A team from Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU) School of Pharmacy and Research, under Dr D.Y. Patil Unitech Society, has secured an ICMR Intermediate Grant worth ₹1,09,93,437 for research on advanced biomaterials for diabetic wound care.
The project is led by Dr Asha Thomas, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, with co-investigators Dr Sanjeevani Deshkar, HOD of Pharmaceutics, and Dr Vinita Patole. The research focuses on creating a collagen–elastin composite scaffold supported by bioactive chicken-derived skin oil to accelerate healing in chronic diabetic wounds.
The team also intends to explore co-culture techniques using keratinocyte and fibroblast cells to enhance tissue regeneration. The research aims to address challenges in slow-healing ulcers among diabetic patients.
The innovation integrates electrospinning technology, bio-derived materials, and advanced co-culture cell design, presenting a translational approach to regenerative medicine. Chronic diabetic wounds are considered a critical unmet clinical need, and this project seeks to develop a cost-effective biomaterial to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healing time for high-risk patients.
Dr Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor of DPGU, said: “This grant signifies DPGU’s commitment to vigorous and transformative research that adds real value to the healthcare sector. At this level and size, obtaining an ICMR Intermediate Grant reflects the scientific excellence and innovative capacity of our faculty, supported by an outstanding research team. We are proud of their accomplishment and look forward to the outcomes this project will bring to diabetic wound management.”
The grant represents a milestone for DPGU’s research ecosystem, particularly in biomaterials, pharmaceutics, and translational healthcare innovation. It also reinforces the university’s role in advancing scientific research aimed at addressing India’s healthcare challenges.