BRIEF HISTORY

The Department of Biotechnology was established in 2001. It offers M.Sc courses in Biotechnology. The Department is provided with well equipped laboratories to train post graduate students and to pursue research studies. Along with the teaching, research activities are also carried out in the Department.

TEACHING FACULTY

Former Faculty of the Department.

1. Dr.R.Vinu Chandran (Presently working as Scientist, National Remote Sensing Agency, Culcutta).
2. Dr.Seema S. Nair (Presently working as Assistant Professor, Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin).
3. Dr.Vasundara G (Presently working as Reader, Dept.of Biochemistry, Calicut University)
4. Dr.Sudha K. (Presently working as Lecturer, SRM Deemed University, Chennai)
5. Dr.C.Sanghya (Presently working as Lecturer, KE College, Mannanam)
6. Sri. P.C.Madhu, M.Sc.
7. Dr.S.Manjusha, M.Sc., M.Phil.
8. Sri. Madhu K.M.M.Sc.
9. Smt. Suja Philip M.Sc.,M.Phil

Present members of the faculty

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

Courses:

M.Sc Biotechnology
Eligibility :
M.Sc: B.Sc in any biological science.
Student Strength : M.Sc - 13 Seats

Learning Resources :

• Department library with 266 books, 14 journals,
• Computer with internet connection, Printers and Scanners..

• All necessary laboratory equipments ( Microscopes with Magnus Image Projection system with capture card. UV Vis Spectrophotometer, Cooling Centrifuge, Shaker Incubator, Electrophoretic apparatus, UV transilluminator, Microbalance, Microfuge, Rotary shaker, Laminar Airflow chambers ( Bothe vertical and horizontal) etc. Separate laboratory for P.G. students.

• Laboratory for Micro biology, Physiology, Bio Chemistry and Tissue culture.

Academic facilities :

• Invited Lectures by prominent scientists.
• Students conduct Seminars and Project works.
• Regular Visit to reputed Research Institutes.
• Use of Internet, LCD and OHP projectors.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Special Achievements :

• One Research Student of Dr.Varghese got Ph.D degree from M.G.University.
• Three ranks consecutively for years 2003 and 2004 in the P.G Biotechnology examination conducted by M.G. University.
• One student cleared the NET.
• Department has conducted  a UGC sponsored National Seminar on 'Current Scenario in Molecular Biotechnology'

Collaboration with other Institute.

• Regional Cancer Centre-Trivandrum
• Amala Cancer Research Institute-Trichur
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• National Institute of Oceanography, Cochin
• Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin
• Rubber Research Institute, Kottayam.
• Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin.
• Medical College, Kolenchery
• Rajeev Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum.
• School of Biosciences, MG. University, Kottayam.

Published Papers :

• S. Sugathan, T.P. Varghese, 2005. Multiplex PCR on Leptospiral isolates from Kolenchery, Kerala, India. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 23(2): 114-116.
• M. Anilkumr, Sini K. Mathew, Princy Mathew, Sheena John, K.P.Deepa and Kiran V.S. 2005. In vitro shoot multiplication in Ocimum basilicum. Plant Cell Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. 6(1&2):73-76.
• M. Anilkumar and R.S. Sajeevan, 2005. Micropropagation of Musa accuminata colla. Plant Cell Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. 6(3&4): 159-162.
• M. Anilkumar and P.T. Pratheesh, 2004 In vitro shoot multiplication in Rosa indica L. Plant Cell Biotechnol. Mol. Biol.5(1&2):73-76.
• M. Anilkumar and Ashalatha S. Nair, 2004. Multiple shoot induction in Capsicum annuum L.cv. Early California wonder. Plant Cell Biotechnol. Mol. Bio.5(3&4):95-100.
• C.Sandhya, S. Sudheesh and N.R. Vijayalakshmi (2000) Effects of falvonoids from Solenostemon rotundifolius on lipid metabolism. South Asian Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 4,137-142.
• C. Sandhya and N.R. Vijayalakshmi (2001) Antioxidant activity of flavonoids from Solenostemon rotundifolius in rats fed normal and high fat diets. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional and Medical Foods, 3(2),55-66.
• K. M. Nampoothiri, T.V. Baiju, C. Sandhya, A. Sabu, G. Szakacs and A. Pandey (2004). Process optimization for antifungal chitinase production by Trichoderma harzianum. Process Biochemistry, 39,1583-1590.
• C. Sandhya, L.K. Adapa, K. M. Nampoothiri, P. Binod, G. Szakacs and A. Pandey (2004). Extracellular chitinase production by Trichoderma harzianum in submerged fermentation. Journal of Basic Microbiology, 44,49-58.
• S. Ramachandran A. Patel, K. M. Nampoothiri, C. Sandhya, G. Szakacs, C.R. Soccol and A. Pandey (2004). Alpha amylase from a fungal culture grown on oil cakes and its properties. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 47,2,309-317.
• C. Sandhya, A. Sumantha, G. Szakacs and A. Pandey (2005). Comparative evaluation on neutral protease production by Aspergillus oryzae in submerged and solid-state fermentation. Process Biochemistry, 40,2689-2694.
• C. Sandhya, P. Binod, K. M. Nampoothiri and A. Pandey (2005). Microbial synthesis of chitinase in solid cultures and its potential as biocontrol agent against phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 127,1,1-16.
• P. Binod, T. Pusztahelyi, V. Nagy, C. Sandhya, G. Szakacs, I. Pocsi and A. Pandey (2005). Production and purification of extracellular chitinases from Penicillium aculeatum NRRL 2129 under solid-state fermentation Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 36,880-887.
• A. Sumantha, C. Sandhya, G. Szakacs, C.R. Soccol and A. Pandey (2005). Production and partial purification of neutral metalloprotease by fungal mixed substrate fermentation. Food Technology, and Biotechnology,43,4,313-319.
• A. Sumantha, P. Deepa, C. Sandhya, G. Szakacs, C.R. Soccol and A. Pandey. Rice bran as a substrate for proteolytic enzyme production. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 2006, 49, 843-851.
• C.Sandhya, P.Binod and A.Pandey. Microbial chitinases: Effective Biocontrol Agent, In: Biological Contorl Plant Diseases, (Eds Chincholkar SB and KG Kukerji), Elsevier publicatioins, NY,2007, 379-400.
• P.Binod, C.Sandhya, P.Suma, G.Szakacs and A.Pandey. Fungal biosynthesis of endo chitinaseand chitobiasein solid-state fermentation and their application for the production of N-acetyl D-glucosamine from colloidal chitin.Bioresources Technology, 2007, 98,14, 2742-2748
  

