An impactful win
Harinash Rao presenting his research on eczema
A biodegradable skin patch that soothes and protects eczema-prone skin has earned PhD student Harinash Rao the top prize at the 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) finale. Harinash will advance to the 3MT Finals at Monash University, where he’ll compete for a chance to represent Monash at the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition.
Titled “Eczema: Patched with Sugar, Protein, and Clay,” Harinash’s research tackles one of the most common and persistent skin conditions worldwide. Eczema affects millions of adults and children, causing dry, cracked, and itchy skin that often worsens during sleep. While moisturisers remain the standard treatment, frequent reapplication is often needed as they easily rub off through clothing or sweat, especially at night.
To overcome this, Harinash developed an innovative skin patch made from natural ingredients, including bacterial cellulose, gelatin, and halloysite clay. The patch holds nearly 90 per cent water, offering long-lasting hydration while acting as a protective barrier to prevent scratching and further skin damage.
Better yet, the patch is strong enough to stay intact during daily activities such as showering, sleeping, and exercising. It also features a built-in indicator where the patch will turn transparent when it’s time to be replaced.
The patch is not only effective, but also sustainable and affordable. Patents have been filed and pharmaceutical companies have shown early interest, with discussions around clinical testing underway. Harinash’s discovery demonstrates a promising future for how people approach skin treatment.
Winners of the Three Minute Thesis
Aside from the winner, there were two more outstanding discoveries. First runner up, Bong Wen Ao, presented his research titled “One small chip for organ, one giant leap for drug delivery”. His project centres on developing an “organ-on-a-chip,” a tiny but powerful tool that mimics real human organs and tumour environments to replicate how drugs move through the bloodstream, tissues, and into tumours.
The second runner up and People’s Choice Award winner, Lok Kok Hou, presented his research titled “Cure Up, Cost Down: A New Triple Action Nanoparticle For Type 2 Diabetes”. His research focused on the high cost of managing diabetes in Malaysia, and discussed his solution on creating a better drug formulation, using plant-based excipients and advanced nanoparticle technology.
The Three Minute Thesis competition at Monash University Malaysia may have come to an end this year, but it marks the beginning of a promising journey for our students.