This is the third in a new series of Biochar Expert Profiles, where we celebrate those who have dedicated their passion, expertise, and innovation to advancing the field of biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More. These experts come from all walks of life: renowned scientists whose groundbreaking research has redefined possibilities, emerging researchers whose fresh perspectives are shaping the future, industry leaders who are growing the market through new technologies and business models, and unsung heroes who work tirelessly to enrich soils with biochar. Whether it’s their pioneering techniques, insightful discoveries, or unwavering dedication, these individuals are the heart and soul of the biochar revolution. By highlighting their contributions and sharing their knowledge, this series aims to inspire the biochar community at large.

It is truly enthusiastic and rejuvenating to work with individuals who dedicate their passion and pride to research, particularly in the development of novel materials for a better, more harmonious environment. Giya Merline Kuriakose is such an enthusiastic and engaging person, and biochar is a novel material that perfectly captures her passion.

After completing her chemistry studies, Giya joined the Advanced Center of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (ACESSD) a research center at Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala, India, where she’s been a Technical Assistant since 2024. Her focus has been deep and broad, delving into biochar’s creation, characterization, and diverse applications. From improving soil health and purifying water to exploring its use in air filtration, Giya’s expertise is impressive. She’s particularly skilled in crafting biochar-based nanomaterials for wastewater treatment and nano-fertilizers. Her work also extends to the synthesis of biochar-based carbon nanodots, exploring their potential in various fields, including cancer research. And of course, her understanding of biochar’s role in water treatment and adsorption dynamics is extensive.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have Giya as a colleague, research partner, and, most importantly, a dear friend. We’ve shared countless hours discussing biochar, brainstorming ideas over coffee, and even finding inspiration in the simple pleasure of an ice cream stick. We started with basic experiments, and it’s been rewarding to see our collaborative efforts lead to meaningful publications and successful student projects. Giya’s enthusiasm and dedication make every biochar research session enjoyable. Her ability to turn complex scientific concepts into engaging discussions is a testament to her passion for biochar research.

I’m excited for her to share her insights and expertise with the readers of Biochar Today.

Shanthi Prabha: Your research interests span a wide range of topics, from environmental sample analysis to drug delivery and biochar technology. What led you to explore such diverse areas, and how do you see them interconnected within your research vision?

Giya Merline Kuriakose: My research interests stem from a deep curiosity about sustainable materials and their potential applications across multiple disciplines. My background in chemistry and environmental science naturally led me to explore biochar technology, environmental sample analysis, and drug delivery systems. The common thread connecting these fields is material science specifically, how biochar-based materials and nanocomposites can be engineered for both environmental remediation and biomedical applications. Biochar’s versatility makes it a key focus of my research. It can be used for pollutant adsorptionBiochar has a remarkable ability to attract and hold onto pollutants, like heavy metals and organic chemicals. This makes it a valuable tool for cleaning up contaminated soil and water.   More in water treatment, soil carbon sequestration in sustainable agriculture, and as a functional material in drug delivery and biomedical applications. Additionally, I’ve explored biochar’s potential in producing printing inks, dyes, cosmetics, incense, building blocks, flower pots, and more! By integrating nanotechnology, polymer composites, and biochar technology, I aim to develop eco-friendly, high-performance materials that address pressing environmental and healthcare challenges.

Ultimately, my research vision revolves around leveraging biochar and advanced nanomaterials to create sustainable solutions for both environmental and biomedical fields bridging the gap between green chemistry and innovative technology.

SP: Your M.Sc. dissertation focused on the preparation and characterization of sawdust and rice husk biochar. How did this research shape your understanding of biochar’s potential, and what specific aspects of biochar production and characterization are you most interested in exploring further?

GMK: My M.Sc. dissertation on sawdust and rice husk biochar deepened my understanding of its physicochemical properties and environmental applications. Building on this, I aim to advance biochar research in key areas: developing nanocomposites for water purification and energy storage, enhancing adsorption efficiency for wastewater treatment, and exploring its role in carbon sequestration and soil health. I am also interested in biochar’s biomedical potential, particularly in targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy. With a strong foundation in biochar science, I strive to develop innovative solutions for environmental and medical challenges.

SP: You have authored several research papers on biochar-based composites for wastewater treatment and dye removal. What are some of the key challenges in translating these findings into real-world applications, and how can we overcome them through collaborative research and development?

GMK: Translating biochar-based composites from lab research to real-world applications faces challenges in scalability, cost, performance consistency, and regulatory acceptance. Despite their strong adsorption capabilities, large-scale implementation requires overcoming key barriers.

Scalability is a major hurdle, as maintaining consistent physicochemical properties during mass production is complex. Standardizing pyrolysis conditionsThe conditions under which pyrolysis takes place, such as temperature, heating rate, and residence time, can significantly affect the properties of the biochar produced.   More and cost-effective functionalization are crucial for uniformity. Additionally, ensuring biochar’s regeneration and reusability through sustainable techniques can enhance economic feasibility.

