ANNUAL REPORT

2021-22

Department of Biotechnology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Government of India
 Contents
1. Overview 06
2. Building Capacities:
- Human Resource Development, Training and Workshops 37
- Research Resources, Service Facilities and Platforms 52
3. Research and Development
- Agriculture and Allied areas 60
- Bioenergy, Bioresources, Environment & Forest 86
- Healthcare and Medical Biotechnology 111
- Knowledge Generation, Discovery Research, New Tools and Technologies 151
- Biotechnology Science Clusters 166
4. Promoting Entrepreneurship and Industrial Growth
- Make in India 172
- Start up India 174
- Biodesign Programme 175
- Biotechnology Parks and Incubators Parks 178
5. Building International Collaborations and Partnership 183
6. Special Section: COVID 19 201
7. Societal Programs
- Biotechnology Based Programme for Societal Development 205
- BIOTECH KISAN 209
8. Promoting Biotechnology in North Eastern Region 219
9. Data Monitoring and Impact Analysis Studies 229
10. DBT Autonomous Institutions and Public Sector Undertakings 252
11. Regulation, Intellectual Property and Legislations 323
12. Administration and Finance 327
13. DBT @ IISF2021 334
Abbreviations 341

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 3
 01
OVERVIEW
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
OVERVIEW
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT),
Ministry of Science & Technology, Government
of India has laid emphasis on creating a strong
ecosystem for promotion of excellence and
innovation for discovery, blue sky research, basic,
early and late stage translational research in the
areas of agriculture, animal biotechnology,
affordable healthcare and medical technology,
food and nutritional security, environmental
safety, clean energy and bio-fuel, bio-
manufacturing etc. The mandate of the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of
Science & Technology is to make India globally
competitive in biotechnology research,
innovation, translation, entrepreneurship and
biotech industrial growth. Innovation driven
research in biotechnology and modern biology is
being facilitated and supported by the
Department through various schemes such as
centers of excellence, units of excellence, virtual
network centers, grand challenge programs,
public-private partnerships, translational
research platforms and bio- clusters across the
country. The Department has also formulated
several guidelines/policies/legislations in all
sectors of biotechnology. Capacity building in
cutting edge areas of research, infrastructure
development, forging new national and
international partnerships, translation of
technologies for product development, their
validation, testing and commercialization for a
robust bio-economy and establishment of India
as a world class bio-manufacturing hub for
developing and developed markets are the major
thrust of the Department. This Department is
also contributing through its various
programmes/schemes to the National Missions
launched by our Hon'ble Prime Minister such as
Swasth Bharat, Swachh Bharat, Start-up India,
Make-in-India and Digital India.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
In order to develop and emphasize on thematic
areas of biology & biotechnology, DBT has
established 15 theme-based autonomous
institutions and is supporting one international
center. These institutions facilitate flow of
knowledge from basic science to translational
research in the areas of agriculture, animal and
marine science, health, energy, bio-resource,
basic and emerging technologies. Besides
research, these institutions play a cardinal role in
capacitybuilding, training and skilling of young
scientists, students and researchers. DBT has
also established two public sector undertakings,
BIBCOL for manufacturing of biologicals and
BIRAC as an interface agency, as a single window
for the emerging biotech industries to
strengthen and empower the emerging biotech
enterprise to undertake strategic research and
innovation, addressing nationally relevant
product development needs.
The Department has been on the fore front to
address the COVID-19 pandemic with its 15
autonomous institutes, one International Center
for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology and
two Public Sector Undertakings i.e.
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC) and Bharat Immunologicals and
Biologicals Corporation Ltd. (BIBCOL). Major
efforts are on the development of vaccines,
diagnostics, therapeutics, establishment of
biorepositories and genomic surveillance.
The Department has signed a MoU with the
Ministry of Earth Sciences for the Setting up of
DBT MOES Polar Research Centre to explore the
possibility of cooperation, convergence and
synergy to bring out the expertise and services of
both the organizations under one roof and work
hand-in-hand for addressing relevant questions
in the field of polar biology. Initially these efforts
would be taken up through collaborative
proposal by the researchers at MOES institutes
making use of the presently available set ups of
MOES at Polar Regions.
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DBT's RESPONSE TO COMBAT COVID-19
MISSION COVID SURAKSHA- THE INDIAN
COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPMENT MISSION
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, 'Mission
COVID Suraksha- the Indian COVID-19 Vaccine
Development Mission', was launched as part of
the third stimulus package, Atmanirbhar Bharat
3.0, for promoting research and development of
Indian COVID-19 vaccines. The Mission is led by
the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and is
implemented by Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public
Sector Undertaking (PSU) of DBT, at a total cost of
₹ 900 Cr for 12 months. The Mission is supporting
the development of 04 vaccine candidates in
advanced clinical development and 01 vaccine
candidate in pre-clinical stage of development;
PAN-India 19 clinical trial sites; 06 facilities for
immunogenicity assays and 05 facilities for
animal challenge studies. Also, efforts have been
made to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine
manufacturing capabilities of Indian industry, by
way of augmentation of facilities, so as to ensure
optimal vaccine production. Within a year of
implementation, the Mission demonstrated
major outcomes / achievements, which are as
under:
Ÿ Development of the World's first DNA
Vaccine for COVID-19 by Cadila Healthcare;
the vaccine received Emergency Use
th
Authorisation (EUA) on 20 August, 2021.
Ÿ Supporting development of nation's first
mRNA Vaccine against COVID-19 and India's
first intranasal vaccine candidate against
COVID-19.
Ÿ Facility augmentation for COVAXIN
production at Indian Immunological Limited
(IIL), whereby, a production capacity of ~20
lakh doses/month equivalent Drug
Substance (DS) of COVAXIN®, was achieved.
The validation of the BBIL facility at Malur,
Bengaluru is complete and production of
Drug Substance (DS) started in August 2021.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics
Consortium (INSACOG):
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium
(INSACOG), jointly initiated by the Union Ministry
of Health, and Department of Biotechnology
(DBT) with Council for Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR) and Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR), is a consortium of 28 National
Laboratories to monitor the genomic variations
in the SARS-CoV-2.
INSACOG is a multi-laboratory, multi-agency,
Pan-India network to monitor genomic variations
in the SARS-CoV-2 by a sentinel sequencing
effort. The network carries out whole genome
sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus across the
nation, aiding the understanding of how the virus
spreads and evolves, and provide information to
aid public health response. Initially, ten Regional
Genome Sequencing Laboratories (RGSLs)
spread across the country were identified to
carry out genome sequencing of positive samples
from different states which is facilitated by the
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),
Delhi involving the Central Surveillance Unit
(CSU) under Integrated Disease Surveillance
Programme (IDSP). In view of the increasing
realization of disease spread, it was decided to
increase the sequencing efforts in the country. In
addition, as the reported cases of reinfection and
vaccine breakthroughs is being recorded,
including these samples for sequencing assumes
importance. INSACOG also aims to focus on
sequencing of clinical samples to understand the
disease dynamics and severity.
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A summary of the cumulative data of INSACOG
and other state sequencing initiatives can be
found at the INSACOG data portal link
(http://clingen.igib.res.in/covid19genomes/)
along with other INSACOG information at
https://dbtindia.gov.in/insacog. New web-based
query tool is now available on the data portal. All
data presented on the portal is organized by date
of sample collection, state, assigned lineage and
mutations found on analysis. INSACOG: · Total
number of samples sequenced: 1,18,044.
COVID 19 Diagnostics
To address gaps in indigenous diagnostics
development during the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Department has sanctioned 16 projects
through a special call “DBT-BIRAC Covid-19
Research Consortium” call. Some of the salient
developments are reported below:
F Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI) has developed
a rapid and stable Receptor Binding Domain
(RBD)- based IgG ELISA test. The test has
shown higher sensitivity compared to few
of the kits available in market.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Components of the developed
SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA kit
The initial version of the test has been transferred
to Xcyton Diagnostics Ltd. The test should be a
very useful tool in monitoring the sustainability
of IgG response after the infection and
vaccination and will have value even when the
pandemic is over. The team has also developed a
lateral flow rapid POC assays for detecting anti-
SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The developed rapid test
has higher sensitivity than the commercial assays
in the same format and has been found to be in
high concordance between serum neutralization
test titers and the signals (UCNP fluorescence)
from the LFA. The aim is to further develop this
assay as a surrogate virus neutralization test for
the point of care settings keeping in mind the
utility of this test for assessing the vaccine
response and to determine the need for the
booster dose in future
F IISc, Bangalore has developed RT-LAMP
assay against the S-gene of SARS-CoV2
having significant analytical sensitivity. The
specificity of the assay lies in the strength of
designing of the primers, which are unique
in the genome of SARS-CoV2 and are absent
in other related coronaviruses.
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Thus, it would ensure that the LAMP reaction
would proceed by loop formationexclusively in
the presence of SARS-CoV2 target RNA, leading
to high specificity of the assay. Pilot validation has
been performed and the working prototype of
the kit is ready for ICMR evaluation.
F The Department supported Centre for
Human Genetics, Bangalore to develop an
IgG ELISA Test kit for sero- surveillance. The
kit which has been submitted for ICMR
evaluation/validation will help to check for
the immunity by testing SARS-CoV2
antibodies generated by individuals with a
history of SARS COV2 infection or
downstream of receiving the vaccination.
The team has developed two ELISA tests
Lady Bird and Paras, which identifies SARS
CoV2 antibodies with high specificity and
sensitivity. The peptides (RBD) arrays could
be used to develop quantitative estimates/
titres of IgA Antibody as an indicator of the
immune response (protection) or
neutralising activity.
F Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of
Medical Sciences, Lucknow is studying an
important aspect of Covid 19 wherein the
team is looking for relationship between
digestive symptoms and morbidity,
mortality and fecal excretion of the virus
among patients with COVID-19. The
researchers have recruited patients for
sample collection and are being followed up
for various intervals like 1, 3 and even for 6
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
months. The preliminary study shows that
presence of GI symptoms was associated
with a severe illness and fatal outcome on
multivariate analysis. Independent
predictors of GI symptoms included the
absence of contact history, presence of non-
GI symptoms, and comorbid illnesses.
Testing Count
DBT has identified 21 City /Regional clusters to
scale up Covid testing as a part of the Hub and
Spoke model. Nine Autonomous Institutes (AIs)
of DBT have been approved as testing centres for
COVID-19 diagnosis. These DBT AIs have also
been identified as hubs for their respective
regions. Till date, more than 70.24 lakh tests have
been performed by these Clusters.
To ramp up the COVID-19 testing in rural and
inaccessible areas, India's first I-lab (infectious
disease diagnostic lab) which was launched in
June 2020 and attached to the THSTI, Faridabad
hub have tested more than 29990 samples in
total, till date from the Faridabad region.
BUILDING CAPACITIES – HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
Human resource is one of the major pillars
supporting scientific research and development
in the country. It is critical to have a robust human
resource development programme in order to
maintain, perpetuate and leverage scientific
knowledge to achieve our socio-economic
development goals. The Human Resource
Development Programme of the Department of
Biotechnology is aimed at providing holistic
development and support to students, young
researchers and scientists working in the
multidisciplinary areas of Biotechnology. Since its
inception, the Department has been supporting
Biotechnology teaching atpostgraduate level for
quality hands on training in niche areas of
Biotechnology.
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The Department has implemented integrated
human resource development programmes for
enhancing the Biotechnology ecosystem in the
country, including the Star College scheme at
undergraduate level, Skill Vigyan Programme in
close collaboration with respective State Science
and Technology Councils, doctoral and
p o std o c to ra l fe l l o ws h i p s , a wa rd s fo r
recognitions of young, mid-career and
distinguished scientists, programmes for
retaining young pool of researchers under M K
Bhan - Young Researcher Fellowship Programme
and Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship
Programme. The Department has also supported
young investigators' meetings, webinars for
awareness about science and technology
opportunities in the country among researchers
and faculties, as well as workshops, popular
lectures, and exhibitions for doctoral and
p o st g ra d u ate st u d e nt s . A n u m b e r o f
international partnerships are being supported
for capacity building in cutting edge technologies
and priority areas.
MISSION PROGRAMS
GARBH-Ini
GARBH-Ini (interdisciplinary Group for Advanced
Research on BirtH outcomes) recognized as one
of the five Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Missions
of Department, is a unique pregnancy cohort
comprising more than 8000 women has been
established using an interdisciplinary approach
comprising methodologies of clinical,
epidemiological, statistical, genetic, proteomic
and imaging sciences to study Pre Term Birth
(PTB). The GARBH-Ini platform comprises of a
biorepository (Rakshita) of well characterized
clinical phenotypes with around 1 million bio-
specimens and 600,000 ultrasound images.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Ind-CEPI Mission
The Ind-CEPI Mission entitled “Epidemic
p r e p a r e d n e s s t h r o u g h ra p i d v a c c i n e
development: Support of Indian vaccine
development aligned with the global initiative of
the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations (CEPI)”, is another initiative under
implementation since 2019, for supporting
vaccine development for emerging epidemics.
The initiative is being implemented as part of the
'Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission -
Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology
Innovation (UNaTI). Under the Partnerships for
Advancing Clinical Trials (PACT) Initiative of the
Ind-CEPI Mission, 2 series of e-training sessions
on strengthening clinical trial research capacity
in neighbouring countries, were held between
Sep- Dec 2020 and Feb- Apr 2021, for more than
2400 candidates across 14 neighbouring and
friendly countries.
National Bio-Pharma Mission (NBM)
Innovative funding mechanisms are being
facilitated through the National Biopharma
Mission (NBM) - an Industry-Academia
Collaborative Mission, being implemented by
BIRAC, a Public Sector Undertaking of DBT. The
availability of affordable and accessible vaccines
in India is a priority area of the Mission and is
supporting vaccine candidates in different stages
of development. The Mission has played a crucial
role in fostering a vibrant research and
translation ecosystem across the country, with a
focus on delivering Make-in-India solutions for
societal challenges. The Mission has made major
contributions in the launch and implementation
of the DBT-BIRAC COVID-19 Research
Consortium.
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Mission Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Considering Antimicrobial Resistance as a global
threat, the Department had launched an
ambitious “Mission Program on Antimicrobial
Resistance” in 2018-2019, with the vision to
develop indigenous and cost-effective therapies
against AMR; categorization of AMR- specific
pathogen priority list of India; establishment of
Bio-repository for AMR-specific pathogens; and
development of rapid and cost-effective
diagnostic kits to identify AMR- specific
pathogens. Following achievements have been
made so far under this Mission Program:
Ø The Department has notified National
Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR),
National Centre of Cell Sciences, Pune (an
Autonomous Institute of DBT) to function as
a Bio-repository for resistant microbes/
infective agents (Bacteria and Fungi)” and to
carry out collection, storage, maintenance,
preservation and characterization of these
microbes across the country. Nearly 1200
samples have been deposited so far.
Ø Department while working with WHO,
Country Office, New Delhi has developed the
Indian Priority Pathogen List to guide
research, discovery and development of new
antibiotics in India.
Ø Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in
collaboration with Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has
announced support for Projects in the area
of development of new antibiotics and
alternatives to antibiotics to counter AMR.
Under this Call, 378LoIs were received by the
Department and after two rounds of
screening , total 10 projects were
recommended for financial support. DBT has
supported a project on PPEF, bacterial
topoisomerase inhibitor against ESKAPE
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
pathogens (both on WHO and Indian priority
pathogen list) amongst these 10 projects.
Ø Under an ambitious initiative with NERC
(Natural Environment Research Council)
through UKRI, the department supported
five projects focused on “AMR in the Enviro-
nment from Antimicrobial Manufacturing
Waste”.
Ø DBT has supported a CoE on One health with
PCMU at NIAB, Hyderabad. This will
strengthen surveillance systems of zoonotic
diseases throughout the country and
important transboundary animal diseases in
the Northeast, through existing and newer
diagnostics.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
AGRICULTURE & ALLIED AREAS
The Department has been supporting
agricultural research (crops, livestock and
fisheries) through adoption of biotechnological
advances in research, strengthening research
infrastructure and capacity building of
manpower in cutting edge areas. Support has
been extended to basic research for
understanding and addressing the complex
problems in wake of climate change, blue sky
research and applied research with an aim to
provide improved crop varieties/livestock/fish
brood-stock and other products to the farmers
and other stakeholders through advancements in
biotechnology. The Department has created an
ecosystem of Agriculture R&D across the country
involving Universities/State Agriculture
Universities and National Institutions. Various
improved crop varieties, improved technologies,
vaccines and diagnostics have been developed.
DBT has also launched R&D in the interface of
Agri-nutrition to augment the quality/quantity of
proteins and micronutrients in cereals especially
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in wheat and rice. A “National Mission Mode
Program on Nutritional improvement of
digestible protein content and quality in rice”
focusing on enhancing the digestible protein
quantity and quality to address India's battle
against protein malnutrition has been
commissioned. Department has taken an
initiative to set up a Centre of Excellence (COE)
under the umbrella of G S Khush Institute of
Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology and
a speed breeding facility under the project
“Development and Integration of Advanced
Genomic Technologies for Targeted Breeding”.
Animal Biotechnology
Animal Biotechnology programme is an
important part of our National economy in terms
of employment; rural development; agricultural
production and allied areas. The major emphasis
of this program is towards enhancement of
livestock production & productivity, and
improving animal health through biotechno-
logical interventions. The focused areas of the
Animal Biotechnology are animal reproduction,
molecular characterization of indigenous breeds,
development of transgenic animal, animal
nutrition, utilization of animal by-products,
development of animal vaccines, diagnostics and
therapeutics, technology for bovine sperm
sexing, production of bio-pharmaceuticals
through transgenic and animal products.
Department launched the First 'One Health'
programme of DBT, consisting of 27 organizations
for inter-sectoral collaboration among
veterinary, medical, agricultural, environmental,
forestry, meteorological and other areas to
detect, prevent and control zoonosis and
transboundary animal diseases. The programme
is led by DBT-National Institute of Animal
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Biotechnology, Hyderabad, is one of the biggest
one health programs launched by Govt. of India
in post-COVID times.
BIOENERGY, BIO RESOURCE AND
ENVIRONMENT
Energy Bioscience and Waste to Value
Department is promoting research, develop-
ment, and demonstration in these areas to
harness the potential available for cleaner
solutions for community welfare for holistic
contribution to the national bioeconomy. The
vision is to make available cost-effective and
sustainable biofuel technology by improving
feedstock or developing new feedstock,
improvement of biofuel production technologies
including nation's broad vision about biomass to
energyproduction. The broad objectives of the
program are to promote innovation R&D in
Biofuel areas through various schemes like the
Centre of Excellence, extramural projects,
fellowship schemes, and international coope-
ration.
Demonstration of waste to energy project funded
by DBT entitled “Demonstration of waste to
energy project by anaerobic co-digestion of food
waste and septage” led by Investigators from BITS
Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus undertook the
demonstration of treatment of two different
waste streams. This treatment led to the
production of 150- 200 cu.m. biogas per day from
5-ton reactors. The biogas was converted to
electricity and was utilized for plant operations.
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This system can lead towards a circular economy,
by utilizing the electricity generated for
miscellaneous purposes.
Environmental Biotechnology
Programs under Environmental Biotechnology
have been envisioned to provide cost-effective,
alternative,clean and green solutions for the
management of climatic and environmental
issues like pollution,biomedical waste, soil
degradation, xenobiotics, and many other
burning issues. Broader objectives of the
program are to support R&D activities including
translational research, knowledge generation,
demonstration of the technology on a pilot scale,
large-scale application of proven technologies,
and capacity building, and addresal of major
challenges such as anthropogenic pollution and
climate change through R&D intervention in the
form of extramural projects and network projects
for efficient monitoring of environmental health,
treatment of solid & liquid wastes, bioremedi-
ation of polluted sites. The development of novel
technologies using insights from environmental
processes is the key to achieving the vision.
Bioresources and Secondary Agriculture
The aim of the programme is to support R&D
projects in the related areas of Bioresources and
Secondary Agriculture biomass biotransfor-
mation, bioresource systems analysis, and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
technologies associated with conversion or
production of value added products and
processes from natural resources. DBT has
initiated theme based specific projects on
Inventorisation, characterization, evaluation and
value addition of novel bioresources leading to
their sustainable utilization and conservation.
Efforts have also been initiated on capacity
development and public outreach on
bioresources diversity and conservation. During
this year, efforts are being continued to support
the research for bioprospecting, inventorization
and characterization, value addition and
sustainable utilization of bioresources along with
relevant training, capacity building and
awareness generation. Various Brainstorming-
cum- Consultation meetings were organized for
prioritization of R&D areas based on available
research leads. A Marine Bioresource and
Biotechnology network has been implemented
with strong linkages with the Deep Ocean
Mission of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Translational Research on Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants
DBT is providing research support across the
country towards developing products and
processes from medicinal and aromatic plants
following multi-disciplinary approach. DBT is also
providing research support for conducting R&D
utilizing rich traditional knowledge disciplines on
the basis of conventional traditional knowledge
in the country following any of the two available
regulatory frameworks: (a)DCGI- Phytopharm-
aceutical Drugs, and (b) AYUSH mode. The aim is
to develop a herbal drug pipeline. DBT is making
efforts for taking forward already available
research leads in medicinal plants to pre-clinical
and clinical level so as to bring them on global
scene.
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The support of public institutions along with
industry participation would enable to develop
viable products either in form of AYUSH drugs or
phytopharmaceutical drugs in DCGI mode.
During this year, the Department has initiated a
programme on developing a pipeline of
phytopharmaceuticals in view of recent Gazette
Notification of DCGI, Govt. of India for
recognizing a new category of phytopharma-
ceutical drugs along with recognition of Indian
medicinal plants in US / British and Japanese
Pharmacopeia.Some of these are: Under the
Inter-Ministerial Cooperation program of CSIR,
DBT and ICMR on 'Phytopharmaceutical' drug
development, a pipeline of phytopharmaceutical
drugs has been developed. This include:
developing phytopharmaceutical drug from Ficus
semicordata for diabetes; developing
phytopharmaceutical drug from Trachyspermum
ammi for Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
(PKDL); CBD-THC Enriched phytopharmaceutical
drug for cancer pain management; cannabis
b a s e d p hy t o p h a r m a c e u t i c a l d r u g fo r
management of resistant pediatric epilepsy;
development of Boswellia serrata based
phytopharmaceutical drug for osteoarthritis.
Silk Biotechnology
The programme on application of biotechnology
towards developing newer and emerging
technologies in silk and its applications in
biomaterials continued during the year.
Programme has been reoriented during the year
2014-15 with focus on addressing newer and
emerging technologies for improving the
productivity and enhancing the quality of silk and
its applications in biomaterials. The major
Priority R&D areas of this programmes are-
technology development both in silkworm and
host-plants by employing tools and techniques of
biotechnology towards improving the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
productivity, enhancing the quality and
utilization of by-products in both mulberry
sericulture as well as non-mulberry (Vanya silk)
sectors; developing novel applications of silk
proteins (both fibroin and sericin) in biomedical,
pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical areas;
developing network programme on
biotechnology applications for developing
improved varieties of mulberry and; developing
network programmes on Vanya silk (tasar, muga
and eri) on biotech applications towards
improving the productivity of silk as well as
improvement of host plants.
Forest Biotechnology
The Department of Biotechnology has taken this
initiative to facilitate research and development
in emerging areas of forest biotechnology. The
overall emphasis is on addressing research gaps
in ecology, genomics and biotechnology to
improve the growth and quality of forest for
conservation and suggest ways for sustainable
use as well as tools for mitigation of climate
change impact. The research on biotechnological
interventions for improving forest productivity,
quality of forest produce, and good quality
certified seed for important forest trees having
commercial and medicinal importance needs to
be prioritised. Department is closely working
with ICFRE, CSIR, ICAR, State Forest Departments,
and other research institutions for taking efforts
on modelling and control of invasive species in
forest, terrestrial carbon sequestration,
technologies for measuring and maintaining
ecosystem services, and use of biotechnological
approaches on afforestation and regeneration of
degraded forest area.
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HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Providing affordable healthcare for all in a
populous country like India is a challenging task.
DBT's mandate for Healthcare & Medical
Biotechnology has been coordination and
promotion of Biomedical research,
understanding the causes of human diseases
such as non- communicable diseases, emerging
infections, anti-microbial resistance, genetic
disorders, maternal and child health, nutrition
issues at the genetic and molecular level, early
detection, preventive measures, development of
vaccines, innovative tools and therapies,
healthcare delivery systems and development of
products for medical applications. Over the
years, Department of Biotechnology has funded
projects in different thematic areas that include,
Bioengineering, Chronic Diseases, Drug
Development, Human Genetics, Genetics,
Infectious Diseases, Maternal & Child Health,
Public Health & Nutrition, Stem Cells &
Regenerative Medicine & Vaccines.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is a highly interdiscipli-
nary area of research involving cross disciplinary
knowledge from engineering and other
quantitative sciences for unravelling the
complexities of biological systems and provide
cost-effective solutions for improved quality of
life. With a priority to study emerging diseases, to
manipulate/engineer genomes, develop
transgenic systems and develop genome-based
diagnostics the department significantly
contributes towards biomedical engineering field
for development of affordable devices,
diagnostics, bio composites, tissue engineering,
biosensors etc. During the year a non- invasive
method for measuring beat-to-beat blood
pressure variability in humans (CMC NIBP) and a
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
clot retriever stent have been developed.
Chronic Disease Biology
Non-Infectious diseases, including cancer,
diabetes, chronic lung disease etc., pose
devastating health consequences for individuals,
families and communities and threatens health
systems. Diseases addressed in the program
include but are not limited to Cancer, Diabetes,
Hypertension, Cardiovascular Diseases, Lung
Diseases, Kidney Disorders, Autoimmune
Disorders, Eye Diseases, Osteoporosis & Bone
Biology, Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System,
Neurological Disorders etc.
The socioeconomic costs associated with these
chronic diseases make the 'Non Communicable
Disease Control Programme' as a major
development imperative for any country. The
Department is working to provide leadership and
the evidence base actions on surveillance,
prevention and control of Non Communicable
Diseases and to reduce the burden of NCDs. The
aim of the Program Division is to develop &
support competitive R&D programs and generate
new programmes from basic to clinical and
translational research identified under non-
infectious disease conditions.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary science that
involves study of structure and function of the
nervous system for understanding the
behavioural, cognitive, development aspects of
the nervous system at cellular and molecular
level. The Department has a focus on
understanding the basic biology, biotechnology
of neurological disorders such as dementia,
stroke, epilepsy etc.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
and neurological injuries such as brain and spinal
cord injury as well as neuro-infections and
neuromuscular and movement brain and spinal
cord injury as well as neuro-infections and
neuromuscular and movement disorders, Brain
Cancers etc. The two population based cohort
studies on Stroke & Cognitive Decline and
Dementia were taken in order to understand
their occurrence in Indian Population. Three
CoE's are supported in the area of Basic
Neurosciences and Neuroengineering platform.
In addition, the Department also advertised a Call
for proposal for developing Neurotools,
Techniques, and Procedures for Brain disorders
and Pathological conditions. The Department has
also conducted Brain storming session for
initiating the 'Impact of malnutrition on Child's
Brain Development'.
Drug Development Program
With the aim to put India on the global map in
terms of R&D innovations in the area of drug
development, the Department has initiated a
new program on “Drug Development” with a
vision to develop indigenous and cost-effective
new drugs against diseases prevalent in our
country. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in
collaboration with its Public Sector Undertaking,
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC) announced a Joint Call in 2020 to
invite proposals in the area of “Development of
Drugs from existing leads with established proof
of concept” and 6 proposals have been
recommended for financial support. Department
also announced a Joint call with BIRAC on
“Globally Accessible and Cost-Effective Novel
Antibodies” in 2020 and 3 proposals have been
recommended for financial support. A Mission
program on Snakebite envenoming i.e. Mission-
Next Generation Treatment for Snakebite (NGTS)
was recommended with a vision to develop an
indigenous, cost-effective and globally accessible
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
technology with the aim to cater the needs of the
affected people and facilitate employment
generation through training and skill
development.
Human Genetics & Genome Analysis
Human Genetics and Genome Analysis program
of the DBT supports research to uncover the role
that the genome plays in human health and
disease. The program support research across a
spectrum: basic research, translational research
and clinical research to establish how to use
genomic information to advance medical care.
Overall aim of the program is to support R&D
activities for i) understanding the role of genetic
component in health and disease, and the cross-
talk of these components with environmental
and lifestyle factors, ii) translating the understan-
ding thus acquired for the improvement of
human health, iii) development of genomics-
based strategies for prediction, diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of disease, iv)
development of early- warning minimally
invasive diagnostic biomarkers for diseases with
a genetic basis, v) building capacity in human
genetics and genomics by promoting training on
technology platforms and methodologies for
genome analysis in relation to human health and
disease, and vi) expansion of the UMMID
initiative for diagnosis and management of rare
genetic disorders etc.
Infectious Disease Biology
Under the aegis of Infectious Disease Biology
program, the Department is supporting basic and
applied research to better understand and
ultimately provide solutions in terms of
therapeutics, diagnostics and preventive
measures for infectious diseases of global
concern such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (including
MDR & XDR TB), vector borne diseases;
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
emerging or re-emerging threats such as
influenza, Japanese Encephalitis; neglected
tropical diseases such as Malaria, Leishmania,
Dengue etc. Under the Mission Antimicrobial
Resistance Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in
collaboration with Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has
announced support for Projects in the area of
development of new antibiotics and alternatives
to antibiotics to counter AMR. Under this Call,
378LoIs were received by the Department and
after two rounds of screening, total 10 projects
were recommended for financial support. DBT
has supported a project on PPEF, bacterial
topoisomerase inhibitor against ESKAPE
pathogens (both on WHO and Indian priority
pathogen list) amongst these 10 projects.
Fig. Antibiogram of Drug Resistant Microbes
against PPEF andb) Schematic diagram of
the mechanism of PPEF
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Public Health & Nutrition
The programme has a mandate to provide
technological and clinical solutions for public
health nutrition issues. The Public Health
Nutrition programme is concerned with
promotion of good health through prevention of
nutrition–related illnesses / problems in the
population, and the government policies and
programmes that are aimed at solving these
problems using organised and multidisciplinary
approaches that affect the population i.e.,
people for whom collective action is needed. The
Department is leveraging its focus on the
application of nutrition and public health
principles to design programs, policies to
improve or maintain the optimal health of
populations / targeted groups.
Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine
The aim of the Stem Cells & Regenerative
Medicine program is to promote basic, early and
late translational research in the area of stem
cells and regenerative medicine. Scientific
strategies include: basic biology of all adult stem
cells, early and late translational research,
developing gene editing technology for possible
therapeutic applications, creation of animal
models for various human diseases, trainings and
workshops, and formulation of regulatory
framework for stem cell research in India.
“Accelerator program for discovery in brain
disorders using stem cells (ADBS)” has
established a cohort of large dense families with
major psychiatric disorders. The ADBS program
includes a strong component of capacity building
in stem cell technology in India.
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The program organizes an annual training
program in iPSC technology with the Centre for
iPSC Research, Kyoto University (CiRA), Japan
and also iPSC training programs at inStem,
Bengaluru.
Vaccine Research and Development
Considering vaccines as one of the most cost-
effective health interventions for combating
infectious diseases, the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) has made concerted efforts,
over the past three decades, to strengthen the
Indian vaccine research and development
ecosystem, through adoption of pioneering
strategies like fostering active partnerships with
relevant global leaders and implementation of
innovative funding mechanisms. The most
significant international partnership that
contributed immensely towards development of
indigenous vaccine science is the Indo-US
Vaccine Action Programme (VAP), a bilateral
programme being jointly implemented by DBT,
and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA,
since 1987. The programme demonstrated major
achievements like the development of the low-
cost Rotavirus vaccine which became part of the
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and
development of vaccines for diseases like
Malaria, Dengue and Tuberculosis. In the wake of
COVID-19, a special meeting focused on
emerging variants of COVID-19 and potential
areas of collaboration, was held in May 2021,
under the aegis of Indo-US VAP.
Women & Child Health
Women & Child Health is an important priority
area for the country's health needs and the
program continues its endeavour towards better
understanding of disease pathogenesis in
problems exclusive to women and mechanistic
paradigms involved in early development. The
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
overarching goal of this programme is to engage
clinicians and research communities to design
appropriate clinical interventions and generation
of novel research hypothesis to prevent
prevalence of multitude of problems associated
with women's health from menarche to
menopause and developmental and disease
biology associated with infancy and early
childhood.
The Division supports competitively submitted
projects as well as develops programme support
depending on the disease burden and
requirement in the area.
Under the Women's Health initiative, about
fifteen proposals have been approved this year in
the broad domains of ovarian stimulation on
ovarian pathophysiology (PCOS, recurrent
implantation failure and endometriosis), cost
effective tools for non-invasive prenatal
screening, osteoporosis and auto immune
disorders specific to women.
In the area of Developmental disorders and
diseases of infancy and early childhood, about
thirteen projects have been approved this year in
the broad domains of Chronic Malnutrition and
Cognitive Development, Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD), Birth Asphyxia, Hyperbilirub-
inemia and Hypothermia and Infections:
Management in vulnerable groups and
Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs).
Under the programme, Healthy Life Trajectories
Initiative (HeLTI) was also launched as a joint
initiative between Canada, India, China and
South Africa in collaboration with the World
Health Organization to address the increasing
burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)–
including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
It aims to test the hypothesis that integrated
interventions administered pre-conceptionally
and at appropriate points across the life-course
(pregnancy, infancy and childhood) will reduce
childhood adiposity, improve cardiovascular and
m eta b o l i c h e a l t h , a n d i m p ro ve c h i l d
neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A multi-institutional and multidisciplinary
network program has been supported to further
the understanding of the causative and
confounding factors associated with neonatal
sepsis, and towards reducing the burden of
sepsis. The high incidence and case fatality rate,
unique pathogen profile, source of causative
pathogens, alarmingly high rates of Anti-
Microbial Resistance (AMR), and distinct lack of
reliable point-of-care diagnostics make it
imperative to understand the biology of neonatal
sepsis in a more comprehensive manner and find
context- specific solutions.
KNOWLEDGE GENERATION, DISCOVERY
RESEARCH, NEW TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Basic Research in Modern Biology
The focus of the programme has been in
understanding the fundamental biological
processes/ mechanism leading to application of
fundamental concepts and encouraging the
discovery enabled and use inspired research.
During the period, Department has supported
more than 120 projects to increase the
understanding of basic principles and to provide
scientific information and theories that lays
down the foundation for the applied science
which have resulted in several good publications
in high impact journals. Six Centre of excellence
(CoE) have also been supported. DBT-IISc
Partnership Program Phase-II is also being
implemented at IISc, Bengaluru with an aim to
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
support cross disciplinary research bringing
about collaborative activities between the
faculty of the Division of Biological Sciences and
the faculty from various other science and
engineering divisions. Through these high quality
research projects more than 230 research articles
have been published, 10 international and
national patents have been filed and 4
technologies have been developed.
Theoretical and Computational Biology
(Bioinformatics, AI and Big Data)
Realizing the immense importance of this
discipline, DBT is supporting the programme
Theoretical and Computational Biology
(Bioinformatics, AI and Big Data) to bridge the
inter- disciplinary gaps in Biotechnology
information and establish linkages between
scientists in organisations involved in R&D and
manufacturing activities in the country. The focus
of the programme is to build up information
resources, prepare databases on Biotechnology
and to develop relevant information handling
tools and techniques and to continuously assess
information requirements, organise creation of
necessary infrastructure and to provide
information and computational support services
to the national community of users working in
Biotechnology and allied areas through one of
the key programme BTISNet which has been
supported for more than three decades. BTISNet
has emerged as a very sophisticated scientific
infrastructure for Bioinformatics involving state-
of-the-art computational and communication
facilities. Considering the immense importance
of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at
the intersection of various disciplines of Bio-
Sciences, Department has revamped the BTISNet
programme to accelerate R&D in biotechnology
sector through supporting projects in the broad
sub-areas i.e. Structural Bioinformatics, Drug
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
discovery and drug development, Chemiinfor-
matics, Database, Tools, Machine Learning,
Genome Informatics, Metagenomics, Systems
Bio/Microbial, Agriculture, Plants, Animal,
Aquaculture and Marine, Human diseases,
Disease informatics, Biodiversity, Proteomics and
Metabolomics. Currently, 48 projects are being
funded under BTISNet programme.
Genome Engineering Technologies (GET)
and their Applications
With an aim to nurture new and innovative
technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has
supported several R&D projects under the
Genome Engineering Technology program. The
vision of the program is to promote development
of Genome-wide Analysis and Engineering
Technologies and make them accessible and
affordable for wider use in diverse sectors
including agriculture, health, and environment.
At present, over 80 ongoing projects are being
supported and more than 50 research
publications have emanated from the R&D
projects supported under this program.
Investigators at IISER Bhopal, have designed a
sensitive reporter-based assay to determine the
efficiency of genome editing in human cells. With
the help of this assay, the investigators
established editing of a defined locus in the cells
using virus-like particles (VLPs). Lgr5-specific
Atoh1 or relevant gene loss using CRISPR/Cas9
was evaluated in cell-based assay at genomic
locus and it was found that the locus is being
targeted. This platform can improve the
efficiency of genome editing in human cells and
may find application in medical interventions in
health and disease.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Nanobiotechnology
Nanobiotechnology program of the Department
of Biotechnology (DBT) supports application/
translation-oriented projects that aim use
nanotechnology for addressing issues in health,
energy, agriculture and environment. Since its
inception in 2007, department has supported
over 300 projects in nanobiotechnology.
Some of these projects have delivered important
products/leads specially in drug delivery,
therapeutics and drug development. The
Department has supported nanobiotechnology
projects for diagnosis and developing
therapeutics via targeted drug delivery against a
variety of diseases including liver disease and
cancer. The investigators in inStem have
synthesized silyl oxime compounds and
demonstrated that Silyl-Iodo-Oxime functional-
ized fabric could deactivate organophosphate
based pesticides. The clothing and masks
fabricated using this technology can prevent
pesticide exposure through dermal and
inhalation route in farmers during spraying of
pesticides.
Accelerated Translational Grant for
Commercialization
Fundamental Science frequently yields
discoveries that promise societal benefits in
areas such as health care, sustainable energy,
animal and marine biotechnology, agriculture
etc. To encourage technological innovation, DBT
is providing funding opportunities for
fundamental research that is explicitly aimed
towards application development. To take
advantage of research results with potential for
commercialization, DBT has enabled academic
researchers to take their fundamental research
to next phase via translational research
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
opportunities that launch their idea towards an
end-use under Accelerated Translational Grant
for Commercialization (ATGC). This is a new
program launched by DBT in 2019. Since its
inception 5 calls have been announced in
partnership with BIRAC and projects with
promising leads have been implemented in the
areas of Energy, Agriculture, Animal & Healthcare
Biotechnology.
BIOTECHNOLOGY SCIENCE CLUSTERS
Considering the importance of building synergy
and promoting networking in the biotech sector
in the country, the Department conceptualized
the idea of setting up Bioclusters in its National
Biotech Strategy document. Following this, the
Department has established four Bioclusters at
Faridabad (Haryana), Bangalore (Karnataka),
Kalyani (West Bengal) and Pune (Maharashtra).
NCR Biotech Science Cluster-Faridabad
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB),
Translational Health Science and Technology
Institute (THSTI), National Institute of
Immunology (NII), National Institute of Plant
Genome Research (NIPGR), and National Brain
Research Centre (NBRC) have collaborated to
jointly form the NCR Bio-Cluster, envisaged to
support innovation, research, education, and
e n t r e p r e n e u rs h i p i n v a r i e d a r e a s o f
biotechnology through creative partnerships
with Biotech & Pharmaceutical industry. While
THSTI, NII, NIPGR, and NBRC are institutions
primarily focused on research and development
activities, RCB is an institution for academic
training and research. The five partner
institutions of the NCR Biotech Science Cluster
together with participation from industry
partners bring synergies in multi-disciplinary
research, and operational efficiencies in the
creation, management, and operation of the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
common facilities of the Cluster.
The Biotech Science Cluster has already achieved
a unique blend of a variety of multiple biotech
disciplines, in as much as, co-existence of RCB as a
University, Research institutions as partner
institutions connected with all the support
systems and common facilities like Advanced
Technology Platform Centre (ATPC), BSC BioNest
Bio-incubator (BBB), Small Animal Facility (SAF),
M.K. Bhan Auditorium, BSL-3 Facility, Bioreposit-
ory and Hostels to support the innovation,
translational research and commercialization
endeavours in inter-disciplinary areas of
biotechnology and life sciences.
Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru
Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC) is a unique
hub of excellence in biological research in India
that aims to build the necessary infrastructure,
and human resources to enable research and
innovation activities across life sciences and
biotechnology domains with emphasis on
Structural Biology and Bioinformatics tools. With
partnering Institutions like Institute for Stem Cell
Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem)
Bangalore; National Centre for Biological
Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore and Centre for
Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP),
Bangalore, Bangalore Life Science Cluster aims at
developing best practices for inter- institutional
collaborations in India.
The System Medicine Cluster (SyMeC),
Kalyani, West Bengal
SyMeC Biocluster spearheaded by the National
Institute of Biomedical Genomics – comprises
five other institutions: Bose Institute, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Science Education & Research, Indian Statistical
Institute and Tata Medical Centre. The three main
aims of SyMeC are: (a) To investigate and
understand the dynamic systems of the human
body as part of an integrated whole,
incorporating biochemical, physiological, and
environment interactions that sustain life, and
identify perturbations that cause disease,in
order to implement Systems Medicine; (b)
Provide improved tools for prediction,
prevention and treatment of diseases using a
systems biology approach; and (c) Create a
platform for multi- disciplinary training to build a
cadre of scientific, clinical and technical
personnel require to drive and to sustain systems
medicine. SyMeC's research has already resulted
in the development of a powerful statistical and
bioinformatics method to integrate genotype
and gene-expression data for dissecting the
genetic architecture of a disease.
Pune Bio-Cluster
The Biotech science cluster at Pune has been
conceived as a hub for interactions amongst
scientists of Pune and nearby locations with the
theme - “Model Organisms to Human Disease”.
The two leading institutes at Pune, namely:
National Center for Cell Science (NCCS) and
Indian Institute of Science & Engineering
Research (IISER) have collaborated to develop
shared facilities and expertise. The focus of this
cluster is on molecular and cellular imaging
extending to whole animal disease models and
establishment of a proteomics facility to
investigate molecular correlates of human
