Nanotechnology Centre to be inaugurated tommorow

Kochi, Feb 16 (UNI) A Nanotechnology Centre, first of its kind to be funded by the Union Government, will be inaugurated at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) here tomorrow.

Talking to newspersons here today, Dean of Research and Director of the Centre Shantikumar V Nair said the Centre would enable to develop high quality affordable products that utilise the novel properties of nanomaterials.

Stressing the importance of nanotechnolgy in medical science, Dr Nair said the tissue engineered replacements for bone, skin and cartilage had applications in reconstructive surgery, replacement of vessels in coronary artery disease, skin replacement for burn victims and bone implants for cancer patients.

He said with the development of nanotechnology, cancer treatment can be made effective through better drug delivery without damaging healthy tisues.

Dr Nair noted that the potency of the Ayurveda medicine can also be increased through nanoscience.

The development of novel high efficiency solar cells through nanoscience can address the energy problems of the nation, Dr Nair noted.

The AIMS would provide 30,000 sq ft of infrastructure worth Rs five crore for the Centre which has a Government investment of another Rs five crore under the Department of Science and Technology.

The Centre will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekharan.

UNI