M. Somasekhar

Hi-tech lab to make medical devices planned

Hyderabad , June 2

A hi-tech laboratory to make medical devices from nano-materials is being contemplated here under a joint venture between the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).

Nano-materials, which are thinner than human hair, have raised considerable hopes with their versatile application potential. The two organisations want to blend their research and medical expertise, respectively to exploit the opportunities.

Stating this, Dr Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Controller (R&D), DRDO, and Dr D. Prasada Rao, Director of NIMS, said the laboratory should be ready in a year. At present, the concepts are being given shape and focus areas being identified, they told Business Line on Friday.

Workshop

The DRDO-NIMS combine also plans to rope in the University of Arkansas, where Prof. Vijay Varadan a well-known expert on nano-materials, has expressed willingness to collaborate. A workshop involving DRDO and NIMS is underway on Friday. "In the next week, we plan to complete discussions with Prof. Varadan, who will be in Hyderabad," Dr Prasada Rao said.

The areas where nano-material devices can be used are in brain implant to tackle diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzhiemer's and Eiplepsy, which are all movement disorders. The lab is expected to produce the devices, NIMS will undertake research, evaluate and test them in animals before going for clinical implants, he said.

Pure nano-materials are capable of stimulating neurons in the brain. "We want to pose questions on their role in tackling eye, hearing and movement disorders and come up with suitable devices in the future. At present, it is all preliminary stage," Dr Prasada Rao said.

The DRDO laboratories have expertise to make carbon nano tubes and carbon nano fibres which have several applications.

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