Spin Off Technologies
The DRDO Life Sciences Laboratories are putting in concerted R&D efforts to evolve sustainable technologies to meet the unique food, health and operational requirements of the soldiers behind the weapons under unusual and abnormal environments. The contributions of the DRDO laboratories are benefiting both the Defence Services and the civil population as the various R&D endeavors of the LS labs have resulted in several technologies/ services having spin-off applications.
Seabuckthorn based products
Seabuckthorn, a wonder plant of Ladhakh, is rich in various vitamins and its fruits possess anti-oxidant, nutraceutical and health refreshing properties. Various products have been developed with Seabuckthorn like multivitamin beverage, herbal tea, soft gel capsule, seapricot juice etc.
Mushroom Cultivation Technology
Mushrooms have relatively higher quality proteins containing all the essential amino acids and very rich in lysine which is deficient in cereals. In Button mushroom (Agaricusbisporus) and Pleurotus spp., quantities of amino acids range from 0.9 to 9.1 percent of available crude proteins whereas in Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.), it ranges from 1.2 to 7.0 percent of crude protein. Sustainable technology has been developed for cultivation of mushrooms in the hilly region for local consumption by the army and paramilitary forces and for resettlement training. The technology is being used not only by army units but by progressive farmers in NE region and central Himalayas.
CAPSISPRAYTM is a novel and eco-friendly less than lethal,chilly spray based on BhutJolokia (Capsicum assamicum) oleoresin. It contains BhutJolokia oleoresin (O.C.) dissolved in a suitable carrier solvent and pressurized under propellant. The product is highly suitable for Indian troops for applications in the low intensity conflict (LIC) areas as well as for riot control, personal protection &self-defence, crime prevention etc. CAPSISPRAYTM is available in container cane (aluminum make) of length 11 cm and diameter 3.5 cm.
Leuskin Herbal (Ointment & Oral Liquid, An Anti-Leucoderma Treatment
Leucoderma, a social stigma, is caused mainly due to decreased synthesis of melanin pigment by the skin resulting in white patches and discoloration of the affected areas. The current treatment modalities have not been able to provide any satisfactory solution. A polyherbal ointment and oral mixture of seven herbs have been developed for treatment of leucoderma. The combination therapy was found to inhibit reoccurrence of white patches besides preventing blister formation and has no side effects.
Space Heating Device (Bukhari) (Sheds):
Indian soldiers are deployed in extremely cold environment. Army has provided space heating devices (SHEDs) to them that run on Kerosene. These devices have low operating efficiency and are having safety hazards. These SHEDs produces lot of carbon monoxide gas in the room and lead to blasts and fire hazards. The existing SHEDs give only radiative type heat and lot of heatgoes waste from the exhaust.
A new SHED has been developed by DIPAS which gives both radiative as well as convective type heating. Most of the heat is extracted because of its energy efficient design. It is efficient in terms of kerosene consumption and heat generation. The CO build up in the room is almost zero as all the gases are exhausted to outside. It is totally safe as there are no chances of blast by the back draft of air. The burner simply extinguishes and does not reignite itself.The burner alone can also be used for cooking or warming of food.
Biodigester
Disposal of human waste at extremely cold terrains, railways and even in rural areas is a major concern. DRDO has developed different versions of bio-digester to take care of disposal of human waste. The biodigesters have been extensively fitted indifferent types of rail coaches by Indian Railways with collaboration of DRDO. Biodigesters are suitable for ambient as well as sub zero temperature of Himalayan region, glaciers, plains of north India and coastal regions of south India. In addition to human excreta, it can also be used for kitchen and animal waste disposal. The technology has no dependence on the limited and costly conventional energy sources.
