BIOTECHNOLOGY

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What Is Biotechnology ?

Break biotechnology into its root words and you have : "bio"-the use of biological processes and "technology"-to solve problems or make useful products.

Using biological processes is hardly a noteworthy event. We began growing crops and raising animals 10,000 years ago to provide a stable supply of food and clothing. We have used the biological processes of microorganisms for 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products. Why is biotechnology receiving so much attention? During the 1960s and '70s our understanding of biology reached a point where we could begin to use the smallest parts of organisms, their cells and molecules, in addition to using whole organisms. A more appropriate definition in the new sense of the word is : "New" Biotechnology-the use of cellular and molecular processes to solve problems or make products. We can get a better handle on the meaning of the word "biotechnology" by simply changing the singular noun to its plural form, "biotechnologies," because biotechnology is a collection of technologies that capitalize on the attributes of cells and biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins.

Cells and Biological Molecules

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. The simplest living things, such as yeast, consist of a single, self-sufficient cell. Complex creatures more familiar to us, such as plants, animals and humans, are made of many different types of cells. Each cell type performs a very specific task. In spite of the extraordinary diversity of living things, all cells contain essentially the same kinds of biological molecules. The biological molecules we use most often in biotechnology are DNA and proteins. Virtually all living cells contain genetic material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA provides instructions for making other cells and performing cellular tasks. DNA contains the information, but proteins provide the building materials for making new cells and are also the workers that carry out DNA's work orders. Each cell in every living thing contains a work force of thousands of different kinds of proteins, assigned to particular tasks. The DNA contains the instructions for making proteins and coordinating their activities. Cells and biological molecules are extraordinarily specific in their interactions. Because of this specificity, the tools and techniques of biotechnology are precise and are tailored to operate in known, predictable ways. As a result, the products of biotechnology will be better targeted to solving specific problems, generating gentler or fewer side effects and having fewer unintended consequences. Specific, precise, predictable. Those are the words that best describe today's biotechnology.


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Uses of Biotechnology

Ethics 
Gene Therapy 
Germ Line Gene Therapy Moratorium 
Medical Privacy and Genetic Discrimination
Cloning 
Stem Cells
Xenotransplantation

Health Care
Medicines 
Vaccines
Diagnostics
Gene Therapy
Stem Cell Research
Genomics and Proteomics
Genomics
Proteomics

Agriculture 
Feeding the World 
Environmental Benefits
Crossbreeding & Hybridization
Biopesticides
Herbicide Tolerance
Natural Protections for Plants
Regulation 

Industrial Uses
Industrial Sustainability
Material and Energy Inputs
Biocatalysts
Improving Existing Biocatalysts 
Research and Development
Discovering and Creating Novel Biocatalysts
Applications of Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology
Renewable Energy
Green Plastics 
Industrial Enzymes





Environment
Additive Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) 

Space 
NASA-National Cancer Institute Collaboration 
Microgravity 
First Commercial Agreement
Agricultural Applications
Space Exploration 

Animal Health 
Domestic Animals 
Management of Wildlife Populations
Animal Health Biotechnology 

Marine Biotechnology 
Aquaculture
Marine Biotechnology Products
Bioremediation and Environment

Other Uses 
DNA Fingerprinting 
Forensic Testing
Establishing Paternity
Anthropology
Biological Warfare
Biological Weapons
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
The United States and the Convention

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The Technologies and Their Applications

Here are a few of the new biotechnologies that use cells and biological molecules and examples of their applications in medicine, agriculture and environmental management.

Monoclonal Antibody Technologies

Monoclonal antibody technology uses immune system cells that make proteins called antibodies. We have all experienced the extraordinary specificity of antibodies: those that attack a flu virus one winter do nothing to protect us from a slightly different flu virus the next year. The specificity of antibodies makes them powerful tools for locating substances that occur in minuscule amounts and measuring them with great accuracy. For example, we use monoclonal antibodies to 

o distinguish cancer cells from normal cells.
o locate environmental pollutants.
o detect harmful microorganisms in food.
o diagnose infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants more quickly and more accurately than ever before.

Cell Culture Technology

Cell culture technology is the growing of cells outside of living organisms. With mammalian cell culture, we can replace animal testing with cell testing when evaluating the safety and efficacy of medicines. Cellular therapeutics are on the horizon as well. New, healthy cells, produced with embryonic stem cell culture, could replace the malfunctioning cells in people with Parkinson's disease and restore function in stroke and heart attack victims. Plant cell culture provides us with an environmentally sound and economically feasible option for obtaining naturally occurring products with therapeutic value, such as the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel, a compound found in yew trees and marketed under the name Taxol. By using cell culture to grow microorganisms that infect insects, we will be able to kill insect pests, such as mosquitoes and caterpillars. Biocontrol agents infect only certain insects without harming beneficial insects, such as honeybees.

Cloning Technology

Cloning technology allows us to generate a population of genetically identical molecules, cells, plants or animals. In molecular cloning, the word "clone" refers to a gene or DNA fragment and also to the collection of cells or organisms, such as bacteria, containing the cloned piece of DNA. Cellular cloning, a type of cell culture, produces "cell lines" of identical cells. In monoclonal antibody technology, scientists isolate one cell from an array of antibody-producing cells, then generate a clonal cell line from that cell. We can produce plant clones by rooting small pieces of fully developed plants, but animal cloning requires cells specialized for reproduction: either eggs or embryonic cells at the very earliest stages of development. Although the debut of the cloned sheep Dolly in 1997 brought animal cloning technology into the spotlight, biologists first cloned animals in 1952 by transferring genetic material from the nucleus of frog embryonic cells to frog eggs, which then developed into genetically identical tadpoles. Using similar nuclear transfer techniques, scientists first cloned cattle in the mid-1980s and have now produced hundreds of cattle, sheep and swine embryos that have been carried to term by surrogate females. For two decades, animal breeders have also used another cloning technology, embryo twinning, to improve livestock herds. They artificially inseminate a genetically superior cow, then divide a 3-to 4-day-old embryo into two and implant the twin embryos into surrogate females. Dolly was considered a scientific breakthrough not because she was a clone, but because the source of her genetic material was an adult animal cell, not an embryonic one. Before Dolly, scientists assumed genetic material from adult animal cells could not direct the full development of an animal because the cells had become specialized into certain types and could not "remember" how to give rise to a complete organism. Because cloning technology can be used to produce molecules, cells, plants, some animals, and mammalian embryos, the applications of cloning technology are extraordinarily broad. Molecular cloning provides the foundation of the molecular biology revolution and is a fundamental and essential tool of biotechnology research, development and commercialization. Virtually all applications of recombinant DNA technology described below, from basic research to pharmaceutical production, depend on molecular cloning. This application of molecular cloning is so pervasive that in scientific circles "to clone" has become synonymous with inserting a new piece of DNA into an existing DNA molecule. Identifying and mapping genes also depends on molecular cloning; and, once again, "to clone" can mean to identify and map a gene, indicating the importance of molecular cloning to these applications. Both the ever-expanding scientific definition of "clone" and the essential role molecular cloning plays in biotechnology research and production necessitate that any laws or regulations covering other types of cloning be carefully crafted.Cellular cloning is also a fundamental and essential tool of biotechnology research, development and commercialization. All applications of monoclonal antibody technology; the regeneration of transgenic plants from single cells; pharmaceutical manufacturing based on mammalian cell culture; and generation of therapeutic cells and tissues depend on cellular cloning. These and other potential applications must also be taken into account in any legislative actions directed at cloning. Animal cloning has helped us rapidly incorporate improvements into livestock herds for two decades and has been an important tool for scientific researchers since the 1950s. Genetic engineering, in conjunction with animal cloning, is providing us with excellent animal models for studying genetic diseases, aging and cancer, and, in the future, will help us discover drugs and evaluate other forms of therapy, such as gene and cell therapy. Finally, in the future, zoo researchers may help save endangered species with animal cloning. In August 1998, a rare breed of cow was successfully cloned. 

Genetic Modification Technology

Genetic modification technology is often referred to as recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant DNA is made, both in nature and by humans, by combining genetic material from two different sources. Humans began to preferentially combine the genetic material of domesticated plants and animals thousands of years ago by selecting which individuals would reproduce. By selectively breeding individuals with valuable genetic traits while excluding others from reproduction, we intentionally changed the genetic makeup of the plants and animals we domesticated. Techniques for making selective breeding more predictable and precise have been continually evolving, especially since we discovered the genetic basis of heredity in the early 1900s. Now, in addition to using selective breeding to combine valuable genetic material from different organisms, we combine genes at the molecular level using the more precise techniques of genetic modification. Selective breeding and genetic modification fundamentally resemble each other, but there are important differences. In genetic modification, we move single genes whose functions we know from one organism to another; in selective breeding, large sets of genes of unknown function are transferred. By making our manipulations more precise and our outcomes more certain, we decrease the risk of producing organisms with unexpected traits and avoid the time-consuming trial-and-error approach of selective breeding. Currently, we are using genetic modification techniques to 

o produce new medicines and safer vaccines
o treat some genetic diseases
o enhance biocontrol agents in agriculture
o increase agricultural yields and decrease production costs
o decrease allergy-producing characteristics of some foods
o improve food's nutritional value
o develop biodegradable plastics
o decrease water and air pollution.