diseases.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
The Department of Biotechnology along with
BIRAC is playing a fundamental role in
implementing the flagship programs of the
Government of India such as 'Make-in -India' and
'Start-up India'. To make India a manufacturing
hub for the emerging economy, DBT and BIRAC
have taken visionary steps for burgeoning the
biotech ecosystem in the country.
BIRAC supports innovators and start-ups at all the
stages of product development by support
through various schemes, industry-academia
interaction for strengthened innovation,
technology transfer, IP management, and several
handholding services. BIRAC also provides
infrastructural support -it has established
BioNEST incubators, pre-incubation centers,
biotech parks and is planning to establish
Technology clusters and Manufacturing zones.
The potent biotech ecosystem will spur
innovation in the country, start-ups will emerge
that will open new avenues and subsequently can
generate large employment.
Make-in-India Programme in Biotechnology
The Make-in-India Cell of BIRAC is enterprising for
a variety of initiatives. It has been facilitating
investment for the biotech sector, providing
regulatory support, and helping protect
Intellectual Property. MII Cell has done state
partnership to expand the biotech innovation
ecosystem and created global start-ups connect.
The rigorous steps taken by BIRAC and Make-in-
India Cell have contributed significantly to the
growth of the biotech sector in India.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Biodesign
Realizing the importance of affordable,
indigenous and accessible medical technologies
in the country, Biodesign program has been
implemented as a flagship program to foster and
promote development of indigenous affordable
medical technologies and creating an ecosystem
for Med-Tech innovations and entrepreneurship
in the country. Under the programme four
biodesign centres have been established. School
of International Biodesign (SIB) centred at AIIMS
and IIT Delhi; Centre for Biodesign and in-vitro
Diagnostics (CBD) at Translational Health Science
& Technology (THSTI), Faridabad; Biodesign and
Bioengineering Initiative (BBI) program at IISc.,
Bengaluru; and Healthcare Technology
Innovation Centre (HTIC) at IIT Madras, Chennai.
In the current year, a new centre at KGMU
Lucknow & IIT Kanpur has been supported by the
Department. During the year, five technologies
have been developed by SiB Fellows and one
technology was Licensed to the start-up Cureous
Labs Private Limited formed by SiB Fellow of 2018
batch. Six patent applications were filed and four
were granted during the year.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Biotechnology Parks and Incubator Parks
The Department of Biotechnology has
established Biotechnology Parks/ Incubators to
translate research into products and services
across the country by providing necessary
infrastructure support. It provides facilities to
scientists, and Small and Medium sized
Enterprises (SMEs) for technology incubation,
technology demonstration and pilot plant studies
for accelerated commercial development of
biotechnology sector in the country. So far, the
Department has supported 9 Biotechnology
Parks in various States for accelerating the
commercialization of new technologies,
nurturing and maintaining emerging ventures
and assisting new enterprises to forge
appropriate linkages with other stakeholders of
biotechnology sector including academia and
government. These are:
ª Biotech Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
ª Biotechnology Incubation Centre,
Hyderabad, Telangana.
ª Tidco Centre For Life Sciences (TICEL)
Biotech Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
ª The Golden Jubilee Biotech Park For
Women, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
ª Biotech Park Technology Incubation
Centre, Guwahati, Assam.
ª Biotechnology Incubation Centre, Cochin,
Kerala.
ª Biotechnology Park, Bangalore, Karnataka;
ª Industrial Biotechnology Parks (IBTPs),
Jammu & Kashmir.
ª Chhattisgarh Biotech Park, Naya Raipur,
Chhattisgarh.
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
The Department of Biotechnology is actively
engaged to bridge the technological and capacity
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
building gap in frontiers areas of life sciences
through International Collaboration programme.
The International Collaboration programme is
providing opportunities for exchange of ideas,
collaboration and get trained for innovation as
well as technology interventions with global best
labs in research on mutually agreed areas.
Partnerships of the department includes Science
and Technology organizations, councils,
philanthropic organizations, NGO's and
research/academic institutions. Active bilateral
partnerships with Australia, Brazil, Canada,
Denmark, European Union, Finland, Germany,
Japan, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South
Africa, U.K, USA and The Netherlands in mutually
agreed areas are providing several platforms for
scientific interactions. Multilateral Partnerships
with BRICS, TaSE, and Globalstars (EUREKA) and
contribution partnerships with HFSPO, EMBO are
state of the art platform for scientific
interactions. Partnerships of the Department
with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)-
the USA, Wellcome Trust (WT)-UK), Cancer
Research UK (CRUK) Philanthropic Organizations
and Universities (Cambridge University UK,
Figure: India's participation in 6th MI Ministerial: hosted by Chile June 2021
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Monash University Australia, and Heidelberg
University Germany as well as NGOs Nobel
Media, Prakash labs are providing scope for
leapfrog jump in translational research, capacity
building, outreach and frugal science areas in
India. Aim of the International programme
through bilateral, multilateral and partnership
engagements is to create opportunities and
bridge the gap in emerging areas of science and
technology by creation of capacity and sharing of
knowledge and resources. The International
Cooperation Programme has broad coverage on
mutually agreed areas such as COVID-19, Vaccine
Development, Systems Medicine, Diagnostic
devices, Fundamental and Basic research, One
Health and AMR, Maternal and Child Health,
Waste to Value, Bio-fuels, Animal Health,
Aquaculture, Key Enabling Technologies for
Agriculture, Healthcare, Water, and Agriculture
and Allied sciences. During year the department
has focus through several joint initiatives for
addressing challenges created by the COVID-19
pandemic for understanding the
pathophysiology, epidemiology, development of
vaccine, diagnostics and therapeutics.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
Department has been supporting projects aiming
to promote use of biotechnological processes
and tools for the benefit of society specially
farmers and unemployed youth in Aspirational
districts and rural areas through Biotech Based
Programmes for Societal Development. DBT also
has Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application
Network (Biotech-KISAN) program that
empowers farmers, especially women farmers. It
aims to understand the problems of water, soil,
seed and market faced by the farmers and
provide simple solutions to them.
Biotechnology Based Program for Societal
Development
Biotechnology based Program for Societal
Development was initiated by DBT in 1990 to
benefit the vulnerable section of the society
particularly farmers, women and SC/ST
population. From 2018-19, the focus of the
program has shifted to socio-economic
upliftment of the underprivileged section of the
society in Aspirational Districts. In last 5 years, the
Department has supported 66 projects under this
program and nearly 39,000 rural, SC/ST and
women population including youth have been
benefitted through the implementation of the
projects in agriculture and allied sector including
animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries; integrated
farming system; health & nutrition; environment
& biodiversity conservation.
During 2021-22, Department has screened 52
proposals received under call for establishment
of Rural Technology Clusters (RTCs) in
Aspirational Districts. 27 proposals have been
recommended for implementation.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application
Network (Biotech-KISAN)
Biotech-KISAN is a scientist-farmer partnership
scheme launched by Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) in 2017 for agriculture
innovation with an objective to connect science
laboratories with the farmers to find out
innovative solutions and technologies to be
applied at farm level. The establishment of
Biotech-KISAN Hubs in different agroclimatic
zones willstrengthen and empower the KVKs with
latest and innovative technologies by linking
them with national scientific labs and
institutions. This programme will be working on
the basis of cluster approach for economic uplift
of small and marginal farmers, rural youths and
woman by infusion of biotechnology-based
solutions in agriculture and allied sectors,
development of bio-based agri-enterprises in
rural areas based on affordable technologies and
providing support to them. The Biotech-KISAN
Hubs/Incubators that have been established so
far covers all 15 agro-climatic zones of the
country and their activities have been
implemented in a total of 169 districts including
112 Aspirational Districts. The scheme has
benefitted over three lakh farmers (directly and
indirectly, both) by increasing their agriculture
output and income. Over 200 entrepreneurships
have also been developed in the rural areas.
Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application
Network (Biotech-KISAN)
No. of Ongoing Biotech-KISAN Hubs supported 36
Satellite Centerss 169
No. of Aspirational Districts covered 112
No. of Demonstrations carried out 8000
No. of Interventions carried out 55
No. of Farmer beneficiaries covered under training 3,00,000
programmes and workshops
Entrepreneurships developed in the rural areas 200
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE
NORTH EASTERN REGION
The North East Region of India has been
identified as one of the biodiversity hotspots of
the world. The region, though endowed with one
of the best bioresources of the country faces
several challenges in terms of poor agricultural/
horticulture outputs, high disease burden in the
homogeneous ethnic communities, degradation
of the fragile ecosystem, lack of skilled
manpower, good research infrastructure etc.
Rich bioresources spread across NER's diverse
ecosystems and nurtured by indigenous
communities, provide ample opportunities for
furthering economic development of the region
through scientific and technological
interventions.
In order to give focused attention for the region,
the Department has earmarked 10% of its annual
budget every year for implementing special
programmes for NER in 2010. The specialized
programme for NER aims at promoting and
strengthening biotechnology related activities
for addressing local challenges and harnessing
endemic bioresources for economic
development of the region. To effectively
manage the programme, NER Biotechnology
Management Cell (NER-BPMC) has been set up
by DBT and is being managed by DBT- Institute of
Life Sciences (DBT-ILS), Bhubaneshwar.
Animal House Facility at RMRC, Dibrugarh is
being setup in NER with the objectives to develop
advanced animal facilities for housing/holding
small laboratory animals in different levels of
biosafety environment (excluding containment
level BSL-3 and above), to make the facility
accessible to biomedical/biotechnology
researchers from all the 8 states of NER and to
provide appropriate training to the biomedical
research staff in SOPs for caring, maintenance
and handling of small lab animals. The regional
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
facility is expected to be fully operational by
December, 2022. North East Centre for Biological
Sciences and Healthcare Engineering (NECBH), at
IIT, Guwahati aims to bolster the scientific
research and innovation in the field of biological
sciences and healthcare engineering of the entire
North-East Region by promoting dissipation of
knowledge through collaborative research
activities with IIT-Guwahati and providing
training programs and workshops on instrument
facilities and scientific research. Six facilities of
biological sciences and six facilities of healthcare
engineering have been established as part of
NECBH. These include X-ray diffraction, Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Scanning Tunnelling
Microscopy, Confocal microscopy, Field Emission
Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) facility,
Flow Assisted Cell Sorter.
AUTONOMOUS INSTITUIONS
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and
Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics
(CDFD), Hyderabad is well equipped with world
class state-of-the-art instrumentation and
computing infrastructure to facilitate working in
frontier areas of research in Life Sciences. The
major areas of research in the institute centered
around Cell Signaling, Transcription, Structural
B i o l o g y, C o m p u t a t i o n a l B i o l o g y a n d
Bioinformatics, Immunology, Genetics and
Molecular Pathogenesis. CDFD has successfully
completed twenty -five years of its significant
existence. During this year, CDFD has provided
high quality forensic DNA fingerprinting services,
genetic diagnostic, prenatal diagnosis and clinical
genetic counselling services. It also rendered
plant DNA fingerprinting services to test purity of
Basmati Rice for 607 samples which has
contributed to the increase in Basmati exports.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
During the year 2021, several important events
like workshops, lecture, organ donation
awareness program, vaccination of students,
staff and their family members, celebrations of
Foundation Day and National Science Day etc
were organized by the institute. The Paediatric
Rare Genetic Disorders Laboratory was
inaugurated by the Hon'ble Vice President of
India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in the month of
February, 2021.
C e nte r o f I n n o vat i ve a n d A p p l i e d
Bioprocessing (CIAB), Mohali
The mission of CIAB is to test, validate, translate,
innovate, improve, up-scale and integrate
approaches and technologies related to
bioprocessing of agrifood/agri-mass for
promotion of secondary agriculture. During the
year, several research activities have been
undertaken. CIAB's flagship research program is
on utilization of rice residues for value added
product development. Under this, processes
have been developed for xylitol and levulinic acid
production. Fruits and vegetables waste biomass
is being explored for the development of valuable
compounds of commercial importance.
Furthermore, processes have been developed for
the extraction of pectin, dietary fibers, essential
oils, proteins and citrate. Bioprocesses have been
developed for the production of functional
molecules like oligosachharides and rare sugars
from agro-biomass. Synthetic biology,
nanobiology and biotechnological approaches
have been used in the biomass valorization.
Efforts have been put to explore the productions
of platform chemicals and biochemical from
agrobiomass.
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD), Imphal
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD) is working under different
research verticals including Phytopharmaceuti-
cal Mission, Ethnopharmacology & Drug
Development; Plant Resources; Microbial
Resources including Fermented Food; Animal
Resources; Eco-Restoration including Water
Quality Management & Surveillance. Under
phytopharmaceutical mission, traditional
healthcare practices and medicinal plants are
targeted for their documentation, extraction,
isolation, characterization, value-addition,
development of marker compounds, qualitative
evaluation and standardization. Major focus is on
mass multiplication of Gaultheria sp., Swertia
chirayita, Cinnamomum sp., Parkia sp., ginger
and turmeric; characterization of Biosilica
(Vanshlochan) from bamboo resources of NER
with potential application in Chavanprash
formulation; mass scale extraction, quality
evaluation,development of phytomarker
compounds from essential oils of aromatic plant;
development of antidiabetic, anti-arthritis and
immuno-modulatory phytomarker compounds
and formulations from selected medicinal plants
of NER; screening of medicinal plants for anti-
microbial resistance; developing DNA barcodes
for medicinal plants. IBSD is also working on
documentation, evaluation and validation of
traditional healthcare practices of NER to
promote the drugs from our ancestors, drugs
from nature and to explore the tradition to
translation with innovation. To explore the native
biodiversity, a compendium has been developed
for anti-viral plants of North East Region. The
seventy plants compiled in this compendium are
reported for their anti-viral activities and
practiced as well as proven for its medicinal
properties. Under plant resources vertical, IBSD is
involved in plant tissue culture of medicinal,
aromatic and horticulture plants for mass
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
multiplication and production of quality planting
material. of medicinal plants of NER. Main focus
is on identification, taxonomy, phylogenic
analysis, development of molecular markers and
genomic resources for medicinal plants of NER.
Under microbial resources vertical, a large
number of Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Yeast and
Fungi have been explored from different unique
ecological niches of NE India viz., cave ecosystem,
forest ecosystem, fermented food, endophytes,
hot-spring, cold spring, lime stone deposits, high
altitude ecosystems including wild mushrooms
etc and preserved at the Microbial Repository
Centre of IBSD, Imphal. To assess the safety of
naturally fermented foods, IBSD is working on
the development of rapid diagnostic kit for the
detection of common fermented food-borne
pathogens in locally available fermented foods
and products. Also working on the flavour
profiling and developing flavour sensors for
Ngari and Soibum fermented products of NER.
Under animal resources vertical, IBSD is working
on plant derived insecticides for pest
management.
In stitu te fo r Stem C ell Scien ce &
Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore
The Institute for Stem Cell Science and
Regenerative Medicine (inStem) has been
established by DBT for accelerating research in
stem cell biology & regeneration in the context of
disease. During the year, inStem has reported key
advances in areas of skin repair and
regeneration, metabolic regulation of cell fate,
identified the first of its kind genetic linkage
between cardiac disease and obesity in India, and
transferred new technologies. inStem has risen
in rankingsbased on published work, and its
faculty has been recognized by prestigious
awards. inStem has also contributed via multiple
avenues to the National COVID-19 response. A
seminar- series that fosters interactions with the
clinic and industry has been initiated to
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
accelerate the translation of discoveries made in
the institute's laboratories. The cell and gene
therapy unit of inStem, the Centre for Stem Cell
Research, is set for the first gene-therapy trial in
India for Hemophilia A. The Science Setu
webinars of inStem attracted a diverse set of
speakers and an expanding participant base,
successfully communicating cutting edge science
to the masses.
International Centre for Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
The ICGEB New Delhi component has
successfully maintained its pace of research
activities and efforts in the year 2021, despite the
worse wave of covid-19 in India. This year, the
component has published around 120 research
articles and filed 2 national and 15 (6
International & 9 National Phase) international
Patent applications. 14 students have been
graduated. Currently, 15 international students
are undergoing training in various laboratories. In
collaboration with Department of Biotechnology,
New Delhi component has been conducting
lecture series for the college students. So far, 8
lectures are delivered in the series. The scientists
have also actively participated in around 15
international seminars this year. In order to
support the outreach efforts of ICGEB, plans to
establish a science museum is also underway.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneshwar
The research activity of DBT-ILS focuses on basic,
applied, translational and interdisciplinary areas.
Several significant research output of ILS during
the year has enhanced the understanding of
basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of gene
function and their role in growth and
development, disease progression and
management. In Cancer Biology, scientists have
established the role of ERRβ – NEDDylation axis in
Breast cancer tumorigenesis and Tamoxifen
resistance,CMTM6 mediated cisplatin resistance
in Oral cancer, and have established role of
circRNA in regulation of Insulin gene as well as
developed magnetic nanoparticle based therapy.
Under Infectious disease group some of the
significant highlights include the validation of
MBZM-N- IBT as a potent anti-CHIKV compound,
understanding of NCoR1 in response to
tolerogenic and an antiviral behavior,
establishing suppression of inflammation by
IRMG and postulating that Th2 immunity are
predisposed to systemic fungal infection.
Developing reference grade genome for
m a n g ro v e s p e c i e s Av i c e n n i a m a r i n a ,
understanding the role of HSPs in Moringa,
identifying miRNA for salt tolerance, generating
genomic resources from pulses and species from
tribal region and discovering a Novel
microorganism Glutami-cibactermishrai sp. nov
from the coral reef are some of the key highlights
of the research undertaken by the Plant and
Environmental Biotechnology group.
National Brain Research Centre (NBRC),
Manesar
NBRC is an autonomous deemed-to-be university
dedicated to research in frontier areas of
neuroscience and brain function in health and
disease. The institute devotedly studies brain
functions in health and diseases and understands
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
complex processes that form the basis of brain
mechanism using innovative multidisciplinary
approach in basic and translational research.
NBRC has been recognized as an “Institution of
Excellence” by the Government of India. NBRC
produces unique manpower resources and has
developed into a role model for integrative
research. M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs impart
specialized knowledge and skills for conducting
interdisciplinary research in neurosciences.
NBRC has developed project SWADESH, a unique
brain initiative focusing on certified neuroimag-
ing, neurochemical, neuropsychological data and
analytics that are made accessible to researchers
for managing brain disorders. SWADESH is the
first large-scale multimodal neuroimaging
database designed specifically for Indian
population with big-data architecture and
analytics for various disease categories under
one platform.
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute
(NABI), Mohali
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute
(NABI) aims to improve nutritional quality and
availability of affordable agri-food and food
products through innovations. During the year,
they have developed low glycemic wheat lines
containing high amylose and improved
agronomic traits through non-transgenic EMS
mutagenesis approach. Biofortified colored
wheat with high anthocyanin content has been
developed by the breeding approach. Under the
area of food and GM crops biosafety, NABI has
developed carbohydrate, aptamer, and gold
nanostars-based biosensors against different
foodborne pathogens to increase sensitivity and
selectivity. The technology of anthocyanin
biofortified antioxidant rich colored wheat has
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
been commercialized and transferred to 22
companies by signing MOU/NDA with them.
National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune
NCCS, an autonomous institute of DBT, is involved
in cutting-edge research in cell biology and
contribute to national development through
capacity-building and value-added services that
facilitate cell biology research across India.
During the year, institute has carried out various
research activities, including Covid-related
research initiatives, services and outreach
programs.
Fig: In service of the nation: DBT-NCCS is honoured surveillance, leading PAN-India 1000 SARS- CoV-2
to now also serve as a CDL for testing
COVID-19 vaccines
National Institute of Biomedical Genomics
(NIBMG), Kalyani
NIBMG has been promoting the concept of
genomics for health, accelerating research,
training and focusing on capacity building in the
area of Biomedical Genomics. The focus of the
institute is to understand the genetic
underpinnings of all major human diseases,
particularly those that are of public-health
importance in India, translate the research
findings to reduce the burden of disease, and
build a formidable team of enablers through
collaboration and training. NIBMG has been
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
supported for the 'National Genomics Core' to
serve nation-wide interests in this field. Genome
sequencing has led the NIBMG faculty to identify
several leads associated with the diseases. Efforts
are in progress to translate these leads from
'bench to bedside'. NIBMG is proud to be a
partner of the Asian Immune Diversity Atlas, and
hence the first recipient of the prestigious Chan-
Zuckerberg Initiative in the field of Biological
Sciences in India. The state-of-the-art
infrastructure for proteomics research, imaging
and Zebrafish facility has been established for
functional validation of genomic alterations
associated with the diseases. NIBMG has
expanded scope of cell culture facility, initiated a
microbiome research facility, also established
Biosafety level II (BSLII) for handling infectious
samples. Currently, the institute is in the process
of setting up BSLIII facility to work with infectious
pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
SARS-CoV-2 for functional studies of genomic
findings.
NIBMG has played a major role in genomic
RNA Genome Sequencing Consortium of DBT AIs
along with the clinical collaborators and
subsequently Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics
Consortium (INSACOG) for early detection of
SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants with public health
implication. Scientists at NIBMG strived for
academic excellence and has immensely
contributed to scientific intervention of SARS-
CoV-2, extended service to scientific society
providing access to our high-end and high-
throughput technology platforms.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
(NIAB), Hyderabad
NIAB aims to take up research in the cutting edge
areas for improving animal health and
productivity by integrating novel and emerging
biotechnological interventions. Institute
research activities are mainly focussed on animal
genomics and genetics, transgenic technology,
reproductive biotechnology, animal diseases,
bioinformatics and nutrition enrichment.
Institute has special thrust on basic research
having potential to develop novel vaccines,
diagnostics and improved therapeutics for farm
animals. The whole genome sequencing of Indian
cattle breeds has led to development of IndiGau
cattle genomic chip for conservation of
indigenous cattle breeds. In addition, institute is
working on improvement of fertility of cattle
through prolongation of shelf life of oocytes,
development of assays or platforms for estrous
detection. Also research projects in areas of
infectious diseases such as brucellosis,
leptospirosis, staphylococcosis, Newcastle
disease, Theileriosis, Toxoplasmosis are aiming to
develop novel vaccine and diagnostics are under
process. NIAB is contributing towards
understanding the existence and spread of AMR
in microbes associated with poultry birds
through Indo-UK collaborative program. Host
pathogen interactions, virulence mechanisms,
and molecular pathogenesis are being studied
with ultimate objective of technology and
product innovation for development of efficient
diagnostic tools and novel vaccines. NIAB has
established a One health consortium to address
the issues related to spread of zoonotic, food
borne and transboundary diseases.
National Institute of Plant Genome Research
(NIPGR), New Delhi
The National Institute of Plant Genome Research
(NIPGR), an autonomous institute of Department
of Biotechnology (DBT) starting from its inception
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
in 1998, has focused scientific program both in
basic science and translational work with a
mission to undertake research of high caliber in
plant molecular biology and to seek applications
of the same. The Institute is actively engaged in
research on topics ranging from genome analysis
and molecular breeding, plant development and
architecture, adaptation to abiotic stresses,
molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen
interactions, plant immunity, computational &
structural biology, nutritional genomics and
emerging areas covering cutting-edge research.
During the year, the Institute has made significant
progress in its research activities, which are
reflected in high-quality publications and some
promising technology leads.
National Institute of Immunology (NII), New
Delhi
The National Institute of Immunology
perpetually strives to expand its intellectual and
academic horizons in the life sciences. Each year
brings with it scientific achievements and
accomplishment, as well as demonstration of
ever-higher levels of technical expertise and
skills. The Institute caters to various disciplines
ranging from description of the structure and
function of biomolecules, to immune pathways
that help preserve organismal homeostasis
during periods of health, to the elucidation of
mechanisms of pathophysiology that operate in
infectious and non-infectious diseases, and
onward to the development of novel diagnostics,
the rapeutics and vaccines. Medical afflictions of
particular concern to the country form a special
focus. NII's contributions primarily lie in the fields
of: - Immunology and Vaccines; Infectious
Diseases; Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy;
Metabolic Disorders and Chronic Diseases;
Structural and Computational Biology, and
Genetics; Cell and Development Biology. During
the year NII has undertaken various initiatives for
Covid research and testing along with high-end
research insights into various life processes.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB),
Faridabad
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), an
Institution of National Importance imparts
education and training, and conduct research in
the frontier areas of biotechnology. RCB offers
structured degree programs as well as short-term
training programs in highly specialized areas of
biotechnology and life sciences. More than 100
students are pursuing doctoral degree programs
and so far 43 RCB students have been awarded
PhD degrees. RCB also has an integrated MSc-
PhD degree program where students with
bachelor's degrees are admitted. A total of 37
students are currently registered for this
programme. After due diligence, RCB has granted
recognition to the MSc, MSc-PhD (integrated), or
PhD programs at ten centers across the nation.
More than 300 students from these recognized
centers are registered for their degrees with RCB.
During the year, RCB scientists have published
103 research articles in the journals of national
and international repute. Besides, the institute
has organized various training activities for
students, researchers and scientists in the
advanced areas of life sciences and biotech
sciences.
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
(RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
(RGCB), has several discovery and translation
research programs which are spread over
specializations such as Cancer Research,
Pathogen Biology, Chemical Biology, Cardiovas-
cular & Diabetes Biology, Neurobiology,
Reproduction Biology and Plant Disease Biology.
The primary focus of cancer research is drug
discovery and clinical studies on common cancers
of India including oral cancer, cervical, colon and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
breast cancers. RGCB has established a
nationwide investigator network for research on
Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and established one
of the best HNC Bio-repository in the country.
Similarly, the central cell and tissue repository
continue to generate large number of model
cancer cell resources and patient derived
xenografts to enable drug discovery and
genomics analysis of specific tumors. RGCB has
an established pathogen biology group working
on host factors of broad-spectrum antivirals and
disease pathogenesis modifiers associated with
Chikungunya, dengue, identification and early-
stage development of antimicrobial agents,
antimicrobial drug resistance, population studies
on distribution and transmission of infectious
agents, infection biology and response to
vaccines. Cardiovascular research program
involves the study of molecular mechanisms
involved in human cardiovascular diseases and
diabetes and translation of bench findings to new
bedside strategies for diagnosis and therapy.
RGCB is also working on identification of factors
responsible for increased risk for vascular disease
in patients with type II diabetes mellitus with the
aim of discovering diagnostic biomarkers and
possibly develop diagnostic tools as well as
strategies to reduce the risk. The chemical
biology division of RGCB has been working on
specialized bacterial nanopore CymA of
sophisticated architecture and elucidates the
molecular mechanism of carbohydrate polymer
translocation and bioactive peptides. Recently, a
new campus has also been established on the
land provided by the State government at
Aakulam with the support of core fund of the
institute. The new campus has been named as
“Shri Guruji Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar National
Centre for Complex Disease in Cancer and Viral
Infection”.
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Translational Health Science and Technology
Institute (THSTI), Faridabad
The Translational Health Science and Technology
Institute (THSTI), is engaged in cutting edge
research in many areas of public health
importance which include mother & child health,
tuberculosis, dengue, SARS CoV-2, autoimmune
diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.
THSTI has made seminal contributions to COVID-
19 research during this year which has helped in
developing vaccines, evaluating therapeutic
molecules and establishing diagnostic assays.
THSTI has been recognized nationally and
internationally as an excellent hub of basic,
translational and clinical research.
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC), New Delhi
BIRAC since its inception has closely nurtured
more than 1500 entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs
as well as large industries. As a strategic
alignment with several national missions, BIRAC
has successfully inculcated a culture of
entrepreneurship in biotech domain in the
country. A world class incubation facility network
of 60 BioNEST bioincubators has been
established creating about 6,45,674+ sq. ft. of
dedicated incubation space reaching to tier 2
cities. More than 10,000 people have been
trained with high-end skills. These entrepreneurs
and Startups have created an intellectual
property wealth reflected in 200+ patent filing.
Importantly, there are 150+ biotechnology
products and technologies that have been
commercialized in the market by these Startups.
Additionally, 125+ covid solutions (diagnostics,
assistive, preventive and monitoring) have been
launched in the market by the startups from
BIRAC's incubator ecosystem. BIRAC has
established national and international strategic
partnerships, networks and platforms involving
industry-academia Innovation research and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
facilitate novel, high quality affordable products
development through cutting edge technologies.
BIRAC also integrates with National Missions
(Make in India, Startup India, National
Biopharma Mission, Ayushman Bharat), Policy
initiatives, G2G and Multilateral collaborations
for International Ecosystem Connect to scale the
Biotechnology Innovation Ecosystem across
India. BIRAC also contributes to the
Government's national programs such as “Make
in India”, “Startup India”, “Swachh Bharat”,
"Ayushman Bharat", international alliances
through program management units for National
Biopharma Mission, Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, Wellcome Trust and USAID.
Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals
Corporation Limited (BIBCOL), Uttar Pradesh
Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals
Corporation Limited (BIBCOL), a Central Public
Sector Unit (PSU) in India, promoted by the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has
contributed in the vision of Government of India
to eradicate the polio from the country. In the
pharmaceutical segment, BIBCOL has been
manufacturing and marketing dispersible Zinc
Tablet and Diarrhea Treatment Kit. Besides, two
projects namely Oral Cholera Vaccine and plasma
derived medicines are under execution. The
company is likely to start the production of life
saving drugs and Vaccines for the country at very
affordable prices. In the year 2020-21 BIBCOL has
produced and supplied 1731.44 lakhs doses of
Oral Polio Vaccine and 4704.10 litres of Hand
Sanitizer to fight against COVD pandemic.
Indian Vaccines Corporation Ltd. (IVCOL),
New Delhi
Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited (IVCOL) was
incorporated in March 1989 as a Joint Venture
Company promoted by the Govt. of India
(Department of Biotechnology-DBT); Pasteur
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Meraux Serum & Vaccines (PMSV) France; and
Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (IPCL
merged with the Reliance Industries Limited in
2007). However, P.M.S.V. exited from the joint
venture in 1998 by selling its shares to DBT. The
company has no trading or commercial activity at
present and is maintaining establishment to look
after its site and complying with the statutory
obligations under the company's act 2013.
REGULATION, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY &
LEGISLATIONS
The Department of Biotechnology is committed
to promote the advancement of research and
teaching activities, by ensuring that all
experiments involving Hazardous
Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered
Organisms are conducted in compliance with
(Rules, 1989) under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA 1986). The Rules,
1989 delegated the Department to administer
the functioning of i) Institutional Biosafety
Committees (IBSCs) which operate directly from
the premises of the institutions and ensures on-
site assessment and monitoring of adherence to
the biosafety guidelines with overall oversight of
the regulatory process, at the institutional level
and ii) Review Committee on Genetic
Manipulation (RCGM) which monitors & reviews
all ongoing research projects involving high risk
category and confined field experiments and
ensure the compliance of biosafety rules &
regulations. Framing and implementation of
safety measures and guidelines, while
conducting research on high risk group
microorganisms and GE organisms have also
been entrusted upon RCGM.
Guidelines Issued During 2021-22:
The document “SOPs for exchange of infectious
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
biosamples/biospecimen from Biorepsitory,
2021” was notified to ensure biosafety during
the collection, processing, storage and
transaction of biosamples/biospecimens which
require BSL-2 or above containment facility for
undertaking research and development
activities; and is applicable for both public and
private organisations engaged in research and
development activities and handling of GE
organisms and non-GE HMOs. With the
notification of Guidelines for the Establishment
of Containment Facilities: BSL2 and BSL3 and
Certification of BSL3 facility 2020 in 2020-21; DBT
has initiated the certification of the nationwide
BSL-3 facilities and has certified 10 facilities till
November, 2021.
During the year, the RCGM evaluated more than
653 applications from public/private
/autonomous organizations including
universities in 20 meetings in the areas of
agriculture, healthcare and industrial products
specifically for authorization to import, export &
exchange of high risk group microorganisms and
recombinant DNA research (rDNA) related
materials including seeds, gene constructs,
plasmids, vectors and genetically engineered
(GE)/living modified (LM) organisms; to conduct
pre-clinical toxicity studies; for evaluation of pre-
clinical study reports; to conduct confined field
trials on GE crops viz. cotton, corn, rice etc. for
generation of biosafety data; and to conduct
rDNA research in pharmaceutical & agriculture
sectors. This included 244 COVID 19 related
applications for the research and product
development of vaccines, and therapeutics and
import/export/exchange. 8 rDNA products were
permitted by RCGM for conducting pre- clinical
study reports, 18 rDNA were recommended to
Drug Controller General of India [DCG (I)] for
appropriate phase of human clinical trials.
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Patent Facilitation Cell
DBT has established the “Biotechnology Patent
Facilitation Cell (BPFC)” to bridge the gap
between the research outcome and its use for the
benefit of the stakeholders, scientists and
policymakers need information and facilities for
protecting their research. The cell provides a
single window awareness-cum-facilitation
m e c h a n i s m to c re ate awa re n e s s a n d
understanding about Intellectual Property Rights
among the scientists and researchers. In the year
2021-22, two patent applications have been
granted so far. Awareness and patent facilitation
is a part of the support, and there is a huge need
to actively license the technologies to
commercialize research outcomes for the benefit
of the society.
DATA MONITORING AND IMPACT ANALYSIS
STUDIES
Socio–Economic Impact Assessment &
Analysis of the various Schemes and
Programs of the Department of
Biotechnology
The Department of Biotechnology commissioned
a study on “Socio–Economic Impact Assessment
& Analysis of the various Schemes and Program-
mes of the Department of Biotechnology. The
objectives of the study were to assess socio-
economic impact of DBT interventions in various
sectors. The study looked into the macro-
economic impact of the DBT Programmes and
assessed the impact of DBT interventions in
specific areas of Human Resource Development,
Agriculture, Health, Environmental, regional, and
societal aspects. This study covered the socio-
economic impact of projects that have been
completed during April 2014 to March 2020. For
sampling, the Study Team chose more than 10
percent of the DBT funded projects completed
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
during the period of April 2014 to March 2020 for
carrying out detailed analysis. Based on the list of
completed projects during 2014-20, the Study
Team prepared a list of about 2,700 projects and
290 samples were selected for detailed analysis
in the first phase. The study has covered the
socio- economic impact of various schemes, such
as Building Capacities, Mission Programme (Bio-
tech KISAN Programme, Bio-Pharma Mission
Programme, Mission Innovation etc), Research &
Development (Medical Biotechnology, Agricult-
ure & Allied Areas, Knowledge Generation,
Discovery and research, new tool and
technologies, Energy Environmental and Bio-
Resource Based Application, Bio-informatics,
Human Genetics, Bio-Design), Translational &
Industrial Development Programme, Special
Programme (Bio-technology of Societal
Development).
The study has highlighted DBT's cardinal role in
creating world class infrastructure and facilities
for advancing biotech teaching, study, research,
and productization and commercialization;
human capital development through its various
innovative programmes and fellowships and
knowledge advancement in areas of healthcare,
energy, environment, agriculture, marine and
animal biotechnology.
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
DBT Administration is responsible for ensuring
smooth functioning of the Department by
providing amenities, infrastructure and
ambience to the scientists, officers and staff
working in the Department. DBT Administration
has also provided all the logistics and technical
support to organize the India International
Science Festival 2021 in Goa. The establishment
section of DBT has efficiently handled
recruitment, promotion and reimbursement
matters.
35
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BUILDING
CAPACITIES
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT,
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
Human resource is one of the major pillars
supporting scientific research and development
in the country. It is critical to have a robust human
resource development programme in order to
maintain, perpetuate and leverage scientific
knowledge to achieve our socio-economic
development goals. The Human Resource
Development Programme of the Department of
Biotechnology is aimed at providing holistic
development and support to students, young
researchers and scientists working in the
multidisciplinary areas of Biotechnology. Since its
inception, the Department has been supporting
Biotechnology teaching at postgraduate level for
quality hands on training in niche areas of
B i o t e c h n o l o g y. T h e D e p a r t m e n t h a s
implemented integrated human resource
development programmes for enhancing the
Biotechnology ecosystem in the country,
including the Star College scheme at
undergraduate level, Skill Vigyan Programme in
close collaboration with respective State Science
and Technology Councils, doctoral and
postdoctoral fellowships, awards for recognitions
of young, mid-career and distinguished
scientists, programmes for retaining young pool
of researchers under M K Bhan - Young
Researcher Fellowship Programme and
R a m a l i n ga s w a m i Re - e n t r y F e l l o w s h i p
Programme. The Department has also supported
young investigators' meetings, webinars for
awareness about science and technology
opportunities in the country among researchers
and faculties, as well as workshops, popular
lectures, and exhibitions for doctoral and
p o st g ra d u ate st u d e nt s . A n u m b e r o f
international partnerships are being supported
for capacity building in cutting edge technologies
and priority areas.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
The HRD Programmes of DBT have had a
significant impact on the development of
Biotechnology in the country. The significant
achievements made during the year under
various HRD Programmes are highlighted below:
Significant achievements:
(A) TEACHING PROGRAMME:
(i) Postgraduate Teaching Programmes
(M.Sc./ M.Tech./ M.V.Sc)
The Post Graduate Programmes in
Biotechnology are being implemented by
DBT since the year 1985. The aim is to ensure
a high quality standard of teaching and
providing state of the art infrastructure
facilities to universities and institutions
across India and promote an ecosystem of
trained manpower in the country required
for industrial and academic activities.
Financial support was provided for
procurement of laboratory equipment and
facilities essential for class room teaching,
re c u r r i n g g ra n t fo r c o n s u m a b l e s ,
studentship, books and journals, travel,
visiting faculty, contingency, thesis grant
for in-house dissertation, equipment
maintenance etc. In-house dissertation
has been made mandatory for all the
participating institutions and Department
is providing thesis grant of Rs. 50,000/- per
student to ensure intensive hands on
training. All selected candidates are paid
student ships under DBT support. The
implementation and progress of the
programme is then constantly evaluated
through an intensive monitoring and
assessment process throughout its duration.
Selection of students to these courses is
made through the Graduate Aptitude
Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B), a computer
37
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
based national entrance examination
conducted annually, consisting of multiple
choice questions in the areas of Life sciences
and Biotechnology. GAT-B 2021 was held on
14 August, 2021 at 51 cities pan India, 6900
candidates appeared (Figure) , competing
for 1217 DBT sanctioned seats distributed in
63 postgraduate courses at 56 participating
universities/institutes.
Figure Map showing location of GAT-B 2021 Exam
Centres and Number of Candidates appeared
(ii) DBT Star College Scheme
The Star College Scheme was initiated by
DBT in 2008 to support colleges and
universities offering undergraduate
education to improve science teaching
across the country. This Scheme was
launched for improving critical thinking and
encouraging 'hands on' experimental
science at undergraduate level in basic
science subjects. On a larger perspective,
the scheme was initiated envisioning that it
shall encourage more students to take up
higher education in science. Through this
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
scheme the Department identifies colleges
with potential for excellence and provides
support for developing infrastructure for
academics and laboratory activities. This
support is in turn expected to invigorate
teaching and provide unique exposure of
students to experimental science. Starting
with a meagre 30 colleges in 2008, this pan
India scheme has supported science
departments in more than 300 colleges all
over the country till date. Overall, it has been
observed that the support received by
colleges have resulted in a considerable
decrease of student dropout rates in science
subjects. Keeping in mind that this is the only
scheme implemented by the Department to
support science education at the
undergraduate level, the Star College
Scheme acts as a gateway and provides
exposure to students about other schemes
of the Department (and the GOI) to support
higher education (post graduate level),
graduate research (Ph.D), post-doctoral
r e s e a r c h , i n t e r n a t i o n a l e xc h a n g e
programmes, short term industry oriented
training courses in science. The scheme also
acts as a catalyst in igniting young minds
(faculty and students) to engage in
networking, exposure visits to research
institutes and industries and apply for
research grants in order to prepare them for
future challenges after the successful
completion of their undergraduate courses.
The key objectives are to promote
networking & strengthen ties with neighbor-
ing institutions & other laboratories, to
conduct specialized training programmes
for faculty improvement for optimizing
technical capabilities, to increase capabilit-
ies of core instrumentation resources by
procuring new equipment and upgrading of
existing facilities to provide access and
exposure to students to research
38
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
laboratories and industries in the country, to help
in devising standard curricula and Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP's) / kits for practicals,
to provide better library facility to students and
teachers.
Major Initiatives during the year:
Science Setu Programme:
The Science Setu Programme is to “Discovering
Possibilities” and aims to build awareness about
the importance of science in our lives and
through engagements with practitioners,
showcases the excitement, the challenges as well
as the opportunities arising from a career in
science. Science Setu covers research in
contemporary areas, highlighting key outcomes
in basic research, clinical translation and industry
in the country. Virtual lab visits and lectures are
planned as well as discussions on career
opportunities for participating UG and PG
students. Each webinar covers a topic in a
manner accessible to college students and apart
from contemporary cutting-edge research,
involves colleagues who have faced challenges
and success in allied areas such as science
journalism, publishing, communications, history
of science etc. The programme will include
interactions with established leaders in Industry
as well as innovators and heads of technical hubs
in the city and beyond. The programme is
organised under the aegis of the Atmanirbhar
Bharat, India@75 campaign. In this programme,
the 15 Autonomous Institutes engaged 225
colleges and they organized 125 seminars out of
which more than 7500 students benefitted under
the programme.
Star College Mentorship Programme
The special programme was launched by Hon'ble
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the
Ministry of Science and Technology & Earth
Sciences. Under this programme the colleges
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
that have been conferred with the prestigious
“Star Status” will adopt a higher role of
mentoring the colleges that have currently
initiated their journey under the “Strengthening
Component” implementing the scheme's
mandate, and also to make the colleges aware of
other programs of the Department/Ministry.
These Star Colleges, apart from serving the
purpose of improving intellectual caliber of
students, shall also assume the role of “torch
bearers of knowledge” and shall extend and
expand their efforts into networking, hand
holding and outreach with a special focus on
colleges from Aspirational districts of the
country. Here the role of Mentors become
extremely important and they shall also be
expected to connect the colleges to local
academic and industrial R&D units to foster
collaborations. The role of mentors shall be
purely academic in nature and not administrative
or financial.
Significant notable outcome and achievements
of the Programme:
A total of 240 undergraduate colleges across the
country are currently being supported under the
DBT Star College Scheme. The categorization of
the scheme into urban and rural categories
during 2018-19 has ensured a level playing field
for applicants hailing from rural and urban areas
of the country. With each passing year, the rural-
urban divide is significantly diminishing. This is
further evident from the fact that 55 colleges
from rural areas and 8 colleges from Aspirational
district are being supported under the scheme.
39
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today
Science & Technology; Minister of State launched the DBT Star College Mentorship
(Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Programme for Young Innovators to mark the
Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic 75th Year of India’s independence.

