IIT Guwahati, South Dakota Mines collaborate for research on 2D materials, biofilms

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is collaborating with South Dakota Mines, a United States-based university for joint research on two-dimensional (2D) materials, and biofilms that have applications in the medical field, energy and agriculture. An agreement has been signed between both universities to share resources, expand funding and engage in multidisciplinary research.

According to a statement from IIT Guwahati, the research on 2D materials and biofilms has potential in applications in the medical field, related to anti-cancer, antibacterial, and other pharmaceuticals. It has the potential to help develop new energy production and storage methods. In the agriculture sector, the research could help in getting better yields by protecting and nourishing crops.

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The research also has the potential to prevent corrosion and hence ensure the durability of structures such as steel bridges, ships, and buildings, claimed IIT Guwahati.

“The research collaboration can also yield new startup businesses in any of these fields that add economic development opportunities tied to each university,” said the statement.

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“IIT Guwahati has world-class state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in the Central Instrumentation Facility and the Center for Nanotechnology, available to researchers and graduate students with expert faculty oversight and training. This collaboration between IITG and Mines will benefit all of us. The multidisciplinary research can utilize various strengths and expertise to move us to the next level and to benefit society,” said Tapas Kumar Mandal, professor at the department of chemical engineering and centre for nanotechnology, IIT Guwahati.