Annual Report 2004-2005

Technology Development

Pharmaceutical Research & Development Support Fund (PRDSF) Programme

Recognizing the profound influence of R&D on the prospects and opportunities for the growth of the Indian Drug Industry, a scheme titled “Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme” was initiated in DST during 1994- 95 for promoting Industry- Institutional R&D collaborations in drugs and pharmaceuticals sector. This programme aims at enhancing capabilities of institutions and the Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Industry towards development of New Drugs in all Systems of Medicine.

During 2004-05, Pharmaceutical Research and Development Support Fund (PRDSF) has been set up. Under this fund, the Government has created an initial corpus of Rs 150 crores. The interest accrued on this corpus would be used for providing financial assistance to R&D projects proposed by industry/academic institutions/ laboratories and also for creation of state-of-art facilities in the country. Apart from the soft loan at simple interest of 3% per annum would also be given to in-house R&D laboratories of industries/scientific and industrial research organizations which are non-profit making registered societies for undertaking R&D in Pharma sector. A Drug Development Promotion Board (DDPB) under the administrative control of DST has been constituted to operationalise the PRDSF. The earlier programme entitled “Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research Programme” has now been merged with PRDSF.

Major Achievements

A total number of 19 proposals have been considered for financial support during the year. 12 proposals have been recommended by the Expert Committee for funding including 11 Industry- Institutional collaborative research proposals and one National Facility. The following new collaborative R&D projects were funded this year:

• Development of PLG {Poly-(dl-lactide-co-glycolide)} for encapsulation of tuberculosis drug for sustained drug delivery system;
  
• Development and standardization of herbal antimalarial drug;
  
• Poly lactide-co-glycolide nanoparticle based oral sustained release drug delivery system for treatment of MDR tuberculosis;
  
• Development of drugs for the medical therapy of Glaucoma using natural products;
  
• Lead optimization and development of new orally active anti-malarial peroxides;
  
• Evaluation of the toxicity and Anti-Leishmanial efficacy of Liposomal Amphotericin- B (KALSOME) in mouse model;
  
• Enhancement of benzaldehyde biotransformation;
  
• First pre-clinical investigation in India on non-viral gene therapy of chronic wounds;
• Identification and optimization of Lead Molecules for development as anticancer agents;
  
• Development of Botanical – Immunomodulators as adjuvants for improving Vaccine efficacy;
• Quality assurance and validation of some ayurvedic formulation for life-style related and gynaecological disorder; and
• Clinical and Experimental Evaluation of Reno Protective Effect of Maha Nimb, Rhubarb and Herbal Compound.

These projects are to be implemented in various national laboratories/institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur, Veer Narmada South Gujarat University – Surat, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidya Nagar, IICT - Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology – Hyderabad, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research – New Delhi, National Chemical Laboratory – Pune, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology – Kolkata, All India Institute of Medical Sciences – New Delhi, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research – Chandigarh, Pune University, Central Drug Research Institute – Lucknow, Banaras Hindu University – Varanasi.

The industry collaborators are: Dabur Research Foundation – Sahibabad, Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd., - Mohan, Lifecare Innovations Pvt. Ltd – Gurgaon, Promed Exports Pvt. Ltd. – Delhi, Virchow Biotech. Pvt. Ltd. – Hyderabad, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.- Gurgaon, Serum Institute of India Research Foundation – Pune, IPCA Laboratories Ltd. – Mumbai, Surya Pharmaceuticals–Varanasi, Emmellen Biotech Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. – Mumbai, Petlad Mahal Arogya Mandal Pharmacy, Nadiad, Gujarat.

National Facility

A national facility on Pharma-informatics is also established at National Institute of Pharmaceuticals Education and Research (NIPER), Chandigarh.

For the first time, under PRDSF programme soft loans with an interest rate of 3% to the following R&D proposals of Pharma industry are under consideration:

• Clinical development of DRF 7295 in advanced and metastatic cancers of the Gastrointestinal tract (Colon, pancreas and stomach) by Dabur Research Foundation.
  
• Formulation research and development of protein based therapeutics for human use by INTAS Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ahmedabad.
  
• Development of atherocid as a drug and pharmaceuticals for coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD risk equivalents by Surya Pharmaceuticals, Varanasi.