A special type of genetic modification technology, antisense technology, uses small nucleic acids to block the protein production of specific genes. Currently, researchers use antisense to 

o slow food spoilage
o control viral diseases
o inhibit inflammation.

Protein Engineering Technology

Protein engineering technology will often be used in conjunction with genetic modification to improve existing proteins, usually enzymes, and to create proteins not found in nature. These new and improved proteins will encourage the development of ecologically sustainable industrial processes because they are renewable, biodegradable resources. Unlike other catalysts used in industrial manufacturing processes, enzymes, as biocatalysts, dissolve in water and work best at neutral pH and comparatively low temperatures. Because biocatalysts are more specific than chemical catalysts, they also produce fewer unwanted byproducts. The chemical, textile, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, food and feed, and energy industries are all benefiting from cleaner, more energy-efficient production made possible by incorporating biocatalysts into their production processes. The traits that make biocatalysts environmentally advantageous may, however, become detrimental in certain industrial processes. Most enzymes fall apart at temperatures above 100° F. Scientists are circumventing these limitations by using protein engineering to increase enzyme stability under harsh manufacturing conditions. 

Hybrid Technologies

The biotechnologies described above, which rely almost exclusively on knowledge of cells and biological molecules, have provided us with an extraordinary array of new options. We are also combining our understanding of biological processes with scientific advances and technological innovations in other disciplines, which gives birth to a synergistic set of new technologies. Biosensor Technology Biosensor technology couples our knowledge of biology with advances in microelectronics. A biosensor is composed of a biological component, such as a cell or antibody, linked to a tiny transducer. Biosensors are detecting devices that rely on the specificity of cells and molecules to identify and measure substances at extremely low concentrations. When the substance of interest collides with the biological component, the transducer produces a digital electronic signal proportional to the concentration of the substance. Biosensors can o measure the nutritional value, freshness and safety of food.

o provide emergency room physicians with bedside measures of vital blood components
o locate and measure environmental pollutants.

Tissue Engineering Technology Tissue engineering technology combines advances in cell biology and materials science, allowing us to create semi-synthetic tissues and organs in the lab. These tissues consist of biodegradable scaffolding material plus living cells produced through cell culture. The most basic forms of tissue engineering use natural biological materials, such as collagen, for scaffolding. For example, two-layer skin is made by infiltrating a collagen gel with connective tissue cells, then creating the outer skin with a layer of tougher protective cells. In other methods, the scaffolding, made of a synthetic polymer, is shaped and then placed in the body where new tissue is needed. Adjacent cells invade the scaffolding, which eventually degrades and is absorbed. At other times, the biodegradable implant is spiked with cells grown in the laboratory. Simple tissues, such as skin and cartilage, were the first to be engineered successfully. Ultimately the goal is to create complex organs, consisting of a number of tissue types, that can replace diseased or injured organs. DNA Chip Technology DNA chip technology, a marriage of the semiconductor manufacturing industry and molecular genetics, will transform genetic analysis because it allows us to analyze tens of thousands of genes simultaneously on a single chip. The manufacturing process of microchips and DNA chips is similar, in principle; but instead of shining light through a series of masks to etch circuits into silicon, automated DNA chip-makers use a series of masks to lay down an array of DNA fragments on a glass slide. DNA chip technology is being used to

o detect mutations in disease-causing genes.
o monitor gene activity.
o diagnose infectious diseases and identify the best antibiotic treatment.
o identify genes important to crop productivity.
o improve screening for microbes used in bioremediation.


DNA chips will be essential for converting the raw genetic data provided by the Human Genome Project into useful products. Sequencing the human genome, while a remarkable achievement, provides only the first milestone in the upcoming medical revolution. The gene sequence and mapping data mean little until we determine what those genes do. This field of study, known as functional genomics, helps us translate gene identification and DNA sequence data into biological functions. Any study of gene function is, at its core, a study of proteins. Each cell produces thousands of proteins, each with a specific function. This collection of proteins in a cell is known as the proteome, and, unlike the genome, which is constant irrespective of cell type, the proteome varies from one cell type to the next. The science of proteomics attempts to identify the protein profile of each cell type, assess protein differences between healthy and diseased cells, and uncover not only a protein's specific function but also how it interacts with other proteins. Neither functional genomics nor proteomics is an end in itself. Their medical value will be in identifying specific therapeutic targets and helping us understand the complex biochemistry of disease processes. For more information on the exciting advances spawned by genomics and proteomics, see the "Health Care" section. Bioinformatics Technology Bioinformatics technology uses computational tools provided by the information technology revolution, such as statistical software, graphics simulation and database management, to organize and analyze information about biological systems, which, for biotechnology, is information about cells and biological molecules. Using another product of the information revolution, the Internet, scientists broadcast this information around the world. The technologies described above-from monoclonal antibody technology to DNA chips-have provided us with massive amounts of information, in addition to useful products. Without methods for organizing and analyzing the raw data, however, we will not be able to turn it into knowledge, understanding and, ultimately, products. Bioinformatics technology provides us with tools and methods for consistently organizing, accessing, processing and integrating data from different sources. This uniformity, in conjunction with the universal language of life at the molecular level, enables international collaboration among scientists studying any plant, animal or microbe. Bioinformatics technology helps us to 

o map genomes and identify genes.
o determine protein structure and simulate
protein interactions.
o discover new therapeutic targets and design
medicines aimed at the targets.
o assess the effects of virtual mutations on gene
function.

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Biotechnology Industry Statistics

Some Facts About Biotechnology

o More than 250 million people worldwide have been helped by the more than 117 biotechnology drug products and vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Of the biotech medicines on the market, 75 percent were approved
in the last six years.

o There are more than 350 biotech drug products and vaccines currently in clinical trials targeting more than 200 diseases, including various cancers, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and arthritis.

o Biotechnology is responsible for hundreds of medical diagnostic tests that keep the blood supply safe from the AIDS virus and detect other conditions early enough to be successfully treated. Home pregnancy tests are also biotechnology diagnostic products. 

o Consumers are already enjoying biotechnology foods such as papaya, soybeans and corn. Hundreds of biopesticides and other agricultural products are also being used to improve our food supply and to reduce our dependence on conventional chemical pesticides.

o Environmental biotechnology products make it possible to clean up hazardous waste
more efficiently by harnessing pollution-eating microbes without the use of caustic chemicals. 

o Industrial biotechnology applications have led to cleaner processes that produce less waste and use less energy and water in such industrial sectors as chemicals, pulp and paper, textiles, food, energy, and metals and minerals. For example, most laundry detergents produced in the United States contain biotechnology-engineered enzymes.

o DNA fingerprinting, a biotech process, has dramatically improved criminal investigation and forensic medicine, as well as afforded significant advances in anthropology and wildlife management.

o There are 1,273 biotechnology companies in the United States, of which 300 are publicly held. 

o Market capitalization, the amount of money invested in the U.S. biotechnology industry, increased 156 percent in one year, soaring from $137.9 billion in 1999 to $353.5 billion in 2000.

o The biotechnology industry more than doubled in size since 1993, with revenues increasing from $8 billion in 1993 to $22.3 billion in 2000. 



o The U.S. biotechnology industry currently employs 150,800 people; that's more than all the people employed by the toy and sporting goods industries.

o Biotechnology is one of the most researchintensive industries in the world. The U.S. biotech industry spent $10.7 billion on research and development in 2000.

o The top five biotech companies spent an average of $89,400 per employee on R&D in
2000. This compares with an average of $37,200 per employee spent by the top pharmaceutical companies.

o The biotech industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).



