(The Gist of Science Reporter) CSIR Technology showcase

[July-2020]

In a major development that may help in doubling the testing capacity from the existing one lakh to two lakh tests in a day, the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, has developed a new generation testing kit that would help in testing about 50,000 samples at one go. The new generation testing kit is completely different from the pooled RT-PCR testing kits as in the sequencing testing kits, any positive sample among the thousands of samples can be identified without testing all the samples separately. While in the pooled RT-PCR test, if ten samples are mixed and one of them is positive, then all ten samples have to be examined separately.
According to CCMB’s director, the next generation testing kit is similar to pooled testing but is more comprehensive and its sensitivity is more accurate. “Even though 20-25 samples are tested in pooled testing, there are chances of getting inaccurate test reports, while in next-generation testing kits, there are least chances of any ‘false’ report as it diagnoses the samples with RNA sequencing test.

CSIR-CCMB has established stable cultures of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) from patients’ samples. Virologists at CCMB have isolated infectious viruses from several isolates. The ability to culture the virus in the lab enables CCMB to work towards vaccine development and testing of potential drugs to fight COVID-19.

CSIR-IIIM has partnered with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to develop and scale-up a new Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) based COVID-19 diagnostic kit for which a formal MOU has also been signed between CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and RIL.
The COVID-19 RT-LAMP test is a nucleic acid-based test carried out from nasal/throat swab samples from patients. The test recipe has been developed and successfully demonstrated using synthetic templates. It is a rapid (45-60 min), cost-effective and accurate test. It has been tested with a small number of patients’ samples and validating the kit on more number of patient samples is planned and will be done together with RIL.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has developed a superior face mask which has better filtration efficiency than the available face masks in the market. CSIR-NCL’s patented bacterial nano-cellulose technology along with nano-coating was used for this purpose. The cotton cloth coated in a solution of bacterial cellulose and nano-material completely prevents the penetration of bacterial growth. The bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of CSIR-NCL mask is 99.9% and particulate filter efficiency (PFE) is 92.63% PFE. This indicates a high restriction of hazardous particulates. The masks are made for easy breathability, of medical grade and are of low flammability.

CSIR-IGIB has completed sequencing of 250 genomes, of which >100 have been deposited at the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database. Viral samples have been received from Kerala and the institute has tied-up with government and private hospitals for sample collection. So far 166 viral genomes have been deposited by CSIR labs in the database.

CSIR-NIIST has developed a Free Hand Sanitizer (“Palm Safe”), the technology was transferred to Tachlog Industry, Trivandrum.

Named ‘SwasthVayu’, the BiPAP Ventilator is an electronic breathing device used in the treatment of sleep apnea, lung disease, and to treat respiratory weakness. It will now be used for COVID-19 patients. Blower motor and controller are the critical components of the BiPAP ventilator and currently are imported from Switzerland.
To lower costs, alternate sources in Taiwan and China have been identified for these critical components. The system has been certified for calibration by NABL accredited agencies as well as TUV Rheinland (meeting the minimum requirements of the German Equipment and Product Safety Act).
CSIR-NAL will make 25 BiPAP devices and 100 devices will be made by licensee companies. Thus, a total of 125 devices will be made, to begin with.

CSIR and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have launched a hackathon for drug discovery for Covid-19 disease. The Principal Scientific Adviser of the Government of India is supporting the hackathon. The ideas holding potential that emerge from the hackathon will be developed by CSIR labs, startups and any other interested organisation. Indian students and researchers from across the world can participate in the competition.

CSIR-CMERI has developed mobile indoor disinfection sprayer units. These can be used for cleaning and disinfecting pathogenic microorganisms effectively, especially in hospitals.
The institute has developed two variants of the indoor disinfection units. One is the Battery Powered Disinfectant Sprayer (BPDS), and the other is the Pneumatically Operated Mobile Indoor Disinfection (POMID). The two units can be used to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, etc.

CSIR-CECRI’s tri layered Face Mask with antimicrobial and hydrophobic coating received certification from SITRA.

CSIR– National Botanical Research Institute (CSIRNBRI) has developed a herbal inhaler technology which is ready for transfer to the industry. The inhaler based on ayurvedic formulation, when sprayed on masks makes breathing easier by decongesting the nasal passage.