Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Nano breakthroughs: DRDO labs to civil society"

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Abstract:
The 3rd edition of Bangalore Nano organized by The Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka under the guidance of Vision Group on Nanotechnology was inaugurated today at the Lalit Ashok. The focal theme of Bangalore Nano 2010 is "Frontiers of Nanotechnology: Impact on India. This TWO day event is featuring top global intellects, entrepreneurs and organizations in the field of Nanotechnology.

Nano breakthroughs: DRDO labs to civil society

Bangalore | Posted on December 8th, 2010

The opening plenary session titled "Nanotechnology: A Key Tool in Attaining Developmental Goals - Part II" Chairing the session on the first day at 3rd Bangalore Nano, Dr Amit Biswas, Head- Technology Services & emerging Technologies at Reliance Industries Ltd, said, "Nano technology is emerging as an industry and it can impact several industries from Healthcare to Defence." Other panelists at the session were Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Chief Controller, R&D, DRDO and Dr. M K Bhan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India.

Dr W. Selvamurthy, Chief Controller, R&D, DRDO, said, "Nano technology has several applications from agriculture to Defence. So far, academic institutions are working as islands of excellence and they need to work like a continent of excellence. A research in one specialization need not be limited to applications in that specialization. That can contribute a lot in totally different sectors. For example the breakthroughs in various labs under DRDO are not only enhancing the capabilities of Indian Armed Forces, But also contributing to the businesses and public outside the purview of the defence. DRDO has invested Rs. 200 crores exclusively for the nano technology applications. These applications will enhance strength and capabilities of missiles. These outcomes are also highly useful to churn out products in healthcare, medicine, sensors, and energy harvesting."

Dr. Selvamurthy announced, "DRDO is planning to set up a nano foundry by investing Rs. 500 to Rs.600 crores. This project will be a cluster with the partnering of IITs and other academic institutions of India. The R&D facilities for nano technology can be used by industry and academic institutions for research purpose. Moreover, DRDO will also fund nano research at the academic institutions."

Dr. Selvamurthy added, "One of the Labs of DRDO is exclusively working on safety of nanotechnology for individual and environment. Nanocomposite coatings developed by Ahmednagar lab will find uses in several anti corrosive industrial applications. Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical lab of DRDO at Bangalore is developing several biosensors that ensure safety of the soldier in the warfare and those applications can revolutionise medical diagnostics. Very soon, CIPLA is going to take up the production of nano particle drugs that can be directly deposited into lungs, which was originally developed for the soldiers at high altitudes."

Dr M K Bhan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, said, "Strong scientific force, technology innovation, and product innovation are needed for the nano industry to flourish in India. We need drivers of innovation and regulation to produce nano champions in the fields of agriculture and healthcare. We should create industry platforms, which will decide where to apply nanotechnology. Biomarkers and biodiagnostics can revolutionise the diagnostic industry. For example, high sensitivity detection methods that can trace very low quantities in saliva can actually detect alzheimers disease, which otherwise needs brain tissue. Food packaging industry is another nascent industry in India, which can do wonders on the back of nano technology. Similarly, low cost health screening technologies can boost public health."

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