Global Biotech Companies


As per available statistics, as on 31-03-2001 there were at least 1800 global biotech companies working in commercial biotech fields as alphabetical lists of all these global companies is contained at www.bio.com under 'industry analysis'. This side provides hyperlinks and URLs of each of these individual companies and their disclosable details. These are primarily working in the fields of Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Biotherapeutics, Bioengineering, Drug discovery and Immunotech. Each of them also reveals the job opportunities in their career centres 

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Careers in Biotechnology

In the 1980s, swift advances in basic biological knowledge related to genetics and molecules spurred growth in the field of biotechnology. Today, the biotechnology industry employs some 150,000 people. Biological and medical scientists using this technology manipulate the genetic material of animals or plants, attempting to make organisms more productive or resistant to disease. Research using biotechnology techniques, such as recombining DNA, has led to the discovery of important drugs, including human insulin and growth hormone. Many other substances not previously available in large quantities are starting to be produced by biotechnological means; some may be useful in treating cancer and other diseases. Today, many biological and medical scientists are involved in biotechnology, including those who work on the Human Genome Project, isolating, identifying, and sequencing human genes. This work continues to lead to the discovery of the genes associated with specific diseases and inherited traits, such as certain types of cancer or obesity. These advances in biotechnology have opened up research opportunities in almost all areas of biology, including commercial applications in agriculture, environmental remediation, and the food and chemical industries. Economic experts predict that these high-paying, high-quality jobs will be crucial to the nation's economic well-being in the years to come. Compensation in biotechnology Companies is competitive and includes incentives such as stock option plans, 401(k) plans, companywide stock purchase plans and cash bonus plans. Biological and medical scientists who work in applied research or product development use knowledge provided by basic research to develop new drugs and medical treatments, increase crop yields, and protect and clean up the environment. They usually have less autonomy than basic researchers to choose the emphasis of their research, relying instead on market-driven directions based on the firm's products and goals. Biological and medical scientists doing applied research and product development in private industry may be required to express their research plans or results to nonscientists who are in a position to veto or approve their ideas, and they must understand the business impact of their work. Scientists are increasingly working as part of teams, interacting with engineers, scientists of other disciplines, business managers, and technicians. Some biological and medical scientists also work with customers or suppliers, and manage budgets. Biological and medical scientists who conduct research usually work in laboratories and use electron microscopes, computers, thermal cyclers, or a wide variety of other equipment. Some conduct experiments using laboratory animals or greenhouse plants. For some biological scientists, a good deal of research is performed outside of laboratories. For example, a botanist may do research in tropical rain forests to see what plants grow there, or an ecologist may study how a forest area recovers after a fire. Some biological and medical scientists work in managerial or administrative positions, usually after spending some time doing research and learning about the firm, agency or project. They may plan and administer programs for testing foods and drugs, for example, or direct activities at zoos or botanical gardens. Some biological scientists work as consultants to business firms or to government, while others test and inspect foods, drugs and other products. Biotech companies are located principally in the following geographic areas: New England, the Washington, D.C., suburbs, the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Companies in the biotechnology area are engaged in developing products and services in the following areas: therapeutic, human diagnostics, supplier, agricultural, chemical, environmental, etc.

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General Scene

The setting up of a separate Department of Biotechnology (DBT),under the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1986 gave a new impetus to the development of the field of modern biology and biotechnology in India. In more than a decade of its existence, the department has promoted and accelerated the pace of development of biotechnology in the country. Through several R&D projects, demonstrations and creation of infrastructural facilities a clear visible impact of this field has been seen. The department has made significant achievements in the growth and application of biotechnology in the broad areas of agriculture, health care, animal sciences, environment, and industry. 

The impact of the biotechnology related developments in agriculture, health care, environment and industry, has already been visible and the efforts are now culminating into products and processes. More than 5000 research publications, 4000 post-doctoral students, several technologies transferred to industries and patents filed including US patents, can be considered as a modest beginning. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been interacting with more than 5,000 scientists per year in order to utilise the existing expertise of the universities and other national laboratories. A very strong peer reviewing and monitoring mechanism has been developed. There has been close interaction with the State Governments particularly through State S & T Councils for developing biotechnology application projects, demonstration of proven technologies, and training of human resource in States and Union Territories. Programmes with the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have been evolved. Biotechnology Application Centres in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal have already been started. 

A unique feature of the department has been the deep involvement of the scientific community of the country through a number of technical task forces, advisory committees and individual experts in identification, formulation, implementation and monitoring of various programmes and activities. 

In India, more than a decade of concerted effort in research and development in identified areas of modern biology and biotechnology have given rich dividends. The proven technologies at the laboratory level have been scaled up and demonstrated in field. Patenting of innovations, technology transfer to industries and close interaction with them have given a new direction to biotechnology research. Initiatives have been taken to promote transgenic research in plants with emphasis on pest and disease resistance, nutritional quality, silk-worm genome analysis, molecular biology of human genetic disorders, brain research, plant genome research, development, validation and commercialisation of diagnostic kits and vaccines for communicable diseases, food biotechnology, biodiversity conservation and bioprospecting, setting up of micropropagation parks and biotechnology based development for SC/ST, rural areas, women and for different States. 

Necessary guidelines for transgenic plants, recombinant vaccines and drugs have also been evolved. A strong base of indigenous capabilities has been created. The field of biotechnology both for new innovations and applications would form a major research and commercial endeavour for socio-economic development in the next millennium. 

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Mandate of Deptt ofBiotechnology, Govt of India (DBT)

The DBT was established in 1986 with the following mandate :

a) Support R&D and manufacturing in Biological

b) Identify and Set up Centres of Excellence for R&D

c) Promote large scale use of Biotechnology

d) Integrated Programme for Human Resource Development

e) Establishment of Infrastructure

f) Facilities to support R&D and production

g) Serve as nodal point for the collection and dissemination of information relating to biotechnology 

h) Promote University and Industry Interaction

i) Evolve Bio Safety Guidelines 

j) To serve as Nodal Point for specific International Collaborations 

k) Manufacture and application of cell based vaccines 

l) Responsibility for Autonomous Institutions

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DBT - INSTITUTIONS

The following six national institutions are now working under the Deptt of Biotechnology, Govt of India.

National Institute Of Immunology
National Centre For Cell Sciences
Centre For DNA Fingerprinting And Diagnostics (CDFD)
National Brain Research Centre
National Centre For Plant Genome Research (NCPGR)
National Bioresource Development Board 

National Institute Of Immunology, New Delhi 

The National Institute of Immunology (NII) has the mandate to undertake, aid, promote, guide and coordinate research of high calibre in basic and applied immunology. The institute continues to create a scientific base and focusses its activities in the pursuit of fundamental research, and solutions derived for tangible public utility with pragmatic entrepreneurial partnership. 

· To undertake, aid, promote, guide and coordinate research of high calibre in basic and applied immunology. 
· To carry out research for development of new vaccines and immunological reagents for communicable diseases. 
· To develop immunological approaches for regulation of male and female fertility. 
· To interact with industry for manufacture of vaccines and immunological reagents 
· To organize postgraduate courses, workshops, seminars, symposia and training programmes of a specialized nature in the field of immunology, vaccine development and related areas 
· To organize training programmes for technicians in immunological methods and related techniques 
· To establish affiliation with recognized universities and instituteions of higher learning for the purpose of enabling research scholars to register for postgraduate degrees 
· To serve as a National Reference Centre for immunology and to provide consultancy services to medical and veterinary institutions, publich health agencies and industries in the country 
· To provide and promote effective linkages on a continuing basis between various scientific and research agencies/laboratories and toehr organizations working in the country in the field of immunology, vaccine development and related areas 
· To collaborate with foreign research institutions, laboratories and other international organizations in fields relevant to the objectives mentioned above




The institute during its formative years was a recipient of UNDP grants to develop immunodiagnostic kits relevant to tropical climates. This led to the development of diagnostic kits for the detection of pregnancy, typhoid, hepatitis B and amoebiasis. The institute has so far developed, validated and technololgy transfered to the industry, the following diagnostic kits: two kits for pregnancy, one each for typhoid, hepatitis B, amoebic liver abscess and intestinal amoebiasis. Product stabilization, quality assurance and packaging facilities, have been established. The institute has produced the technology for seed culture for the leprosy vaccine based on Mycobacterium. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- based DNA probes have been designed for tuberculosis and for transfusion jaundice-causing hepatitis B virus. The Institute has developed an ELISA test to detect the presence of HIV- 1 and HIV-2 Antibodies in serum with high specificity to the local strains. The test is designed for use by AIDS surveillance centres and blood banks and will be a suitable substitute for improved kits. The Institute has major projects on developing immunological contraceptives like the birth control B-hCG based contraceptive vaccine, universally-effective epitope- based vaccines, strategies to optimize vaccine design, production, formulation and delivery, and the optimization of recombinant expression systems for the production of immunogens, the leprosy vaccine using Mycobacterium, applications in reproductive biology such as pregnancy detection and embryo sexing in animals of agricultural interest, in vitro fertilization, establishment of techniques for embryo preservation, induced breeding and related areas. The institute also carries out basic research in the area of immunology. NII has filed several Indian and foreign patents. It maintains eight international patents. NII has succeeded in developing a repository of high quality immunological reagents, restriction enzymes and plasmids. The institute is a collaborating centre for the national mission project on cattle herd improvement through embryo transfer technology. The institute has initiated a project to establish the technology for generating transgenic animals.

National Centre For Cell Sciences, Pune

The National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune (NCCS) was established as a national repository of animal cell culture. It also has the mandate to conduct manpower development programmes in animal tissue culture, to extend infrastructural facilities to researchers and institutions in biochemical sciences, and to conduct state-of-the-art R&D in allied areas.

