubation Center, Date :2018-06-02
• Best Oral Presentation Award ,Award Agency : INNOPHARM3, Innovare Academic Sciences in association with Paramita Health Care Society and Society for thanopharmacology , Date : 2018-10-23
• Young Ethnopharmacologist Award 2019: “P.K.Debnath Memorial Award” ,Award Agency : Society for Ethnopharmacology, Date : 2019-02-10.
External Projects Supervised
• Machine learning approaches for virtual screening of chemical compound in drug discovery (June2021) by Aparna K and Sreejesh V S, Department of Computer Application, Amrita Vishwapeetham, Amritapuri.
• In Silico Screening for Anti-inflammatory Bioactive Molecules from Ayurvedic Decoction, Varanadi Kashayam with TACE (Sep 2020) by Bilna K B, Department of Chemistry, SNM College, Maliankara.
• In Silico Screening for Anti-inflammatory Bioactive Molecules from Ayurvedic Decoction, Varanadi Kashayam with Caspase 1(Sep 2020) by Sethulekshmi E.S, Department of Chemistry, SNM College, Maliankara.
• A Review report on In Silico Screening for natural anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules from the database, with iNOS (July 2020) by Greeshma S, School of Biosciences, M.G.
• A review report on In silico screening for natural anti-Inflammatory bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids from the database, with 5-LOX (July 2020) Ardra Thomas, School of Biosciences, M.G. University.
• Computational Method for the clarification of drug and non-drug (March 2019) by Rakesh V. and Anu Mohan, Department of Computer Application, Amrita Vishwapeetham, Amritapuri.
• In silico screening of bioactive molecules from Sukumara kashayam for identification of potential lead molecules for drug development (Sep 2018) by Feba, School of Biosciences, M.G. University.
• In Silico Screening for Anti-inflammatory Bioactive Molecules from Ayurvedic Decoction, Varanadi Kashayam with TACE (Sep 2020) by Bilna K B, Department of Chemistry, SNM College, Maliankara.
• In Silico Screening for Anti-inflammatory Bioactive Molecules from Ayurvedic Decoction, Varanadi Kashayam with Caspase 1(Sep 2020) by Sethulekshmi E.S, Department of Chemistry, SNM College, Maliankara.
• A Review report on In Silico Screening for natural anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules from the database, with iNOS (July 2020) by Greeshma S, School of Biosciences, M.G. University.
• A review report on In silico screening for natural anti-Inflammatory bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids from the database, with 5-LOX (July 2020) Ardra Thomas, School of Biosciences, M.G. University.
• Computational Method for the clarification of drug and non-drug (March 2019) by Rakesh V. and Anu Mohan, Department of Computer Application, Amrita Vishwapeetham, Amritapuri.
• In silico screening of bioactive molecules from Sukumara kashayam for identification of potential lead molecules for drug development (Sep 2018) by Feba, School of Biosciences, M.G. University.
Membership in Academic/Professional bodies:
• Member of Society for Ethnopharmacology