Informatics Publishing Limited

Mamta Bhardwaj ¹, D.C. Saxena ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Longowal – 148106, Punjab, IN

Abstract

Objectives: To review the methods involved in the preparation of organic and inorganic nanoparticles important for the food packaging sector and their applications thereafter. Findings: Nanotechnology has come up with its contribution in food packaging technology by providing various kinds of packaging materials, films, coatings etc. Different nanoparticles and biopolymers could be coupled resulting in biodegradable films that not only provides mechanical strength, barrier properties, increased shelf life but also provides antimicrobial properties that helps in keeping the food safe and fit for human consumption. Among these nanoparticles there come the metal oxides (inorganic) such as TiO2, ZnO and Ag, also organic nanoparticles such as chitosan and starch nanoparticles which are safe for human consumption. The inorganic nanoparticles were effectively prepared in the previous studies by sol-gel method, mechano- chemical processing and physical vapor synthesis whereas entirely different methods were effective for organic nanoparticles viz. acid hydrolysis, ultrasonication, ionic gelation and reverse micellar method. Application/Improvements: The review reflects the information available on nanoparticles’ synthesis and their application; it could further be used to conduct studies on thrust areas such as nanoparticle aggregation and migration of nanoparticles into the food.

Keywords

Food Packaging, Inorganic Nanoparticles, Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Organic Nanoparticles

Full Text

   

Suri Manjula ¹, Mamta Bhardwaj ², Kapur Punam ³, Pathak Ashok ³

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Physiology and Promotive Health, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN
2 Dept. of Biology, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN
3 Dept. of Ophthalmology, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Various researchers suggest that in up to 50% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 30% of those with type II diabetes, potentially vision-threatening retinal changes develop over time. Diabetic retinopathy is a common micro-vascular complication of diabetes mellitus. The present review outlines the dietary strategies to manage these complications of diabetes mellitus and studies the relationship between diet and retinopathy-associated risk factors in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Though retinopathy therapy is currently limited to invasive procedures like laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy but there is a paradigm shift in favor of a preventive and protective, natural and safe dietary approach which can be used in treatment or prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Dietary carbohydrates, fats, proteins, dietary fibers, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, phyto-estrogens, exogenous advanced glycation end-products, herbs, spices and protective dietary approaches play a role in development of diabetic retinopathy. This rationale can be applied to food interventions e.g. changing the composition of diet which favors metabolic improvements in type II diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. The ophthalmologists should encourage an interdisciplinary approach with endocrinologists and dietitian for optimal care of diabetic patient so as to prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords

Diabetic Retinopathy, Exogenous Advanced Glycation End-Products, Microvascular Complication.

Full Text

     

Punam Kapur ¹, Ashok Pathak ¹, Shipra Gupta ², Mamta Bhardwaj ³, Manjula Suri ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Ophthalmology, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, IN
2 Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN
3 Department of Biology, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN
4 Department of Physiology and Promotive Health, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Glaucoma, the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide, silently and without warning can cause disabling vision loss that result from damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Glaucoma is characterized by Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in some but not all cases. Faulty glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis or breakdown in the trabecular meshwork associated with aqueous outflow as well as compromised antioxidant defense systems have also been implicated. Researchers have found nutrient interventions may impact this vision-robbing glaucoma. Nutrients that can influence GAGs such as vitamin C and glucosamine sulfate may hold promise for glaucoma treatment. Vitamin C in high doses has also been found to lower IOP via its osmotic effect. Other nutrients holding some potential benefit for glaucoma include antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, melatonin and herbs etc. Role of dietary fats and proteins in glaucoma is an emerging field of research with potential therapeutic benefits. Diabetics and persons without diabetes but at the higher levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HbA1c may also be at greater risk of glaucoma suggesting that dietary sugars also play a role in development of glaucoma. Similarly, Mediterranean diet and Caloric restriction are safe, non-invasive and low-cost treatments which may be used as auxiliary measures for a long-term therapy of age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma. In this review, various modifiable nutrient factors, that may influence intraocular pressure and that have been studied in relation to the risk of developing glaucoma are discussed. This review also outlines future directions for research into the primary prevention of glaucoma.