Paper Presentation

• M. Anilkumar and Ashalatha S. Nair, 2004. Somaclonal variations in bell pepper. Proc. International Conference on Biotechnology and Neuroscience, Kochi.
• Ashalatha S. Nair and M. Anilkumar, 1998. Chromosomal aberrations and organogenesis in callus cultures of Bell pepper. Proc.10th Kerala Sci. Cong. January, Kozhikkode, pp 176-178.
• Ashalatha S Nair and M. Anilkumar, 1999. In vitro culture and cytological stability of regenerated plants in Capsicum annuum L.cv. Early California wonder. Proc. 11th Kerala Sci. Cong. Feb-march Kasargod,. Pp 128-130.
• M. Anilkumar and Ashalatha S. Nair, 2000. Field evaluation among the regenerated plants of Capsicum annuum L.cv. Early California wonder. Proc. 12th Kerala Sci. Cong. January, Kumily, pp 367-370.
• M. Anilkumar and Ashalatha S. Nair, 2002. Somaclonal variations among the regenerated plants of Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L cv. Early California wonder). Proc. 14th Kerala Sci. Cong. January, Kochi, pp 138-141.
• B. Nambisan and C. Sandhya. Molecular Approaches to reduce the cyanoglucoside level in cassava. Presented in the National Seminar on Recent Advances in Plant Biology, 3-4 February 2000 at Central Palm Crop Research Institute, Kasargod, Kerala, India.
• S. Babitha, C. Sandhya and A. Pandey. Production of microbial pigments. Presented in National Seminar on Advancement in Biosciences, 3-4 October 2003 at Shri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore.
• C. Sandhya, A. Sumantha, P.V. Deepa, P.V. Anuvindha, G. Szakacs and A. Pandey. Neutral protease production by Aspergillus oryzae in liquid medium. Presented in National symposium on Developments in Biotechnology: Emerging trends and challenges and first BRSI Convention, November 25-27, 2004 at North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon.
• C. Sandhya and B. Nambisan. Subcellular distribution of linamarin, linamarase and hydroxynitrilelyase in cassava leaf tissue. Presented in the International Symposium on Tropical Root and Tuber Crops, 19-22 January 2000, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
• B. Nambisan and C. Sandhya Biochemistry and control of cyanogens in cassava. Presented in the International Symposium on Tropical Root and Tuber Crops, 19-22 January 2000, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala India.
• S. Babitha, C. Sandhya, C. R. Soccol and A. Pandey. Natural food colorants from Monascus sp through solid-state fermentation, Presented at 5th International food Convention, 5-8 December, 2003, Mysore, India.
• S. Babitha, C. Sandhya and A. Pandey. Secondary metabolites via solid-state fermentation. Presented at 3rd Federation of Asia Pacific Microbiology Societies Conference, Kuala Lumpur, 15th-18th October 2003.
• S. Ramachandran, C. Sandhya, G. Szakacs, C.R. Soccol and A. Pandey. Food grade alpha amylase: production properties and immobilization, Presented at International Congress on Bioprocesses in Food Industries, Clermont Ferrand, France, 11-13 July 2004.
• S. Babitha, C. Sandhya, C.R. Soccol and A Pandey. Natural Food Colorants from Monascus Purpureus using agro-industrial residues, Presented at International Congress on Bioprocesses in Food Industries, Clermont Ferrand, France 11-13 July 2004.
• P.C.Madhu., V. Anitha, C. Sandhya and K. Jayachandran. Dairy Industry Effluent: a cost effective medium for food grade protease synthesis by Bacillus sp. presented at 18^th Indian Convention of Food scientists and Technologists, 16^th-17^th November 2006, Hyderabad, India.
• C.Sandhya and Pandey.Chitinases: an environment friendly fungicide, in an  In International confere4nce, BIOVISION 2007, held at Sahdraya College of Engineering, Trissur, 23-35 October 2007, The article was published in proceedings of Biovision 2007.
• Manjusha S. Occurrence of Integrn Contaiing plasmids on Vibrio metchnikowii isolated from Kerala. In International confere4nce, BIOVISION 2007, held at Sahdraya College of Engineering, Trissur, 23-35 October 2007, The article was published in proceedings of Biovision 2007.
• Manjusha S.Characterization of plasmids from multiple antibiotic resistant vibrios isolated from molluscans and crustaceans of Kerala,in an Internatinal conference, BIOCALM 2008, held at CUSAT, 3-5  February 2008.

