RESEARCH CENTRES
AIB
is concentrating on research in important thrust areas in all sectors
of life processes related to health care, diagnostic and therapeutics,
functional food nutraceuticals, environment remediation, biodiversity
conservation energy which are being monitored through 12 well
specialized centers manned by research scientists, faculties drawn from
different corners of the country and also specialized laboratories
abroad.
(1) CENTRE FOR PLANT GENETIC ENGINEERING
This
centre is devoted more on strengthening the methodologies for plant
genetic engineering, sustainable development of the biosphere with
proper utilization of natural bio-resources. Emphasis is being given on
developing high quality planting materials through plant genetic
engineering, tissue culture in three important sectors, horticulture
including herbal medicinal plants, plantation crops agricultural crops
and forestry.
The centre has standardized techniques of
micropropagation of medicinal and economically valuable plants and
extraction of biologically active principles form medicinal plants.
Three sponsored research projects (two from DST and one from CSIR) are
in operation in the center. The center has good number of publications
in journals of international repute with high impact factor.
Research project carried out at the centre are following:1. In
vitro production of psoralen- an important bioactive compound through
cotyledon culture of an endangered leguminous taxon-Psoralea
corylifolia Linn. (DST) supervised by Dr. Shanaz Subhan. 2. Transformation
for abiotic stress tolerance through gly I gene in Ammi majus for
enhancement of xanthotoxin. (DST) supervised by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar 3. Identification
and partial purification of medicinal plant extract effective against
Helicobacter pylori. (CSIR) supervised by Dr. Shoma Paul Nandi Objectives of the centre are:  Standardization and establishment of a protocol for micropropagation of medicinal and economically valuable plants.
Study the in vitro growth performance of regenerants. Genetic transformation of medicinal plants. Study of abiotic and biotic stress on regenerants and transformants. Monitor the effect of abiotic stress on plant survival. Quantitative and qualitative estimation of secondary metabolites in in-vivo and in-vitro cultures and transformants. Future plans
The
developed protocol will be extended to other taxa and further
verification of the quality and yield will ensure commercial
acceptability of the product.
(2) CENTRE FOR GENOMICS
Centre
for Genomics focuses on genome studies in all species, and presents
research that provides or aids in genome-based analyses of biological
processes. This centre at AIB has concentrated in genomic sector and
attending to the following research areas: 1. Allelic
diversity available in cereals and related species and genera for
resistance to diseases and pests and nutritional traits. 2. To identify, adapt and evaluate molecular markers for use in the rice-breeding program. 3. To classify the gene pool and establish abiotic and biotic resistant germplasm in cereals. 4. Mapping of loci contributing to high yield. 5. Biotic stresses – disease and pest resistance 6. Abiotic stress – Cold, salinity and drought 7. Biofuel for genomics and proteomics 8. Development of genome analysis tools for mining genes of economic importance. 9. Genomics
and proteomics of natural products for value addition programme in the
area of drug research, nutraceuticals and functional food.
The
centre has also undertaken the development of tools and platform to
enable scientists in the analysis of genomic data which are being
utilized from class room studies for many courses like genomics and
proteomics, genomic structure and function, computational biology and
computational genomics with an objective to utilize the information of
different genome through the genomic tools available with the center
for meeting different objectives.
Presently the research studies which is going on:
Rice genome Gene prediction and annotation Gene base cataloguing of Rice genome information Cluster of gene based rice Express Sequence Tagged (ESTs) Development of Web based in silico mapping tool. Abiotic stress – cold, salinity and drought The
centre has good number of publications in Nature, Functional and
Integrative Genomics, BMC Biology, Proceedings of structural and
functional Genomics etc. Research papers have been accepted and
communicated in IJIB and JGG, respectively in the year 2008.
(3) CENTRE FOR DRUG DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION
The
centre for new drug discovery at Amity Institute of Biotechnology has
been constituted with the aim to identify and develop newer lead
molecules keeping in view the immediate and future projections of
diseases, which will be a major cause of mortality as a result of
socioeconomic changes. The areas under focus are lead generation and
optimization under the following categories:
Herbal based drug discovery
The
focus of this centre is the development of new pharmaceutically
improved molecules from natural sources and plants active against
important human pathogen for example (e.g.: Leishmania, gastric cancer,
stomach cancer). The plant extracts effective against Helicobacter
pylori are screened to find an alternative way to treat stomach cancer
caused by these organisms.
