Research Accompulishments book-3.11

PSG INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES

Nanotech Research Innovation and Incubation Centre (NRIIC)(An Initiative of National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB),

Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India)

Coimbatore - 641004

Research to BusinessINSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES

PSG

RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2015-2016

Annual Report

Message from Managing Trustee

Director's message

From Editor's Desk

Research Advisory Board

Research groups and activities

Electrochemical Energy Materials

Solar Energy

Polymer Electronics

Materials Chemistry

Sensor

Structural Nanomaterials

Functional Innovative and smart textiles

Nanobiotechnology

Tissue Engineering

Collaborations and Linkages with International Research Group

Industrial Research Collaborations

Funded Projects received

List of peer reviewed publication

Awards and Achievements

Conferences and Workshops

New Instrument faciltities added

PSGIAS –Product/ Prototypes developed

5

6

7

8

13

19

28

29

32

40

45

47

50

54

54

55

56

59

61

62

63

Contents

Message from the Managing Trustee

L. Gopalakrishnan

thI am happy to note that PSGIAS is bringing out the 5 edition of Research

Accomplishments, documenting research activities during the year 2015-16. I am very

happy to note that the R&D activities have picked up substantially leading to

development of innovative products. I wish the young team all the best and look forward to significant contributions in

future.

Managing TrusteePSG Institutions

PSGIAS Research Accomplishments 2015-2016 5

Director's Preface

Prof. P. Radhakrishnan

2015-16 has been a year full of activities for nanotech research at PSGIAS. We

successfully conducted first Nanochallenge competition in collaboration with SUNY

Polytechnic Institute, Albany, USA. We initiated research in several new areas apart

from continuing research activities already under way.

The faculty members of PSGIAS have developed prototype of a few products which

are undergoing trials.

A Pilot Plant has been established in partner industry for effluent treatment, after

developing the technology successfully in the laboratory.

On international front, we have been able to establish collaboration with University

of Newcastle, Australia. One endowment and a research award have been instituted by

Dr. Raja Dharmarajan of University of Newcastle.

I would like to acknowledge the excellent contributions from my colleagues and

support from PSG Management, Dr. R. Rudramoorthy, Principal and faculty members of

PSG College of Technology and other PSG Institutions.

Director, PSGIAS

PSGIAS Research Accomplishments 2015-20166

From Editor's Desk

(Selvakumar R)

I am happy to share my experience in editing 5 Research Accomplishment

–Annual report for the year 2015-2016 of PSG Institute of Advanced Studies (PSGIAS).

This research accomplishment report brings out the synopsis of the research and

development works carried out in our Institute in various fields like electrochemical

energy materials, solar energy, sensors, nanobiotechnology, polymer electronics,

materials chemistry, structural nanomaterial, functional innovative and smart textiles,

tissue engineering etc. I am happy to convey that these research works have been

published in reputed international and national peer reviewed journals and have started

receiving citations. This issue also highlights the international collaborations, projects

sanctioned, academic achievements, fellowships and awards received by faculties,

research scholars and students. These achievements are motivating and are the

outcome of their hard work and dedication towards the Institute's development. A few of

the development works that have reached the prototype/product stage have been

showcased which strongly supports our motto of “Research to Business”. As always, the

visits of eminent scientists, industrialist and academicians at international and national

level to our Institute and discussions with them helped us a lot to update with an

international perspective. A few of these memories have been shared. New research

equipments that have been added to our Institute are also listed. I am sure that you

would enjoy reading the annual report 2015-2016 and I look forward to your suggestions

for improvement.

th


Prof. R. AlagirusamyIIT Delhi

Prof. RudhrapratapCNSE, IISc Bangalore

Dr. S. Ramakrishnan Director, LPSE, ISRO, Thiruvanandapuram

Research Advisory Board

Dr. D. R. Prasada RajuScientist G/Advisor (Retd), DST,

Dr. Prakash VasudevanDirector, SITRA, Coimbatore

Dr. G. SundararamanDirector, ARCI (Chairman)

Dr. P. R. Vasudev RaoIGCAR, Kalpakkam

Dr. V. Ramgopal RaoDirector, IIT Delhi

Prof. Baquer MazhariIIT Kanpur

Dr. V. J. Sundaram

President, NDRF, Bangalore


TEAM PSG IAS

AdvisorsShri. G. GovindarajanDr. T. Lazar Mathew

Core FacultyProf. P. Radhakrishnan (Director)

Prof. Bindu Salim

Prof. P. Ganesan

Prof. R. Manoharan

Prof. K. K. Venkataraman

Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya, Assoc. Prof.

Dr. K. Balachander, Assoc. Prof.

Dr. Rama Ranjan Bhattacharjee, Assoc. Prof.

Dr. K. R. Ravi, Assoc. Prof.

Dr. R. Selvakumar, Assoc. Prof.

Dr. Anuradha Ashok, Asst. Prof. Sl.G

Dr. P. Biji, Asst. Prof. Sl.G

Dr. B. Geetha Priyadharshini, Asst.Prof.

Dr. Kallol Mohanta, Asst.Prof. (SG)

Dr. S. Parthiban, Asst. Prof.

Dr. Sivasubramanian Asst. Prof.

Post Doctoral fellowDr. G. Ramdoss, DST-SERB National Post Doctoral Fellow

Technical StaffsKarthikeyan K. K.Vijayaraghavan T.Karpagham K.R.Sureshkumar M.Indumathi B.Sureshkumar N.

Mariyappan D.Sathishkumar G.

Administrative staffMrs. Uma Maheswari

Research Scholars Adithyan AlthafAmbashankar K.Aparna T. K.AppuAruna K.K.Bharath, T.DeepaDinesh V.P.Elakkiya VEstherGopinathan J.HariniHaripriyaJayakrishnan NampoothiriJayasheelanJeevika AKamarsamamKavithaKeethi G NairLakshmi Priya HLopamudraMamatha M PillaiManjunathan, K.Meenu Mehaboob BashaMridula P MenonMuthurajNikhilaPriyatha ERamya R.M.Sanjeev KumarSarathi, T.Sarika R Sathish Kumar C.Seethalakshmi N.Senthil Kumar RShivagami. DSimiya O. KSreepriyaSudhaSuhana NSuriyaraj S. P.Vijayetha J.Vishnu Raj


Research Leaders

Prof. R. Manoharan

Prof. Bindu Salim

Prof. K. K. Venkataraman

Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya,

Dr. K. Balachander,

Dr. Rama Ranjan Bhattacharjee,

Research interests: Nanomaterials for electrochemical water splitting, Nanomaterials for the Electrocatalysts, Direct methanol fuel cells, Nanomaterials based high capacity lithium alloys for lithium ion batteries, Nanomaterials for drug delivery.

Email: [email protected]

Research interests: Flexible electronics, especially, hybrid thin film transistors design, fabrication and characterization, mi-RNA based sensor development for cancer markers.


Research interests: Healthcare and printed electronics, applications using analog and digital signal processing, Embedded electronics, Digital electronics, Sensor integration and IoT.


Assoc. Prof.

Research interests: Advanced smart and innovative textiles, Electrospinning, Functional dyes and finishes, Polymer nanocomposites, E-textiles, Scaffolds and bandages, Effluent treatment


Assoc. Prof.

Research interests: Semicondiuctor materials and devices, Nanoimprint lithography for crystalline silicon solar cells, Thin film and organic solar cells.


Assoc. Prof.

Research interests: Nanochemistry, Geo-nanotracer technology, Catalysis, Controlled drug release, Porphyrin chemistry, Microfluidics



Dr. K. R. Ravi,

Dr. R. Selvakumar,

Dr. Anuradha Ashok,

Dr. P. Biji,

Dr. Kallol Mohanta,

Dr. B. Geetha Priyadharshini,

Assoc. Prof.

Research interests: Nanostructured materials, Metallic glasses, Structure-property correlations, Phase transformations, Intermetallics, Grain refinement, Thermodynamic modeling, Biodegradable magnesium alloys and self cleaning coating and nanocomposites


Assoc. Prof.

Research interests: Nanobiotechnology, Water purification using microorganisms and nanomaterials, Meniscal tissue engineering, Biotemplates, Biosensors


Asst. Prof. (Sl. G)

Research interests: Perovskite complex oxide type functional materials for energy applications, Spinel ferrites, Transmission electron microscopy analysis of materials and structure property correlation


Asst. Prof. (Sl. G)

Research interests: Gas sensors, Amperometric ion selective sensors, Langmuir monolayers, Hybrid nanomaterials and nanoassemblies


Asst. Prof (S.G)

Research interests: Organic and nano photovoltaic, Thin film electronics


Asst. Prof.

Research interests: Novel metastable materials, nano-crystalline Cu-Zr coatings for bioimplants, Superhard nanocoatings, high temperature Ni-Ti based shape memory alloy, piezoelectric sensing element, electrical conduction behavior in nano-crystalline thin films.



Dr. R. Sivasubramanian,

Dr. S. Parthiban.

Asst. Prof.

Research interests: Electrochemical Sensors, Fuel cells, Supercapacitors


Asst. Prof.

Research interests: Transparent conducting oxide, Thin-film transistor fabrication, MEMS/NEMS, Solar cells, Nano-ink synthesis and printed/flexible electronics


Technical Staffs

K. K. Karthikeyan M. SureshkumarN. SureshkumarT. Vijayaraghavan

K. R. Karpagham G. SathishkumarD. Mariyappan


Significant promotion of electrochemical oxidation of methanol on Pt with NiTiO /C nanoparticles3

R. Manoharan, V. Thiagarajan, E. Nikhila, P. Karthikeyan,

A. Hernández-Ramírez, F. J. Rodriguez-Varela

Pt-NiTiO /C catalyst has been prepared 3

and compared with Pt/C nanoparticles in terms of the electrochemical activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in both alkaline and acid medium. Evidence from cyclic voltammetry (CV), steady state polarization (SSP), and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques clearly demonstrates that NiTiO supported Pt catalyst 3

have efficient methanol oxidation in alkaline

Electrochemical Energy Materials

medium. The catalysts have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

e results demonstrate that NiTiO /Chas significant 3

promotion effect on the electrocatalytic activity and stability for the methanol electro-oxidation although NiTiO /C by itself does not catalyse the 3

MOR.

and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Th

Research Leader :Prof. R. Manoharan

Cyclic voltammograms for Pt-NiTiO /C and Pt/C in (a) 0.5 M CH OH/1 M H SO and3 2 4-1(b) 1 M CH OH / 0.5 M KOH solutions. All the CVs have been recorded at a scan rate of 20 mV s3

3


a)

b)

(a) Cyclic voltammograms during 5 cycles and (b) charge-discharge curves of Co Sn O0.05 0.95 2

This work is aimed to achieve an anode

material that possesses high specific capacity

(>550 mAh/g) and sustains a large number of

cycles by undergoing low volume changes during

cycling. Herein, we propose a novel material -

Cobalt tin oxide (Co Sn O ) as the anode 0.05 0.95 2

material for high energy and power density

Lithium ion batteries. Cobalt tin oxide is

synthesized by Sol-Gel method using cobalt (II)

acetate and tin oxide as raw materials and citric

acid as gelating agent. Physical characterization

of Co Sn O by transmission electron 0.05 0.95 2

microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)

confirms that the material is formed in nano

crystalline SnO phase with tetragonal structure 2

and it consists of aggregates of uniform 5–10 nm

sized spherical crystallites. The SAED pattern

shows five prominent diffraction rings which are

characteristic of nanocrystalline material with

perfectly oriented crystalline domains. When

tested as an anode material, this material exhibits

good electrochemical performance with initial -1specific capacity of 1843 mAhg and also

-1 sustained capacity above 500 mAhg with a good

cyclability for about 15 cycles. When coated on -1graphene, this material delivers 1980 mAhg

during the first cycle. This suggests that cobalt tin

oxide can be employed as a high capacity anode

material for lithium ion batteries.

