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IIT Gandhinagar’s Hydrogel Breakthrough: Cancer-Fighting Injectables Win Young Scientist Award
Author: Ritesh Ranjan – IIT Gandhinagar’s PhD scholar Harshil Dave bags the Vikram Sarabhai Young Scientist Award 2026 (announced Feb 28) for revolutionary injectable hydrogel tech targeting colorectal polyps – precancerous growths. Published in Nano-Micro Small, this plant-based biomaterial transforms liquid into gel in the body, slashing surgery risks!
Polyp Problem Solved: From Saline Fails to Smart Cushions
- Current endoscopy: Saline injections lift polyps but absorb fast – repeat shots risk perforation/bleeding (10% complications). Harshil’s shear-thinning hydrogel (diglycerol monostearate) flows through catheters, gels instantly – stable lift for safe snips.
- Lab Wins: Antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Reduces tissue trauma 50%; moisture-rich for healing.
- Beyond GI: Wound dressings, drug delivery.
- Dr. Mukesh Dhanka (guide): “Minimally invasive biomaterials boost cancer prevention, wound care.”
- Research Spotlight: Nano-Micro Small Publication
- Paper (DOI: 10.1002/smll.202570060) by Harshil Dave, Hitasha Vithalani, Hemant Singh et al. from IITGN’s Biomaterials Lab. Tested endoscopy sims – gel lasts 2x saline.
- Harshil: “Lab-to-clinic focus. Award fuels real-world translation.”
- Team Edge: Interdisciplinary – Biological Engg + nanotech. SERB-funded infrastructure key.
Vikram Sarabhai Award: Recognising India’s Rising Stars
InRes award honours under-35 innovators bridging academia-industry. Harshil (2nd yr PhD) joins IIT alumni like SRF’s Rajeev Sharma. Cash prize + mentorship for clinical trials. India’s 1.5L colorectal cases/yr (GLOBOCAN 2025) – early polyp removal prevents 90%. Global market: $2B endoscopy biomaterials (2026).
Next: Human Trials & Commercial Leap
- Phase 1: Animal models complete.
- 2026 goals: ICMR trials, CDSCO nod.
Startup eyed – Gujarat biotech hub (Zydus, Intas) perfect.
Broader Impact:
- GI Cancer: 30M Indians at risk; hydrogel cuts recurrence.
- Wound Care: Diabetic ulcers (77M cases).
- Drug Delivery: Sustained chemo release.
IITGN (#9 NIRF Engg) shines: 50+ patents/yr, $10M research.
Also Read: Dialogue Bridges Wars: Dr. Tamilisai Ignites SRM SOLMUN 2026 MUN Mania
Why It Matters: India’s MedTech Moonshot
Post-NEP, biomaterials boom – PLI scheme $1B infusion. Harshil’s work echoes IITB’s stent coatings. Global race: J&J’s gel caps; IITGN cheaper (plant-sourced). Clinicians await: Safer colonoscopies = lives saved!