Institutional Distinctiveness

Human Health Research

The Government of Tamil Nadu established Periyar University in Salem on 17th September 1997 as per the provisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997. The University covers the area comprising of four districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. These districts are socially and economically backward, in terms of education, societal upliftment and women empowerment. The University is named after the great social reformer E. V. Ramasamy, affectionately called “Thanthai Periyar”. The University aims at developing knowledge in various fields to realise the maxim inscribed in the logo “Arivaal Vilayum Ulagu” (Wisdom Maketh the World).

In line with its motto, the University's focus is on the human resource development by means of research and extension activities. Prioritising human health research as the primary focus, the University is involved in multipronged research approach encompassing various departments viz. Computer Science, Physics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science and Nutrition, Microbiology and Chemistry. Research focussed on disease diagnostics and disease therapy prevention is aimed to identify novel drugs in treatment of cancer, corona virus, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson and Alzheimer and novel product synthesis for orthopaedic and dental implants.  Artificial Intelligence based detection research is being carried out in the fields of breast cancer, brain tumour, stomach cancer and lung cancer using image analysis. Gene expression data analysis and protein database sequencing and motifs research with data mining approach are the thrust areas in identifying novel drug target modules. Breath analysis for early detection of heart disease using ECG and the onset of epilepsy using EEG are being researched towards disease diagnosis.

Periyar University has created a first of its kind Virtual Reality Simulation Technology for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training, an innovative hybrid system with haptic feedback, implemented by the department of Computer Science. In Silico approaches are used to identify the drug targeting of diseases. Computational Biology approaches such as molecular docking and dynamics using high performance computing are utilised for the identification of drug targets for HIV, HCV, corona virus and cancer.  Validation of these drug targets obtained through in vitro approach has resulted in the award of a patent for the invention of a compound called “transitmycin” to be used in the investigation of anti-TB and anti-HIV. In addition to the above, other methods of disease intervention like designing of novel small molecules like s-allyl methionine, s-allyl glutathione and small peptides as therapeutic agents are being researched. In this regard, two patents, namely, Hypoxia inducing factor 9/ Peptide Chitosan nanoparticle (PCN-M04) used for breast cancer and 7, 8 - Dihydroxyfavone (DHF) derivatives used for potential SARS-CoV2 treatment have been filed. Hydroxyapatite based biomedical and dental implants have been studied in great detail and in this area, three patents have been published in the last five years. Apart from these, nutritional based interventional methods have also been researched, encompassing product preparation. Manufacturing protocol for tapioca (cassava) products has been prepared for the company SAGOSERVE. Technologies have been transferred for two products, namely, Sowkiya Health Mix to Foodies Natural, Salem and Nano Starch Based Edible Coating Solution to RT Foods, Salem.

In recognition of the above contributions, three faculties of the University have received TANSA award from the Tamil Nadu Government and two D.Sc. have been awarded. Two faculties were awarded with fellowships carrying out overseas collaborative research in chemical and biological sciences. Dr. Ravishankar Palanisamy from St. James School of Medicine, USA visited Periyar University for collaborative research on metagenomics and Alzheimer. The outcome of these research innovations is reflected in terms of funding exclusively for intensive research (Rs.1,612 lakh ) and societal extension (Rs. 267 lakh ) from the statutory funding agencies that represents about 51% of total extramural grants received from the government bodies. To facilitate more flexibilities and cross talks among disciplines working on health research, the institution has planned to start a research centre, viz., “Centre for Disease Control”. 

As a part of the faculty lecture series, enlightened scholars addressed the faculty on professional ethics, nuances of higher education and latest health focussed research. Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardee Professor B. M. Hegde, former Vice Chancellor, Manipal University spoke on the importance of traditional foods on human health and recent scientific advancements in the field of health. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University Vice Chancellor Professor Sudha Seshayyan highlighted the importance of collaborative research in genomics.

In total, 65 MoUs, 16 Patents, Rs.3,146.5 lakh of extramural grants from funding agencies and 1,703 publications have been achieved/ secured in this area in the last five years of which 21% represents health based publications. MoUs with several industries like SAGOSERVE, Virbac, C-DAC, Boston India Ltd and research institutes like ICMR–National Institute of Epidemiology have been signed jointly for product / process development, exchange of ideas and manpower. The University has also signed MoUs with several small scale food processing industries and textile units sharing technical expertise for improving product quality.

In recognition with the research output, in health sciences three departments namely Chemistry and  Computer Science  were awarded Special Assistance Programmes (SAP) with a cumulative amount of Rs. 193.5 lakh.  Five departments viz. Biotechnology, Physics, Food Science and Nutrition, Microbiology and Chemistry were awarded grants from DST-FIST with a total amount of Rs 390 lakh.

The contribution of the research output is also reflected in the NIRF and ARIIA ranking of the University, which is currently placed at 83rd and 4th position respectively. This unique multidisciplinary approach, cutting across the virtual boundaries of science, encompassing physical, chemical, biological and computational sciences, has enabled a targeted approach towards translational research in health sciences, a distinct feature, very rarely seen in Indian Universities.