Department of Applied Biology

  • Dr. Mohanan P. V., Scientist G
    Head of the Department
  • Dr. Lynda V .Thomas, Scientist F
    Department Coordinator

    • > Division of Experimental Pathology

      • The role of Division of Experimental Pathology are 1) Gross and histological evaluation of tissue response to a material for assessment of biocompatibility. 2) Necropsy studies in pre-clinical evaluation of medical devices and 3) Study of tissue around retrieved clinical implants Read More...

    • > Division of In Vivo Models and Testing

      • Activities of Division of In Vivo Models and Testing range from simple collection of animal blood for the evaluation of blood- material interaction to major surgical procedures such as the replacement of mitral valve in sheep under cardiopulmonary bypass. Vivarium looks after the activities like procurement, quarantine, conditioning and maintaining of large animals as per the Guidelines and Codes of Practice of Animal Care and Management. A well maintained animal operation theatre provide facility for in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of medical devices. Read More...

    • > Division of Laboratory Animal Science

      • The care and management of small laboratory animals and supply of quality animals for research and diagnostic purposes come under this facility. Read More...

    • > Division of Microbial Technology

      • Microbial Technology Division is involved in understanding the molecular biology of microorganisms in relation to implant-associated infections and to develop suitable strategies to prevent it. In addition, research and development on surface modification of materials like latex for the use in manufacture of Foley's catheters are also in progress. Read More...

    • > Division of Molecular Medicine

      • Molecular Medicine division focuses on the identification and functional analysis of human genes involved in epileptic seizure using advanced techniques like polymerise chain reaction (PCR), suppression, subtraction, hybridisation and microarray. The laboratory is also involved in developing diagnostic tools for identification of human disorders like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Ataxia. Based on the growing number of identified disease genes, this laboratory concentrates on development of DNA based techniques for rapid identification of diseased genes and their application as diagnostic tools. Read More...

    • > Division of Sleep Research

      • Division of Sleep Research is an integral component of the Comprehensive Center for Sleep Disorders (CCSD). It aims to explore the basic mechanisms and to conduct translational research in emerging aspects of sleep regulation for improving human health. Read More...

    • > Division of Thrombosis Research

      • This division carries out the evaluation of material - blood interaction. The tests used for evaluation of blood compatibility are classified into five categories according to the process or system being tested such as Thrombosis, Coagulation, Platelets and platelet function, hematology and immunology. In addition, quantitative estimation of protein adsorption and endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation on surfaces with ability to resist shear stress under, which are important indicators of blood compatibility are also being carried out. Other activities include the development of new reagents and tests for evaluation of blood - material interaction, development of haemostatic bioadhesives for clinical applications, studies on modification of blood contacting biomaterials to reduce thrombogenicity by tissue engineering, in combination with bioadhesives. Read More...

    • > Division of Tissue Culture

      • In vitro cytotoxicity tests using different methods of contact are carried out in this division. In addition, general and specific cytocompatibility studies are also carried out in cell culture systems using continuous cell lines and primary cells. Read More...

    • > Division of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration Technologies

      • Tissue engineering with a long term goal of addressing the shortage of donor organs for transplantation,by designing suitable organs / biological substitutes is a major thrust area of this Division.The division has ambitious research programmes to create "organs" such as pancreas, cartilage, blood vessels etc,that may be available "off the shelf" and impact clinical applications.Current major research programs of the division have been directed to develop (a) novel,biodegradable and bio mimetic "designer" scaffolds (b) understand the regeneration processes using adult cells and directed stem cell differentiation,and (c)delineate the molecular pathways that regulates the growth factors and other molecules or drugs to promote regeneration.. Other areas of our interest deal with usage of bioreactors, wherein the "in vivo" environment is recapitulated and monitored "in vitro," while exerting physiologically relevant mechanical and biochemical stimuli to guide neo tissue development. The division also contributes to other lab and institutional programs (e.g. lung, bone) with "designer" scaffolds. Development of biopolymer composites for medical applications is another important area of research. Scaffolds made by conventional techniques and electro spinning as well as regulator combinations generated by our division, find additional applications in drug delivery, wound healing and haemostats.The division has been supported with project grants from DST, DBT Govt of India, and KSTEC, Kerala, been the Nodal centre for the Joint Indo-US Centre for Stem Cells & Tissue Engineering supported by IUSSTF and is the Lead for the Centre of Excellence in Tissue engineering program with support from DBT, Govt of India. Read More...

    • > Division of Toxicology

      • The Toxicology Division is responsible for screening of various candidate biomaterials and medical devices for toxicity and safety before clinical application. The laboratory has also undertaken efficacy and safety evaluation of pharmaceutical agents. Read More...