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| The scientific goal of ACNS under the currently funded
program is to develop affordable products of high quality
that utilizes the novel properties of nanomaterials. This
is in keeping with the philosophy of Amrita. The Amrita
Centre for Nanosciences focuses on tissue engineering
and stem cell research using nanomaterials. The Centre
now also has funded programs in cancer diagnostics
and drug delivery using nanoparticles, nanosurface
modification of biomaterials for implant applications,
nanotoxicology, and processing of nanostructured thin
films for sensors and photovoltaic applications. The
Centre has state-of-the-art laboratories in nanoprocessing
and nanocharacterization. |
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RESEARCH LABORATORIES |
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The following research laboratories have been established:
- High Resolution Microscopy Lab with a high resolution
Scanning Electron Microscope and an Atomic Force
Microscope with a surface nanoprofiler
- Nanochemistry Lab for wet chemical processing of
nanomaterials and nanoparticles with centrifuges, electronic
balances, magnetic stirrers, oil/water baths and hoods
- Mechanical Testing Lab with a servohydraulic
computer controlled MTS testing facility for mechanical
characterization
- Chemical, Thermal and Size Characterization Lab with FTIR, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Differ ential Scanning
Calorimeter (DSC), a Gel Permeation Chromatograph
(GPC) and a Laser Nanoparticle Sizer with zeta potential
measurements capability
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- Polymer Chemistry Lab for processing of polymer
nanomaterials
- Nanofiber and Surface Modification Lab with
electrospinning and electrochemical work station, as well as
surface polishing equipment
- Polymer Processing Lab for melt processing of
nanocomposites
- Cell Culture and Stem Cell Lab with FACS, inverted
microscope reader, CO2 incubator
- X-ray Diffraction Lab
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| Our research includes: |
- Novel tissue engineered material replacements for
human tissues, including bone, skin, cartilage.
- Organ development using tissue engineering
- Development of novel nanomaterials for medical
diagnostics and drug delivery.
- Nano bio surface modification of materials
- Development of nano materials for energy
generation and storage
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| CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS |
| The following are briefs on the current research projects: |
| TISSUE ENGINEERING AND STEM CELL RESEARCH |
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The primary funding is for the Centre for Nanotechnology – Tissue Engineering and
Stem Cell Research, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, through the
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative of the Government of India. Under this
program, research is being conducted on the processing of biodegradable scaffolds
with chemical and structural biofunctionality so as to be cell inductive, conductive
and proliferative. Primary focus is on bone tissue engineering using stem cells.
The Centre has developed a novel multi-scale biodegradable polymeric scaffold
consisting of both micro and nanofibers, through the technique of electrospinning.
This scaffold provides the necessary macroporosity for cell conduction and unique
nanostructures that mimic the extracellular matrix, for cell attachment as shown in the
figures |
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| NANOSURFACE BIOENGINEERING OF IMPLANTS |
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This is a project funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and the research focuses on different surface nanostructuring and combined surface nanostructural and chemical modifications to improve biocompatibility of titanium implants. The scanning electron microscopy image as well as atomic force microscope image as shown in figure depict the uniform nanotubular structures obtained on metallic Ti surface by anodization.
Cell attachment and proliferation studies performed on modified titanium surfaces,as a function of surface roughness provides insight into the best
structural feature necessary for optimal cell adhesion. A SEM image of excellent cell spreading on anodized Ti surface is shown in the figure. |
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| SEMICONDUCTOR NANOCRYSTALS FOR
CANCER DIAGNOSTICS |
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A project funded by the Department of Biotechnology, the research focuses on the
development and functionalization of semiconductor quantum dots for targeted cancer
imaging. Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) nanocrystals doped with metallic and transition metal
ions have been developed by aqueous chemistry routes and their biocompatibility
studied. The figure shows the multicolour emitting quantum dots of ZnS doped with
various ions of Mn, Cu, Al, etc.
Folic acid conjugated ZnS quantum dots have been targeted to cancer cells and
imaged using a fluorescent microscope as shown in figure. |
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| NANOTOXICOLOGY |
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| A DBT funded project in which different classes of nanoparticles are evaluated for their
toxicity in a comprehensive fashion to include cytotoxicity, inflammatory response,
cancer-causing potential or tumerogenicity, bio-distribution and excretion. The project
also focuses on methods of pacifying the toxicity of nanoparticles. |
| NANOSTRUCTURED THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAICS |
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| A DST sanctioned project, where research is conducted on methods to develop
nanostructured thin films with improved and electrical and electro-optical properties. |
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