Cell Repository : This Facility is providing hundreds of cell cultures and different cell lines to several research institutions in the country. The culture collection has increased to 1127 cultures derived from 25 different species, including hybridomas. 

Research : The institute at present is doing basic research in the area of cryopreservation technology for bone marrow, bio-equivalent skin for transplantation in burns, nevi and vitiligo cases, development of cell cultures from commercially important invertebrates and vertebrates, endemic and non-endemic sera for IgG4 antibodies of Setaria digitata antigen, identification of melanoma oncogenes, epithelial- mesenchyumal transition, in vitro studies on molecular and cellular interaction lipopolysaccharide with human intestinal mesenchymal cells, study of haemozoin and the effect of protein alteration on the fetuses whose mother faced a low protein diet throughout gestation. 

Major leads towards development of product/process : 
· Cryopreservation of bone marrow to enable setting up of stem cell banks 
· Cultured fetal hepatocytes for preparation of bio-artificial liver support device in case of acute and chronic liver failure. 

The institute continues to create a scientific base and focuses its activities on pursuit of fundamental research and solutions derived for tangible public utility. The centre has made very good progress in basic research in providing services to the scientific community. 

Centre For DNA Fingerprinting And Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad 

The human genome project has clearly underlined the universality of life in the form of a common heritage that is DNA, with every other person being 99.9% identical to the other. Also the surge of information in the post genomic scenario has tremendous applications in healthcare apart from sociological implications. Comparative genomics approaches are being used to address not just the issues of relatedness between the living forms but also more complex issues such as those that are responsible for putting the human race above all other living forms. Also, the Human genome sequence information is likely to change the way medicine is practiced. We are witnessing the emergence of the discipline of predictive medicine where medical intervention can be planned even before the disease sets in. Predisposition to a disease, a direct reflection of the genes we carry, will take a centre-stage and is likely to play a major role in the development of appropriate prophylactic measures. As opposed to the conventional generic drugs, where a single drug is marketed for the entire population, the concept of tailor-made drugs based on genetic profile of an individual or, a genetically defined population would emerge. Apart from these, there are many other applications pertaining to the genome sequence utilization for drug discovery and molecular medicine. Microbial genome programs have widened our perspectives on preventive medicine and infectious disease management through molecular diagnosis, epidemiology and vaccine development. The Hyderabad based Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) has a mandate to translate the fruits of modern biology to benefit society and, this is clearly visible. This institute is an autonomous centre of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and is engaged in providing services and carrying out research in the frontline areas of modern biology. The major service components of CDFD involve DNA fingerprinting, diagnostics, genome analysis and bioinformatics. Basic research in overlapping frontier areas of modern biology, especially in the post genomic scenario, is an integral component of this institute. The DNA fingerprinting service, given the fact that it has been shown to bring about dramatic increase in the conviction rate, will continue to be in much demand. With the crime burden on the society increasing, more and more requests for DNA fingerprinting are naturally anticipated. For example, starting from just a few cases of DNA fingerprinting per month, CDFD is now handling similar number of cases every day. CDFD has recently automated and computerized all the case work with plans for the development of complete databases vis-à-vis the appropriateness of a given probe for the Indian population. CDFD has signed MOUs and is working very closely with State/Central Forensic Science laboratories to popularize this technology for the benefit of the society. To ensure proper quality control and quality assurance, CDFD has taken pro-active measures which also involve setting up a National level Statutory Body. It is also set towards establishing a Disaster Management Cell and development of several new DNA based services in the areas of seed authentication, certification of genetically modified foods (GM foods) and wildlife and animal identification. In the diagnostics area, CDFD has increased the range of services provided, encompassing cytogenetic, biochemical and molecular diagnosis. The diagnostics laboratory at CDFD runs a new-born screening programme with a mission to prevent the development of genetic disabilities through early intervention and treatment. This screening program was initiated in October, 1999 and is designed to provide high quality clinical testing for ante-natal detection and diagnosis of metabolic disorders pre-symptomatically. Under this program, which is partly funded by Dr Reddy's Foundation for Human and Social Development, we have selected four major hospitals located in the city of Hyderabad to screen every child born at these hospitals. Screening of more than 5000 new-borns has revealed that congenital hypothyroidism is very frequent (one in 650) and which, if not treated, would lead to severe mental retardation. Given the burden of infectious diseases, in our country, CDFD is now moving into diagnosis and identification of microbial pathogens, particularly focussing on, to begin with, tuberculosis. Complete sequence of the human genome and information from other sources, such as expression data from microarrays, have produced enormous information base for researchers. The marriage between biology and computer science known as bioinformatics is an attempt to make sense of this colossal amount of data and extract the useful information out of it. The Bioinformatics Facility at CDFD is ranked as one of the top centres of its kind in India, which is evident from the recognition given to it by the European Molecular Biology Network (EMBNet). CDFD has been designated as the Indian node for the European Molecular Biology Network and is the only node, other than one in China, outside Europe. It has got an unusually large number of software and databases for genome analysis with browsable databases at its website. This includes an indigenously developed database known as the Database of Structural Motifs in Proteins (DSMP). Analysis of the data contained in DSMP will enable the investigator to arrive at an educated guess about the likely structure and therefore function of his protein. It is therefore, no wonder that the CDFD website is visited approximately once every minute. 

India has demonstrated strength and has provided the leadership globally in information technology. CDFD is making major effort to bring about synthesis of IT with Biotechnology by initiating new programs in bioinformatics. This involves collaboration with IT schools and institutions both in the private and public sector. CDFD is also planning to initiate a national effort for generating SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) maps with specific reference to diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and those caused by non-infectious agents. To stay ahead, CDFD is persistently focussing on basic research & development by adding new research groups covering modern areas of biology. (For more details please see our website). Several new activities in frontier areas of modern biology such as bacterial genetics, molecular pathogenesis, cancer biology and metastasis, computational biology, structural and functional genomics, immunology, gene expression and cell death, host-parasite interactions, cellular signaling, etc. have been initiated. 

The candidate malaria vaccine antigen developed jointly between Dr Hasnain's lab at CDFD/NII and the laboratory of Dr Altaf A Lal at CDC, Atlanta, USA, has now moved to the production stage. Large scale clinical grade material would be required for testing this candidate vaccine in clinical trials. Efforts are also being made, funded largely by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to make available large amounts of this material for clinical trials, which are yet to start. A Hyderabad based company has also agreed to produce the clinical grade material. CDFD is networking with hospitals, tuberculosis centres and tuberculosis research institutes in the country and outside the country to set up a National Epidemiological Databank of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes based on whole genome fingerprinting of clinical isolates of tuberculosis which has been perfected at CDFD. As of today, we have about 1,000 isolates typed and compared with standard isolates from around the world including Europe, Australia, South America, Netherlands, etc. Another pathogen under this effort has been the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Considerable leads have been established in typing, mapping and sequencing of the Indian strains of H. pylori with reference to molecular pathology (ulcers),drug resistance and sub-clinical invasions. Because of their importance as a human pathogen, widespread interest in their biology and evolution and the value of the genome sequence information for drug discovery and vaccine development in Indian perspective, CDFD has expanded its research activities to generate large scale sequence data and genotypic information on these two pathogens of contemporary interest. Automated DNA sequencing, comprehensive in silico modeling studies and microarray based approaches have been already planned for the two organisms. Knowledge based tools in computational genomics are being developed at CDFD towards effective utilization of the data generated from human and microbial sequencing projects. We believe that this will revolutionise and redefine all conventional time-scales, and methods related to the discovery of drugs and drug targets. Working together with the L V Prasad Eye Institute and the Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, CDFD has been looking at the molecular basis of primary congenital glaucoma, which, if not treated, leads to childhood blindness. In the process, we are also developing inexpensive diagnostic methods for rapid detection of this disease at the genetic level, which will have implications in early diagnosis and treatment, carrier detection and genetic counseling and in population screening for this devastating eye disease. CDFD is an intellectual partner in the global effort to sequence and map the silkworm genome and has provided molecular markers (microsatellite markers) to generate a physical map, which is the first step, in genome sequencing. 

Human resource development and training is another component which CDFD has been undertaking. The attempt to attract bright young minds very early in their formative years to a career in biology is crystallizing in the form of a 'DNA Play Centre' where children from as early as those in class V or VI can come and spend time with the scientific community of CDFD to get first hand exposure to the challenge which biology poses to an inquisitive mind. The Young Scientist Program to attract medical/engineering students and others studying for their Masters and B.Sc. degree has been getting overwhelming response. For example, 800 applications were received this year, from all over India for the Summer Scholar's Program at CDFD from which the Centre could oblige just about a couple of dozens!!. To develop IT based manpower, CDFD has also introduced a bioinformatics-internship program for the graduates to learn bio-computing and provide knowledge based software tools in modern biology. At the beginning of the new millennium, the CDFD stands at a critical junction. Marching ahead with the symphony of quality service and globally competitive research, this fastest growing Institute will emerge as a global centre of excellence in basic research where fruits of modern biology would be translated to serve the mankind with a view to improve the quality of health. 

