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Biotechnology


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The Department of Biotechnology was started the year 2002. Being the first institution under the Visvesvaraya Technology University (VTU) to recognize the need for an undergraduate technical program in biotechnology, Sir MVIT played a pioneering role in the formulation of the curriculum, starting with preparation of draft syllabus, organization of seminars/conferences/workshops, initiating industry-institute interactions & so on. Today, the department is well established with an excellent infrastructure and a highly competent team of faculty members drawn from various fields such as Bioinformatics, Plant biotechnology, Microbial biotechnology, Protein biochemistry, Environmental Engineering, Bioprocess technology & Chemical Engineering. Apart from imparting quality education, this Department has distinguished itself in the sphere of R & D activities as well.

BE (BIOTECHNOLOGY) – AN ENGINEERING COURSE:

The biotechnology course as an engineering degree focuses not only on the technological, computational and mathematical aspects of the sphere of biosciences, but also the application of the same with respect to industry and medicine. The BE course in biotechnology thus represents a bridge between biological sciences and the ‘conventional’ engineering disciplines.

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

BE (Biotechnology), M.Tech (Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering), M.Sc (Engineering by Research) and Ph.D (Both Science and Engineering)

Name of the Course Intake
BE (Bio-Technology) 60
M.Tech (Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering) 18
M.Sc. (Engg) by Research Research based program
Ph.D Research based program

Bio-Technology Teaching Faculty

The Department draws on the expertise of faculty members from various spheres of life sciences & engineering whose profile is listed as follows:-

Name Qualification Designation Area of Specialization
Dr. H G Nagendra Ph. D. Prof & H.O.D Structural Biology and Bioinformatics
Dr. N. Sathyanarayana Ph. D. Professor Plant Genomics
Dr. Chandrashekhar Naik Ph. D. Asst. Professor Fermentation Technology
Dr. Mrinalini Menon Ph. D. Senior Lecturer Protein Chemistry
Ms. A. Niveditha M.E. Lecturer Chemical Engineering
Mr. Jagadeesh Kumar M.Sc. Lecturer Biochemistry
Ms. Priya Narayanan M.Sc. M.Phil. Lecturer Microbiology & Biotechnology
Ms. Sudevi Basu M.Tech. Lecturer Environmental Engineering
Mr. C. Rajendra Singh M. Sc. Lecturer Biochemistry
Mr. Manjunath M.Tech. Lecturer Chemical Engineering
Ms. Rashmi K.V. M. Sc. Lecturer Biotechnology
Ms. Halima R. M.Tech. Lecturer Biotechnology

Major Research Projects:

Sl. No. Title of the project Investigator Funding Agency Status
1 Development of automated assay unit for anti-mitotic activities. Dr. H G Nagendra Department of Science and Technology, GOI, New Delhi, India Ongoing
2 Investigation on in vivo enzyme profiles in response to herbal anti-cancer drugs using seed germination as a model system Dr. Mrinalini Menon Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, Karnataka, India Ongoing
3 Insilico investigation of Human hypothetical proteins containing discovered regions: implications towards cancer and elucidation of potential drug targets Dr. H G Nagendra Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, Karnataka, India Completed
4 Sequence analysis and comparative modeling studies of hypothetical proteins in Human Genome Dr. H G Nagendra University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India Completed
5 Genetic Improvement of Mucuna spp. for anti-nutritional factors Dr. N Sathyanarayana Kirkhouse Trust, United Kingdom Completed
6 Collection and evaluation of Germplasm of Mucuna species of India Dr. N Sathyanarayana Department of Science and Technology, GOI, New Delhi, India Completed

MOUs Signed

  • Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA, 2011
  • Herbal Science Trust (HST), Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2008
  • University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS, B), Department of Biotechnology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2008
  • Richore Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2007

PROJECTS PURSUED FOR HIGHER STUDIES:

Research Scholars pursuing Ph.D

Sl. No. Name of the candidate Research Topic / Title Discipline Degree pursued Name of the guide
1 Mr. Jagadeesh Kumar D. Insilico Investigations of Neuropeptides implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuro- informatics Ph.D Dr. H.G. Nagendra, Sir MVIT
2 Ms. Priya Narayan Biophysical Investigations of Neuropeptides implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease. Structural Biology Dr. H.G. Nagendra, Sir MVIT
3 Ms. Reshma Cloning, Expression and Characterization of Hypothetical Proteins with Multifunctional Domains Structural Biology Dr. H.G. Nagendra, Sir MVIT
4 Mr. Mohammed Jaheer Collection, Establishment of Germplasm and Molecular Characterization of Mucuna Species of India Plant Biotechnology Dr. Sathyanarayana N, Sir MVIT
5 Mr. Mahesh S Identification of Elite Germplasm, DNA fingerprinting and development of framework linkage map in Indian Velvet Beam (Mucuna proteins) Genomics Dr. Sathyanarayana N, Sir MVIT
6 Mr. C. Rajendra Singh Screening and Purification of novel Anti-cancer / tumor drugs from herbal source Cancer Biology Dr. Chandrasekhar Naik, Sir MVIT
7 Mr. Hariharan P Production, Purification and Characterization of Thrombolytic Enzyme from fungi through solid and submerged fermentation processes Fermentation Technology Dr. Chandrasekhar Naik, Sir MVIT
8 Mr. Revanasiddappa Isolation, screening and development of local microbial Consortia for decolourization, degradation of reactive Dyes and textile Effluent Microbial Biotechnology Dr. Chandrasekhar Naik, Sir MVIT
9 Ms. A. Niveditha Heavy metal removal using Immobilized Enzyme in Tacked and fluidized bed reactors Bio-Technology Dr. Archana, MSRIT
10 Ms. Sudevi Basu Modeling of River Water Quality Environmental Engineering Dr. K. S. Lokesh, SJCE, Mysore
11 Deepthi.K Biochemical investigations on a cancer palliative drug obtained from Asteracanta longifolia Nees. Enzymology Dr.Mrinalini Menon, Sir MVIT
12 Akshata.G.Athreya Biochemical investigations of an anti-mitotic drug isolated from Asteracanta longifolia Nees. using horse gram seed germination as the model system. Enzymology M.Sc (Engg) by Research Dr.Mrinalini Menon Sir MVIT

Major Publications



DR. H G NAGENDRA

1. N Rathankar, Kuldeep D Raju and H G Nagendra. Information Loss observed in ignoring low complexity regions (LCRs) in cancer drug targets. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. 2011, 7(2):1-6

2. N. Rathankar & H. G. Nagendra. Comparative Modelling studies of the hypothetical protein YHR105W from S. Cerevisae Genome. On Line Journal of Bioinformatics. 2011, 12(1):207-216.

3. N Rathankar, K. A. Nirmala, Varun Kanduja and H G Nagendra. Identification of potential drug targets implicated in Parkinson’s disease from human genome: Insights of using fused domains in hypothetical proteins as probes. ISRN neurology. 2011, DOI:

10.5402/2011/265253.

4. G Sathyanarayana Murthy, T P Francis, C Rajendra Singh, H. G. Nagendra, and Chandrashekhar Naik. An Assay for Screening Anti-mitotic activity of herbal extracts. Current Science, 2011, 100 (9):1399-1404.

5. Anindita Roy Chowdhury (Chakravarty), H. G. Nagendra, and Alpana Seal. Computational analysis of hydrophobicity across six enzyme classes revealing relative contribution of aliphatic and aromatic residues. Biotechnol. Bioinf. Bioeng. 2011, 1(1):83-91.

6. N. Rathankar, K. A. Nirmala and H. G. Nagendra. LCRs in Diseases: Analysis of human hypothetical proteins. Int. J. Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2011, 3(2):130-143.

7. Kuldeep D Raju, N Rathankar and H. G. Nagendra. Insilico Investigations of Drug Binding to Disordered Regions in Cancer Proteins. Full article published in NRDC Innovate Conference Proceedings (‘Leveraging Innovations for Knowledge Economy’, IISc Campus, 19-20 November) 2009, 94-99.

8. N. Rathankar, K. A. Nirmala and H. G. Nagendra. Insilico investigations of disordered regions from hypothetical sequences in human proteome as drug targets. Int. J. Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2008. 1(2):187-194.

9. H. G. Nagendra, Adrian E Harrington, Nicholas J Harmer, Luca Pellegrini, Tom L Blundell and David F Burke. Sequence analyses and comparative modelling of fly and worm fibroblast growth factor receptors indicate that the determinants for FGF and heparin binding are retained in evolution. FEBS Letters. 2001, 501:51-58.