Few more industrial R&D project proposals seeking soft loans for the areas like development of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine by using a combination of 30 deletion mutants and chimeric constructs of DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4 Viruses against Dengue Virus Infection, Formulation Development, stability studies, pre-clinical and clinical studies of anti-cataract herbal eye drops, C-Phycocyanin in Cox-2 Inhibition & Diagnostics are likely to be considered for funding .

All the projects which have either been completed or have been running more than a year, were monitored by the Experts. Some of the significant results obtained out of these projects are as follows:-

• A large scale screening of plant materials for histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs) function and search for inhibitors of these enzymes were carried out. For the first time, polyisoprenylated benzophenone (garcinol) from Garcinia indica was reported as cell permeable HATs which alters the global gene regulations as observed by microarray analysis of garcinol- treated cancerous cells. Also, synthesized 10 different derivatives of Garcinol having interesting features of cancer management.
• Developed Antigen capture assay for HIV-1 and HIV-II using the combination of the affinity – purified rabbit –p24 polyclonal antibody and A16.4 monoclonal antibody. They could optimize the assay to detect as low as 10 pg/well of p24 in plasma samples with the sensitivity of 50 pg/ml.
• Prepared and characterized antitubercular drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) coated with polylactide-co-glycolide for various physico chemical properties, pre clinical animal studies for toxicity, pharmacokinetic and bio availability studies in mice. The experiments have given very encouraging results facilitating the collaborators to apply for regulatory clearance for this innovative formulation of drug delivery system. Administration of PLG-MP formulation once in every ten days in TB infected mice/guinea pigs provided effective control of the disease.
• 300 NCEs of novel antitubercular and bacterial compounds were synthesized belonging to 17 different chemical scaffolds. 12 compounds belonging to dihydrpyridines, thiazolidinones, aminothiazoles, and quinolines showed good activity when tested for biological screenings.
• 31 different types of herbal products were screened for ectoparasiticidal properties for lice and ticks in the domestic animals for developing suitable veterinary drug for the management of these parasites. Based on various physicochemical parameters, 7 plant products were selected for further studies based on crude extracts.
• Bio evaluation studies of the Itone of M/s Deys Medical Stores Mfg. Ltd. were undertaken. It was observed to have anti inflammatory and anticataract effect.
• A library of 12,500 compounds has been screened for anticancer activity on the high thoroughput screening platform of CDRI. A total of 532 Hits’ have been identified which were subjected to secondary screening. 182 compounds were identified as “Secondary Hits”. These belong to 20 structural classes.
• 27 NCEs having potential antifungal property were synthesized relating to Fluconazole, voriconazole, sapidolide. One U.S. Patent for Fluconazole was filed.
• Scientific evaluation of safety and efficacy profile of a herbal siddha formulation in the management of rheumatoid arthritis was carried out. The finger printing of the ingredients of plant products referred in the ancient text was done. Standardisation of extraction procedures were worked out.

Other Highlights

Nine MOUs/agreements have been finalized between DST, Pharma industry and collaborating research institutions. Some more MOUs are likely to be signed in the near future during this year.

Interaction Meets, Workshops, Seminars and Brainstorming Sessions

Grants have been sanctioned for organizing the following Workshops/ Seminars/ Brain Storming sessions in the area of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals:

• "4th International Healthcare and Herbal Expo and seminar 2004” held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi during April 2-4, 2004 organised by the Voluntary Health Education and Rural Development Society (VHERDS), Chennai and FICCI, New Delhi.
• “Industry Institutional Interactive meeting on R&D in Homoeopathy” at Department of AYUSH on 22nd April 2004.
• “Pharma industry-institute interactive meet” on 28th November 2004 at Centre for Advanced Research in Indian Systems of Medicine (CARISMA), SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur.
• Brain Storming Session (BSS) on “Development of Herbo-mineral Pharmaceutical Products in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine - Problems and Prospects’ during 7-8th December 2004 at Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi.
• Symposium on “Industry Institute Alliances on Drugs and Pharma R&D” held on 14th & 15th January, 2005 at Kolkata, organized by Indian Pharmacological Society (IPS).
• Pharma Industry-Institute interactive meet held on 27-28 January 2005 at Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Institute of Medical Sciences , B.H.U., Varanasi .
  
