Type II Diabetes Mellitus & Insulin Resistance

Worldwide, 463 million people are living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as per the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2019 and by 2045, it is expected to rise to 700 million. This chronic, metabolic disease is characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose due to the development of insulin resistance and over time, leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Type 2 Diabetes and its complications produce a huge socio-economic burden to the patient, their family, community and the state worldwide; leaving the patient in lifetime medications, treatments and suffering.

Understanding the depth of the problem, R & I unit of the DMMC is developing a point of care diagnostic device capable of early detection of high insulin levels, allowing the clinician for early interventions and thereby helping the patients from further development of this pre-diabetic condition into diabetes mellitus and its related complications

Oral Cancer

Globally oral cancer (OC) is a health concern and in India ~77,000 new cases and ~52,000 deaths are reported annually. In Kerala the prevalence of OC is, ~1.08%. Public health studies have revealed vulnerability to OC in those who are excessively exposed to causative agents such as -alcohol, tobacco products, betel nut, unhygienic oral condition, poor diet and sustained viral infections that include the human papillomavirus. This disease is found prevalent in the local community of Wayanad due to the life style / habits. The survival rate of OC patients detected at advanced stage is ~50%, while those diagnosed at early-stage have >85% survival rate and Currently, physical examination of oral cavity is practiced for detection of OC which is visible after the lesion is progressed to an advanced size. Since early detection is the key factor to reduce morbidity and increase chance of survival, it is necessary to develop novel and sensitive methods for early OC detection and therefore, the R & I unit is working in the development of a point of care (POC) screening tool for biomarker detection in non-invasively collected saliva sample. Detection of biomarkers may be a more sensitive method for diagnosis of OC at an early stage.

Tissue Engineering & 3D Bio-printing

Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering has shown huge potential in translational medicine and many conventional clinical problems have been successfully answered. 3D Bio printing of tissues and organs is the most advanced technology in tissue engineering and it is expected to create revolutions in modern medicine. By this technique, 3D functional living tissues can be printed using a Bio-ink composed of Bio-compatible materials, cells and supporting components using a sophisticated printing device. The R & I unit of DMMC is focusing on bio engineered and 3D Bio-printed tissue constructs for clinical conditions like Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD), and Nuerodegenerative diseases and the 3D Bio printed tissue constructs has multiple applications like drug testing models, implantation therapy etc. Another area being worked upon for similar applications is 3D Bio-printed skin substitute. Development of the bio-ink is in process at the R & I lab.

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Dr. Lissy Krishnan

Dr. Lissy Krishnan completed her PhD in Biochemistry from Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum and did her Post-Doctoral Fellowship at University of Minnesota in Platelet Biology. She joined SCTIMST in 1980 and superannuated as Senior Grade Scientist G, Department of Applied Biology; continuing for one more year as Emeritus Scientist. With over 40 years of research experience, she joined the Research & Innovation wing of Dr. Moopen’s Medical College as its Director for Biological Research & Innovation.

During her career, she has successfully developed and evaluated 6 bio-therapuetics –

  • Human plasma-derived Fibrin Sealant (FS) for soft tissue adhesion
  • Therapeutic Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
  • Fibrin as hemostat & wound healing matrix
  • Fibrin Wafer for Drug (curcumin) Delivery
  • Increased Drug (curcumin) bioavailability using HSA
  • Fibrin and Bivalent anti-snake venom avian antibodies for therapeutic use.

Her research expertise also includes Adult Stem Cell-based Tissue Engineering & Regenerative medicine. She has developed fibrin-based, cell-specific extra cellular matrix composition for differentiation of circulating adult stem cells for regenerative therapy (Endothelial cell, Smooth muscle cells, Neurons & Keratinocytes). Her works also included development of hybrid scaffold using biodegradable polymer and biomimetic fibrin composite for small diameter vascular grafts and tissue engineered skin substitutes. Her In vivo animal model preclinical evaluations include Burn & Diabetic animal wound model for skin substitutes, Spinal cord injury model for fibrin aided neural progenitor transplantation, Myocardial infarction model for cardiac progenitor transplantation, Rabbit knee joint inflammation model for the anti-inflammatory function of HSA-Curcumin and Lung cancer (xenograft) model in SCID mice for anticancer property of Curcumin-HSA.

She has more than 100 publications in reputed peer reviewed journals, more than 100 conference proceedings, 7 Indian Patents and 2 US Patents granted to her credit. 10 Patents are under prosecution.  She is a manuscript reviewer for several journals on Biomaterials, Stem Cell & Tissue Engineering and an expert project reviewer for funding agencies like TIFAC-DST, ICMR, DSIR, DBT, and KSCSTE- Kerala. She was awarded ICMR Fellowship at Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA in 2008. Dr. Lissy was also sponsored by Indo-US Forum to J.F. Kennedy School at Harvard University, USA to participate on “Science, Technology, and Innovation, Policy” course & lab/industry visits Nov 27-Dec 10, 2005.