10. M G Williams, H Shirai, J Shi, H. G. Nagendra, J Muller, K Mizuguchi, R N Miguel, S C Lovell, C A Innis, C M Deane, L Chen, N Campillo, D F Burke, T L Blundell, P I W de Bakker. Sequence-Structure Homologue Recognition by Iterative Alignment Refinement and Comparative Modelling. PROTEINS: Structure, Function and Genetics 2001, 5:92-97.

11. H. G. Nagendra, N Sukumar & M Vijayan. Role of water in stability, plasticity and action of proteins. Crystal structures of lysozyme at very low levels of hydration. PROTEINS: Structure, Function and Genetics. 1998, 32:1-12.

12. C Sadasivan, H. G. Nagendra & M Vijayan. Plasticity, hydration and accessibility in ribonuclease A. The structure of a new crystal form and its low-humidity variant. Acta Cryst. 1998, D54:1343-1352.

13. H. G. Nagendra, C Sudarasanakumar & M Vijayan. An X-ray analysis of native monoclinic lysozyme. A case study on the reliability of refined protein structures and a comparison with the low-humidity form in relation to mobility and enzyme action. Acta Cryst. 1996, D52:1067-1074.

14. Moses M Prabu, H. G. Nagendra, Stephen Suresh & M Vijayan. X-ray studies on crystalline complexes involving amino acids and peptides XXXI. Effect of chirality on ionization state, stoichiometry and aggregation in complexes of oxalic acid with L- and DL-histidine. J. Biomol. Struc. & Dyn. 1996, 14:387-392.

15. H. G. Nagendra, C Sudarsanakumar & M Vijayan. Characterization of lysozyme crystals with unusually low solvent content. Acta Cryst. 1995, D51:390-392.

DR. N SATHYANARAYANA

1. R R Rao, Kavitha Sagar and N Sathyanarayana Invasive Alien Plants: An ecological appraisal for the Indian Subcontinent. Resource utilization and beneficial aspects of Invasive Alien weeds with special reference to the Western Ghats, India (Book Chapter, in press).

2. N Sathyanarayana, S Mahesh, Mahammad Jaheer and Leelambika M. Genetic diversity of wild and cultivated Mucuna pruriens (L.). DC accessions analyzed using thirty morpho-agronomical characters. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems (In Press).

3. Leelambika M and N Sathyanarayana. Genetic differentiation in Mucuna species in India inferred through RAPD and morphometric analysis. Plant Biosystems. 2011, DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2011.610924.

4. S Mahesh and N Sathyanarayana. The genotype environment interaction and stability analysis for L-Dopa trait in Velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens). Indian J. Genet., 2011, 71(3):279-282.

5. N Sathyanarayana, M Leelambika, S Mahesh, and Mahammad Jaheer. AFLP assessment of genetic diversity among Indian Mucuna accessions. Physiol Mol Biol Plants. 2011, 17(2): 171-180.

6. Leelambika M, S Mahesh, Mahammad Jaheer and N Sathyanarayana. Comparative evaluation of genetic diversity among Indian Mucuna species using morphometric, biochemical and molecular approaches. World J Ag Sci. 2010, 6(5): 568-578.

7. Mahammad Jaheer and N Sathyanarayana. Karyomorphological studies in Mucuna of India. Chromosome Botany. 2010, 5: 37-41.

8. Sathyanarayana N, Vikas PB, Rajesha R and Bharath Kumar TN. RAPD markers for genetic characterization of Mucuna species. Indian J. Genet., 2010, 70(3): 296-298.

9. Harini S S and N Sathyanarayana. Somatic embryogenesis in Mucuna pruriens. African J. Biotech. 2009, 8 (22): 6175-6180.

10. N Sathyanarayana, TN Bharath Kumar, PB Vikas and R Rajesha. In vitro clonal propagation of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis and its evaluation of genetic stability through RAPD markers. 2008. African J. Biotech., 2008, 7 (8): 973-980.

11. Harini SS, Leelambika M, Shiva Kameshwari MN and Sathyanarayana N. Optimization of DNA Isolation and PCR methods for molecular analysis of Urginea indica Kunth. Intl. Jour. of Integrative Biol. 2008, 2(2): 138-144.

12. N Sathyanarayana, R Rajesha, PB Vikas and TN Bharath Kumar. Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from stem explants of Leptadenia reticulata Wight. & Arn. Ind. J. Biotech. 2008, 7(2): 250 - 254.