• A two day’s Workshop entitled “Institute - Industry interaction on Drugs for 21st Century: Discovery, Development, and Delivery held on 11th and 12th of February, 2005 at B.V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development (PERD) Centre, Thaltej, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

• To provide inter-disciplinary inputs in S&T Programs/Plans of socio-economic ministries/ Departments
• To identify inter-disciplinary R&D programs of common interest for multi-partnership funding through STAC sub Groups/ Task Force meetings.
• To promote Joint Technology Projects by providing part funding to R&D projects in the emerging areas and considered important by the user Ministry.
• Information Exchange on work of STACs in different Ministries through STAC Scan Plus newsletter and other publications.

Major Achievements

Specific support is provided by DST jointly with socio-economic Ministry/Department for activities, which can be demonstrated on industrial scale through research & development efforts and are conducive for strengthening of technological capabilities in the country. Funding and implementation guidelines of such projects have been evolved and projects are implemented in a consortium mode. About thirty joint technology projects have been supported with the participation of different Ministries viz. Ministry of Coal & Mines, Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Road & Surface Transport, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Food and Ministry of Environment & Forests. Industrial Application of Column Flotation Technology, Application of SCADA system to Mineral Processing industry and Power distribution, Ship Design for Efficiency & Economy, National Facility on Semi Solid Forming and National Facility for Helium Enrichment & Purification are some of the significant achievements. During the year, some of the highlights of the ongoing joint technology projects are as follows:

Development, Demonstration and Dissemination of Protective Technologies : Biodegradable Emulsions for Food Security and Prevention off Waste of Perishable Food Items by extending their Shelf Life

The above joint technology project is jointly supported from DST, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Rural Development. The project is being implemented by Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. During the year, basic and detailed engineering of the pilot preparation unit and the coating machinery for the emulsion developed by IIT, Delhi was completed, the equipment was fabricated and installed (Figures 6.1a and 6.1b). The pilot coating unit has the capacity to coat about 3-5 kg of fruits and vegetables in one lot. The coatings can be applied on clean fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes, pears, lemon, tomato, capsicum, mango, plums, brinjal, guava and kinno through spray or dip coating techniques. The coating efficacy evaluation equipment including microbial evaluation has been installed. The coatings formulated and stabilized by using GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) additives are being tested for non-toxicity standards.

A large scale field demonstration of the Efficacy of Fruit Coatings developed by IIT, Delhi was held on 2nd October, 2004 at Delhi Wholesale Fruit Market, Narela, Delhi. This demonstration was successful and the analysis of the results by way of the response received filled up questionnaire, which were distributed during the demonstration was very encouraging and users have expressed their happiness. Following this, a series of demonstrations have been planned to be held at Dadri(U.P.), Fruit Market, Hapur(U.P.), Barkahnda (Farmers Cooperative), Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation, Shimla; Fruit Market Azadpur Sabzi Mandi, Delhi; Dehradun, Faridabad, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, Amritsar, Mumbai & Pune.

National Facility for Semi Solid Forming(NSSF)

The above joint technology project is being implemented by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore with the financial support from Department of Mines, DST and DRDO/Ministry of Defense. The unique properties of aluminum have made it choicest material in several industrial applications – air craft, building, packaging, domestic machines and transport vehicles. Ecofriendliness and easy recyclability are the additional features that make aluminum more attractive. Semi Solid Forming is the emerging technology which is closely guarded and not easily accessible. The National Facility will develop SSF technology for the Indian scenario and will help in the production of quality aluminum castings through process and product development, testing and trainings etc. During the year, installation of main furnace and design & development of Electromagnetic Stirring System (EMS) was undertaken. The EMS is most reliable method of obtaining non-dendiritic billets (Figure 6.2). Because of shearing action, nuclei formed during solidification cannot grow and get partially remelted in contact with hotter metal before they are deposited on the solidification front.

