Research Projects

Our Current Focus

Development of Biomimetic flapping wings

Micro-Air Vehicles (MAVs) are small drones designed for surveillance, search, and rescueoperations, categorized as fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or flapping-wing. Among these, flapping-wing MAVs excel with low-speed flight and extended hovering capabilities. Inspired by insects, the masters of flapping flight, researchers aim to enhance MAV performance by mimicking their mechanics. The dragonfly, a standout among insects, exhibits exceptional agility with its ability to hover, glide, and perform forward-backward flight. Its intricate and highly efficient wings are a blueprint for advanced flapping-wing MAVs. My research focuses on replicating these sophisticated wing designs through cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and developing specialized materials to optimize their performance. I aim to push the boundaries of flapping-wing MAV innovation by integrating nature's design principles with modern technology.

Post-harvest storage loss in food grains is a significant challenge, especially in developing countries, where insect pests alone account for 2 to 4.5% of total losses, worth approximately ₹300 crores annually. My research investigates how insect pests use their specialized mouthparts called mandibles to cut, pierce, and damage both food grains and packaging. Thus, the project aims to develop eco-friendly, durable coatings on jute bags which are the most widely used biodegradable packaging for grain storage. The outcome is to develop a coating from agricultural byproducts like rice husk, that will reduce pest infestation and minimize post-harvest losses while promoting sustainability.

Development of coatings to reduce food grain storage waste using a biomimetic approach

Development of meniscus implants using Bioprinting

3D bioprinting is an additive manufacturing technology that utilizes the bio-ink to print the layer-by-layer structure of the 3D object. My research focuses on 3D bioprinting of meniscus tissue using bio-ink derived from cadaveric animal waste. This involves optimizing the bioprinting process to achieve the precise microarchitecture of this crescent-shaped fibrocartilage structure. The meniscus in the knee acts as a crucial shock absorber between the femur and tibia during movement.

The work focuses on mimicking the mechanical properties of knee meniscus by suitable arrangements, orientations, and gradations of 3D-printed microstructures by optimizing the geometry, experimenting with bio-inspired lattice structures, and refining designs based on testing results to ensure the implant can effectively bear loads and maintain structural integrity. The study solely focuses on the structural aspects, material properties, and mechanical performance of the implants by employing advanced 3D printing techniques to create bio-inspired geometries, such as gyroid structures, to optimize the implant's mechanical behavior under physiological conditions. The goal is to achieve structural designs that replicate the meniscus load-bearing and deformation characteristics thereby improving patient outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and reducing long-term healthcare costs related to knee injuries.

Development of 3D Printing of Green Composites

The depletion of non-renewable resources has intensified the need for eco-friendly materials, driving a global shift from synthetic to biodegradable alternatives. This trend is fueled by stringent regulations in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Agro/food waste disposal, a growing environmental challenge, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Reusing these wastes as bio-fiber reinforcements offers a sustainable solution, reducing dependency on plastics and conventional materials. My research focuses on developing green composites using Indian agro-wastes like rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and banana pseudo-stem with a PLA matrix. Processes like extrusion, injection molding, and 3D printing will use to develop these composites, which will be evaluated for their physical, mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties, promoting sustainability in different engineering applications, like: aviation, automobile, and construction industries.

Development of Biodegradable packaging materials

Despite government efforts, current waste management methods in India are highly unregulated. Thus, most plastic-based packaging materials end up in landfills. This project aims to develop alternative solutions that are cost-effective and biodegradable, using the circular economy approach. Plastic foams, once innovative in insulation and packaging, are now a global environmental problem, especially in underdeveloped countries with inadequate waste disposal systems. They are nonbiodegradable and are hazardous to ecosystems, necessitating the development of sustainable alternatives. Mycelium-based biocomposites, made from fungal hyphae and grown on agricultural waste, offer a viable biodegradable alternative that follows circular economy. This study compares the efficacy of these biocomposites to expanded polystyrene (EPS) as packaging materials. *The extent of pollution is shown in the video, where a dog is walking on the floating waste in a canal