17 New Colleges supported this year

278 UG Colleges being supported 17 Urban Colleges
10 Rural Colleges

3 Star Status College this year 242 New Proposals received

02 Urban Colleges 130 Urban Colleges
01 Rural Colleges 112 Rural Colleges

Star College Mentorship Programme

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 40
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
(iii) Skill Vigyan Programme (Skill
Development Programme) in
Biotechnology
This programme has been implemented
with an objective to provide hands-on-
training in tools and techniques in
Biotechnology and allied areas to generate
skilled manpower. This programme has been
designed for providing skill training under
five categories (a) Students training
(b) Technician training (c) Faculty training (d)
Entrepreneurship Training (e) Biotechnology
F i n i s h i n g S c h o o l P ro g ra m m e . T h e
programme has been implemented in nine
states viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab,
Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Telangana, and
Andhra Pradesh through State Science and
Technology Councils of respective states.
During 2021-22, Expert Committee on Skill
Vigyan recommended the proposals of six
States viz., Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Odisha (Finishing School
Programme), Sikkim, and Uttarakhand
(Faculty Development Programme), which
are under active consideration for support.
Efforts are being made to partner with all
States/UTs Science and Technology
Councils/Department for implementation of
DBT- State Partnership Skill Vigyan
Programme across the country. During the
year 2021-22, Expert Committee on Skill
Vigyan also recommended the extension of
DBT support to ongoining 15 Certificate/
Diploma courses for imparting skill training
in areas of Biotechnology.
(B) NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
(i) DBT Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF)
Programme
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
Department is providing fellowships to
biotechnology students for pursuing
doctoral research at universities and
research institutions across the country. The
programme has contributed in building
human resource capital and institutional
capacity and nurtured excellence in basic
and applied research in Biotechnology.
Students are selected through computer
based Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET)
conducted at national level. Students are
selected under two categories. Under
Category-I, there is a provision to select up
to 500 fellows for award of DBT-JRF
fellowship, candidates in the merit list
beyond this number fall under category-II
and are eligible for fellowship equivalent to
NET qualified candidates from extramural
R&D project funds being supported at
universities/institutes. However, it is not
binding on Project Investigators/institutions
to select project personnel from category II.
During 2021-22, a total of 11956
applications were received, out of which
10588 students appeared for the
examination organized at 92 centers located
across the country in 51 cities. Under
Category-I, 445 students were selected for
award of DBT-JRF and in Category-II, 216
students were selected. This year, a total of
795 ongoing students have been supported
and 193 new fellows have joined so far
under the DBT-JRF Programme. A total of
170 research articles and reviews in journals
of national and international repute have
been published by DBT-JRF fellows and 52
fellows have reported getting job
placement. A total of 29 DBT-JRF fellows
submitted their PhD theses in 2021-22 and
29 were awarded doctoral degree of
respective institutions.
41
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
(ii) DBT Research Associateship (DBT- RA)
Programme
DBT Research Associateship programme
was initiated in the year 2001 with the
objective to train post-doctoral students in
frontier areas of research in life sciences and
biotechnology at premier institutions in
country and enhance the post-doctoral
culture in the country. This programme is
being coordinated by Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore. There is a provision for
100 fellowships per year. The fellowship is
initially awarded for a period of two years
and can be extended based on review of
progress. During the year 2021-22, a total of
1055 applications have been received in
response to advertisement, and the process
is underway for screening of the applications
by expert committee, followed by
presentation of proposal by applicant before
the expert committee for evaluation. In
2021-22, a total of 148 ongoing fellows were
supported and 38 candidates selected for
award of fellowship under this programme
and 7 fellows reported placement in jobs.
The DBT-RA fellows have published 49
re s e a rc h a r t i c l e s i n n at i o n a l a n d
international journals of repute in 2021-22.
(C) Building Critical Mass of Science Leaders
(i) Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship
The idea behind starting Ramalingaswami
Re-entry Fellowship in 2006-07 was to
attract high quality Indian brains working
abroad to pursue their research interests in
life sciences, biotechnology and other
related areas in India. It was thought that
this step will create a pool of highly skilled
and trained researchers working on cutting
edge technologies in Indian laboratories. By
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
seeing the success of the scheme in past
years, number of the fellowships have now
been increased from 50 to 75 per year from
2017-18 onwards. So far, 515 fellows have
been supported under this programme, out
of which 283 fellows have already secured
permanent faculty positions in Indian
institutions. As evident from the increasing
number of applications for the fellowship,
more and more number of people are
showing interest to come back to India and
serve the nation. In last few decades, Indian
laboratories have also gained capacities,
quantitatively as well as qualitatively, to
provide excellent facilities for the fellows to
pursue their scientific endeavors. In doing
so, fellows have published their research
work in peer reviewed National and
International scientific journals; developed
new technologies; filed patents and created
a few spin-off companies. Currently, 276
ongoing fellows are working under this
programme. Selection of fellows for the year
2021-22 is under process.
(ii) MK Bhan - Young Researchers Fellowship
Programme
The Department has launched a new
programme named “M K Bhan - Young
Researcher Fellowship Programme (MKB-
YRFP)”, with an aim to encourage young
bright researchers to continue their research
in the country after PhD. The scheme is to
offer an independent research grant of Rs.
20 lakh/year and a fellowship amount of Rs.
75,000/- per month to young Post-Doctoral
Fellows for 3 years, so as to enable them to
emerge as future leaders and take up cutting
edge research focused on issues of national
relevance.
42
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

This fellowship will be awarded for diagnostic tests for mitochondrial

research work to be carried out at DBT- diseases which is not available at this
Autonomous Institutes only. There is a point anywhere in India other than in
provision to provide 50 fellowships per year Bangalore. This facility is supporting the
under this program. The Department has patients from Maharashtra and nearby
selected 50 fellows during the current year. states in diagnostics and treatment.
ŸIn another study at the Department of
Mechanical Engineering at Indian
(iii) Biotechnology Career Advancement and Institute of Science, Bangalore, microbi-
Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme ally -induced calcite precipitation
(MICP) has yielded encouraging results
The program aims to promote women in receiving accolades from the scientific
science and is an attempt to enhance the community as well as the media
participation of Women Scientists in worldwide. The bio-consolidation of
Biotechnology Research. The purpose of the loose mass especially its application on
scheme is to build capacities for Women lunar soil simulant (LSS) and Martian
Scientists in universities, research soil simulant (MSS) for the
laboratories and institutions especially after manufacturing of bricks presents a
a career break so as to help them undertake promising and highly sustainable
independent R&D projects. This programme potential route for in situ utilization of
was launched in the year of 2011. The available resources for the production
programme aims to support career of structural elements on extra-
development of Women Scientists for terrestrial habitats.
whom it is the first extramural research
grant. Five calls have been announced so far
under the programme and 361 women
scientists have been supported in various
areas of Life Sciences. In the year 2021-
2022, 02 women scientists have been
supported for their new projects; 43 papers
have been published and 02 patents have
been filed. The scientists have made poster
and oral presentations and got awards on
various platforms. Some studies under the
programme have been highlighted here:
Figure: An eco-friendly approach towards
ŸA study is being carried out at Bai Jerbai bio-consolidation via co-culture technique
Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai on
genetic characterization of paediatric
mitochondrial diseases in children with
an aim to develop a diagnostic facility
for mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders in
Maharashtra state. With this grant, the
PI was able to standardize the

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 43
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT2021-22
2021-22
ŸIn another study at ICAR-Indian institute
of Rice Research, Hyderabad, the
chromosome segment substitution
lines (CSSLs) from inter-specific crosses
are being explored to decipher the
genetics of grain weight and earliness.
The CSSLs derived from wild accessions
were phenotyped for target traits for
earliness and thousand grain weight.
Population derived by crossing 2 NPS
CSSLs derived from Swarna/ O.nivara
IRGC81848, were phenotyped in the
irrigated field conditions at IIRR farm,
Hyderabad and phenotyped for target
traits and genotyping is under progress
for QTL mapping. The identified 30 lines
which are positively different and 14
lines which are negatively different
from the checks are potential breeding
lines for grain yield improvement and
were identified for further fine
mapping.
ŸAt Central University of Rajasthan,
Ajmer, a study is being carried out to
Identify the role of Mycobacterium
indicus pranii (MIP) in activating host
innate immune response for
development of new intervention
strategy to combat Tuberculosis. A
virtual inhibitor screen against Mtb PTP-
B was performed and potential inhibitor
were selected. ZINC8618164 {(3S)-6-
(3,4-Dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodioxepin-
7ylamino)-5-oxo-3-(3,4,5-
trimethoxyphenyl) hexanoic acid} was
identified as the best inhibitor of Mtb-
PtpB. This drug has great potency on the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
basis of their binding energy (-12.29
Kcal/mol) with Mtb-PtpB crystal
structure. This needs to be validated
further.
A. PCA results for MptpB- ZINC08618164 trajectory with
instantaneous conformations (i.e. trajectory frames) colored
from blue to red in order of time. B. Dynamical cross-
correlation map (DCCM)
ŸA study is being conducted at ICMR-
National Institute for Research In
Reproductive Health, Mumbai on Triple
Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients
with the aim to evaluate the status of
Toll like receptor expression, and its
prognostic significance in predicting
chemotherapy response patients. Their
data suggests a differential expression
pattern of TLRs in TNBC patients. Also,
in TNBC tumors, TLR4/TLR8 signaling
network is significantly enriched in
monocytes/macrophages/dendritic cell
populations which could be important
for regulating the immune response of
TNBC-Tumor microenvironment.
Treating TNBC cells with TLR agonists
alone may not be an efficient strategy to
induce growth inhibition of TNBC
tumors.
44
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

Transcriptome analysis of TNBC-TCGA

cohort suggest that TLR4/8 signaling
pathway can act synergistically with
IFNG-signaling axis to induce anti-tumor
response in TNBC tumors and may be a
good strategy to initiate antitumor
response and prolong sur vival
probability of TNBC patients.

Fig. Comparative performance of promising lentil

accessions under Control and Drought conditions
compared to drought tolerant check FLIP-96-51
and susceptible check JL-3

Another study is being carried out at Indian

ŸIn another study aimed at identifying
QTLs/genomic regions associated
with drought tolerance in lentil (Lens
culinaris) at ICAR-National Bureau of
Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi,
drought tolerant lentil genotypes
(IC559769, IC560337, IC385822,
IC559713, IC560246, IC559647,
IC559744, IC559696, IC560051,
IC559757 and IC560032) have been
identified, which can be used as
donor in the breeding program.
Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
that aims at chromosomal localization and
fine mapping of Aegilops speltoides Tausch
derived novel leaf rust resistance in bread
wheat stock Selection 2427. Under this
project, a molecular cytogenetic facility in
their wheat lab was established with the
fluorescence microscope and imaging
system. The Ae. speltoides derived bread
wheat line Sel. 2427 was proven to have the
alien S genome of Ae. speltoides.
Phenotyping of leaf rust resistance (LrS2427
gene) and gametocidal (Gc genes) activity
was undertaken in mapping population
developed from the cross Agra Local X Sel.
2427. Utilization of LrS2427 in wheat
disease breeding was ensured by breaking
the association between LrS2427 and Gc
genes via gamma ray mutagenesis
producing leaf rust resistant gametocidal
gene devoid mutants.

Fig. Aerial view of lentil germplasm evaluated for drought

tolerance in field at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources, New Delhi. Left side shows irrigated and right half
shows rainfed condition

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 45
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

ŸAt ICMR-National Institute of Cholera treatment

and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, the
interactome of HMGB1 in H pylori
infected cells is being studied. The PI
has found that HMGB1 interacted
with numerous autophagy proteins Fig. 1. Effect of miRNA mimics transfection on PD-L1 expression in SKOV-3 cells. A) Western blot
analysis on the expression of PD-L1 in SKOV-3 cells after transfection with miR-Scr, miR-15, miR-
and have found two new interacting 16, miR-28 and miR-424. B) Quantification of PD-L1 expression in miRNA mimic transfected
SKOV-3 cells as measured by Image Lab software. GAPDH was used as loading control. Data are
molecules of HMGB1, TFEB and represented as Mean±SE; *=p<0.05, **=p<0.01,
***=P<0.0001 compared to miR-Scr.
WIPI2, key regulators of autophagy.
TFEB regulates autophagy gene
transcription and WIPI2 interacts
with major autophagy players for
LC3IIB lipidation to reach the end
stage of autophagosome biogenesis.
This finding is important regarding H
p y l o r i i n fe c t i o n a n d f u r t h e r Fig. 2. Effect of miR-424 mimics transfection on colony formation potential in SKOV-3 cells.
investigations are ongoing on the role A) Representative image showing SKOV-3 colonies after transfection with miR-Scr and miR-424. B)
Graphical representation of survival fraction of miR-424 transfected SKOV-3 cells as determined
of these interacting molecules in by colony formation assay. Data are represented as Mean±SE; *=p<0.05, compared to miR-Scr.

regulating H pylori infection which

leads to gastric cancer progression.