To study various tolerable Indian non-coking coal sources with the aim of maximizing the usage of domestic non-coking coal in the COREX process

The above joint technology project launched with the joint support from DST, Steel Development Fund (SDF) in Ministry of Steel and Jindal Vijaynagar Steel Ltd.(JVSL). The main objective of the project, implemented by JVSL, CFRI and IISc, was to develop know how to utilize non coking coal from indigenous sources in COREX technology. Successful plant trials have been made for using Singreni non-coking coal of Grade B and Grade C. The quantity of coal used during commercial trials conducted during 18.10.2004 to 24.10.04 was 1430 tonnes in module- I and 1447 in module-II. These coals have successfully replaced 10% best quality imported coal. With these full-scale commercial trials using about 7000 tonnes of coal, use of indigenous coal in COREX has been demonstrated. Use of sized coal reduces the coke rate thus making the process economically effective.

Development of Process for Hot Dip Coated Products

The above joint technology project is supported by Ministry of Steel and being implemented by Research and Development Center for Iron & Steel (RDCIS), Ranchi. Hot Dip Coating Technology though well known, has undergone a sea change during the past 2-3 decades. Advancements have taken place in hot dip galvanizing with respect to precise control of zinc coating and uniformity of its thickness and Zero-spangle or ultra-smooth coating. During the year, civil work for installation of HDPS procured under the project was completed. The work pertaining to the collection of samples and process data from Bokaro Steel Plant has been studied on EMPA. Micro-structural study is in progress.

Application of Vorsyl Separator for Recovery of Clean Coal from Middling/Rejects

Department of Coal and DST are jointly supporting the project. The project is being implemented by Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Bhopal and Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Ltd. (CMPDIL), Ranchi. Discussion meetings were held with concerned agencies. The 300-400 mm Vorsyl Separator will be installed in a coal Mahuda Washery of CCL.

Simulation Assisted Development of Aluminum Metal Foam through Liquid Metal Route for Engineering Application

This joint technology project supported with Ministry of Coal and Mines and is being implemented by RRL, Bhopal. The initial experimental and characterization studies with special emphasis on microstructure pore size distribution of foam stress- strain relationships have been completed. The project Monitoring Committee in a meeting held during the year has suggested that the components such as (i) Blast Resistance Panels and (ii) Storage Box for Rural Applications may be targeted in the order of priority.

Exploration of Helium from Hot Springs and Development of Infrastructure for Gas Collection at Tantloi

DST jointly with DAE has established a National Facility on Helium Enrichment and Purification at Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata. The center is aiming at (a) development of protocol for sampling of gases from hot springs located at Bakreswar area in West Bengal and in other states; (b) pre-enrich the hot spring gases (reported to contain about 1.8% mol/mol helium)to about 60-65% mol/mol helium enrichment level and (c) purify the pre-enriched helium gas stream to the required level of purity (i.e. Grade-A 99.995% purity level). A state of the art helium purifier working on the principle of cryo-adsorption gas was installed in October 2002 with a view to purify the enriched helium to Grade-A helium (99.995 vol.%). This purifier has been designed for a continuous operation of seven hours with a throughput of 17 Nanometer cube/hr at 1800 psig which is consumed by the helium compressor. A high performance Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QMS) has been installed for precise and reliable testing of the helium gas purity out of helium purifier. A QMS consists of an ion source, ion optical system to accelerate and focus ions, detection electronics and high vacuum system and can test helium purity to 5N.

To give further thrust to national Helium conservation program, exploration of helium from hot springs has been intensified in Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Orissa and other places. The project is being supported jointly with DAE for development of infrastructure for gas collection at geothermal springs of Tantloi (Jharkhand) (Figures 6.3 and 6.4). A mobile helium laboratory has been created for exploratory work (Figure 6.5). This project work is progressing well and some of the preliminary data has already been collected by SINP, Kolkata.

Publication of STAC SCAN PLUS

The STAC Scan Plus Vol. 11 was published by the IS-STAC, DST covering the highlights of S&T activities of various ministries/departments where STAC mechanism is functional as well as achievements on various joint technology projects. The newsletter covered achievements in the project on National Facility for Semi Solid Forming, R&D in Iron & Steel Sector, Perspective Plan in Power Sector, Excerpts from S&T Policy 2003, S&T component of National Water Policy and deliberations of 19th World Mining Congress.

