About

Dynamic and research-oriented Assistant Professor with expertise in lignocellulosic biorefinery, enzyme biotechnology, microbial processes, environmental detoxification, and sustainable biomass utilization. Strong publication record in high-impact journals, recipient of Ph.D. Best Thesis Award, and experienced in teaching, laboratory handling, project execution, and student mentoring.

Professional Activities

Professional Development Activities

1. Saini S, Chutani P, Kumar P, Sharma KK (2020). Development of an eco-friendly deinking process for the production of bioethanol using diverse hazardous paper wastes. Renewable Energy 146: 2362-2373. (IF- 9.1)

2. Saini, S., Kumar, A., Singhal, B., Kuhad, R.C. and Sharma, K.K., 2022. Fungal oxidoreductases and CAZymes effectively degrade lignocellulosic component of switchgrass for bioethanol production. Fuels, 328, p.125341. (I.F. 7.5)

3. Saini, S., Kuhad, R.C. and Sharma, K.K., 2023. Valorization of rice straw biomass for co-production of bioethanol, biopesticide and biofertilizer following an eco-friendly biorefinery process. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. 173, pp.823-836 (I.F. 7.8)

4. Saini S, Chandel AK, Sharma KK (2020). Past practices and current trends in the recovery and purification of first generation ethanol: A learning curve for lignocellulosic ethanol. Journal of Cleaner Production 268:122357. (IF- 10.0)

5. Saini S, Sharma KK (2021). Fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes and lignocellulose: A critical review on their contribution to multiproduct biorefinery and global biofuel research. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 193:2304-2319. (IF- 8.5)

6. Shankar, A., Saini, S. and Sharma, K.K., 2022. Fungal-integrated second-generation lignocellulosic biorefinery: utilization of agricultural biomass for co-production of lignocellulolytic enzymes, mushroom, fungal polysaccharides, and bioethanol. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14, pp. 1117–1131 (Joint 1st author) (I.F. 4.1)

7. Saini, S., Kumar, N., Dudi, K., Chaudhary, G., Chaudhary, N., & Kumar, N. (2024). Alkali-based lignin extraction from lignocellulosic material and upgradation of residual pulp as bio-packaging material towards sustainable biomass utilization. Bioresource Technology Reports, 26, 101853. (I.F. 4.3)

8. Saini, S., Jangra, J., Mittal, N., Chaudhary, G., & Chaudhary, N. (2025). Concomitant production of industrially important enzyme from a novel fungal culture Lasiodiplodia theobromae using low-cost agro-waste under solid-state fermentation. Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology, 1-10. (IF- 2.4.)

9. Kumar, R., Kumar, N., Chaudhary, G., Saini, S., & Singh, C. (2024). Development of a Two-Step Hydrothermal Pretreatment for Sugarcane Bagasse Delignification Surpassing Acidic and Chemical Methods. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 1-16. (IF- 3.2)

10. Chaudhary, G., Chaudhary, N., Saini, S., Gupta, Y., Vivekanand, V. and Panghal, A., 2023. Assessment of Pretreatment Strategies for Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass: Path Forwarding Towards Lignocellulosic Biorefinery. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 15, pp.1-36. (IF- 3.2)

11. Khaswal, A., Mishra, S. K., Chaturvedi, N., Saini, S., Pletschke, B., & Kuhad, R. C. (2024). Microbial enzyme production: Unlocking the potential of agricultural and food waste through solid-state fermentation. Bioresource Technology Reports, 101880. (I.F. 4.3)

12. Siwach, A., Saini, S., Giri, A., Khatri, P., Kuhad, R.C. and Kumar, A., 2025. Sustainable poultry feed formulations from fruit and vegetable residues for advancing animal health. Bioresource Technology Reports, p.102159. (I.F. 4.3)

13. Kumar, R., Kumar, N., Saini, S., Singh, C., Barnwal, P., & Panghal, A. (2025). Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass: Pretreatment challenges and opportunities in sustainable waste management and energy Production. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 19(6), 2712-2738. (I.F. 2.9)

14. Abdullahi, H. Y., Kumar, M., Mishra, S. K., Dashora, K., Pandit, S., Saini, S., … Kuhad, R. C. (2026). Spotlight on pectinase: a comprehensive review of large-scale production strategies. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2025.2587149 (I.F. 7.7)

Books/ Patents/ Projects

1. Saini S, Sharma KK (2021). Ligninolytic fungi from the Indian subcontinent and their contribution to enzyme biotechnology. In Satyanarayana T, Deshmukh SK, Deshpande MV (Eds.) Progress in Mycology. Springer, Singapore. pp. 139-184.

2. Saini, S., Chhillar, A., Sharma, K. K., & Kuhad, R. C. (2024). Lignocellulosic Biomass Based Biorefinery Employing Fungus and its Enzymes: Indian Perspective and Global Trend. In Biotechnology India-Reworking A Strategy in (pp. 235-251). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

3. Parashar, D., Dahiya, R., Saini, S., & Giri, A. (2026). Pesticide and chemical waste: Exploring the sources, composition, and characteristics. In Waste to Resources (pp. 37-47). Academic Press.

Professional Affiliations:

No professional affiliations available.

Qualifications: Ph.D.

Work Experience: 2 years

Research Interest: Lignocellulosic Biorefinery