Centre for Innovation and Product Development
Product Development
The list of the innovative process and products developed in the recent past and the products being developed at present are provided in the table below
| Sl. No. | Name of the Faculty | List of In-House Products being developed | Current TRL Level | SDG |
| 1 | Dr. G. Lakshmi Priya | Flexible low-cost nano-biosensors to aid early detection of diseases | TRL 2 | 3 |
| 2 | AI – assisted Hydroponics System | TRL 4 | 15 | |
| 3 | Dr. E. Manikandan | Fully automated Hydroponics System | TRL 3 | 11 |
| 4 | Smart Trolley system | TRL 4 | 11 | |
| 5 | Sensors for soil nitrate and contamination detection | TRL 3 | 14 | |
| 6 | Dr. A. Ravi Sankar | Lithography-free fabrication of a glass-based microthruster for the propulsion of micro-/nano-/pico-satellites | TRL 4 | 9 |
| 7 | Development of heavy-metal ion | TRL 3 | 6 | |
| 8 | Development of dopamine sensor | TRL 4 | 3 | |
| 9 | Glass-micromachined micro-heater | TRL 3 | 9 | |
| 10 | Dr. K. Rajendra Kumar | Green packaging films and containers | TRL 4 | 12 |
| 11 | Sound proof panels | TRL 4 | 3 | |
| 12 | Dr. G. Venkatachalam | Electrical switches; switch board | TRL 4 | 5 |
| 13 | Dr. G. Vinayagamurthy | Diagonal Slotted Rectangular Mechanical Tabs for Subsonic Jet flow Control | TRL 5 | 8, 9, 15 |
| 14 | Bladeless fan for Human Comfort | TRL 2 | 7, 13 | |
| 15 | Variable profile spoiler for sports and race car | TRL 4 | 9 |
* TRL – Technology Readiness Level
*SDG – Sustainable Development Goal
1. Label-Free Nano-biosensor for Flavivirus detection
Holistic disease management with accurate and timely diagnosis has been recommended as a component of a strategic vision aimed at improving outbreak response capabilities, altering behavioral disease patterns, and decreasing disease burden. Although Flavivirus has been identified in biological samples, the early screening of the virus has remained a demanding task that requires significant development of effective detection technology. We are developing a label-free nano-biosensor for flavivirus detection based on the antigen–antibody specific interaction as shown in the figure. The green-synthesized nanomaterial-based printed biosensor is the major novelty of the product to improve the selectivity and sensitivity for distinctive protein concentrations.
We are developing a new breath sensor based on organic semiconductors and flexible substrate for safe and ultrahigh sensitive detection of nonpolar analytes and VOCs at Room Temperature (RT) with low fabrication cost. The proposed nano-biosensor will be a product that will be beneficial to the sensor industry and healthcare sector.
Specialized-built system specific for monitoring and controlling the growth of plants
• Customized sensors providing higher accuracy of monitoring
• Wearable PCB for close-proxy monitoring of parameters of the plant
• Dashboard for monitoring and control of the system
• AI-assisted self-monitoring for minimal user interaction requirement
1. Hybrid Supercapacitor
The supercapacitor can store larger capacitance than normal capacitors and supports fast charging/discharging capability. However, the major problem with the supercapacitor is lower energy density compared to electrochemical batteries. We are developing a hybrid supercapacitor, i.e., a combination of ELDC and pseudocapacitor, which can also offer high power and energy density.
2. Soil Health Reader
Several methods and solutions are available in the market to detect soil health. The problem –High cost and affordability. We are developing a sensor to simultaneously detect the macronutrients in the soil, which is easily feasible and affordable for farmers.
Products under development in collaboration with industries
1. Retro-Fit System
2. Smart Water Bottle
3. Fully Automated Hydroponics System
1. Development of superhydrophobic paper
The superhydrophobic paper has a polymeric coating which can be used for packaging applications.
2. Development of heat-resistant transparent glass coating materials
The coating comprises a synthetic polymer coating which absorbs IR radiations of solar spectrum (heat resistant) and reduces the heat entrapped in a glass-windowed room. In turn, this coating will reduce the energy consumption for air conditioning.
1. Development of piezoresistive micro-/nano-cantilever sensors for biochemical sensing applications
The piezoresistive micro-/nano-cantilever sensor was designed using the CAD tool, Intellsiuite®
Single crystal silicon wafer with sensors. The sensors were fabricated at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, through the Indian Nanoelectronics Users Program (INUP) program.