New Initiatives

Energy & environment concerns have added a new dimension to the development projects in socio-economic sectors. For achieving such linkages with industry, priority is being given to Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects relevant to the concerned sectors in these areas. In the Field of energy, DST has taken a number of initiatives in identifying areas of research of common interest for increasing energy efficiency and energy conservation in manufacturing and electricity sectors as well as through organization of joint workshops with industry participation. Some of these initiatives led to support to Development of energy efficient and cost effective materials for components in mining industry, Development of column flotation technology for zinc ore beneficiation and Introduction of advanced process control SCADA system in mineral industry and power industry, taken up jointly in the concerned sectors of economy as well as industry. During the year, DST actively participated and contributed in a number of meetings of Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) for which Ministry of Power is the nodal agency. Under the overall coordination of NTPC, joint research proposals aiming at Absorption, Adsorption and Membrane Separation of carbon dioxide as well as sequestration for Enhanced coal bed methane and Enhanced oil recovery etc. have been formulated to be partly funded by DST.

The CO2 as Greenhouse Gas is threatening climate change and causing Global Warming. At the moment, all concerned agencies are thinking in terms of ways and means to sequester the CO2, its storage etc. so as to avoid environmental hazards. The health effects of suspended particulate matter (SPM) which gets inhaled, is another serious cause of concern due to environmental pollution. In this context, two joint workshops with participation from industry were held on following topics:

a) Discussion Meeting on Urban Air Quality Management with respect to Suspended Particulate Matter with JICA held on 5th March 2004 led to assessment of the SPM problem and the need for taking up source apportionment studies.
b) Inter-Sectoral CO2 Sequestration Technology Meet jointly with The Energy Resources Institute, with the aim to identify stakeholders from various sectors of economy and technology development projects.

New joint technology projects initiated during the year:

• Pilot Scale Studies on Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt Bearing Ores of Nagaland for an economically viable Plant jointly with Ministry of Mines, DST, Ministry of Steel and Directorate of Geology & Mining, Government of Nagaland, will be implemented by National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur.
• Development & Commercialization of non-automotive applications for Zinc Die Casting in India – Die Casting Technology and Applications Development Center in collaboration with Department of Mines, Ministry of Coal and Mines for development & commercialization of non-automotive applications for zinc die casting in India as Training Center aims to enhance the use of zinc die casting in India.
• Commercialization of Extraction of helium from natural gas – jointly with Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Variable Energy Cyclotron Center , Kolkata and ONGC, Dehradun.

Department of Science & Technology is implementing Joint Technology-Technology System Programme. The programme aims at providing specific support for:

• activities conducive for strengthening technological capabilities in the country;
  
• application of modern technologies to socio-economic problem solving;
  
• modernization of traditional technologies, tools and skills;
  
• enhancing quality and performance of the traditional/non-traditional items;
  
• development of applications of R&D activities.; and
  
• promoting identification and development of project proposals aimed at improving technology, technique, material, methods and other appropriate activities conducive for development of glass, gold, laser application and vision related (eye disease) activities etc.

Some of the illustrative sub-areas in which focused activities have been initiated for technology development are conducting polymers and bio-molecular electronics devices; distress diagnostics in structures; cost effective access technology for rural areas (IT based); application of surface engineering techniques for rejuvenation of traditional crafts; bio-degradable polymers; bio- fuels, waste utilization, water treatment and rural micro-water management, industrialised building systems etc.

Major Achievements

Bio-Molecular Electronics & Conducting Polymers

Under this sub-area, it is intended to catalyze and support technology feasibility and development projects in the area of Bio-Molecular electronics, conducting polymer electronics and Bio-sensors. Some of the important projects supported in the area are:

• Development of bio-sensor for quality assessment in tea processing;
  
• Development of DNA bio-sensor;
  
• Development of immuno- bio-sensors for detection of pesticides.;
  
• Development of aero-capacitors for electronics applications;
  
• Development of optically transparent electrically conducting thin film coating from polymeric materials;
• Development of intelligent embedded sensor systems for measuring soil properties; and
  
• Development of band pass interference filters for Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM).

