Innovative Medical Principle "Anupana" May Propel R&D in Textiles and Chemicals

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

Cross-disciplinary ideas are emerging as vital tools for progress in the textiles, chemical processing, and finishing sectors. In today’s climate of limited research funding, integrating breakthrough concepts from fields like medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals is essential to drive innovation.

In a recent article featured in Textile Technology Source, Professor Seshadri Ramkumar introduces the concept of "Anupana"—a term from Ayurveda which refers to a supplementary intake that enhances the effect of the main treatment. In R&D terms, this encourages shifting the focus from relying on a single active compound to exploring the synergistic power of multiple agents or carriers to deliver enhanced functionality.

This novel concept was introduced to Professor Ramkumar by Dr. Narasimhan Srinivasan, Chairman of Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation in Chennai, India. Dr. Srinivasan, a former collaborator of Nobel Laureate Herbert Brown, inspired the exploration of this unique approach in textile chemistry.

This marks one of the first known applications of the "carrier agent of functionalities" concept in textile science literature. The article also acknowledges Bengaluru-based Resil Chemicals for their ongoing innovations in developing functional textile finishes.

📖 Read the full article here:
textiletechsource.com/2025/04/14/chemicals-and-functionality-in-textiles