T’puram: Govt College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, has secured approval for a Rs 2.68-crore interdisciplinary life sciences research project under the department of biotechnology’s (DBT) BUILDER programme. The project, sanctioned for five years, has been approved with an allocation of Rs 2,68,13,071.The project, titled DBT-BUILDER – Govt College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram Interdisciplinary Life Science Programme for Advance Research and Education (Level I), will be undertaken by three research teams led by botany department head Bosco Lawrence and faculty members Anilkumar A K and Sheeba M S.The research will focus on identifying genetic factors associated with resistance, virulence and host interactions in plants and microorganisms. Researchers will also investigate bioactive compounds from plants with potential antimicrobial, antiviral and larvicidal properties.Another key area will be the identification of lead compounds using computational tools for possible applications in cancer treatment, microbial and viral infections, disinfection and anaesthetic activity.The programme will also explore the development of innovative nanomaterials and polymer-based drug delivery systems to combat bacterial infections and address challenges related to pesticide use.The project includes financial provisions for research-related travel and the organisation of seminars, workshops and other academic programmes. Funds have also been earmarked for the maintenance and repair of research equipment.
