2026
1. Mr. Harshil Dave, a PhD scholar at IIT Gandhinagar, has been recognized with the Vikram Sarabhai Young Scientist Award 2026 for his innovative hydrogel research supporting minimally invasive treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. This achievement was featured in The Times of India, The Indian Express, India Today, The Print, BioSpectrum India, highlighting its potential in tissue regeneration and advanced biomedical applications.
3. Prof. Mukesh Dhanka, along with PhD scholar Prasanna Kumari B. has developed a chemically engineered multifunctional hydrogel for potential use in biomedical applications. This significant breakthrough was featured in BioPatrika, recognizing its innovative potential in biomedical applications. The hydrogel has antioxidant, antibacterial, and biocompatibility properties.
2. Mr. Harshil Dave, a PhD scholar at IIT Gandhinagar, has developed an innovative injectable hydrogel technology for improved cancer detection and safer, minimally invasive surgical procedures. This significant breakthrough was widely featured across leading media platforms, including BW Education, Edu Advice, Skill Outlook, and MSN India, Divya Bhaskar, Sandesh News, and Nav Gujarat Samay.
4. Prof. Mukesh Dhanka, along with PhD scholar Manisha Meena, has developed a novel hydrogel for wound healing. This significant breakthrough was covered in a news article. The hdyrgoel has antioxidant, antibacterial, and biocompatibility properties.
2025
1. Prof. Mukesh Dhanka, along with PhD scholars Hitasha Vithalani, and Harshil Dave has developed a novel class of multifunctional stretchable hydrogels designed for advanced wound healing applications. This significant research breakthrough was recently featured in the Gujarat Samachar, recognizing the innovation's potential to transform modern wound care therapy.
2024
1. Prof. Mukesh Dhanka and PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani along with post-doctoral fellow Dr. Hemant Singh and Dr. Indu Yadav, developed advanced injectable hydrogels for gastrointestinal cancer detection and treatment. This breakthrough, focusing on plant-based, biocompatible hydrogels for safer and more effective endoscopic procedures, was prominently featured in Indian Express. The article highlighted the potential of this innovation to transform cancer therapy through disease-responsive drug delivery systems.
2. Happy to share that our research on advanced injectable hydrogels for gastrointestinal cancer detection and treatment was featured in Navjeevan Express. Prof. Dr. Mukesh Dhanka along with PhD scholars Harshil Dave, and Hitasha Vithalani, developed these plant-based, biocompatible hydrogels to enhance endoscopic procedures and enable disease-responsive drug delivery.
3. Thrilled to share that our groundbreaking research on injectable hydrogels for gastrointestinal cancer detection and treatment was featured in Ahmedabad Mirror. The innovative hydrogel, developed by our research scholars Harshil Dave, and Hitasha Vithalani, provides a safer, biocompatible, and economical solution for endoscopic procedures. This 'cushion-like' material holds promise for enhancing cancer care and reducing treatment complexities.
4. Shreyas Apotikar presented groundbreaking research on 'Novel Cerium Rutin Complex Loaded Gellan-Gum Based Injectable Hydrogel' at IIT Gandhinagar. The project focuses on the development of a multifunctional hydrogel with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, aimed at accelerating wound healing. This innovative hydrogel showcases enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and sustained drug release. The research holds immense potential for revolutionizing wound care treatments in healthcare.
5. Manisha Meena attended the MEDBIOTECH Conference 2024, hosted by GBU, Gandhinagar. The event brought together experts in biotechnology and medical sciences to share advancements and breakthroughs.
6. Garima Gupta showcased her research on 'Drug-Loaded Ionic Liquid Gel and Spray Formulation for Psoriasis Treatment' at IIT Gandhinagar. Her work focuses on developing advanced transdermal drug delivery systems with enhanced biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and optimized release kinetics. This innovative approach aims to provide an effective and patient-friendly solution for psoriasis management. The project highlights the potential of ionic liquid-based formulations in revolutionizing topical treatments.
7. Thrilled to share that Harshil Dave's groundbreaking research on Made-in-India hydrogels for cancer treatment has been featured in Vadodara Live and was recently featured on leading news channels such as Divya Bhaskar, TV9 Gujarati, Mantavya News, Gujarat News and GSTV. As a Ph.D. student at IIT Gandhinagar, Harshil has developed an innovative, cost-effective, and biocompatible hydrogel designed to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. This breakthrough represents a major milestone in advancing affordable healthcare solutions in India.