National Brain Research Centre, New Delhi

The field of neurosciences is developing rapidly all over the world. The need to look at the totality of the area in terms of the functioning of the brain at the molecular, cellular, genetic and behavioural levels to address major neurological diseases has been fully recognized. The Department established a dedicated centre for Brain Research, named as National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) on the 14th November, 1997. This centre is didecated to provide infrastructural facilities and a coordinated multidisciplinary team to work at the frontiers of neuroscience research and network the existing groups and whenever required create satellite units to catalyze the overall growth of this discipline in the country .This system of networking will create and encourage local talent and by a judicious exchange of workers between the peripheral centres and the core centre. Besides research, the centre provides a national level nucleus for comprehensive training and teaching in diverse fields of neurosciences. 

Mandate 
· To consolidate, network and undertake basic research of a high calibre in neurosciences and function oriented activities; 
· To encourage and augment effective linkages between various scientific and research agencies/laboratories and other organizations working in the field of brain research; 
· To serve as a national apex centre for brain research and to provide consultancy services to other institutions, agencies and industries; 
· To carry out research related to function of brain in diseased and normal conditions; 
· To establish linkages with recognized national and/or international universities and research institutions of higher learning in fields relevant to objectives of the centre; 
· To establish one or more satellite centres covering different regions of country for efficient achievement of the objectives of the main centre; 
· To collect, publish and disseminate information on aspects relevant to neurosciences to the scientific community; 
· To promote neurosciences research at different centres in the country and encourage scientist from universities, research institutions and industry for undertaking research.

National Centre For Plant Genome Research (NCPGR), JNU, New Delhi

The present trends on genome research have already posed a special challenge and dire threat to the economies of the nations who do not take advantage of the available technology. Food supplies of the 21st century will depend on a new form of agriculture in which custom-made food plants will increasingly dominate the world market. The objectives are following : 

· Research on identified aspects of plant genome 
· Utilization of molecular biology approaches along with tissue culture and genetic engineering technology to iddentify important genes and manipulate these for generating transgenic plants with improved agranomic characgers and pathogen/ stress resistance. 
· Fundamenta work related gene ragulation and mapping that would aid in achieving aboce mandate. 
· Work on checkpea and Catharanthus roseus for structural and functional genomics to put India on the map of genome research. 
· Collaborative research programmes with other International Institutes that are engaged in plant genome research and develop close links wiht data bases. 
· Make available the data, expertise and technical know how to other Institutes in India and develop means of protecting the property rights of our "Biological software". 

National Bioresource Development Board 

Hon'ble Finance Minister had, in his Budget Speech 1999, announced the setting up of a National Bioresource Development Board (NBDB) under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology. In pursuance of this, the Department of Biotechnology had sought the approval of the Government for establishment of the same. The competent authority has approved the same. The terms of reference of the Board will be as given below : 

1. To decide the broad policy framework for effective application of biotechnological and related scientific approaches for research & development and sustainable utilization of bioresources especially for the development of new products and processes. 
2. To develop a scientific plan of action for contributing to the economic prosperity of the nation through accelerated research & development using the modern tools of biosciences. The scientific programmes to be undertaken under the guidance of the Board would be inter-disciplinary, inter-institutional, and time bound with clear-cut milestones. Some illustrative areas include : 

1. To evolve effective ex situ conservation strategies for bioresources of potential scientific and economic value, 
2. To develop predictive groupings of biological resources through well-established molecular lineages, 
3. To construct gene maps of bioresources that can be used for locating useful genes, 
4. To promote the use of biological software in the management of agricultural pests and pathogens, 
5. To promote value addition to bioresources, 
6. To train human resource for the achievement of above objectives, 
7. To strengthen bioinformatics vis-à-vis bioresources 

A National Steering Committee has been constituted to support the activities of the Board under the Chairmanship of Professor A. K. Sharma, University of Calcutta.

PRIORITIES

The first meeting of the Board held in January 2000 under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister of Science and Technology identified two priorities: (a) preparation of digitized inventories of plant, animal, microbial, and marine resources, and (b) R&D projects, programme support, establishment of Centres of excellence, training activities and demonstrations, for the development of bioresources for special areas such as north-eastern region, Himalayan region, coastal & island ecosystems, desert region, Indo-Gangetic plain and Peninsular India. Additionally, knowledge empowerment and human resource training would be a priority area for the Board.

STATUS OF ACTIVITIES

Two meetings of the Board, four meetings of the Steering Committee and over twenty meetings of Expert Groups have been held under the NBDB. Work on digitized inventories of medicinal plant resources, economically important species other than medicinal plants and marine resources has already commenced. Projects on "Integrated programme on conservation, inventorisation and enhancement of coastal bioresources" and "Establishment of biotechnology park for capacity building and economic upliftment with particular reference to women of the Indian Himalayan region" have been sanctioned. Three projects entitled "Development of Database on Microbial Resources of HP", "Domestication, Characterization Conservation and sustainable Utilization of Endangered Medicinal Plant Species of HP" and "Development of Database on Plant Resources in the State of Himachal Pradesh" have also been funded. Similarly, special programmes for the north-eastern region have been formulated. Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development at Imphal has been established. The Institute would concentrate on the development of the bioresources and their sustainable use through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the region. Training, research, demonstration and technology development would be the focus of the Institute.

 




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Programmes & Projects under the Deptt of Biotechnology, Govt of India

The Department of Biotechnology is broadly covering the following fields.

A)      Research and Development

B)       Biotech Product,Process development,Technology Transfer

C)      Centres Of Excellence

D)      Biotechnology Information System (BTIS)

E)      International Collaboration

F)   Jai Vigyan National S&T Missions

G)      National Bioresource Board

H)  New Patent Cell

I)   Human Resource Development

A) Research & Development:

Deptt of Biotechnology actively encourages the research in the following fields.

·        Basic Research and Emerging Areas

·        Agriculture Biotechnology

·        Biological Control of Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds

·        Biofertilizers

·        Tree and Woody species, application of Tissue Culture

·        Bioprospecting of Biological Wealth using Biotechnological Tools

·        Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

·        Seribiotechnology

·        Biodiversity Conservation and Environment

·        Medical Biotechnology and Immunodiagnostics

·        Human Genetics and Genome Analysis

·        Vaccine Research and Development

·        Animal Biotechnology

·        Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology

B)  Biotech Product, Process Development And Technology Transfer

It has remained a principal objective of the department to promote development of technologies, processes and products through the sustainable use of biotechnologies for larger societal benefits in the country. Special mechanisms have been established by the department for enabling technology transfer to industry for commercialization and large scale use.

·        Tissue Culture Pilot Plant/Micropropagation Technology Park

·        Biotechnology based Programme for SC/ST

·        Biotechnology based Programme for Women and Rural Development

·        Biotech Process Engineering and Industrial Biotechnology

·        Food Biotechnology

·        Microbial Biotechnology

·        Technology Transfer

·        e-Biotech Commerce

C) Centres Of Excellence, Repositories And Biotech Facilities

Interaction with Industry, services and supplies, in-house R&D and database development have been the major activities of all the facilities in the respective areas of specialization.The division is divided into three subdivisions.

·        Repositories

·        Programme Support & Centres for Excellence

·        Biotech Facilities

D)  Biotechnology Information System (BTIS) A National Bioinformatics Network

India was one of the first country that had taken giant step in 1986 and established a nation wide Bioniformation System of India. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) had taken this major leap forward after carrying out both micro and macro level planning with a mission to make India a leader in Bioinformatics. The Biotechnology Information System (BTIS) Programme of Department of Biotechnology was launched during the 7th Five Year Plan to harness the scientific knowledge in various inter-disciplinary areas of biotechnology. The programme is comprised of a distributed database and network system namely Biotechnology Information System Network (BTISnet). Under the BTISnet, the Distributed Centres were located in those cities and institutes where active research work in the area of Biotechnology was in progress. In the second phase, several sub centres were established in various Universities and Research institutes who were running major biotechnology programmes and projects. As a consequence of this initiative, computer literacy and awareness among Bio-scientists has grown significantly. Large number of public domain databases with regular updates, in the area of molecular biology and genetic engineering have become available to scientists of India. Computer hardware to carry out simple data analysis and modeling is also available through this programme. NICNET provided the initial connectivity to all these centres through V-SAT. Internet connection became available through NICNET, ERNET and VSNL making the Bioinformatics centres and sub-centres hub of activities related to data access, data analysis and modeling. Major databanks such as Animal Virus Information System, of International standard, have been developed in the country. Software tools for sequence analysis on work stations were developed in the country in the form of software packages and made available at a low cost to various Universities, colleges and research institutes. India became a node of the Microbial Strain Data Network, Hybridoma Data Bank and EMBnet as well as Asian Pacific Countries Bioinformatics Network. Under the FARM programme, India was chosen to be nodal country to provide training and coordination of the Information network for Agricultural scientists in eight countries belonging to South East Asia. Shortage of manpower in this new area has been tackled by conducting a large number of short term courses and long term courses at four selected centres – University of Pune, Madurai Kamraj University, Calcutta University, and Jawahar Lal Nehru University.

