Work is directed towards understanding the mechanistic basis of cancer, and the discovery of novel biomarkers and drug molecules to aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as studies on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics of anti-cancer agents. Importantly, drug discovery is currently in an exciting phase where conventional methodologies are being ably complemented by "omics" approaches due, in part, to the greater accessibility of the newest generation of high-throughput platforms and technologies.

Current efforts are directed towards making the identification of oncology clinical biomarkers more feasible through state-of-the-art pharmacogenomic and proteomic technologies that are complemented by bioinformatic studies and understanding of aberrant signal transduction in cancers. In addition, the early drug discovery screen of novel small molecules is facilitated through rational studies that help identify robust lead molecules in oncology.

The Cancer Discovery Biology Laboratory also integrates drug metabolism and disposition studies with advanced pharmacometric approaches to better appreciate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of candidate drug molecules in oncology.

The primary funding for the Centre is for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, from the Department of Science and Technology, under the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative of the Government of India. As part of this project, research has been undertaken 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 above.

This project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. It 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 shown in the figures 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 on the right.

This project funded by the Department of Biotechnology, 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 developed by aqueous chemistry routes and their biocompatibility are studied. The figure above 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 the figure on the right.

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.

A DST sanctioned project, where research is conducted on methods to develop nanostructured thin films with improved and electrical and electro-optical properties. The project focuses on cost effective and efficient materials for highly durable solar calls. Bharat electronics Limited (BEL) is providing industrial support for the commercialization of the product developing under this project.

Research is also conducted on processing of Nanostructured thin film photovoltaic applications. This is a DST project wherein research is conducted on methods to simultaneously deposit and anodize thin films in single step operation so as to obtain nanostructured thin films with novel electrical and electromechanical properties.

The Centre also hosts a Nano Solar Centre for Excellence which focusses on innovative product development in photovoltaics and storage devices using nanomaterials.

Research on drug delivery is focused on the development of biodegradable as well as thermoresponsive polymeric nanoparticles targeted for treatment of cancer, malaria, inflammation, transdermal, bone diseases, etc. The above works are funded by Department of Biotechnology and Industry. As part of this research, a variety of polymers including chitosan and its derivates, PLGA, PLA, PCL, etc. have been developed using varied processing techniques. Representative AFM and SEM images of drug loaded PLGA nanoparticles are shown below.

A variety of novel nanocomposite scaffolds ideal for dental as well as bone applications has been developed in our laboratory using lyophilization, melt compounding and leaching techniques. Scaffolds based on chitin, chitosan, gelatin, collagen, PLA, PLGA, PCL, etc. with bioactive nanophase materials incorporated in the matrix are being investigated for their structural, mechanical and cell conducive behaviour. This project is also primarily funded by the Department of Science and Technology.

Wound healing is an important research focus in our laboratory wherein different novel biodegradable membranes, scaffolds and hydrogels with the incorporation of antibacterial nanomaterials have been developed based on chitin and chitosan. The bioactivity, blood clotting properties, antibacterial activity and wound regeneration capacities of such membranes are investigated in detail. This program is also primarily funded by the Department of Science and Technology.

This DBT funded research project involves the development of bio-friendly nanocrystals for siRNA mediated gene silencing applications. Aqueous based methods are utilized to prepare various types of biofunctionalised fluorescent nanocrystals that can be utilized for targeted cancer therapy. This apart, work is also focused on developing nanomaterials for targeted gene delivery.

Focused on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in maintenance, repair and damage of myelin and axon; the very components that are severely affected in many neurodegenerative disorders that affect large number of young adults with more than 2.5 million casualties worldwide. Achieving early detection and functional recovery following myelin-axonal damage has important clinical significance. In this regard, recently we have developed an innovative technique by which we could detect potential biochemical and immunological molecule that are found in the CSF of patients with myelin disorders such as multiple sclerosis, ADEM, diabetic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy.

Apart from the potential of these molecules in the understanding, treatment and diagnosis of these neurodegenerative disorders, the technique at large could serve as a platform for the analysis of other brain disorders prevalent in India.

Based on our findings, the goal is to identify:

• Identification of biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders and the functional significance of identified molecules in the development of diagnostics and clinically relevant therapeutical agents to treat brain related disorders that affect axon and myelin.
• Role of autoantibodies in inducing biochemical degradation of myelin and axons.
• Development of an invitro technique to study the process of molecular architecture involved in myelination by co-culturing of oligodendrocytes and neurons generated from stem cells.

