Panjab University researchers secure Indian patent for natural biomolecule with anti-cancer potential
Researchers at Panjab University have been granted an Indian patent for a novel natural bio-molecule with potential anti-cancer properties. The patent recognises their work on a biosurfactant derived from an endophytic bacterium that has shown promising results against acute T-cell leukemia cells in laboratory studies.
City Air News
Jul 31, 2026 08:42
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Chandigarh, July 31, 2026: Researchers at Panjab University have been granted an Indian patent for a novel natural bio-molecule with potential anti-cancer properties. The patent recognises their work on a biosurfactant derived from an endophytic bacterium that has shown promising results against acute T-cell leukemia cells in laboratory studies.
The research team comprises Prof. Rohit Sharma, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, and Dr. Monika Sharma, Department of Biotechnology, along with alumnus and former research scholar Dr. Shruti Nagrath, Department of Microbial Biotechnology. Their patented innovation is titled “Exploring the Anti-cancer Efficacy of Endophytic Bacillus safensis-Derived Rhamnolipid (a Biosurfactant) on Acute T-cell Leukemia Cells”.
The patent has been awarded by the Indian Patent Office, recognising their pioneering contribution to the discovery and development of anti-cancer compounds against leukemia.
The patented technology focuses on the isolation, purification, and characterisation of a novel natural biosurfactant molecule produced by an endophytic bacterium naturally residing within the medicinal plant Phyllanthus niruri (commonly known as Bhumi amla). Extensive in vitro investigations conducted by the inventors demonstrated that the purified biomolecule selectively induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in acute T-cell leukemia cells while exhibiting promising therapeutic specificity. This significant discovery underscores the potential of naturally derived biomolecules as sustainable and effective alternatives to conventional synthetic therapeutics for cancer treatment.
Key strengths of the innovation include its natural origin, selective efficacy against specific leukemia cell lines, scalability of the purification process, and strong potential for pharmaceutical formulation and commercial development. Collectively, these attributes position the technology as a promising candidate for the development of next-generation anti-cancer therapeutics.
"This patent showcases Panjab University's efforts to turn scientific research into practical healthcare solutions," said Prof. Rohit Sharma, one of the inventors. "Our findings open new directions for safer, more sustainable, and biologically inspired cancer treatments."
