IMTECH
From DrugPedia: A Wikipedia for Drug discovery
IMTECH , Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh.
Established in 1984, the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) is one among the chain of 38 national laboratories functioning under the aegis of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and is its youngest laboratory. Set-up to be a fore-runner in the sun-rise area of Biotechnology, the Institute occupies an area of about 47 acres, of which the labs covered 22 acres and the residential campus 25 acres. The Institute has a built up area of about 3.60 lakh sq. ft., which is spread over five main buildings, namely, Main R&D block (~2.00 lakhs sq. ft.), Fermentation block (~0.50 lakhs sq. ft.), Animal House (~0.30 lakhs sq. ft.), Workshop, Stores and Services area (~0.50 lakhs sq. ft.), and Cafeteria (~0.10 lakhs sq. ft.). The Institute provides functionally modular and large, air-conditioned, clean research areas to all the scientists. The Institute's primary asset is a team of 48 highly motivated young scientists, 36 of whom are Ph.D.s with many of them having several years of training in world-renowned laboratories. Supported by more than 145 well-trained technicians and graduate students, these scientists are engaged in research, both basic and application-oriented, in four major areas namely:
- Molecular Biology and Microbial Genetics
- Cell Biology and Immunology
- Protein Science and Engineering
- Fermentation Technology and Applied Microbiology
Mandate
- To provide integrated research, development and design base for microbial technology.
- To undertake basic and applied research and development programmes in established and newly emerging areas of relevant biotechnology including genetic engineering.
- To optimise the existing microbial processes currently available and in use in the country.
- To develop and maintain gene pool resources and genetic stocks of microbial cultures and other cell lines. This could also serve as a reference centre to assist other centres.
- To establish facilities for biochemical engineering, instrumentation development including microprocessor systems, a computer centre and development of mathematical models for process parameters.
- To establish facilities for design of process equipment and bioreactors.
- To impart training in microbiology, microbial technology and biochemical engineering.
- To conduct training and refresher courses for research workers and technologists.
- To establish documentation and information retrieval and dissemination facilities and a data bank to meet the needs of the Institute.
- To establish and maintain effective linkages with industry and educational institutions.
- To develop capabilities for producing design and engineering packages for industrial plants.
During the past decade, a number of basic and industrially relevant problems have been taken up successfully. These have resulted in either excellent quality publications or commercially relevant know-hows.
Activities: Scientific
During the past five years or so the Institute has initiated several cutting edge research programmes. These aim to address some of the pressing r&d problems in IMTECH's mandated area of expertise. This has not only created highly motivated research groups but has also resulted in a number of highly cited publications. During this period the Institute maintained its position among the first 5 CSIR laboratories in terms of the Average Impact Factor of papers published. While most of the research work done was of very high order, a few among them deserve special mention:
- A rapid, easy and sensitive means of screening steroidal agonists and a function based assay system for detection of mutation in a steroid receptor gene that impairs normal receptor function, were developed.
- A novel method to discover functions of genes, able to confer only subtle or difficult-to-screen phenotypes to yeast was worked out.
- Studies on the structural elements in streptokinase (SK) that confer the high affinity to this protein for plasminogen led to a comprehensive model to explain the mechanism of action of SK. This model reveals several unique aspects which could also be at the heart of the working of several other highly specific proteases, for example those encountered in coagulation and in fibrinolytic and complement activation systems.
- A new, protein-engineered version of streptokinase, with improved clot specifity and fibrin affinity was designed, expressed, purified and characterised.
- An ABC transporter that could be responsible for multidrug resistence in mycobacteria was discovered.
- For the first time the presence of a mini satellite sequence was demonstrated experimentally in yeast.
- Identification, cloning and characterisation of the first glutathione transporter (glutathione is a non-protein thiol which plays a central role in living systems) was reported.
- High level production of biologically active buffalo and goat growth hormone.
- Safety and non-reactogenecity of genetically engineered oral cholera vaccine demonstrated.
Besides excellent research done, we further strengthened our links with the industry with the ultimate goal of taking our research to the market place. The ambit of the CSIR programme on discovery of molecules from fungal and microbial sources under IMTECH's coordination was further extended.
