Bangalore University: Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR)Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

Overview

Research under this ANRF-funded PAIR project at Bangalore University, in collaboration with IISc Bangalore, focuses on three major interdisciplinary themes in nanoscience, computational materials research, and biomedical applications.

The first theme explores the integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with biomimetic lipids and ion channels to study and regulate ion channel functionality for biomedical applications. The work involves synthesis, surface modification, characterization, and application of biomimetic magnetic nanosystems. A multidisciplinary approach combining machine learning-based peptide design with experimental validation is employed to develop advanced therapeutic and biomedical technologies.

The second theme combines synthesis, characterization, and computational investigations of nanoclusters for catalytic applications such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The research also focuses on smart targeted antioxidant delivery systems using liquid crystals, cell-penetrating peptides, and carotenoids. Experimental studies integrated with molecular dynamics, DFT, and QM/MM simulations are used to optimize these systems for healthcare and biosensing applications.

The third theme focuses on hybrid quantum dots based on metal oxides and chalcogenides coupled with nanocarbon shells such as graphene, CNTs, and C₆₀. These studies aim to tune bandgap properties for advanced optoelectronic devices, including LEDs, photovoltaic cells, photodetectors, and supercapacitors with performance optimization and commercial scalability. DFT simulations are also being used to understand conjugation mechanisms and size-dependent bandgap tuning.

Vertical: Functional Materials

Proposal 1: Development of quantum dots-nanocarbonhybridized nanostructures for applications in optoelectronics and supercapacitors as low-dimensional nanocomposites

Vertical: Biomaterials

Proposal 2: Functionalizing lipid bilayers with magnetic nanoparticles and mechanosensitive ion channels for stress-controlled transportProposal 3:Synergistic approaches towards functional biomaterials for targeted delivery applications