Dr. Lissy was instrumental in establishing the COFRAC and NABL accredited testing facilities at SCTIMST and her team was providing In vitro blood compatibility Testing Service (ISO10993 part4), drug responsiveness to vascular cells and free Consultancy services for Industrial and Academic customers. She is a Technical Assessor (Biochemistry) and Lead Assessor for the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL), Govt. of India and has assessed more than 60 laboratories across the country during 2004-2013.

On Academics, Dr. Lissy has guided 14 PhD students and co-guided 2 students at IIT Madras and University of Copenhagen. She initiated and coordinated the M.Phil program of SCTIMST and has conducted classroom teaching for Ph.D./M.Phil/M.Tech course work in Research methodology, Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, Blood Compatibility of Biomaterials, Diagnostic Instrumentation.

With a passion to pursue translational potential of laboratory research into clinical use, Dr. Lissy continues to explore for greater opportunities at the R & I wing of Dr. Moopen’s Medical College.

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Dr. V. Kalliyana Krishnan

Dr. Kalliyana Krishnan had his basic education in Trichur, Kerala, took his PhD degree in Biomaterials Science & Technology from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Trivandrum and had his postdoctoral training in University of Liverpool, UK. He started his career in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum and joined SCTIMST in 1979. He worked as a scientist for nearly 42 years in biomaterials area and superannuated as Scientist G / Professor (Senior Grade) in Nov.2018. He held various positions of eminence during this period. He was Head of the Department of Biomaterials Science & Technology. He was also the Dean of Academic affairs of the Institute from 2016-18. He joined Dr. Moopen’s Medical College in August 2021 and currently acts as the Director of Biomedical Research & Innovation.

During his career, he was responsible in developing various medical products (12 Nos in all) and in translating these technologies to industry, many of them being still popular in the market (Blood bag, IUD, Dental restorative, Bonding agent etc). He has nearly 110 publications in peer reviewed journals, 75 abstracts in conference proceedings and 28 patents also to his credit. He has guided PhD, MDS, MTech, MPhil and MSc students. He has presented many papers in international and national conferences, chaired many committees, was member of the Governing Body, Senior and Junior staff selection committees, Board of Studies, Academic Committee, in the Director board of TiMed (Business Incubator), Chairperson of Internal Research review committee, Board of Studies, Research Framework Document committee, Library committees etc. He has received many awards including EMPI-IE award, Plastic Technology Award, Institute Award etc. He is also reviewer of many journals.

Currently, Dr. Kalliyana Krishnan also serves as expert in the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG, National Biopharma Mission) of BIRAC, a mentor and subject expert in HTIC (Healthcare Technology Incubation Centre), IIT, Madras, and in doctoral Advisory committee of two PhD students. He is married to Dr. Lissy Krishnan and raised two sons (Mr. Kartik Krishnan and Dr. Vivek Krishnan)

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Dr. Chithra J S

Dr. Chithra J S was a senior scientist at Next Big Innovation Labs®, Bangalore, India where her research was on “3D bioprinting of functional human skin for in vitro analysis”. She did her Ph.D. in Biotechnology entitled “Role of Metastasis Tumor Antigen (MTA) family proteins in Endometrial Cancer: Clinico-pathological correlation and molecular functions” under the guidance of Dr. S. Asha Nair, Scientist F, at the Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, India. She was awarded Junior Research Fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India and by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt. of India (All India Rank - 177). She has published her work in international journals and is the section editor of the International Journal, Informatics Studies. She is also a life member of the Indian Association of Cancer Research (IACR) and the Centre for Informatics Research and Development (CIRD). Her research interests include 3D Bioprinting of functional human tissues, Tissue engineering, Cancer biology, and the Role of hormonal and stem cell signalling in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Currently, she is in the process of establishing a 3D Bio-printing facility capable of printing tissues and organs at the R&I unit of Dr. Moopen’s Medical College.

