Know Why Odia Scientist From ILS Is Among India’s 75 Achievers

Bhubaneswar: Dr Mamoni Dash, a scientist at the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) in Odisha’s capital, has developed a polymer that can replace harmful pesticides and insecticides.

For her invention, she has been selected as one of the 75 achievers under 50 in the field of science and technology in India by the Science and Technology Ministry.

The selections were made keeping in mind the potential of the inventions to shape the country’s present and future, in commemoration of India’s 75 years of Independence.

Her invention

The polymer invented by Mamoni is designed to protect specific genes of crops attacked by pests, eventually replacing harmful insecticides and pesticides.

She told TNIE that earlier polymers, in the form of micro-nanocarriers, beads, granules and gels, have been in use for controlled release of pesticides. But the new polymer will replace pesticides altogether.

Mamoni, a native of Baripada, did her postgraduation from NIT, Rourkela, and PhD from University of Pisa, Italy. After her post-doctoral degree from Belgium, she joined ILS as a Ramalingaswami Fellow in 2018 and as a faculty in 2021.

A team of researchers led by her is also working on developing bio-materials for the bone micro-environment. She is also working on thermoset polymer materials. Traditional thermoset manufacturing processes make their recycling difficult.