DBT with the help of NIC is updating connectivity by providing V-SATs of 64/128 KBPS bandwidth to selected centres. The network has established links among scientists in organizations involved in R&D and manufacturing activities in Biotechnology. Since its establishment, the BTISnet is providing a single major information resource in the country covering several inter-disciplinary areas of biotechnology including molecular biology data, bibliographic information and management information covering R&D projects and profile of research activities in the country. The network has also established linkages with various national and international information networks through the modern computer and communication systems by implementing several network services such as e-mail, discussion groups on the Internet and other Internet based facilities for access to worldwide resources in biotechnology.

Structure of the Biotechnology Information System

Presently, the BTIS net comprises one Apex Centre at the Department of Biotechnology, ten specialized Distributed Information Centres (DICs) in identified major areas of biotechnology and 42 Distributed Information Sub-Centres (Sub-DICs). All the centres are interlinked through satellite communication system, each providing information support in specific areas of Biotechnology. Six national facilities for Interactive Graphics based computational requirements, and four long-term educational programmes are additional components of the network.

The BTIS secretariat working under the Department of Biotechnology at the Apex Biotechnology Centre is a coordinating and developing organization besides controlling and guiding the bioinformatics centres.

The Bioinformatics Centres consist of network information units functioning in R&D institutions situated in different regions of the country and engaged in specified areas of biotechnology. The centres have been established at R&D institutions and university departments exclusively devoted to discplines covered by biotechnology and having a strong group in each specific discipline. They have been established on modern lines with computer facilities to provide bibliographic, SDI and current awareness services, in addition to providing several research tools such as DNA sequence databases, computational facilities, etc.

The programme has become a very successful vehicle for transfer and exchange of knowledge, information, technology packages and references in the country involving 8-10 thousand scientists. The entire network has emerged as a very sophisticated scientific infrastructure for bioinformatics involving state-of-the-art computational and communication facilities. The computer communication network, linking all bioinformatics centres is playing a vital role in the success of bioinformatics programme. Database development, R&D activities in bioinformatics, human resource development and a variety of services in support of biotechnology R&D programmes and projects, has made the programme very popular and useful to the scientific community.

An excellent co-operation from the various agencies of the government of India, viz., Nationl Informatics Centre, Department of Electronics and Department of Telecommunications (VSNL), University Departments of UGC, National Laboratories of the CSIR and the ICAR, etc. has resulted in excellent capacity building for use of a variety of information resources on the internet. A national node of EMBnet has been established at Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad. International collaboration in Bioinformatics was pursued with FAO and Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. Four mirror sites are being established in India enabling easy access to scientific databases of relevance to biotechnology.

The BTIS Centres have gradually acquired wealth of information in terms of databases, scientific software, powerful computer and communication facilities. Several specific projects were undertaken to promote R&D. Each one of the centres are publishing their own brochure, reports, newsletters for popularising Bio- information resources and research activities in biotechnology.

E)  International Collaboration Programmes

The Department is pursuing International Cooperation programmes in biotechnology with both the developed and developing countries. The ongoing bilateral programmes have been with Germany, Israel, Russia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Sweden UK and USA while programmes of cooperation with China, Cuba, France, Japan, Norway, Mongolia, Poland, Slovenia, Tunisia and Vietnam are being finalised. New initiatives have been taken with Australia, Brazil, Khazakistan, Korea, Hungary, Mexico, Netherland, Singapore and Thailand. Multilateral programmes are also being strengthened for amongst the SAARC, G-15 and with the ASEAN countries. International Collaboration Programme has been classified under the following categories:

·        Bilateral

·        Association of South East Asia Nations

·        Collaboration among the SAARC Countries

·        G-15 Activities

·        Farmer Centered Agricultural Resource Management (FARM)

·        Jute Biotechnology

·        International Centre For Genetic Engineering

·        And Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi

F)  Jai Vigyan National Science & Technology Missions

21 Jai Vigyan National Science and Technology Mission projects have been taken up by all Science Ministries and Departments. These project are time bound and targeted with clear milestones and time schedules. DBT is the nodal agency for coordinating the activities of these 21 Jai Vigyan National Science and Technology Mission Projects launched by all science Ministries and Departments. The projects with a clear focus on the S&T impact on the society are in the following priority areas :

·        Food Security

·        Energy Conservation

·        Disaster Management

·        Health Care

·        Biodiversity Conservation

The projects identified are in the areas of Food security; sustainable plant genetic resource management; nuclear medicine; development of new generation of vaccines; herbal product development; mirror site for genomic research; design and development, fabrication and airworthiness testing of light transport aircraft; establishment of a National Botanical Garden both for recreation and research purposes; language computing, medical electronics, ocean thermal energy conservation, a programme on thalassemia; rheumatic fever, technology for visually handicapped; land slides, and biodiversity characterization in Andaman & Nicobar Islands using remote sensing techniques. A number of scientific agencies and departments would come together under these projects for implementation.

DBT is implementing four Mission projects :

1. Development and production of new generation vaccines & diagnostics for infections diseases.

Objectives:

1.  To study the efficacy of DNA, recombinant/peptides vaccines for cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) and Rabies (for animals)

2.  To design, develop and produce preventive/therapeutic DNA candidate vaccine(s) for HIV infection.

3.  To generate pre-clinical data on DNA/recombinant vaccines.

4.  To initiate clinical trials.

2. Biotechnological approaches for coffee improvement

Objectives:

1.  Molecular characterization of coffee germplasm (native and exotic) using DNA markers.

2.  To develop sets of DNA markers and mapping populations as a first step towards development of molecular linkage map of coffee.

3.  To establish molecular aspects of abiotic stress tolerance with reference to root characteristic & oxidative stress.

4.  To standardize Agrobacterium based transformation methodologies for engineering disease resistance.

5.  To isolate microbial gene for degradation of caffeine.

6.  To test the efficacy of 'BT' based bio-pesticides and related transformation methodologies in coffee. 2

Implementing Institutes:

Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Board, Mysore

Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai

University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore.

3. Biotechnological approaches towards herbal product development.

Objectives:

The aim of the project is to develop standardized herbal products ie. Improved Ergot, immunomodulatory agents, antiathritic agent, product for management of hyperlepidemia and agrotechnology package for high yielding Artemisia annua.

Implementing Institutes:

-      Central Instt. of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Lucknow

-            National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi

-      Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

-      Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu.

4. Setting up of mirror sites for genomic research

Objectives:

1.  Setting up of Mirror Sites on Databases on PDB, GDB, and Databases of EBI, Plant Genome Databases and Electronic Database of Biological Software in Public domain to provide sound support for genomics based research and development in India.

2.  Establishment of high bandwith and high-speed communication network for easy access of these sites.

3.  Training in computational Genomics for the national users of scientific community.

Implementing Institutes:

-      Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

-      Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

-      University of Pune, Pune

-      IMTECH, Chandigarh.

G)  National Bioresource Development Board

Hon'ble Finance Minister had, in his Budget Speech 1999, announced the setting up of a National Bioresource Development Board (NBDB) under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology. In pursuance of this, the Department of Biotechnology had sought the approval of the Government for establishment of the same. The competent authority has approved the same.

The terms of reference of the Board will be as given below :

1.  To decide the broad policy framework for effective application of biotechnological and related scientific approaches for research & development and sustainable utilization of bioresources especially for the development of new products and processes.

2.  To develop a scientific plan of action for contributing to the economic prosperity of the nation through accelerated research & development using the modern tools of biosciences. The scientific programmes to be undertaken under the guidance of the Board would be inter-disciplinary, inter-institutional, and time bound with clear-cut milestones. Some illustrative areas include :

1.  To evolve effective ex situ conservation strategies for bioresources of potential scientific and economic value,

2.  To develop predictive groupings of biological resources through well-established molecular lineages,

3.  To construct gene maps of bioresources that can be used for locating useful genes,

4.  To promote the use of biological software in the management of agricultural pests and pathogens,

5.  To promote value addition to bioresources,

6.  To train human resource for the achievement of above objectives,

7.  To strengthen bioinformatics vis-à-vis bioresources

A National Steering Committee has been constituted to support the activities of the Board under the Chairmanship of Professor A. K. Sharma, University of Calcutta.

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PRIORITIES

The first meeting of the Board held in January 2000 under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister of Science and Technology identified two priorities: (a) preparation of digitized inventories of plant, animal, microbial, and marine resources, and (b) R&D projects, programme support, establishment of Centres of excellence, training activities and demonstrations, for the development of bioresources for special areas such as north-eastern region, Himalayan region, coastal & island ecosystems, desert region, Indo-Gangetic plain and Peninsular India. Additionally, knowledge empowerment and human resource training would be a priority area for the Board.