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Dr. Ashna Gauthaman

Dr.  Ashna Gauthaman was a scientist at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, India where her research was on “3D Bioprinting of Skin Constructs”. She did her Ph.D. in Biosciences and technology entitled “Identification of Novel Therapeutic Peptide for Immunosupression” under the guidance of Dr. M. Anbalagan, Senior Professor at Vellore institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. She was awarded GATE Fellowship by Indian Institute of Technology, has filed one patent application in Immunology and has published one book chapter in 3D Bioprinting. She received the Best Poster Award in 24th Kerala Science Congress and she has published various research articles in field of Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cancer Biology and Biomedical Technology in high impact scopex indexed national/international journals. Her research interests include Novel drug discovery, 3D Bio-printing of human organs, Tissue Engineering, Immunology and Cancer biology. Currently, her research at the R&I unit of Dr. Moopen’s Medical College is in the development of artificial human Dura (Brain) patches and in the process of establishing a 3D Bio-printed peripheral nerve for spinal cord injury.

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Mr. Varun R

Post Graduate in Biotechnology with more than 14 years of experience in Healthcare, Life-science Research and Program Management. During this career, Mr. Varun has accomplished technical skills and expertise in Animal Cell Culture, Tissue Engineering, Nanotechnology, Molecular Biology, Proteomics, Ethnopharmacology and In-vitro Diagnostics.

He started his research career on apoptotic induction and anti-inflammatory activities of medicinal plants on various cell lines for drug development applications. He was successful in establishing a primary cell culture model of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cells for an ICMR funded project on anti BPH activity of traditional medicinal plants for which suitable cell lines are not available for in vitro screening. His expertise in establishing primary stem cell cultures include human adult bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells & its differentiation to osteoblasts in vitro and rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells & its differentiation to pancreatic islets. Mr. Varun’s experience also includes toxicology, cytotoxicity and cell adhesion studies for Tissue Engineering applications. His expertise has also contributed to the establishment of prevalence of a non-infectious disease (Lepidopterism) which mimics the fatal monsoon fever epidemics in Kerala. His research findings has been published in many national and international journals like PLOS one & Material Science and Engineering and has also guided projects for many post graduate students. He is trained in animal experimental techniques and is a qualified Radiological Safety Officer (Research Applications) from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Currently at the R&I unit, Mr. Varun is involved in the development of a point of care diagnostic device for detection of Insulin Resistance and in the development of a bio-ink for 3D bio-printing of tissue constructs for drug testing as well as therapeutic applications.

Mr. Varun also possess profound experience in Research Lab Management, Budgeting & Finance, Procurement & Materials Management, HR and Facility Management, Research Collaboration Programmes, Patent filing, Project Management & Liaisoning, Lab Safety, Statutory Compliance and all aspects of Research Lab operations. He is the Member Secretary of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of MIMS Research Foundation registered with the CPCSEA, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India and has also served as the Member Secretary of the Institutional Biosafety Committee registered with the RCGM, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. Mr. Varun was instrumental in obtaining the Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation recognition for the institute from Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Govt. of India and is conversant with the statutory and accreditation processes applicable to research organisations.

Mr. Varun has also played a significant role in Dr. Moopen’s Medical College securing the award of prestigious BioNEST Bio-incubator scheme of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India making it India’s first standalone Medical College to obtain this achievement.

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Mr. Ashok P

He is a passionate chemical science researcher with more than 5 years of experience in polymer composite and biomaterials. He is experienced and skilled in polymer moulding, spinning, synthesis and characterization. Mr. Ashok holds a Master of Science and Technology degree in Chemical Science, specialized in polymer science and technology from National Institute of Technology Calicut. Presently being a senior polymer chemist at the R&I lab, his research focus is on developing bio materials and bio ink for tissue engineering and 3D bio-printing.

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Mr. Ajay Krishna

He takes care of the general cleanliness and maintenance of the R&I Laboratory and assists in minor wet lab experiments, washing and sterilisation.

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Mr. Vysakh Y

He is a post graduate in Biotechnology from the University of Kerala and before joining the R&I department, he was working with Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum as a project technician. During the COVID pandemic, he was actively involved in the diagnosis campaign and has also served as a voluntary trainee in the Institute of Advance Virology, Thonakkal, Kerala. Presently, he is involved in deep biological research activities of the department.

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Ms. Nandana C.T

She is a post graduate in biotechnology from the Mangalore University. Her PG thesis involved studying the molecular mechanisms of Zinc transporter gene in turmeric and its associated expression analysis with zinc solubilising bacteria which was published in an international journal. Ms. Nandana is very enthusiastic in research and gets actively involved in all the biological research projects of the R & I wing.

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Mr. Abhijith M,

He is a post graduate in Physics from the University of Calicut and has worked on Electronic Structure and Bonding of Intermetallic Compounds during his post-graduation. He is knowledgeable in the basic instrumentation used in the R & I lab and is in charge of the maintenance and user training of these. With a keen interest in research, Mr. Abhijith also assists the scientists in polymer synthesis and other wet lab experiments.

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