Regulatory approvals and industry adoption require long-term performance validation and environmental safety assessments. Collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers—through pilot testing, funding, and policy support—can accelerate commercialization. By bridging research and industry, we can develop scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable biochar solutions for wastewater treatment and beyond

SP:You have also co-authored a scientific blog post on turning water hyacinth into biochar. How can biochar production from invasive plant species contribute to both environmental remediation and economic development, and what are some of the potential social and ecological impacts of such initiatives?

GMK: Converting invasive water hyacinth into biochar offers a sustainable solution to environmental and economic challenges. This aggressive aquatic weed disrupts ecosystems but serves as an excellent biochar feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More due to its rapid growth and heavy metal absorption. Through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, water hyacinth biochar becomes an effective adsorbent for pollutants, enhances soil fertility, and aids carbon sequestration. Beyond environmental benefits, biochar production creates job opportunities in affected communities, supports sustainable waste management, and aligns with circular economy goals. However, large-scale harvesting must be managed to prevent ecological disruptions. Collaboration among researchers, industries, and policymakers, along with policy support and technological advancements, is key to scaling production.

Harnessing invasive species for biochar transforms an environmental threat into a valuable resource, promoting water purification, soil restoration, and sustainable development.

SP: Your research also delves into the fascinating area of biochar-based cancer treatment. Can you share some insights into the potential mechanisms of biochar’s anticancer activity and the challenges involved in developing biochar-based therapies?

GMK: Biochar-based nanomaterials are emerging as a promising avenue in cancer treatment, particularly in targeted drug delivery, bioimaging, and photothermal therapy. The unique physicochemical properties of biochar—such as high surface area, tunable porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More, and functionalizable surface chemistry—make it an exceptional platform for anticancer applications. When refined into nano biochar, the material exhibits enhanced surface reactivity and improved drug-loading capacity, making it an ideal candidate for delivering chemotherapeutics, RNA-based drugs, and sall molecules.

One of the key mechanisms of nano biochar’s anticancer activity is its potential for targeted drug delivery. Cancer cells often overexpress specific receptors, such as folate receptors or epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). By modifying the surface of nano biochar with ligands or antibodies that specifically bind to these receptors, a delivery system can be created that selectively targets cancer cells while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues. Additionally, the porous structure of nano biochar allows for controlled drug release, ensuring sustained therapeutic effects and improved patient compliance.

Another exciting application is photothermal therapy (PTT), where nano biochar absorbs near-infrared (NIR) light and converts it into localized heat, effectively killing cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This non-invasive approach enhances the precision of cancer treatment and reduces the need for high-dose chemotherapy, thus lowering systemic toxicity. Moreover, nano biochar’s natural fluorescence properties make it useful for bioimaging, enabling real-time monitoring of drug distribution and tumor response.

The sustainable production of nano biochar further adds to its appeal. Agricultural waste materials—such as corn stover, rice husks, and sugarcane bagasse—can be converted into high-value biochar nanomaterials, addressing waste management challenges while contributing to a circular economy. Additionally, using medicinal plant residues to produce nano biochar introduces the potential for synergistic effects, where natural bioactive compounds enhance the therapeutic impact of drug-loaded biochar. Functionalizing nano biochar with specific chemical groups also improves drug-loading efficiency and promotes interactions with cancer cell receptors, further refining its effectiveness as a drug delivery system.

Despite its potential, several challenges remain in developing biochar-based therapies. Scalability and reproducibility must be optimized to ensure consistent properties across different batches of nano biochar. Additionally, biocompatibility and toxicity assessments are critical to confirming that biochar-derived nanomaterials do not pose long-term health risks. Extensive clinical trials and regulatory approvals will also be necessary before biochar-based treatments can transition from the lab to mainstream cancer therapy.

Nano biochar represents a transformative approach to targeted cancer treatment, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and multifunctional platform for drug delivery, imaging, and therapy. By integrating nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and material science, biochar-based cancer therapies have the potential to revolutionize modern oncology, paving the way for safer, more effective, and environmentally friendly cancer treatments.

SP: You have experience in synthesizing and characterizing green materials for environmental applications, including biochar. How can biochar be integrated with other sustainable materials to create synergistic solutions for pressing environmental and health challenges?

GMK: Biochar’s high surface area, porosity, and tunable chemistry enable its integration with sustainable materials for advanced environmental, healthcare, and agricultural applications.

• Environmental Remediation: Biochar-based nanocomposites with metal nanoparticles, MOFs, or carbon nanomaterials enhance wastewater treatment by improving pollutant adsorption. Functionalization with biopolymers like chitosan boosts stability and reusability.
• Healthcare: Biochar serves as a scaffold for drug delivery, antimicrobial coatings, and wound healing. When combined with bioactive compounds or nanoparticles (e.g., silver, copper), it enhances therapeutic and antimicrobial properties.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Biochar blended with biodegradable polymers or nutrient-rich residues creates slow-release fertilizers, improving soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and nutrient retention.

Scaling production requires optimizing synthesis, ensuring material consistency, and securing regulatory approvals. Collaborative research will drive biochar-based innovations, delivering eco-friendly solutions for water purification, healthcare, and agriculture.

