Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Union Ministry of Defence, has sanctioned ₹99.15 lakh to Bharathiar University (BU) to execute a major project that will enhance the nation’s capabilities in chemical defence.
The project: ‘Development of Novel Antidote(s) for Highly Toxic Organophosphorous Compounds’, envisaging strengthening preparedness in dealing with toxic chemical exposure will be carried out under the DRDO Industry Academia – Centre of Excellence (DIA–CoE) at Bharathiar University, Registrar R. Rajavel said.
The project will be carried out over 36 months by a research team with N. Jayakumar, Professor and Head of DIA-CoE, as the Principal Investigator, and S. Suja, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, as the Co-Principal Investigator.
Some of the organophosphorous compounds, which are widely used in various industrial and agricultural applications, are extremely hazardous to the extent of severely affecting the human nervous system.
Exposure to such toxic chemicals can lead to serious health consequences, making the development of effective antidotes a crucial scientific and medical priority.
