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technology<br />
NANO-BIOTECH<br />
INDIAN START-UP SET TO<br />
SHAKE UP GLOBAL MARKETS<br />
MagGenome aims to provide faster, easier and cheaper alternatives in the<br />
therapeutic domain using patented, magnetic nanoparticle-based technologies<br />
C H UNNIKRISHNAN<br />
Nanotechnology has generated<br />
a great deal of interest around<br />
the world as it has impacted<br />
the way scientists think and come up<br />
with solutions. It has also influenced<br />
industrial areas and basic science<br />
research to the extent that numerous<br />
studies are being carried out across the<br />
globe in different disciplines associated<br />
with nanotechnology.<br />
Since nanotechnology deals with<br />
matter at the scale of one billionth<br />
of a meter (10 -9m ), where materials<br />
possess unique properties compared<br />
to their macroscopic counterparts,<br />
finding unique solutions to various<br />
scientific problems has become an<br />
achievable goal. Bio-medical science<br />
and engineering are two major<br />
fields that use nanomaterials as<br />
powerful tools in making revolutionary<br />
inventions. Nanomaterials have been<br />
designed for a variety of biomedical<br />
and biotechnological applications<br />
that range from drug delivery to<br />
magnetic hyperthermia, biosensors,<br />
enzyme immobilization and isolation<br />
of biomolecules. Nanobiotechnology<br />
also offers solutions in the detection<br />
of pathogens, tissue engineering and<br />
imaging for MRI contrast enhancement,<br />
among others.<br />
Futuristic no more<br />
Scientists from the academic and<br />
industrial backgrounds are investing<br />
IT IS NOT EASY TO FIND<br />
COMPANIES WHICH ARE<br />
SINGULARLY FOCUSED ON<br />
DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY<br />
AND PRODUCTS IN THE AREA<br />
OF NANO-BIOTECHNOLOGY<br />
their efforts in nanotechnology in<br />
several countries including India.<br />
Government of India’s Department<br />
of Science and Technology (DST)<br />
established Nanoscience and<br />
Technology Mission (NSTM) during<br />
the 10th plan period (2002- 2007).<br />
As a result of the efforts led by the<br />
mission, India is today among the top<br />
five nations in the world in terms of<br />
scientific publications in nano science<br />
and technology. In the industrial sector<br />
in India, there are companies that have<br />
ventured into activities such as the<br />
synthesis of nano-materials and coating<br />
products.<br />
But it is not easy to find companies<br />
which are singularly focused on<br />
developing technology and products<br />
in the area of nano-biotechnology. This<br />
68 / FUTURE MEDICINE / <strong>April</strong> <strong>2019</strong>