We at The Department of Biotechnology at L. J. Institute of Applied Sciences organized “Workshop on diagnostic kit development and implementation” on 27^th and 28^th August, 2022 sponsored by GSBTM and Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat with the support of Antrapreneur.

Dr. Alok Pandya from Institute of Advanced Research University, Gandhinagar was invited as an expert to conduct the workshop. The number of participants registered for the workshop was 45. The inaugural session of the workshop was attended by Dr. Nisha Shah- Director, LJ Institute of Applied Sciences as well as the heads of various departments. She wished the workshop would act as a catalyst for innovation and also underscored the interdisciplinary approach needed for product development.

Dr. Alok was welcomed by Prof Niketan Deshmukh (Head of Department of Biotechnology, LJ Institute of Applied Sciences). Dr. Alok and his team instructed the students on various theoretical and practical aspects of diagnostic kit design and applications. The Theory Session dealt with the description of layout and various components of biosensors, use of gold nanoparticles in the biosensors, importance of monoclonal antibodies as well as the various types of matrix and enzymes used in diagnostic kits and their applications.

Practical sessions included synthesis of gold nanoparticles, quality testing of gold nanoparticles, loading of antibody nanoparticle conjugate on the matrix and fabrication of the diagnostic kit followed by testing. 18 diagnostic kits were fabricated and tested by the students.

The workshop gave valuable insights into the biosensor industry. Overall, the workshop was highly informative and helpful to students to plan their future career in entrepreneurship and development of diagnostic kits.

The workshop was also attended by the members of the department; Prof Niketan Deshmukh (Head of Department), Prof Kaushal Mehta and Prof Bhargavi Trivedi as well as Ms Shikha Mehta, Ms. Pooja Shah and Ms Seema Vanja.As a token of appreciation, Dr. Alok Pandya was given a Momento by Prof Kaushal Mehta.