STATUS OF ACTIVITIES

Two meetings of the Board, four meetings of the Steering Committee and over twenty meetings of Expert Groups have been held under the NBDB. Work on digitized inventories of medicinal plant resources, economically important species other than medicinal plants and marine resources has already commenced. Projects on "Integrated programme on conservation, inventorisation and enhancement of coastal bioresources" and "Establishment of biotechnology park for capacity building and economic upliftment with particular reference to women of the Indian Himalayan region" have been sanctioned. Three projects entitled "Development of Database on Microbial Resources of HP", "Domestication, Characterization Conservation and sustainable Utilization of Endangered Medicinal Plant Species of HP" and "Development of Database on Plant Resources in the State of Himachal Pradesh" have also been funded. Similarly, special programmes for the north-eastern region have been formulated. Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development at Imphal has been established. The Institute would concentrate on the development of the bioresources and their sustainable use through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the region. Training, research, demonstration and technology development would be the focus of the Institute.

H)  Biotechnology Patent Facilitating Cell (BPFC)

Intellectual property protection plays an important role in gaining advantageous position in the competitive game for economic growth. India enjoys a large asset of R&D personnel and infrastructural facilities. Scientists and policy makers need more information and facilities for protecting the products of intellectual power of Indian Scientists. As a step in this direction, a single window Biotechnology Patent Facilitation Cell was created by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) at the Bioinformatics Division of the Department, in July'1999.

Objectives

Creating awareness and understanding among biologists and biotechnologists, relating to patents and the challenges and opportunities in this area including arranging workshops, seminars, conference, etc., at all levels.

Introducing patent information as a vital input in the process of promotion of R&D programmes in biotechnology and biology.

Providing patenting facilities to biologists and biotechnologists in the country for filing Indian and foreign patents on a sustained basis.

Keeping a watch on development in the area of IPR and make important issues known to policy makers, bio-scientists, biotech industry, etc.

Facilities

High speed LAN based Internet connection for online patent searches using international databases, using the support services of the Biotechnology Information Centre (BTIC) at DBT, including CD-ROM based databases.

Mechanism for obtaining full patent documents and patent searching elsewhere.

Expert Advisory committee for advice on Patentibility of inventions and related issues.

Panel of patent attorneys from all over the country to help BPFC in patenting activities.

Panel of expert faculty for workshops and training programmes for creating awareness among the scientists.

All applications will be received on prescribed  format only.

I)  Human Resource Development

An integrated Human Resource Development Programme is being implemented to generate adequate and appropriately trained personnel in the area of Biotechnology. Sustained efforts in generating trained human resource has given rich dividends in bringing excellence in this field and providing the skilled human resource for research for research and industry. The various schemes are :

·        Post-Graduate, Post-Doctoral and Post-M.D./ M.S. Programme

·        Biotechnology Associateships

·        Training Programmes

·        Visiting Scientist from Abroad Programme

·        Golden Jubilee Biology Scholarships

·        Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Fellowships

·        Popularization of Biotechnology

·        Seminars/Symposia/Conferences

 Post-Graduate, Post-Doctoral And Post M.D./M.S. Programme

In order to meet the long-term requirement of trained personnel in the multidisciplinary field of biotechnology, post graduate courses at M.Sc./M.V.Sc./M.Tech. levels have been supported in selected universities/ institutions. These courses and the number of places they are being run are:

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Name of the Course	Duration	No.of universities/ Institutes
M.Sc. courses in general Biotechnology	2 yrs	23
M.Sc. courses in Agricultural Biotechnology	2 yrs	7
M.V.Sc. course in Neurosciences	3 yrs	1
M.Sc. course in Medical Biotechnology	2 yrs	1
M.Sc. course in Marine Biotechnology	2 yrs	1
M.Tech/ M.Sc.(Tech.) in Biochemical Engineering Bioprocess Technology and Biotechnology	3 sem/ 5 yrs integrated	4
PG Diploma in Medical Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering	1 yr	2
Post MD/ MS Certificate/ Training Course	1 yr	31

The total intake of students to these courses is around 500 per year. Students are taught subjects like cell biology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, immunology, tissue culture, biochemical engineering and bioprocess technology, computer modelling of molecular structures and interactions, bioinformatics, marine biology etc. The current topics such as IPR, biosafety and ethical issues have also been included in the curriculum. Students are sent for training in industries and research institutions during summer vacations for a period of 4-6 weeks.

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Biotechnology Associateships

This programme provides the scientists employed in academic and research institutions and actively engaged in research in the field of biotechnology, an opportunity for pursuing advanced research and to undergo specialised training within and outside the country. Two types of associateships, namely national and overseas are awarded.

 National Associateship

 The national associateship is awarded to carry advanced research in leading Indian research institutions for a period of 9 months to 2 years under a Supervisor other than the candidate's parent institution. The scheme also has a provision for training in an overseas laboratory for a period of 3 months provided one completes 9 months of associateship in India successfully and the overseas component of the training is justifiable.

Overseas Associateship

These awards are made under two categories namely, long- term and short-term. The long-term associateship is tenable for one year whereas the short-term is awarded for 3 to 6 months. On an average 25 scientists are selected for both long term short-term awards.

Training Programmes

Short-term Training Courses For Mid-Career Scientists

These courses are conducted by universities/research institutions having adequate facilities and expertise in the subject. The participants are mainly mid-career scientists from academic and research institutions and also from industrial R & D laboratories. The course is conducted for a period of 15 days to one month and the number of participants are usually 12-15. The courses lay emphasis on practical training in modern and advanced laboratory techniques and also in emerging areas of biotechnology. It provides opportunity to scientists to acquire expertise in the modern areas of biotechnology and therefore helps them in their research activities. Some of the areas in which the courses are conducted include Molecular biology & related emerging areas, taxonomy, industrial biotechnology, immunology, plant tissue culture and marine/agriculture biotechnology.

Technician Training

Keeping in view the utility and requirement of trained technicians for various biotechnological research and development activities in the country, short-term ( 2 to 3 months duration) and long term ( 1 year duration) Technician training Programmes are being supported by the Department.

Post M.Sc. And M.Tech. Training in Industries

·        As industries prefer persons with some exposure to industrial operations for jobs, the students passing out the M.Sc./M.Tech Courses are selected for training in biotech based industries for a period of six months. Such a training would enhance the career opportunities of students in industries.

·        To orient biotechnology post-graduates to the needs of the biotech industry, Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), a company promoted by the department, is implementing this training programme on behalf of the department.

Visiting Scientist From Abroad Programme

The objective of the programme is to gain and share the current state of knowledge in the frontier areas of Biotechnology through visits of experts from technologically advanced countries to the research institutions / universities in India, which are engaged in modern biotechnological research activities. The visiting Scientists participate in collaborative research programmes or in training activities at premier R&D institutions and universities in India.

Golden Jubilee Biology Scholarship

On the occasion of the celebration of India's 50 years independence, the golden jubilee biology scholarship scheme was introduced in place of the earliest scheme of DBT scholarships in biology. These scholarships are given to students from among the top 40 rank holders in biology at the CBSE +2 level examination. Only those students who continue their studies in biology or related subject at the under graduate level are eligible for the scholarship as the aim of the scheme is to encourage brilliant students to continue biology study.

Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Fellowships

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of India's independence, the department has introduced a scheme to award

·        One golden jubilee biotechnology senior fellowship and

·        Two golden jubilee biotechnology fellowships

The senior fellowship carries a cash award of Rs.1 lakh plus a contingency grant of Rs. 50,000/-, whereas the other category of the fellowship carries a cash award of Rs.50,000/- plus a contingency grant of Rs. 30,000/-. These awards are given to scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the field of modern biology and biotechnology in the country.

The first golden jubilee biotechnology fellowship awards were made to the following scientists:

·        Prof.G.Padmanaban, IISc.Bangalore, (Sr.Fellowship)

·        Dr.Syed E.Hasnain, NII, New Delhi and at present Director, CDFD, Hyderabad.

·        Prof. Jayant B. Udgaonkar, National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore

Popularisation Of Biotechnology Biotechnology publications

The programme is being implemented through the National Institute of Science Communication (NISCOM), CSIR, New Delhi. The objectives of the programme are to create awareness about basic concepts, potentials and recent developments in biotechnology, among the students and general public.

Out of the 10 popular monographs published earlier in English, 3 have already been translated in Hindi for the benefit of students and general public in Hindi speaking region, about 10 colour posters on various Biotechnological processes have been brought out. An illustrated dictionary of biotechnology is being compiled. Popular articles are being published regularly under the Biotechnology column in Science Reporter and Vigyan Pragati. A popular monograph for children has also been published. More such publications are brought out from time to time.

