Aiming to promote research and intensify nanobiotechnology activities in cutting edge research areas, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has invited the concept notes for their evaluation and converting them into potential research project proposals to address various issues in the areas of health, agriculture, food and environment through basic and applied nano biotechnological research interventions.
The priority areas in the research include design of new therapeutics and targeted drug delivery vehicles; novel formulations for existing drugs to enhance their efficacy; nano carrier systems for siRNAs therapy; diagnostics for early diseases detection and imaging; design and development of smart nanomaterial for bio separation, tissue engineering and other medical applications; and sensors for detection of chemicals and pathogens in food and crops, nano carriers system for pesticides and fertilizers, improving the nutritional qualities of food and smart packaging system etc.
The proposals of the three categories of use inspired discovery and early translational science; translational research; and developing critical tools for translational research would be considered and may be marked accordingly. Under the Use inspired discovery and early translational science, the research objectives of the proposal should have clearly defined roadmap for scientific outcomes and for future application strategies. Under the Translational research category, the proposals should already have demonstrated proof of concept, requiring further application oriented translational studies and /or support for product development and commercialization. In the area of Developing critical tools for translational research, the proposals should aim at developing innovative tools and process for preclinical research in the priority areas.
The concept note must highlight novelty in the background of existing knowledge and elements of innovations; objectives with clearly defined intent and rationale; and outcomes and deliverables.
Academia, companies (in collaboration with academics) partnering with clinicians are eligible to submit the proposals.