Water Purification

The water purification is one of the important areas identified for development of appropriate technology systems as in many parts of the country the subterranean water, the main source of drinking water, is polluted by non permissible doses of salts, iron, arsenic and fluoride contaminants. Similarly, river water which is another source of drinking water is contaminated with iron ore and coal dusts in mineral rich states like Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan etc. Some of the important projects supported in the area are:

An integrated Arsenic Removal System combining the microbial and adsorption technologies have been designed and successfully tested in the laboratory conditions. The plant which has been designed and developed by Agharkar Research Institute is now proposed to be field tested at 5 locations in arsenic affected district namely, Rajnandgaon Chhattisgarh.

An Arsenic Removal Plant based on a novel material (CalSiCO) has been successfully installed at Barasat, West Bengal after satisfactory testing in laboratory conditions. The various parameters related to performance of the plant are being monitored and the results achieved so far are quite encouraging (Figure 6.6).

Projects have been supported to develop multi- channel ceramic membrane for developing the technology for purification of arsenic contaminated ground water. The ceramic membrane based iron removal plants are also being upscaled for field demonstration initially in West Bengal.

In addition to above projects, activities are also going on for developing technologies for deflouridation of water by membrane technology and removal of arsenic using polymeric membrane as well as low cost adsorbent.

Biodegradable/bio-medical polymers

The polymers, due to their outstanding characteristics, are finding increasing applications in household, transport, industrial and agricultural fields. They are also increasingly used as artificial organ and transplant in various biomedical applications. One of the solutions is to use biodegradable polymers based on microbial /agricultural / forest resources. This technology is recent one and is being fervently pursued in every part of the world. Department has mobilized few project proposals to catalyze research and technology development in this area.

Alternate Fuel

The department has carved out a niche area to address various technological aspects related to bio-fuels. The focus of activities under this programme is mainly on technology related applications and system integrations in bio fuels. Department has initially focused on potential and problems related to the application of Straight Vegetable Oils (SVOs). As a result of activities initiated under the programme, a technology demonstration plant for manufacturing non-edible oils used as biofuel integrated with DG set of 12.5 KVA rating has been designed and tested. This plant is proposed to be installed at a village near Mysore for field testing. The capacity of the plant is 1 ton/day of Straight Vegetable Oil.

Information & Communication Technology Systems

Under this area, the focus is on developing technologies which promote application of information technologies for the benefit of general masses, especially rural people. During the year, the project on development of broadband access system for rural applications has resulted in development of a laboratory set up of 50 m range for low cost access. The set up is now being upgraded to field testing for longer ranges. Another project entitled “Farmers’ Advisory Systems” aiming at equipping farmers with the information related to the entire crop supply chain has been evolved and is proposed to be implemented in collaboration with IFFCO. Department has also evolved a project on development of set-top boxes providing internet access on television. A project on establishing feasibility of multimedia corridor for health applications is also under implementation.

Structural Technology Systems

Under this activity, the focus is on development of multi disciplinary, multi institutional technology development projects in niche areas having relevance to the Indian needs and wide spread potential for successful replication. Under this area, projects aimed at development of bridge management systems based on distress diagnostics, development of industrialized housing systems capable of reducing the construction time and also possessing comfort features as per international norms, and development of state-of-art isolators to provide the building seismic protection have been supported.

Glass Technology upgradation

Under the Glass Technology upgradation programme, projects aiming at technology development and upgradation have been initiated in the areas of optical glass, ophthalmic glass and unorganized small scale sector glass industry of consumer items (Firozabad cluster of glass industries). During the year, various on-going projects supported to these institutions were reviewed to develop technology acceptable to the end-user/industry. A new project on development of engineered prototypes for instant determination of adulteration in petrol was initiated during the year. The project on casting of high refractive index plastic lenses was completed during the year.

Vision Technology

The vision programme aims at developing preventive, diagnostic and curative technologies for eye-related diseases. Many innovative and high technology projects have been initiated under this programme to achieve these objectives. The study of medicinal plants for the management of glaucoma has resulted in identification of various medicinal plants for the management of disease. They are now being evaluated for efficacy and possible drug formulation. The protective biocompatible coating on surgical tools used for eye surgery is currently being evaluated by experts for its performance and longevity.