DAE Unveils Two Major Scientific Innovations for India

DAE Unveils Two Major Scientific Innovations for India

Why in the News?

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has launched India’s first nitric-oxide wound dressing for diabetic foot ulcers along with an indigenous Certified Reference Material (CRM) for rare earth research, marking significant progress in healthcare technology and strategic mineral capability.

Launch of India’s First Nitric-Oxide Wound Dressing:

  • DAE, in collaboration with Cologenesis Pvt. Ltd., unveiled ColoNoX, India’s first nitric-oxide (NO)-releasing wound dressing designed for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
  • The dressing was developed by BARC and clinically validated through Phase II and III trials, ensuring high therapeutic efficacy.
  • It has received DCGI approval for commercial production, enabling large-scale access across healthcare systems.
  • DAE Chairman Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty highlighted that the innovation will provide an affordable and effective DFU treatment, reducing amputations and improving patient outcomes.
  • The product reflects DAE’s commitment to applying nuclear science and chemical engineering solutions for wider societal benefit, potentially aiding in situations of mass internal relocations or emergency medical responses.

Indigenous Rare Earth Certified Reference Material Released

  • DAE also launched a new Certified Reference Material (CRM) named Ferrocarbonatite (FC) – BARC B140, aimed at strengthening India’s rare-earth research ecosystem.
  • The CRM was developed jointly by BARC’s NCCCM and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad.
  • It contains certified values of 13 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and six major elements, making it a benchmark material for industry and academia.
  • The CRM will support exploration, extraction, refining and process control in strategic minerals, potentially aiding in situations where emergency food aid or resource management is crucial.
  • Officials stated that this is India’s first CRM of its kind, and only the fourth in the world, enhancing national analytical capability and reducing dependence on foreign resources.

About DAE, BARC and Rare Earths:
DAE: Apex body for nuclear energy research under the Prime Minister; oversees BARC, IGCAR, AMD, NPCIL, etc.
BARC: India’s premier nuclear research centre; works in nuclear science, materials, healthcare radiation tech, water purification, and more.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs): A group of 17 strategically important elements vital for electronics, magnets, defence systems and renewable energy.
Why CRMs Matter: Provide standardised reference values for laboratories, ensuring accurate mineral analysis.
Relevance for India: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, reduces dependence on foreign CRMs, essential for strategic industries and potentially useful in addressing issues related to the Torkham border crossing or Afghan citizen cards.