ŸAt National Institute of Plant Genome

Research, New Delhi, colonization
phase of the endophyte Piriformospora
indica with chickpea was identified and
RNA isolated and sequenced for
identification of sRNA effectors. SWEET
transporters are involved in
transporting sugars from plant to the
interacting organisms have been
identified in chickpea. The PI has
analyzed their gene structure, motif
composition,chromosomal localization,
and phylogenetic relationship with
Arabidopsis, rice, and Medicago and
ŸAt Indian Institute of Technology, further investigated the expression of
Guwahati, studies demonstrated the the CaSWEET genes in chickpea roots in
tumor suppressive activity of miR- symbiosis with P. indica. More than 2-
424 in ovarian cancer cells via fold change in expression was observed
regulating ovarian cellular survival, in case of transporters SWEET 1-like, 2
autophagy, EMT and angiogenesis and 5. These genes are being analyzed
through targeting PD-L1. Therefore, for sRNA binding domains.
miR-424 can be considered as a
promising candidate for miR
restoration therapy in ovarian cancer

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 46
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Stages of colonization of Piriformospora indica in chickpea
ŸA study focused on development of an
improved popular mung bean variety
with high yield combined with bruchid
resistance is being carried out at Tamil
N a d u A g r i c u l t u r a l U n i v e r s i t y,
COIMBATORE. Five stable breeding lines
viz., BSR-GG-1-49, BSR-GG-1- 56, BSR-
GG-1-170, BSR-GG-1-198 and BSR-GG-
1-160 were identified. GCMS analysis
was carried out to identify the
biochemical compounds responsible
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
for bruchid resistance. The SNP data will
help to find out the progenies having
maximum background genome recovery.
The resistance lines identified will be
promoted to yield trials.
(D) International Fellowship:
(i) Khorana Programme for Scholars: The
programme is mainly designed to provide
opportunities to Indian undergraduate and
postgraduate students to gain exposure and
access to world class research facilities at
different laboratories of the USA for
internship. The programme promotes
research and capacity building in frontier
areas of biotechnology being implemented
through India- US Science & Technology
Forum (IUSSTF). Proposal for continuation
of programme in 15th Finance Commission is
under consideration for implementation in
2021-22.
(ii) DBT TWAS Fellowship Programme: The
DBT-TWAS Biotechnology fellowships was
jointly promoted in 2004 by the Department
of Biotechnology (DBT) and The World
Academy of Science (TWAS), Trieste, Italy to
bring foreign scholars from developing
countries who wish to pursue their research
in new emerging areas of biotechnology in
47
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
the Laboratories/Institutes in India. The aim
is to address societal challenges through
application of S&T in emerging areas such as
affordable health care, water security,
climate change adaptation, agriculture
science, renewable energy and natural
disaster prediction and management in their
countries. DBT provides fellowship and
contingency grant to the selected candidates
tenable at Institutes in India under three
categories:
(a) Full Time Postgraduate Fellowship to
pursue doctoral programme
(b) Sandwich Postgraduate Fellowship to the
Students (registered for doctorate in their
own countries) for training in India to help in
their PhD.
(c) DBT-TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowship to
pursue a postdoctoral research programme
in India. Total 25 fellows have been selected
for the year 2021-22.
(iii) PhD Fellowship Programme under Indo-
Australia Collaboration (Indian Institute of
Technology, Bombay - Monash University):
The broad scope of the Programme is to
enable joint PhD degree from IIT Bombay
and Monash University. This will include one
year of research at Monash University.
Students get a good exposure to Industry
Academia Partnership and new areas of
research under this programme. Currently
43 students are undergoing PhD at various
departments of IITB - Monash Research
Academy.
(iv) Biomedical Research Career Programme
(BRCP):Biomedical Research Career
Programme (BRCP) is administered by the
DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance (IA), a
public charity funded by the Department of
Biotechnology, Govt. of India and the
Wellcome Trust, UK, striving to promote
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
education and training in Biomedical
Sciences in India. India Alliance has
pioneered a globally recognized grants
funding model in India and developed an
effective mechanism to nurture outstanding
biomedical scientists in India. It provides a
global platform to perform competitive,
world-class biomedical research by devising
new ways to promote basic, clinical, and
public health research.
In addition to its research funding, India
Alliance supports an integrated research
ecosystem that values ethics, good
management, and public communication of
research.
Internationally Recognized Research Fellowship
Programmes
I n d i a A l l i a n c e o f fe rs t h re e t y p e s o f
fellowship programmes in Basic Biomedical
Research as well as Clinical and Public Health
Research domains that support researchers at
different stages of their careers. In the current
year, 09 Early Career; 10 Intermediate; and 06
Senior Fellowships have been awarded for
cutting edge research in biomedical sciences.
Team Science Grants and Clinical/Public Health
Research Centres
The ongoing pandemic is one such medical
challenge that reaffirmed our belief in constant
research to devise specific interventional
strategies. This has led BRCP to focus more on
enhancing India's research ecosystem and major
health challenges across the world. BRCP also
offers funding for Collaborative Research
Projects and Clinical Research Training through
Team Science Grants, Clinical Research Centres,
and Clinical Research Training Programs.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Significant achievements/outcomes
During the year, six BRCP fellows including Dr.
Anurag Agrawal, Dr. Bushra Ateeq, Dr. Dhiraj
Kumar, Dr. Mahalakshmi Radhakrishnan, Dr. Arun
Shukla, and Dr. Amit Singh have received awards
from the National Academy of Sciences, India
(NASI) Swarna Jayanti Fellowships were awarded
to Dr. Siddhesh Kamat, Dr. Sridharan Devarajan,
and Dr. Nitin Gupta.
No. of Research publications during 2021-22:
245
No. of Human Resource trained during the
year 2021-22:
EMBO Lab Leadership Course: 4 cohorts of the
course were successfully conducted. 64 Senior
Researchers from institutions across the country
have been trained in Research Leadership.
Outreach Activities:
During the year, India Alliance has conducted
following outreach activities
Ÿ Outreach programs: 7
Ÿ Sci Comm Workshops: 5
Ÿ Public Engagements Seed Funding: 2
Ÿ Public Engagement External Events: 2
Ÿ External Science Events Support: 8
(E) Training Programmes
Biotech Industrial Training Programme
(BITP): Industrial training is an essential
requirement for holistic development of
students of biotechnology, enabling them to
seek careers in both research and industry.
Department of Biotechnology is supporting
Biotech Industrial Training Programme
(BITP) for providing six months of hands-
on training to fresh B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc.
/M.Tech Biotechnology students. The
Department has adopted apprenticeship
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
model for implementation of DBT-BITP
Programme, and linkages have been
developed with Life Science Sector Skill
Development Council (LSSSDC), New Delhi
for selection of partnering industries for
providing apprenticeship in Biotechnology
sectors. Provision has been made for the
selection of 800 students/year (including
100 for NER candidates) under the DBT-
BITP Apprenticeship Programme. A stipend
of Rs. 10,000/- per month is paid to all
selected candidates for six months' period
and companies are also providing
apprenticeship to all trainees. In the last five
years (2016-17 to 2020-21), a total of 2182
students were placed for training in
industries, out of which 661 trainees were
able to secure jobs. For the 2021-22 session,
the process is underway for advertisement
and call for applications.
(F) DBT AWARDS - Recognizing Excellence
(i) Tata Innovation Fellowship: The
Department initiated the Tata Innovation
Fellowship scheme in 2006 to recognize and
reward scientists up to 55 years of age, with
outstanding track record in biological
sciences, commitment to find innovative
solutions to major problems in healthcare,
agriculture and other areas related to life
sciences and biotechnology. Each year upto
5 fellowships are awarded. Each awardee
receives, in addition to regular salary, a
fellowship @ Rs. 25,000/- per month and a
contingency grant of Rs. 6.00 lakh per
annum. The duration of the fellowship is
initially for three years which can be
extended further by two years on a fresh
appraisal. Selection of fellows for the year
2021-22 is under process.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
(ii) Har Gobind Khorana - Innovative Young
Biotechnologist Award (IYBA): The
Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award
(IYBA), initiated in 2005, is a career-oriented
award to nurture outstanding young
scientists with innovative ideas and desirous
of pursuing research in cutting edge areas of
biotechnology. The awards are conferred to
scientists below 35 years of age, subject to
relaxation in cases of women, OBC, SC/ST
and physically challenged. Scientists on a
soft position are also eligible to apply for the
award. The award is Rs.1.00 lakh per annum
for candidates having permanent faculty
positions and Rs. 75000/- per month for
those candidates who do not have a regular
faculty position, along with a project grant to
pursue their research. Selection of
candidates for the year 2021-22 is under
process.
(iii) S. Ramachandran - National Bioscience
Award for Career Development: National
Bioscience Award for Career Development is
conferred in recognition of outstanding
contributions of scientists below 45 years of
age who are engaged in basic and applied
research in Biological Sciences including
Biotechnology, Agricultural, Medical, and
Environmental Sciences and other allied
areas. The award recognizes the significant
contributions made by scientists in their
respective domain research areas with
potential for product and technology
development. A maximum of 10 awards are
conferred every year. Each award carries a
cash prize of Rs 2.00 lakh, a citation trophy
along with project research grant of Rs 15.00
lakh (Rs.5.00 lakh per year) for a period of 3
years. Selection of candidates for the year
2021-22 is under process.
(iv) Janaki Ammal - National Women
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
Bioscientist Award: The Department
recognizes the contributions of senior and
young women scientists in the country who
are working in the areas ofBiology and
Biotechnology. The Janaki Ammal - National
Women Bioscientist Award is conferred
under two categories - Senior category and
Young category. The senior category award
recognizes life time contributions of
scientists, who have made significant
contribution in basic/translational research
with benefit to the society. The award carries
a cash prize of Rs 5.00 lakh along with
citation and a gold medal. The young
category award is given to women scientists
below 45 years of age who are active
researchers with focus on basic and applied
research in various fields of modern biology
and biotechnology. Each award carries a
cash prize of Rs 1.00 lakh with citation and a
gold medal, and research grant of Rs 5.00
lakhs per annum for a period of 5 years.
Selection of candidates for the year 2021-22
is under process.
(v) Distinguished Biotechnology Research
Professorship Award: The Department has
instituted Distinguished Biotechnology
Research Professorship Award Scheme to
utilize the expertise of superannuated
distinguished scientists, who are still
scientifically active and capable of making
significant research contribution in
biological sciences, biotechnology and
related fields. The Scheme enables
distinguished scientists to pursue their
research interests in their institution within
India. A maximum of 5 awards can be
conferred at any point of time. Currently two
fellows are being supported under this
programme.
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(G) Outreach Activities
Po p u l a r i zat i o n a n d P ro m o t i o n o f
Biotechnology (CTEP)
The Department with an aim to popularize
Biotechnology activities in India, provides
financial assistance towards organizing
Conferences, Seminar, Symposiums,
Workshop and Travel support to the
researchers for presenting their papers in
the conferences which are being organized
outside the country. It also extends support
for organizing DBT stalls in international and
national exhibitions. Financial support is
also provided for organizing Popular
Lectures. The collective term for these four
activities is CTEP (Conference, Travel,
Exhibition and Popular Lectures). The
dedicated web portal i.e., Online Submission
and Monitoring System (OSMoSys), acts as a
single- window for the submission,
processing and settlement of grants. This
portal is not only easing the assistance
p ro c e s s b u t a l s o p rov i d e s t i m e l y
deliverables.
Proposals from the aspirational districts of
the country are given preference in order to
promote science and technology in these
districts.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic and the
subsequent travel restrictions and public
gatherings nationally and globally have
severely disrupted the activities under CTEP
d u r i n g 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 . H o w e v e r, t h e
Department supported virtual/online
events during the said period.
Since the government guidelines have
partially been relaxed, CTEP Programme is
now open to support all the activities in
hybrid and/or physical mode along with
support for organizing virtual events. The
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
events supported by DBT under the CTEP
programme provide an international
forumfor scientific discovery, professional
networking, research collaboration,
interdisciplinary education and
dissemination of most recent scientific
advances to the academic as well as to the
industries. More than 2000 participates
attended the events supported by DBT from
January- December 2021. The aim of
exhibitions supported by CTEP is to inform
the stakeholders about the latest
developments in the country and the
achievements of different government
departments and public sectors in their
respective fields in one platform. The DBT
stall contains information about the various
activities of DBT including the information
about various schemes and programmes
supported by DBT.
Global Bio India 2021
The DBT along with its PSU, Biotechnology
Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
organized the 2nd edition of Global Bio-India
2021 from 1st-3rd March, 2021 on a digital
platform. The event showcased India's
potential in the biotech sector both within the
country and to the international community.
The theme of this year was 'Transforming Lives'
with the tag line 'Biosciences to Bio-economy'.
The event witnessed the participation from
>8400 delegates; 40+ countries; >50
international speakers; >1000 Entrepreneurs &
startups; facilitated 23 Awards; 140+ investor-
startup meetings; 150+ exhibitors; 350+ Bio-
partnering meetings.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Research Resources, Service Facilities
and Platform (Infrastructure)
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) since its
inception has been supporting the development
of research infrastructure at universities and
research institutes across the country with the
primary objective to augment life science and
biotechnology research activities at par with the
international level. The programme has
understandably evolved during the last 3
decades, undergoing multiple changes in
nomenclature and realignment of objectives, and
is now called the Research Resource, Service
Facility and Platform (abbreviated as RRSFP)
Programme, which in turn operates through 2
major arms:
Ÿ DBT- Boost to University Interdisciplinary
Life Science Departments for Education and
Research Programme (DBT-BUILDER): As
the name suggests, the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), through DBT-BUILDER
provides support to establish
interdisciplinary School of Life Sciences for
advanced research and education at the
post- graduate level. The specific objective
is to upgrade the post-graduate teaching
and training laboratories by enabling
interdisciplinary advanced research and
teaching capacity emphasizing discovery
and innovation in proposed research areas
and addressing emerging technologies with
inter-disciplinary cross talk to realize their
full potential. This is achieved by increasing
number of postgraduate students at M.Sc.,
Ph.D, and postdoctoral levels with quality
education, skills and research temperament
and by collaboration with industry through
public-private partnership in advanced
research and education.
Ÿ DBT - Scientific Infrastructure Access for
Harnessing Academia University Research
Joint Collaboration (DBT-SAHAJ
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
Infrastructure): From 2019-20, the
Department has laid special focus on
Institutions from Aspirational Districts to
ensure equitable percolation of benefits of
the programme across the length and
breadth of the country. The DBT-SAHAJ
portal which is now a valuable resource of
the DBT website was introduced during
2018-19 and has led to the consolidation of
all facilities supported and established by
DBT. Through the SAHAJ portal, potential
users/individuals can obtain information
and access to these facilities through a
single window.
Presently there are 467 different equipment /
service facilities enlisted on the SAHAJ portal
(https://dbtepromis.nic.in/frminstrumentusabili
ty.aspx) with the charges for academia and
industry, location details and contact details of
the concerned instrument / service facility in
charge. Further, in order to ensure better user-
friendliness of the SAHAJ portal, the Department
has ensured that the list of equipment / service
facilities can be further sorted State-wise or
instrument-wise, making it easier for any user to
locate his / her desired equipment / service
facility while also providing the options for other
alternatives. The response to SAHAJ portal has
been immense and can be witnessed from the
fact that 2.60 lakhs users have accessed the
equipment/services listed under the SAHAJ
portal since its inception and Rs 37.75 crores
revenue generated. Significantly, 1.20 lakhs users
have utilized the SAHAJ portal in last year and
generating revenue around Rs. 19.43 crores (in
last 6 months) despite the restrictions of 2
months due to Covid-19 pandemic; by the
revenuemodel facilities become self-sustainable
while ensuring that user charges for these
facilities are uniform and reasonable to ensure
“Science for All”.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Central molecular Laboratory, GIPMER, New
Delhi
Recent trends in Basic Research and Medical
Sciences need the mutual collaborative
association between researchers and clinicians
to train new generation for the better
management and treatment of the diseases and
to harness the technology for the betterment of
the suffering humanity. The perspective of
genomics has shifted from single gene to
genome wide study. Candidate gene approach
considering few genetic loci for disease risk has
not led to fruitful outcomes. However, Genome
Wide Association Study (GWAS) scan whole
genome to identify the disease susceptible loci.
To address this knowledge gap, GIPMER, New
Delhi had established a Central Molecular Lab
(CML) to ascertain a full understanding of the
genomic wiring and its role in various disease
process including response and resistance to
cancer therapy, cardiovascular, metabolic and
neurological disorders through integrative
genomic, transcriptomic, single-cell and liquid
biopsy analyses by accompanying basic research
and high throughput research. The research
platform is also training the manpower to meet
the requirement of growing molecular research
using NGS with bioinformatics in our country.
Infrastructure establishment, installation of
equipments and manpower training are some of
the major initiatives of this year. Central
Molecular lab (CML) is well equipped with Next
generation sequencing platform along with
latest version of various equipment such as
Gradient Conventional thermal cycler, Real time
PCR, Western blotting, Centrifuges, Bioanalyzer,
Deep freezers, Computation clusters etc.,
supporting basic and advance molecular and
clinical research.
During this year the CML has done installation
and calibration of existing and newly procured
lab equipments. Standardization and processing
of molecular techniques and biological sample's
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
management and processing. For this purpose,
and hands-on practical training course had been
arranged that held in the Central Molecular Lab,
Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate
Medical Education and Research(GIPMER), by
two visiting scientist/technical expert from
illuminafor Next Generation Training (i.e.MiSeq
a n d N ex t S e q 2 0 0 0 ) . F u r t h e r, t h ro u g h
comprehensive exome-wide sequence analyses
they are trying to develop molecular markers for
different cancers. Beside this they have also
targeted their focus on ultra-sensitive
measurement of non-invasive circulating cell-
free (cfDNA) to identify and established them as
early diagnostic marker various disease including
Acute Myocardial Infarction, and for early cancer
detection based on molecular responses derived
from liquid biopsies. Overall, the group focuses
on providing state- of-the-science tools and
expertise to help clinicians and patients to
choose the right clinical path.CML combines the
scientific rigor and proactive infrastructure
investment of a leading academic research
institution with the efficiency, flexibility, and
responsiveness of a government reference lab. It
connects pathologists, clinicians, health systems
and commercial laboratories with the next-
generation testing modalities and consultative
support needed to meet the challenges of
personalized and precision medicine.
The distribution of samples in various diseases for
molecular analysis in 21-22:
Figure1: Next Generation Sequencing Platform
(MiSeq and NextSeq 2000)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

Figure2: Computation server Figure3: Bioinformatics Area for Data Analysis

Figure6A: Researchers and technicians

sample segregation and DNA extraction

Figure4: Workstation area of Central

Molecular lab

Figure6B: Students performing Real-time

PCR for gene expression

Figure5: Blood Sample collected for

genetic and epigenetic study
Figure7A: Performing Plasma Figure7B: Processing RNA isolation
separation forcfDNA isolation using and cDNA synthesis in biosafety
cooling centrifuge cabinet

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 54
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

Tuberculosis Aerosol Challenge Facility (TACF) at DEDICATED EQUIPMENTS

ICGEB, New Delhi:

The DBT sponsored Tuberculosis Aerosol

Challenge Facility TACF, a BSL-3 containment
facility, which serves as a national facility, will IVC for Guinea Pigs IVC for Mice Madison Aerosol
complete its 12 years of functioning in the year Exposure Chamber
2020. The tuberculosis research community from
all over the country has used the facility
extensively in the past 12 years, mostly for animal
challenge experiments and more recently for in
vitro experiments. In the past 8-9 years, this Wall-Mounted
facility has resulted in more than 60 very high Autoclaves
Digital Radiography Tissue Homogenizer
quality publications, addressing diverse aspects Machine
of tuberculosis pathogenesis, drug discovery,
diagnostics and vaccine study. Addition Achievements: High Impact Publications
ofinfrastructures like FACS sorter, high 2011-2016: 32 (22 ICGEB, 10 external)
throughput screening and proposed small animal
imaging facility would make it one of its kind
facility globally, supporting cutting edge
discoveries against tuberculosis.

The main objective of the project is to ensure

long- term maintenance of fully functional and
FACS SORTER FACILITY fully operational DBT-TACF at the ICGEB Campus,
New Delhi, so as to facilitate continued and
uninterrupted BSL-3 containment lab facilities
for various TB research projects in the country.
The project is also aimed to improve the utility of
TACF as a TB aerosol challenge facility in the five
years by expanding the scope of experiments,
which can be performed here. (A) To install in-
vivo small animal imaging facility and a live cell
imaging facility within the BSL-3 containment:
This is the new domain in which will expand the
scope of the national facility. Requirement for an

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 55
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in vivo imaging facility within TACF has been mechanism employed by macromolecular
proposed based on discussion with several users assemblies to achieve biological function. The full
across the institutes which avails this facility for potential of MX and SAXS can only be realized
their tuberculosis research. With the growing through access to high intensity X-rays at a
understanding of tuberculosis pathogenesis, modern synchrotron source. Also, many
understanding the microenvironment of synchrotrons have established a CeM facility to
tuberculosis granulomas and pathogenesis is a enable on-site interrogation of macromolecules
critical need for developing future strategies for using all three methods. The primary objective of
tuberculosis prevention and control. this proposal is to enable renewal of access for
Indian researchers to MX, SAXS and CeM facilities
The facility has been extensively used by located at the European Synchrotron Radiation
tuberculosis researchers from various research Facility in Grenoble, France. As in the past, these
institutions in India over the years. This has resources will tremendously benefit the
resulted in a remarkable list of high-impact peer- StructuralBiology community in India and enable
reviewed publications, each with a significant scientists in India to undertake cutting-edge
potential to eventually develop into novel research and make important discoveries that
preventive or therapeutics strategy against will provide novel solutions for problems faced
tuberculosis. by India in the areas of health, agriculture and
environment.

The grant enables access to researchers from all

over India to experimental facilities in ESRF,
France. Therefore, the benefits of the grant are
shared with researchers from different parts of
the country. Since the inception of the program
researchers from 25 different
Average duration of experiments: 3 months Average duration of experiments: 3 months institutes/universities have used the facilities
and generated more than 300 research papers in
Through numerous high-impact publications, international peer-reviewed journals. The
several newer strategies for treatment and program has helped more than 100 PhD
prevention of tuberculosis have been identified. students, many of whom are female, to obtain
Some of the leads developed through works their degree. Since its inception in 2009, the
done at TACF are now reaching pre-clinical project has benefitted researchers from 35
toxicity followed by phase I clinical trial, thus different institutes located in different parts of
there is a significant societal impact of this the country. The experimental time at ESRF is
facility, which may be more visible with time. assigned based on the merit of scientific proposal
by a designated Technical Committee.
Access to Structural Biology Facilities at ESRF,
France The aim of the grant is to primarily enhance
Macromolecular crystallography (MX), Small capacity and skills of Indian researchers and since
angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and CryoElectron the agreement signed with ESRF is of a non-
Microscopy (CeM) are used to elucidate the proprietary nature, there can be no direct industy

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 56
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
partnerships. However, the users from India are
free to enter into Industry Partnerships using the
data generated in ESRF.
The project was initially sanctioned in 2009-2014
and is now in its third phase. During this year an
agreement was signed between the Regional
Centre for Biotechnology and the European
Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) that
enables India to become a scientific associate
country of the ESRF. Also an account with an
appropriate courier company was created to
enable transport of samples from India to ESRF.
Users will request RCB to arrange for shipping
using the courier account in RCB and the bills to
the courier company will be paid by RCB after due
diligence.
The cumulative user statistics for all three phases
are as follows:
S No. Parameter Quantity
1. Proposals submitted 614
2. No. of users 253
3. No. of institutions 35
4. No. of samples processed 17596
5. No. of publications 335
Life science research, education and training at
JNCASR
The research project planned under the
infrastructure and facilities development
programme are interdisciplinary in nature that
drew upon the diverse range of skills available at
JNCASR. Probing fundamental questions in
biology is increasingly dependent on concepts of
chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering
sciences. JNCASR have an ambitious plan for
conducting cutting edge research in biology and
biomedical sciences that will utilize the diverse
skills of the faculty at JNCASR. The project is
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING CAPACITIES
divided into 3 major groups under the following
themes; 1) advanced research in basic biology, 2)
applications of chemistry, physics and material
science to biology,3) computational biology.
Group 1 is further divided into 4 subgroups that
focus on a) infectious disease biology, b)
neurogenetics of disease, c) autophagy,
epigenetics and cancer and d) evolutionary
biology and animal behaviour. Group 2 is divided
into a) diagnostics/ drugs/ vaccines/ sensors and
b) smart materials.
Advanced Research Platform for Crop Sciences
(ARPCS), NIPGR
The National Institute of Plant Genome Research
(NIPGR) is a premier research institute in plant
molecular biology and has emerged as one of the
important national and international resource
institutes for material, knowledge and
technologies in the areas of functional and
applied genomics of plants, including crop plants.
Genomics research is providing bridges between
different branches of natural sciences and has
seen a logarithmic growth over the last decade.
Over the years, NIPGR scientists have sequenced
many crop genomes, identified many genes and
proteins that have potential for genetic
enhancement of crops for social benefit. In order
to translate some of the fundamental
knowledge, a systematic in planta functional
characterization of these genes in crop plants by
overexpression/knockdown is necessary.
Proteins are the functional forms of genes and
proteomics involves identification of proteins
present in various sub-cellular organelles.
Proteins function and constitute functional
pathways by interacting with other proteins.
Identification of proteins that interact with and
augment the function of the candidate protein is
essential not only for developing fundamental
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 BUILDING CAPACITIES

knowledge but also useful in manipulation of the generation of transgenic and knock-out mice,
pathway for crop improvement. Like other Rat, Zebra fish models. Currently, we are offering
organisms, hormones play a great role in various services, which has been published on
development, productivity and acclimatization IISER website https://nfgfhd2020.wixsite.com/
of plants. Also, secondary metabolites are part of website. IISER-Pune has become a member of
the defense regimen of plants and help in the International Mouse Phenotyping
warding off various pathogens and pests. In Consortium (IMPC) in February 2019. With this
addition, various plant secondary metabolites highly valuable membership, we have now the
have great commercial value. Therefore, the access to almost 7000 knock-out/transgenic
identification and quantification of plant rodent models.
hormones and primary/secondary metabolites is
of great importance in assessing plant response
to various stimuli. In order to expand the
scientific capability and expertise of NIPGR as
well as the plant science community of the nation *****
in general and the NCR in particular, an Advanced
Research Platform for Crop Sciences with
following three components Component 1: Gene
Function Analysis Platform for Crops Component
2: Advanced Inter-Institutional Proteomics
Facility and Component 3: Plant Analytical
Platform for Phytohormones and low abundant
Molecules has been set up.
National facility for Laboratory Model
Organisms-DBT-IISER-NCCS-UAB
A world-class state-of-the-art infrastructure for
generating and supplying transgenic and knock-
out rodents, Zebra fish and Drosophila models
has been established. They are maintaining a
total of 67 transgenic/knock-out mouse strains, 2
Rat strains, 30 zebrafish strains and ~6000
Drosophila Stocks. They are providing these
strains to various Indian academic institutions as
per the requirements.Seven scientists (Two from
IISER-Pune, one each from ACTREC, Navi
Mumbai, NCCS-Pune, IISER-Mohali, IISER-Bhopal
and CCMB-Hyderabad) have been trained at the
Centre for Transgenic & Genetically Engineered
Models (TGEMS), University of Alabama under
this partnership program. They have gained the
expertise in generating transgenic models and
are already performing these activities at their
respective institutes. At IISER-Pune, trained
scientists have standardized all procedure for

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 58
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RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT
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AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED AREAS
The Department has been supporting
agricultural research (crops, livestock and
fisheries) through adoption of biotechnological
advances in research, strengthening research
infrastructure and capacity building of
manpower in cutting edge areas. Support has
been extended to basic research for
understanding and addressing the complex
problems in wake of climate change, blue sky
research and applied research with an aim to
provide improved crop varieties/livestock/fish
brood-stock and other products to the farmers
and other stakeholders through advancements in
biotechnology. The Department has created an
ecosystem of Agriculture R&D across the country
involving Universities/State Agriculture
Universities and National Institutions.
Various improved crop varieties, improved
technologies, vaccines and diagnostics have
been developed. Achievements through
biotechnology interventions for improved crops,
livestock and fisheries are detailed below.
Agriculture Biotechnology
Agriculture Biotechnology program of the
department supports R&D projects directed at
research, translational R&D projects through
Mission Programmes, National networks,
Centers of excellence, International
collaborations, public-private partnership etc.
Programme focuses on developing climate and
pest-pathogen resilient high yielding varieties for
farmers and addressing other emerging
problems in wake of climate change. New
varieties/technologies /products are being
developed through the programme to cater to
the needs of end beneficiaries including farmers,
consumers and export markets.
DBT has also launched R&D in the interface of
Agri-nutrition to augment the quality/quantity
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
No. of research publication 35
during 2021-22
No. of patent applied 1
of proteins and micronutrients in cereals
especially in wheat and rice. A “National Mission
Mode Program on Nutritional improvement of
digestible protein content and quality in rice”
focusing on enhancing the digestible
protein quantity and quality to address India's
battle against protein malnutrition. Department
has taken an initiative to set up a Centre of
Excellence (COE) under the umbrella of G S
Khush Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and
Biotechnology and a speed breeding facility
under the project “Development and
Integration of Advanced Genomic Technologies
for Targeted Breeding”. The project has nine sub-
projects on various field crops (pigeonpea,
maize, cotton, brassica, wheat, basmati rice);
vegetable crops (Pea); fruit crops (Citrus, Guava)
and a proposal for establishment of a Speed
Breeding platform. The proposed centre of
excellence will focus on development and
integration of advanced genomic technologies in
targeted breeding of crop plants. The centre will
also deliver industry oriented products with
better processing traits. The department is
continuing its support for the major mission
mode programme on “Characterization of
Genetic Resources” in various crops. Phenotypic
characterization of available germplasm
resources in country along with exotic lines from
diverse agro climatic regions & elite lines of
International Institutes has been undertaken for
minor oilseeds (Sesame, Linseed, Safflower,
Niger), Cereals (Rice and Wheat) and Pulses
(Chickpea).
60
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

R & D Projects: During the year, R&D projects

were supported both in basic and applied areas
of research in agriculture biotechnology. Some of
the major achievements of the projects
supported are as follows:
A. Cereals:
1. Rice
§Department has been instrumental in
supporting the country's first ever non-
GM (genetically modified) herbicide
tolerant basmati rice varieties for direct
seeded conditions which can
significantly save water and labour
compared to conventional transplanting.
These varieties Pusa Basmati 1979 and
Pusa Basmati 1985 contain a mutated
acetolactate synthase (ALS) which makes
Fig. Drone based field Phenotyping of
it possible for farmers to spray broad-
germplasm accessions
spectrum herbicide to control weeds.
The mutant line (Robin) and the mutant
NGRDI (Normalized ALS gene were identified and
IRG (Red Green red Difference
Rice-2020 RGB Green Index) index)= (Green - Red) / introgressed in existing popular rice
Data and Indices = Red - Green (Green + Red) varieties through a DBT supported
network project. These varieties will
have major implications for reducing
water consumption in rice growing areas
thus addressing problem of depleting
water table and reducing intensive
labour requirement for transplanting.
§A drought tolerant line CBMAS14110
possessing two drought-tolerant QTLs
(qDTY1.1 and qDTY3.1) of Apo was
developed and nominated for evaluation
under AICRIP and State MLT
§Salinity tolerant version of a popular
variety “Improved White Ponni” namely
IWP-Saltol was developed, evaluated
and registered with NBPGR.
§CG Barani Dhan– 2 (R-RF-105) variety
carrying multiple QTLs for drought
tolerance (qDTY 1-1 and qDTY 12-1)

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 61
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
and QTL for root traits has been released
and notified for Chhattisgarh in 2021
Fig. Farmer's first program Rajnandgaon
§CR Dhan 803 (Pooja-Sub1) has been
released for Odisha Sate. It has high yield
under submergence conditions, high
hulling, milling, no grain chalkiness and
intermediate amylose content. It is also
resistant to stem borer (dead heart),
moderately resistant to white ear head,
WBPH, leaf folder, plant hopper and case
worm, neck blast and tungro virus.
§A promising short duration variety, ADT
55 through marker assisted selection
resistance to bacterial blight was
released for cultivation in Tamil Nadu
during 2020- 21 and tested in All India
Coordinated trial (IET 26770). This variety
possesses all the three resistance genes
(xa5 + xa13 + Xa21) and exhibited high
levels of resistance against almost all the
races (11 races) of Xanthomonas oryzae
pv. oryzae. Its potential yield was 9206
kg/ha (13.7% and 8.4% higher than ADT
43 and CO 51 respectively) and suitable
fo r c u l t i vat i o n i n Ka r / Ku r u va i
/ Sornavari/ Navarai/ Summer seasons
of Tamil Nadu especially for bacterial
blight hot spot areas. This culture was
registered as a new germplasm in NBPGR
(Germplasm no: INGR 20002).
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
§13,517 rice landraces were screened for
photosensitivity, 4,014 landraces
characterized for yield and component
traits; 1000 rice landraces (500 in Kharif
2020 and 500 in Kharif 2021) were
screened for various biotic (BB, blast,
bakanae, Sheath blight, false smut, BPH,
root knot nematode) and abiotic stresses
(drought, submergence, anaerobic
germination) and photosynthesis;
Herbarium specimens of 1050 accessions
of rice have been deposited in National
Herbarium of Crop Plants, New Delhi.
§Prion-like proteins (PrLPs) have been
widely demonstrated to be present in
plants, but their role in plant stress and
memory remains unexplored. The rice
prionome was found to be significantly
enriched in transposons/ retrotranspo-
sons (Ts/RTRs) and over 60 rice PrLPs that
were differentially regulated in stress and
d e v e l o p m e n t a l re s p o n s e s w e re
identified. By integrating the available
rice interactome, transcriptome, and
regulome data sets, links between stress
and memory pathways could be
explored.
§Rice pan-genome genotyping array
(RPGA), a 90K SNP genotyping array
based on 3K rice pan-genome had been
developed for genomics-assisted
b re e d i n g a n d a c c e l e rate d c ro p
improvement. Contrary to conventional
SNP genotyping arrays that relies on
single reference genome RPGA assays
variants from entire 3K rice pan-genome.
This enables RPGA to tag haplotype
variation present in entire pan-genome,
which include both core (genes shared by
all accessions) as well as dispensable
(subpopulation/cultivar specific genes)
genome. The usefulness of RPGA for
large- scale pan-genome based
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
genotyping applications was demonstrated by
their high- throughput genotyping in the natural
germplasm accessions and RIL mapping
population of rice.
2. Wheat
Three wheat lines (HUWL2036, HUWL2037&
HUWL2038) developed to incorporate rust-
resistant genes along with yield and quality traits
showed
resistance
to Leaf &
Stripe Rust
both and
a m o n g
t h e s e
lines, one
l i n e
(HUWL203
6 ) h a s
been sent
in AICRP
NIVT.
Phenotyping of 4,575 germplasm lines including
checks has been completed against all three
rusts, spot blotch and powdery mildew while,
200 selected named landraces were evaluated
against Karnal bunt and Fusarium head blight
during 2020-2021.
Phenotyping of 3,200 germplasm lines including
checks has been completed for abiotic stress i.e.,
heat and drought tolerance during the main crop
season in 2020-2021.
A set of 400 Chromosomal substitution lines
(CSSLs) have been developed for 5U
chromosome of Ae. triuncialis for transfer and
mapping of multiple disease resistance and grain
softness in elite wheat background and
backcrossing of disomic substitution line carrying
chromosome 5U with Ph1b mutant.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
B. Oilseeds:
1. Brassica
Four Brassica lines with improved rust resistance
developed through Marker-Assisted selection
are under AICRP trials.
A CMS-based pollination control system (named
126-1) has been developed in Brassica and the
use of the barnase/barstar genes has been
improved for developing a very robust GE
technology-based pollination control system in
the crop for hybrid seed production.
Genetically Engineered mustard lines resistant to
herbicide glyphosate for controlling the root
parasite Orobanche aegyptiaca were developed.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of B.
nigra with long-read ONT sequencing and optical
mapping and a highly contiguous genome
assembly of oil type B. juncea Varuna using SMRT
has been made.
Graphic representation of the Brassica Graphic representation of the Brassica
nigra pseudochromosomes. juncea pseudochromosomes.
2. Minor Oilseeds (Linseed, Niger, Sesame and
Safflower)
3400 accessions of Niger were phenotyped for
major agronomic traits including crop duration
(days to 50% flowering from 28 days to 85 days),
number of capitula (12 to 62 per plant), seed yield
(2.1 g to 18.5 g/plant) and oil content (11.5% to
45.2%). Preliminary evaluation resulted in
identification of eight early maturing accessions
(85 days), 20 self-compatible lines, 27 high
yielding accessions which will have great impact
in niger breeding. Collection of indigenous
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

lines was augmented with exotic germplasm,

which includes 15 breeding lines from USDA, USA
and 5 varieties from Ethiopia. These exotic lines
are of late duration (120-130 days), tall with high
number of capitula (195) and have high harvest
index including a high self- compatible line (W6
18860) and a good combiner line (PI508079) for Fig. Field view of phenotyping of 2612 linseed germplasm accessions
seed yield, oil content and linoleic acid content.
In addition, four accessions of Guizotia scabra
subsp. Schimperi have been augmented from
Kenya. Hence, utilization of these diverse
genotypes in niger breeding programme would
lead to recovery of transgressive segregants for Fig. Variability in linseed flower colour, aestivation and shape
yield and yield contributing traits.
3. Groundnut

Development and validation of the new cost-

effective mid-density assay on AgriSeq targeted
genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) platform with
5081 SNPs has been achieved. This assay is
available now for use by the groundnut research
community including Indian groundnut breeding
programs.

