Interview with Mrs. Malarvizhi
“Nano”- Nope, not the car, not the iPod! Yes, the tiny particles which are creating a new era of science and technology. The field of nanotechnology has seen a rapid progress in both research and commercialization. Ms.T.Malarvizhi, Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Biotechnology, GCT, Coimbatore who is doing her state funded project on the use of nanoparticles as a carrier of drug for cancer treatment tells us about her research, Research Fellow (RF) and much more.
- Please brief the outline of this research. Is it an advancement of a pre-existing work or a new one?
In post surgical cancer therapy nanoparticles are used as specific drug carriers to prevent the multiplication of the tumour inducing cells to the other parts of the body and to avoid the recurrence of cancer in the targeted site. Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug is of major interest.
The background of the project is a referred version but the polymer nanoparticle which is used as a carrier is a new one.
- Are there any side effects caused by these carriers?!
No, Carrier won’t cause any side effects. But, anticancer drug mainly causes cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). Typhlitis-an acute infection of bowel is a potential risk.
Just like the old saying, “There are two sides to every coin “, this method too has its ups and downs with negligible risks. Research experts are working on the betterment of this drug so as to minimize the negative outcome.
- Is this funded project a part of your PhD programme? What is the operandi for the funding?
No, this is a separate project funded by Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology. A fund of Rs.4,85,000/- including the salary of the RF (Ms.T.Malarvizhi is being assisted by a RF Ms.Remya, MSc) for a duration of 2 years has been approved. Once the funding institute call for project proposals through their website, the work plan along with objective and estimated budget must be sent to them. The most precise and genuine project will be selected and the funds will be sanctioned accordingly.
- How do you balance your teaching duties and research work?
I will give the outline of a particular test to be carried out based on the literature. The RF takes care of the analysis and submits the reports based on my guidance.
- What are the criteria for the selection of RF?
He or she must have graduated in MSc life sciences or Biotechnology or nanotechnology (this is specific to my project). Those with good GATE or NET scores are given preference. A committee of four members which includes the Principal investigator (that’s me!), the head of biotechnology department who is the co-investigator, external panel members is in charge of the selection. A written test followed by an interview will be conducted for the interested graduates and the selection will be based on their performance. Salary of Rs.10,000 is fixed for the research fellows and Rs.5000 for lab assistants.
- What are the inconveniences you face in carrying out the research work? Do you find the fund suffice for the entire plan?
The lack of many advanced equipments in the campus makes it difficult for the research and analysis.Yes, the fund allotted for us is not more, not less.
- Mention the practical applications of your research work
Once the project is complete, a paper will be published summarizing all the steps involved. The paper can be used as a reference or guide and advancements can be made in the field of cancer therapy.
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