Amol is a Senior Scientist at MPFI with over 15 years of experience in protein engineering, enzyme discovery, and biosensor development across academia and industry. His work integrates directed evolution, rational protein design, and machine learning to develop next-generation biological tools and technologies.Earlier in his career, Amol contributed to the development and engineering of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for neuromodulators and CNS drugs, including iNicSnFR (a nicotine sensor) and iAChSnFR (an acetylcholine sensor), enabling real-time imaging of neurotransmitter dynamics in the brain.Prior to joining MPFI, Amol has led multidisciplinary research programs spanning enzyme engineering, antibody optimization, and peptide discovery. His contributions include the discovery and engineering of industrial enzymes such as phytase and xylanase used in sustainable agriculture and food production. Engineered phytase was commercialized as Natuphos® E, and next-generation xylanase technology was launched as Frontia® Prime. At Pfizer, he also led engineering efforts on oxygenases, reductases, and dehydrogenases that enabled new biocatalytic processes for pharmaceutical manufacturing, delivering multimillion-dollar annual savings.
He has authored two book chapters, holds two patents, and has co-authored more than twenty peer-reviewed publications. At MPFI, his work focuses on establishing a neuroscience drug discovery platform using biosensors.