A total of 7096 accessions of safflower along with

the passport data were compiled. A total of 6983
accessions have been purified by selfing and
single plant progeny identified for downstream
genotyping analysis. Traits such as days to 50 per
cent flowering, petal colour, petal colour at faded
stage, leaf shape and leaf dentations were Fig. SNP density plot for polymorphic SNPs among a set
recorded at the vegetative stage. Number of of founder parents and diverse germplasm lines in groundnut
capitula per plant, plant height and 100 seed
weight were recorded at the maturity stage. C. Pulses:

Linseed germplasm (2612 accessions) was
characterized at three locations for various traits
including agro-morphological traits, fatty acid
analysis, Alternaria blight, bud fly and moisture
scarcity etc.
Three improved chickpea varieties have been
released at national level through the Varietal
Identification and Release Committee.
(i) A drought tolerant chickpea variety IPCL4 -14
has been released for timely sown, rainfed

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 64
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
conditions in north-west plain zone. This variety
was developed through department's support
for marker assisted back crossing and
introgression of 'QTL hotspot' region for drought
tolerance genes on linkage group-4.
(ii) A drought tolerant chickpea variety BG 4005
has been released for timely sown, rainfed
conditions in north-west plain zone. This variety
was developed through department's support
through introgression breeding in desi chickpea
variety Pusa 362.
(iii) A chickpea variety IPCMB 19-3 with wilt
resistance has been has been released for timely
sown, irrigated conditions in central zone. This
variety was developed through Department's
support for marker assisted back crossing and
introgression breeding in Pusa 256 against race 2
of Fusarium wilt.
Two new Cercospora isolates affecting mung
bean have been identified, sequenced and
submitted in NCBI, USA. Accession No.
MZ475049 & MZ475050
D. Vegetable and Horticultural Crops:
§An energy efficient, innovative and
cheap device has been developed which
can address the problem of postharvest
losses in India. A Start-up Fruvetech Pvt
Lt d h a s b e e n r e g i s t e r e d ( C I N :
U72900DL2021PTC376517) for
commercialization of this technology and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
NIPGR will be executing technology
transfer in due course. The technology
and product developed in this Start-up
has huge market demand in India and
internationally ranging from farmers to
the transportation, export, import and
storage companies.
§Establishment of an efficient regener-
ation system and standardization of
Agrobacterium-mediated transforma-
tion of papaya through somatic
embryogenesis has been achieved.
§Transmission assays with whiteflies, the
natural vector of Begomoviruses, were
standardized.
§Genome edited tomato lines have been
developed for four genes Rin, Lycopene
β- cyclase (CYCB), Phototropin 1, NAC-
NOR gene, 1- Aminocyclopropane
carboxylic acid 2 (ACS2). For delayed fruit
ripening, high lycopene level, extended
shelf life and variable carotenoids. The
CAS9 free plants were also obtained for
these mutated plants.
§An intensive survey was conducted in
south Kashmir districts and out of more
than 3000 trees visited, a total number
108 walnut samples were collected for
preliminary analysis and subsequently 13
elite walnut genotypes were identified.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
§Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus
(ToLCNDV) infection causes severe losses
in tomato yield worldwide. Lack of
information on resistance (R) genes
against ToLCNDV has considerably
retarded the pace of crop improvement
against this rapidly spreading pathogen.
An effective defense strategy deployed
by a resistant tomato cultivar against
ToLCNDV was reported. It employs Sw5a
(R gene) that recognizes AC4 protein
(viral effector) of ToLCNDV to restrict
virus spread. These findings could be
translated into development of
resistance in susceptible cultivars of
tomato through modern breeding or
molecular approaches.
Infrastructure Supported:
§A facility for regulating import-export of
the transgenic plant materials and GMO
detection “National Programme for
Quarantine and GM Diagnostics of
Genetically Engineered Plant Material” is
being supported by the Department
since 1999. The V phase of the facility has
been sanctioned recently. The facility
enables keeping a check on illegal GMO
cultivation in the fields and detection of
GMOs in the food/feed and keeping a
check on transboundary pests/diseases.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
§Leading edge genotyping service and
consultancy facility to steer agriculture
biotechnology research and harnessing
vast Germplasm Resources of the
country “National Genomics and
Genotyping Facility (Phase I)” anchored
at National Institute of Plant Genome
Research (NIPGR)
§A Genomic selection and Speed Breeding
Facility has been established under a
Network project at IRRI, Varanasi. This is
first of its kind facility in India to facilitate
faster genetic gains through speed
breeding for generation advancement.
Speed breeding facility is targeted to
undertake haplotype-based backcross
breeding to transfer the superior
haplotypes from landraces into elite
backgrounds, and training and capacity
development of 40 young plant breeders
from India on breeding innovations.
66
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Capacity Building Field days, Trainings and
workshops were conducted on GWAS, Data
collection, haplotype based breeding for
breeders and researchers across the country.
(i) Webinar on “GWAS and its applications in
crops” on June 12, 2020.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
(ii) Virtual discussion and demonstration on
“Digitalization in Plant Breeding” on August 19,
2020.
(iii) One online training on “Digital data recording
in plant breeding” on September 19, 2020.
(iv) Two-day semi-virtual training on “HTP data
collection and capacity Building” was organized
on 15th& 16th Dec 2020 jointly by BISA, Ludhiana
and ICAR- NBPGR, New Delhi.
(v) Three days basic Training on B4R (digital data
recording and management) was conducted (Feb
3-5, 2021) with a total of 48 participants.
(vi) One-day workshop conducted to estimate
Glycemic Index, Resistant Starch with DBT project
Partners.
(vii) 21 days training course on Haplotype-based
breeding strategy NARES partners and young
researchers across India.
(viii) The field day was organized jointly by
BISA and NBPGR on 19th March at BISA
Ludhiana. Over 70 scientists from different
institutes/organizations (public and private)
attended field day at BISA Ludhiana.
Wheat Field Day at BISA Ludhiana on 19th March 2021
(ix) Online training on “Digital data recording f o r
phenotyping in sesame” organized by Dr.
Rashmi Yadav on 9th Sep 2021 to different center-
s involved in phenotyping experiment.
( x ) A t w o - d ay t ra i n i n g o n “ S c i e n t i f i c
cultivation and value addition in sesame”
was organized by Dr. V. N. Gohil at Amreli,
Gujarat centre for extension workers on 9th and
10th March, 2021.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Technology Developed:
Improved crop Lines under various stages of AICRP trials in the year 2021

S.No. Crop IR/Code Trial Background/ QTL or Trait

Number/Line Category Parentage Information

1. Rice IR 143216-22-37-2- AVT Swarna qDTY3.1 + qDTY3.1+ qDTY12.1 +

4-31-10-B qDTY12.1+ Xa4 +Xa21+Pi9+GM8

2. Rice IR 143216-26-191- IVT-ETP Swarna qDTY3.1 + qDTY12.1 +Xa21 + xa13

5-3-15-3-B +Xa4+xa5+GM8+BPH17

3. Rice IR 143207-158- IVT-EM Lalat qDTY3.1 + qDTY12.1 +Xa4 +xa5

4. Rice IR 143505-161-154 EDS-IVT Lalat qDTY1.1 + qDTY3.1+ qDTY12.1 +

-11-44-B Xa21 +Xa4

5. Rice IR 143508-61-22-9- EDS-IVT Naveen qDTY1.1 + qDTY2.2+Gm8+ Xa4

6. Rice IR 143214-12-25-5- IME Naveen qDTY2.2 + Xa4+ xa13+ Gm8+ Pi9

7. Rice IR 143216-1-180- ETP Swarna qDTY1.1 + qDTY3.1 + Xa21 + Xa4 +

3- 4-2-23-B-2 xa5+GM8+Pi9

8. Rice IR 143505-134- 154- EDS-IVT Lalat qDTY2.2+qDTY3.1 + qDTY4.1 +

-27-3-B qDTY12.1 +Xa4

9. Rice IR 143505-134- IVT-IM Lalat qDTY3.1 + qDTY12.1+Xa21 +Xa4

157-19-16-B

10. Rice IR 143508-21-20- EDS-IVT Naveen qDTY1.1 + Gm8

12-1-1-B

11. Rice IR 143214-12-28-8- IVT-MS Naveen qDTY2.2 + Xa4 + Gm8+ Pi9

3-10-1-B

12. Rice RP6487-MAID- IVT-IM Krishna Hamsa Pi9

471-47-23-3-2-2-1

13. Rice RP6488-MAID-1- IVT-IM Krishna Hamsa Pi54+Bph20+Bph21

180-119-1-1-1-1

14. Rice RP6489-MAID-88- IVT-L WGL-14 Xa21+Bph3+Gm8+qDTY1.1+

16-7-6-3-1-1 qDTY2.1

15. Rice RP6490-MAID-100- IVT-L WGL-14 Xa21+Pi54+Gm4+Gm8

25-9-3-3-1 +q DTY2.1+qDTY12.1

16. Rice RP6491-MAID-87- IVT-L WGL-14 Xa21+Bph3+Gm8+q

15-9-3-1-1-1 DTY1.1+q DTY2.1

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 68
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

17. Rice RP6492-MAID- IVT-Aerob Krishna Hamsa Xa5+Xa21+qDTY1.1+qDTY2.1

177-81-14-3-1-1 +qDTY12.1

18. Rice RP6493-MAID-103- IVT-MS WGL-14 Xa21+Gm8+q DTY2.1

10-3-1-1-1

19. Rice RP6494-MAID-162- AVT1- WGL-14 Pi54+Gm4+qDTY1.1

27-9-3-1-1-1 NIL-BB

20. Rice RP6495-MAID- AVT1- Krishna Hamsa Xa21+Pi54

378-73-37-7-3-1-1 NIL-BB

21. Rice RP6496-MAID- 241- AVT1- NIL- Krishna Hamsa qDTY2.1

45-24-3-2-1-1 BB+Drt

22. Rice RP6497-MAID- 344 AVT1- WGL-14 Xa5+Xa13+Pi2+Gm4+ Gm8+qDTY1

44-34-4-3-1-1 NIL-Drt .1+qDTY2.1+qDTY3.1+qDTY12.1

23. Rice RP6498-MAID- AVT1- WGL-14 Bph3+Gm4+Gm8+qDTY3.1

451-51-45-5-4-1-1 NIL-Drt

24. Rice RP6496-MAID-246- AVT1- Krishna Hamsa qDTY2.1

24-6-3-1-1-1 NIL-Drt

25. Rice RP6499-MAID-93- IVT-LPT WGL14 Bph3+Gm8+qDTY1.1+qDTY2.1

12-9-2-1-1-1

26. Rice RP6366 -JBC-154- IVT-LPT WGL14

1-11-1-1-1

27. Rice RP6500-MAID-90- IVT-LPT WGL14 Xa21+Bph3+Gm8+qDTY1.1+q

9-2-1-1-1-1 DTY2.1

28. Rice RP6468-MAID- IVT-LNT Krishna Hamsa

408-4-2-1-1-1-1

29. Rice RP6501-MAID-95- IVT-LNT WGL14 Xa21+Bph3+qDTY1.1+qDTY2.1

14-5-3-1-1-1

30. Rice RP6494-MAID- AVT1- Krishna Hamsa Pi9

162-27-9-3-1-1-1 NIL-BB

31. Rice RP6495-MAID- AVT1- Krishna Hamsa Pi54+Bph20+Bph21

378-73-37-7-3-1-1 NIL-BB

32. Rice IET 29401 IVT-A PR 121 qDTY1.1 + Xa4 + xa13+ Xa21

33. Rice IET 29417 IVT-A PR 121 qDTY1.1 + qDTY3.1 +Xa4 + Xa21

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 69
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

34. Rice IET 29262 IVT-IM PR 121 qDTY1.1 + qDTY3.1 +Xa4 + xa13 +
Xa21

35. Rice PAU 7180-9-17-0- IVT-A PR 121

0-0 (RYT 3853)

36. Rice IET 28452 IVT Dubraj xa5 and xa13

37. Rice IET 28452 AVT Dubraj xa5 and xa13

38. Rice IR64-Sub1-DTY2.2 AVT-2 Ir64 DTY2.2

39. Rice ADT 46-Sub1 AVT-2 ADT 46 Sub1

40. Rice Rajendra Mahsuri- AVT-1 Rajendra Sub1

Sub1 Mahsuri

41. Rice Ranjit-Sub1-BLB AVT-1 Ranjit-Sub1 xa5, xa13 and Xa21,Sub1

42. Rice HUR-105-Sub-1 3rd year HUR-105 Sub1

testing for
release in
UP state

43. Rice MTU1010-Saltol1 Mini kit MTU1010 Saltol1

testing on
farmers'
field for
release in
AP state

44. Rice Sarjoo 52-Saltol1 AVT2 Sarjoo 52 Saltol1

45. Rice RP 6354-RMS- AVT2 Improved samba Grain number, Grain width and
5- 11-13-43 mahsuri*2/ Panicle branching
Ir113016-3-4-7

46. Rice RMS-1693-13-15- 29 IVT-MS Improved samba Grain number and Panicle
mahsuri*2/ branching
IR 123354:7-15

47. Rice RMS-1421-43-25- 29 IVT-MS Improved samba Grain number and Grain width
mahsuri*2/
IR113016-4-12-14

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 70
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

48. Rice RMS-1697-35-24- 16 IVT Improved samba Grain number, Strong Culm and
mahsuri*2/ Grain width
IR127072-1-
14-10

49. Rice RMS-1777-56-72- 84 IVT Improved samba Grain number and Panicle
mahsuri*2/ branching
IR 123354:7-15

50. Rice RMS-1778-54-32- 44 IVT Improved samba Grain number, Strong Culm
mahsuri*2/ IR and Grain width
127075:20

51. Rice RMS-1780-24-12- 74 IVT Improved samba Grain number and Grain width
mahsuri*2/
IR113016-
4-12-14

52. Rice RMS-1783-14-12- 24 IVT Improved samba Grain number, Grain width and
mahsuri*2/ panicle branching
IR113016-4-12-3

53. Rice RMS-1908-11-22- 19 IVT Improved samba Grain number and Grain width
mahsuri*2/
IR113016-4-12-3

54. Rice RMS-1911-42-13- 24 IVT Improved samba Grain number, Strong Culm and
mahsuri*2/ Grain width
IR113016-
3-4-7

55. Rice RMS-1916-16-10- 39 IVT Improved samba Grain number, Strong Culm
mahsuri*2/ and Grain width
IR 127075:20

56. Rice RMS-1422-28-19-1 IVT Improved samba Grain number, Strong Culm
mahsuri*2/ and Grain width
IR127072-1-14-19

57. Wheat HUWL2036 IVT HUW234 and HGPC+Lr24+HGW

Hd2967/PBW723 Lr19-Sr25+Yr10+Lr34
/PBW800

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 71
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

58. Rice CR 4205-3-1-2-1 IVT MTU 1010*2 / Grain number and grain
ST 12 yield Gn1a, OsSPL14

59. Brassica Varuna(A4A5)- AVT2 Varuna White rust resistance

936-279

60. Brassica PB(A4A5)-842 AVT2 Pusa bold White rust resistance

61. Brassica Rohini (A4A5)-491 AVT2 Rohini White rust resistance

62. Brassica PJK(A4A5)-21 AVT2 Pusa Jai Kisan White rust resistance

63. Cowpea DC 18-1 AVT Selection from EC High yielding/resistance

724153 to YMV and root rot

64. Cowpea DC 19-6 AVT Selection from EC High yielding/resistance

724157 to YMV and root rot

Animal Biotechnology National Institute of Animal Biotechnology,

Hyderabad, is one of the biggest one health programs
Animal Biotechnology programme is an
launched by Govt of India in post-COVID times. The
important part of our National economy in terms department continued R&D support both in basic and
of employment; rural development; agricultural applied research of animal health and production.
production and allied areas. The major emphasis
of this program is towards enhancement of No. of research publication 40
livestock production & productivity, and during 2021-22
improving animal health through
No. of patent applied 6
biotechnological interventions. The focused
areas of the Animal Biotechnology are animal No. of patent granted 1
reproduction, molecular characterization of
indigenous breeds, development of transgenic No.of human resource trained 300
animal, animal nutrition, utilization of animal by-
products, development of animal vaccines,
diagnostics and therapeutics, technology for
bovine sperm sexing, production of bio-
pharmaceuticals through transgenisis and animal
products. Department launched the First 'One
Health' programme of DBT, consisting of 27
organizations for inter-sectoral collaboration among
veterinary, medical, agricultural, environmental,
forestry, meteorological and other areas to detect,
prevent and control zoonoses and transboundary
animal diseases. The programme is led by DBT-

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 72
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Brief of Major initiatives taken during the year
2021-22:
1. Keeping in view of importance of “One
Health”, Department of Biotechnology has
established a “One Health Center” at
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
(NIAB), Hyderabad for inter-sectoral
collaboration among veterinary, medical,
agricultural, environmental, forestry,
meteorological and other areas to detect,
prevent and control zoonoses and
transboundary animal diseases which was
inaugurated by Dr. Nirmal K. Ganguly, the
former Director General of Indian council of
Medical Research and Dr. Renu Swarup,
rd
Secretary, DBT on 3 November, 2020.
Further, Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, DBT
launched the First 'One Health' mega-project
of DBT on 13th October, 2021 consisting of 27
organizations led by DBT-National Institute
of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad. This is
one of the biggest One Health programs
launched by Govt of India in post-COVID
times. The One Health Consortium consists
of AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, IVRI Bareilly,
GADVASU Ludhiana, TANUVAS Chennai,
MAFSU Nagpur, Assam agricultural and
veterinary university and many more ICAR,
ICMR centres and wild life agencies. This
programme envisages carrying out
surveillance of important bacterial, viral and
parasitic infections of zoonotic as well as
transboundary pathogens in India, including
the North-eastern part of the country.
2. The Anthrax-India Network Project (A-INP),
“DBT Network Programme on Anthrax
Diagnosis and Control in India” has been
supported by the Department to provide a
multi- disciplinary research consortium with
involvement of 10 partnering
Institutes/Universities. The program will
strengthen the competences for
surveillance,outbreak investigation,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
laboratory capacity, vaccination, specific
predictors of outbreak risk and risk mapping.
3. The Department initiated a project on
'Transitional Applications for Therapeutics
from Veterinary and Allied Microbials
(TATVAM)' to establish a platform for
translation of the omics data of animal
microbiome into potent probiotics, animal
feed, microbial isolates/consortia like
products with nutraceutical properties.
Significant notable outcomes and achievements
of the program
Translational Research Platform for Veterinary
Biologicals (TRPVB): TRPVB phase-III involves
cutting edge technologies such as CRISPR/Cas-
based next generation diagnostics, vectored
vaccines and expanding the reach of TRPVB
products and services beyond the borders of
Tamil Nadu.The key achievements of the TRPVB
phase III are the development of CRISPR/Cas12a
based ultra-sensitive diagnostic platform which
can be potentially used to detect specific genome
targets of microbes and parasites.
CRISPR/Cas12a based Ehrlichia canis genome
detection from dog blood sample has been
standardized with the analytical sensitivity of 1
nanomole level. Macrophage enriched Theileria
annulata cell culture vaccine candidate has been
developed and the haplotyping of the parasite
has been done. As a feather on cap of the TRPVB,
a patent has been recently granted for the
“Development of antimicrobial paper egg trays
using air-less spray surface coating approach
based on antimicrobial hybrid mixture”. A patent
document on “Method for preparing stable
probiotic beads for use in poultry species and its
compositions” has also been filed. As an attempt
to develop vaccine against the Lumpy skin
disease (LSD) of cattle, the LSD virus has been
adapted in Vero cell line and its complete genome
was sequenced.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

TRPVB is also proud to announce the

development of Babesia gibsoni antibody
detection ELISA- kit for dogs which is the first
indigenously developed recombinant antigen
based sero-diagnostic kit for screening Babesia
gibsoni infection in dogs. A novel thermo-
reversible polymer has also been developed for
intramammary drug delivery in cattle and
complete sol-to-gel formation of the polymer is
achieved in the temperature above 34oC.

