DPGU faculty secures Rs 1.1 crore ICMR grant to develop next-gen biomaterial for diabetic wound healing

New Delhi: In a significant boost to biomedical research in Maharashtra, a team from Dnyaan Prasad Global University School of Pharmacy and Research by Dr. D.Y. Patil Unitech Society has secured a prestigious ICMR Intermediate Grant (IIRPIG-2025-01-01082) worth Rs 1,09,93,437 for their work on developing an advanced biomaterial for diabetic wound care.

The project, led by Dr. Asha Thomas, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, with co-investigators Dr. Sanjeevani Deshkar (HOD, Pharmaceutics) and Dr. Vinita Patole, focuses on creating a collagen–elastin composite scaffold supported by bioactive chicken-derived skin oil to accelerate healing in chronic diabetic wounds. The team also plans to explore co-culture techniques using keratinocyte and fibroblast cells to enhance tissue regeneration — an area that holds tremendous promise for patients with slow-healing ulcers.

The innovation integrates electrospinning technology, bio-derived materials, and advanced coculture cell design, representing a truly translational approach to regenerative medicine. Chronic diabetic wounds remain one of the most critical unmet clinical needs in healthcare, and this research aims to deliver a next-generation, cost-effective biomaterial that can strengthen clinical outcomes and reduce healing time in high-risk patients.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU) by Dr. DY Patil Unitech Society, said: “This grant signifies DPGU’s commitment to vigorous and transformative research that adds real value to the healthcare sector. At this level and size, obtaining an ICMR Intermediate Grant reflects the scientific excellence and innovative capacity of our faculty, supported by an outstanding research team. We are proud of their accomplishment and look forward to the outcomes this project will bring to diabetic wound management.”

The grant marks an important milestone for DPGU’s advancing research ecosystem, particularly in biomaterials, pharmaceutics, and translational healthcare innovation. It also reinforces the university’s growing leadership in scientific research aimed at solving India’s most pressing healthcare challenges.