The group is actively pursuing plant cell/tissue cultures and endophytes to establish an alternative mode for the production of Camptothecin, the parent molecule for valuable anticancer drugs such as Irinotecan, Topotecan and Belotecan. The lab uses Rational metabolic engineering and bioprocess strategies to enhance the production of camptothecin in cell/tissue cultures of Nothapodytes nimmoniana. The lab has isolated and identified endophytes from Nothapodytes nimmoniana which is capable of producing Camptothecin. Further, strain improvement, bioprocess optimization and reactor studies are being explored to increase production of Camptothecin from said endophytes.