Cobalt tin oxide composite as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

R. J. Vasanth. K.Nathiya, A. Yaadhav Krishnan, V. Thiagarajan,

A. Elangovan, R. Manoharan, Rodriguez-Varela


MoS which is a layered transition metal 2

dichalcogenide (TMC) have attracted much of

the physical – chemical interest due to their two

dimensional layered structure as of graphene.

This material can be a very good alternative for

noble metals used for hydrogen evolution

reaction (HER) in acid water. The number of edge

sites of MoS enhances and determines the 2

electrochemical HER activity of the material. In

this paper, the role of the doping MoS with nickel 2

has been studied and analyzed. MoS and 2

Ni doped MoS have been synthesized by 2

hydrothermal method. The synergistic effects of

NiS and NiS with MoS have resulted in the 2 2

enhancement of the HER activity up to certain

level of dopant concentration in MoS2

Electrochemical hydrogen evolution catalyzed by Ni Mo S (0.025 ≥ x ≥ 0.2) nano sheets in 2x 1-x 2

acid waterK. K. Aruna, R. Manoharan

Comparitive hydrogen evolution activities on variousNi Mo S (0.025 ≥ x ≥ 0.2) nano sheets2x 1-x 2


K. Kavitha, Anuradha Ashok

Synthesis and characterization of mixed proton oxide ion conducting highly substituted and disordered

complex perovskites for energy applications

Mechanism of ionic conductivity in complex perovskites (left) and proposed design of prototype SOFC (right)

Research Leader :Dr. Anuradha Ashok

Developing new proton and oxide ion conducting material with good chemical stability is of great importance for the performance enhancement of devices for energy related applications. In this work Ba K (Ca Nb ) O -1-x x 0.5 0.5 2.75

(x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1) complex perovskites were synthesised through solid state reaction route. The XRD patterns of calcined samples showed the formation of single phase double perovskite structure having favorable crystal lattice for oxygen vacancies for achieving enhanced proton and oxide ion conductivity. The investigated K doped BCN perovskite with 25%

dopant concentration exhibited both higher total -2 oconductivity of 1.10 × 10 S/cm at 700 C and

stability when compared to the previously -4reported value of 10 S/cm. This enhancement in

total conductivity is suggested to be due to increase in number of oxygen vacancies on doping. These results are encouraging considering the stability and higher oxide ion conductivity. With suitable electrodes, this material will be tested for solid oxide fuel cell applications.


Efficient visible light photocatalytic dye degradation using AFe O (A = Ba, Ca and Sr) complex oxides2 4

T. Vijayaraghavan, Anuradha Ashok

Photocatalytic activity of spinel type complex oxides have been investigated. Alkaline earth ferrites AFe O (A = Ba, Ca, Sr) were 2 4

synthesised by sol-gel method. Structural characterizations reveal that the synthesised ferrites have orthorhombic crystal structures with different space groups and cell dimensions when they have different alkaline earth metals in their A site. All the synthesised ferrites exhibited their bandgap in the range 2.14 - 2.19 eV. Their Photocatalytic activities were studied using their capability to degrade congo red dye under

sunlight and xenon lamp radiation. The substitution of Ba, Ca and Sr at A site of these ferrites had varying impact on dye degradation process. As shown in figure under xenon lamp irradiation, BaFe O exhibited the highest 2 4

percentage of dye degradation (92 % after 75 mins). However, CaFe O showed the fastest 2 4

degradation of the dye (70% within 15 mins). In the absence of irradiation, SrFe O showed the 2 4

highest dye adsorption (44% after 75 mins).

Percentage dye degradation of alkaline earth ferrites under various light sources (a), Schematic representation of congo red dye degradation (b)

a) b)


Synthesis and characterization of doped zinc oxide for thermoelectric power generation

R.Altaf, Anuradha Ashok

Thermoeletric power genration has emerged as a primary choice for green technology applications such as generation of power from waste heat. Conventional thermoelectric power generation (TEG) module consists of p and n type metal alloy based materials. Metal alloys will easily oxidize or melt at high temperature. Oxide materials generally cannot match the figure of merit (ZT) values of the aforementioned materials, but they have a number of other advantages that make up for that deficiency such as abundance of raw materials, nontoxicity and the ability to withstand very high temperatures. Among oxides for thermoelectric applications, zinc oxide is one of the most promising material. It has a wide operating

otemperature range from 300 to 1200 C. Al doped Zinc oxide is promising material for high temperature thermoelectric conversion because

its decomposition temperature is more than o2,000 C. Lack of p-type ZnO material hurts its

applicability in thermoelectric applications because it is always desirable to construct the n and p legs of a thermoelectric module out of variants of the same material if possible. A thermoelectric module consists of p and n type material which is electrically connected in series thermally connected in parallel as shown in the figure. There are several reports of p-type conductivity achieved in ZnO. But these materials suffer from long term stability and reproducibility. In this study, doped p type zinc oxide is synthesised and characterized. Using this material a thermoelectric module will be developed and tested

Diagram showing thermoelectric effect (left) and schematic representation of a thermoelectric module (right)


Solar Energy

A comparative study on the performance of Kesterite based thin film solar cells using SCAPS simulation program

O.K. Simya, A. Mahaboobbatcha, K. Balachander

optimisation were described in detail to have in-depth understanding for better design of experiments (DOE) to obtain high efficiency solar cells.

A comparative study of thin film solar cells based on CZTS, CZTSe, and CZTSSe (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphur Selenium) absorbers layers were simulated with cadmium sulphide (CdS) as buffer layer and zinc oxide (ZnO) as window layer using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS). The influences of series resistance, band to band recombination, defects and interfaces, thickness of (CZTS|CZTSe|CZTSSe) absorber layer, (CdS) buffer layer and transparent conductive oxide layer (ZnO) on the photovoltaic cell parameters were studied in detail. Improvements in efficiency were achieved by changing the back contact metal work function (BMWF) and choosing the flat band option in SCAPS software. Based on the best possible optimisation, an efficiency (g) of 12.03%, 13.16% and 15.77% were obtained for CZTS, CZTSe, and CZTSSe respectively. The performance of thin film photovoltaic devices (TFPV), for Mo back contact before optimisation and the SCAPS simulated values (flat band) after

Absorber layer thickness vs efficiency for(a) CZTS, (b) CZTSSe, (c) CZTSSe-flat band,

and (d) CZTSSe-Mo BC

Research Leader :Dr. K. Balachander


Compositional grading of CZTSSe alloy using exponential and uniform grading laws in

SCAPS-ID simulation

O. K. Simya, A. Mahaboobbatcha, K. Balachander

The SCAPS (Solar cell capacitance simulation) program were employed to analyze the compositional dependence of CZTSSe (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphur Selenium) absorber layers with Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) as buffer layer and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as window layer for thin film solar cells applications. The primary motivation of this simulation work is to optimize the composition for Se/(S+Se) ratio, which would yield higher efficiency. The exponential and uniform grading law in SCAPS were set for the composition grading y(x) over a layer, as well as to set the composition dependence P(y) of a property. By varying the different compositions with exponential law and by using uniform law for the same composition, best efficiency of 14.97% were achieved for 0.4-0.1 composition of sulphur and selenium with Se/(S+Se) ratio of 0.80. Higher efficiency were obtained with higher Se content. The influences of the band gap of the CZTSSe alloys, which decreases linearly with an increase in its Se content, were further analyzed. The corresponding open circuit

voltage, short circuit voltage, fill factor and efficiency of the simulated values on a photovoltaic cell with Mo back contact were studied in detail.

Absorber layer thickness Vs Jsc and Voc

a) Jsc exponential b) Jsc uniform law

c) Voc uniform and d) Jsc exponential


Performance analysis of different top metal electrodes in inverted polymer solar cells

M. Suresh Kumar, K. Balachander

The benefits of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells are drawing interest for applications in next-generation solar cells. In this study, we analyze the optimal top electrode for practical polymer solar cells (PSC) fabrication by utilizing the optical properties of the electrode material and study their performance of PSC devices. The high work function metal electrodes having enhanced optical properties such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag) and gold (Au) are considered in fabricating inverted PSC devices. It comprises of a blended polymer of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyricacid methyl ester (PCBM). Among the key photovoltaic parameters, the open circuit voltages (Voc) were strongly affected by the optical properties of the top electrode. From the experimental evidence, the increase in Voc of the Al and Ag electrode devices were found to be approximately 11.32% and 26.42% respectively. These values were significantly higher when compared to the Au electrode, as the parasitic absorption of incident photons were below 600 nm. Ag electrodes have excellent stability to ambient exposure which is comparable to Au. These investigations directed to conclude that, Ag is the optimal top electrode material for use in inverted devices. Also, in this study we investigated the incorporation of mono-dispersed ZnO as an n-type buffer layer to effectively transport electrons from active layer to the cathode electrode

J–V characteristics of the inverted OPV cells with different metal electrodes(a) under the simulated Power vs voltage

characteristics of different metal electrodes in OPV cell under the AM 1.5G illumination of

2 100 mW/cm and (b) in the simulated 2AM1.5G illumination of 100 mW/cm


We have recently reported the synthesis of water-dispersible, polymer-passivated and redox-active carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The CQDs were converted into a solvent-less conductive fluid through a step-wise surface modification technique. The material has a core–corona–canopy structure with CQD as the core, passivating-polymer as the corona and polyetheramine (Jeffamine®) as the canopy. These materials are unique in characteristics and are designated as nano-ionic materials (NIMs). Structure and properties of CQD-NIMs were determined by dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetry, differential scanning

calorimetry, photoluminescence (PL) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Dynamic changes in extrinsic PL maxima (λem) of the CQDs were observed during and after CV. Such fluctuations in λem helped to understand the sequential ordering and disordering of the Jeffamine® canopy on the CQD surface during polarization during CV. This phenomenon enables us to understand molecular canopy dynamics in NIMs and further showcases redox-active CQDs as a sustainable material for future electrochemical applications.

Mechanism of CV induced polarization of CQD-NIMs

Carbon quantum dot based nanoionic material

K. Mohanta, L. Bhattacharjee, R. R. Bhattacharjee

Research Leader :Dr. Kallol Mohanta


In this paper, an easy method to prepare flexible conductive substrates has been demonstrated. The substrates are mainly PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate), on which Ag NW (silver nanowire) are deposited by spin casting method. For fixing purpose a well known colloidal mixture has been used. The mixture provides a lot of features to these substrates, including robustness, hydro-

Here, we describe simple dip coating method to transform typical fabric yarn to conductive fiber. Different types of yarns have been coated from a known conductive polymer, PEDOT:PSS. We have optimized the method to have lesser resistance of the conductive yarns. The minimum resistance

achieved has a value of 77 Ω/cm. This value is much lesser than metals but is comparable to metal oxides or semiconducting materials. However, flexibility of yarns and feeling of fabric combining with the conductivity developed through this technique is suitable for wearable electronics.

Non-woven conductive fabric K. Mohanta, K. N. Amba sankar

Nonwetting transparent conductive film K. Mohanta, K. N. Amba sankar

(a) Resistance per unit length of different yarns (thin) soaked in conductive polymer over different time span. (b) Scanning electron micrographs of coated yarn

phobicity with transparent fixing of NWs with the flexible substrate. Four probe conductivity measurement shows the resistivity is 12 Ohm/cm and is comparable to that of commercially available ITOs. This method is cheap, easy and can be used for different purposes like flexible OPV, OLED, photosensors etc.