Equipped with advanced instruments like Confocal and fluorescence microscopes, Scanning electron microscope, laminar air-flows and incubators (including culture facilities for bacterial, viral and animal cells), Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS), Centrifuges, DNA sequencer, PCR, Two dimensional gel electrophoresis system, HPLC, denaturing HPLC system, Autoclaves, -20°C & -75°C freezers, lyophilizer.

Cell/Stem cell/ tissue culture facility with Biological safety cabinets, CO2 incubator, inverted microscope, fluorescent microscope, liquid N2 facility, -80 degree Celsius freezer, -20 degree Celsius freezer, etc.

FTIR, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Spectrofuorimeter, Thermal Analysis Systems (DSC, TGA/DTA) and Particle Sizer with Zeta Potential Analyser for physiochemical characterization of nanomaterials.

State-of-the-art microscopes including a high resolution Scanning electron Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope and a Fluroscence microscope. Recent additions to the lab include the new generation Spectral Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope.

Equipped with a non-invasive, whole animal multispectral imaging system having fuorescence and X-ray imaging capabilities

Servohydraulic mechanical testing system for mechanical characterization of samples and a powder X-ray diffractometer for studying the crystallinity of samples

Equipped for wet chemical processing of various types of nanomaterials such as inorganic, metallic and polymeric nanoparticles.

Equipped with facilites for carrying out preperation of nano drug delivery vehicles for hydrophobic and hydrophillic drugs using biocompatible, biodegradable polymers and an HPLC system for quantitative determination of drug entrapment and release

With multiple systems lined up for electrospinning polymeric solutions onto stationary, rotating as well as translating targets and setup for fabricating 3D scaffolds. Viscosity, contact angle and surface tensiometer and independent hoods for electrospinning are stup in the laboratory.

For processing of polymeric nanomaterials and their composites, with Gel Permeation Chromatograpgh for the characterization

For melt processing of polymers as well as nanocomposites using Minijet Haake mixing instrument and Minilab Haake moulding machine.

With several equipments for molecular biology studies including PCR, RT-PCR, Western Blotting apparatus, Chemi-doc system, Microplate Reader, Gel doc system, Multimode Plate Reader etc.

Having facilities for preparing varieties of polymeric and inorganic nanomedicines for targeted and non-targeted cancer therapy and diagnosis, malaria, inflammation, etc.

for developing targeted nanomedicine based gene silencing with all facilities for genomic studies

Equipped with state-of-the-art Flow Cyclometer, Multiporator, Genetic Analyzer, DNA Sequencer, Digital HPLC,Real-time PCR, Multimode Plate Reader and core facility for isolation and characterization of stem cells from various sources including umbilical cord vein, umbilical cord blood, bone marrow etc.

Mainly developing thin films of metals, semiconducting and insulating materials (e.g. Polymers) by using sputter and spin coating techniques. Also have an inert atmosphere glove box for materials processing. The Quantum Efficiency measurement setup (new Port, USA) is used to measure the IPEC percentage for the materials compositions used for both solar cells and biosensor

Equipped with advanced instruments used for the characterization of solar cell performance, hence to measure the cell efficiency. This includes a PV measurement unit with Class A solar simulatore (New Port USA) & Keithley current source. The interface resistances of the cell structures are measured by using the Auto Lab System, which can also beused for various electrochemical experiments together with the Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) unit

Electro nanoprocessing of one-dimensional nanostructure and wet chemical synthesis of semiconducting oxides and quantum dots are developing in the lab inside the safety fume hoods. A milli-Q water system is also placed inside the lab for the availability of extra pure water for the material synthesis.

Spectroscopic characterization, especially the absorption and transmittance property of the materials are measured by using a Perkin Elmer Lamda 750 Spectrophotometer. An exciton lifetime measurement setup based on TCSPC will also be set up soon in the lab.

A First Nano-Chemical Vapor Deposition unit is installed in this lab, which is used for the fabrication of well-vertically aligned 1D nanostructures for our photovoltaic applications. An X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy unit will also be st up soon in this lab for surface and interface analysis.

High resolution characterization of chemistry and bonding states in thin films, through thickness chemistry and film thickness measurements