Vitamin beads for

Probiotic Oral

Polymer based in-situ gel for intra-mammary

drugdelivery

MyDAN-DBT Network programme on bovine

tuberculosis control: The Mycobacterial
diseases in animals network (MyDAN)
programme is initiated by DBT with seven centres
to understand the incidence of TB in different
spectra, evaluate synthetic peptides as a suitable
Pro Vit Dog simple and confirmatory diagnostic tool (DST),
evaluation of BCG for its efficacy in preventing
disease and onward transmission and to develop
national TB control programme for livestock in
India. The dose optimization of DST in cattle and
buffaloes and initial survey in comparison with
PPD of OIE specifications and IGRA were
completed. Under this project various gaps in the
testing protocol were focussed and it was
observed that there was huge difference
between SIT and SICCT indicating an overlook at
Babesia gibsoni Indirect the usage of SIT.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 74
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Alternatively, or in conjunction with present tests
DST could be used which also opens the way for
using the BCG vaccine in Bovines as the DIVA
testing of Synthetic peptides was studied in BCG
vaccinated animals and confirmed 100%
specificity for skin test. The BCG immunogenicity
trial in calves indicated promising results which
will be vital in designing a control programme for
our country. Another important finding in the
project was from sequencing studies of isolates
at TANUVAS which indicated the M. orygis as
causative agent rather than M. bovis. To correlate
true positive animals, the necropsy studies
carried out on the buffaloes at LUVAS gave the
true picture of sensitivity of the diagnostic tests
employed. Very important findings from this
study also indicated the important correlation
between the ESR level in the true positive animals
in combination with the results of SICCT & IGRA
will lead in diagnosing true positive animals.
Chromatographic immunoassay for qualitative
detection of MTBC from an AFB-smear positive
MGIT tube has been carried out at IVRI-ERS.
BD MGIT TBc Identification Test
Indigenous IGRA kit development for
Bovine TB
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Canine Health Research: Department supported
two major PAN India Network programmes at
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences
University (TANUVAS) Chennai, Tamil Nadu and
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences
University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, Punjab. The
major research purposes of these programs are
on canine haemoprotozoan parasites, oncology,
canine blood typing, canine enteric virus, canine
contraception, canine ocular disorders and
canine leptospirosis.
At GADVASU Canine Research Centre, Veterinary
Hospital Database Management Unit, Canine
Blood Bank and Leptospira Diagnostic & Research
Laboratory were established at GADVASU. The
DBT-GADVASU-CRCN has developed various
products and technologies having commercial
potential viz., economical & nutritionally
balanced dog feed (biscuits & extruded feed),
cost effective indigenous nylon fishline sutures
and implants (suture sleeves, string of pearl (SOP)
plates, angled joint arthrodesis plates, toggle pin,
TPLO plates and TTA Cages) for treating
arthropathies, and dental impression trays &
stainless-steel crowns for root canal therapy.
Various novel diagnostic assays for canine
mammary tumor (five-plex assay, SPR biosensor
assay, mixed bead-ELISA & QRT-PCR) & RVL-G
based ELISA for sero- monitoring rabies
antibodies and for the rabies therapeutics and
prophylaxis in dogs' synthetic Locked Nucleic
Acids (LNAs) have been developed. The centre
has also optimized the concentration and
protocol of cryoprotectants & extenders for
canine semen preservation and has prepared a
karyotype album of dog breeds for the parentage
determination. For the successful clinical
treatment of chronic gastroenteropathies in
dogs, the common etiologies have been
identified.
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On the other hand, TANUVAS Canine Research
Centre focused on the major problems of canine
upkeep and maintenance in terms of health,
nutrition, disease diagnosis, prevention, control
and therapeutic management etc. Some major
outputs include Staining kit and lFA kit for
detecting IMHA, a multiplex and Tetra-ARMS PCR
based assay for CPV typing, aptamers with
specific binding potential to CPV, a polyclonal
based typing reagent for the DEA 1.1
Staining kit for IMHA detection by flowcytometry
and an LFA kit for detection of Immunoglobulin
bound to RBC
SMA polymer for single intra-vasal injection
mediated contraception
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
A recombinant dog zona pellucida protein
coupled to GnRH to be useful in canine
contraception
blood type and a modified colorimetric assay to
detect ESBL's in dogs. As a part of the outreach
activities a “Master Health Check-up, Free Anti-
rabies Vaccination and Blood typing” for
indigenous dog breeds of Tamil Nadu was
organized and a Blood 4 Pet mobile app also had
been developed to register blood donors.
Early pregnancy diagnostic assay in cattle and
buffalo: The Preg-D pregnancy diagnosis kit was
developed for bovine with Overall Accuracy =
91.40 %; Sensitivity = 95.86% and Specificity =
80.93 %. The kit is suitable for pregnancy
diagnosis as early as day 18 in majority of animals
(cow, buffaloes, goat). In addition, study have
also advanced in the direction of developing
ELISA and Lateral flow assay based kits to
diagnose pregnancy using blood sample. A direct
sandwich ELISA (81.19% Sensitivity, 97.09%
Specificity, 89.22% accuracy) and field applicable
lateral-flow assay (73.27% Sensitivity, 92.23%
Specificity, 82.84% accuracy) have been
developed having promising diagnostic
performance potential for screening of early
pregnant cows in the detection window of 17-35
days post-breeding. Neutrophils have been
found to be important indicators of pregnancy in
cattle. Indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)
was confirmed as an important marker for
pregnancy in cows.
Preg-D Bovine pregnancy LFIA test showing results of pregnant
diagnosis kit and non-pregnant cows as early as
early as 17-35 days post AI.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Genomics for conservation of indigenous cattle
breeds and for enhancing milk yield: The
department has supported a program for the
development of high density single-nucleotide
polymorphism (SNP) chip for identification of
pure indigenous cattle breed as well as elite
animal at National Institute of Animal
Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad. Under this
project blood sample of 43 indigenous registered
cattle breeds were collected for genotyping and
sequencing. Whole genome sequence data
(coverage ~ 30X) of 176 animals was generated
which included 20 animals, each of five major
breeds - Gir, Tharparkar, Kankrej, Red Sindhi and
Sahiwal; and 2 animals, each of other 38 breeds
(total 43 breed's representation). Further, 7,88,
496 high resolution polymorphic markers have
been selected for development of a HD SNP chip.
The Chip named as IndiGau which is the largest
cattle chip of the world. It has 11,496 markers
(SNPs) more than that placed on famous 777K
Illumina chip of US & UK breeds. All SNP chips in
the past were developed for exotic cattle i.e. Bos
taurus, whereas this is the first chip developed for
Bos indicus (Indian breeds). Further, India's first
SNP based chip for the conservation of pure
varieties of indigenous cattle breeds has been
released by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister
of State (IC), Ministry of S & T on 13th August
2021.
Work Flow of IndiGau Chip Development
Colorimetric PCR assay for Marek's disease virus
in Chicken: A colorimetric PCR assay has been
developed for differentiation of the field and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
vaccine
strains of
Marek's
disease in
chicken.
T h e
developed
colorimetric
PCR assay is
used to
screen the
samples by non-invasive method i.e., Feather
follicles as a sample for detection of MDV. Final
result can be interpreted based on visual
detection of positive and negative samples by
naked eye. The results revealed that combined
vaccine (HVT/SB-1) has given more protection
than serotype 2 only vaccine. Overall diagnostic
sensitivity and specificity of colorimetric PCR
assay was 0.68 and 0.79 respectively. The
developed colorimetric PCR assay is used for
differentiation of serotype 1 (field strain) with
vaccine serotypes of 2 and 3 in the chicken.
Mechanism of host adaptation by
Campylobacter jejuni and strategies to control
enteric commensalism in chicken: The
mechanism of bacterial adaptation in the chicken
gut for persistent colonization was studied. The
findings of the study suggested that the
differential ability of C. jejuni to invade chicken
and human cells is tightly regulated by pro-
inflammatory cytokines in the gut and possibly
holds the keys to the observed differences in
pathogenesis between human and chicken cells.
Further, the results of the study suggest their
ability to substantially improve the antigen-
specific local immune responses in the intestine
along with significant immune protection against
enteric colonization of C. jejuni in chickens.
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ANNUAL REPORT2021-22
2021-22
The study suggests that major SECPs of C. jejuni,
including JlpA, CadF, and Hcp, could serve
aseffective multivalent vaccine candidates
against C. jejuni in chickens and other susceptible
hosts. A bioengineered Lactic Acid producing
Bioengineering and validation of rLAB vector surface expressing major cell adhesion
protein (JlpA) of C. jejuni
Random and targeted mutagenesis of zoonotic
pathogen Leptospira interrogans: A project in
the perspective of vaccine development against
leptospirosis has been supported by the
department at NIAB, Hyderabad. Random and
targeted mutant of Leptsopira interrogans
serovar Pomona and serovar hardjo were created
and out of them one mutant was screened which
was not attenuated in virulence as confirmed in
the hamster challenge model. Further, a proof of
concept has been established that mutants can
be created for other Leptospira, however the
protocol needs to standardize for each serovar.
Attempts were also made to identify the
candidate antigens/ virulence factors for creating
mutants and also the role of these antigens in the
modulation of host immune response.
Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology
The Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology
program is being implemented for enhancing
aquaculture production and productivity as well
as increase and development of useful products
and processes from marine resources.
Aquaculture and marine biology plays a very
important role in Indian agricultural economy for
the production of food to provide nutritional
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
bacteria (LAB) has been developed, expressing
severalimmunogenic and surface expressed
proteins of C. jejuni as potential oral vaccine for
commercial broiler chickens.
security. Fishes and their products have presently
emerged as one of the major group in agricultural
exports from India. DBT supported the area to
benefit the aquatic and marine sectors by
addressing broad areas towards developing
novel cell lines, improvement in aqua feed,
developing newer diagnostics and therapeutics,
fish genomics and transcriptomics, fish and
shellfish disease, marine ornamental and bio-
prospecting etc.
Major initiatives taken during the year 2021-
22:
1. Initiated a programme on National
Repository of Fish Cell Lines in C. Abdul
Hakeem College (Phase II) and research on
application of cell lines in virological and
biomedical research.
2. A programme has been supported for the
Development of vaccines against Tilapia
lake virus (TiLV) and Cyprinid herpesvirus -2
of fish in Indian aquaculture system.
3. Initiated a programme on Precision
brackishwater aquaculture technology
using Machine Intelligence to develop a
robust and standalone wireless sensor
network, to collect real time data on a
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continuous basis from shrimp farming
clusters in different geographical areas.
4. A programme for development of grow-
out technology for mass culture of sand
and muddy polychaete worms and
assessment of their seasonal nutritional
profiling for use in shell and fin fish
hatcheries has been supported by the
Department.
5. A multi centric project on Evaluation of
effect of macrophytes-based feed on the
growth, gut physiology, expression of
specific genes involved in the biosynthesis of
dha & epa and procution of quality fresh
water fishes was supported by the
department.
6. Department initiated a programme for
the development of seed production
technology for the high value marine
fo o d f i s h , t h e G i a n t Tr e v a l l y,
Caranxignobilis to enhance the seafood
production and nutritional security
No. of research publication 39
during 2021-22
No. of patent applied 3 nutritional evaluation, segregation and
No.of human resource trained 200
Significant outcomes and achievements of the
program:
National Repository of fish cell lines and
research on application of cell lines in virology,
toxicology and gene expression studies: The
Phase-II of National Repository of fish cell lines
has been
established at NBFGR, Lucknow with access
centre at C. Abdul Hakeem College, Vellore by the
Department. Sixty-four cell lines (48 cell lines
developed at CAHC and 16 obtained from
NBFGR) have been maintained for scientific
community. Sub-culturing and cryo-preservation
are being carried out regularly for all these 64 cell
lines. Cell lines of different fish species were
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
supplied to twenty different research
organizations. Cell lines of Tilapia and Rainbow
trout were
used for
isolating
tilapia lake
virus and
fish noda
v i r u s ,
respective
ly. Fish cell
lines were
used to
study the Novel cell lines developed from eye (A), spleen (B)
and kidney(C) of Oncorhynchus mykiss (cold water fish)
toxicity of chromium and nicotine. Twenty-one
new cell lines have been added and NRFC possess
71 fish cell lines accessions with 59 fully
authenticated cell lines. All the cell lines were
revived, re-authenticated by COI sequencing and
cryopreserved. Supply of 67 cell line requests
were accomplished to researchers across the
country for R&D purposes. A total of 5 training
programs were conducted to train young
researchers.
Live feeds in fish and shellfish culture: The
department has supported a program on
production optimization of novel marine
microalgae for establishment as live feeds in fish
and shellfish culture. Different microalgal
cultures isolatedfrom the east and west coast of
India have been purified and monocultures of the
s p e c i e s h a d b e e n d eve l o p e d a n d 4 2
monocultures of the microalgal species were
added to the existing culture collection. A total of
62 cultures were shortlisted according to the
feeding size of the zooplankton. Based on the
nutritional segregation of the selected microalgal
species in terms of carbohydrates, protein and
lipids, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals and
the feeding trials with the copepod Oithona
rigida, new isolates of marine microalgal species
such as Nannochloropsis oceanica MACC 24 and
MACC 26, Nannochloropsis sp. MACC 22 and
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Nannochloropsis sp. MACC 27 identified as
potential candidates as live feeds in aquaculture.
The indigenously developed 50L photobioreactor
has been scaled upto 500L with 12mm
polymethyl methacrylate with a stainless steel
Adult females and eggs of Oithona rigida
under stereo microscope
The indigenously developed vertical flat panel photobioreactor with LED light units
National Repository of Aquatic Animal Viruses:
The Department has established a National
Repository of Aquatic Animal Viruses' in five
different institutions (CUST -Cochin, CAHC-
Vellore, SKUAST-K, CIFE & CIFA- Bhubaneswar) as
facilities for molecular screening, cell culture-
based isolation and characterization of finfish
and shellfish viruses. The PCR conditions and
protocols for 22 fish viruses, 25 Crustacean
viruses and 6 molluscan viruses have been
standardized. The protocol for the long-term
storage of live viruses endogenously in
appropriate cell line has also been standardized.
Live viruses such as MBV/PmNV, IHHNV, TiLV,
NNV were generated in the cell lines such as
PmLy0-Sf9, OnH, SSN1, SISK, TG, TH, TE and the
fish cell lines available with the National
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
stand with provisions for gas exchange,
temperature sensor and light unit with LED lights
in the wave length of 450-590-660 nm placed at
25cm distance from the reactors.
Copepodites of Oithona rigida under stereo
microscope
Repository of Fish Cell lines, NBFGR and CAHC
Vellore and available for R&D work. Live viruses
such as WSSV, IHHNV, HPV, IMNV, MrNV, XSV,
NNV (FNV), TiLV, CyHV2, CEV, MCV/ISKNV, RSIV
and MBV/PmNV have been cryo-preserved in
host tissues. Novel isolates of viruses such as
WSSV new strains, ISKNV, RISV, TiLV, VNN were
isolated. A Manual of Aquatic Animal Viruses as
ready reckoner for the practitioners in aquatic
animal virology has also been prepared. The
capability generated would be available for the
Nation to be used for furthering such activities
and to meet any eventuality of epidemic due to
virus in aquaculture through diagnostic services.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Genetic enhancement of freshwater fish Catla
catla: A programme has been supported by the
Department on genetic enhancement of
economically important freshwater fish Catla
catla using genetic and molecular approaches.
Three generations of improved catla were
produced by selective breeding from the base
population created by bringing catla from
different geographical regions. The improved
catla showed 30% higher growth rate in
comparison to the normal catla. In total 68.5 lakh
improved catla spawn were produced and
distributed. Hormonal profile analyses clearly
showed that variations exist in the individual
levels at different months even though the fishes
were of same year class, reared in same pond
environment and at same geographical location.
Proteomic analyses of catla eggs revealed three
proteins which could serve as the egg quality
markers in catla. For the first time the catla
genome information was deciphered. A high
quality draft genome of catla consisting of 5,345
scaffolds was generated. The catla genome was
predicted to contain 25,812 protein coding genes
and consisted of 47.58 % repeat elements. Catla
myostatin gene was disrupted successfully using
CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This was validated by
injecting into one cell stage catla embryos and
found to be integrated into the germ line DNA. A
DNA repository of elite catla individuals were
created and maintained at ICAR-CIFA.
General Workflow of selective breeding program
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Novel anticancer molecules from endophytic
fungi: A programme on search for novel
anticancer secondary metabolites from
endophytic fungi of selected marine algae and
evaluation of their mechanism of action has been
supported by the Department. Endophytic fungi
of marine alga from Konkan coast, India were
found to be a rich source of bioactive material
and several anti-proliferative and anti-oxidative
bioactive compounds were discovered in extracts
of marine-derived endophytic Fungi such us
Talaromyces purpureogenus, Aspergillus unguis
AG 1.1 (G), Chaetomium globosum and
Penicillium chrysogenum. Chaetomium
globosum, isolated from a marine green alga was
discovered as a new source of Chrysin while
Penicillium chrysogenum showed anticancer and
antibacterial activities in its Ethyl Acetate
extracts. Four fungi isolates were obtained from
algae samples obtained from Kerala region. The
ethyl acetate extracts of all the fungi were
obtained their cytotoxicity and antioxidant
analyses were carried out using two different cell
1
lines viz MG63 and U87. GC- MS and H NMR
analyses were performed of the major anticancer
compound obtained from T. epimiltinus and
found to be 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-
ethylhexyl) ester (diethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP).
Marine synthetic biology: A programme on
marine synthetic biology has been supported by
the Department for building national capacity
and human resources. Under this programme 45
students were trained in six batches.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
The core of the training was to teach fundamental
engineering concepts applicable to biological
engineering, make students familiar with key
research work from academia & industry towards
practical applications, impart hands- on training
in computational and experimental synthetic
biology, use an example of marine organism for
synthetic biology application and get students
acquainted with ethical, biosafety and bio-
security aspects of synthetic biology.
Sensor based detection method for white spot
syndrome virus (WSSV) of penaeid shrimp:
Department has supported a programme for the
development of electrochemical immuno sensor
based detection method for white spot syndrome
virus (WSSV) of penaeid shrimp. The selection of
electrochemical platform, optimization of
experimental condition, calibration plot, and
comparison of the electrochemical results with
other molecular methods has been successfully
completed in this study. A PSS-Methylene matrix
and analysed several shrimp real samples using
screen-printed electrodes (SPE) has been
developed. Finally, the disposable screen-printed
electrode based prototype was tested by using
several real samples and validated with
conventional assays.
Electrochemical immunosensor against
WSSV in penaeid shrimp
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Tannase from marine fungi and its application:
The Department has supported a programme on
the process optimization and scale up of tannase
from marine fungi and evaluation of its
application in the production of value added
products from cashew apple. The tannase-
producing fungal strain, Aspergillus niger A20
was isolated from mangrove forest in Kerala and
various factors influencing tannase production by
A. niger A20 using cashew apple bagasse were
identified using a two-level fractional
Plackett–Burman design. Actinomyectes strain
TBGS10 showing high tannin hydrolyzing
percentage, were selected for tannase
production in starch casein broth. 16S gene
amplification and sequencing revealed identity of
TBGS10 as Streptomyces mirabilis. Further, four
of the good tannase producers (A. tubingensis
KUASR1, A. aculeatus KUASR2, A. aculeatus
KUASR3 and A. niger KUASR15) after secondary
screening were finally selected and optimized
submerged fermentation at IUCB, Kannur
University. Optimization of process parameters
under submerged fermentation for maximum
tannase activity using the selected isolates were
performed and it was found that, maximum
tannase production was obtained during the
initial stage of incubation within 72hrs for all
isolates and the optimum temperature was 30°C.
Structural characterization of White Spot
Syndrome Viral enzymes involved in nucleotide
synthesis: The thymidylate synthase (TS) is a
highly conserved enzyme and displays sufficient
plasticity to achieve a certain degree of species
specificity which allow certain inhibitors to bind
more efficiently to TS from one species over the
other. The wTS C- terminal region displays
conformational and positional distinctions with
reference to the catalytic Cys residue. Both the C-
terminal region and the RTG loop in wTS are
farther away from the catalytic Cys residue
compared to that in PvTS, causing a considerable
increase in the distance between the RTG loop
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
and the C-terminal region. These structural
features could be exploited to develop WSSV-
specific inhibitors. The higher rate of nucleotide
utilization by WSSV could confer an additional
degree of specificity. Altogether, the unique
structural elements in the wTS structure
advocate it as a promising target to develop anti-
WSSV drugs.
Purification and crystallization of recombinant WSSV TK-TMK
Viral vaccine for fish nodavirus: Department has
supported a programme on the production,
nano-delivery and validation of viral vaccine
against nodavirus of fish. Whole virus vaccine was
produced using seabass kidney and grouper eye
cell lines. The nodavirus propagated in these cell
lines was confirmed by RT-PCR and viral titer was
determined by TCID-50 assay. The gene encoding
major capsid protein of nodavirus was expressed
as a recombinant protein with a 6-histidine tag in
prokaryotic system and will be used as
recombinant vaccine. Five novel permanent cell
lines have been established from gill, heart,
kidney, eye and fin of snubnose pompano,
Trachinotus blochii. Three fish species were
found to be highly susceptible to nodavirus and
will be used in vaccine trials. The nanoparticles of
ZnO, CaO and HAP were found to be non-toxic to
the fish cells and used to deliver vaccine in fish.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Development of diatom culture collection,
segregation for nutraceuticals and application in
aquaculture: Diatoms from different aquatic
habitats have been isolated and identified based
on Light Microscope, SEM analysis, and
Molecular characterization through 18s RNA. A
new isolation technique based on crosslinking of
alginate beads with divalent cation (Ca2+) has
been optimized and standardized. Inductively
Coupled Plasma (ICP) synthesized nanosilica was
used in place of normal silica for diatom culturing.
This promotes the faster growth pattern for high
biomass yield in diatoms and metabolite
production. A cost-effective strategy for indoor
mass cultivation of diatoms using ICP nano silica
has also been established. Wide spectrum
metabolite production was determined from
marine diatoms including novel bioactive
compounds such as EPA, DHA, and fucoxanthin.
Chaetoceros gracilis and Thalassiosira weissflogii
were successfully immobilized in a Ca-alginate
bead through the gelation method.
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Production, nano-delivery and validation of viral vaccine against fish nodavirus
Indoor mass cultivation of diatoms
E.G. Silas Centre of Excellence and Innovation
(EGS - CoEI) in Marine Fish Microbiome and
Nutrigenomics: A dedicated laboratory for
marine fish larval microbiome and nutrigenomics
research has been established at Central Marine
Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi
by the Department. Larval preservation methods
were evaluated in terms of metagenomics
metrics and an in-depth information on the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Lipid body size and lipid content of
Thalassiosira sp. and Chaetoceros
sp.
taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles
were generated. To sketch the interplay of
microbiome on larval health, Rachycentron
canadumwere exposed to 11 h transport stress,
and microbiome before and after exposure was
profiled. Collection of symbiotic microbes
associated with the larval stages has been
initiated to develop microbial and immunity
modulation strategies.
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Tissue samples of different life stages of cobia
were collected for reference transcriptome data
generation. Digestive enzyme activity of different
life stages of cobia was analyzed to aid in micro-
feed development. Larval feeds (500-900
microns) were prepared with extruder-
spheroniser and fluidized bed processor.
Establishing germplasm resource centre for
marine ornamental invertebrates: Department
along with ICAR-NBFGR has established a
Germplasm resource centre for marine
ornamental invertebrates at Agatti island,
Lakshadweep. More than 25 explorations were
conducted in six islands at Lakshadweep and 150
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
individuals of ornamental shrimps which include
new distributional record were collected.
Currently, more than 3,447 numbers of shrimps
which belongs to 15 species and 2,085 Sea
anemones (05 species) are available in the
facility. Two potential shrimps (Ancylocaris
brevicarpalis & Thor hainanensis) were captive
bred and up-scaled for production. Further,
technology was developed for live shrimp
transportation, adopting low-cost technology.
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BIOENERGY, BIORESOURCES AND
ENVIRONMENT
Energy Bioscience and Waste to Value
Department is promoting research,
development, and demonstration in these areas
to harness the potential available for cleaner
solutions for community welfare for holistic
contribution to the national bioeconomy. The
vision is to make available cost-effective and
sustainable biofuel technology by improving
feedstock or developing new feedstock,
improvement of biofuel production technologies
including nation's broad vision about biomass to
energy production. The broad objectives of the
program are to promote innovation R&D in
Biofuel areas through various schemes like the
Centre of Excellence, extramural projects and
international cooperation.
Salient Achievements-Energy Bioscience and
Waste to Value
Development of Cellulase Enzyme Technology
for 2G Ethanol Production and its scale-up
Scientists from International Centre for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi
under the DBT funded Centre of Excellence aimed
to develop technology for second-generation
biofuels have developed cellulase enzyme
technology using engineered fungal strain and
scaled up the technology to about 15,000L scale.
This study will provide an in-house fungal
platform to produce cellulase enzymes at a
commercial scale for use in a 2G-ethanol plant.
Fig. A detailed bioprospecting study
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Engineering Biomass Processing Enzymes
Scientists from IIT Bombay and IIT Guwahati
under DBT funded project, “DBT Pan IIT Center
for Bioenergy” have developed engineered
thermostable and glucose tolerant β-glucosidase
(CtGH1). They aimed to develop sustainable
biofuel solutions to solve the energy- crisis. The
group of scientists also developed bi-functional
chimeric β-glucosidase and endoglucanase
without compromising the activity of individual
enzymes. The engineered enzymes are
structurally characterized using crystallography
or SAXS and molecular dynamic simulations. The
study will assist in formulating an efficient
enzyme cocktail mixture for improved biomass
processing.
Development of Efficient Cellulolytic Cocktail for
Hydrolysis of Bio-Refinery Relevant Pre-
TreatedLignocellulosics
Scientists from Guru Nanak Dev University,
Amritsar under DBT funded project have
developed efficient cellulolytic cocktail for
hydrolysis of bio-refinery relevant pre-treated
lignocellulosic aimed to develop high-
performance lignocellulolytic enzyme cocktails
using breeding approaches integrated with
molecular and system biology approaches. They
have developed a thermophilic fungal strain and
a cocktail thereof enriched in LPMOs that
performs 20-25% better when compared to the
most potent commercial benchmark enzyme
Cellic Ctec 3 for hydrolysis of acid pretreated rice
straw slurry (unwashed) at high solid loading
rates (17%) to fermentable sugars. The
production of lignocellulolytic enzymes by the
developed strain was validated at the fermenter
level and is now ready for transfer to the
stakeholders. The environmental impact of the
developed technology was analyzed and it was
found that using catalytically efficient enzyme @
3.1 mg protein/g of substrate for hydrolysis of
lignocellulosics would reduce the greenhouse
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gases required for the process by 3.73 folds. The
developed technology would be an important
step in self-reliance on the indigenous enzymes
for the up- coming 2 G ethanolplants in the
country.
Engineering of cellulose enzymes of Aspergillus
fumigatus NITDGPKA3 for enhancing
theiractivity
The Investigator from NIT Durgapur has
developed several important recombinant
enzymes of the cellulase family by protein
engineering method under the DBT supported
project. These enzymes are important for the
D eve l o p m e nt o f N o ve l a n d Ef f i c i e nt
Carbohydrate Enzymes for Bioenergy and Bio-
Valued Products
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology,
Guwahati under DBT support, have cloned and
characterized (structurally and biochemically)
efficient biomass hydrolyzing enzymes like
cellulase, RfGH5_4, and hemicellulase,
PsGH43_12. These enzymes have been
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
production of bioethanol. This study will help to
establish the production of cheap indigenous
bioethanol.
Development of Efficient Strain for Cellulase
Production as well as Pentose and Hexose Sugar
Fermentation
Investigators from Banasthali Vidyapith under
DBT funded have isolated a potential fungal strain
that can produce cellulase and ferment both
pentose and hexose sugars to ethanol. This study
will assist to produce lignocellulosic bioethanol at
a low cost on a commercial scale.
successfully applied to deconstruct various
agricultural biomasses like cotton stalk and
sugarcane top. This study will provide efficient
enzymes to the renewable energy sector to
p ro d u c e co st - effe c t i ve l i g n o c e l l u l o s i c
bioethanol.
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Development of Process for Increased

Biomethanation of Rice Straw
Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute
under DBT funded project aimed to develop a
process for increased biomethanation of rice
straw have identified an anaerobic gut fungus
Orpinomyces that can improve biomethanation
of even large-sized rice straw particles without
requiring any thermochemical pretreatment.
This study will be useful in the generation of
cleaner energy while helping farmers in getting Impact of Carbon Nanomaterial Based
more revenue from their lignocellulosic produce. Photocatalyst on Microalgae Growth and Lipid
forImproved Biodiesel
Indigenous Ceramic Membrane Based
Microalgal Photobioreactor Re s e a rc h e rs f ro m A m i t y I n st i t u te o f
Scientists from CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Biotechnology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh,
Research Institute under Department supported Noida under DBT funded project aimed to
project have developed indigenous ceramic develop a technology for enhancing microalgae
membrane-based microalgalphotobioreactor growth and lipid for improved biodiesel. They
and membrane- based harvesting prototype. A have developed a carbon-based nanocomposite
membrane integrated bench-scale prototype for to enhance biodiesel productionin microalgae.
the enhanced rate of microalgal biomass Based on the study a provisional patent is filed
cultivation and energy-efficient harvesting of under the IPO, India. This study will establish the
b i o m a s s fo r b i o f u e l p r o d u c t i o n h a s new dimensions in the generation of microalgae-
beendeveloped. This study will provide new based biodiesel and unravel sustainable energy
dimensions in the sustainable and environment- production.
friendly production of biofuel.
Development of Algal Carbon to Enhance
Biomass, Biofuels, and Bioproducts
Scientists from the International Centre for
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New
Delhi under DBT funded Bioenergy Centre aimed
to develop a new approach of media engineering
strategy is an excellent perspective for
physiological perturbations within cell factories
as sustainable algal biorefineries have
demonstrated chemical molecules act as growth Large Scale Cultivation of Algal Biomass for
modulators and interact with microalgal cells at Biofuel Production
nanomolar levels to trigger the specific
metabolic pathways, thus rerouting the carbon Scientists from Murugappa Chettiar Research
to enhance biomass, biofuels, and bioproducts Centre in collaboration with their industrial
(B3) productivities. partner, under DBT support, developed a 2-stage

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algal cultivation process to increase algal
productivity up to 3g DW/L using cheaper
sources like effluent, the liquid waste from sugar
mill and CO2, the gaseous waste from a distillery
to reduce the algal production cost, and
demonstrated enhancement of lipid content of
alga from 8% to 33% through nutrient stress.
Sustained algal growth in sugar effluent resulted
in increased biomass yield with the design
modification in the existing algal raceway pond
andeffluent stabilization unit, which provides the
dual advantage of reducing the shock load of
varying fluent quality on alga and dosing
appropriate quantity of CO2, which otherwise
used to escape from the open raceway in the
earlier design.
Integrated Design and Demonstration of
Intensified CO2 Capture with Cost-Effective
Advanced Process
Investigators from Pandit Deendayal Energy
University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, under DBT
supported project aimed to develop Industrial
CO2 Capture has developed a 0.5- 1 ton per day
(TPD) CO2 capture pilot plant (IOT based, fully
computer-controlled). Another process
intensified CO2 Capture Absorber based on
Fig. Automatic CO2 Capture
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
rotating packed bed operation of capacity 0.5- 1
TPD CO2 has also been developed. The study will
provide industrial carbonization aiming to
remove CO2 from the flue gas stream of fossil fuel-
based combustion/ power plants. This
technology will be commercialized which will
help to achieve towards NetZero”.
Fig. Process intensified CO2 Capture
rotating packedbed pilot plant
Investigators from at Indian Institute of
Technology Kharagpur under DBT funded project
“ D BT Pa n I I T C e nte r fo r B i o e n e rg y ”
synergistically integrated algal cultivation,
carbon sequestration, and municipal wastewater
treatment on a larger scale in 25 L
photobioreactor. The harvested algal biomass
was further utilized for lipid extraction. The
developed bioprocess reduced cost of biomass as
no media components was required for
production and simultaneously can be used
municipal waste-water treatment. This process
will eventually reduce the cost of algal biomass-
based fuel solutions and effectively channel
waste-water treatment.
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Development of Novel Bioenergy and
Biopolymer Production System
Investigators from the Central University of Tamil
Nadu under DBT supported project aimed to
develop a novel concept for achieving sustainable
renewable energy generation and its utilization
with biorefinery aspect along with the
production of industrially valuable chemicals/
Solar Assisted Hydroformylation/ Carboxylation
of Olefins Derived from Natural Products
Scientists from CSIR-Indian Institute of
Petroleum, Dehradun under DBT supported
project aimed to develop solar-assisted
hydroformylation/ carboxylation of olefins
derived from natural products with CO2have
developed unexpected allylic oxidation of olefins
i.e. alpha-pinene, beta- pinene, and camphene in
place of hydroformylation/ carboxylation with
CO2 using a copper- based heterogeneous hybrid
photocatalyst under ambient temperature and
pressure conditions. The work is under progress
concerning the identification of reaction
mechanisms by computational studies and
intermediate characterizations. This study will
establish the unusual role of CO2 as an oxidant
along with the simultaneous production of CO
that has been never realized in the prior art.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
polymers. They have developed a novel
integrated economically feasible agro-waste
biomass-derived bioenergy and biopolymer
production system to enhance the rural Indian
economy. This study will provide novel
energyrecovery technologies and also open up
new branches for entrepreneurial activities and
job opportunities via commercialization.
Demonstration of A 3.5 TPD Bio-Methanation
Plant to Convert Wet Organic Fraction of MSW
to Bio-Gas and Good Quality Fertilizer
Scientists from Sardar Patel Renewable Energy
Research Institute, Vallabh Vidyanagar under
DBT funded project aimed to demonstrate a 3.5
TPD bio-methanation plant to convert a wet
organic fraction of MSW to bio-gas and good
quality fertilizer using their own patented
odorless bio-methanation technology. The
produced bio-gas would be used in the canteen
of a 1000 bed charity hospital situated in
Karamsad, Gujarat. The fertilizer will be sold to
the farmers at a subsidized price to make the
whole project run sustainably.
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Project also envisage the creations of a waste
segregation model for hotels, eateries, and
roadside dhabas which will be helpful for 'B' and
“C” class cities under this project.
Development and demonstration of a
technology for conversion of crop residues into
gaseous bio- fuel and solid bio-fuel for
household applications
Scientists from Sardar Patel Renewable Energy
Research Institute, Vallabh Vidyanagar under
DBT funded project aimed to develop a process
for conversion of rice straw enzymatic
hydrolysate to bio-gasin a lower HRT and good
quality pellets. Under this project, the team
developed a continuous process for converting
the enzymatic hydrolysate into methane-rich
bio- gas at a lower HRT i.e. 3 days with 68-70%
methane content using SPRERI's anaerobic
hybrid reactor. The biogas yield was found to be
320 L/kg rice straw.
Fig. Thermophilic anaerobic hybrid reactor
Development of pilot-scale anaerobic digester
for the in-situ generation of Methane from
Organic Fractions of Municipal Solid Waste
Investigators from Annamalai University under
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
DBT funded project aimed to demonstrate the
workabilityof the pilot-scale anaerobic digester
for the in-situ generation of Methane from
Organic Fractions of Municipal Solid Waste in
Chidambaram.
Fig. Photographic View of Pilot Scale Solid
State Anaerobic Reactor
Demonstration of Waste to Energy Project by
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Food Waste and
Septage
The DBT funded project titled “Demonstration of
waste to energy project by anaerobic codigestion
of food waste and septage” led by Investigators
from BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus
undertook the demonstration of treatment of
two different waste streams. This treatment led
to the production of 150- 200 cu.m biogas per day
from 5-ton reactors. The biogas was converted to
electricity and was utilized for plant operations.
This system can lead towards a circular economy,
by using the electricity generated for
miscellaneous purposes.
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Develop Hybrids and Technology for Mass
Multiplication of Biodiesel yielding plants
Scientist from Forest College and Research
Institute, TNAU under DBT funded project aimed
to develop hybrids and technology for mass
multiplication has developed 5 improved hybrid
clones of Jatropha along with miniclonal
technology for mass multiplication. The
miniclonal technology which includes mother
clonal garden establishment followed by apical
Mother Clonal Garden
Fig. Miniclonal technology for mass multiplication
Environmental Biotechnology
Programs under Environmental Biotechnology
have been envisioned to provide cost-effective,
alternative,clean and green solutions for the
management of climatic and environmental
issues like pollution,biomedical waste, soil
degradation, xenobiotics, and many other
burning issues. Broader objectives of theprogram
are to support R&D activities including
translational research, knowledge generation,
demonstration of the technology on a pilot scale,
large-scale application of proven technologies,
and capacity building, and addresal of major
challenges such as anthropogenic pollution and
climate change through R&D intervention in the
form of extramural projects and network projects
for efficient monitoring of environmental health,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
shoot cutting based clonal multiplication process
is the technology developed for mass
multiplication of superior high yielding hybrid
clones in jatropha. This technology ensures
genetic uniformity, rapid multiplication with less
space and time thereby ensuringhigh yielding in a
short duration time. The HYSR clone developed
through the project can very well be mass
multiplied and used by any user agency involved
in Biofuel production.
Rooting of Cuttings
treatment of solid & liquid wastes, bioremedia-
tion of polluted sites. The development of novel
technologies using insights from environmental
processes is the key to achieving the vision.
Salient Achievements- Environmental
Biotechnology
Biorestoration Technology of Degraded
Mangrove Forest Ecosystems
Scientists from West Bengal State University and
Sarat Centenary College under the DBT funder
project aimed to ecologically bio-restore
degraded mangroves of Indian Sundarbans and
have developed a site-specific integrative model
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
bio restoration technology of degraded
mangrove forest ecosystems. The site-specific
strategies/ key activities followed were primarily
based on novel scientific/ ecological rationales
that are conventionally under-exploited in
mangrove restoration. The barren degraded
sitewhere this model technology was applied
during 2014-2018, is now indicating the gradual
return of functional independence of the
damaged ecosystem and showing self-sustaining
attributes. This success is in contrast to the
conventional monotypic plantation strategy for
mangrove forest restoration with barren under-
story and no natural regeneration ability, which is
largely applied worldwide for mangrove
ecosystem restoration. This developed
technology is now being demonstrated for larger
areas, in around 100 acres of degraded
mangroves in Indian Sundarbans with differential
site-specific degradation criteria with financial
assistance from DBT. This study will open up new
dimensions in the field of degraded ecosystem
restoration.
Fig. Large scale demonstration of developed
model restoration technology initiated at 2020
fundedby DBT in progress
Biosurfactant of plant origin discovered in
bacteria: structural and functional
characterization
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology
Delhi under DBT funded project discovered for
the first-time bacterial production of a
biosurfactant of plant origin. The biosurfactant
was produced, extracted, characterized, and
identified as Cauloside C – a plant-based saponin.
Statistical optimization studies were carried and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
they resulted in an about 9.3-fold increase in
biosurfactant production. The biosurfactant
exhibited great stability under diverse
environmental conditions and has been
demonstrated to have huge potential for
solubilization of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and
in enhancing the recovery of residual oil from oil
reservoirs. Bacterial saponin was successful in
solubilizing all the representative polyaromatic
hydrocarbons (95% phenanthrene, 100% pyrene,
52% naphthalene, and 60% benzopyrene).
Saponin-mediated bioremediation can maximize
the availability of the chemicals to microbes and
will enhance their degradation and
transformation. Apart from bioremediation, the
research group has also tested saponin for its
potential in enhancing the recovery of oil from oil
reservoirs. The group found that the solution of
saponin was capable of recovering 63% of the
additional oil from the oil reservoirs.
Evaluation of High-Pressure Gas Fermentation
to p r o d u ce s h o r t a n d m e d i u m - c h a i n
carboxylicacids
Scientists from CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical
Technology under the project aimed to
selectively enrich and evaluate
chemolithoautotrophic homoacetogenic
bacteria for sequestering CO2 to produce short
and medium-chain carboxylic acids in both gas
fermentation and microbial electrochemical
systems.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

In this study, they have effectively utilized this
bio-H2 and CO2 generated during acidogenic
fermentation for the production of bio-based
succinic acid using bacterial strain C.
amalonaticus, and addition of carbon source
(Glucose) and 2 bar partial pressure showed a
significant impact on CO2 solubility as well as
succinic acid production. Investigators have
selectively enriched chemolitho autotrophic
consortia for the production of fatty acids from
CO2 reduction and evaluated the potential of
selectively enriched chemolithoautotrophic
bacteria as biocatalysts in the gas fermenter for
carboxylic acids production.

Fig. High-Pressure Gas Fermenter (HPGF) Fabricated in house

Wetland Microbial Fuel Cell System
Similarly, investigators from Charotar University
of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) under
DBT funded project aimed to develop sustainable
technology for bioelectrogenic treatment of
textile wastewater. CHARUSAT researchers have
developed a pilot-scale Horizontal Sub- Surface
Flow Constructed Wetland Microbial Fuel Cell
System (HSCW-MFC). A novel electrogenic
bacterial consortium was developed to enhance
the treatment efficiency and bioelectricity of the Fig: Pilot-scale sequential two-step horizontal
HSCW-MFC system. This study will help in subsurface flow MFC (HSCW-MFC). Schematic
developing large-scale electroactive bacteria- diagram.
augmented CW-MFC systems for efficacious In
situ treatment of textile wastewaters.

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Post-methanated treatment of distillery waste technology of decolorization and detoxification

toxic
Investigators from Bhimrao Ambedkar
University Lucknow under DBT funded project
has identified various mutagenic compound in
Post methanated Distillery waste toxic to the
environment. The study also revealed that
bacterial metagenome was found as an effective
tool for phytoremediation of heavy metals from
complex organic waste. The developed
of distillery effluent can be used for green belt
development around the industry and other
a g r i c u l t u ra l p ra c t i c e s fo r s u sta i n a b l e
development. Investigators are in the process to
come out with technology for combined use of
bacteria and constructed wetland treatment'
vide patent number 2021101010'

Fig. (a) Showing potential weed plants for the phytoextraction of heavy metals from complex organo-
metallic complex of distillery waste (b) TEM observation: Metal accumulation and multi vacuole
formation (c) TEM observation: accumulation of metal crystal at the periphery of the cell wall (d-f)
Metagenomic data of rhizospheric sludge of distillery waste

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 95
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Demonstrated the Direct Utilization of Brewery

Industrial CO2 Without Any Purification for
Acetic Acid Production
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science
Education and Research, Mohali under DBT
funded project aimed to establish a CO2 Electro-
biorefinery approach for industrial carbon
dioxide conversion into platform chemicals via
integrated bioelectrochemical and biological
processes have successfully demonstrated the
direct utilization of brewery industrial CO2
without any purification for acetic acid
production for the first time. This study was
published in the Bioresource Technology journal.
The team further demonstrated the enrichment
of methane content in biogas through CO2
conversion into acetic acid via the microbial
electrosynthesis process. These studies will
contribute to developing promising technology
options for both CO2 utilization and biogas
upgradation. Fig. Field experiments to evaluate the calcite
dissolution microbe, amendments with
Nutrient efficient genotypes for calcareous soils efficient crop genotypes
for Maiz and Groundnut Miniaturize Gas Sensors to Monitor the
Scientists from TNAU, Coimbatore under a Emissions from Soil
project aimed to exploit the Plant-Microbial
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Space
interactions to unlock the fixed nutrients in
Science and Technology under DBT funded
calcareous soils for increasing the crop
project aimed to develop technology for different
productivity and soil fertility, have come out with
applications have developed miniaturized gas
the development of Nutrient efficient genotypes
sensors to monitor the emissions from the soil for
for calcareous soils for Maize: COH(M)6, COH(M)
precession agriculture. This Gas sensor
8, CMH 12-686 Groundnut: CO 6, TMV 10, CO 7,
technology will provide new dimensions in the
and effective microbes and amendments for
field of precision agriculture, Air pollution
calcite and nutrients solubilization in calcareous
monitoring system, Coal mines, andmanhole gas
soils. They have also established the application
detection system at low cost. Some pictures of
of 12.5 t FYM + Elemental sulfur + 500 ml calcite
-1 the Developed Products in a different version.The
solubilizing microbes ha for improving the crop
products are undergoing a different stage of
yield and nutrient availability in calcareous soils.
qualifications in the Space Sector.