(b)(a)


An amorphous barium titanate thin film improves light trapping in Si solar cells

A. K. Sharma, B. G. Priyadarshini, B. R. Mehta, D. Kumar

300 600 90060

80

100T

ran

sm

itta

nce

(%

)

Wavelength (nm)

2 layer

4 layer

8 layer 12 layer

(a) UV-Vis spectra, (b) contact angle measurement of AgNW films

A new anti-reflection coating based on amorphous barium titanate (a-BTO) was developed using RF magnetron sputtering technique. Systematic studies on the structural and optical properties were carried on a-BTO thin films deposited on polished Si and textured Si substrates. In the visible range of the solar spectrum, the refractive index was found to be 2.02–1.91 with high transmittance of greater than 85%. Maximum reduction in the reflectance for a-BTO on polished Si and textured Si substrates was found to be 100% (at 550 nm) and 85% (at

400 nm), respectively. Further, improvement in cell efficiency of a Si solar cell with a-BTO anti-reflection coating was found with an increase from 9.3% to 10% accompanied by improvements in overall performance parameters such as short circuit density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF). These results indicate that an a-BTO thin film deposited using RF magnetron sputtering can be used as an alternative anti-reflection coating for Si based photovoltaic cells.

(b)(a)

Research Leader :Dr. Geetha Priyadharshini


Ni-Ti thin films deposited on (a) Si(100) and (b) quartz substrate

a b

This work reports on the effect of resput ter ing on the proper t ies of nanocrystalline Ni-Ti alloy thin films deposited using co-sputtering of Ni and Ti targets. In order to facilitate the formation of nanocrystalline phases, films were deposited at room temperature and 573 K with substrate bias voltage of -100 V. The influence of substrate material on the composition,

surface topography microstructure, and phase formations of nanocrystalline Ni-Ti thin films was also systematically investigated. The preferential resputtering of Ti atoms was lesser for Ni-Ti films deposited on quartz substrate owing to high surface roughness of 4.87 nm compared to roughness value of 1.27 nm for Si(100) substrate.

Relative reduction in reflectance values for BTO thin film and transmittance value(a) internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of control and test Si solar cells with and

without BTO thin film coating (b)

a-

a-

(a)

(b)

Resputtering effect on nanocrystalline Ni-Ti alloy films

B. G. Priydarshini, N. Esakkiraja, S. Aich, M. Chakraborty


Design of multifunctional coatings for terrestrial

solar glass panel

B.G. Priyadarshini, A. K. Sharma

To date, there is no ideal anti-reflection (AR) coating available on solar glass which can effectively transmit the incident light within the visible wavelength range. However, there is a need to develop multi functional coating with superior anti-reflection properties and self-cleaning ability meant to be used for solar glass panels. In spite of self-cleaning ability of materials like TiO and ZnO, these coatings on glass 2

substrate has tendency to reduce light transmission due to their high refractive indices than glass. Thus, in order to infuse the anti-reflective property a low refractive index SiO layer needs to be used in 2

conjunction with TiO and ZnO layers. In 2

such case, the optimization of individual

layer thickness is crucial in order to achieve maximum transmittance of the visible light. In this present study, we propose an omni-directional anti-reflection coating design for the visible spectral wavelength range of 400-700 nm, where the maximum intensity of light is used to convert into electrical energy. Herein, we employ the quarter wavelength criteria using SiO , TiO and ZnO to design 2 2

the coating composed of single, double and triple layers. The thickness of individual layers was optimized for maximum light transmittance using Essential Mcleod simulation software such that to produce destructive interference between reflected waves and constructive interference between transmitted waves.

Deposition and characterization of copper-zirconium thin film metallic glass coatings

using magnetron co-sputtering technique

N. Vignesh, V. Madhuri, P.C. Angelo, B. Geetha Priyadarshini

Orthopedic implants made of metals fail at certain point of time due to corrosion and they normally have the tendency to release toxic ions on reacting with our body fluids. In recent years, thin film coatings have gained importance among the surface modification techniques. Grain boundary corrosion can be controlled in thin film metallic glasses (TFMG's) coatings due to the absence of grain boundaries. In addition to corrosion resistance, TFMG's might prevent the toxic ion interaction with body fluids. Since the coating thickness ranges

from micron to submicron level, this is believed to have least impact on the load bearing capacity of implants. Atomic size mismatch, negative heat of mixing, and deep eutectics of Cu-Zr leads to the ease formation of metallic glass rather than in multi-component Zr based systems. However, binary-based alloy systems are easier to fabricate through physical vapor deposition (PVD) when compared to multicomponent systems as it involves deposition from two different metallic sources.


The aim of present study is to develop Cu-Zr TFMG's of different composition on stainless steel 316L using non-equilibrium co-sputter deposition techniques and to understand the corrosion behavior of TFMG coated SS316 L in simulated body fluid conditions. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was employed to obtain glass transition and crystallization temperatures for different composition of Cu-Zr TFMG. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) studies were done to obtain the surface roughness of

the coating. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis was carried out to determine film thickness which was found to be in the range of 80-200 nm and subsequently film morphology was found to vary with Zr content. Energy Dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS) was used to determine the Cu and Zr content in the as-deposited films. Glancing Incidence X-ray Diffraction technique was employed to (GIXRD) confirm the amorphous phase in different film composition.

Machining Custom 465 steel at high speeds, leads to excessive tool wear and thereby affects the tool life. In such instance tool life can be increased by coating a nanocompsite layer of Ti-Al-N/Si N which 3 4

exhibits high strength, hardness, toughness, resistance to oxidation, and thermal shock. Particularly, Si N serves as an interfacial 3 4

phase in nanocomposite layer is thermo- dynamical ly s table phase at high temperatures up to 1850 ˚C along with high oxidation resistance which might reduce the heat flow between tool-work piece interface leading to high thermal stability of cutting tool. Physical vapor deposition techniques can be used to develop Ti-Al-N/Si N3 4

nanocomposite coating which involves typically 81 trial depositions in order to obtain optimized process parameters for Si N . Here we attempt to reduce the number 3 4

of trails by design and optimization of process parameters which was efficiently achieved at faster rate by applying the

Taguchi design. In present work, we used Taguchi orthogonal (L9) array to conduct the 9 experiments and obtained optimum process parameters for Si N coating. L9 orthogonal 3 4

array might be the right choice to get robust design, because the interaction is restricted to two factors only. Based on the design we deposited Si N nanocoating using RF 3 4

magnetron sputtering process with 4 factor and 3 level process parameters namely, Ar:N 2

gas mixture, RF Power, deposition time, and deposition pressure on high speed steel (HSS), tungsten carbide (WC), and Si (100) substrates. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) studies were carried for surface roughness, topography, and phase contrast imaging. Glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) studies were performed for the identification and quantification of crystalline and amorphous phase. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) studies were performed for the film thickness and grain size of Si N layers.3 4

Design, optimization and processing of Si N layer for 3 4

wear resistant Ti-Al-N/Si N nanocomposite coatings3 4

N. Balaji, V. Prasath, J. Kanchana, V. Krishnaraj, B. Geetha Priyadarshini, P. Radhakrishnan


Polymer Electronics

Design of antenna for passive UHF RFID tags

Ajay Deepak, Bindu Salim, V K Manoharan

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the state of art Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technique which has been realized and accepted after the bar codes became obsolete for diverse applications. Owing to the cost concerns, the most sought approach in RFID is Passive RFID tags. A passive tag includes an antenna with a microchip and can be readily attached to the user. The realization of a tag is to power the microchip and achieve a back scattering modulation to feed back the reader. This work explores the design methodologies for tag antenna along with conjugate impedance matching techniques. Further a compact meander line antenna is designed to operate in the band of interest 860 – 960 MHz and analyze its viability using a commercially available EM simulator. Ba rcodes wh ich a re we l l known methodology for article surveillance is getting outdated due to its inability to cope up with current day applications. RFID tags are an advanced class of AIDC technique which eliminates the draw backs of barcodes.

RFID tags consist of an antenna for trans reception and microchip that contains the specific information of the object. The design of antenna is a key parameter in bringing out a successful tag which has small size and exhibits complete matching with the chip attached to it.

A meander line dipole antenna was chosen as the antenna model as it provides huge scope for successful miniaturization and was designed using an EM simulator ADS which provides accurate results for 2 D structures. In addition to the dimension design, a loading bar is made to run along the lateral extent for resonance adjustments. A proximity loop is designed in such a way that it cancels the capacitance of the chip and establishing the condition of maximum power transfer. The antenna impedance was successfully matched with a chip of complex input impedance and it is evident from the return loss of the antenna. Although the bandwidth of the antenna is not more than 10 MHz, the antenna is omni directional

Design of meandered antenna

Research Leader :Prof. Bindu Salim


Lipid vesicles have been attracted growing interest for their potential applications as drug release. Drug release has been controlled by diffusion through the lipid bilayer, which is greatest when the bilayer is disrupted or phase separated (e.g., at the lipid main phase t ransi t ion or mel t ing temperature). However such vesicles can lose a significant portion of their drug cargo in circulation, and upon arriving at a target site; the ability to control release can be poor. In order to solve this problem people have ornamented lipid bilayers with bound nanoparticles and then selective and local heating is supplied to the bilayer to control liposomal drug delivery. These lipid vesicles are also responsible for the hydrophilicity, so cause the nanoparticles covered with lipid bilayer above to be dispersible in the aqueous solution. It is highly important to develop a standard method that can be used to transfer the nanoparticles from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity that is extremely essential for biological applications.

The concept for drug delivery using nanoparticle is not a new and have been use in recent past. Since bare metal nanoparticles may not be pertinent for evaluating the behavior of the actually used particles. These

Materials Chemistry

Magnetic nanoparticle surface confined mixed oleate-linoleate

bilayer system for controlled release of dye

Sanjeev K. Jat, R. R. Bhattacharjee

colloidal nanoparticles have an extremely high tendency of adhesion and aggregation. Thus, it is quite important to develop methods to control dispersion of nano-particles especially in aqueous media. Surface stabilization is often used to decrease agglomeration and therefore escalation mobility of colloidal nanoparticles. Such surface passivating process is further required to be a non-toxic. Therefore, smart hybrid bilayer vesicles have been designed containing nanoparticles. These hybrid

R6G release profile in PBS buffer at room temperature.

Research Leader :Dr. Rama Ranjan Bhattacharjee


systems provide a means of dispersing and concentrating nanoparticles via encapsu-lation or binding, shielding them from biomolecular adsorption, and delivering them through established targeting strategies. When loaded with drugs or dye, they resemble a classic delivery system with additional functionality owing to the nanoparticles.

Surfactant bilayer stabilized nano-particles are very interesting nanostructures that have applications in therauptics,

Here in, we report the photolumine-scence (PL) of solvent-less fluid-like redox-active carbon quantum dots (CQDs) under cycl ic vol tammetry (CV) induced polarization. Dynamic changes in extrinsic PL band were attributed to fluctuating energy of surface trap states present in the CQDs. The results indicated that energy states are affected by sequential ordering and disordering of Jeffamine® canopy on the CQD surface during CV. The observed phenomenon enable us to understand

nanofluids etc. The bilayers are liposome-like structures that consist of few nm thick lipid-bilayer type shells surrounding an aqueous core that can provide a means of dispersing in water. Long chain fatty acids and soap, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid and sodium oleate were often used as surfactants for stabilization of nanoparticles. They could be covered tightly on the nanoparticles or could stabilize by forming bilayer over it

Surface functionalization of carbon quantum dots

Lopamudra Bhattacharjee, R. R. Bhattacharjee

molecular canopy dynamics in nano-ionic materials and showcase application of redox-active fluorescent CQDs as core materials.

Conducting polymers have attracted

scientific community after introduction of

polyacetylene. After this breakthrough

polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI),

polythiophene (Pth) were discovered.

Among the conducting polymers PPy has

been the most studied material. This material

exhibits several interesting properties like

Variation in emission maxima under CV experiments with time

FE-SEM picture showing formation of PPycoated CQDs with average size~41-46 nm


reversible redox activity, ability to form thin

film, nano wire with room temperature -4 -2 -1conductivity ranging from 10 to 10 S cm ,

charge/discharge process and catalytic

activity. Recent studies on polymer focussed

on charge storage device or super capacitor

materials.