Keywords

Glaucoma, Intraocular Pressure, Glycosaminoglycan, Antioxidant, Melatonin.

Full Text

     

Mamta Bhardwaj ¹, Amandeep Sandhu ¹

Affiliations
1 DST-Centre for Policy Research at Panjab University, Aruna Chandra Hall, Top Floor, Sector-14, Chandigarh 160 014, IN

Abstract

The era of knowledge economy has seen a transition in the business market, from the need to control raw materials towards the protection of ideas, either as tangible or non-tangible assets. These assets may be secured in the form of various intellectual property (IP) instruments such as patents, know-how or technologies. These IP instruments (patents) not only give the IP owners (patentees) a monopoly over the use of their ideas/inventions, but also mandate them to commercially exploit the same for the benefit of the population at large. While economically developed countries (like China, USA, South Korea, Japan, etc.) appreciate this fact, developing countries like India are yet to make their mark in this transition; thus it is imperative to evaluate the IP landscape of the country. It is well acknowledged that major contributors to fundamental research in any country are the higher educational institutions (HEIs) and national research laboratories (NRLs). Hence, this study evaluates the patent commercialization ecosystem of Indian HEIs (351) and NRLs (553) for the period January 2010 to December 2017, based on the working statements filed by the patentees/assignees in the prescribed Form-27 at the Indian Patent Office.

Keywords

Granted Patents, Higher Educational Institutions, Knowledge Economy, National Research Laboratories.

Full Text

   

Mamta Bhardwaj ¹, Amandeep Sandhu ¹, Navkiran Ghumman ¹

Affiliations
1 DST-Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, Punjab,, IN

Abstract

Innovation is the key ingredient that drives the economic growth of the nation. Globalization has diminished barriers thereby, delivering a larger market area for these innovations. Countries like USA, China, South Korea, Japan, etc. have acknowledged this fact and are thriving through consistent innovation. They have a dynamic ecosystem that supports and encourages commercialization worthy research and development (R&D) through healthy engagements among the various stakeholders. Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), a vital component of this ecosystem, offer themselves as a cradle of fundamental research and a powerhouse of potential innovations. Countries like USA have banked heavily on their HEIs, such as, Stanford and Harvard, building a sustainable framework around them. Indian HEIs, which have long been in the practice of publication of their technological advancements, are also making the transition towards the patenting system. Although the IP movement at most HEIs in India is still in nascent stages, roots have already been formed at a few select institutes.This paper attempts to provide an overview of Indian HEIs leading in patents granted and their commercialisation status, based on the “Statements of Working filed” on Form-27 at the Indian Patent Office (IPO).

Full Text

 

Mamta Bhardwaj ¹, Amandeep Sandhu ¹

Affiliations
1 DST-Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, Chandigarh — 160 014,, IN

Abstract

As per the Patents Act, 1970 one of the patentability criteria is ‘the invention should have industrial application’. The patents’ rights conferred to the patentee are merely not to enjoy the monopoly over the invention, but the patentee has to ensure the use of technology for the societal and economic benefit of the country. Once the patent is granted, the patentee has to ensure the working of the patent in India on a commercial scale. In return, the patentee gets his due amount for his hard work and efforts rendered for the intellectual creativity. Current paper focuses on the working/non-working profile of the patents granted to Indian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and National Research Labs (NRLs) in the country from January 2010 to December 2017. The data has been procured from the prescribed ‘Form-27’ by the Indian Patent Office, which the patentee is required to file every year before the end of financial year, post grant of the patent. The research depicts in how many patentees submitted requisite ‘Form-27’, and in how many cases patents granted, worked or didn’t work. Moreover, various reasons cited for the non-working of the patents have also been identified. The issues being encountered with by the patentees have been identified and measures thereof required to be taken, at the individual level, institutional level and government level, have also been suggested.

Keywords

Form-27, Working/Non-Working Patents, Licensing, Compulsory Licensing.

Full Text

   

Mamta Bhardwaj ¹, Saurabh Arora ²

Affiliations
1 DST-Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India., IN
2 Biomedical Instruments and Devi¬ces Hub: A Centre for Innovation, Design, and Clinical Validation, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Full Text