Summary
This post explores the 1971 US patent granted to Mr. C T Dwarakanath from CFTRI, Mysore, for a process that reduces aflatoxin content in oilseed meals using ozone. The invention, developed during a project in the USA, marked a significant advancement over existing chemical methods by offering an effective and practical solution. The patent is notable not only for its technical merit but also for its Indian inventor’s global contribution. The narrative also acknowledges Mr. Dwarakanath’s humility and the pride his family holds in his achievements. This case illustrates that while patents may be relatively new in India, Indian inventors have a longstanding history of innovation.
This post was first published on 10th March, 2014.
It gives the SiNApSE blog Team great pleasure to bring forth to our readers a 1971 US patent in which Mr. C. T. Dwarakanath from CFTRI, Mysore, was an inventor. Mr. Dwarakanath was a co-inventor in the patent entitled, “Process for reduction of aflatoxin content of oilseed meals by ozonization”, bearing number 3,592,641. The invention was conceived and reduced to practice during one of his visits to Louisiana, USA on a project for the agricultural department during the years 1965-66. The patent was in fact assigned to the US Government, Department of Agriculture.
The patent discloses a process for lowering aflatoxin levels in cotton seeds, peanuts and other agricultural products by treating them with ozone. The said toxin was known to be caused by the mold Aspergillus Flavus, and was responsible for deaths of more than hundred thousand turkeys in the 1960s in UK. The toxin’s devastating effects on animals was well known at that time, and in several instances humans were also affected by the toxin.
Until Mr. Dwarakanath’s invention came out, only chemical methods of treating the toxin were known, and they had several disadvantages in terms of effect and reach. By employing ozone, Mr. Dwarakanath and his team not only came up with a scientifically effective process of reducing the toxin, but also one that could be easily implemented and was cost effective.
The reason this particular patent came into our purview is because Mr. Dwarakanath happens to be related to one of the people who works with us at BananaIP, Ms. Aishwarya Narayan. She told me that she is very proud of being the grand-daughter of a great innovator, who was so humble in his ways that no one would have found out about the patent if not for her relation to the patenting field. She informs me that her grandpa was a duty-bound, respectable man who is remembered and revered by everyone of his family and friends.
For other works by Mr. Dwarakanath, please click here.
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