Abstracts

• M. Anilkumar and Ashalatha S. Nair, 2000 Cytological analysis of onal Symposium on Recent Trends in Plant Science Research. Universitregenerated plants of Capsicum annuum L. cv. Early California wonder. Natiy of Kerala pp.45.
• M. Anilkumar and Ashalatha S. Nair, 2000 In vitro propagation in Bell Pepper(Capsicum annuum L. cv. Eartly California wonder). National Symposium on Recent Trends in Plant Science Research. University of Kerala pp.78.
  

Books Published

• S. Babitha, C. Sandhya and A. Pandey. Natural Food Colourants. Applied Botany Abstracts, 2003,23,4,258-266.
• C. Sandhya, K.M. Nampoothiri and A. Pandey. Microbial Proteases, In-Microbial Enzymes and Biotransformations, Barredo JL (ED), The Human Press Inc. Totowa, JNN, 2005, 17, 181-195.
• C. Sandhya and A. Pandey. Role of Glucoamylases in Biotechnology, In: Microbial Diversity(Eds Satyanarayana T and Johry B.N), IK International Publications, New Delhi, 679-694, 2005.
• C. Sandhya, P. Binod, and A. Pandey. Microbial chitinases: effective biocontrol agent, In: Management of fruits and Vegetables,(Eds Chincholkar SB), Elsevier publishers, In Press.
• C Sandhya (2002) co-author-"Enzyme Technology"(Eds. A. Pandey, Webb, C.R. Soccol and C. Larroche), Asiatech publishers, lnc, New Delhi. Pages 319-332, 347-358, 433-448.
  

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Membership in academic and other bodies :

All teachers are members, PG Board of Examinations-Biotechnology.

ACTIVITIES

2006-2007

      Department of  Biotechnology secured first prize in the floral carpet competition. A seminar on Clinical Research was conducted by the Department in association with IFCR- Cochin on August 30^th 2006. Dr.K.Gopakumar, Vice Chancellor, Dr.N.Ramachandran, Pro Vice Chancellor, Mr. Anil Joseph CEO & MD, Dr. Sibin Abraham, Director of Academics, Dr. M.Mohandas, Clinical Psychologist and Mrs.Usha, Senior Programme Co-ordinator of IFCR talked on various aspects of clinical research. Four senior M.Sc students were recruited by IFCR for their Clinical Research Programmes. Kum.Shamila M.A. got first prize for paper presentation at South Zone Intercollegiate Meet-CHIMERA-held on October 14^th 2006 at CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala.

2007-2008

    A talk on BIOINFORMATICS was conducted on January 4, 2008. The talk was delivered by Dr.P.N. Krishnan, Scientist, Tropical Botanical \garden and Research Institute, Palode, Trivandrum.. One  senior M.Sc student was recruited by IFCR for their Clinical Research Programmes.

2008-2009

    University Grants Commission sanctioned grant to Department to conduct a national seminar on 'Current scenario in Molecular Biotechnology' in January 2009. Students of this department actively participated in ;the science exhibition organized by the science forum. They also attended two nartional seminars at  D.B.College, Thalayolaparambu, kottayam and at SSV College, Perumbavoor.