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BIOLOGICAL
EVALUATION GROUP
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Implant
Biology Division
The Division of Implant Biology is dedicated
to the study of interactions between cells,
tissues and materials for medical devices.
There are three laboratories, viz. Tissue
culture, Histopathology and Transmission
electron microscopy within the division.
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Histopathology
Laboratory
The role of histopathology laboratory are
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- Gross
and histological evaluation of tissue
response to a material for assessment
of biocompatibility
- Necropsy
studies in pre-clinical evaluation of
medical devices
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Study of tissue around retrieved clinical
implants
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Tissue
Culture Laboratory
In vitro cytotoxicity tests using different
methods of contact are carried out in this
laboratory. In addition, general and specific
cytocompatibility studies are also carried
out in cell culture systems using continuous
cell lines and primary cells.
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Transmission
Electron Microscope Facility
Tunneling Electron Microscope is used to
study the tissue-material interface with
respect to biomaterials.
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Microbiology
Division
Microbiology Division is involved in understanding
the molecular biology of microorganisms
in relation to implant-associated infections
and to develop suitable strategies to prevent
it. In addition, research and development
on surface modification of materials like
latex for the use in manufacture of Foley's
catheters are also in progress.
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Molecular
Medicine Laboratory
Molecular Medicine Laboratory focuses on
the identification and functional analysis
of human genes involved in epileptic seizure
using advanced techniques like polymerise
chain reaction (PCR), suppression, subtraction,
hybridisation and microarray. The laboratory
is also involved in developing diagnostic
tools for identification of human disorders
like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Ataxia.
Based on the growing number of identified
disease genes, this laboratory concentrates
on development of DNA based techniques for
rapid identification of diseased genes and
their application as diagnostic tools.
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Thrombosis
Research Unit
This
laboratory carries out the evaluation of
material - blood interaction. The tests
used for evaluation of blood compatibility
are classified into five categories according
to the process or system being tested such
as Thrombosis, Coagulation, Platelets and
platelet function, hematology and immunology.
In addition, quantitative estimation of
protein adsorption and endothelial cell
adhesion and proliferation on surfaces with
ability to resist shear stress under, which
are important indicators of blood compatibility
are also being carried out. Other activities
include the development of new reagents
and tests for evaluation of blood - material
interaction, development of haemostatic
bioadhesives for clinical applications,
studies on modification of blood contacting
biomaterials to reduce thrombogenicity by
tissue engineering, in combination with
bioadhesives.
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Toxicology
Division
The Toxicology Division is responsible for
screening of various candidate biomaterials
and medical devices for toxicity and safety
before clinical application. The laboratory
has also undertaken efficacy and safety
evaluation of pharmaceutical agents.
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Small
Animal facility
The care and management of small laboratory
animals and supply of quality animals for
research and diagnostic purposes come under
this facility.
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Division
of In-vivo Models and Testing
Activities of vivarium range from simple
collection of animal blood for the evaluation
of blood- material interaction to major
surgical procedures such as the replacement
of mitral valve in sheep under cardiopulmonary
bypass. Vivarium looks after the activities
like procurement, quarantine, conditioning
and maintaining of large animals as per
the Guidelines and Codes of Practice of
Animal Care and Management. A well maintained
animal operation theatre provide facility
for in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation
of medical devices.
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