Collaborating with international experts, Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel focuses on developing novel bioactive molecules with applications in cancer treatment and green chemistry. Recipient of multiple awards, he is a fellow of many global societies, and is on the editorial boards of several international journals.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel works as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Sardar Patel University in Anand, Gujarat. He takes immense pride in being a part of Sardar Patel University, highlighting the exceptional research facilities that the institution provides.

Prof. Patel has been associated with SPU since 2015. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in shaping the academic and research landscape of the Chemistry Department of the university, which offers master programs in Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, and Polymer Science. Additionally, the department provides Ph.D. programs, with nearly 50 students currently pursuing their doctoral research under the guidance of various faculty members as guides.

His expertise lies in Organic Chemistry, where he focuses on developing innovative organic molecules by targeting different  bio-abilities. His research spans various fields, including anti - microbial activities and anticancer drug screening. Driven by the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries, he has established strong collaborations with renowned scientists worldwide.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel works closely with Prof. Jose Padron from Spain and Dr. Saurabh Banerjee from the University of Dundee, Scotland, to conduct extensive research on anticancer compounds. Additionally, his collaboration with Dr. Mahesh Narayan from the USA and researchers at IIT Chennai has significantly contributed to single-crystal studies, advancing molecular research. Recently, he joined hands with Dr. Patrikios from Australia, who is assisting Dr. Patel in various cell line studies, further strengthening the impact of his work.

Through these international collaborations and innovative research, Prof. Patel continues to push the boundaries of organic chemistry, contributing to scientific advancements with the potential to improve healthcare and medicinal treatments worldwide.

Organic Chemistry Expert Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel proudly shares that he is actively associated with the editorial boards of several international journals. He serves as an Editor for the journal Material Science Research India,  and as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Chemistry, published in Switzerland. Additionally, he is a panel member for MDPI-based journals like Molecules and is also involved with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) journals, including RSC Advances.

Green Chemistry Specialist Prof. Patel has also been actively engaged with several prestigious scientific organizations. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry since 2020 and served as an elected member of the Organic Chemistry Council, UK from 2020 to 2023. During his term, which concluded in June 2023, he made significant contributions to the global scientific community.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is known for supporting researchers worldwide by offering grants, organizing conferences, and providing platforms for scientists to share their work. During his tenure, he played a vital role in funding and facilitating international conferences, national programs, and early-career researcher initiatives.

In addition to his association with the Royal Society of Chemistry, Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel is a member of the American Chemical Society and holds several prestigious fellowships in India, including the ABAP Fellowship and the ISCB Fellowship. In 2024, he received the Academic Scientist Award from the ISCB (Indian Society of Chemists and Biologists) at Lucknow University for his outstanding research in cancer-targeting molecules.

Prolific Researcher Prof. Patel has also been recognized on international platforms. At a major conference organized by IAC Bangalore, he received the Edward Kennedy Memorial Award from Biogenesis, the organisers of the conference. His work was further acknowledged at the World Cancer Conference in JNU, supported by IIM, New Delhi, where he was honored with the Renato Dulbecco Memorial Award. These accolades highlight his dedication to advancing chemical research, particularly in the field of cancer therapeutics.

His expertise in green chemistry has led him to review papers for high-impact journals, including Green Chemistry, where he has evaluated over 40 research papers. Being a reviewer for prestigious organizations like the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), American Chemical Society (ACS), and Elsevier, he has reviewed more than 400 manuscripts over the last 15 years. He believes that reviewing research papers has been an enriching experience, allowing him to learn and stay updated with cutting-edge advancements in chemistry.

One of the highlights of his career was receiving the RSC’s Sustainable Grant last year, worth 10,000 pounds. This project, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Kalisadhan Mukherjee from Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, is set to conclude by March 2025. The focus of this research is to contribute to sustainable chemical science by developing low-cost, less hazardous methodologies. They aim to carry out chemical reactions at room temperature without using catalysts, ensuring an environmentally friendly approach. By employing diversified methodologies, they are working on synthesizing new organic molecules with potential applications in Biomedicine, Molecular Exploration, and other scientific domains.

Through his research and editorial contributions, Prof. Patel continues to play a key role in advancing Green Chemistry and sustainable chemical practices worldwide.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel and his team focuses on innovative approaches to chemical synthesis, particularly emphasizing green chemistry. Their laboratory is dedicated to following the 12 principles of green chemistry, ensuring that all research is conducted in an environmentally friendly manner. By adopting these sustainable practices, they aim to develop new drug molecules and materials while minimizing environmental impact.

One of their key areas of research involves synthesizing diverse molecules that specifically target various types of cancer, including the brain, lung, kidney, and liver cancer. Their approach is deeply rooted in studying existing literature and analyzing the drugs currently available in the market. Based on these insights, they design and develop new molecular structures that have the potential to be more effective in targeting specific cancer cells.

Through scientific innovation, advanced methodologies, and sustainable practices, Prof. Patel and his team strive to develop safer and more effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.

