| The
first important step is to identify the narrow specific field(s) of
expertise of the scientists working in biotechnology. This is achieved
through producing a network system, which would be available to all the
colleagues in the same field.From
these groupings it becomes possible to identify products (or services),
which can be developed into commercial products. It is expected that in
some cases it maybe necessary to add a new missing expertise, or to
fine-tune or update an existing one, to achieve the critical mass
required for developing the technological system. Often it is hoped
this can be achieved through a short- term exchange visit.In
addition to providing the "institution" with their specific fields of
expertise, the scientist is requested to suggest new practical ideas,
which can be turned into products or services.Also
we will encourage more full exploitation of the facilities and
expensive technical equipment, which often is not fully utilized.
Maximizing the use of such equipment will lead to saving funds for
other research use. Ultimately we aim to encourage the establishment of
central focal labs, which will carry out especial procedures and will
serve all Jordanian biotechnologists. We will help in obtaining funds
for such core labs.How Our Center Operates*Producing
a Data base identifying interests and special abilities of scientists
in biotechnology. Putting this on our website so that Scientists can
cooperate directly. *Holding
brain storming sessions with scientists in same or complimentary fields
to identify possible economically-viable projects, and forming
sub-committees to look into each of them. (That is why at the present
time we are limiting our activities to Jordan and near Arab countries).
*Each
of the sub-committees presents its conclusions to the whole group where
they are discussed and refined. (Scientists are paid a nominal fee for
every session they attend). *Possibly providing a small grant to test an idea, or for a patent when feasible. *Helping to produce a pre-feasibility study for the most promising projects. *If the pre-feasibility is promising, getting a professional to produce a detailed feasibility. *If
all goes well, looking into forming a company with the involved
scientists, institutions, and the private sector as partners. (See MONOJO as an example) | Dr. Anwar Battikhi (Chairman) Dr. Adnan Badran Mr. Abdel Rahim Jardaneh Dr. Abdullah m. AL-Musa Dr. Hanan Malkawi Dr. Ibrahim Jalal Dr. Mahmoud M.Sarhan Dr. Mohammed Saidam Dr. Usama al-Khalidi (Director) | NCB has supported the following research projects: 1. Project Title:
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Infectious Bronchitis Virus serotypes from commercial chickens in Jordan. Aim:
Dr.
Saad Gharaibeh is developing in cooperation with Jordan Biological
Vaccine Company JOVAC a vaccine against the prevelant and endemic among
chickens infectious bronchitis virus (not infectious to man). 2. Project Title:
Expression of bioactive human interferon –gamma in transgenic tobacco plant. Aim:
Dr.
Munther Al-Sadder is developing a genetical transform the recombinant
human INF-y into tobacco plant cells using both Agrobacterium and
electroporation protocols, and to patent the protocol. 3. Project Title:
Drought resistant palm trees. Aim:
To identify and assess the drought tolerance to a strain of desert palm trees. Researchers:
Dr. Raed Tubaini/Jordan Badia Research and Development Centre
Dr. Jamal Sawwan/University of Jordan
Dr. Muhanad Akash/University of Jordan 4. Project Title:
Derivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae baker’s yeast mutants with lysine overproduction properties. Aim:
Flours
obtained from cereals and used as human are deficient in several amino
acids essential for humans. Such amino acids include threonine,
methionine, tryptophan, and lysine. Following fermentation, yeast
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is incorporated into food; hence, a cheap
and practical way of enriching cereal flours in essential amino acids
could be attained through the addition/use of yeast mutants that
overproduce and accumulate these amino acids. Unfortunately, bakers
yeast strains currently in use in the food industry produce lysine and
most other essential amino acids at much lower quantities than desired.
Therefore, this study aims at deriving lysine overproducing S.
cerevisiae mutants. Investigator:
Dr. Mawieh Hamad, Department of Biology & Biotechnology, Hashemite University Phases of the project:
- Semi-Culture of different strains of the yeast following UV- & hopefully g-irradiation.
- Continuous testing for lysine by yeast cells while in culture.
- Subculture and propagation of lysine overproducers, further testing for lysine production.
- Selection of the most potent lysine overproducers for long term maintenance. 5. Project Title:
Induction of genetic mutation in Akub (Gundeia Tournefortii) from Jordan. Aim:
Mutation breeding of Akub using radiation to develop a new plant variety, To:
- Test the possibility of growing Akub out of season; and
- Attempt to select for a spineless mutant. Researchers:
Dr. Mohamad Awad Shatanawi; Al-Balqa Applied University. Duration:
2 Years, starting date: 1/7/2006. Phases of the project:
Phases 1:
- Seed collection.
- Storage of seeds.
Phases 2:
Mutation experiment.
Phases 3: Growth + evaluation experiment.
Phases 4: Evaluation stage. |
