1. ICGEB: International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Considering the importance of biotechnology United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) established ICGEB in 1983 in New Delhi.
2. Biochips:
- Biochips are also called as DNA chips or DNA microarray.
- Biochip is a collection of small DNA molecules immobilised to a solid surface.
- This technique is used by scientist to measure the level of expression of several genes at one time.
- Stephen P.A. Fodor and colleagues (1991) developed the first biochip.
- The main substrate used in biochip is made of silica quartz, soda glass, and plastic etc.
- These are selected on the basis of
- their chemical structure, physical properties and as per the requirement of the experiment.
1. Gene Chips – These are microchips on which complementary DNA probes are pasted and are able to identify the samples used for experimentation.
2. Microarray – The microarray is of the following type:
3. DNA microarray – The size of DNA microarray is even smaller than the postal stamp. Approximately 4 lakh cells are immobilised on inert (glass) surface. In each cell, there is found a micro spot of DNA. In each microspot, single-stranded cDNA (complementary DNA) sequence of different genes is found.
4.Protein microarray – Protein microarray is a technique based on group binding analysis. It depends upon the products formed as a result of interaction between the target molecules present in the solution and the immobilized molecules.
3. Biosensors:
- All organisms contain biosensor which has functional system resembling mechanical devices.
- Biosensors are products of biological components (such as tissues, microbes, cell organelles, receptors, enzymes, antibodies nucleic acids etc.) which interact in different ways with the analyte.
- Thus biosensors are a mixture of biomaterials which transform the chemical and biological stimulus into an electric signal with the help of transducers.
- Blood sugar detector is an example of a commercial biosensor which breaks or digests blood sugar with the help of glucose oxidase enzyme.
4. Biofilm:
- A biofilm is a group of microbial cells adhered to each other and immobilized on a surface.
- This complex is normally covered by a matrix made up of polysaccharides.
- Thus biofilm is made up of microbial cells and extracellular polymer substances (EPS). Biofilms may be formed in a natural or modified environment.
- Biofilm functions as a basic unit in wastewater treatment and processes such as a sudden change in the quality of water etc.
5. Microarray: Microarray is of two types:
- DNA microarray: DNA microarray is of the size of a postal stamp. Approximately 4 lakh cells are immobilized on inert (glass) surface. In each cell, there is found a micro spot of DNA containing single-stranded C-DNA sequence of different genes.
- Protein microarray: Protein microarray is based upon group binding analysis. It depends upon the products formed as a result of interaction between the largest molecules present in the solution and the immobilized molecules.
6. Department of Biotechnology: Considering the importance of biotechnology, Govt. of India established an independent department named as Department of Biotechnology in the year 1986. The main objective of this department is to develop basic infrastructure and facility in the field of biotechnology in different universities and institutes of repute for research in this field.
7. Biotechnology Park: In our country, a total of 19 Biotechnology parks has been established to provide information and counselling to the group of people who want to establish biotechnology-based Industries. Considering the importance of the field of biotechnology, fifteen more biotechnology parks are in consideration for the establishment.
8. Biotechnology institute in India:
- Indian Institute of Sciences – Bangaluru.
- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources NBPGR – New Delhi.
- A national facility for plant Tissue culture, Repository – New Delhi
- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – CIMAP Lucknow
- Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute – TBRI – Trivandrum.
- Rajeev Gandhi Biotechnology Centre – Thiruvananthapuram.
- International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) – New Delhi.
9. Application of Biotechnology in Medicine: In Modern time, use of biotechnology is highly important in the medicinal field.
10. Important biotechnology Parks in India:
- Biotechnology Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Hyderabad Biotechnology Park, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
- Golden Jubilee Biotech Park. (Biotechnology park) for women, Siruserri, Kanchipuram, TamilNadu.
- Guwahati Biotechnology Park, Assam.
- Biopharma-IT Park Andharuwa, Bhubneshwar.
- TICL International Biotechnology Park, Hinjawadi, Pune.
- KINFRA Biotechnology Park, Kerala.
11. Important schemes of the biotechnology department: Department of biotechnology aims to develop institutes and centres for germplasm storage, conservation and re-establishment and started many schemes in this field as follows:
- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Research.
- National Facility for plant tissue culture repository.
- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
- Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute.