Popular lectures by experts

Under this programme, a series of popular lectures by experts are organised by academic/ research institutions engaged in biotechnology research activities in order to create awareness among school/ college/ university students, and teachers as well as general public about the recent developments in biotechnology and its potential applications.

Exhibition

The department has participated in the following exhibitions :

1.   Nava Bharat Utsav, Calcutta Maidan, Calcutta : 18th Feb - 10th March, 1997

2.   ITPO Exhibition at Kathmandu, Nepal, 14-21st March, 1997.

3.   INDO-BRITISH Trade Fair at Wembly Hall, London from 24-27th July, 1997

4.            INDEXPO-MUSCAT'97 during 1-7th September, 1997, Muscat, Oman.

5.   Tech-Connect-97-Exhibition, Singapore, 29th Sept - 1st Oct, 1997

6.   G-15 Exhibition at Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, 31st Oct - 5th November'97

7.   Science since independence at Teenmurti, New Delhi , 14- 30th November, 1997

8.   Indian Science Congress Exhibition at Hyderabad, 3-7th January, 1998.

9.   Made-in-India Exhibition at Johannesburg, South Africa from 11-14th February, 1998

10. Exposicion Commercial de la India, Mexico City, Mexico, 3- 9th March, 1998.

National Science Day

The department provides financial assistance to a number of institutions which are conducting DBT sponsored Post-Graduate Programmes in Biotechnology to celebrate the National Science Day every year. During the celebrations various activities like Open- houses, exhibitions and debates, essay competitions, quiz programmes etc. on various subjects of biotechnology are conducted by the institutions. The celebrations are also attended by students of nearby schools and colleges and also general public.

Seminars / Symposia / Conferences

Under this scheme partial or full financial assistance is given to educational and research institutions, registered societies etc. for organising national and international seminars/ symposia/ conferences on topics in biotechnological related areas, which provide opportunity to our leading scientists and young research workers to discuss issues related to research in the area of biotechnology with their counterparts working in the country or abroad.

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DBT SPONSORED UNIVERSITIES/INSTITUTIONS OFFERING REGULAR TEACHING & TRAINING COURSES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
M.Sc. General Biotechnology (2 year courses)
Institution/ University		Admission Procedure	Coordinator/Contact Person
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. Uttam Pati, Chairman, Centre for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi - 110 067
Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. K. Veluthambi Head & Coordinator, School for Biotechnology, Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai - 625 021
MS University, Baroda		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. B.B. Chattoo, Coordinator, Biotechnology Centre, Deptt. of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, MS. University of Baroda, Baroda - 390 002
University of Poona, Pune		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. V. Sitaramam Biotechnology Department, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune - 411 007
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. B.D.Singh School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciencem, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221 005
Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai		Entrance Exam by IIT, Mumbai	Prof. S. Durani Convener, Biotechnology Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Powai, Mumbai - 400 076
Roorkee University, Roorkee		Entrance Exam by University of Roorkee	Dr. Ben M.J. Pereira Prof. & Head, Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Roorkee University, Roorkee - 247667
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh		Entrance Exam by AMU	Prof. M. Saleemuddin Coordinator Inter-disciplinary, Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh - 202 002
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. S.S. Bhullar Reader & Head, Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar - 143 005
Devi Ahilya Viswavidyalaya, Indore		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof.Anil Kumar Head School of Biotechnology, Vigyan Bhavan, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Khandwa Road, Indore - 452 001
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. K. Subba Rao Coordinator, Biotechnology Programme, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad - 500 134
Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof.T.C. Bhalla Chairman Deptt. Of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla - 171 005 (HP)
University of Calicut, Kerala		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr.M.V. Joseph Reader & Head, Deptt. Of Biotechnology, University of Calicut, Calicut University P.O., Kerala - 673 635
Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Banasthali, Rajasthan( for girls only)		Entrance Exam by Banasthali Vidyapeeth	Dr.Vinay Sharma Head, Deptt. Of Biosciences & Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapeeth, P.O.Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Banasthali - 340 022 (Rajasthan)
Tezpur University, Tezpur (Assam)		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr.A.K.Buragohain Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Tezpur University P.B.72, P.O.Tezpur Distt.Sonitpur, Assam -784 001
Gulbarga University, Gulbarga. (Karnataka)		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof.G.R.Naik Chairman, Deptt. of Biotechnology, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga - 585 106
Jammu University, Jammu		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. A.K. Koul Director Deptt. of Biotechnology, Dr.Manoj Dhar, Head, DBT, University of Jammu, Ambedkar Road, Jammu Tawi - 180 004
Gujarat University, Ahmedabad		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. Y.K. Aggrawal Coordinator, School of Science, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad - 380 009
Mysore University, Mysore			Prof. H.S. Prakash Prof., Deptt. of Applied Botany and Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasgangotri, Mysore - 570 006
University of Allahabad, Allahabad		Entrance Exam by University of Roorkee	Prof. (Mrs.) Krishna Misra Coordinator, Centre for Biotechnology, Deptt. of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad - 211 002
Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. C.P. Malik Prof. & Chairperson, Deptt. of Biotechnology, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar - 125 001
University of Kashmir, Srinagar			Prof. A.M. Shah Coordinator & Director, Centre for Research & Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190 006 (J&K)
Kumaon University, Nainital		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. B. S. Rajput Vice Chancellor, Kumaon University, Nainital - 263001 (U.P.)
M.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology ( 2 years)
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat		Exam by AAU Jorhat	Prof. P.C. Deka Deptt. of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat - 785 013 (Assam)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr.S.Sadasivam Director Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof. G.K. Garg Deptt. of Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agri. & Tech., Pantnagar - 263 145 (UP)
Birsa Agricultural Univ. Ranchi		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. G.S. Dubey Dean, PGS & Coordinator, Biotech Centre, Birsa Agri. University, Ranchi - 834 006 (Bihar)
Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidhalaya, Palampur (H.P.)		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. B.M. Singh Coordinator, Biotechnology Centre, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176 062
Indira Gandhi Agricultural Univ. Raipur		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. S.K. Katiyar Coordinator, Biotechnology Centre, Indira Gandhi Agricultural Univ., Raipur - 492 012(Chhattisgarh)
Master in Medical Biotechnology (2 years)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi		Exam by AIIMS	Prof.Y.D.Sharma Coordinator, Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110 029
M.Sc. Marine Biotechnology (2 years)
Goa University, Goa		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Dr. U.M.X. Sangodkar Coordiantor & Head, Deptt. of Marine Sciences & Biotech., Goa University, Teleigao Plateau, P.O. Bambolim Complex, Goa - 403 205
M.Tech/M.Sc.(Tech) Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology (5 years integrated / 3 semesters / 1.5 year course
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur		GATE	Prof.S.C.Kundu Prof. & Head, Deptt. Of Biotechnology, Indian Instt. Of Technology, Kharagpur - 721 302
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi ( 5 year integrated course)		JEE	Prof. G.P. Agarwal Head, Deptt. Of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016
Anna University, Chennai		Combined Entrance Exam by JNU *	Prof.P.Kaliraj Director Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025
University Department of Chemical Technology,Mumbai		Exam by UDCT Mumbai	Prof.J.S.Pai Coordinator, Univ.Deptt. of Chemical Technology (UDCT), University of Mumbai, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019
Post MD/MS Certificate Course in Medical Biotechnology (1 year)
All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi		Exam by AIIMS	Prof.Y.D.Sharma Coordinator (Post MD/MS), Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110 029
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research,Chandigarh,		Exam by PGI	Dr. S. Majumdar Deptt. of Experimental Med. & Biotechnology, PGI Med. Edu. & Res., Chandigarh - 160 012
Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research,Chandigarh,		Exam by SGPGI	Prof. S. S. Aggarwal Head, Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow - 226014 (U.P.)
PG Diploma Course in Clinical Biochemistry & Biotechnology (1 year)
Utkal University Bhubneshwara		Exam by Utkal University	Dr. G.B.N. Chainy Coordinator, International Centre for Applied Biotechnology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubneshwar - 751 004 Or Registrar, Utkal University Or Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University
PG Diploma Courses in Molecular & Biochemical Technology (1 year)
Sri Venkateshwara College, (University of Delhi New Delhi		Exam by Sri Venkateshwara College	Dr. A. Sankara Reddy Coordinator & Principal, Sri Venkateswara College, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi - 110 021

Others

The above list outlines DBT assisted courses mostly in govt institutions. In addition to the above universities and affiliated institution in private sector have also started introducing Biotechnology and Bioinformatics courses and M.Sc., B.Sc. and even at +2 level. There have been some short duration diploma and certificate courses as well instituted at the level of corporate training companies.

Of late the AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education) Govt of India has started approving the formal 4 years B.Tech (Biotechnology) courses in IITs, RECs and other Engineering Colleges (Courses of M.Sc. (Biotechnology) & similar other non B.Tech courses do not need AICTE approvals – AICTE has clarified this in writing to TACT)