Synthetic New Drug Discovery
The
centre at present is focusing on development of alternative lead
molecules, as selective estrogen receptor modulators, which can be used
for management/treatment of breast cancer. Compounds being synthesized
as potential selective estrogen receptor modulators mimic the positive
effects of estrogen while blocking the hormones negative effects.
Several lead molecules have been generated and molecular docking
experiment using bioinformatics tools with different isoforms of
Estrogen receptor have resulted in promising results.
Future projections
This
centre provides a platform wherein interdisciplinary approach for
potential target identification, validation and development using tools
in bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics is highly integrated.
Initiating broad spectrum screening of candidate compounds for other
biological targets also forms a potential area for target validation
and screening. The use of High Throughput screening (HTS) and
Combinatorial Chemistry approach in this context offers an array of
prospects for faster generation of small-molecule drug discovery
process.
The centre has projects sponsored by DST and CSIR. The
centre has good number of research publications in journals like
“Journals of immunology, immunopathology, annual products,
Contraception, Journal of Medicinal chemistry etc. The centre has
developed specialized research facilities for extraction and isolation
of pure compound from selective medicinal plant by using different
chromatographic techniques, identification, characterization and
structural determination of the isolated pure compound by UV, IR, NMR
and mass spectroscopic techniques.
(4) CENTRE FOR BIOINFORMATICS
The
center is concentrating on acquisition, curation and analysis of
biological data. The objective of the center is to provide
computational science capabilities through the use of powerful,
state-of-the-art computers for researchers in biology, chemistry,
physics, applied mathematics, medicine. The major focus is on data
mining, Genome Annotation, Molecular Modeling and in silico drug
design. Useful information or knowledge is being autonomously extracted
through data mining process. The current focus is on the comparative
study of DNA repair gene in Bacteria, microarray, data analysis using
Shannon’s entropy and databases of medicinal plants and diseases. In
Genome Annotation, focus is being given on shifting to the accurate
annotation of genomic sequences to the inter play between genes and
protein and to the genetic variability of species. The studies which
are being conducted under center are targeted towards identifying
genetic variability as source of phenotypic variation, pathogen,
pathogen susceptibility and individual differences in drug response.
The current focus areas are Genomics and Proteomics, studies of P450
family of Human, Rice and Arabidopsis, comparative study of M.
tuberculosis.
Scientists are also working on molecular modeling
and drug design and for that purpose, the facilities and resources are
developed targeting the studies in the following areas:1. Knowledge of protein structure facilitating drug design. 2. Understanding of genomic tailoring of medical treatment to the individual’s genetic make-up. 3. Genome analysis targeting of genetic diseases. The technique developed is also targeted to biotechnology, crop and livestock improvement etc.
(5) CENTRE FOR NANO BIOTECHNOLOGY1. The
centre has initiated research work in the area of development of slow
release of biodegradable nanoparticle system, releasing fluorouracil
for control of Cancer. Fluorouracil is an anti cancer drug given
through intravenous route and is associated with serious side effects.
There is a need to develop slow release biodegradable nanoparticle
delivery system for cancer with low cost and devoid of side effects. 2. The center is attempting to develop nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers with fluorouracil. 3. The
nanoparticles are being designed which can be injected intramuscularly
and will be tested in rats, rabbits and monkeys and finally their serum
Fluorouracil profile shall be established. 4. Short term and long term toxicity of nanoparticles shall also be established. 5. The
centre has also initiated work on developing ELISA system based on
polymeric nanoparticles with surface functionality & magnetic core
reacting with functional groups on the surface, covalently attach to
the antigen / antibody in order to function as probe for the detection
of complementary analyte in the sample. Magnetic core normally
facilitates fast and easy separation of the particles from the liquid
phase. The system can be applied for the detection of various bacterial
and pathogenic disease samples like tuberculosis, malaria etc. 6. Centre
has publications in the area in high profile journals like
Contraception, Steroid Biochemistry etc. Single silastic implant
releasing norethindrone acetate was developed and phases II clinical
trials were done for control of fertility. Biodegradable long acting
releasing norethindrone acetate was developed. Liposome (nanoparticles)
releasing mite allergen (protein) was developed for control of allergy.
