Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Government of Karnataka and University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur is kind enough to extend the financial support to create the infrastructure on application of nanotechnology in agriculture to enhance the quality of agricultural produce. A separate well equipped laboratory on “Centre for Nanotechnology” was established at University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka.
Brief of the Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is a science which includes chemistry, materials science, engineering, physics, biosciences, medicine, environmental and agricultural sciences. The first use of the concept of ‘nanotechnology’ was in “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom”, a talk given by the physicist, brain child of late Nobel laureate Richard Feynman in 29th December, 1959. Now a nanotechnology does not remain as a theoretical science rather it is being applied in all fields and gained the status of applied science and it is a multidisciplinary subject. Agriculture and Food Production are no exception to it. Hence, “The Next Big Thing is Very Small ........”.
Many benefits of nanotechnology depend on the fact that it is possible to tailor the structures of materials at extremely small scales to achieve specific properties, thus greatly extending the materials science toolkit. Using nanotechnology, materials can effectively be made stronger, lighter, more durable, more reactive, more sieve-like, or better electrical conductors, among many other traits.
Objectives of the Centre
- Synthesis and characterization of nano materials
- Studies on nutrient based nano food product
- Studies on analytical methods and monitoring of their release characteristics of insecticides from encapsulated forms in controlled atmosphere
- Studies on nano material based purification for improving the quality of water
Facilities available and services being offered
- Physical / Chemical / Biological synthesis laboratory
- Characterization laboratory viz., Particle size analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope, X-Ray Diffraction, UV-Spectra fluorescence reader, High pressure homogenizer, Ultra sonic spray dryer, Electro static spinning, Liquid dispenser, High energy ball milling, Ultra centrifuge
- Water purification laboratory viz., Arsenic purification
- Capacity building for stake holders, educating UG and PG students. A separate course on Nano Science and Technology and Its Applications – NST 501 (1+1)
Research accomplishments
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Formulation and release characteristics of insecticides in controlled atmosphere
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Encapsulation of nano materials
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Water purification for heavy metal removal viz., Arsenic removal
Dr. SHARANAGOUDA HIREGOUDAR
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR and
Head Centre for Nanotechnology
UAS, Raichur 584104, Karnataka, India
Mobile:+919448433678