His work extends beyond just synthesizing drug molecules or heterocyclic compounds in the laboratory—his team is also deeply involved in natural product research.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel highlights that four PhD students have successfully completed their research under his guidance, while four others have completed their synopsis, and another four are currently working on their research.

One of their key projects focuses on medicinal plants found in their local region. In particular, they have been studying Bael (known as Bill in Gujarati), a fruit associated with Lord Shiva. His team has developed new extraction and isolation methodologies to identify phytochemicals present in this species. Through collaborative efforts, they have explored its bioactivities, including cancer related properties. Remarkably, they discovered that a single plant species contains around 16 to 22 different phytochemicals, but their main focus has been on isolating Imperatorin, a bioactive compound extracted from Bael.

To confirm its structure, they successfully grew a single crystal of the compound. His lab has made significant contributions to crystallographic studies, having developed and deposited over 40 single crystals in the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC). These contributions not only enhance the understanding of natural products but also open new possibilities for drug development and medicinal applications.

In their laboratory, Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel and his team focus on synthesizing molecules under environmentally friendly conditions, often working at room temperature, using catalyst-free methods, and minimizing hazardous chemicals. They prioritize easily available and less toxic reagents to create essential heterocyclic molecules.

Over the past ten years, his research has led to the identification of Kinase Inhibitors,  which play a crucial role in cancer treatment. One of their notable studies was published in the journal, Bioorganic Chemistry, where they explored STK33 inhibitors. Through Click Chemistry, they successfully identified molecules for various cell screenings.

Their most promising compound, a potent kinase inhibitor, was evaluated through in-vitro studies at the University of Dundee. As part of a broader research initiative, he along with the team screened 139 kinase targets and matched them with potential inhibitor molecules, including STK33 inhibitors. The findings from this research have been published and are available for reference on their homepage.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel and his research team have also focused on targeting AKT1 and AKT2 inhibitors, which are crucial for cancer treatment. They have studied existing drug molecules available in the market, analyzing their core structures and functional groups. Based on these insights, they have designed new molecular scaffolds, known as menstrual unlocks, to enhance their effectiveness against cancer.

Their team has been fortunate to collaborate with Prof. Jose Padron, testing six different molecules across multiple cancer cell lines. As organic chemists, they continuously explore new methods for synthesizing precise and effective molecules. These compounds are then sent to collaborators for further testing, and the data received plays a key role in refining their research. Additionally, they are working towards securing patents for their innovative developments.

Last year, Prof. Patel and his team, in collaboration with a company, successfully filed a patent. This patent covers a breakthrough in carboxamide derivatives, where they developed a molecular library and screened these compounds for potential applications. Through this research, they discovered a significant inhibitory effect on brain cancer and Anti-glioma cell lines. With the support of their collaborators, further studies are ongoing to explore the full potential of these newly identified molecules.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel and his team are taking their research a step further by combining newly developed molecules with existing drug molecules available in the market. They conduct comparative studies to evaluate efficacy, ensuring that their designed molecules perform better or offer unique advantages. Through this rigorous screening process, they have identified highly effective drug candidates. Their efforts led to the filing of a patent, and last year, they successfully received an Indian patent grant for one of their discoveries.

Six months ago, Mehul Parmar, a researcher in his team, developed two distinct series of molecules—one of which showed promising inhibition of the PDGFRA receptor, a significant breakthrough in cancer research. In one of these molecules, they identified inhibition of the PDGFRA receptor, a significant breakthrough in cancer research. This discovery is currently in the process of patent filing.

Additionally, another innovative patent is in the pipeline, focusing on a novel room-temperature synthesis method that eliminates the need for heating. This synthesis has enabled the development of a new series of molecules with unique properties, particularly in fluorometric detection. One of the key findings involves fluorometric sensing of Cd²⁺ (cadmium ions), which has significant applications in water quality analysis and cell line studies.

Prof. Patel acknowledges the valuable contributions of Dr. Pinkesh Sutariya an Associate Professor in the department, who played a crucial role in identifying the practical applications of this research. Their findings highlight the importance of fluorescence-based detection in environmental and medical applications. Given the abundance of molecules designed for metal ion detection, their specific focus on cadmium detection stands out. The ability of their molecules to selectively bind with cadmium enhances fluorescence activity, making it a promising tool for medical diagnostics and checking water quality. They are now preparing to file a patent for this groundbreaking work.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel shares that his laboratory focuses on sustainable synthesis approaches, ensuring that chemical reactions are carried out efficiently at room temperature with minimal environmental impact. By optimizing parameters, his team has developed a series of molecules, some of which have been tested for their effectiveness against prostate cancer. Their collaborators have gathered promising data, and they are now in the process of filing a patent related to this sustainable synthesis method.

Talking about his early life, Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel shares that he hails from a village near Navsari, Gujarat. Coming from a humble background, he credits his parents, who were primary school teachers, for instilling in him the values of hard work and dedication. He takes immense pride in their unwavering support, which motivated him to pursue higher education and achieve his academic goals.

