BHU transfers Curcumin Quantum Dots patent rights to EUPRIS Biologicals for commercial use

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has commercialised one of its research discoveries by signing an agreement with EUPRIS Biologicals Private Limited. The university transferred the licensing rights of a patent received for Curcumin Quantum Dots (CurQD) to the EUPRIS Biologicals. The technology has the potential to be useful in the preparation of skin and dental issues.

Derived from curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, CurQD developed at BHU will provide “antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties”. The discovery of CurQD will let the industry overcome limitations of curcumin, such as poor solubility and bioavailability, and will promote “biocompatible production”.

Curcumin Quantum Dots will find usage in both cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Their ability to go through biofilms, to combat bacteria, along with antioxidant properties will make them useful for anti-acne treatments, UV-induced ageing prevention, and skin repair.

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BHU research in pharmaceuticals

According to the official BHU statement, the university’s nanotech research has also shown CurQD’s ability to suppress virulence factors. This can be used for treating chronic infections, such as periodontitis. CurQD’s biocompatibility and fluorescence also opens up uses in targeted drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.

The BHU research, patented by the Government of India, was carried out by Pradyot Prakash (department of microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences), Monika Bansal (faculty of dental sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences), Rakesh Kumar Singh (department of biochemistry, Institute of Science), and Ashish Kumar Singh (department of biochemistry, Patna University, and former research associate at BHU).

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BHU-EUPRIS agreement

The curcumin patent transfer between BHU and EUPRIS Biologicals was signed by Arun Kumar Singh, registrar, and Abhishek Singh, project coordinator. The ceremony was held in the presence of rector and officiating vice chancellor, Sanjay Kumar. Himanshu Agrawal, chief financial officer (CFO), EUPRIS Biologicals, received the agreement.

Birinchi Kumar Sarma, coordinator, Intellectual Property Rights and Technology Transfer (IPRTT) Task Force, was also present. Members of the IPRTT Task Force - Geeta Rai, Rajnish Singh, Venugopal - also attended the ceremony.