Recently we reported conducting

property of individual carbon quantum dots

(CQD) and their redox properties. In order to

incorporate PPy in our system, we have

previously reported the method with

modified surface of CQDs with Ag ions. We +have tried to synthesize PPy at CQD-Ag

interface. We have successfully got the

product but procedure but also found that the

complete redox process is time consuming as +the redox potential of Ag/Ag system is low.

It slowly oxidises Py to PPy. The yield is low

and the PPy formed on the CQD surface is

less conducting as evident in UV-vis studies.

Hence, to improve the conductivity of PPy at

CQD surface and to increase the yield and

conductivity, we have modified CQD surface

with Fe (III) ions. Fe (III) chloride is a

versatile oxidizing agent for chemical

synthesis of PPy since its oxidation potential

selectively matches oxidation potential of 3+ 2+pyrrole (Fe + 1e- = Fe , E0 = 0.77 V). Due

to this obtained PPy is not over oxidized and

show higher conductivity. There are reports

of preparing PPy in presence of FeCl and 3

also in presence of surfactants to provide a

directional growth of conducting PPy.

GQDs/PANI asymmetrical micro super-

capacitor prepared in an electrodeposition

method with excellent rate capacity than

previously reported electrode materials at the

same scan rate, as well as faster power

response ability, and better cycling stability

has already been reported in literature. Here

in this report we have shown preparation of

PPy at the CQD surface modified with Fe

(III) in solution phase.

Effect of SPR properties of metal nanoparticles on singlet

oxygen efficiency of porphyrin derivatives

K. K. Meenu, R. R. Bhattacharjee

Our main focus was on photochemical generation of singlet molecular oxygen by irradiation of synthesized photo sensitizers.

1The reaction of singlet oxygen ( O ) with 1, 3-2

diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) was adopted to evaluate the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation by sodium salt of meso-sulfonatophenyl substituted porphyrin (TPPS4) using UV-Visible spectroscopy and Fluorescence spectroscopy. We have investigated the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation for TPPS4 in presence silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

Activities :

Ø Photochemical generation of singlet molecular oxygen by irradiation in presence of photo sensitizer and molecular oxygen

Ø Photo-oxidation of 1,3-diphenyliso-benzofuran (DPBF) photosensitized by porphyrins by steady state excitation

1and O quantum yield measurements.2


Charge transport and adsorption kinetics of wet-chemically synthesized CuO nanocuboids have been explored. The growth direction of CuO nanocuboids was found to be (111) plane, which exhibited predominant surface catalytic activity toward the dissociation of H S and O . Temperature-2 2

dependent adsorption studies revealed the adsorption kinetics of (111) grown p-type CuO nanocuboids toward H S gas. 2

Adsorption of oxygen (O ) on the CuO(111) 2

Sensor

surface resulted in the formation of ionosorbed O ¯ species, which increased the 2

hole density and enhanced the surface conductivity of CuO nanocuboids. H S 2

molecules were found to interact well with CuO(111) surface, donating electrons to the material and reducing the hole-accumulation layer width. Investigation of electrical characteristics of p-type CuO nanocuboids revealed absence of any structural phase transitions under H S environment. The H S 2 2

New insights towards electron transport mechanism of

highly efficient p-type CuO(111) nanocuboids-based

H S gas sensor2

D. Jayaseelan, P. Biji

Synthesis of substituted porphyrin

The quantum yield value calculated for

TPPS4 is 0.55 and for TPPS4 in presence of

AgNPs for 24 and 12 hours dialysis is 0.28

and 0.60 respectively

Research Leader :Dr. P. Biji


sensing mechanism was found to be associated with local suppression/expansion of the hole-accumulation layer of p-CuO nanocuboids rather than the thermally activated carriers. Exposure to H S gas 2

molecules was found to decrease the band bending energy as a funct ion of concentration. The distinctive (111) surface reactivity of p-CuO nanocuboids toward H S 2

and their unique electron transport properties makes them highly amenable for fabricating high performance gas sensors.

A novel biphasic approach for direct fabrication of highly

porous, flexible conducting carbon nanofiber mats from

polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/NaHCO nanocomposite3

K. K. Karthikeyan, P. Biji

A novel method for the development of porous, flexible carbon nanofibers from a bead-free, electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ) 3

nanocomposite fibers using thermally induced selective removal mechanism is reported. Uniform size distribution of ball-milled NaHCO nanoparticles in PAN 3

nanofibers provided an effective pathway for the creation of homogenous mesopores in carbon nanofibers with reduced fiber diameter. Structural and morphological characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray

diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopy revealed the evolution of porous carbon nanofibers from electrospun PAN/NaHCO 3

nanocomposite fibers during the controlled thermal treatment process and the formation of graphitic crystallites in the networks of nanofibers. The micro/mesopores having uniform size distribution was created on the surface of the nanofibers as well as inside the fibers creating a porous fiber assembly. The mesoporous carbon nanofibers exhibited

2 -1high specific surface area of ~724 m g and excellent electrical conductivity of 294 S/m which suggests their promising application as a high performance catalyst support material in fuel cells.

Schematic depiction of ionosorption of -O on CuO nanocuboid surface2

Schematic illustration of synthesis of porous carbon nanofibers


Highly sensitive, room temperature gas sensor based on

polyaniline-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI/MWCNTs)

nanocomposite for trace-level ammonia detection

A. Sukhananazerin Abdulla, T. Lazar Mathew, P. Biji

Herein we report excellent gas sensor properties of Polyaniline functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI/ MWCNTs) based nanocomposite for trace level detection of ammonia (NH ) gas. 3

PANI/MWCNTs nanocomposite was synthesized by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer with carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (C-MWCNTs). The material was structurally characterized by UV–vis Spectroscopy, FT-IR Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Uniform PANI layer with ∼ 7 nm thickness was formed on the external walls of the MWCNTs. The gas sensor properties of C-MWCNT and

PANI/MWCNTs nanocomposite towards NH gas exposure at trace level concen- 3

trations (2–10 ppm) under ambient conditions were analyzed and their performances were compared. PANI/ MWCNT nanocomposite based sensor exhibited excellent enhancement in sensor response and response/recovery charac-teristics with good reproducibility towards NH gas in comparison with C-MWCNT. The 3

response and recovery time of the PANI/MWCNTs nanocomposite based sensor were found to be significantly improved in the order of a few seconds (6 s) towards NH gas. The results reveal the 3

potential application of this sensor in monitoring trace level NH gas for varied 3

applications.

(a) Adsorption of ammonia gas molecules on PANI/MWCNT nanocomposite(b) Possible electron transfer across the material

(a) (b)


Direct-writing of circuit interconnects on cellulose paper

using ultra-long, silver nanowires based conducting ink

Keerthi G. Nair, D. Jayaseelan, P. Biji

A highly stable conducting nanoink based on silver ultra-long nanowires (Ag ULNWs) was developed by a self-seeding polyol method with controlled doping of silver acetate for flexible electronics applications. Ionic diffusion followed by the

+reduction of Ag ions was found to have a significant role on the network conductivity by reducing the contact resistance of the conducting patterns. Crack-free, bendable conductive patterns could be produced by a direct-writing approach with superior conductivity. The electrical properties of the

In this study, a three-dimensional magnetic field assisted electrospinning (MFAES) system has been modeled to understand the correlation between the applied magnetic field and electric field distributions during nanoparticle alignment. The results reveal that the electric field distribution has been altered by positioning

nanowire ink patterns have been analysed with respect to pattern length, time and temperature. A two dimensional (2D) rectangular resistive network model has been adopted to depict the role of network density, percolation density and contact resistance of these conducting nanowire networks. Further, various electronic arts and circuit interconnects were drawn on cellulose paper substrates using a direct-writing approach and their performances have been successfully manifested.

the magnets at the needle end. The analysis explored the possibility to create a stable liquid jet under a magnetic field, which allows the formation of organized nanostructures in nanofibers. The polarity of the magnet has been used to manipulate the e lec t r i c f i e ld d i s t r ibu t ion in the electrospinning system. Based on the

(a) (b)

Finite element analysis of in-situ alignment of nanoparticles

in polymeric nanofibers using magnetic field assisted

D. Jayaseelan, P. Biji

(a) Schematic representation of electronic conduction through nanowire network during

LED demonstration

(b) Electronic network drawn using AgNW nanoink


configuration of magnetic flux lines, the distribution of the electric field has been found to be altered. An axial magnetic field has been provided by the repulsive mode configuration, which could be the reason for alignment of nanoparticles during electro-spinning. Simulation proved that the bending instability of the charged liquid jet can be efficiently controlled by placing the magnets on both sides of the fiber formation path in the electrospinning system. The impact of an axial magnetic field on nanofiber formation and nanoparticle alignment during the MFAES process was further experimentally validated.

Rapid synthesis and characterization of hybrid ZnO@Au

core–shell nanorods for high performance, low temperature

NO gas sensor applications2

V. P. Dinesh, P. Biji

A rapid synthesis route for hybrid ZnO@Au core–shell nanorods has been realized for ultrasensitive, trace-level NO 2

gas sensor applications. ZnOnanorods and hybrid ZnO@Au core–shell nanorods are structurally analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution trans-mission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Optical characterization using UV–visible (UV–vis),

photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopies elucidate alteration in the percentage of defect and charge transport properties of ZnO@Au core–shell nanorods. The study reveals the accumulation of electrons at metal– semiconductor junctions leading to upward band bending for ZnO and thus favors direct electron transfer from ZnO to Au nanoclusters, which mitigates charge carrier recombination process. The operating

3D model used in MFAES

TEM image of ZnO@Au Core-shell nanorods


temperature of ZnO@Au core–shell nanorods based sensor significantly

odecreased to 150 C compared to alternate oNO sensors (300 C). Moreover, a linear 2

sensor response in the range of 0.5–5 ppm of NO concentration was observed with a 2

lowest detection limit of 500 ppb using conventional electrodes. The defects with

deep level, observed in ZnO nanorods and hybrid ZnO@Au core–shell nanorods influences local electron density, which in-turn indirectly influence the gas sensing properties. The ZnO@Au core–shell nanorods based sensor exhibited good selectivity toward NO and was found to be 2

very stable.

Controlled fabrication of highly monodispersed, gold

nanoparticles grafted polyaniline (Au@PANI) nanospheres

and their efficient ammonia gas sensing properties

A. Sukhananazerin, D. Jayaseelan, V. P. Dinesh, P. Biji

In the present study, highly mono dispersed polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles grafted PANI nanospheres (Au@PANI) have been fabricated through a facile wet-chemical synthesis process by in-situ polymerization of aniline. The structural characterization of the PANI and Au@PANI nanospheres were carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). Stable uniform sized nanospheres of PANI and Au@PANI obtained were found to exhibit superior gas sensor performance towards trace-level

concentration of ammonia (NH ) gas in the 3

range of 1-5 ppm. A comparative analysis of the sensor properties of PANI and Au@PANI nanospheres were performed under ambient conditions. Au@PANI nanospheres exhibited enhanced gas sensing performance with high sensitivity (58.2%), rapid response (48 s) and recovery (58 s) characteristics (1 ppm of NH ). The results indicate the 3

potential use of Au@PANI nanospheres for fabrication of efficient NH sensors for varied 3

applications.

