Evaluation and Validation of anticancer metabolites from Himalayan lichens and development of polymeric nanoformulation as potential cancer therapautic agent

The project aims to explore the chemical diversity of the natural products from Trans Himalayan region, in order to identify novel lichen-based anti-cancer agents. Lichens are unique microorganisms comprising of a fungal and an algal partner. The study is based on the evaluation and validation of anti-cancer compounds from lichens of Himalayan origin. The isolated metabolites will be screened for anti-cancer potential and cytotoxicity will be evaluated using cancer cell lines. In the second phase development of a nano-formulation to overcome the solubility and toxicity concerns associated with natural metabolites will be explored.