(6) CENTRE FOR POPULATION STUDIES AND HUMAN GENETICS
At
the moment, centre is having Government funded research project on
Demographic and Genetic Studies related to the Incidence of Neural Tube
Defects (NTD) and completed a project on Health and Family welfare
Infra structures in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
This
centre is concentrating on emerging technologies in human genetics to
search for genes that are causal in the genesis of human disease. These
efforts will integrate genetic and clinical research at the centre in
AIB. The large, ethnically diverse population available in India
provides an opportunity for comprehensive genetic analysis of human
disease, thus, the program in human genetics should occupy a critical
niche in future genetic research. This centre can establish as a
leading center for demographic training with emphasis on
interdisciplinary social science training.
The centre has
planned strong programmes of research in the demography of ageing,
reproductive health and the demographic impact of the AIDS epidemic.
Other fields of research have included family demography, medical
demography and the indirect estimation of fertility and mortality in
the developing world. The Centre has adopted multidisciplinary approach
to its activities and combining expertise in Human and population
genetics, demography and reproductive health with background
information generated through the experience in biology, anthropology,
policy analysis, operations research, economics, mathematics,
statistics, epidemiology and public health. The researches conducted in
the centre are: 1. Project
entitled “Health and family welfare infrastructure (Private and Public
sector) in East Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) focusing on abortion” funded by
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, have been
completed. 2. The
ongoing project entitled “Demographic and Genetic Studies related to
the incidence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)” funded by Indian Council
of Medical Research, Government of India. 3. Project
entitled “Impact assessment of the Performance and Utility of
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in Promoting Public Health
Cares in Rural Areas of the State of Assam under the National Rural
Health Mission and to Study Health Issues of Women and Children in the
Community” is under process in Department of Science and Technology,
Government of India.
(7) CENTRE FOR BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY AND ENZYMOLOGY
Bioprocess
Technology and Enzymology Centre at AIB is concentrating on production,
optimization, purification and molecular level characterization of
various therapeutically and industrially important products like
enzymes (Tyrosine/ Serine/ Threonine phosphatases, amylases,
cellulases, proteases etc.), biofuels, biomass (Single Cell Protein),
citric acid, vinegar etc. alongwith application of immobilized whole
cells/ enzymes and their cost effective downstreaming. 1. Purification
and molecular characterization of therapeutically important enzymes
like protein tyrosine/ Serine/ Threonine phosphatases, dual-
specificity protein tyrosine phosphatases, superoxide dismutase from
microbial and plant sources using various techniques like
chromatography, electrophoresis, N-terminal sequencing, MALDI-TOF mass
spectrometry and further their phylogenetic analysis using BLAST, FASTA
etc. These enzymes are found to be effective against many diseases like
cancer, diabetes etc. The centre is aiming at designing drugs using
purified enzymes. 2. Bioconversion
of lignocellulosic waste into useful chemicals exploring high specific
activity enzymes capable enough to degrade lignocellulosic waste to
fermentable sugars without chemical treatment. The centre is working on
optimisation, purification and characterization of industrially
important enzymes like proteases, amylases, cellulases, lignase,
lipase, pectinase, invertase, lactase, glucose isomerase, glucose
oxidase etc. alongwith the production of bioethanol, citric acid,
vinegar, single cell protein etc. from waste materials. 3. Recognition
of a Novel N-terminal sequence of a purified enzyme in an International
Protein Repository-Universal Protein Resource (UNIPROT). Many papers
have been published in journals of repute.
(8) CENTRE FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
The Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology at AIB is concentrating on the following thrust areas:
• Signal transduction
• Apoptosis
Signal transduction
All
cells receive and respond to signals from their surroundings in
multicellular eukaryotes and the response of each individual cell needs
to be critically regulated to meet the needs of the organism as a
whole. This is accomplished by a variety of signaling molecules that
bind to receptors followed by the passage of this signal leading to
appropriate gene expression. Such responses control almost all aspects
of cell functioning. Understanding the molecular mechanisms for these
pathways of cell signaling is a major area of research.
At AIB research is in progress in following areas: Identification of receptors involved in signaling in plants. Elucidation of signaling pathway in plants. Study of DNA-protein interactions Isolation and characterization of pathogenesis related proteins in plants.
Apoptosis
In
cells apoptosis is an important process regulating cell function.
Programmed cell death characterized by distinct molecular changes in
cell, called apoptosis plays a key role in maintenance of adult tissues
and in embryonic development. In adults apoptosis is responsible for
balancing cell proliferation and maintaining constant cell numbers in
tissues undergoing cell turnover.
At AIB research in this field is
being contemplated to understand the role of this molecular function in
tissue repair in plants. This shall help to develop strategies for
enhancing/including repair of commercially important tissues. Also
strategy can be designed to eliminate unwanted/infected damaged
tissues. The centre has published many papers in reputed journals.
