Pantnagar scientists develop long-lasting antibacterial plastic
This innovation has wide applications in healthcare, food packaging, and daily-use plastics.
The decade-long research was led by MGH Zaidi, professor of Chemistry at College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, and Rita Goyal, a retired professor of Microbiology. The project was funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt of India, with a Rs 36.7 lakh grant under its Nanotechnology Task Force.
'People think bottled water is always safe, but once opened, contamination starts. We wanted to create a plastic that naturally resists bacteria,' said Zaidi. Researchers used biodegradable, non-toxic plastics infused with antibacterial nanoparticles via liquid carbon dioxide to create a compound that actively inhibits bacterial growth. Unlike conventional plastics that rely on toxic chemicals, this material is entirely safe for humans and the environment.
Now patented, the university is licensing the technology to a manufacturer, with products to be co-branded by Pantnagar University and DBT.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
40 minutes ago
- Hans India
Punjab CM orders special 'girdawari' to assess crop loss in floods
Chandigarh: Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said on Thursday that the Bhagwant Mann-led state government has ordered special 'girdawari' (inspection) to compensate for crop damage and other losses caused by rising water levels in rivers. During his visit to flood-affected villages in Sultanpur Lodhi, where he met affected families, Mundian added that the Punjab government has initiated the compensation process for crop losses. He said Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to complete the special girdawari as soon as water levels recede and submit their reports promptly so that appropriate compensation can be provided to affected people. The Revenue Minister said that relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka are being monitored by a ministerial committee. Cabinet Ministers are visiting various districts to share the grief of affected people while continuously overseeing relief operations, he added. He added that Rs 2 crore has been released for relief operations in Kapurthala district to ensure that distribution of rations, drinking water, medicines and livestock healthcare services continues for affected people. Responding to a query, the Minister said that under flood prevention measures, a special campaign will be launched across Punjab to further strengthen Dhussi and advance 'bundhs', while stating that Dhussi bundhs are completely secure at present. He reached affected people by boat and listened to their difficulties. Based on public demand, he also asked to deploy additional State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to ensure relief operations face no obstacles. He distributed dry rations, medicines and drinking water to affected people. The Minister instructed district administrative officers to ensure continuous fogging in affected areas. Besides, health department teams should conduct regular health checkups while raising awareness among people about skin diseases and water-borne disease prevention. Stressing special attention to livestock healthcare, Mundian ordered veterinary doctors to visit affected villages and habitats to examine livestock. Earlier, during a meeting with administrative officers, he gathered information about water release from dams and river flow conditions.
Hans India
40 minutes ago
- Hans India
6G roadmap: India establishes 100 5G labs for capacity building
New Delhi: The government has established 100 5G labs at academic institutions across India for capacity building and for creating a 6G-ready academic and startup ecosystem in the country, the Parliament was informed on Thursday. Under the initiatives that have been taken to facilitate the development of 6G technology in the country, the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme was launched on October 1, 2022, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The scheme aims to fund research and development (R&D) and innovation in telecom technologies, including 6G, fostering collaboration between academia, start-ups, MSMEs, research institutes and industry to enhance the telecom ecosystem in India. A total of 104 projects related to 6G technology, amounting to Rs. 275.88 crore, have been approved under the TTDF scheme till July 2025, the Minister stated. According to the minister, the government has facilitated the setting up of 'Bharat 6G Alliance', which is an alliance of domestic industry, academia, national research institutions and standards organisations to develop an action plan according to the Bharat 6G Vision. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with leading global 6G alliances to enhance global collaborations for the development of 6G wireless technologies, the Minister stated. As part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) has been established at the IIITB-Comet Foundation, hosted by the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT Bangalore). This TIH is dedicated to advancing research and innovation in the technology vertical "Advanced Communication Systems.", currently focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) and advanced O-RAN Massive MIMO systems, to enhance coverage, capacity, and integrated sensing capabilities in future 6G networks. The International Telecommunication Union Radio communication Sector (ITU-R) recommendation M.2160, outlines the vision for 6G or IMT-2030 and roadmap for rollout of 6G Technology by 2030, the Parliament was informed on Thursday, the minister highlighted.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Punjab govt renews partnership with Homi Bhabha cancer hospital
1 2 Sangrur: The Punjab govt and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the hospital's Sangrur campus, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cancer care infrastructure and services across the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh and Dr Ashish Gulia, director of the hospital. The formal signing was carried out by Madho Singh, director (administration) of the hospital, and Dr Anil Kumar, director of the Punjab Health System Corporation. Speaking at the event, Dr Balbir Singh expressed optimism that Punjab would soon become cancer- and drug-free, and emerge as a national leader in healthcare services. He acknowledged that Punjab's agricultural legacy, while feeding the nation, had led to environmental degradation, contributing to life-threatening diseases like cancer. Despite these challenges, he praised the resilience of Punjab's people and their determination to fight back. Dr Singh thanked the Tata Memorial Centre for its continued collaboration and highlighted Punjab's transformation into a healthcare hub, noting that while people once travelled to other states for treatment, Punjab now attracts patients from across the country. He also announced the launch of the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme on Oct 2, which will provide coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh per family, including cancer treatment. The government is also focusing on early detection and preventive care, and plans to recruit 1,000 doctors to address shortages in govt hospitals. "The govt of Punjab is fully dedicated to the health and well-being of its citizens. Our partnership with the Tata Memorial Centre is a testament to this commitment," Dr Singh said. Dr Ashish Gulia echoed the sentiment, stating that the renewed MoU reenergizes their mission to provide holistic cancer care. He thanked the Government of Punjab, the Tata Memorial Centre, and the Department of Atomic Energy for their unwavering support. Under the renewed agreement, Tata Memorial Centre will continue to manage hospital operations, oversee finances, and conduct public health programmes. The Punjab government will provide financial support for new medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and key health schemes. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Punjab's fight against cancer, combining specialised expertise with governmental support to build a comprehensive and accessible cancer care ecosystem for the people of the state. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