TEM images of Au@PANI nanospheres and corresponding EDAX pattern


Hybrid ZnO@Ag core–shell nanorods have been synthesized by a synthetic strategy based on seed mediated growth. Formation of core–shell nanostructures was confirmed by UV- diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), X-ray diffraction studies, field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. UV-DRS analysis of hybrid core–shell nanorods suggests the possibility of interfacial electron transfer between surface anchored Ag nanoclusters and ZnO nanorods. Successful decoration of Ag nanoclusters with an average diameter of *7±0.5 nm was observed forming the heterojunctions on the surface of the ZnO nanorods. An enhanced antibacterial property was observed for the ZnO@Ag core–she l l nanorods aga ins t bo th Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas

Enhanced cell-wall damage mediated, antibacterial activity

of core-shell ZnO@Ag heterojunction nanorods against

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

V. P. Dinesh, S. P. Suriyaraj, T. Vijayaraghavan, R. Selvakumar, P. Biji

aeruginosa bacteria. The synergetic antibacterial activity of ZnO@Ag nanorods was found to be more prominent against Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria. The plausible reason for this enhanced antibacterial activity of the core–shell nanorods can be attributed to the physical damage caused by the interaction of the material with outer cell wall layer due to the production of reactive oxygen species by interfacial electron transfer between ZnO nanorods and plasmonic Ag nano-clusters. Overall, the ZnO@Ag core–shell nanorods were found to be promising materials that could be developed further as an effective antibacterial agent against wide range of microorganisms to control spreading and persistence of bacterial infections.

Possible mechanism for ROS mediated cell wall damage caused by hybrid core-shell nanorods


In our research group we focus on the preparation of novel nanomaterials based on metal/metal oxides, their composites and explore their application in electrochemical sensors and supercapacitors. Our main research target is to study the fundamental aspects pertaining to redox transformation as well as to develop a prototype of electrochemical sensor. Presently, we are focusing on metal oxide based graphene nanocomposite for the electrochemical sensing of dopamine. Graphene is an excellent two


Mixed oxide based graphene nanocomposite for

electrochemical sensor and charge storage applications

R. Sivasubramanian

dimensional layered materials having many fascinating properties in electrochemistry. Various metal oxide such as copper (I) oxide, iron oxide, nickel oxide anchored graphene composites were prepared for this purpose. In addition we try to explore the possibility of employing mixed metal oxide for charge storage application. These mixed metal oxides are new class of materials where charge storage takes place through intercalation between the electrolyte ions and oxygen deficient sites in the material.

Graphical depiction of sensing of dopamine on rGO-Cu O/GC electrode and their corresponding2

TEM image

Research Leader :Dr. R. Sivasubramanian


Current work outlines the thermo-dynamic prediction of Mg–Zn–X (X = Sn, Y) alloys amenable for both semi-solid metal (SSM) processing and age hardening treatment. Semi-solid processing capability of Mg–Zn–X (X = Sn, Y) alloy has been evaluated by measuring the metallurgical parameters such as 'solidification interval', 'temperature liquid fraction sensitivity' and 'highest knee point' from non-equilibrium Scheil solidification curve. According to

thermodynamic prediction, binary Mg–Zn and ternary Mg–Zn–Sn alloys are suitable for heat treatment; however, wide solidification intervals in these systems restrict their SSM processing ability. Formation of binary Zn Y 2

and ternary W-Mg Zn Y intermetallic 3 2 3

phases in Mg–Zn–Y alloy has been predicted to improve their SSM processing potential and at the same time Mg–Zn–Y alloy is found to be suitable for heat treatment process.

Structural Nanomaterials

Thermodynamic designing of heat treatable Mg–Zn–X (X = Sn, Y) alloy suitable for semi-solid processing

K. R. Ravi

(a) Isothermal section of Mg–Zn–Sn phase odiagram at 400 C

(b) Identification of Mg–Zn–Y alloys suitable for semi-solid processing based on

thermodynamic calculations. Alloy system marked (filled triangle) satisfying and (filled

square) not satisfying SSM processing criteria.

Research Leader :Dr. K. R. Ravi


The present study investigates the role of titanium in grain refinement of Mg–3Al and Mg–9Al alloys. Minor amount of Ti addition (1 wt% of Al–Ti master alloy) brings about grain refinement in both Mg–3Al and Mg–9Al alloys. Ultrasonic treatment further improves the grain size reduction in Ti added Mg–Al alloys. The average grain size of Mg–Al alloys are reduced by 20–30 % from the non-refined alloy by the addition of

The present study explores the possibility of using ultrasonic treatment for the conversion of dendritic microstructure of in situ A /TiB composite into nondendritic 356 2

globular structure. A /TiB in situ composite 356 2

has been subjected to high intensity ultrasonic treatment in liquid metal state as


Discussions on the mechanism of grain refinement in

ultrasonic treated Ti containing Mg–Al alloys

Role of ultrasonic treatment on microstructural evolution

in A /TiB in situ Composite356 2

B. Nagasivamuni, K. R. Ravi

Jayakrishnan Nampoothiri, Baldev Raj, K. R. Ravi

1 wt% of Al–Ti master alloy and ultrasonic treatment further enhances the grain refinement by 10–20 %. In addition, ultrasonic treatment transforms the network type b-Mg Al phase into fine discontinuous 17 12

precipitates in Ti containing Mg–9Al alloys. The mechanism of grain refinement in ultrasonic treated Ti containing Mg–Al alloy is discussed in terms of solute and heterogeneous nucleation perspective.

well as during the process of solidification. Microstructural analysis shows that the ultrasonic treatment during the process of solidification is an effective technique for the transformation of dendritic morphology into fine globular structure along with the modification of Si needles.

Microstructures of Mg–9Al alloy (a) without Ti, no UT (b) with 1 % of Al–Ti master alloy, no UT and (c) with 1 % of Al–Ti master alloy,1 min UT respectively


Synthesis of Al–MgAl O master alloy and its grain 2 4

refinement studies in pure aluminium

R. Sri Harini, Baldev Raj, K. R. Ravi

The effect of ultrasonic treatment (UT) on thesynthesis of Al–MgAl O master alloy 2 4

has been studied bythe reaction of SiO 2

precursor with Al-2 wt% Mg. The results show that SiO reaction is enhanced after UT 2

and the corresponding mechanism is proposed. Grain refinement studies in pure Al showed that an increase in addition level

of MgAl O particles resulted in two to three 2 4

fold reduction in grain size; whereas, UT intensified the grain size reduction by 11–12 fold. Significant grain refinement on UT is attributed to the cavitation enhanced wetting which activates MgAl O particles as potent 2 4

nucleating site for Al.

Optical Micrograph of (a) A alloy, A /2TiB composite 356 356 2

(b) as cast, (c) with LMT, (d) with SMT

Macrostructure of (a) pure Al, (b–d) pure Al inoculated with 0.15, 0.2 and 0.3 wt% of MgAl O 2 4

particles without UT, (e–g) pure Al inoculated with 0.15, 0.2 and 0.3 wt% of MgAl O particles 2 4

in the presence of UT.


Exploring Mg-Zn-Ca based bulk metallic glasses for

biomedical applications based on thermodynamic approach

M. Ramya, Syed Ghazi Sarwat, V. Udhayabanu, Baldev Raj,

Magnesium (Mg)-based metallic glasses are considered as possible candidates in orthopedic implant applications. This paper aims to theoretically predict the glass-forming ability (GFA) in Mg-Zn-Ca alloy using a newly proposed thermodynamic model (PHHS), and the consistency of this model is verified through experimental analysis. PHHS is based on thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy of chemical mixing, elastic enthalpy, and configurational entropy, thus incorporating the pivotal effects, i.e., electron transfer effects, effect of atomic size mismatch, and effect of randomness, which aid to high GFA. In essence, PHHS can be visualized as the energy barrier that exists between the transformations of random atomic structure of glass to ordered crystalline structure. When the PHHS value is more negative, the

energy barrier will be high, supporting easy glass formation. Various Mg-Zn-Ca metallic glass compositions displayed almost an expected and supporting trend, where the critical diameter of the metallic glass rod increased with a more negative PHHS value. Among the predicted Mg-Zn-Ca systems, the Mg Zn Ca composition shows deviation 60 35 5

from the expected trend. This discrepancy has been clearly elucidated using a eutectic phase diagram. In addition to the consistency of the PHHS parameter to verifying the GFA of various compositions, the unique ability of this model is to predict unexplored Mg-Zn-Ca glass-forming compositions using contour development. Thus, proving PHHS parameter to be used as an efficient tool in predicting new glass-forming compositions.

XRD patterns of various Mg-Zn-Ca metallic glasses of different diameter

Isometric contours of and superimposition of Hchem, Helastic; Sconfig/R.


Al/2TiB in situ composite was 2

fabricated using salt-melt reaction method. Subsequently, it was re-melted and treated with high intensity ultrasonic waves for various time intervals. Substantial reduction in TiB particle size down to ~ 300 nm along 2

Metallic glasses have emerged as promising biodegradable materials due to their excellent corrosion resistance properties. However, processing constraints for achieving desired section thickness have limited their real world applications. This study involves the development of partially amorphous bio-compatible and biodegra-

Effect of ultrasonic treatment on microstructure and mechanical property of in situ Al/2TiB 2

particulate composites

Role of partially amorphous structure and alloying elements on the corrosion behavior of Mg–Zn–Ca bulk

metallic glass for biomedical applications

Jayakrishnan Nampoothiri, Baldev Raj, K. R. Ravi

M. Ramya, Syed Ghazi Sarwat, V. Udhayabanu, S. Subramanian, Baldev Raj, K.R. Ravi

with significant improvement in dispersion is achieved with the aid of ultrasonic treatment. Ultrasonic treatment has resulted significant increase in hardness of Al/2TiB in situ 2

composite.

dable Mg Zn Ca and Mg Zn Ca alloys 66 30 4 60 35 5

with adequate section thickness for bio-medical components. The corrosion rates of these alloys are analyzed through in-vitro corrosion studies. The combined contri-butions of the amorphous structure and alloying elements have been used to explain their corrosion behaviors.

TEM bright filed image of Al/2TiB a) without and with UT for b) 1 and c) 5 minutes2

(a) Potentiodynamic polarization curves of crystalline and partially amorphous

Mg Zn Ca and Mg Zn Ca alloy samples66 30 4 60 35 5

(b) Potential-pH (Pourbaix) diagram for the system of Mg Zn Ca alloys.60 35 5


In the current study, we describe the synthesis, material characteristics, and cytocompatibility of conducting poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based nano-composite films. Electrically conducting carbon nano-fillers (carbon nano-fiber (CNF), nano-graphite (NG), and liquid exfoliated graphite (G)) were used to prepare porous film type scaffolds using modified solvent casting methods. The electrical conductivity of the nano-composite films was increased when carbon nano-fillers were incorporated in the PCL matrix. CNF-based nano-composite films showed the highest increase in electrical conductivity. The presence of an ionic solution significantly improved the

Functional Innovative and Smart Textiles

Preparation, characterisation, and in vitro evaluation of

electrically conducting poly(ε-caprolactone)-based

nanocomposite scaffolds using PC12 cells

J. Gopinathan, Anita F Quigley, Amitava Bhattacharyya,

Rajiv Padhye, Robert MI Kapsa, Rajkishore Nayak, Robert A. Shanks, Shadi Houshyar

conductivity of some of the polymers, however at least 24 h was required to absorb the simulated ion solutions. CNF-based nano-composite films were found to have good thermo-mechanical properties compared to other conducting polymer films due to better dispersion and alignment in the critical direction. Increased nano-filler content increased the crystallisation temperature. Analysis of cell viability revealed no increase in cell death on any of the polymers compared to tissue culture plastic controls, or compared to PCL polymer without nano-composites. The scaffolds showed some variation when tested for PC12 cell attachment and proliferation, however all

PC12 cells on polymer nanocomposite surfaces at 72 h differentiation [scale bar = 50 μm]. Arrows indicate axonal outgrowths on differentiating PC12 cells.

Research Leader :Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya


HRTEM images of (a) rGO and (b) EG (respective SAED as insert)

UV-vis transmittance for coated films: (1) P, (2) E1, (3) E1.5, (4) E2, (5) E2.5,

(6) R1 and (7) R1.5. (P - UHMWPE coated, E - EG coated, R - rGO coated)

the polymers supported PC12 attachment and differentiation in the absence of cell adhesion molecules. In general, CNF-based nano-composite films with highest electrical conductivity and moderate roughness

showed highest cell attachment and proliferation. These polymers are promising candidates for use in neural applications in the area of bionics and tissue engineering due to their unique properties.

