Research Collaborations

a. In vitro Cell Culture Facility

In addition to the research work, NCAEE is working with various collaborators from all parts of the country. General work we at NCAAE do is determination of cell viability by MTT assay, Crystal Violet assay, various staining techniques such as AO/EB, Hoechst, JC1, Annexin V-Cy3.

Apart from this, the centre is allowing students from the laboratory of collaborative departments of Bharathidasan University, Colleges and any other institutes throughout in India to carry out part of their research work in the field of cell culture. This helps the students to learn the techniques of In vitro cell culture and toxicology as well as useful to learn the alternative approach against the use of animals in research.

b. Alternative Organisms Laboratory

U.S EPA in its TOX21C program stated that, animal models that ranks low in the taxanomic hierarchy which do not feel pain and distress can be adopted to test the toxicity of chemical entities. Following that we at NCAAE adopted hydra as a model organism to test the toxicity of nanomaterials, pharmaceutical drugs and emerging pollutants. Apart from our research work, we do entertain outside sample to determine the lethal concentration 50, effects of sub-lethal dose on hydra's physiology such as feeding behavior and regeneration.

Small model organism laboratory always motivate young research minds to take up alternative models and offer training program. So far we have trained one student in handling and maintenance of hydra. We, also offer Ph.D research scholars from collaborative departments of University and other institute to utilize the laboratory to test the toxicity of their compounds.