AKU vice-chancellor SN Guha addresses the seminar at Rabindra Bhavan in Patna on Friday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, Feb. 22: The scope for nanotechnology to drive the state’s development was up for discussion today at Aryabhatta Knowledge University.

The varsity has organised a two-day national seminar on the role of nanotechnology for development of Bihar. On the first day of the event, Sujoy K. Guha, professor of biomedical engineering in the school of medical science and technology, IIT-Kharagpur, addressed students of Aryabhatta Knowledge University, doctors and scientists on ways to develop Bihar through the use of nanotechnology — the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

He said: “The government must provide sufficient funds to institutes to develop devices, otherwise nothing fruitful will come out of the research.

“The possible areas of focus for the state’s development through nanotechnology are health, agriculture and economic production. We should always focus on the products developed, their quality and the techniques used,” he added. Sujoy also said countries around the globe are always ready with funds to buy patents of products developed through nanotechnology.

At present, no institute in the state works on nanotechnology research. The Aryabhatta Knowledge University is, however, developing a nanotechnology centre on its campus. Vice-chancellor S.N. Guha said: “There has been a regular support from the state government and it has released sufficient funds for the centre’s construction.”

Sujoy Guha has developed a male contraceptive, reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (Risug) that works by an injection. He said: “It will reduce the burden of surgery on doctors. In fact, patients suffering from tomophobia (fear of surgical operations) would also have a way out.”

Through PowerPoint presentation, Guha explained the procedure and usage of Risug and asserted that the product was always the key to development through nanotechnology. “Marketing of a product is also necessary. The government should always try to advertise or promote the products through seminars and workshops.”