Electrically conducting, transparent graphene based nanocomposite coatings on flexible film substrate

B. Indumathi, Thamizharasan S, Gopinathan J, Karthikeyan K. K, Amitava Bhattacharyya

Transparent, electrically conducting nanocomposite coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films are prepared using two types of bulk synthesized few layered graphene; namely reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and liquid exfoliated graphite (EG) dispersed in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). This study focuses on application of high concentration of such nanofillers (1:1 to 2.5:1 ratios with polymer) in order to develop a highly conducting but ultrathin coating for better transparency. The coated PET films are characterized for their surface morphology, electrical and optical properties. HRTEM images and corresponding SAED patterns confirm that the graphite has been exfoliated

to few layer graphene using both the synthesis routes. Transmittance values of these coated films are measured in UV visible spectrum. The rGO based samples have high transmittance (~90-95%) compared to EG based samples (~40 -50%). From current-voltage (I-V) graph and surface resistivity studies, it has been observed that rGO based samples are dielectric in nature similar to UHMWPE while EG based samples are electrically conducting and its conductivity increases with its concentration. EG based nanocomposite coated samples show much better electrical conductivities (resistance 338 kΩ to 66 kΩ at different concentrations of EG) than rGO based samples.


Diatoms are unicellular algae that possess cell wall made of silica. These diatoms play a pivotal role in syn-thesis of variety of silica nanostructures and have adorning morphology in nature. In the present study, we have used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to investigate their morphological features like pore size, shape, and porous pattern in various diatoms isolated from Kurichi and

Nanobiotechnology

Investigation of porous silica nanostructures in diatoms

isolated from Kurichi and Sulur lakes of Coimbatore, India

using field emission scanning electron microscopy

N. Seethalakshmi, R. Selvakumar

Sulur fresh water lakes, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Diatoms were identified as Nitzschia sp., Cyclotella meneghiniana, Coscinodiscus sp. and Cyclotella atomus based on their morphological features. The arrangement of porous nanostructures in these diatoms have been characterized. The change in the nanostructures present in the diatoms have been correlated to the contamination of water bodies.

FE-SEM images of Cyclotella meneghiniana (a) whole cell view, (b) valve view, (c) marginal pore arrangement (short arrows indicate satellite pores and the long arrow indicates marginal

fultoportula), (d) mantle view and (e) girdle view.

Research Leader :Dr. R.Selvakumar


Synthesis and characterisation of 3-dimensional hydroxyapatite nanostructures using a thermoplastic

polyurethane nanofiber sacrificial template

R. Poorvisha, S. P. Suriyaraj, P. Thavamani, Ravi Naidu, Mallavarapu Megharaj,

Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar

In this study, we report a facile

synthesis of shape controlled three

dimensional hydroxyapatite nanostructures

(HAp) using a sacrificial thermoplastic

polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber template. The

TPU nanofibers synthesised using an

electrospinning process were used as a

template during the HAp synthesis through a

precipitation process. Various HAp

morphologies including distinctly placed

cylindrically porous HAp architecture, coral

reef like, tightly packed fibrous sheet like and

nanofiber like were synthesised using the

TPU nanofiber template. All the synthesised

HAp were characterized using appropriate

techniques like Fourier transform infrared

spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction

(XRD), field emission scanning electron

microscopy (FESEM) attached with selected

area electron diffraction (SAED), energy

dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-

ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The

morphology, pore arrangement and the

particle size of the HAp varied significantly

with varying dimensions of the template and

the template available per unit area of HAp.

Hence, we have achieved four different 3D

HAp morphologies using a single type of

TPU nanofiber template. The TPU templated

HAp nanostructures were more biodegra-

dable than the control HAp

FESEM image of various TPU templated 2HAp (a) 1 mm TPU template, (b) 0.5 cm TPU template, (c) 1.0 cm TPU template,

2(d) 2.0 cm TPU template (insets: high magnification image).

2 2


Schematic representation of mechanism of nitrate adsorption by ABN/TPU-NFM.

In the present study, we have exploited the nitrate adsorption property of Al O /bio-2 3

TiO nanocomposite (ABN) and ABN 2

impregnated electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibrous membrane (ABN/TPUNFM) for water purification. Nitrate adsorption was investigated both in batch and dip mode studies. Parameters like effect of contact t ime, adsorbate concentration and membrane size were optimized. The adsorption capacity (Q ) of o

the ABN and ABN/TPU-NFM was found to -1be 30.3 and 14.9 mgg , respectively. Kinetics

of the adsorption process was studied using pseudo-first-order and second-order models and it was found to obey pseudo-second-o r d e r k i n e t i c m o d e l . T h e p h a s e identification, crystalline stability and the surface functional groups of the adsorbents involved in nitrate adsorption were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Scavenging of nitrate ions from water using hybridAl O / bio-TiO nanocomposite impregnated 2 3 2

thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibrous membrane

S. P. Suriyaraj, Mamatha M. Pillai, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar

and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Leachability studies carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) indicated that there was no leaching of impregnated nanoparticles from ABN/TPU-NFM in the treated water. No significant cytotoxicity for ABN was observed when tested with mouse fibroblast cells (L929), suggesting that the developed hybrid adsorbent is biocompatible and safe for drinking water purification. Further, field trial was carried out using natural ground water sample collected from nitrate contaminant area and tested for nitrate removal by dip mode adsorption process using ABN/TPU-NFM. The treated water was found to be potable having permissible limit of nitrate. This facile approach of designing nanocomposite impregnated nanofiber membrane is efficient in removing nitrate from contaminated drinking water.


Tissue Engineering

Impact of silk fibroin-based scaffold structures on human

osteoblast MG63 cell attachment and proliferation

V. Aneesia, V. Elakkiya, S. Ponjanani, J. Gopinathan, Mamatha M Pillai,

R. Selvakumar, Amitava Bhattacharyya

The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of various types of silk fibroin (SF) scaffolds on human osteoblast-l ike cel l (MG63) a t tachment and proliferation. SF was isolated from Bombyx mori silk worm cocoons after degumming. Protein concentration in the degummed SF solution was estimated using Bradford method. Aqueous SF solution was used to fabricate three different types of scaffolds, viz, electrospun nanofiber mat, sponge, and porous film. The structures of the prepared scaffolds were characterized using optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The changes in the secondary structure of the proteins and the thermal behavior of the scaffolds were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis, respectively. The biodegradation rate of scaffolds was determined by incubating the scaffolds in simulated body fluid for 4 weeks. MG63 cells were seeded on the scaffolds and their attachment and

proliferation onto the scaffolds were studied. The MTT assay was carried out to deduce the toxicity of the developed scaffolds. All the scaffolds were found to be biocompatible. The amount of collagen produced by the osteoblast-like cells growing on different scaffolds was estimated.

Hoechst stained images of osteoblast cells (MG63) control (A), cells attached to film(B), electrospun nanofibrous scaffold (C),

and lyophilized sponge (D).

Research Leader :Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya and Dr. R. Selvakumar


Carbon nanofillers incorporated electrically conducting

poly e-caprolactone nanocomposite films and their

biocompatibility studies using MG-63 cell line

J. Gopinathan, Mamatha M. Pillai, V. Elakkiya, R. Selvakumar, Amitava Bhattacharyya

A combination of biomolecules enhances expression of

E-cadherin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor

gene leading to increased cell proliferation in primary

human meniscal cells: an in vitro study

Mamatha M. Pillai, V. Elakkiya, J. Gopinathan, C. Sabarinath , S. Shanthakumari,

K. Santosh Sahanand, B. K. Dinakar Rai, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar

Poly e-caprolactone (PCL)-based nanocomposite films were prepared by solvent casting method with different electrically conducting carbon nanofillers like carbon nanofiber (CNF), nanographite and liquid exfoliated graphite. These nanocomposite films show remarkable increase in both surface and bulk electrical conductivity. Continuous network of nanofillers in polymer matrix was observed under high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The spreading resistance images in AFM showed the presence of nanofillers on the nanocomposite films. These films reveal strong directional effect in electrical conductivity towards longitudinal direction than transverse. PCL film dispersed with 10 % (w/w) CNF showed an electrical conductivity of 19 S/m at longitudinal direction as compared to 1 S/m at transverse direction. This can be best explained with the arrangement of nanofillers along longitudinal direction during solution casting method which is evident from HRTEM images. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite films

increased in the presence of phosphate buffer saline and simulated body fluid with time. MTT and nuclear staining experiments with osteoblast MG63 cells clearly demonstrated good biocompatibility of these materials. Among all the nanofillers, CNF looks most promising for biomedical applications of PCL-based conducting nanocomposites, as it shows high electrical conductivity and good cell proliferation.

Hoechst staining of osteoblast MG63 cells stgrown in nanocomposite films on 21 day.

a) PCL, b) 10 CNF, c) 20 NG and d) 20 EG

The present study investigates the impact of biomolecules (biotin, glucose, chondroitin sulphate, proline) as supplement, (individual and in combination) b on primary

human meniscus cell proliferation. Primary human meniscus cells isolated from patients undergoing meniscectomy were maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium


(DMEM). The isolated cells were treated with above mentioned biomolecules as individual (0–100 lg/ml) and in combi-nations, as a supplement to DMEM. Based on the individual biomolecule study, a unique combination of biomolecules (UCM) was finalized using one way ANOVA analysis. With the addition of UCM as supplement to DMEM, meniscal cells reached 100 % confluency within 4 days in 60 mm culture plate; whereas the cells in medium devoid of UCM, required 36 days for reaching confluency. The impact of UCM on cell viability, doubling time, histology, gene expression, biomarkers expression, extra cellular matrix synthesis, meniscus cell proliferation with respect to passages and donor's age were investigated. The gene expression studies for E-cadherin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARD) using RT-qPCR and immuno histo chemical analysis for Ki67, CD34 and Vimentin confirmed that UCM has significant impact on cell proliferation. The extracellular collagen and glycosami-

(a) Contour plot showing effect of different combinations on meniscal cell proliferation on

ththe 4 day. Hoechst stained images of (b) control and (c) combination V

noglycan secretion in cells supplemented with UCM were found to increase by 31 and 37 fold respectively, when compared to

thcontrol on the 4 day. The cell doubling time was reduced significantly when supple-mented with UCM. The addition of UCM showed positive influence on different passages and age groups. Hence, this optimized UCM can be used as an effective supplement for meniscal tissue engineering.

Biomolecule incorporated poly-3-caprolactone

nanofibrous scaffolds for enhanced human meniscal cell

attachment and proliferation

J. Gopinathan, Steffie Mano, V. Elakkiya, Mamatha M. Pillai, K. Santosh Sahanand,

B. K. Dinakar Rai, R. Selvakumar, Amitava Bhattacharyya

The present study investigates the impact of biomolecule (biotin and galactose) incorporated poly-3-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffolds on attachment and proliferation of human meniscal cells by three modes of biomolecule supple-mentation. Two different ratios of biomolecules like biotin and galactose were incorporated in nanofibers using a standardized electrospinning process. Surface morphologies of control and biomolecule incorporated nanofibers were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The presence of the

biomolecules in the nanofibers was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The biodegradability of pure PCL and biomolecules incorporated nanofibers was determined. The biomolecule embedded inside PCL nanofibrous scaffolds were studied in terms of DNA content and extra cellular matrix (ECM) (glycosamino- glycans (GAG) and collagen) for meniscus cell attachment, growth and proliferation with and without addition of these biomolecules (in the scaffold and in the medium). FESEM and fluorescence micro-scopic studies were used to confirm cell


Mamatha M. Pillai, T. R. Akshaya, V. Elakkiya, J. Gopinathan, K. Santosh Sahanand,

B. K. Dinakar Rai, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar

FESEM images of meniscal cells on nanofibrous scaffolds (24th day):

(a) P–C, (b) PB-1, (c) PB-0.5, (d) PG-1 and (e) PG-0.5.

proliferation on the surface of the scaffolds. In vitro human meniscal cell culture study revealed that galactose incorporation was more efficient when compared to biotin. Enhanced meniscal cell attachment and proliferation were achieved when half of the biomolecule was inside the nanofiber and the other half was in the medium. This approach to improve the cell attachment onto the scaffold is a promising strategy for meniscal tissue engineering.