Prof. Patel completed his graduation from VS Patel Science College, Bilimora. He then pursued his Master’s Degree in Chemistry from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Sardar Patel University. His early academic journey laid the foundation for his successful career in research and education.

After earning his Ph.D., Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel served as a Junior Scientific Assistant at the Gujarat Pollution Control Board in Surat for ten months.  In 1997, he transitioned into academia by joining St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, as a lecturer. After spending a year and a half there, he moved to VP & RPTP Science College in 1998, where he dedicated 17 years to undergraduate teaching. His journey in academia reached new heights when he joined Sardar Patel University in 2015, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Despite the struggles, he acknowledges that his parents provided him with the best they could, and he is deeply grateful for their support. He also expresses his gratitude towards his teachers, who constantly guided and uplifted him in a systematic manner. Their advice played a crucial role in shaping his career, and he acknowledges Sardar Patel University for providing him with a wonderful platform in 2015.

He gives credit to Sardar Patel University for being instrumental in his academic growth. Through the opportunities and support he received from the university, he has achieved recognition in academics and professional circles worldwide. His deep admiration and gratitude for Sardar Patel University remains evident, as he attributes much of his success to its nurturing environment.

When asked about his role models, he recalls an incident from his school days that had a profound impact on his life story. During a seminar conducted by Professor Gandhi, he found his inspiration. Later, when Professor Gandhi asked the class who could conduct a seminar, he confidently raised his hand. Encouraged by the professor, he prepared for the challenge. Initially, his friends doubted his ability to present something significant. However, two days later, he delivered a 10-minute lecture, which turned into a passionate 45-minute discussion on alpha- terpineol and citrus.

Impressed by the depth of his knowledge and confidence, Professor Gandhi remarked, "You have the potential to become a professor in the future." These words left a lasting impact on him. Throughout his academic journey, he learned many valuable lessons from Professor Gandhi, who played a pivotal role in inspiring and guiding him towards becoming a professor. This challenge and encouragement ultimately shaped his career and strengthened his determination to achieve his goal.

A quote that always inspires Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel is “Hard work is the key to success.” He firmly believes in dedication and perseverance, a value instilled in him by his parents. For him, hard work is essential rather than choosing an easy path. His goal was always clear—to become a professor—and he worked tirelessly to achieve it.

Throughout his progress, he learned to manage time efficiently, drawing wisdom from various speakers at conferences. He absorbed knowledge from different perspectives and applied it in his academic and professional life. Despite his achievements, he remains a simple and humble person, deeply rooted in his belief in God and the power of hard work.

One of his core philosophies is that silence holds immense power. He believes that when one is silent and focused, the mind channels more energy into learning and studying. His passion for chemistry and academics is fueled by this disciplined approach.

An avid reader, Prof. Patel has dedicated himself to continuous learning, especially in the last five years. He has read countless books, staying updated with the latest scientific advancements, new reaction mechanisms, and emerging methodologies in chemistry. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge drive him to work even harder, ensuring he remains at the forefront of scientific and academic progress.

Prof. (Dr.) Hitendra M. Patel imparts valuable advice for students who are about to join Sardar Patel University or are currently pursuing their education there. His guidance is simple yet profound: "Hard work is the best solution." However, he emphasizes that success requires systematic planning. Students must define their goals clearly and work towards them with dedication and preparation.

Speaking specifically about the Department of Chemistry, he praises it as a wonderful platform for students. The syllabus at Sardar Patel University is designed in accordance with industry standards, covering core subjects such as Organic Reactions, Mechanisms, Natural Products, Medicinal Chemistry, and Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry, along with the latest advancements in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. If students study systematically with patience and determination, they are sure to achieve success, believes Prof. Patel.

Prof. Patel acknowledges the support of the faculty members of the department, describing them as lifelong learners and dedicated researchers. One of the most important aspects of the department is how teachers integrate their research into teaching. For example, when teaching about natural products, faculty members incorporate the latest advancements in the field, ensuring that students benefit from up-to-date knowledge.

Similarly, in Heterocyclic Chemistry, if a new reaction is discovered, teachers focus on literature reviews, conferences, and research findings to help students understand the novelty and innovation behind it. He believes that education should not just be about completing a degree but about fostering research skills. Students should explore their research interests beyond the department, collaborating with institutes like IITs and NITs, and pushing their boundaries to achieve greater success in research.

Prof. Patel strongly believes that being a good human being is more important than being a gold medalist. He emphasizes that in today’s world, humanity is often missing.

His heartfelt message to students is, “Your knowledge, achievements, and academic excellence are important, but they mean nothing if you do not have respect, humility, and control over your behavior and speech. True success comes not only from intellectual growth but also from developing strong human values.” He urges students to cultivate a broad knowledge base while upholding ethical values and respect for others. He believes that true success is achieved not only through academic excellence but also through integrity, perseverance, and character.