Center for Nanobioscience (CNB)
The essence of nanotechnology is the creation and utilization of materials and devices at the level of atoms and molecules and the exploitation of unique properties and phenomena at the nanoscale. Over the next two decades or so, fields of medicine, surgery, medical diagnostics, treatment, paints, cosmetics, data storage systems etc. will be completely revolutionized by employing materials, components, devices and instruments developed by nanotechnology.
Realizing the importance of nanotechnology, concerted
efforts were made to develop a strong Nanobioscience programme at Agharkar Research
Institute with a focus of research on the application of nanoscience
and technology for the improvement of agriculture, human health and
environment.
CNB has mastered a new approach of ‘Materials
Science and Engineering through Microbiology’ to develop eco-friendly methods
for the synthesis of metal-based nanomaterials. Some of the applications of nanomaterials already demonstrated include use of
semiconductor nanoparticles in electronic devices
such as diodes; development of ‘biostablized
silver nanoparticles’ based ointment for the
treatment of burns, wounds, and pressure wounds (bed sores); use of iron-palladium
bimetallic nanoparticles for rapid and complete
degradation of chlorinated pesticides from drinking water; synthesis of manganite systems for safe cancer hyperthermia treatment,
etc. Our studies on traditional Indian medicine, viz. Ayurvedic
bhasma preparation using concepts of nanoscience not only reveal their submicronic
nature but throw light on possible mode of action.
Some specific research projects being carried out at
present are:
- biostabilized silver nanoparticles
based formulations as topical antimicrobial agents
- super paramagnetic nanoparticles in
treatment of cancer by hyperthermia
- bimetallic nanoparticles for catalytic
degradation of pesticides and dyes
- bacterial surface layer proteins as templates for synthesis and
assembly of nanoparticles
- in-vitro and in-vivo
toxicity studies of nanomaterials
- nanomaterials for the control of diabetes mellitus
- development of nanotechnology based methods for rapid diagnosis of
microbial diseases
- long-term preservation of biomolecules in
nanostructures of natural origin
- hyper-expression of phytochelatin
synthesis genes for the production of semiconductor metal sulfide nanoparticles and micronutrient-enriched yeasts
- nanomaterials for delivery of pesticides and fertilizers
CNB has active collaborations with a number of highly
reputed institutions and universities in
Research Positions in Nanobioscience