In the present study, natural egg shell membrane (ESM), harvested from locally available single comb white leghorn hen eggs was investigated for its ability to support adhesion and proliferation of human meniscal cells. The harvested ESM was subjected to moist heat (autoclaving) and compared with raw egg shell membrane (RESM) for meniscal cell growth. RESM and autoclaved egg shell membrane (AESM) were characterized using suitable techniques like field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), solid surface zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and biodegradability in trypsin and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). From the characterization studies, it was evident that autoclaving resulted in surface modification of RESM. RESM was cationic in nature and was covered with a mucilaginous coating on the surface. However, AESM showed almost neutral surface charge without any mucilaginous coating. The AESM showed increased resistance to biodegradation when compared to RESM. The primary human meniscal cells, seeded onto the fibrous side of both ESM showed increased cell adhesion and proliferation in AESM than RESM.

Egg shell membrane – a potential natural scaffold for human

meniscal tissue engineering: an in vitro study

FESEM images of RESM and AESM; inner surface (a) and outer surface (b) of RESM,

inner surface (c) and outer surface (d) of AESM (respective EDS spectra as insert).

Extracellular matrix (collagen and glycosaminoglycan) secretion into the external medium by the adhered cells was higher with AESM than RESM. Cell attachment, DNA content on the scaffold, cell proliferation index, cytotoxicity and biodegradation studies also confirmed that AESM scaffolds supports better cell attachment and growth of meniscal cells when compared to RESM. Hence, AESM can be a potential and interesting natural scaffold matrix for meniscal tissue engineering


Collaborations and Linkages with International Research Group

Prof. Ananth Dodabalapur,

Prof. Francisco Javier Rodriguez Varela

Prof. Pradeep Haldar

Prof. Harry Efstathiadis

Dr. Rajiv Padhye

Dr.Shadi Houshyar

Dr. Anita F. Quigley

Dr. Sohel Rana

Dr. Raul Fangueiro

Prof. Ravi Naidu

The University of Texas at Austin, USA

Centro De Investigacion De Estudios Avanzados Del Ipn (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico

Suny Polytechnic Institute,USA

Suny Polytechnic Institute,USA

RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

RMIT University, Australia

St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria, Australia

University of Minho, Portugal

University of Minho, Portugal

GCER, University of NewcastleAustralia

Prof. Megharaj Mallavarapu

Dr.RajaDharmarajan

Dr. Jamie Flynn

Prof. Javier Gutierrez-Jimenez

Dr. Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu

Dr.P. Suresh Kumar

Dr. S. Seal

Dr. Radhakrishnaiah Parachuru

Dr. S. Joseph Antony

Dr. Mohammad Gholinejad



HMRI, University of NewcastleAustralia.

Chiapas University of Sciences and Arts, México.

Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, South Africa

Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore

University of Central Florida, USA

Georgia Tech, USA

University of Leeds, U.K.

Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Iran

Industrial Research Collaborations

M/s Pricol Industries,

M/s Polyclone Bioservices,

M/s TVS,

M/s Lakshmi Machine Works,

M/s Lakshmi Life Sciences,

M/s Udaya Semiconductors Limited,

M/s KPM Plasto Rubber Co,

M/s Silver Crown Industries,

M/s Huntsmann Corporation,

M/s Oriental Aquamarine Biotech,

M/s Kennametal Industries,

Coimbatore

Bangalore

Hosur

Coimbatore

Coimbatore

Coimbatore

Coimbatore

Coimbatore

Mumbai

Coimbatore

Coimbatore


Funded Projects Received (2015-2016)

PI Title Funding agency Duration

Dr.P.Biji Development of novel, single --step production of metal oxide based aligned, electrospun core -shell nanofibers and quantitative assessment of their gas sensor performance

DST-SERB 3 years

Dr.Rama Ranjan Bhattacharjee

Development of magnetorheological nanofluids

DRDO (CARS) 1 year

Dr. Anuradha Ashok Synthesis and study of the behavior of monolayer and multilayer AMO3 (where A = Ba, Ca, Sr and M = Ge, Sn) perovskite thin films for applications as transparent conducting oxides

ARDB 3 years

Dr. Kallol Mohanta Investigation of organic channel as performance booster of organic solar cell

DST-SERB 3 years

Effect of NIR dye additives for absorption edge increase in organic photovoltaics

BRNS 3 years

Dr. K. Balachander Fabrication and characterization of nanoimprinted high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells

DST- SERI 3 years

CZTSSe based thermoelectric materials & devices

CVRDE-DRDO 3 years

Dr. R. Sivasubramanian Development of a novel biosensing Platform based on in situ spectroelectrochemical approach for selective detection of dopamine using metal@metal oxide core-shell nanoparticles

DST Early Career Research Award scheme

3 years

Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya

Development of syringe based invasive blood pressure sensor

BARC 2 years


1. Bindu Salim, Swapna Merlin David, J Narayanan,S Krishnakumar, Madhu Betha, T Lazar Mathew Development of PMMA Platform based Micro fluidic Mixer for the Detection of MicroRNA-18a from Retinoblastoma Serum, J Anal Bioanal Tech 2015, 6:4.

2. Bindu Salim , Jaisree Meenaa Pryia KNJ , Fabrication of Poly (methyl methacrylate) and Poly(vinyl alcohol) Thin Film Capacitors on Flexible Substrates”, IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng . 2015, 99 012026.

3. Ramya, M., Syed Ghazi Sarwat, V.Udhayabanu, S.Subramanian, Baldev Raj and K.R. Ravi, Role of amorphous structure and alloying elements on the corrosion behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca based bulk metallic glass for biomedical applications Materials & Design, 86, 2015, 829-835.

4. Ramya, M., Syed Ghazi Sarwat, V.Udhayabanu, Baldev Raj and K.R.Ravi Exploring Mg-Zn-Ca based bulk metallic glasses for biomedical applications based on thermodynamic approach Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 2015, Accepted.

5. Ravi, K. R. Thermodynamic designing of heat treatable Mg-Zn-X (Sn, Y) alloy suitable for semi-solid processing Transaction of Indian Institute of Metals, 2015, Accepted.

6. Sri Harini, R., Baldev Raj and K.R. Ravi Synthesis of Al-MgAl O master alloy and their grain 2 4

refinement studies in pure aluminium, Transaction of Indian Institute of Metals, 2015, Accepted.

7. Jayakrishnan Nampoothiri, Baldev Raj, K.R. Ravi Role of Ultrasonic Treatment on Microstructural Evolution in A /TiB in situ composite Transaction of Indian Institute of 356 2

Metals, 2015, Accepted.

8. Nagasivamuni, B. and K. R. Ravi, Discussions on the mechanism of grain refinement in Ti added Mg – Al alloys using ultrasonic treatment.Transaction of Indian Institute of Metals, 2015, Accepted.

9. Sharma, A.K., Priyadarshini, B.G., Mehta, B.R. and Kumar, D. An amorphous barium titanate thin film improves light trapping in Si solar cells.RSC Advances, 5(74), 2015, 59881-59886.

10. Priydarshini, B.G., Esakkiraja, N., Aich, S. and Chakraborty, M. Resputtering Effect on Nanocrystalline Ni-Ti Alloy Films. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 47, 2016, 1751-1760.

11. Priyadarshini, B.G., Sharma, A.K., Design of Multi-layer Anti-reflection Coating for Terrestrial Solar Panel Glass. Bulletin of Materials Science, 2016, Accepted.

12. Dinesh, V. P., P. Biji, Arun K. Prasad, Anuradha Ashok, S. K. Dhara, M. Kamruddin, A. K. Tyagi, and Baldev Raj, Rapid Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Hybrid ZnO@Au Core-Shell Nanorods for High Performance, Low Temperature NO gas sensor Applications, Applied 2

Surface Science, 355(15), 2015, 726–735.

13. Sukhananazerin, A.T. Lazar Mathew and Biji Pullithadathil. Highly Sensitive, Room Temperature Gas Sensor based on Polyaniline-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (PANI/MWCNTs) Nanocomposite for Trace-Level Ammonia Detection, Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical, 221, 2015, 1523-1534.

14. Keerthi G. Nair, D. Jayaseelan and P. Biji. Direct-Writing of Circuit Interconnects on

List of Peer Reviewed Publication


Cellulose Paper using Ultra-Long, Silver Nanowires based Conducting Ink, RSC Advances, 5, 2015, 76092–76100.

15. Mohammad Gholinejad, Fatemeh Hamed, Biji Pullithadathil, Novel Polymer Containing Phosphinite-Nitrogen Ligands for Stabilization of Palladium Nanoparticles: Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira Reactions in Neat Water, Dalton Transactions, 44, 2015, 14293-14303.

16. Mathew, T. L., P. Prabhahari, A. SukhanaNazerin and P. Biji. Technologies for Clinical Diagnosis using Expired human breath analysis, Diagnostics, 5, 2015, 27-60.

17. Sukhananazerin, A., D. Jayaseelan, V. P. Dinesh and P. Biji. Controlled Fabrication of Highly Monodispersed, Gold Nanoparticles Grafted Polyaniline (Au@PANI) Nanospheres and their Efficient Ammonia Gas Sensing Properties, Journal of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 6(2), 2015, 165.

18. Dinesh, V. P., S. P. Suriyaraj, T. Vijayaraghavan, R. Selvakumar, P. Biji. Enhanced Cell-Wall Damage Mediated, Antibacterial Activity of Core-Shell ZnO@Ag Heterojunction Nanorods against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Journal of Material Science: Materials in Medicine, 26(7), 2015, 204.

19. Jayaseelan, D., P. Biji. Finite Element Analysis of in-situ Alignment of Nanoparticles in Polymeric Nanofibers using Magnetic Field Assisted Electrospinning, Materials Research Express, 2, 2015, 095014.

20. Rakesh, G. R., G. S. Ranjit, K. K. Karthikeyan, P. Radhakrishnan, P. Biji. A Facile Route for Controlled Alignment of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced, ElectrospunNanofibers using Slotted Collector Plates, eXPRESS Polymer Letters, 9(2), 2015, 105–118.

21. Baraneedharan. P, Imran Hussain. S, Dinesh. V. P, Siva. C, Biji. P, Sivakumar. M. Lattice doped Zn–SnO nanospheres: A systematic exploration of dopant ion effects on structural, optical, and 2

enhanced gas sensing properties, Applied Surface Science, 357, 2015, 1511–1521.

22. Jayaseelan, D., P. Biji. New insights towards electron transport mechanism of highly efficient p-type CuO(111) nanocuboids based H S gas sensor, Journal of Physical 2

Chemistry C, 120(7), 2016, 4087–4096.

23. Karthikeyan, K. K. and P. Biji. A Novel Biphasic Approach for Thermally Induced, Direct Synthesis of Highly Porous, Flexible Carbon Nanofiber Mats from Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/NaHCO Nanocomposite, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 224, 2016, 372-3

383.

24. Mohammad Gholinejad, Fariba Saadati, ShahramShaybanizadeh, P. Biji. Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Starch Micro Particles as a Degradable Heterogeneous Catalyst for Three-Component Coupling Synthesis of Propargylamines, RSC Advances, 6,2016, 4983-4991.

quantum dot-based ionic fluid , J. Mater. Chem. A, 4, 2016, 2246-2251.

