IIT Gandhinagar PhD scholar develops Innovative hydrogel technology, promising safer, minimally invasive surgeries

New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s biomedical innovation landscape, an Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) Research Team has developed an advanced injectable hydrogel technology with promising clinical applications. It represents a successful translation of laboratory science into patented biomedical technology with real-world potential.

The smart biomaterial can support doctors during minimally invasive procedures, particularly in treating gastrointestinal conditions such as colorectal polyps—abnormal growths that can develop into cancer if not detected and removed early

Harshil Dave, a second-year PhD scholar in the Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar and lead of the research, has been awarded the Vikram Sarabhai Young Scientist Award 2026.

The award was announced on 28th February 2026 by the Institute of Researchers (InRes), an organisation dedicated to advancing academic research by sharing knowledge, providing critical financial assistance to students and bridging the gap between researchers and industry professionals.

Current clinical practice involves injecting fluids beneath such polyps to create a cushion for safe removal. However, commonly used solutions like saline are quickly absorbed and often require repeated injections, increasing procedural complexity. Addressing this limitation, Harshil’s research introduces a next-generation injectable hydrogel that flows like a liquid during delivery but rapidly transforms into a stable gel inside the body.

The findings were published in Nano-Micro Small (https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202570060), a peer-reviewed, high-impact, top-tier international journal that publishes cutting-edge research on nanotechnology, micro-scale science, and advanced functional materials, with a focus on applications in energy, electronics, and biomedicine. The paper was co-authored by Harshil Dave, Hitasha Vithalani, Hemant Singh, Indu Yadav, Abhinav Jain, Ankit Pal, Nishant Patidar, Archana Navale and Mukesh Dhanka.

The research was carried out at IITGN’s Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Mukesh Dhanka, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, IIT Gandhinagar.

Highlighting the potential applications of this Research, Dr. Mukesh Dhanka said, “The developed hydrogel platform highlights the potential of minimally invasive biomaterials to enhance procedural safety while addressing critical challenges in cancer prevention and wound healing.”

Speaking on the recognition, Harshil Dave said, “My research has focused on transforming innovative biomaterial concepts into technologies that can potentially improve patient care and medical treatments. It is motivating to see that our work can contribute to solving real medical challenges. This award reinforces my commitment to developing technologies that can improve patient care and treatment outcomes.”

Sharing the current status of the research and the next steps on taking it to real-world applications, Mr. Harshil Dave added, “While the technology has shown promising results in the lab, our next goal is to translate it into practical medical solutions that can benefit patients in real clinical scenarios.”

The Researchers aim to advance the technology toward clinical translation, including further validation studies and preparation for human trials. With continued development, injectable biomaterials like these could transform how doctors perform minimally invasive procedures, improve cancer prevention strategies, and enhance recovery for patients worldwide.

Developed using a plant-based molecule called ‘diglycerol monostearate’, the shear-thinning hydrogel can be precisely injected through an endoscopic catheter, forming a durable cushion that enables surgeons to lift and remove polyps more safely. This reduces the risk of tissue damage and bleeding, potentially improving outcomes in minimally invasive gastrointestinal procedures.

Beyond surgical support, the technology opens up broader possibilities in healthcare. The hydrogel platform has demonstrated potential in tissue regeneration and wound healing by creating a protective, moisture-rich environment that supports recovery.

Its inherent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties further enhance its suitability for biomedical use. Researchers believe such biomaterials could play a key role in early cancer intervention strategies, safer surgeries, and advanced drug delivery systems.

The work also highlights IIT Gandhinagar’s strong interdisciplinary research ecosystem, where collaboration across biological sciences, engineering, and healthcare is enabling solutions to complex medical challenges. Access to advanced research infrastructure played a crucial role in designing, testing, and validating the hydrogel systems.