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Rs 1.1 crore ICMR grant for Pune institution for diabetic wound care research

Diabetic wounds heal slowly because high blood sugar levels impairs the immune system. ``This leads to poor blood flow which reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the wound.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Dec 16, 2025 03:14 PM IST

A Dr D Y Patil Unitech Society project at Dnyaan Prasad Global University has secured a ₹1.1 crore ICMR grant to develop advanced healing biomaterials. (Pic: ICMR)

Chronic diabetic wounds remain one of the most pressing unmet clinical challenges and a key project at Dnyaan Prasad Global University School of Pharmacy and Research by Dr D Y Patil Unitech Society has received a prestigious ICMR intermediate grant to the tune of Rs 1.1 crore to develop advanced biomaterial to speed up the healing process.

Dr. Asha Thomas, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dnyaan Prasad Global University School of Pharmacy and Research said that their research focuses on using poultry waste in a circular economy approach by recycling it into high-value products for biomedical use.

“This waste-to-resource strategy supports the Sustainable Development Goals by reducing pollution and creating alternative materials with less environmental impact,” Dr Thomas said. The project focuses on developing a new biomaterial to improve healing in chronic diabetic wounds and the team has been allocated a grant of ₹1,09,93,437.

Researchers are working on a collagen–elastin scaffold supported by bioactive oil chicken-derived skin oil to accelerate healing in chronic diabetic wounds. The team also plans to study the combined growth of skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) to enhance tissue regeneration, especially for patients with slow-healing ulcers. By using electrospinning technology, natural biomaterials, and advanced cell culture methods, the study aims to create an affordable solution for diabetic wound care.

Diabetic wounds heal slowly because high blood sugar levels impairs the immune system. “This leads to poor blood flow which reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the wound. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage and long-lasting inflammation. Compared to normal wounds, diabetic wounds heal poorly because the inflammation stage lasts longer,” Dr Thomas explained

Presently the current options for the treatment of diabetic wounds focuses on a multidisciplinary approach with use of dressings like hydrogels, foams and antimicrobial dressings to advanced therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and potential skin substitutes.

“Our work aims to deliver a next-generation, cost-effective biomaterial capable of improving clinical outcomes and significantly reducing healing time in high-risk patients. The innovation integrates electrospinning technology, bio-derived materials, and advanced coculture cell design,which represents a translational approach to regenerative medicine,” Dr Thomas who heads the project with co-investigators Dr. Sanjeevani Deshkar (HOD, Pharmaceutics) and Dr. Vinita Patole said.

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“This grant will significantly boost biomedical research in Maharashtra,”Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU) by Dr. DY Patil Unitech Society, said adding that it also signifies their 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,” Dr Patil added.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a career spanning three decades, she is one of the most respected voices in Indian journalism regarding healthcare, science and environment and research developments. She also takes a keen interest in covering women's issues . Professional Background Education: A gold medalist in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Master’s degree in Literature. Author: She authored the biography At The Wheel Of Research, which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist at the WHO. Key Focus: She combines scientific accuracy with storytelling, translating complex medical research into compelling public and human-interest narratives. Awards and Recognition Anuradha has won several awards including the Press Council of India's national award for excellence in journalism under the gender based reporting category in 2019 and the Laadli Media award (gender sensitivity -2024). A recipient of the Lokmat journalism award (gender category-2022), she was also shortlisted for the RedInk awards for excellence in journalism-2021. Her debut book At The Wheel Of Research, an exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan the inaugural chief scientist of World Health Organisation was also nominated in the Popular Choice Category of JK Paper AUTHER awards. She has also secured competitive fellowships including the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022), the Survivors Against TB – New Research in TB Media Fellowship (2023) and is part of the prestigious 2025 India Cohort of the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey.” Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) 1. Cancer & Specialized Medical Care "Tata Memorial finds way to kill drug-resistant cancer cells" (Nov 26, 2025): Reporting on a breakthrough for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Discipline, diet and purpose; How a 97-year-old professor defies ageing'' (Nov 15, 2025) Report about Prof Gururaj Mutalik, the first Head of Department at Pune's B J Government Medical College who at 97 credits his longevity to healthy habits and a strong sense of purpose. 2. Environmental Health (The "Breathless Pune" Series) Long-term exposure even to 'moderate' air leads to chronic heart, lung, kidney issues" (Nov 26, 2025): Part of an investigative series highlighting that even "safe" pollution levels are damaging to vital organs. "For every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 level, there was 6-8% jump in medicine sales" (Nov 23, 2025): Using commercial data to prove the direct link between air quality and respiratory illnesses in Pune. 3. Lifestyle & Wellness News "They didn't let cancer, diabetes and heart disease stop them from travelling" (Dec 22, 2025): A collaborative piece featuring survivors who share practical tips for traveling with chronic conditions. At 17, his BP shot up to 200/120 mmHG; Lancet study flags why child and teen hypertension doubled between 2000 and 2020'' (Nov 12,2025)--A report that focusses on 17-year-old-boy's hypertensive crisis and reflects the rising global trend of high blood pressure among children and adolescents. 4. Scientific Recognition & Infrastructure For promoting sci-comm, gender diversity: IUCAA woman prof highlighted in Nature" (Nov 25, 2025): Covering the global recognition of Indian women scientists in gender studies and physics. Pune researchers find a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way from early universe'' (December 3, 2025)- A report on how Indian researchers discovered a massive galaxy that existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old , one of the earliest to have been observed so far. Signature Beat: Health, Science & Women in Leadership Anuradha is known for her COVID-19 reportage, where she was one of the first journalists to provide detailed insights into the Covishield and Covaxin trials. She has a dedicated interest in gender diversity in health and science, often profiling women researchers who are breaking the "leaky pipeline" in STEM fields. Her writing style is scrupulous, often featuring interviews with top-tier scientists and health experts from various institutions. ... Read More

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