Department of Biotechnology

About: Department of Biotechnology is a government organization based out in New Delhi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Silver nanoparticle. The organization has 4800 authors who have published 5033 publications receiving 82022 citations.

Global implementation of genomic medicine: We are not alone

Abstract: Around the world, innovative genomic-medicine programs capitalize on singular capabilities arising from local health care systems, cultural or political milieus, and unusual selected risk alleles or disease burdens. Such individual efforts might benefit from the sharing of approaches and lessons learned in other locales. The U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute and the National Academy of Medicine recently brought together 25 of these groups to compare projects, to examine the current state of implementation and desired near-term capabilities, and to identify opportunities for collaboration that promote the responsible practice of genomic medicine. Efforts to coalesce these groups around concrete but compelling signature projects should accelerate the responsible implementation of genomic medicine in efforts to improve clinical care worldwide.

Optimization of cellulase production from bacteria isolated from soil.

Abstract: Cellulase-producing bacteria were isolated from soil and identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilIs, E. coli, and Serratia marcescens. Optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum cellulase production was carried out. The culture conditions like pH, temperature, carbon sources, and nitrogen sources were optimized. The optimum conditions found for cellulase production were 40°C at pH 10 with glucose as carbon source and ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source, and coconut cake stimulates the production of cellulase. Among bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens is the best cellulase producer among the four followed by Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and Serratia marscens.

Embryo rescue in plants -- a review

Abstract: The plant breeders usually rescue inherently weak, immature or hybrid embryos to prevent degeneration. The successful production of plants from the cultured embryos largely depends upon the maturation stage and the composition of the medium. Abortion of embryos at one or the other stage of development is a characteristic feature of distant hybridization. For the first time successful embryo culture to obtain an interspecific cross between Linum perenne × L. austriacum was demonstrated by Laibach (1925, 1929). Since then several refinements have been made in embryo culture/embryo rescue techniques which have been a popular approach for raising hybrids from a number of incompatible crosses. Currently embryo rescue holds great promise not only for effecting wide crosses, but also for obtaining plants from inherently weak embryos, obtaining haploid plants as well as for shortening the breeding cycle.

Parameters in preparation and characterization of cross linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs)

Abstract: In the past couple of decades, cross linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) have emerged as a novel and versatile carrier free immobilization technique. The immobilization of enzymes as cross linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) involves precipitation of an enzyme from aqueous solution followed by cross linking with a bi-functional reagent. It is worth noting that many parameters alter the enzyme precipitation and the aggregate cross linking and hence affect the activity and stability of CLEAs. Therefore to endorse CLEAs for industrial application, each newly synthesised CLEA is characterized. This review intends to investigate the effects of various parameters, such as the nature and purity of the enzyme, the nature and amount of precipitant, the nature and amount of cross linker, the cross linking time, the pH and temperature during CLEA preparation and washing and separation techniques on the activity and stability of CLEAs. The major parameters such as catalytic properties, particle size and morphology, stability and reusability required for approval of industrial applicability of newly synthesized CLEAs are critically reviewed. Furthermore the scope of CLEAs in non-aqueous solvent, the development of one pot cascade processes and the design of different types of enzyme reactors is also discussed.

Biodiversity and biotechnological potential of microorganisms from mangrove ecosystems: a review

Abstract: Mangrove forests occurring at the interface of terrestrial and marine ecosystems represent a rich biological diversity of plants, animals and microorganisms. Microbes, being an important component of the mangrove environment, not only play a very critical role in creating and maintaining this biosphere but also serve as a source of biotechnologically valuable and important products. By participating in various steps of decomposition and mineralization of leaf litter, microbes make an essential contribution to the productivity of the mangrove ecosystem. They able to recycle nutrients, produce and consume gases that affect global climate, destroy pollutants, treat anthropogenic wastes and can also be used for biological control of plant and animal pests. Microorganisms from mangrove environments are a major source of antimicrobial agents and also produce a wide range of important medicinal compounds, including enzymes, antitumor agents, insecticides, vitamins, immunosuppressants, and immune modulators. However, the phylogenetic and functional description of microbial diversity in mangrove ecosystems has not been addressed to the same extent as for other environments. Even though the mangrove ecosystem is very rich in microbial diversity, less than 5% of species have been described; in many cases neither their ecological role nor their application potential is known. Recently developed technologies in molecular biology and genetics offer great promise to explore the potential of microbial diversity. Hence, the present paper makes an attempt to review the microbial diversity in mangrove ecosystems and explore their potential applications in various fields such as agriculture, pharmaceutical, industrial, environmental and medical sciences.