Further, during this period the Institute tied up with several sponsors; two large multinationals, five large Indian companies, one public sector company and several small to medium sector companies. Many of the projects signed were successfully completed. It is a matter of satisfaction that the Institute enjoys credibility amongst its target clientele for the quality and timely completion of the projects. In addition to these contract research projects the Institute successfully completed several scope grant-in-aid projects funded by various government agencies. The Institute offered bio-incubator facility to a large Indian company, who could use it for a one year period and successfully developed a product, which is now in extended clinical trails.
Facilities
- Bioinformatics
- MTCC
- BERPDC
Collaboratons
Global Collaboratons
USA : on projects "Molecular Basis of p-nitrophenol biodegradation and its application in the environment" and "Engineering of oxygen affinity of a unique bacterial hemoglobin from Vitreoseilla and studies on its implications on cellular physiology and biotechnological processes".
Poland : on the project "Development of a suitable bioprocess for the conversion of tannin to gallic acid using free and immobilised tannase".
Spain : on the project "Development of enzymatic routes for the production of D-amino acids" sponsored by DSM Deretil Co.
France : on projects "Cloning and functional analysis of plasma membrane glutathione transporters in yeasts and plants" and "Role of glutathione transporters in stress tolerance".
Switzerland : DBT-Indo Swiss Collaboration on two projects entitled:
* Development of enzymatic & immuno-bioreactor based biosensors for analysis of pesticides
& herbicides in water
* Bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soil & its effect on soil functionality
Besides this scientific delegations from Hungary, Iran, USA, Poland, China, Nepal, Korea, Egypt have interacted with IMTECH Scientists.
National Collaborations
The following Indian/Multinational Companies have used Contract Research/Consultancy/Process Development Facilities in IMTECH:
- Panjab Agro Industries Ltd.
- SPIC, Madras
- ICGEB, New Delhi
- Vam Organics
- Ranbaxy
- Dabur India Ltd.
- Cadila Pharmaceuticals Labs.
- Godrej Soaps Ltd.
- Transgene Biotech
- MAX GB Ltd.
- Thapar Corporate R&D Centre
- BIOMANTRA: A Division of First eLearning Quest Pvt. Ltd
- Astra Labs.
- Biological E. Ltd.
- Shasun Chemicals & Drugs Ltd.
- Monsanto India Ltd.
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
- DSM Deretil
- Morepen Labs Ltd.
- Panacea Biotech Ltd.
- Lupin Labs Ltd.
HONOURS AND AWARDS WON BY IMTECH SCIENTISTS
During 2008-2009
Mr. S. Mayilraj awarded NASA Tech Brief Award for Description of a novel species Tetrasphaera remsis isolated from the Regenerative Enclosed Life Support Module Simulator air system.
During 2007-2008
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jain selected for Dr. Y.S. Narayana Rao Oration Award (2004) for his significant contributions in biomedical research
During 2006-2007
Dr. Javed N. Agrewala selected for the prestigious National Bioscience Award for Career Development for 2006-2007.
Dr. Girish Sahni:- Fellow of Association of Microbiologists of India.
During 2005-2006
Dr. P. Guptasarma selected for the prestigious AVRA Young Scientist Award 2005.
Dr. G.P.S. Raghava selected for the prestigious National Bioscience Award for Career Development for 2005-2006.
During 2004-2005
Dr. J.N. Agrewala selected for the prestigious Dr. S.S. Bhatnagar award in medical science.
Dr. R.K. Jain was selected for the prestigious "Pitamber Pant National Environment Fellowship Award" for the year 2004. The award is in recognition of his contribution in the field of Environmental Biotechnology and for undertaking on "Chemo toxic and biodegradation of nitro aromatic compounds".
Dr. R.K. Jain was invited to be a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal "Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology".
Dr. G.P.S. Raghava was Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.
Dr. J.N. Agrewala was Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.
Dr. R.K. Jain was Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Dr. P. Guptasarma was Elected as a Member, Guha Research Conference
Dr. Jagmohan Singh was elected a Member, Guha Research Conference
Dr. Girish Sahni was conferred the prestigious "Ranbaxy Award" for the year 2003 on October 8, 2004 by Hon'ble President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in the area of "Pharmaceutical Sciences" for his outstanding contributions towards the develoment of innovative clot bluster technologies for the treatment of cardiac associated maladies such as heart attacks, strokes etc.
