Nanobiotechnology for Therapeutic Applications

       Nano-structured materials, together with life processes, on the cellular and sub-cellular scales, demonstrate how extremely complex processes can be conducted in an efficient and coordinated fashion using nanostructures and their assemblies. In this programme we propose to carry out several investigations in the broad area of nanobiotechnology with therapeutic applications as the focus.
       The harnessing of biological components and the mimicry of biological models towards sensing, storage or transduction of chemical or physical signals represents a leading challenge in science and engineering. The molecular machinery of nature outperforms anything that can be currently engineered or manufactured. Almost without exception there exists a biomolecular analog of the conventional functional devices like structural components, drive shafts, pumps, motors, propulsion systems, etc.
       Consequently the discipline of nanobiotechnology is expected to provide the means to construct novel molecular architecture with greater precision and flexibility, and at a miniscule cost compared with the traditional manufacturing processes. These initiatives necessitate the coming together of the diverse disciplines of science and technology as never before. In the present learning stage, the biological systems are providing the leading edge by furnishing both the components and the genetic engineering tools like cloning and site directed mutagenesis. The objective of this proposal is to provide both the biological resource and the methodology in a possibly interdisciplinary initiative in biomolecular engineering and nanobiotechnology.
       Nanoparticles have great promise as delivery agents and for nanotherapeutics. Surfactant nanoparticles themselves are excellent candidates for alleviation of respiratory distress syndrome in adults and neonates. Nanomaterials can provide a great scaffold for use of biocompatible materials for implant purposes.
       The proposed investigations cover a wide spectrum addressing both fundamental and applied aspects, since a fundamental understanding of nanoscale behaviour is required so as to make an impact on applications which are sometimes very macroscopic as in the case of bulk nanomaterials and devices. A DBT funded project entitled: ?Nanobiotechnology for therapeutics: fundamentals and applications? is in progress. Expertise is readily available for the nanobiotechnology programme. The proposed work is highly interdisciplinary in nature. Therefore it is supported by a team with a broad range of expertise in both fundamental and applied areas including clinical aspects.
       B1. Nanobiotechnology expertise at IIT Bombayand the projected activities
       The expertise of the team at IIT Bombay covers the following areas:
       * Nanoparticle synthesis
       * Characterisation of nanostructures
       * Materials processing
       * Classical preparation methodologies for proved therapeutics like bhasmas
       * Biochemistry and metabolic engineering
       * Cell biology, genetic engineering, protein chemistry, immunology
       * Computational biology including bioinformatics
       * Clinical practice
       The IIT Bombay team is currently working on the following themes as part of its research goals:
       (i) Novel surfactants nanoparticles for respiratory disease
       (ii) Cellular and Molecular Engineering for Nano-biotechnology
       (iii) Nanocomposites for dental and orthodontics use.
       (iv) Micro-devices for cardiac use.
       (v) Nano particles as biocatalysis: the Bhasma concept
       (vi) Controlled drug delivery systems
       The outcome will make impact in the following areas:
       * Nanoparticle and Polymeric anti-ulcer drug delivery systems
       * Liposomal targeting
       * Environmental pollutant detectors with engineered microbes and proteins
       * Fold and sequence towards targets: concept demonstration
       * Neonatal and adult surfactant therapy product for RDS ready for Phase I trial
       * Adult surfactant therapy product for RDS ready for in vitro trials
       * Tissue-engineered dental and bone replacement with nano-composites
       * Nanoparticulate bone cement based on bioglass
       * Bioactive nanoparticulate synthesis with high efficiency, low toxicity
       * Mechanistic understanding of traditional bioactive nanoparticulates (bhasmas)