13. N Sathyanarayana, PB Vikas, R Rajesha, and TN Bharath Kumar. In vitro mass multiplication of Abrus precatorious (Linn.) through axillary bud culture. Journal of cytology and genetics. 2008, 9:57-63.

14. Girish Naik, Sarkar A and Sathyanarayana N, DNA fingerprinting of Mysore Local and V-1 cultivars of mulberry (Morus spp.) with RAPD markers. Ind. J. Genet., 2002, 62(3): 193- 196.

15. Jagadischandra KS and Sathyanarayana N. Regeneration of plants in mulberry (Morus indica L) Var. Mysore local through Leaf callus culture. J. Plant Biol., 2001, 28(2):147-152.
16. Jagadishchandra KS and Sathyanarayana N. High frequency in vitro multiple shoot induction in mulberry var. Mysore local. J.Swamy Bot.club.1997, 14: 56-61.

DR. CHANDRASHEKAR NAIK

1. G. Sathryanarayana Murthy, T.P Francis, C. Rajendra Singh, H.G. Nagendra and Chandrashekhar Naik. An assay for screening antimitotic activity of herbal extracts, 10th may, 2011, 100(9): 1399-1404.

2. Lingappa K., Chandrashekhar Naik and Vivek Babu C.S. Coconut cake: A novel substrate for citric acid production under solid state fermentation. I Indian journal of Microbiology. 2002, 42: 347- 349.

3. Lingappa K., Chandrashekhar Naik and Gopinath SM. Isolation and screening of Aspergillus niger for citric acid production. Asian journal of microbiology biotechnology and environmental science. 2002, 4 (3): 26-27.

4. Lingappa K. and Chandrashekhar Naik. Effect of moister on the yield of citric acid by solid-state fermentation. Asian journal of microbiology Asian journal of microbiology biotechnology and environmental science. 2001, 3(4): 365-368.

5. Lingappa K., Chandrashekhar Naik and Venkat Reddy. Effect of initial moisture content on the yield of Citric acid production by solid state fermentation. Journal of Microbial World, 2001, 3(2): 25 – 29.

6. Lingappa K. and Chandrashekhar Naik. Wine preparation from Carrot (Daucus carota) Indian Food Packer, 1997, 10 -13.

DR. MRINALINI MENON

1. Mrinalini Menon. The role of Biotechnology in food: traditional & modern aspects. Mini Review - Advanced Biotechnology. 2007, 24 – 26.

2. Mrinalini Menon, P J Vithayathil, S M Raju and C S Ramadoss. Isolation and characterization of proteolytic enzymes from the latex of Synadenium grantii Hook, “f”. Plant Science. 2002, 163:131-139.

MR. C RAJENDRA SINGH

1. G. Sathryanarayana Murthy, T.P Francis, C. Rajendra Singh, H.G. Nagendra and Chandrashekhar Naik. An assay for screening antimitotic activity of herbal extracts Vol 100(9) 10th may, 2011, 1399-1404.

2. Arul Selvan K, C. Rajendra Singh and Prabhu T. Antibacterial activity of bee propolis against clinical strains of Streptococcus mutans and Synergism with chlorhexidine. International journal of Pharmaceutical studies and research. 2011, II (I):85-90.

MRS. RASHMI VIJAY

1. B K Manjunath, S M Vidya, K V Rashmi, K M Shanthala, Renu Pai and K L Mankani. Studies on hapatoprotective activity of Vernonia arborea against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in rats Journal of tropical medicinal plants. 2005. 6(1):1-3.

2. B K Manjunath, S M Vidya, K V Rashmi, K L Mankani, H J Shilpa and S D Jagadeesh Singh. Evaluation of wound-healing potency of Vernonia arborea Hk. Indian journal of pharmacology. 2005. 37(4):223-226.

MAJOR CONFERENCES ORGANISED

October 23 – 25, 2007: National Symposium on “Innovations in Biotechnology: Entrepreneurial Opportunities and IPR”, held at Jyanajyothi Auditorium, Bangalore University (jointly conducted with Bangalore University).

Oct 1-3, 2008: National conference on “Genomics, Proteomics & Systems Biology”: held at the JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (jointly conducted with Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore).