Close-in view of a couple of triangular-shaped nanocantilever sensors
Doctoral Scholar: Mr. Ribu Mathew
Important publications:
1) Ribu Mathew and A. Ravi Sankar, “A review on surface stress based miniaturized piezoresistive SU-8 polymeric cantilever sensors,” Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 10, 1-41, 2018.
2) Ribu Mathew and A. Ravi Sankar, “Design of a triangular platform piezoresistive affinity microcantilever sensor for biochemical sensing applications,” Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, Vol-48, 205402, 2015.
3) Ribu Mathew and A. Ravi Sankar, “Optimization of a nanocantilever Biosensor for reduced self-heating effects and improved performance metrics,” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Vol. 28, 085012, 2018.
4) Ribu Mathew and A. Ravi Sankar, “Temperature drift-aware material selection of composite piezoresistive micro-cantilevers using Ashby’s methodology,” Microsystem Technologies – Vol. 27, pp- 2647–2660, 2021.
Sponsored Project:
A research project titled “Thermal-Drift Aware Modeling and Design of Surface Stress based Micro/Nano Composite Cantilevers with Integrated Piezoresistors for Biosensing Applications”, was funded by SERB, DST for an amount of INR 22, 12,100/- (Twenty-Two Lakh Twelve Thousand One Hundred) for a period of 30 months (February 2017 to July 2019)
2. Development of glass-based miniature devices for space- and bio-applications
SEM image of a fabricated planar beam-mass structure with dimensions of 2.5 mm (length) × 2.5 mm (width) × 1 mm (depth)
Optical microscopic images of microchannels fabricated on glass substrates using ECDM processes. The inset pictures in each figure show the focused view of the bottom surface of the microchannels
Doctoral Scholar: Ms. S. Saranya
Important publications:
1) S. Saranya and A. Ravi Sankar, “Fabrication of precise micro-holes on quartz substrates with improved aspect ratio using the constant velocity feed drilling technique of an ECDM process,” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering – Vol. 28, 125009, 2018.
2) S. Saranya and A. Ravi Sankar, “Fabrication of precise microchannels using a side-insulated tool in a spark-assisted chemical engraving process,” Materials and Manufacturing Processes, Vol. 33, pp- 1422-1428, 2018.
3) S. Saranya, Aswathi Nair, and A. Ravi Sankar, “Experimental investigations on the electrical and 2D-machining characteristics of an electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) process,” Microsystem Technologies, Vol-23, Issue-5, pp-1453-1461, 2017.
4) S. Saranya and A. Ravi Sankar, “Fabrication of micro-mechanical planar cantilever beam-mass structures on quartz substrates using an ECDM process,” Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engg. Manufacture, 236 (6-7):668-679, 2022.
5) Saranya Sambathkumar and Ravi Sankar Arunagiri Nathan, “A Simple Technique for the Precise Establishment of the Working Gap in an Electrochemical Discharge Machining Process and Some Experimental Results Thereof,” Micromachines, 13 (9), 1367, 2022.
3. Development of ultra-miniature pressure sensors for biomedical catheters
Figure (a) A top view of an ultra-miniature piezoresistive pressure sensor with a zoom-in view of the piezoresistor. The length, width, and thickness of the membrane and piezoresistor are represented as Lm, Wm, Tm and L, W, Tp respectively, and (b) A cross-sectional view of a catheter with a sidewall mounted piezoresistive pressure sensor
Graphical abstract of miniature piezoresistive pressure sensors developed for biomedical catheters
1. Electrical Switch from Banana fibre polymer composite
We have developed a material meant for electrical applications. The material exhibits good electrical insulation and good thermal conduction. In this regard, our team has developed a product i.e. switch. The figure illustrates the same. Novelty in the product is material specific, not design-specific. Mainly product has BANANA fiber (one of the ingredients), a biodegradable material.
We have developed a mobile stand. It is made from natural fiber polymer composites. The attached figure illustrates the same. Novelty in the product is material specific, not design-specific.
1. Development of a bladeless fan
Bladeless fans are more energy-efficient and safer due to the hidden blades, easier to clean, more adjustable, and sleek designs. From a performance point of view, bladeless fans are better because they multiply mass flow rate, eliminate buffeting, consume less power, and are quieter. A schematic (not the actual one under design) bladeless fan is shown underneath.
The major innovation is on the design of the Wind Turbine to increase its aerodynamic efficiency by inducing Protuberances on its leading edge and thereby increase power production. Further to this, ac generators play a vital role in wind generation applications. High efficient PM generator is designed with a maximum output power of 1.1 kW with its necessary power controllers to make the designed wind turbine more efficient.