8. Dr. Mukesh Dhanka, Assistant Professor at IIT Gandhinagar, graced the event as an eminent speaker at the Nanotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Conference 2024. His insights on advanced biological sciences and engineering captivated the audience and highlighted groundbreaking innovations in the field. The conference also featured opportunities for poster presentations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.
9. PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani developed a low-cost, injectable hydrogel therapy for gastrointestinal cancers with the guidance of Prof. Mukesh Dhanka. This is highlighted in Gujarat Samachar and Sandesh, this breakthrough offers an affordable and effective alternative for cancer treatment using plant-based, biocompatible materials. The innovation simplifies endoscopic procedures and holds promise for a wide-reaching impact in cancer care.
10. Dr. Mukesh Dhanka, Assistant Professor at IIT Gandhinagar, serves as an editor for the prestigious Journal of Materials Chemistry B. In the recent editorial titled 'Introduction to Targeted Biomedical Applications of Nanomaterials,' he highlights advancements in hybrid nanomaterials for translational biomedical applications. His research focuses on biomaterials and drug delivery platforms addressing critical clinical challenges. Dr. Dhanka's editorial underscores his commitment to developing impactful solutions with societal relevance.
11. Prof. Mukesh Dhanka and PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani, have developed an innovative and cost-effective injectable hydrogel therapy for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Highlighted in Rajasthan Patrika, this plant-based, biocompatible solution aims to simplify endoscopic procedures and make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable.
12. Researchers from the Materials and Drug Delivery Lab, led by Sebika Panja and Dr. Mukesh Dhanka, have engineered biocompatible papaverine-entrapped berberine microcrystals for urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment. This innovative formulation showcases antibacterial, antioxidant, and haemocompatible properties, with enhanced mucus adhesion and sustained drug release. The study promises significant advancements in targeted drug delivery systems for UTIs, paving the way for improved patient care. Future work aims to explore hydrogel-based applications and further in-vivo studies.
13. PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani, along with Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Indu Yadav, from IIT Gandhinagar, were featured in News World India. The team, under the guidance of Prof. Mukesh Dhanka, developed an innovative injectable hydrogel therapy for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. In the interviews, they highlighted the use of biocompatible, plant-based materials that make the therapy cost-effective and simplify endoscopic procedures, drawing widespread attention for its potential to revolutionize cancer care in India.
14. PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani were featured on Zee Hindi and Zee24 Gujarati. Their breakthrough research on injectable hydrogel therapy for gastrointestinal cancer, developed under Prof. Mukesh Dhanka highlights a cost-effective, plant-based innovation poised to transform cancer treatment.
17. Researchers from our lab actively participated in the prestigious MEDBIOTECH Conference 2024, Gandhinagar. The event brought together experts and scholars from across the globe to discuss advancements in medical biotechnology. Our team participated in innovative research, engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, and networked with leading professionals. This enriching experience highlights their commitment to excellence in biotechnology research and development.
18. PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani, along with Dr. Indu Yadav, gained recognition on News Gujarati 18 for their groundbreaking work on advanced injectable hydrogels for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. Guided by Prof. Mukesh Dhanka at IIT Gandhinagar, the team developed a plant-based, cost-effective solution designed to simplify endoscopic procedures and improve cancer care accessibility.
19. PhD scholars Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani were prominently featured on Sandesh News for their innovative research on injectable hydrogel technology for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. Under the mentorship of Prof. Mukesh Dhanka. The team introduced a revolutionary solution that enhances the efficiency of endoscopic procedures, offering a cost-effective and patient-friendly approach.
20. PhD researchers Harshil Dave and Hitasha Vithalani, along with Dr. Hemant Singh, were highlighted on Instagram at @only_mehsana for their groundbreaking work on injectable hydrogel technology aimed at treating gastrointestinal cancer. Guided by Prof. Mukesh Dhanka at IIT Gandhinagar, the team developed an innovative, plant-based solution that improves the effectiveness of endoscopic procedures, providing a more affordable and patient-friendly alternative for cancer treatment. The Instagram reel showcasing their work reached almost 1.3 million views.
