Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed light-driven multifunctional nanobots that can target and destroy breast cancer cells, potentially offering a new approach to precision cancer therapy.
The nanobots are coated with a photosensitiser that generates cancer-killing reactive oxygen species under NIR light, while a folic acid coating enables them to selectively target breast cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors.
Flexible solar cellsGurugram-based deep-tech company P3C Technology and Solutions is developing flexible solar cells based on perovskite materials.
Perovskite solar cells are good at absorbing sunlight; even a thin layer works well.
P3C, which believes that perovskite solar cells have a bright future, is running pilot projects.
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed light-driven multifunctional nanobots that can target and destroy breast cancer cells, potentially offering a new approach to precision cancer therapy.
The team, led by Dr Jiban Jyoti Panda of INST, in collaboration with Dr Santosh K Gupta of BARC, designed up-conversion nanoparticle-based nanobots that convert near infrared (NIR) light into heat and move towards the light source.
The nanobots are coated with a photosensitiser that generates cancer-killing reactive oxygen species under NIR light, while a folic acid coating enables them to selectively target breast cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors. The combined photothermal and photodynamic effects enhance tumour destruction. Unlike light-powered nanorobots that rely on ultraviolet or visible light with limited tissue penetration, the new system uses NIR light, which penetrates deeper and is less damaging to healthy cells.
The researchers demonstrated the nanobots’ therapeutic efficacy in cell culture studies and breast tumour-bearing mice, showing improved tumour inhibition through targeted movement, localised heating and reactive oxygen species generation.
The work was led by first author Swapnil Srivastava, along with Annu Balhara, Pankaj Kharra and Jyoti Yadav, under the guidance of Panda and Gupta.
Cheap, portable water tester
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, have developed a portable optical sensing device, E-Eye, that can instantly detect multiple toxicants in water and other biological samples, offering a low-cost solution for field-level water quality monitoring.
Developed at a cost of about ₹3,500, with a per sample testing cost of around ₹2, the device can detect contaminants such as arsenic, lead, iron, chromium, fluoride and Escherichia coli bacteria. The researchers said the cost could reduce further with largescale production.
The device analyses the colour changes produced by chemical reactions and wirelessly transmits the results to water treatment facilities. According to the team, E-Eye’s performance is comparable to standard laboratory instruments while being suitable for on-site deployment.
The technology, developed with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has been tested on over 2,700 samples. The researchers have also launched a startup, Envionix Labs Pvt Ltd, to commercialise the technology.
Flexible solar cells
Gurugram-based deep-tech company P3C Technology and Solutions is developing flexible solar cells based on perovskite materials. Perovskite materials are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional rigid solar panels, enabling solar power generation on surfaces and applications where traditional panels cannot be used, such as wearables, vehicles, tents and even helmets.
Perovskite solar cells are good at absorbing sunlight; even a thin layer works well. Further, they can be produced at low temperatures. It is not difficult to build the cells on plastic films such as PET.
P3C, which believes that perovskite solar cells have a bright future, is running pilot projects. It has made some progress, but says it has more work to do. “We’re tackling challenges like making sure the cells last outdoors, stay consistent over large areas, and get properly sealed up,” the company says.
Published on August 10, 2026
