Investigations on the preparation of composite polysaccharide films and micro / nanoparticles for novel applications

chemical Sciences and Technology Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, CSIR

Growth enhancement of micro algae, Chaetoceros calcitrans and Nannochloropsis oculata, using selected bacterial strains

In natural systems phytoplankton interact with planktonic (free living) and attached epiphytic bacteria both synergistically and antagonistically. The specificity of the association with micro algae and bacteria differs in terms of adhesion mechanisms and metabolic cooperation. Present research was carried out to study the effect of bacterial isolates namely Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. from algal culture systems on the growth of micro algae such as Chaetoceros calcitrans and Nannochloropsis oculata. C. calcitrans (F= 15.34; P<0.05) and N. oculata (F=12.52; P<0.05) showed significantly higher growth, in treatments with Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp when compared to control.

Studies on betanin natural dye incorporated ZnO composites at nano and micro scale for photonic device applications

Green energy and Green technology are the most of the quoted terms in the context of modern science and technology. Technology which is close to nature is the necessity of the modern world which is haunted by global warming and climatic alterations. Proper utilization of solar energy is one of the goals of Green Energy Movement. The present thesis deals with the work carried out in the eld of nanotechnology and its possible use in various applications (employing natural dyes) like solar cells. Unlike arti cial dyes, the natural dyes are available, easy to prepare, low in cost, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and fully biodegradable. Looking to the 21st century, the nano/micro sciences will be a chief contributor to scienti c and technological developments. As nanotechnology progresses and complex nanosystems are fabricated, a growing impetus is being given to the development of multi-functional and size-dependent materials. The control of the morphology, from the nano to the micrometer scales, associated with the incorporation of several functionalities can yield entirely new smart hybrid materials. They are special class of materials which provide a new method for the improvement of the environmental stability of the material with interesting optical properties and opening a land of opportunities for applications in the eld of photonics. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one such multipurpose material that has been explored for applications in sensing, environmental monitoring, and bio-medical systems and communications technology. Understanding the growth mechanism and tailoring their morphology is essential for the use of ZnO crystals as nano/micro electromechanical systems and also as building blocks of other nanosystems.