Exploring New Frontiers in Characterizing Polysaccharides using Nuclear Techniques: An Experience

Many nuclear techniques available are still unexplored in our country and a huge potential remains to be tapped, especially in biological sciences and bioprocess. An attempt was initially started in 2015 to apply new nuclear techniques for characterizing biological resources, viz. polysaccharides. The polysaccharide sample was studied using neutron scattering technique at the National Atomic Energy Authority (BATAN), Indonesia, and showed positive results. Local expertise is still limited in terms of interpretation of results, and hence, numerous training programmes have been applied to enhance the basic knowledge and improve new possibilities in networking in the area of characterization using nuclear techniques, particularly in neutron scattering. Attending the AONSA Neutron School programme at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India, in 2016 provided good exposure and experience to continue the journey forward. (author)