The development has initiated a lot of interest in

Fig: (a) Screening experiments for identifying nutrient efficient
genotypes for calcareous soils. (b) Incubation experiment to
assess the nutrient solubilization potentials of organic & amino acids
the Space Sector and the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) along with the Human Space
Flight Centre (HSFC) has agreed to put three

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modules in the upcoming prestigious Gaganyaan group is actively working with ISRO to develop
Mission as a part of the Environmental Control the first indigenous space-qualified gas sensors
and Life Support System (ECLSS). The PI of this for Human Space Mission (HSP).

Fig. Prototype _1: Optically Activated CO sensors (Version: 1) for Gaganyaan Mission.
The same platform has been optimized for CH4 and NH3 sensors. It has been developed
in collaboration with URSC (U R Rao Space Application Centre).

Fig. Prototype 2: Optically Activated CO, CH4, NH3, and CO2 sensors (Version: 2) for various
applications, including an environment monitoring system, manholes, and coal mines applications.
The same concept has been extended to develop gas sensors for Environmental Control and
Life Support System (ECLSS) in the Gaganyyan mission.

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Prototype 3: Nanomaterials based on CO, CH4, NH3, and CO2 sensors (Version: 3) for
Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) in the Gaganyyan mission. An initiative
has been taken up with SCL (Semi-Conductor Laboratory), HSFC (Human Space Flight Centre),
SAC (Space Application Centre) to qualify the sensors for the missions. Necessary optimizations
are going on to incorporate the activation platform.
Study indicates bagasse, wheat, and rice straw effluents characteristics. Hence, the paper
as good sources of cellulose produced by this biotechnological approach
could be an effective solution by utilizing agro-
Investigators from Kurukshetra University, waste, with reducing chemical requirements,
Haryana under the project supported by the higher paper strength properties as well as
department hasshown that bagasse, wheat, and effective solutions to achieve the goal of
rice straw are good source of cellulose, which generating less toxic bleaching effluent. Hence,
indicates the potential as a resource for paper the outcomes of this study could be a better
industries. The bio-bleaching with crude xylano- approach for paper and pulp industries along
pectinolytic enzymes before chemical bleaching with an effective solution for saving the
seems to be an effective solution for improving environment.
the delignification process, quality of paper, and

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 98
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Development of Phytoremediation Technology
Accumulating HCH Residues from Contaminated
HCH Dumpsite
Scientists from CSIR-National Botanical Research
Institute, Lucknow under DBT supported project
aimed to develop phytoremediation technology
using non-edible and non-browsable plants
accumulating HCH residues from contaminated
HCH dumpsite has earmarked suitable plants
(Justiciaadhatoda, Abutilon Indicum,
Ricinuscommunis, Prosopisjuliflora, Acacia
auriculiformis, Azadirachtaindica,
Holopteliaintegrifolia, Pongamiapinnata). This
study will provide a new dimension that plants
exert a beneficial influence on soil microbiome in
an HCH contaminated soil revealing advantage of
microbe- assisted plant-based HCH remediation
of a dumpsite.
Bioresources & Secondary Agriculture
The aim of the programme is to support R&D
projects in the related areas of Bioresources and
Secondary Agriculture biomass
biotransformations, bioresource systems
analysis, and technologies associated with
conversion or production of value added
products and processes from natural resources.
Specific objectives of the programme are:
Ø Inventorisation and characterization on
bioresources.
Ø Prospecting of bioresources for novel
genes and genes products, biomolecules
and compounds.
Ø Improvement of economically important
bioresources.
Ø Technology development of value added
products from Natural Resources.
Ø Capacity building including strengthening
of infrastructure and other biomolecules
components of R&D.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Major initiatives taken during the year
2021-22:
During this year, efforts are being continued to
support the research for bioprospecting,
inventorization and characterization, value
addition and sustainable utilization of
bioresouces along with relevant training,
capacity building and awareness generation.
Various Brainstorming- cum-Consultation
meetings were organized for prioritization of
R&D areas based on available research leads.
Ø A Marine Bioresource and Biotechnology
network has been implemented with
strong linkages with the Deep Ocean
Mission of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Prospecting, conservation and
exploration of deep sea bio-diversity is an
essential component of this initiative.
Seven network project under this
consortium have been implemented.
Ø A proposal for the establishment of
“National Microbial Resource Institute
(NMRI)” at Pune: on the existing platform
of National Centre for Microbial
Resources (NCMR), NCCS, Pune has been
developed. The proposed Centre will act
as a hub in the country for R&D efforts
related to AMR, zoonosis, transboundary
including exotic infections and other
problems associated with important
diseases.
Ø A proposal on “Indian Initiative on Earth
Biogenome Sequencing (IIEBS)” has been
developed towards India's participation in
the global Earth BioGenome Project with
the aim to sequence about 1000 plants
and animals (100 Reference Genome and
900 Draft Genome) the next five years.
Ø A Memorandum of Understanding has
been signed with Ministry of Earth
Sciences for mutual collaboration to
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to explore the possibility of cooperation,
convergence and synergy to bring out the
expertise and services of both the
organizations under one roof and work
hand-in-hand for addressing relevant
questions in the field of polar biology.
The salient achievements of the programme
during the year are as follows:
National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR):
DBT created a central facility, the National Centre
for Microbial Resource (NCMR) as a Centre of
Excellence in 2017, originally established as the
Microbial Culture Collection in 2009 to cater the
need of authenticated, reliable biological
materials and associated information for the
research fraternity and biotech industry. NCMR
currently holds 1,35,470 bacterial cultures used
for bioprospecting purpose. These cultures were
processed for bioactive compounds for anti-
inflammatory, anti-infective, anti-cancer and
anti- diabetic activities. NCMR actively processes
microbial samples received under the various
categories of deposits, identification and
characterization services for the researchers in
academia and industry across the globe. A total of
3,710 bacterial and fungal cultures were
deposited by various researchers across India in
NCMR for their long-term preservation. NCMR
holds authentic and well characterized microbial
strains (wild types, mutants, type strains,
genetically modified and engineered and
patented) that can be supplied to researchers in
academia and industry. NCMR has started the
repository of AMR isolates and in 2021-22, it has
received 1200 isolated in total. In 2021-22 NCMR
has published 26 research papers including 2
novel bacterial taxa.
A Microbial repository established at IBSD,
Imphal has got a total collection strength of
72586 microbial cultures including bacteria,
fungi, yeast and actinobacteria. The overall goal
of the Repository is to have a collection of the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
microbes from all areas of the North-east from
diverse unique ecological niches of North East
India which are distinctive from other parts of the
country for research and development purpose.
These microbial isolates were isolated from
different unique ecological niches of NE India
such as caves, hot spring, cold spring, high
altitudes, sacred forest, fermented foods and
beverages, lakes, forest, endophytes, epiphytes,
mushrooms, and untouched ecosystems
collected from Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland
and Assam.
A multi-institutional project, Bioresource and
Sustainable livelihoods in North East India
comprising six components and 29 teams has
been supported to develop a baseline
quantitative inventory of bioresources of NER,
improve bioresource-based income through
promotion of bioresource driven ecotourism,
bioresource products and development of new
biological products and germplasm and enhance
the scientific capacity of Northeast India in
biodiversity science. This programme has huge
potential to establish new pathways for
bioresource based sustainable livelihoods in the
underdeveloped, economically poor but
biodiversity rich northeast region of India. The
systematic large scale data gathered so far in
Bioresources throughout Northeast region is the
first of its kind and will be very instrumental in a)
identifying the most important bioresources in
terms of economic and livelihood potential b) in
establishing sustainable limits of harvests and
identifying new areas of collection and growth
and c) in understanding the different
opportunities and limitations to bioresource
based livelihood potential. Data on wild edible
insects and mollusc shows the magnitude of wild
edible resources that play pivotal role on the
regional economy to explore for food security
related issues in NE region.
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Apart from that, 60 participants from all the
states of NE, including students, young
researchers, teachers, and local youths have
been trained through the technical programs
conducted by the team.
Prospecting of Genes and Molecules for Product
Development: Projects have been supported for
prospecting of novel genes, molecules, enzymes
etc. from plants, microbes, fungi, lichens for
production of potential products of industrial
importance. A network project has been
supported on exploration of native
microorganisms and biocatalysts from traditional
fermented products of Sikkim Himalayas for
development of lactose free and bioactive
peptide enriched milk-based functional
products. A total of 17 traditional milk products
(Chhurpi and curd) of the Sikkim, Himalaya were
collected in different seasons. A total of 20
antihypertensive predicted peptides were
discovered using in silico molecular docking, with
non-bond interactions between hard chhurpi
peptides and ACE catalytic residues. Under the
IBSD Flagship programme, Conservation,
Propagation and Mass Multiplication of Selected
Orchid species from North-East has been
initiated and a pilot project has been sanctioned
for developing bio-based entrepreneurship in
North-East India. This Flagship programme aimed
at exploring the potential of few selected species
of the North East region for improvement of
natural products contributing to environment
protection, health security and sustainable
growth of the economy. The project is
implemented through 75 beneficiaries in 15
clusters of 5 members each. Thus it is an initiative
to boost orchid floriculture industry and income
generation to the beneficiaries through cluster
formation.
Quantitative assessment of plant resources in
hot-spots of the country:
The programmes on mapping and quantitative
assessments of geographic distribution and the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
population status of plant resources were
completed for the hot spots- Western Ghats,
Eastern Ghats, North Eastern and Eastern
Himalayan Regions and Andaman and Nicobar
Islands with significant achievements. A first ever
systematic attempt has been made for
quantitative assessment of plant resources in
Madhya Pradesh, Central India. This assessment
has been done in a grid based manner and
compiled the data in the form of database. The
project provides the baseline data on
geographical distribution of plant population and
their present population status in the forests of
Central India. It will also provide satellite based
observations in terms of plant diversity and
productivity for long-term ecological analysis.
This programme documented a total of 335 plant
species with various socio-economic and
ecological significance. 12 research papers have
been published in peer-reviewed journals and
one prize in project outcome-based poster
presentation was received in the International
Conference.
The Indian Bioresource Information Network
(IBIN) national project was conceived by the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), as a single
digital window that brings together all the
available databases and information on the bio-
resources and biodiversity of the country into one
platform. IBIN provides detailed information of
plants on taxonomic classification, synonyms,
habitat, chromosomes, chemicals, general and
morphological description, phenology, and
conservation status. Apart from this, the spatial
database associated with the species data can be
visualized through the IBIN's spatial viewer
module. At present, the new IBIN portal is
addressing the need of species knowledge bases
by holding data on following diverse categories of
species – plants (22,740), animals (14,318),
bacteria (577), chromista (406), fungi (5,790),
protozoa (286) and archaea (24). The Spatial
viewer of the portal is enriched with maps of
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biodiversity characterization layers like
vegetation, fragmentation, biological richness
and disturbance index. Apart from this, medicinal
uses and edible uses of plants are provided in the
portal which has wide usage in traditional and
modern medicines. Ancient knowledge about
plants and their parts is available in the portal in
the form of shlokas. IBIN has also introduced
mobile applications in the form of 'species loss
app' and 'species watch app' which is used to
mark the loss and geotag species respectively.
DBT–Department of Space Joint Mission
programme:
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) had under
an earlier Mission mode programme with
Department of Space (DoS) over 10 years back
taken up “Biodiversity Characterization at
landscape level”. This was the first such network
on Spatial and Non-Spatial data. Under this
project, a national level assessment of
biodiversity richness was undertaken for the first
time in India using spatial data to identify and to
map potential biodiversity-rich areas in the
country. So far 84% of the Country's forest cover
has been characterized. The study has brought
out a Spatial Database, first of its kind, adding
spatial explicitness to understanding of
vegetation formation; it provides a wall to wall
mapping of natural habitats. Under the DBT-
Department of Space new inititatives, new
initiative has been implemented in collaboration
with Department of Space on “Biodiversity
Characterization at Community level in India
using Earth Observation Data”. Another initiative
is “Intensive mapping of Hot-spots and Inventory
of Indian Coral Reefs: Mapping, monitoring and
their Health Assessment”. These initiatives
provide enormous scope to generate rich
scientific database on the status of biodiversity at
vegetarian community level and inventory of
coral reefs and provides critical inputs for
planning conservation/protection measures.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
National Certification System for Tissue Culture
Raised Plants (NCS- TCP): Production of quality
planting material:
National Certification System for Tissue Culture
Raised Plants (NCS-TCP) is being implemented by
Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India
since year 2006, as per the Gazette of India
Notification under the Seeds Act. 1966. It is the
National level mandated activity of DBT for
strengthening tissue culture sector and uplifting
farmer's economy of country by facilitating
cultivation of quality tissue culture plants of
economical species. NCS-TCP ensures that virus
free and genetically uniform planting material is
certified and provided to the farmers. Since its
implementation, NCS-TCP has been instrumental
in building capacities of the tissue culture
companies for producing quality planting
material and also enhancing their market reach
through a certification process. NCS-TCP is the
first of its kind in the world in the area of plant
tissue culture. So far, more than 620 million
plants have been certified under the system.
NCS-TCP has also encouraged budding
entrepreneurs to establish their own tissue
culture facility. Not only it has benefitted the
companies and entrepreneurs but also the
farmers, since labels issued by NCS- TCP accounts
for the quality of plants. This instills high level of
confidence among farmers for adopting tissue
culture plants.
An online web portal of NCS-TCP has been
developed for processing of applications from
companies/organizations involved in production
of tissue culture plants for recognition and
subsequent renewal, testing and certification of
tissue culture raised plants, referral activities,
coordination of meeting and information
management, database management and
instant report generation. In order to maintain
continuity of the system during the global
pandemic, Virtual site visits are being organized
to assess the compliance of TCPFs with NCS-TCP
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guidelines, overcoming the travel restrictions in
place. Comprehensive NCS-TCP guidelines and
StandardOperating Procedure are in place. These
documents are dynamic in nature by including
recent updates based on experience gained while
implementation of program. Tissue Culture
S ta n d a rd s fo r D ate Pa l m , P i n e a p p l e ,
Pomegranate and Teak have recently been
developed and are in the process of approval.
Standards of eight crops are already in place.
Protocol for virus indexing has been developed/
refined for Banana, Potato, Sugarcane, Apple,
Date palm, Bamboo and Orchid. Protocol for
genetic fidelity has been developed/refined for 5
tissue culture raised plants namely Sugarcane,
Potato, Banana, Bamboo, Date palm. Being a part
of NCS-TCP, companies have attained better
visibility and thereby, access to national and
international market particularly, small scale
companies which are established in rural areas
could extend their market-reach and accessibility
for their produce, to fetch better prices providing
sustainability to their business. 93 Tissue Culture
Production Facilities (TCPFs) are currently
recognized under the system, this includes
almost all the leading companies. As per the new
arrangement, the NCS-TCP has been anchored to
National Institute of Plant Genome Research,
New Delhi as a NCS-TCP Management Cell of DBT
w.e.f. October 1, 2021 to be implemented with
support from Five Accredited Test Laboratories
along with Two Referral Centres and present
Organizational Structure. These laboratories
carry out testing, certification and activities
associated with maintenance of quality of tissue
culture raised plants. NCS-TCP is well organized
which includes Management Cell, Referral
Centre, Accredited Test Laboratories (ATLs), and
Committee comprising of eminent area experts.
Silk Biotechnology
The programme on application of biotechnology
towards developing newer and emerging
technologies in silk and its applications in
biomaterials continued during the year.
Programme has been reoriented during the year
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
2014-15 with focus on addressing newer and
emerging technologies for improving the
productivity and enhancing the quality of silk and
its applications in biomaterials. The major
Priority R&D areas of this programmes are-
technology development both in silkworm and
host-plants by employing tools and techniques of
biotechnology towards improving the
productivity, enhancing the quality and
utilization of by-products in both mulberry
sericulture as well as non-mulberry (Vanya silk)
sectors; developing novel applications of silk
proteins (both fibroin and sericin) in biomedical,
pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical areas;
developing network programme on
biotechnology applications for developing
improved varieties of mulberry and; developing
network programmes on Vanya silk (tasar, muga
and eri) on biotech applications towards
improving the productivity of silk as well as
improvement of host plants.
The overall objectives of the programme are as
follows:
(1) Technology development both in
silkworm and host-plants by employing
tools and techniques of biotechnology
towards improving the productivity,
enhancing the quality and utilization of by-
products in both mulberry sericulture as
well as non-mulberry (Vanya silk) sectors.
(2) Developing novel applications of silk
proteins (both fibroin and sericin) in
biomedical, pharmaceutical and
cosmeceutical areas.
(3) Developing network programme on
biotechnology applications for developing
improved varieties of mulberry
(4) Developing network programmes on
Vanya silk (tasar, muga and eri) on biotech
applications towards improving the
productivity of silk as well as improvement
of host plants.
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Salient achievements during the year are
summarized below:
A network project on identification of the most-
active cocoonase of sericigenous insects through
molecular characterization being implemented
jointly at CTR&TI Ranchi, IISER, Pune and BIT,
Mesra, cocoons of various ecoraces of A. mylitta
have been collected and cocoonase enzyme was
extracted as well as purified. Based on
characterization cocoonase variants/analogue
identified. Trypsin and papain identified as
cocoonase variants from natural sources showed
activity in cocoon softening. Characterization
revealed that no post translational modification
needed for expression of A. mylitta cocoonase.
Cocoonase/its variants trypsin and papain
activity in silk processing done and silk
technological properties of obtained silk have
been evaluated at laboratory level.
Under a network project on integrated
biotechnological approach towards
improvement of quality and productivity of
tropical tasar silk implemented jointly at CTR&TI
Ranchi & NIAB, Hyderabad, de novo whole
genome sequencing of A. mylitta has been
completed successfully and submitted to the
NCBI database. Till date, only Bombyx mori and
Antheraea yamamai whole genome sequences
are available among commercially exploitable
sericigenous insects. Transcriptomics analysis of
silk gland and ovary of A. mylitta performed.
Transcriptomics study will helps in the analysis of
differential RNA expression/gene expression
pattern which is involved in silk gland
development and egg production. De novo whole
genome sequencing of A. mylitta has been
completed and submitted to the NCBI database.
Top hits of BLAST search between A. mylitta and
A. yamamai proteins are provided. 86.27%
(22,039/25,544) of A. mylitta proteins hits found
with A. yamamai proteins. Several important
information related to genome of A. mylitta was
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
obtained such as expected genome size of 582
Mb (approx), distribution of different A, T, G & C
bases in the genome, genome mapping of A.
mylitta with A. yamamai, B. mori and B.
mandarina genome indicated that A. mylitta is
more closely related to A. yamamai and B.
mandarina than B. mori. Total GC content was
40.24 %. The whole genome sequencing of A.
mylitta using Illumina and PacBio sequencing
platform will help in the study of molecular basis
of different qualitative and quantitative traits of
A. mylitta. Researchers/scientists can use this
sequence as a reference genome to identify the
locations of genes and all of the coding regions of
genome and to determine the function of various
genes. It can be also used for various kind of
molecular research, especially for genetic
characterization and functional genomics
analysis. It can be also used for various kind of
molecular research, especially for genetic
characterization and functional genomics
analysis.
A project on analysis of DNA and RNA
components of nuclear matrix in Bombyx mori
embryos has been supported at GITAM,
Visakhapatnam. The study revealed for the first-
time genome-wide MAR regions during silk gland
development to understand the dynamics
associated with chromatin architecture. The
databases published in NCBI from this study can
be used as a platform by other researchers
working on silkworm biology. The developmental
dynamics of silk gland MARs can be taken as a
foundation to understand the differences in gene
expression during silk gland development. A
project has been carried out on Gene Expression
Profiling for the Identification of
Resistant/Tolerant Genes to Microsporidian
Infection in Lamerin Breed of Silkworm, Bombyx
mori implemented jointly at Seri-Biotech
Research Laboratory (SBRL), Bangalore; and
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The study
s h o w e d t h e u p re g u l at i o n o f s p e c i f i c
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antimicrobial genes, serpins in response to
microsporidian infection. The upregulation of
these genes in Lamerin breed in comparison to
CSR 2 is an indicative of the tolerance/resistance
exhibited by the Lamerin breed against the
N.bombycis infection.
Work on Genetic enhancement of Mulberry by
Genomics Approaches: A multi-component
Network Project being coordinated by CSRTI,
Mysore. De novo assembly of Morus indica (K2)
nuclear genome has been completed.
Resequencing of 21 diverse accessions/species
revealed ~2.5 million SNPs & ~0.2 million
insertions/deletions. Genetic diversity and inter-
relationships among Morus spp. was determined
through SSR genotyping. Finalized >1 lakh SNPs
for chip array development and genotyping.
Phenotyping for drought adaptive traits viz., root
traits, WUE, stomatal frequency, chlorophyll
content was carried out with 209 diverse
mulberry germplasm lines. A set of 26
contrasting lines were identified and are being
assessed for field performance. The germplasm
panel was screened with 29 genomic SSRs for
identifying allelic diversity. Sixteen contrasting
genotypes were identified for higher leaf yield
(MI-0066, MI-0523, MI-0024, MI- 0699, ME-
0246, ME-0169 & MI-0777) based on growth and
yield traits. Phenotypic evaluation of 250 diverse
accessions for nutrient use efficiency (I trial) is
completed and highest variation was recorded
with low dose of nutrients.Three mapping
populations (200 F1 progenies) for root rot
disease resistance against Fusarium solani and
Lasiodiplodia theobromae were established. SSR
genotyping with six parental polymorphic
markers was completed and further genotyping
with 10 SSRs is under progress. 36 putative
mulberry transgenic lines were developed using
three gene constructs and validated by
glyphosate selectable marker. Two transgenic
lines (DREB2A+SHN1) showed better chlorophyll,
photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance,
internal CO2 and leaf temperature. Twelve
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
drought-specific transcriptome libraries have
been generated and analyzed. Diverse stress-
responsive genes have been identified and
validated. Comparative leaf transcriptomics of
five accessions was carried out and few genes
were identified for structural and functional
validation. Auxin Response Factor (MiARF12709)
was cloned from mulberry; auxin inducibility was
tested; and an over-expression vector was
constructed in K2 genotype. Putative transgenic
plants generated are being maintained for
further functional validation. V1, M multicaulis,
G4, S36 & G2 recorded high primary metabolites;
while MR2 and Mysore Local with low quantity.
GC-MS analysis of secondary metabolites (TBME
extracts under sonication) is under progress.
Better nutritional indices and conversion traits
were recorded in V1 & G4 varieties with highest
ECI to shell (11%); PECS (10%); and better reeling
parameters. No similarity was recorded for Beta-
fructofuranosidase gene in B. mori, Spilosoma
obliqa and Spodoptera litura. DNJ inhibition
assay showed growth inhibition in Spodoptera
larvae.
A project has been carried out on Design and
development of silk fibroin coatings for
biomedical applications at CSIR-National
Chemical Laboratory, Pune. Various macro
(tensile and bending) and micro/nano
(Nanoscratch, Nano-indentation, Modified
Atomic Force Microscopy) techniques to
measure adhesion of natural protein polymers to
soft substrates like PDMS have been developed.
Coating process using simple dip coating and
characterized the coating using various
spectroscopic and microscopic techniques have
been developed. Successfully developed a novel
formulation based on SF and blends of SF-
PEO/ELP; Also developed protocols to
functionalize the coating with biomolecules.
They have also completed in-vitro tests to show
protein adsorption and stability of coatings in
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simulated body fluids. The formulations and
protocols developed as part of this work have the
potential to be used in biomedical implant
applications.
Translational Research on Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants
The DBT is providing research support across the
country towards developing products and
processes from medicinal and aromatic plants
following multi-disciplinary approach. The DBT is
also providing research support for conducting
R&D utilizing rich traditional knowledge
disciplines on the basis of conventional
traditional knowledge in the country following
any of the two available regulatory frameworks:
(a) DCGI-Phytopharmaceutical Drugs, and (b)
AYUSH mode. The aim is to develop a herbal drug
pipeline. DBT is making efforts for taking forward
already available research leads in medicinal
plants to pre-clinical and clinical level so as to
bring them on global scene. The support of public
institutions along with industry participation
would enable to develop viable products either in
form of AYUSH drugs or phytopharmaceutical
drugs in DCGI mode.
The overall objectives of the programme are as
follows:
Ø Translational Research for converting
significant research leads available in
Medicinal Plants into potential process
and products such as drugs following any
of the three available regulatory
frameworks: (a) US-FDA-Botanical Drugs,
(b) DCGI-Phytopharmaceutical Drugs, and
(c) Proprietary Ayurvedic Medicine in
AYUSH mode. The aim is to develop a
herbal drug pipeline.
Ø Identification of elite material in
medicinal and aromatic plants relevant to
industry, characterization and developing
appropriate markers (molecular and
chemical) for authentication, developing
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
mass-propagation technologies for elite
material, demonstration trials of
medicinal and aromatic crops including
processing and development /
refinement of the agro-technology in
collaboration with industrial partners.
Ø Development of improved processes for
extraction of high-value phytochemicals
or established drug entities from
medicinal and aromatic plants.
Major initiatives taken during the year 2021-22:
During this year, the Department has initiated a
programme on developing a pipeline of
phytopharmaceuticals in view of recent Gazette
Notification of DCGI, Govt. of India for
recognizing a new category of
phytopharmaceutical drugs along with
recognition of Indian medicinal plants in US /
British and Japanese Pharmacopeia.
Ø A QC and QA facility for medicinal plants
has been established and a cGMP facility
for pilot-scale extraction for
phytopharmaceutical products from the
medicinal Plants of NE India has been set
up at NIPER, Guwahati.
Ø Under the Inter-Ministerial Cooperation
program of CSIR, DBT and ICMR on
'Phytopharmaceutical' drug
development, a pipeline of
phytopharmaceutical drugs has been
developed. This include: CBD-THC
Enriched phytopharmaceutical drug for
cancer pain management; cannabis
based phytopharmaceutical drug for
management of resistant pediatric
epilepsy; development of Boswellia
serrata based phytopharmaceutical drug
for osteoarthritis.
Ø Under the DBT and Ministry of AYUSH
joint initiative, a Joint programme has
been identified for validation of
traditional knowledge and biotech-
interventions on AYUSH sector.
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Ø A Joint Call for R&D Proposals in
collaboration with BIRAC has been
developed on Anti- SARS-CoV-2 / nCoV-2
Virus Studies using Botanical Ingredients
and Traditional Formulations to explore
potential source of antiviral drugs and
various bioactive compounds from
botanical ingredients / traditional
medicines. Also efforts have been
undertaken for creating anti-viral
screening platforms for COVID-19 and
other viral diseases in different part of the
country for developing therapeutics
assays.
The salient achievements of the programme
during the year are as follows:
A Turmeric Mission programme has been
launched with an aim to generate high-quality
raw material for developing nutraceutical
products / dietary supplements from turmeric for
global market as well as developing curcuminoids
/ curcumin-based therapeutics for various
disease segments. Two projects focussing on
quality enhancement of turmeric for nutritional
and quality profiles and efficient post-harvest
management practices and integrated
development of turmeric sector in north eastern
and Bundelkhand regions for improvement of
productivity, quality and post- harvest processing
technology have been undertaken. Three
projects on nanocurcumin-based combinatorial
therapy for tuberculosis, pre-clinical assessment
of novel curcumin formulations as drugs for
breast cancer therapy and evaluation of safety
and efficacy of curcumin (Biocurcumax capsule)
as an adjunct drug to standard therapy for
treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium
falciparum malaria have been undertaken. Well
defined and stable curcumin entrapped chitosan
nanoparticles (Cur-CHNP) formulation have been
successfully developed. Cur-CHNP demonstrated
higher aqueous solubility as compared to free
curcumin which plays a crucial role in therapeutic
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
efficacy of curcumin. Curcumin loaded CHNPs
alone or in combination with 5-FU showed
significant inhibition of cell viability in primary
cultures established from clinical breast cancer
specimen as compared to free curcumin. CHNPs
have shown tremendous tumor targeting
potential as evident by enhanced accumulation
to tumor site using in vivo imaging studies. These
are crucial evidences and indicate that Cur-CHNP
formulation may exhibit significant anti-tumor
effect in per-clinical PDX models of breast cancer
as compared to free curcumin.
A Joint network programme has been developed
in collaboration with National Medicinal Plants
Board (NMPB) Ministry of AYUSH to harness the
potential of indigenous medicinal plants for
development of plant-based therapeutics to
treat COVID-19. Three Sub-Networks is being
implemented: (a) Studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2
activity of selected medicinal plants and
formulations in cell culture model of virus
infection (b) Preclinical and pharmacokinetics
evaluation of selected AYUSH herbal extracts /
formulations for mitigating SARS-CoV2 and
associated pathologies and (c) Harnessing the
potential of traditional knowledge-based
medicinal plants for identifying anti-SARS-CoV2
compounds. The finding of this study showed
that Kabasura Kudineer (KSK) extract is found to
have a substantial activity against SARS-CoV-2.
A project has been supported to study the
manipulation of Rumen Microbes Using
Medicinal Plants Extract to Enhance the
Nutraceutical Value of Milk as a Functional Food
at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute NDRI,
Karnal The study revealed that dietary
supplementation of Bacopa monnieri and Aloe
vera extracts in animal have the potential to
manipulate the rumen microbes and enhance the
nutraceutical value of milk via increasing the
amount of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and
reducing the saturated fatty acids (SFA) content.
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Supplementation of Bacopa monnieri and Aloe
vera was found to modulate the rumen
fermentation by changing the biohydrogenating
microflora and enhancing the health beneficial
fatty acids and decreasing the SFA content of milk
in lactating goats. Milk obtained from
supplemented groups of Aloe vera was found to
have greater antioxidant capacity than other
groups. Overall, medicinal plants extract
increased the nutraceutical value of goat milk not
only by modulating the fatty acid profile but also
the antioxidant potential.
A multi-institutional network project entitled
“Identification of Elite Planting Material of
Selected Temperate Medicinal Herbs, Mass
Multiplication, Field Demonstration and Post-
Harvest Processing” has been supported to carry
out mass-multiplication and cultivation of elite
planting material of Swertia chirayita and
Picrorhiza kurroa along with identification of elite
material of Rubia cordifolia and Nardostachys
jatamansi. The project provides a source of
livelihood to farmers residing in high altitudes by
facilitating buy-back mechanism and capacity
building of primary growers to narrow down the
farmer-to-industry gap.
Fig: Exposure visits of the farmers to Devban
Forest Nursery
A multi-component Network Project on
demonstration of Cultivation, Processing and
Value Addition of Selected Aromatic Crops in
Bundelkhand Region jointly implemented at
CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants CIMAP, Lucknow, Fragrance and Flavour
Development Centre, Kannauj; CSIR-Indian
Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
and, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi. This project
is a ray of light in the farmer's community of
Bundelkhand region for adoption of aroma crops
to enhance their farm income in rainfed
condition. The selected aromatic crops are
boosting the farmers' income from three to four
folds. Earlier farmers were earning Rs. 10,000 to
Rs. 15,000 per acre per annum from their existing
crops but now they are earning Rs. 30,000 to
45,000 per acre per annum as a net income by
adopting aromatic crops.
Work has been continued on
P hy to p h a r m a c e u t i ca l D e ve l o p m e nt o f
Trachyspermum ammi for Post Kala-azar Dermal
Leishmaniasis jointlt at Balaji Utthan Sansthan,
Patna, Jadavpur University, Kolkata and ICMR-
Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical
Sciences, Patna. The in-vitro and in-vivo studies
on Ethyl acetate enriched fraction of self-grown
and authenticated Ajwain (Trachyspermum
ammi) showed strong anti-leishmanial activities
with non-significant adverse events of host cells.
The four markers named Thymol in very high
concentration, Ferulic acid, Quercetin and Gallic
acid in low concentration have been analyzed in
the effective compound. In a network project
jointly implemented at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu;
I A S ST, G u wa h at i a n d I B S D, I m p h a l o n
Phytopharmaceutical Development of Ficus
semicordata Buch. -Ham. ex Sm. as per regulatory
guidelines of DCGI, the plant material (figs/fruits)
of Ficus semicordata was collected from different
sites of Ukhrul district of Manipur. The
investigations revealed a significant or promising
blood glucose lowering activity of enriched
fraction at 150-250 mg/Kg doses when
administered as once daily dose for 14-21 days to
streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Under the
phytophamaceutcialc mission for NER, a project
has been implemented at IASST, Guwahati for the
Setting up a Quality Control (QC) and Quality
Assurance (QA) Laboratory Facility for quality
assurance of herbal drugs. The Microbiology and
Analytical laboratory of QA/QC are being
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prepared as GLP Clean Room Class 100000 area
as per ISO standards. IASST has recently has
obtained certificate of the Quality Management
System standard: ISO 9001:2015 (Cert. no.
281999-2019-AQ-IND-RvA) which will further
facilitate in obtaining NABL accreditation for the
facility.
Forest Biotechnology
Considering the multidimensional importance of
forest areas, the Department of Biotechnology
initiated this program with the aim to support
Research and Development (R&D) in the area of
Forest Biotechnology. The Priority R&D areas of
this programmes are: Development of
biotechnological mitigation and adaptation
strategies in forestry sector to meet the
challenges of climate change; Cutting edge
research using newer technologies like tree
genomics for understanding of forest tree
biology, development of tree diagnostics and
planting material improvement for improved
productivity and biodiversity of forested
ecosystems; Development of seed handling and
molecular marker-based seed testing /
certification technologies for development of
good quality seeds and planting materials for
industrial forests; Development of site specific
technological packages for restoration and
rehabilitation of degraded and fragile forest eco-
systems; Development of technologies for
measuring and maintaining ecosystem services
from forests and; Modelling and control of
invasive species in protected areas using
biotechnological approaches.
Department of Biotechnology is closely working
with ICFRE, CSIR, ICAR, State Forest Departments,
and other research institutions for taking efforts
on modelling and control of invasive species in
forest, terrestrial carbon sequestration,
technologies for measuring and maintaining
ecosystem services, and use of biotechnological
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
approaches on afforestation and regeneration of
degraded forest area. The overall emphasis is on
addressing research gaps in ecology, genomics
and biotechnology to improve the growth and
quality of forest for conservation and suggest
ways for sustainable use as well as tools for
mitigation of climate change impact. The
research on biotechnological interventions for
improving forest productivity, quality of forest
produce, and good quality certified seed for
important forest trees having commercial and
medicinal importance needs to be prioritised.
Major initiatives taken during the year 2021-22:
During this year, efforts are being made to
develop network projects on modelling and
control of invasive species in forest, terrestrial
carbon sequestration, technologies for
measuring and maintaining ecosystem services,
and use of biotechnological approaches on
afforestation and regeneration of degraded
forest area. These projects have been supported
are mainly focused on study of biotechnological
approach to elucidate adaptation mechanism,
migration pattern and reproductive biology of
indicator temperate-alpine plants in Himalayas in
response to changing climate, assessment of
adaptive genetic diversity in teak and
sandalwood to guide conservation and genetic
improvement efforts, Co-management and
sustainable use of non-timber forest products in
three protected areas of Western Ghats,
efficacious management of wood borers in
protected areas of forest by pheromone loaded
organogel, genome wide and geospatial
approaches for enhancing the adaptive potential
of threatened rattan resources in India etc.
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The salient achievements of the programme pheromones which are involved in the mating of
during the year are as follows: such insects.
In the network project on Genome wide and
geospatial approaches for enhancing the Germplasm collection, characterization and
adaptive potential of threatened rattan development of regeneration protocol of Chironji
resources in India wild populations of several (Buchanania lanzan) from protected forest area
threatened rattan species in the protected areas of Madhya Pradesh are being carried out at
have been surveyed and collected samples. JNKVV, Jabalpur. Detailed survey and collection of
germplasm was undertaken and a mother stock
Phenological characteristics i.e. flower bud
in nursery has been established. Genotyping and
initiation, fruit initiation and maturation, fruit
genetic diversity analysis of collected germplasm
senescence etc across populations were has been carried out. In-vitro mass multiplication
observed and recorded. The draft genome protocol using node and leaf explants has been
sequences of Korthalsia laciniosa and Calamus standerdized and developed. A study on profiling
barandisii (female) were developed, de novo of an alien invasive species in tiger landscapes in
assembled and functionally annotated and India has been undertaken jointly at NCBS,
p r e d i c t e d g e n o m e w i d e S S R s . Tw e n t y Bangalore and Global Tiger Forum, New Delhi.
genomewide SSR primers from C. brandissii The results demonstrate a negative impact of
showed cross species transferability and Lantana on wildlife habitat. The reduction in the
genotyping is completed with 10 genomewide quality of forage habitats in the wildlife core areas
primers in C. nagbettai, C. acanthospathus, C. presents a grim scenario not only in terms of the
andamanicus and C. nambareinsis. investments incurred by the forest managers
towards habitat maintenance and weed control,
but also on the local rural livelihoods in terms of
In a study on efficacious management of Wood
reduced crop yield and productivity as well as
Borers in Protected Areas of Forest by
hampered fodder requirements for the livestock
Pheromone Loaded Organogel first synthesized
due to weeds. These anecdotal evidences
3-pentyl dodecanoate, a semiochemical known
coupled with findings from this study are
to play the main role in the aggregation behavior
indicative of the fact that changing ecosystems
of wood borer female beetles (Lyctus africanus).
and trophic interactions might foster conflict
The survey of Zeuzera coffeae was done in
issues while also building up negative perception
farmers filed at Kaki grama (Ananthapur District),
of local communities towards wildlife and forest
Yellapura (Ramanagara District), Kolar of 5
managers.
farmers filed and Telangana of 3 farmers filed to
access the incidence, distribution and nature of
damage of the heartwood borer. The work so far
has implications in developing pest control
agents that are environment friendly and does
not cause any toxic effects. While such
sandalwood teak or mahogany wood are used in
manufacturing furniture and in domestic
household constructions so far nothing is known
how to deal with such menaces like woodborer
insects or termites etc. without intervention of
toxic sprays. One of the main challenges is to find
out the active principles like semiochemicals or