SP: You have participated in numerous national and international conferences, showcasing your research findings and networking with fellow researchers. How have these experiences influenced your research trajectory, and what are you seeking in potential collaborations with global biochar researchers?

GMK: Participating in national and international conferences has significantly shaped my research trajectory by providing exposure to cutting-edge advancements, diverse perspectives, and interdisciplinary collaborations in biochar research. Engaging with experts in environmental science, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications has helped refine my approaches, explore novel biochar functionalizations, and identify emerging trends in sustainable materials and green technologies.

Through these platforms, I have gained valuable insights into scalable biochar production, regulatory challenges, and innovative applications such as biochar-based drug delivery systems and advanced pollutant remediation. These interactions have reinforced my commitment to developing high-impact, real-world solutions that bridge environmental sustainability and healthcare innovations.

Under your (Dr. Shanthi Prabha V) mentorship, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the multifunctional potential of biochar and its scalability for real-world applications. Your expertise has guided my research towards biochar functionalization, pollutant remediation, and biochar-based drug delivery systems, aligning my work with global sustainability goals.

In potential global collaborations, I seek partnerships that focus on biochar’s multifunctionality, particularly in cancer treatment, water purification, and soil carbon sequestration. I am keen on working with researchers specializing in nanomaterial functionalization, biopolymer integration, and large-scale biochar applications to develop cost-effective, high-performance biochar-based technologies. By fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, I aim to contribute to advancing biochar science and its global adoption for environmental and biomedical applications.

SP: You have co-guided and provided lab assistance to many Master’s students. How do you view the role of mentorship in fostering the next generation of biochar researchers, and what qualities do you look for in potential mentees?

GM: Mentorship plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of biochar researchers by guiding them through scientific exploration, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation. As a co-guide and lab assistant, I have witnessed how mentorship helps students develop technical expertise, research ethics, and a problem-solving mindset essential for advancing biochar science. Encouraging curiosity, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and nurturing innovative thinking are key aspects of my mentoring approach.

I believe that effective mentorship goes beyond teaching laboratory techniques—it involves inspiring independent research, fostering collaboration, and instilling a passion for sustainable innovations. I aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel encouraged to explore novel ideas, engage in discussions, and develop their scientific skills.

In potential mentees, I value curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Strong analytical skills, creativity in approaching scientific problems, and a commitment to sustainability are also essential qualities. I encourage students who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and teamwork, as these traits are crucial for advancing biochar research and its real-world applications. Ultimately, mentorship is a two-way learning process that not only shapes the mentees’ growth but also enriches my own research perspective, fostering a dynamic and collaborative scientific community.

SP: You are currently seeking new opportunities to contribute your expertise to the global biochar research community. What type of research environment and collaborative projects are you most interested in, and what specific skills and perspectives can you bring to a research team?

GM: I am seeking opportunities in dynamic research environments that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration in biochar applications, particularly at the intersection of environmental sustainability and biomedical innovation. I am particularly drawn to academic institutions, industry collaborations, and policy-driven research initiatives that focus on biochar’s role in water purification, soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, and biomedical applications. My expertise lies in material characterization, functionalization, and environmental sample analysis, with a strong background in developing biochar-based nanocomposites for pollutant removal, drug delivery, and sustainable agriculture. I thrive in international and interdisciplinary teams that bring together expertise from chemistry, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, and medicine to drive innovation.

I am especially interested in collaborative projects that explore biochar’s potential in advanced water treatment, soil carbon stability, targeted drug delivery, and antimicrobial applications. My research experience extends to optimizing biochar synthesis from diverse feedstocks, ensuring consistency in physicochemical properties, and exploring its role in circular economy models for waste valorization. Additionally, I have experience co-guiding students, fostering teamwork, and engaging in knowledge-sharing initiatives. With a sustainability-driven research approach, I aim to contribute to projects that translate scientific discoveries into practical, scalable solutions with real-world impact. I am eager to collaborate with researchers, institutions, and industries that share a vision for harnessing biochar’s full potential.

SP: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals in the field of biochar research, and how do you envision your work contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all?

GMK: My long-term goal in biochar research is to develop innovative, scalable, and interdisciplinary solutions that address critical environmental and healthcare challenges. I aim to contribute to the advancement of biochar-based materials for water purification, soil carbon sequestration, and sustainable agriculture while also exploring their potential in biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery and cancer treatment. By integrating biochar with nanotechnology, biopolymers, and functional materials, I seek to enhance its efficiency, durability, and multifunctionality, making it a viable tool for pollution control, carbon management, and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Beyond research, I am committed to promoting knowledge-sharing and collaborative efforts that bridge academia, industry, and policy frameworks to ensure biochar technologies reach communities that need them the most. I envision my work contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future by facilitating access to clean water, improving soil health for food security, and developing affordable, eco-friendly biomedical solutions. Through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community-driven initiatives, I hope to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists to continue innovating in biochar research, ultimately fostering a healthier planet and a more resilient global society.