Research

1. Area of Research

1-      Fiber Sensors for health care and environmental application

Spinel and perovskite oxide based Fiber Optic Bio-sensor are being designed and coated on a fiber with the objective to detect the desired bio-analyte. The fiber optic sensor works on the principle of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to detect the analyte. These sensors use sialic acids as the analyte and follow non-invasive sensing method, hence doesn’t require any experienced medical staff for its operation. It is highly sensitive and have very high specificity. Currently the work is also under progress to develop such sensors for detection of the cancer.  Optical sensor based on SPR assisted Interferometry technique is also being developed using modified optical fibers to improve the sensitivity. The design is being optimized for efficient detection of blood glucose level and the concentration of heavy metal ions present on the surface of earth. 

Optical Fiber Sensor setup

2-      Waveguide based biosensors for healthcare

The search also includes development of compact photonic biosensors using specially designed dielectric waveguide structures for improving the sensitivity as well as reusability of the bio-sensors, and chemical and gas sensors. This research work includes simulation of different configurations of optical waveguides for designing cost effective, portable and efficient invasive and non-invasive biosensors for continuous monitoring of blood glucose level in case of diabetic patients. This work can be extended to pathogenic detection also. Mainly this research aims to provide painless and more effective bio detection technology as an alternative to traditional methods.

3-      Low cost Digital holographic microscope based HbA1C detection

We have developed a low cost blood glucose detection technique by tracing the phase of RBCs of human blood with the HbA1c level, against the conventionally used high cost instrument HPLC technique. Our procedure includes a low cost and easily configurable Digital Hologram Microscopy (DHM) Set-up. The phase of RBC keeps the track of glucose level in blood for almost last three months, and tracing it in a suitable manner, can give the trace of glucose level of the patient for last three months too. The prototype has been prepared and is under validation. Work has also been initiated to develop the process for early detection of malaria using DHM technique.

 HbA1c Detection using DHM

Low cost HbA1c Detection Kit

4-      Detection of heavy metals and treatment of industry effluence

Presence of heavy metals and organic wastes in industrial effluent are potentially harmful for the environment, aquatic plants, animals, and human health. Silver nanoparticle are used to detect mercury in the industry effluent. We use photocatalysis, a green process that happens in the presence of visible light and without using any toxic chemicals, and does not generate any toxic byproducts; to degrade the organic wastes from industry effluence. Suitable nano composites having effective photocatalytic activity due to their shape and size dependent unique properties, are developed to serve this purpose.

 

Heavy Metal Ions Detections

5-      Hybrid nanomaterial based Drug delivery system

A drug delivery system is a formulation that enables the introduction of a therapeutic substance in the body and improves its efficacy and safety by controlling the rate, time, and place of release of drugs for more effectiveness. Through the manipulation of size, surface characteristics and material used, the magnetic nanoparticles has been developed into smart systems (Hybrid nanomaterials), that has potential to deliver drug to targeted area minimizing side effects and provide controlled release therapy.

 

6-      Improving light output of display devices

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) such as Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) are gaining popularity as next-generation displays and lighting taking advantage of their low thickness, self-luminous properties, high color purity and gamut, fast response speed, and various applicable characteristics like flexibility and fold ability. However, the conventional flat OLED severely suffer from its light loss due to total internal reflection (TIR) at the glass-air interface. We are trying to reduce this effect of TIR and hence increase the external quantum efficiency (EQE) level and brightness by changing the layer structure and introducing nano-particles in the OLED substrate. On that way the brightness will be increased more than the present percentage. This work is going on through numerical simulations and experiments by changing the structure of OLED layers.

The center also focuses on new generation solar cells such as hybrid and led free solar cells, optical fiber indoor lighting etc.

 

2. Facilities

·         Nano synthesis Lab

·         UV-Visible Spectroscopy

·         Photoluminescence

·         X-Ray Diffraction

·         Muffle Furnace

·         Tubular Furnace

·         Impedance Analyzer

·         Deep Freezing up to – 20 °C

·         Spin Coating

·         Dip Coating

·         Solar Simulator

·         SETFOS

·         COMSOL MultiPhysics

·         Contact Angle Measurement System

·         Fiber Optics Sensor Setup

·         Source meter

·         Mercury detector

·         Digital holographic Microscope (DHM)

 3.Support Center

        The Facilities on the center can be utilized on request following the necessary procedures.

4. Work with Us:

      Interested and motivated Researchers, Students and faculties can work with us by sending a mail to the coordinator, CoENSTds.