Santhi Particles: The smallest superparamagnetic plant materials

The unique distinction of having invented the world's first superparamagnetic particle of plant material has been accorded to Dr T Theivasanthi, a faculty member of the international research centre of Kalasalingam University.

The Limca Book of Records recognised the remarkable benchmark as Dr Theivasanthi came up with the smallest superparamagnetic plant materials, of the size of just 15nm.

Proudly named " Santhi Particles", this discovery reflects not only her ability as a researcher, but also highlights major contribution to the work of the University.

Four-year struggle

Dr Theivasanthi began her research at the nano materials laboratory of Kalasalingam University and her fouryear-long research in nanotechnology led to this award. It was her dream come true to have this invention listed as a world record in the Limca Book.

For that, she owes it to the right work environment that helped her proceed with her research. Dr Theivasanthi always received wholehearted encouragement from the Kalasalingam University faculty and staff, especially its chancellor K Sridharan. The chancellor constantly egged on her efforts and also gave her all the equipment to carry her work to higher levels.

Superparamagnetism is a form of magnetism that appears in nanoparticles — a novel concept with fascinating research to back it. Dr Theivasanthi crossed a milestone in its research activity by exploring new behaviour of lead nano powder. Scientists show interest in magnetic nanomaterials and this prompted Dr Theivasanthi to think along the lines of experimenting with plant materials.



How it began

It began with her checking the kind of paramagnetic behaviour that plant materials would display under room temperature. That led to more observations in different plants and vegetables, that slowly pushed her to invent superparamagnetic nature in them.

Dr Theivasanthi found that particles of turmeric and coconut shell showed superparamagnetic behaviour with particle size 20nm and 18nm respectively — considered the smallest nano particles in the world. The VSM analysis for this was done at Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF), IIT Madras. Dr Theivasanthi played a key role in initiating the research and following it up.

Dr Theivasanthi, who believes in excellence in her research and also in other areas of life, has always maintained that chance and evolution have important roles in one's success. Her interest in nanotechnology gave her that chance and her ideas on the research helped her evolve to the next level of invention.

The use of nanotechnology has a deep impact on society and environment. Since the Kalasalingam University has a nanomaterials laboratory, it was an added advantage for Dr Theivasanthi to carry on with her experiments along with her busy academic schedule.