During 2003-2004
Dr. Jagmohan Singh was elected Fellow of National Academy of Sciences, India.
During 2002-2003
Dr. R.K. Jain was selected for the National Bioscience Award for the year 2002-2003 for his outstanding contributions in research.
TECHNOLOGY AWARDS BAGGED BY IMTECH
The then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Bajpayee presented to the Institute the prestigious CSIR Technology Award, the "Process Technology Shield" for the indigenous development of a technology for natural streptokinase. This award was received by Dr. Amit Ghosh the then Director on behalf of the other members of IMTECH team consisting of Dr. Girish Sahni (team leader), Dr. U.C. Banerjee, Dr. Naresh Kumar, Mrs. Paramjit Kaur and Mr. Anil Jaryal at an impressive ceremony for celebrating the CSIR Diamond Jubilee at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on September 26, 2002.
Dr. Girish Sahni was bestowed the prestigious VASVIK award for the year 2000 in the area of Biological Sciences & Technology. Dr. Sahni was conferred this award in Mumbai by the Hon. John Prescott, Dy. Prime Minister of U.K.
Dr. Girish Sahni was awarded the "National Biotech Product & Process Development and Commercialisation Award" for the year 2002.
Dr. R.K. Jain was selected by Association of Microbiologists of India for AMI-ALEMBIC Award, 2002.
Dr. (Mrs.) K.L. Dikshit was elected member of Guha Research Conference.
Dr. G. Sahni was designated "CSIR Champion for health" by DG, CSIR.
Dr. R.K. Jain was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.
Dr. Girish Sahni was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.
Dr. K.L. Dikshit was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.
During 2001-2002
Dr. P.K. Chakraborti was selected for the National Bioscience Award for the year 2001-2002 for his outstanding contributions in research.
During 2000-2001
Dr. Amit Ghosh, elected Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences, India for two years w.e.f. 1.1.2001.
Dr. P. Guptasarma was conferred the CSIR Young Scientist Award for the year 2000 for his outstanding contributions in the area of Biological Sciences.
Dr. P.K. Chakraborti was elected member of the Guha Research Conference.
Dr. P.K. Chakraborti was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.
Dr. R.K. Jain was selected for the Novo Nordisk Life Science Research Award for the year 2000 for his outstanding contributions in research.
Dr. Girish Sahni was elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore.
Dr. A.K. Bachhawat was selected for the National Bioscience Award for the year 2000-2001 for his outstanding contributions in research.
Chandigarh Town Official Language Implementation Committee awarded IMTECH, Chandigarh the second prize for the work done in Hindi in the Institute, during the year 2000-2001.
During 1999-2000
Dr. Amit Ghosh, ex-Director, IMTECH was conferred the prestigious "Ranbaxy Award" for the year 1998 in the area of "Medical Sciences - Applied Research" for his innovative research leading to the creation of a genetically engineered oral recombinant vaccine for cholera and for his incisive work in the field of cholera epidemiology.
Chandigarh Town Official Language Implementation Committee awarded IMTECH, Chandigarh, the first prize on the 6th Dec., 1999 for the work done in Hindi in the Institute, during the year 1998-99.
Dr. Amit Ghosh, elected fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore.
During 1996-1997
Dr. P. Guptasarma was conferred A.K. Bose Memorial Award 1996 by Indian National Science Academy.
During 1995-1996
Dr. C.M. Gupta, Ex-Director, IMTECH was conferred the prestigious "FICCI Award" for the year 1994-95 by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in recognition for his contributions and achievements in the area of Life Sciences.
Dr. C.M. Gupta was conferred B.N. Singh Memorial Lecture Award of Indian Society of Parasitology.
During 1994-1995
IMTECH alongwith Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation, Bangalore bagged the CSIR Technology Prize for Biological Sciences and Technology- 1994 for developing a high osmotolerant and ethanol tolerant genetically modified strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for producing alcohol from molasses.
During 1991-1992
Dr. Amitabha Mukhopadhyay was conferred into the CSIR Young Scientist Award for his outstanding contributions in the area of Biological Sciences.
See also
