International Conference on ‘NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY'

The International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology held on 29th February and 1st March 2024 at Dr. T.M.A. Pai Auditorium, 3rd Floor, KMC, MAHE, Manipal, was a gathering of leading minds in the field, aiming to explore the latest advancements in the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. The event featured a diverse array of presentations, discussions, and cultural experiences, creating a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration.
The 1st day (February 29, 2024) of the conference commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony graced by esteemed dignitaries. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, vsm (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, India, presided as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Shantikumar Nair, Dean & Head of Research at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India, who honored the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Their presence, along with other notable figures including Dr. Sharath K. Rao and Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, added significance to the event, setting the tone for the intellectual discourse to follow. Abstract book opening ceremony also performed at the time of inauguration. The first day of the conference was marked by insightful presentations by distinguished speakers: Dr. Weihua Li, ( Professor, University of Wollongong, Australia), captivated the audience with his talk on "Liquid Metal Based Magnetorheological Elastomers." He elucidated the synthesis methods and potential applications of these innovative materials, shedding light on their role in fields such as soft robotics and biomedical engineering. The session was moderated by Dr. Ashok Rao (Professor, Department of Physics, Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE, Manipal, India). Followed by the talk by Dr. Shantikumar Nair, ( Dean & Head of Research, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India), shared valuable insights into "Therapeutic and Regenerative Nanomedicines - Translational Opportunities." His presentation delved into the latest research in nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine, offering promising solutions to complex medical challenges, moderated by Dr. Srinivas Mutalik, (Professor & Head, Dept. of Pharmaceutics, MCOPS, MAHE, Manipal, India) next presentation was delivered by Dr. Navakantha Bhat, (Dean at the Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India), he explored the "Convergence of Nanomaterials, Nanoelectronics, and Nanosensors for Emerging Intelligent and Smart Systems." His discussion highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology and its potential in creating intelligent systems for various applications. The talk was moderated by Dr. Somashekara Bhat, (Professor & Joint Director, Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE, Manipal, India). Dr. C. V. Yelamaggad, ( Scientist, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, India), presented on "ENZ Soft-Nanocomposites: Au nanoparticles passivated with liquid crystals." His presentation delved into the synthesis and unique properties of soft nanocomposites, offering insights into their applications in optoelectronics and photonics, moderated by Dr. Sajan George, (Professor & Head, Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics, MAHE, Manipal, India). Followed by the talks two presentations were delivered by Novo Nordisk and HP. The afternoon session witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas during the poster sessions and oral presentations, where researchers showcased their latest findings and discoveries. Around 10 oral abstracts and nearly 156 abstracts were presented in the overall conference. The day concluded on a cultural note, with a mesmerizing “Yakshagana” performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the participants.

The 2nd day (March 1, 2024) of the conference commenced with the talk by Dr. Amitava Mukherjee, (Senior Professor & Director at the Centre for Nanobiotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, India), taking the stage. Dr. Mukherjee, presented his research on mitigating environmental risks associated with Engineered Nanomaterials, highlighting the importance of eco-corona formation as a sustainable approach towards environmental remediation. The session was moderated by Dr. Raviraja N. S., (Professor & Coordinator. Manipal Center for Biotherapeutics Research, MAHE, Manipal, India). Followed by the presentation of Dr. Sergii Rudiuk, (Associate Professor at Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris), moderated by Dr. C. Mallikarjuna Rao, (Professor & Principal, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE, Manipal, India), he explored “Electrostatic Interactions in DNA nanotechnology: From Isothermal DNA origamis to Transfection of DNA Nanogels”. Dr. Rudiuk's expertise in DNA nanotechnology provided valuable insights into the design and manipulation of DNA-based nanostructures, with potential applications ranging from isothermal DNA origamis to the transfection of DNA nanogels. The discussions continued with Dr. R. S. Jayasree, (Scientist G at the Division of Biophotonics and Imaging, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India), on “Advances in medical diagnosis: Inorganic nanostructures and their role in biosensing and imaging”. Taking the stage. Dr. Jayasree, a leading expert in the field of biomedical imaging, presented her research on the role of inorganic nanostructures in medical diagnosis, elucidating their potential applications in biosensing and medical imaging. The session was moderated by Dr. K. K. Mahato, (Professor, Department of Biophysics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE, Manipal,India). The day unfolded with poster sessions providing researchers with a platform to showcase their work and engage in meaningful discussions. The afternoon was dedicated to oral presentations, where scholars shared their research findings and exchanged ideas, further enriching the collective knowledge base. The conference reached its crescendo with a valedictory program, where Chief Guest Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, Manipal, felicitated the participants and distributed certificates, marking the successful culmination of the International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Conclusion: As the curtains drew to a close, the conference left an indelible mark, fostering collaborations, igniting intellectual discourse, and paving the way for future breakthroughs in the fascinating realm of nanoscience and nanotechnology.