26. Sanjeev K Jat, novel aqueous colloidal magnetic nanofluid: Removal of surface adsorbed-dye from PDMS surface Microfluidics & Nanofluidics, 2016, DOI 10.1007/s10404-015-1670-5

27. Altamirano-Gutiérrez, A.M. Fernández, Aruna K. Kunhiraman, R. Manoharan, P.

25. Lopamudra Bhattacharjee, Kallol Mohanta, Kaushik Pal, Apurba Lal Koner, Rama Ranjan Bhattacharjee Polarization induced dynamic photoluminescence in carbon

Rama Ranjan Bhattacharjee, A


Karthikeyan, A. Siller-Ceniceros, P. Meléndez-González, P. Bartolo-Pérez, F.J. Rodríguez-Varela, Evaluation of nanostructured supported and unsupported Pd-CeO anode 2

electrocatalysts for the Formic Acid and the Glycerol Oxidation Reactionsin acid media, J. Appl. Electrochem., 45, 2015, 1195–1204.

28. Hernández-Ramírez, A., M.E. Sánchez-Castro, I. Alonso-Lemus, Kalasapurayil Kunhiraman Aruna, Palanisamy Karthikeyan, Ramasamy Manoharan, F.J. Rodríguez-Varela, Development and characterization of the novel Pt-NiTiO /C nanostructured catalyst as highly 3

active cathode for Alkaline Fuel Cells applications, J. Electrochemical Soc., 163 (2), 2016, F16-24.

29. Simya, O.K., A. Mahaboobbatcha, K. Balachander, Compositional grading of CZTSSe alloy using exponential and uniform grading laws in SCAPS-ID Simulation, Superlattices and Microstructures 92, 2016, 285–293.

30. Suresh Kumar, M., K. Balachander, Performance analysis of different top metal electrodes in inverted polymer solar cells, Optik 127, 2016, 2725–2731.

31. Simya, O.K., A. Mahaboobbatcha, K. Balachander A Comparative study on the performance of Kesterite based thin film solar cells using SCAPS simulation program, Superlattice and microstructures, 82, 2015, 248–261.

32. Indumathi Balakrishnan, S. Thamizharasan, J. Gopinathan, K. K. Karthikeyan, Amitava Bhattacharyya,Electrically Conducting, Transparent Graphene based Nanocomposite Coatings on Flexible Film Substrate, Polymer Science Series A, 2016, Accepted.

33. Janarthanan Gopinathan, Anita F Quigley, Amitava Bhattacharyya, Rajiv Padhye, Robert MI Kapsa, Rajkishore Nayak, Robert A Shanks, Shadi Houshyar, Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of electrically conducting poly(ε-caprolactone) based nanocomposite scaffolds using PC12, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part A, 2015, DOI : 10.1002/jbm.a.35620.

34. Poorvisha, R., S. P. Suriyaraj, P. Thavamani, Ravi Naidu, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar,Synthesis and characterisation of 3-dimensional hydroxyapatite nanostructures using thermoplastic polyurethane nanofiber sacrificial template, RSC Advances, 2015, 5, 97773-97780

35. Mamatha M. Pillai , V. Elakkiya , J. Gopinathan , C. Sabarinath, K. Santosh Sahanand , B. K. Dinakar Rai, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar High density pellet culture for human knee meniscus tissue formation using a unique combination of medium, Regenerative Medicine. 10 (7s), 2015, 58.

36. Mamatha M. Pillai, V. Elakkiya, J. Gopinathan, C. Sabarinath, S. Shanthakumari, K. Santosh Sahanand, B. K. Dinakar Rai, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar, A combination of biomolecules enhances expression of E-cadherin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gene leading to increased cell proliferation in primary human meniscal cells: an in vitro study, Cytotechnology, online first, 2015, DOI 10.1007/s10616-015-9926-1

37. Gopinathan, J., Mamatha M. Pillai, V. Elakkiya, R. Selvakumar, Amitava Bhattacharyya, Carbon nanofillers incorporated electrically conducting poly ε-caprolactone nanocomposite films and their biocompatibility studies using MG-63 cell line, Polymer Bulletin, online first, 2015, DOI 10.1007/s00289-015-1533-y

38. Mamatha M. Pillai, T. R. Akshaya, V. Elakkiya, J. Gopinathan, K. Santosh Sahanand, B. K.


Dinakar Rai, Amitava Bhattacharyya and R. Selvakumar, Egg shell membrane – a potential natural scaffold for human meniscal tissue engineering: an in vitro study. RSC Advances, 2015, 5, 76019-76025.

39. Gopinathan, J., Steffie mano, V Elakkiya, Mamatha M Pillai, K. Santosh Sahanand, B. K. Dinakar Rai, R. Selvakumar , Amitava Bhattacharyya.Biomolecule incorporated poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibrous scaffolds for enhanced human meniscal cell attachment and proliferation RSC Advances, 2015, 5, 73552-73561.

40. Suriyaraj, S. P., Mamatha M. Pillai, Amitava Bhattacharyya, R. Selvakumar, Scavenging of nitrate ions from water using Hybrid Al O /bio-TiO nanocomposite impregnated 2 3 2

thermoplastic polyurethane nanofibrous membrane, RSC Advances, 2015, 5, 68420 – 68429.

41. Suriyaraj, S. P., and R Selvakumar Advances in nanomaterial based approaches for enhanced fluoride and nitrate removal from contaminated water RSC Advances, 2016, 6,10565.

42. Seethalakshmi, N., R.Selvakumar, Investigation of porous silica nanostructures in diatoms isolated from Kurichi and Sulur lakes of Coimbatore, India using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Micron , 79, 2015, 24-28.

43. Sivasubramanian, R. and P. Biji, Preparation of copper (I) oxide nanohexagon decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite and their application in electrochemical sensing of dopamine. Mater. Sci. Engg. B 210, 2016, 10.

1. Prof. Bindu salim received a cash award of Rs. 50,000 in International knowledge millennium conference, IKMC 2015: Spreading the innovative spirit, best poster award under Medical devices for “screening device for retinoblastoma”.

2. Dr. K. Balachander, Associate Professor, received Bhaskara Award for Solar Energy (BASE) sponsored by DST-Indo Science & Technology forum.

3. Dr.R.Selvakumar, Associate Professor, received PK Das Best faculty award in Nanotechnolgy, from Nehru group of Institutions, Coimbatore

4. Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya received Invention award on lignin capped nano copper based colorants from Intellectual Ventures, USA in 2015

5. Dr. Kallol Mohanta, Assistant Professor, was awarded Bhaskara Advanced Solar Energy Fellowship from DST- Indo-Us Science and Technology Forum, New Delhi.

6. Mr. Sanjeev. K. Jat won “Best oral presentation award” at Nanobiointerface 2016 held at JNU, New Delhi

7. Mrs. Mamatha M Pillai, received international travel grant award from Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi and The Centre for International Co-operation in Science for attending -World Conference on Regenerative Medicine-WCRM-2015, at Germany

8. Mrs. Mamatha M Pillai, received best poster award in Indo- Australian Conference on Biomaterial, Bio Diagnostics,Tissue Engineering, Drug delivery and Regenerative Medicine (BiTERM-2015), Chennai.

Awards and Achievements


M.Phil Awarded (2015)

1. Candidate: R. Poorvisha

Title of Thesis: Templated (Bacterial/ Nanofiber) and cation doped biocompatible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for fluoride and strontium removal from aqueous solution

Supervisor: Dr. R. Selvakumar

Dr. Rajarathnam Dharmarajan, Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Australia instituted the following awards initially for a period of 3 years.

1. Nagarethinam Endowment Research Fellowship (NERF)

2. Nagarethinam Endowment Research Award (NERA)

Endowment Awards and fellowship Initiated

Ph.D Awarded (2015)

1. Name of Candidate: Bradha Madhavan

Title of Thesis: Proton and oxide ion conduction in A and B site doped LaTiO -delta nano perovskites3

Supervisor: Dr. Anuradha M. Ashok

2. Candidate: V. P. Dinesh,

Title of Thesis: Investigation on structure-property relationship of ZnO@Au core-shell, hetero junction nanostructures towards realization of high performance, low temperature NO gas sensors2

Supervisor: Dr. P. Biji


Conferences and Workshops 1. Dr. Anuradha M Ashok and Dr. P. Biji organised two day workshop on High resolution

st ndtransmission electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy on 21 and 22 Aug 2015.

2. Prof. Bindu Salim organized a seminar on “Materials, processes and devices for flexible electronics”, 14-15 Dec 2015 with experts from UT Austin.

3. Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya and Dr. R. Selvakumar organized an International conference th th on “Advances in functional, smart and innovative textiles” on 10 to 12 December 2015.

4. Dr. P. Biji organized Two day International conference on “Advances in micro/ thnanotechnologies for biological applications” on 7-8 August 2015.

5. Dr. K. K. Venkataraman, organized PSG Nanochallenge-2015 (National competition on thnanotechnology) on 10 August 2015.


New Instrument faciltities added

Textile Equipments at PSG IAS

Compression moulding

Narrow widthneedle loom

Limiting oxygen Index

Laundrometer

Spray tester

Prespirometer

3D Printer Impedance Analyzer Freeze dryer

Stiffness Tester

Bursting strength Crease recovery tester

Electrospinning Extruder

Nanofluid interferometer with temperature controller unit

Automatic hydraulic hot press


PSGIAS –Product/ Prototypes Developed

Ammonia detecting sensor with electronics display Hand-held Ammoniumion sensor

(Developed by : Dr. P. Biji (Sensor), Dr. K. K. Venkataraman (Electronics)

Effluent treatment technology for electroplating industry

Developed by : Dr. R. Selvakumar and Dr. Amitava Bhattacharyya

Retinoblastoma screening devicefrom patients' serum

Developed by : Prof. Bindu Salim


AN OPEN INVITATION

Sub : Business incubation opportunities at NRIIC on Nano technology – An open INVITATION

-----

As you are aware, the Nanotechnology has wide applications and high scope for business

expansion. PSG Institute of Advanced Studies (PSGIAS) and PSG-Science & Technology

Park (PSG-STEP) have come together to promote start-ups in the Nano technology domain

in the Nanotech Research Innovation and Incubation Centre (NRIIC). This is an open

invitation to every aspiring entrepreneur to launch a Nanotechnology based startup at

PSG-STEP, wherein you can use the resources and skills of PSGIAS.

PSG INSTITUE OF ADVANCED STUDIES (PSGIAS) is an institution under the well known

PSG Sons' & Charities in Coimbatore, established in 2006 to carry out research in advanced areas

of Science and Technology like Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The four thrust areas of

research identified are smart and innovative textiles, energy systems, health care devices, and

plastic electronics. PSGIAS has set up various labs for product development in these areas,

which include high resolution transmission electron microscope, multimode scanning probe

microscope, multi source physical vapour deposition system and a host of other processing and

chracteristation equipment. The institute has currently 30 Ph.D scholars on its rolls and has

around 25 funded projects. The faculty consists of an interdisciplinary group of material

scientists, chemists, physicists, and mechanical, textile and electronics engineers.

PSG-Science & Technology Entrepreneurial Park (PSG-STEP) was established in the year

1998 with the support from Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, IDBI

and ICICI at PSG College of Technology to promote technology based enterprises in the areas of

software, electronic products, hi-tech mechanical products, and eco-friendly textile products &

bio-technology using the core strengths of PSG College of Technology and sister institutions.

PSG-STEP plays a critical role in creating an enabling eco-system to promote innovation and

entrepreneurship among the students, faculty, and researchers and for the people from the

community.

Following are the contacts to obtain more details on starting business incubation on Nanotechnology at NRIIC.

Dr. K. K. VenkataramanNanotech Research Innovation and

Incubation centre,PSG Institute of Advanced Studies

PSG-Tech CampusAvinashi Road, Coimbatore-641004

Phone: +91 9500950311

Dr. K. Suresh KumarPSG-STEP

PSG-Tech CampusAvinashi Road

Coimbatore-641004Phone: +91-422-4363300, 4363301

Email id: [email protected]

To all Entrepreneurs


Research Accompulishments book-3.11

Documents

Transcript of Research Accompulishments book-3.11