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7 US patents and 8 Indian patents for the work done in his research lab in Kerala: this is a measure of the achievement of Dr.Ibrahim Ibnu Saud, Reader in Chemical Science at Mahatma Gandhi University.  Last July, in the International Chemistry Congress at New York University, the paper authored by Dr.Saud and 5 research scholars was adjudged the best among 276 entries.

He started his pioneering work by isolating the Hydroxy Citric acid found in ‘Kudampuli’ (Garcenia Kambojia) and exploring the possibility of manufacturing other chemicals from it.  This effort done in the lab at Kottayam fetched him both US and Indian patents.

He and his students then broadened their research into different sour fruits like ‘Mathippuli’, ‘Kudampuli’ and ‘Panacham’ by isolating the acids and making chemicals out of them.  It was this effort that saw them reap 7 US and 8 Indian patents.

Perfumes, air fresheners and fairness creams use the essence of a Latin American tree, Funibareen.  Dr.Ibnu isolated its chemical structure from from ‘Kudampuli’ in a very cost effective manner.  Perhaps it was this endeavour that made him known in wider circles.  The University too is likely to benefit at least Rs.30 lakhs from its intellectual property rights.

Tom Thomas, Chitra Gopinath, Grace Thomas, Shalini Thomas and Sinimol are students associated with his research activities now.

Dr.Ibnu is the 4^th son of Ibrahim and Masudammal of Tamim Manzil, Pathanapuram.  His wife Priya is the daughter of noted writer Vaikkom Chandrasekharan Nair and is a lecturer of Malayalam at Sanskrit University, Kaladi.  His son Satyajit Ibin is a 5^th standard student.

Dr.Ibnu is a good farmer too.  His 5-acre organic farm at Pathanapuram attracts students of agriculture.  He strongly considers that no research, unless grounded on the soil, will flourish.

Courtesy: Soni J.Raj, Sree, Malayala Manorama, October 17, 2004

Contributed by: Administrator 

"Men who deserve monuments do not need them."