C. N. R. Rao
Nanomedicine · Materials Chemistry
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Overview
C. N. R. Rao is a Elite-tier (top 1%) nanomedicine specialist with an H-index of 164 at JNCASR (Honorary President). Known for pioneered Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Drug Delivery, Antimicrobial Nanomaterials. Has been published in Journal of Chemical Sciences, Science and recipient of the Legion of Honour (2005). Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
For Patients
- Practicing materials chemistry specialist with 65+ years of experience
- Pioneered 2 medical techniques including Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Drug Delivery and Antimicrobial Nanomaterials
- Research is cited 32K+ times by other doctors and scientists, indicating significant influence on medical research
- Currently at JNCASR in Bengaluru, India
Biography
Executive Summary
Bharat Ratna C. N. R. Rao (Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao) is one of the world's most cited chemists and a legendary figure in modern science. While primarily a solid-state and structural chemist, his inclusion in the medical pantheon is due to his pioneering crossover work in Nanomedicine and Theranostics. His research on carbon nanotubes, graphene, and inorganic nanomaterials has laid the groundwork for next-generation drug delivery systems and biosensors used in clinical diagnostics today.
Early Life and Education
Born in Bengaluru, Dr. Rao obtained his Ph.D. from Purdue University at age 24. He later received a D.Sc. from the University of Mysore. He has been the driving force behind the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the founding President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).
Key Contributions & Innovations (Biomedical)
- Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery: His team developed novel methods to functionalize carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide, enabling them to carry chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells with reduced systemic toxicity.
- Biosensors: Pioneer in the synthesis of metal-oxide nanoparticles used in high-sensitivity glucose and cholesterol biosensors.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Developed non-cytotoxic, membrane-active cationic molecular sheets that effectively kill multidrug-resistant bacteria (Superbugs).
Awards and Recognition
- Bharat Ratna (2014): India's highest civilian award, making him one of only three scientists to ever receive it (alongside C.V. Raman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam).
- Dan David Prize (2005): For Materials Science.
- Legion of Honour (2005): France's highest distinction.
- Member of all major scientific academies globally, including the Royal Society (UK) and the National Academy of Sciences (USA).
Legacy
Dr. C. N. R. Rao is the patriarch of Indian science. His influence extends beyond the lab; as the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister for decades, he shaped the funding and direction of biomedical research in India. With over 1,700 publications and 54 honorary doctorates, he is a living institution.
Affiliations & Institutions
Research Impact
Publication Timeline
Published In
Key Publications
Metal Carboxylates with Open Architectures
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Boron‐ and Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene
MoS<sub>2</sub> and WS<sub>2</sub> Analogues of Graphene
Ferromagnetism as a universal feature of nanoparticles of the otherwise nonmagnetic oxides
Sensing Behavior of Atomically Thin-Layered MoS<sub>2</sub> Transistors
Areas of Expertise
Pioneering Techniques
Medical Specialties
Clinical Knowledge & Procedures
Medical Lineage
Tracing the transfer of medical knowledge through mentorship
Known Mentor
Trained Students
C. N. R. Rao was trained by 1 known mentor.
Media Archive