October 2-3, 2009: National conference on “Medical Biotechnology & Clinical Research”: held at the JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (jointly conducted with MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore).
October 13-14, 2010: National Conference on “Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology”: held at Convention hall NIMHANS campus (jointly organized with the Department of Life Sciences, Reva Institute of Science and Management).

November 4-5 2011: National Conference on “Biopharmaceuticals and Healthcare” to be held at Sir MVIT Campus.

OTHER PROGRAMS

The Department of Biotechnology is actively involved in conducting Workshops, Symposia, Student and Faculty Development Programmes. So far more than 36 programs have been conducted.

JAIVIK – DEPARTMENTAL FORUM:

The Department of Biotechnology Sir MVIT conducts several Programs under the auspices of ‘JAIVIK’ - the Dept. Forum. Lectures by eminent personnel from R&D, industry & academia have taken place since the inception of the Dept, numbering 54 in all, till date. Prominent corporate organizations represented at these talks include Biocon, Millipore India Pvt.Ltd, Strand Life Sciences, Astra Zeneca & Accelrys Inc, to name a few. Eminent scientists from reputed academic institutions such as the IISc, ICRI, IBAB, NCBS & JNCASR have also enriched the forum with their valuable inputs.

GENESIS – THE NEWSLETTER

The quarterly News letter- Genesis published as a part of the Jaivik forum activities caters to the need of a student of biotechnology, by updating him/her on current trends in biotechnology. Formally inaugurated on the 11th May, 2004 (National Technology Day), the newsletter contains articles written by the students, besides interviews conducted with prominent scientific personalities & profile coverage of prominent biotech industries. So far 21issues of Genesis have been released.

ALUMNI

Alumni meet of Bio-Technology is conducted in January every year. Our alumni are placed in reputed Industries and R&D organization Worldwide.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT

    • Electrophoresis units
    • Peristaltic Pump
    • Ultraviolet Visible Spectrophotometer
    • Cooling Centrifuge
    • Baby Fermentor
    • PCR
    • Incubator
    • Binocular Microscope
    • Cooling Microfuge
    • High Speed Cooling Centrifuge
    • Ultrafiltration Assembly
    • Colony Counter
    • UV -Transilluminator
    • White light-Transilluminator
    • Autoclave
    • Distillation Setup (Simple, Packed Coloumn, and Steam)
    • Heat Transfer through packed bed
    • Tray dryer
    • Wetted Wall Coloumn Equipment
    • Seive Analysis Shaker
    • Leaf filter equipment
    • Packed bed extraction
    • Vertical Condenser
    • Computerised Flow Control, Pressure Control, and Temperature Control equipments
    • Interaction Systems
    • Non –Interaction Systems
    • Single Tank System
    • Batch Reactor
    • Plug Flow Reactor
    • Mixed Flow Reactor
    • Venturimeter Equipment
    • Orifice Equipment
    • Centrifugal pumps
    • Reciprocating Pumps
    • Plate and Frame Filtration Equipment
    • Settling Equipment.
    • Friction in Pipe equipment
    • Open Orifice.
    • GCG (Bioinformatics Lab with 30 P4 computers networked with the Linux server running GCG Wisconsin package and with full fledged internet facilities).
    • Permanent Affiliation granted to the Dept. of Biotechnology by the VTU for the period 2008-11.
    • University Ranks obtained by the students during 2005-06 & 2006-07.
    • Recognition as Research Center under the VTU since 2005-06 (presently 4 PhDs &  3  M.Sc Engg. students are working at the Research Center).
    • Funded Research Projects under prominent national agencies such as DST, VTU & UGC, besides an international  project funded by the Kirkhouse Trust, UK as well.
    • Curriculum Development activities for specialized post-graduate programs in biotechnology.
    • Networking of institutions towards establishment of a Center of Excellence in specialized domains of Biotechnology.
    • Collaborative R&D projects with reputed labs of international standing.
    • Association with foreign universities for award of higher degrees.
    • Development of incubation centers facilitating growth & development of Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Biotechnology.

      CONTACT US:


      Dr. H G Nagendra
      Professor and Head
      Dept. of Biotechnology
      Sir MVIT,
      Hunasamaranahalli,
      Via Yelahanka
      Bangalore- 562 157
      Phone: 91-80 – 28467248/ 28477024/ 28477025/ 28477026 Extn: 178
      E-mail: nagshaila@sirmvit.edu

      Extn: 180 (Office), 177 (Staff 1), 179 (Staff 2)

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