(9)CENTRE FOR MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Major Research Thrust area in Microbiology¬
Isolation and characterization of the microbes producing industrially important enzymes. Production,
purification and biochemical and molecular characterization of
industrially important enzymes (Lipases, amylases and proteases). Metagenomics
to explore the extremely rich microbial diversity of the Indian
subcontinent to discover industrially important products with novel and
interesting properties. Biodegradation of the toxic and hazardous compounds to harmless materials. Antimicrobial efficacy of the natural products for pharmaceutical industry.
The
centre has isolated the microbes with novel enzymatic activity:
Alkaline protease producer, Lipase producer, Amylase producer. All
these enzymes are used in the Fermentation Industry (in the production
of cheese and yogurt. Detergent Industry, Leather Industry, Pulp and
Paper Industry, Baking Industry and Waste treatment, Brewing Industry,
Food processing Industry, Fuel Alcohol Industry, Animal feed Industry.
Textile Industry, Personal care (like toothpaste, cleaning solution for
contact lens)
The centre has standardized the technique of
production of lipase using solid state fermentation by Enterobactor
aerogenes which meets all the criteria to suit detergent applications,
(i) stability under harsh \Ushin2 conditions (pH 9-11, temperature
30-60 °C) (ii) stability in presence of surfactants and other
components of detergent formulation. The centre has published papers in
reputed journals.
(10) CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY1. This
centre is committed more on strengthening the recent trends in
biological control; the reduction of pest populations by natural
enemies. The centre has given emphasis on reduction in the consumption
of the amount of pesticides by development of sustainable eco-friendly
integrated management strategies. The current achievements and growth
of Agricultural Biotechnology in the institute has witnessed the steady
development of new techniques for the identification of different
biological control agents such as parasitoids predators etc. and
isolation and identification of potentially important allelochemicals,
The center has standardized techniques for rearing different biological
control agents such as Trichogramma spp., Cotesia spp Bracon spp and
coleopteran predators these agents can served as models for elucidating
factors regulating the tritrophic interactions of parasitoids,
Predators, herbivores and plants. Other important goal of this centre
are : Chemical
Identification of allelochemicals presents in host plants and host
insects for behavioral manipulation of important natural enemies. Exploitation of allelochemicals for effective biological control in different crops. Evaluation of molecular, biochemical and behavioral aspects. Identifying genes/proteins involved in the perception of allelochemical signals. 2. The
centre has planned a self sustained agro practice depending on the
colonization of microrhyzal flora, with wide support of allelochemicals
generated from cropping system and recycling of agricultural residues,
mixed with potential wild plants through composting of organic source
to facilitate life systems with micro flora and fauna.
The
economically viable production obtained through eco-friendly technique
and long term sustainability with the potential to revive the soil
health transforming into the natural process of biogeochemical cycle is
the target before the centre.
One sponsored research project (from DST) is in operation in the centre. (11) CENTRE FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
Following
the current trends and importance in biomedical sciences in
international and national arena, Amity Institute of Biotechnology has
taken multiple research and development I programme. Biomedical science
is the linkage and supportive division of health care industry and
institution and caters to the need and improvement of prevailed
technologies in this area. Center of Biomedical, science in Amity is
working on noble drug (synthetic and herbal) development protocols,
clinical strategies to counteract Helicobacter pylori invasion in human
abdominal system, gene based profiling of neural tube disorder in
pregnant women in India pathogenesis study of cervical and colon cancer
and its correlation with pten antioncogene etc.
This centre is progressing in a big way by taking following objectives and programmes in the near future¬: 1. Development
of pten and psixty three based marker for identification and
localization of different carcinogenesis by Immunohistochemistry and
PCR method. . 2. Toxicity profiling of medically important microbes and viruses through cell culture techniques and CCID calculations. 3. To
start a reproductive and developmental biotechnology study in Zebra
fish and mice model on the basis of stem cell based protein marker. 4. To
begin a work on rare medicinal plant and its counteraction in newly
developed disease varieties like AIDS, dengue, viral fever etc.
Expert/Technical Services
The
Institute is offering expert/technical services to sister institutions
of Amity in the areas of Home Grown Technologies viz. low cost
bio-fertilizer based organic culture, mushroom production (both oyster
and button), maintenance of eco-friendly bio-cultures, intensive
propagation of Jatropha carcus as a source of bio-diesel. | 