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 110

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL xenograft in athymic nude mice- a preclinical

BIOTECHNOLOGY No. of research publication 15
during 2021-22
Providing affordable healthcare for all in a
populous country like India is a challenging task. No. of patent applied 8
DBT's mandate for Healthcare & Medical
No. of patent granted 3
Biotechnology has been coordination and
promotion of Biomedical research, No.of human resource trained 66
understanding the causes of human diseases
such as non-communicable diseases, emerging model has been attempted. This study is the first
infections, anti-microbial resistance, genetic to use photoacoustic spectroscopy and machine
disorders, diseases specific to women and learning for evaluating breast tumor progression
children, nutrition issues at the genetic and supported by serum metabolomic analysis. A
molecular level. Towards this end the novel mechanical nitinol-based clot retriever has
Department promotes research on early been developed through research efforts at Sree
detection and prevention, development of Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences &
vaccines, innovative tools and therapies, Technology Trivandrum. The device is expected
healthcare delivery systems and development of to be used in the treatment of acute cerebral
products for medical applications. Over the years, ischemic stroke.
Department of Biotechnology has funded
projects in different thematic areas that include
Disease Biology, Drug Development, Genetics,
Health & Nutrition, Stem Cells & Regenerative
Medicine, Bioengineering etc. Each of these
thematic areas has been detailed below:

Biomedical Engineering

The multi disciplinary domain of biomedical

engineering foster and support innovative ideas
in the field of bio-medical devices, diagnostics,
Implants, bio instrumentation, tissue
engineering for development of affordable
healthcare technologies and enhancing their
access. In current year 10 new projects have been
supported so far. During the year a non- invasive
method for measuring beat-to-beat blood
pressure variability in humans (CMC NIBP) and a
clot retriever stent have been developed.

In a project implemented at Manipal School of

Fig. Comparison of Expansion of stent
Life Sciences Photoacoustic assessment of breast
(continuous and segmented) after retrieval
tumor progression using MCF-7 breast tumor
process

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 111

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
In a collaborative project between Dr. Reddy's
Institute of Life Sciences Hyderabad and
University of Hyderabad a technology has been
developed for manufacturing of microneedles
(MNs) with prototype ready in small scale. The
product is expected to address the specific
problems in existing intervention strategies for
iron and vitamin B12 deficiency without involving
skilled personnel, infrastructure or significant
investment. In another collaborative study
between IIT Hyderabad, LVPEI Hyderabad and
CCMB Hyderabad for 3D Bioprinting and
remodeling of corneal stroma and epithelium for
Keratoplasty, it was found that dCMH has many
advantages over existing materials including easy
availability, simple formulation procedures,
biocompatibility and it can prevent the trans-
differentiation of corneal stromal keratocytes to
myofibroblasts in vitro which make it a promising
material for prophylaxis against blinding scar
formation in an injured cornea.
In a study supported at CMC Vellore final version
of non- invasive method for measuring beat-to-
beat blood pressure variability in humans (CMC
NIBP) has been built which is working to
satisfaction level. It is used to generate blood
pressure data. These methods will be employed
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
to redefine action of vasoactive drugs whether
they act on small arteries/ large arteries or both.
The information generated will help redefine
therapeutics in diseases like hypertension.
Under a project supported at Amrita Vishwa
Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore for paper based
microfluidic chip for the monitoring of women
health after 40 a highly sensitive device for the
quantification of the biomarkers for liver function
test based on colour intensity has been
developed.
In a project implemented at IISc Bangalore
Fluorescence based rapid optical volume
screening system (OVSS) for interrogating
multicellular organisms has been developed. This
system is capable of simultaneous screening of
multiple organs during its development. In a
Centre of Excellence (CoE) project for
bioengineering Acetabular socket prototype for
hip implants with dimensions especially suited
for Indian patients has been developed at CIPET
Chennai and a prototype of ceramic coated
dental implants using state-of-art coating
deposition techniques has been developed and
pre-clinical tests in animal models are going on.
Chronic Disease Biology
Chronic non-communicable diseases are
currently the main cause of both disability and
death worldwide. This heterogeneous group of
diseases, including, among others,
cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic
respiratory conditions and diabetes, affect
people of all ages and social classes.
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Significant Outcomes and Achievements
No. of Research Publications
during 2020-21
No. of Patents Applied
No of Human Resources Trained
Cancer Disease Biology: DBT supports and
promotes Cancer Disease Biology Research in an
integrated manner, which includes sponsoring
research to identify causes of cancer, screening,
diagnosis, treatment of cancer, therapy, and
treatment interventions.
A Unit of Excellence (UoE) implemented at NII
has given new leads and advancement towards
the knowledge regarding BLM helicase. The
investigation has indicated how BLM carries out
its function as a DNA damage response protein
(published in Nature Communication) and also
how it enhances the proteasomal degradation of
protooncogene c-Jun (published in Cell Reports, a
patent filed). Results have also led to the
identification of a microRNA-based biomarker for
colon cancer (published in Journal of Cell Science
and a patent filed), and provided results that BLM
tumor suppressor can works inside cells by acting
as transcriptional repressor of multiple
protooncogenes (c-Fos, c-Jun and c-Myc).
Translational efforts of the Cancer Research
Program at NII have resulted in discovery of
tumor associated antigen SPAG9 that may be
ideal target for early detection and diagnosis and
is being used for the targeted
therapy/immunotherapy for cancer
management. In recent development, the SPAG9
antigen has been given the trademark
TM TM
“ASPAGNII ”. ASPAGNII is being used in clinical
trials using GMP grade recombinant SPAG9
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
55 Process/Product/Technology
Developed
10 Development of candidate prediction
models for adverse outcomes with the
150 training set of participants (n=650).
protein dendritic cell (DC) based immunotherapy
in cervical, and ovarian cancer and will also be
used in breast cancer. The ASPAGNIITM is true
example of translational cancer research and is
an outcome of MAKE IN INDIA initiative
supported by DBT.
International Cancer Genome Consortium -
India Project: The International Cancer Genome
Consortium is a consortium of about 20 countries
researching on genomics of cancers of global
importance. India is a founding member of this
consortium. The India project is being driven by
the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research
and Education in Cancer, Mumbai, and the
National Institute of Biomedical Genomics,
Kalyani. During the year under review, the
members of the Consortium have carried out a
pan-cancer analysis of whole cancer genomes to
identify genomic alterations that cut across
multiple cancer types. The group has found that
on an average, cancer genomes contained 4–5
driver mutations when combining coding and
non-coding genomic elements; however, in
around 5% of cases no drivers were identified,
suggesting that cancer driver discovery is not yet
complete. The investigators have also described
non-coding mutations that drive cancer beyond
those in the TERT promoter; identified new
signatures of mutational processes that cause
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base substitutions, small insertions and deletions
and structural variation; analyzed timings and
patterns of tumour evolution; and described the
diverse transcriptional consequences of somatic
mutation on splicing, expression levels, fusion
genes and promoter activity. The investigators
have created an open, web-accessible database
dbGENVOC: database of GENomic Variants of
Oral Cancer, with special reference to India
(Database Vol. 2021: article ID baab034;
doi:10.1093/database/baab034, 2021; Authors:
Pradhan S, Das S, Singh AK, Das C, Basu A,
Majumder PP, Biswas NK). This database lists
variants found significantly associated with
Indian oral cancer patients, with a user-friendly
interface to enable easy mining.
As part of its commitment to address solutions in
contemporary cancer research, DBT launched a
grant call for setting-up of Virtual Network
Centres (VNCs) in Cancer Immunology &
Immunotherapy. Through three rounds of
evaluation, three VNCs have been recommended
for support and implementation; (a) A Phase 2
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate
the Role of Metronomic Chemotherapy and
Dendritic Cell Vaccine in Recurrent Hormone
Receptor Negative Breast Cancer at Adyar Cancer
Institute, Chennai; (2) Development of
Genetically Engineered 'Off-the-shelf' and
Inducible CAR-T Cells for Cancer Therapeutics at
IGIB, New Delhi, and (3) Network Centre for
Research on Glioblastoma Stem cell–targeted T-
Cell Immunotherapy using Non-Genetically
Engineered Mesenchymal Stromal Cells at
Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Karnataka.
PRAMEF2 is a member of the PRAME multi-gene
family of cancer testis antigens, which serve as
prognostic marker for several cancers. PRAMEF2
regulation has been delineated under conditions
of altered metabolic homeostasis. PRAMEF2 also
triggers YAP nuclear accumulation, which
induces the expression of proliferative and
metastatic genes. These findings highlight the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
pivotal role of PRAMEF2 in determining YAP
oncogenic signalling, which has key implications
for breast cancer progression. {Proc Natl Acad Sci
USA, (2021)118, e2105523118}
DBT-AIIMS-NCI India Translational & Clinical
Research Partnership Centre: DBT has recently
recommended for the establishment of DBT-
AIIMS-NCI India Translational & Clinical Research
Partnership Centre at NCI Jajjar at a total cost of ₹
43 Cr as 'National Cancer Centre for India', for a
period of five years in a phased manner. The
partnership centre envisages to (1) Establish a
state-of-the-art Cancer Genomic Research
Facility for Personalized Medicine; (2) Establish
Early Detection Research Network (EDRN)
Program with International Partnership; (3)
Establish a quality enabled “Bio-bank” for “India
Centric Cancers” enhancing exploration and
validation of novel diagnostic or therapeutic
modalities, and (4) Establish an advanced animal
facility for gene-manipulated and
immunocompromised small animals for
preclinical cancer research and technology
validation needed for planning of clinical trials.
Indian Chronic Kidney Disease (ICKD) Study: The
ICKD Study is an ongoing nationwide,
multicentre, prospective longitudinal cohort
study of patients with mild to moderate chronic
kidney disease (CKD). Started in 2016, the ICKD
study aims to ascertain the risk factors for the
p ro g re s s i o n o f C K D, d e ve l o p m e nt o f
cardiovascular disease (CVD), develop predictive
models to identify high-risk subgroups, assess
gender-related differences in the risks for
progression of CKD and CVD, identify etiological
factors and biomarkers, determine the
consequences of CKD for general health, non-
cardiovascular morbidity, quality of life, cognitive
function, social status and cost of care and
develop and validate accurate, clinically useful
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
multivariable equation for GFR estimation in
Indian subpopulation. Funding for the first phase
of the study came to an end in March 2020, and
the second phase was funded thereafter.
The study has also been recognized as unique in
the developing world and has already become an
important data resource for the global scientific
community. The ICKD Study has been included in
the International Society of Nephrology's (ISN)
global network of cohort studies in CKD i.e. iNET-
CKD (International Network of Chronic Kidney
Disease cohort studies), and the cohort has been
invited to join other networks for harmonization
of processes.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Multi-institutional Network Program on
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Understanding
the Diversity of SLE: The cohort has accrued 1768
subjects since its inception in 2018. Most patients
are young females from lower or middle
socioeconomic status. The clinical presentation is
similar to that seen across the world. There are
differences in phenotype in patients from
different regions of India.
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Patients from South India have higher prevalence
of Discoid and subacute lupus and cytopenia.
Patients from North India have higher alopecia
and psychosis. Patients from Eastern India have
higher prevalence of Oral ulcers and
membranous nephropathy. Indian patients with
SLE have higher prevalence of anti-Sm and anti-
Ribosomal P antibodies as compared to data from
West. Autoantibodies cluster in 4 clusters. There
is high early mortality due to late presentation
with high disease activity. Samples of 173
patients at baseline, 98 patients at 6 months, 61
at 12 months, 31 patients at 18 months and 36
months at 24 months and 13 patients at 30
months have been stored. This is a rare resource
of longitudinal samples from patients with SLE
which can be used for biomarker analysis. Further
1212 extracted DNA samples are available for
Genome studies. In addition, the project has
helped other PIs to make local biorepositories at
each center and in total baseline samples are
available for 1700 subjects. In the Sub-study 1,
the group found that a low-cost composite score
having days of fever, anti-dsDNA, low C3/C4, CRP,
TLC and age gives a good discrimination between
flare and infection in SLE and substitution of CRP
with procalcitonin improves the discrimination
marginally. In Sub-study 2 on Vitamin D levels in
patients with SLE shows Vitamin D deficiency was
seen in 2/3rd of SLE patients.
Researchers at IIT Mandi in a study entitled' The
role of ectopic liver derived systemic factors in
regulating beta-cell function' showed a ChREBP
dependent hepatokine that suppressed
insulin secretion in NAFLD. Using hepatocyte
secretomes analysis combined with mouse
models of High Fat Diet (HFD) induced NAFLD and
adenovirus-mediated ChREBP overexpression,
the researchers identified a low-molecular-
weight calcium-binding protein S100 that
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
upregulates in the fatty liver and circulation. This
implicates S100 as the crucial hepatokine and
supports a critical role of S100 as a fatty liver-
derived circulatory factor in regulating the β- cell
insulin secretion and sequentially link
intrahepatic fat accumulation with impaired β-
cell function in NAFLD.
Translational Research Studies on some
Disorders of the Eye- L.V. Prasad Eye Institute,
Hyderabad: The investigation thus far has been
successful in establishing the incidence, causes
and risk factors for blindness and visual
impairment along with glaucoma and pterygium
for molecular analysis and profiling. Global
metabolomics analysis of vitreous humor
revealed a total of 1437 metabolites that
significantly correlated with increased severity of
ROP. Increased CFH and CD11b expression in
retina with early to late changes in epiretinal
membranes of DR patients indicated its role as
marker for predicting disease progression.
Correlation of microvascular changes in diabetic
retinal tissues indicated that differential
expression of H-VEAL2 Lnc RNA was linked to the
severity of diabetic retinopathy. Demonstrated
that the human eye has its own ocular surface
fungal microbiome and several fungal genera
were associated with the healthy conjunctiva.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Published the first report indicating dysbiosis in
the fungal microbiome of conjunctival swabs and
corneal scrapings in individuals with fungal
Keratitis.
The notable achievements of the study thus far
include:
ŸA binocular adaptive optics device for
visual function assessment.
ŸPediatric perimeter used for investigation
of visual fields in children with special
needs.
ŸBattery of tests needed to assess visual
status during high-performance sports
identified.
ŸPredictive testing in age-related eye
diseases and development of precision
medicine towards disease management.
ŸApplication of specific pre- and/or
probiotic therapy to possibly delay the
disease progression, if not reverse the
disease process.
ŸNovel therapeutics for retinal dystrophies
and retinoblastoma. Visuo-motor
performance in high-precision sports
tasks.
National Alliance for Translational Research in
Autoimmune Diseases (NATRAD): A consortium
program encompassing 26 institutions involving
basic and clinician scientists is under active
consideration for financial support and
implementation. The proposed alliance proposal
will focus on three major autoimmune diseases in
the country; Systemic Lupus, Psoriasis and
Rheumatoid Arthritis and comprises a Flagship
program on Multiplex families with autoimmune
diseases, clinical research projects on
randomized control trials on low cost biologics,
basic research on disease mechanisms,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
preclinical validation of novel translatable
technologies, new epidemiological investigation
component, the NATRAD database for real-time
acquisition and analysis of point of inception
disease prevalence data and public awareness
programs.
SYSTEMS MEDICINE CLUSTER (SyMeC): DBT's
support for the Systems Medicine Cluster
(SyMeC) at National Institute of Biomedical
Genomics, Kalyani for various biological aspects
that predispose and result in cancers of
paramount importance in India – oral and cervical
cancers, the most prevalent forms of cancer
among males and females, respectively, in India.
The research conducted in SyMeC resulted in
many discoveries of which two are; (a) Non-
promoter methylation enhances expression
levels of genes in the Central Carbon Metabolism
pathway with important implications for
management of oral cancer: performed
integrative analysis of non-promoter methylation
and transcriptome data that has revealed
significant methylation driven alterations in some
genes that also significantly impact on their
transcription levels. These changes result in
enrichment of the Central Carbon Metabolism
(CCM) pathway (b) Monotonic gene expression
changes with progression from normal to
precancer to frank oral cancer identified:
identified a profound role of interferon receptor
signaling in tumour growth by activating immune
evasion mechanisms. The role of tumor-
infiltrating immune cells further supported the
growth and immunosuppressive mechanism of
tumour tissues. Some immune evasion genes –
CD274, Cd80, and IDO1 – were found to be
activated even in the precancerous tissue. These
findings provide a clear insight into the sequential
genetic dysregulation associated with
progression to oral cancer.
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This insight provides a window to the
development of predictive biomarkers and
therapeutic targets for oral cancer.
Fig: Bivariate clustering of gingivo-bucal oral cancer patients and 200 most significantly
differentially expressed genes in the tumour samples of oral cancer patients, whose clinical
and other characteristics are also presented.
Drug Development
With the aim to put India on the global map in
terms of R&D innovations in the area of drug
development, the Department has initiated a
new program on “Drug Development” with a
vision to develop indigenous and cost-effective
new drugs against diseases prevalent in our
country. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in
collaboration with its Public Sector Undertaking,
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC) announced a Joint Call in 2020 to
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 118
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
invite proposals in the area of “Development of
Drugs from existing leads with established proof
of concept” and 6 proposals have been
recommended for financial support. Department
also announced a Joint call with BIRAC on
“Globally Accessible and Cost-Effective Novel
Antibodies” in 2020 and 3 proposals have been
recommended for financial support. A Mission
program on Snakebite envenoming i.e. Mission-
Next Generation Treatment for Snakebite (NGTS)
was recommended with a vision to develop an
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

indigenous, cost-effective and globally accessible sequence SARS-CoV-2 from Covid-19 infections
technology with the aim to cater the needs of the in India to monitor the emergence and
affected people and facilitate employment community circulation of viral variants and
generation through training and skill Variants of Interest (VoI)/ Variants of concern
development. (VOC). Since its inception, INSACOG has
sequenced about 1 lakh viral genomes. Genome
Human Genetics, Genome Analysis and sequences have been analyzed and assigned
Precision Medicine Pangolin lineage classification and submitted to
Human Genetics and Genome Analysis program NCDC for clinical correlation. INSACOG is also
of DBT supports research to uncover the role that providing advice to States for scale up
the genome plays in human health and disease. surveillance effort for SARS-CoV-2 variants of
The program supports research across a concern. Efforts have also been made to initiate
spectrum: basic research, translational research Hospital Network and Sewage network for
and clinical research to establish how to use genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
genomic information to advance medical care.
About 30 research publications emanated out
Unique Methods of Management of Inherited
from the R&D activities supported under this
program and more than 200 human resources in Disorders (UMMID) initiative
form of JRF/SRF/RA/ Other scientific and
The Department launched 'UMMID' initiative to
technical are getting trained in the area of
Human Genetics and Genomics. tackle inherited genetic diseases of newborn
babies. UMMID envisages working at three levels
A Mission Program on Pediatric Rare Genetic
Disorders formulated and it is under evaluation
process to study disease- associated novel
genetic variations and development of new
genomics- based diagnostic tests for pediatric
rare genetic disorders that are relatively more
prevalent in India. Also a mission programme on
Precision Health has been proposed. The vision
for the programme is fully aligned with and
extends the existing commitments of the
government to promote wellness using a fusion
of modern and traditional concepts in harmony
through Ayushman Bharat's Health & Wellness
Centres and NIDAN Kendras for genetic
disorders. The Department has also established
research platform and National Genomics Core
to facilitate pursuit of biomedical genomics at
the national level by opening up its core facilities
of genome sequencing and analysis to
universities and other national labs.
Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium
(INSACOG) has been started with the aim to

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of medical care which will work with a close link National Genomics Core:
between training and establishment of
diagnostic services. Under the pilot phase of the 'National Genomics Core' has been initiated to
UMMID initiative, the Department has facilitate pursuit of biomedical genomics at the
supported the establishment of five genetic national level by opening up its core facilities of
laboratories, seven training centres for training genome sequencing and analysis to universities
clinicians in diagnosis and management of and other national laboratories. Through this
genetic diseases and screening of pregnant project, DBT has established the National
women and neonates in nine aspirational Genomics Core (NGC) with its hub in NIBMG,
districts. Under UMMID initiative more than Kalyani, and centres in CDFD, Hyderabad. The
125000 Pregnant mothers and Newborns have Core aims to create a distributed, high-
been screened for genetic disorders. Steps were throughput genomics facility of international
taken for expansion of the UMMID initiative so as standards for stimulating transformative
to cover more districts/regions of the country. research and development of genomics
applications for national economic growth, social
and health benefits, and cultural enrichment of
Genome India and Human Microbiome: communities. In addition, it will also function as a
distributed facility for skill development in
The Department has recently initiated a pan
genomics for utilization of high-throughput
India Genome India project for cataloguing the
technologies and for storage, retrieval,
genetic variation in Indian population. The goal is
computation, and statistical analysis of big data.
to start with and execute whole genome
NGC- NIBMG has been also involved with PAN-
sequencing and subsequent data analysis of
INDIA 1000 SARS-CoV-2 RNA Genome
10,000 individuals representing the country's
Sequencing Consortium and INSACOG projects
diverse population. 20 national institutions in the
during the ongoing pandemic for SARS-CoV2
country are collaborating for this project. So far,
genome sequencing. NGC-CDFD also started
more than 3000 samples have undergone WGS
offering genomic services to all academic and
and genome wide high-throughput genotyping.
industry users and sequencing projects including
Analysis of genetic variants calling in these
whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic, small
genomes is in progress. Further action plan is to
RNA sequencing, amplicon, ChIP sequencing
expedite the project progress against proposed
have been successfully finished at facility. Nation-
plans and deliverables of the Genome India
wide trainings and workshops have been
Project. The Microbiome project aims at
conducted to train more than 250 participants.
mapping microbiome variation in selected
biogeographic regions of the country and study
the correlation between Ayurvedic prakriti and
microbiome. 1739 first time-point and 75 second
time-point samples have been collected and
Ayurvedic Prakriti assessment of 671 subjects
has been completed. DNA extractions from 1283
samples have been completed. Sequencing of a
total of 789 samples (487 Bacterial, 215 Fungal,
44 Archaeal and 43 Micro-Eukaryotic) have been
completed.

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Centre of Excellence project on Genome
Sciences and Predictive Medicine:
In the Centre of Excellence project on Genome
Sciences and Predictive Medicine at UDSC and
AIIMS, New Delhi, notable progress has been
made to fulfill the broad objective of this study-
that is to identify potential drug targets for
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Three targets namely
ARL15, BTK and MAP3K8 have been taken
forward for lead molecule development. The first
three-dimensional models of ARL 15 have been
devised; and efforts to solve its three-
dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography
made; as an alternative, in solution three-
dimensional shape of ARL15 using SAXS has been
obtained; & distinct nucleotide dependent
movement of ARL15 uncovered.
of Identity, Ancestry, Phenotype and Lineage with
enhanced discrimination, and hypothesis-free
genetic evaluation of patients with unexplained
familial syndromes. CDFD has completed
detailed clinical and radiological evaluation of
patients followed by next generation sequencing
(NGS) for 47 individuals from 33 families. Exome
sequencing yielded the diagnosis for 14
individuals from 12 families. DNA samples from
150 unrelated individuals residing across the
country were sequenced on Mi Seq platform in
order to get the genotype data of STRs
(autosomal, Y and X-chromosome) and SNPs
(identity, ancestry andphenotypic). Analysis of
the autosomal data reveals that the calls from
this high-throughput system was concordant
with the previously generated CE data.

Consortium on Celiac Disease:

In this network project, a national biorepository
is being established for a well-characterized
patient with celiac disease (CeD) where patients
are being recruited from different parts of the
country. The central Biorepository is located at
AIIMS, New Delhi. The exploratory phase of the
study has also provided some protein biomarkers
having potential for the diagnosis of celiac
disease. The validation process is ongoing. Nearly
30 percent of Indian patients with CeD do not Other R&D Projects:
express HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotype, which
seems to be a novel finding. Such a finding may
In the project on evaluation of WISP3 (Wnt
have a global implication and raises the questions
Induced Secreted Protein 3) in the context of
how other HLA haplotype present the gluten
related peptides to T-cells. PPRD (Progressive Pseudo Rheumatoid
Dysplasia), at IICB, Kolkata, it has been
Development of Genomic Technologies for demonstrated that in Progressive Pseudo
Predictive Genetic Health and Forensic Profiling: Rheumatoid Dysplasia, a debilitating genetic
disorder WISP3 is required for the proper
The project aims to develop high-throughput functioning of the electron transport chain in the
sequencing-based assays for affordable
diagnostics of known monogenic disorders,
identification and validation of SNPs and/or InDel
markers in Indian populations for determination

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mitochondria of chondrocytes. Molecular
characterization of X-linked Adrenoleuko
Dystrophy carried out at NIMHANS, Bengaluru for
unraveling the role of modifier genes. This study
documents genetically and biochemically
confirmed cases of X-ALD in India. The
information obtained is valuable for diagnosis in
the context of Indian patients. At RMLH, New
Delhi, study has been carried out for
identification of putative novel causal genes in
strabismus using contemporary approaches.
Identification of 12 putatively causal genes for
Primary concomitant strabismus (PCS) in this
project may lead to the formation of a unique
strabismus gene panel, A familial database
(registry) of subjects with PCS of north Indian
Infectious Disease Biology
Under the aegis of Infectious Disease Biology
program, the Department is supporting basic and
No. of Research 65
Publications
during 2020-21
No.of Patents 20
Applied/ Granted
No. of Human 128
Resources trained
applied research to better understand and
ultimately provide solutions in terms of
therapeutics, diagnostics and preventive
measures for infectious diseases of global
concern such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (including
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
ancestry (75 families) and DNA blood deposits
established in the project can be used to plan
further genetic studies in this unique population.
Genetic and clinical factors associated with
aspirin resistance in Indian population with
ischemic stroke studied at AIIMS, New Delhi. In
this prospective study, 303 patients with an acute
ischemic stroke were recruited consecutively to
determine the prevalence of biochemical aspirin
resistance, assess various clinical factors that
could influence aspirin resistance, perform
genetic analysis using next generation
sequencing and its correlation with biochemical
aspirin resistance and also observe association
with clinical outcomes.
Process/Product/ Technology Developed
MDR & XDR TB), vector borne diseases; emerging
or re-emerging threats such as influenza,
Japanese Encephalitis; neglected tropical
diseases such as Malaria, Leishmania, Dengue.
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Mission Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) these 10 projects.

l Under an ambitious initiative with NERC
Considering Antimicrobial Resistance as a global (Natural Environment Research Council)
threat, the Department had launched an through UKRI, the department supported
ambitious “Mission program on Antimicrobial five projects focused on “AMR in the
Resistance” in 2018-2019, with the vision to E nv i ro n m e nt f ro m A nt i m i c ro b i a l
develop indigenous and cost-effective therapies Manufacturing Waste”.
against AMR; categorization of AMR-specific l DBT has supported a CoE on One health
pathogen priority list of India; establishment of with PCMU at NIAB, Hyderabad. This will
Bio-repository for AMR-specific pathogens; and strengthen surveillance systems of
development of rapid and cost-effective zoonotic diseases throughout the country
diagnostic kits to identify AMR-specific and important transboundary animal
pathogens. Following achievements have been diseases in the Northeast, through
made so far under this Mission Program: existing and newer diagnostics.
l The Department has notified National
Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR),
National Centre of Cell Sciences, Pune (an
Autonomous Institute of DBT) to function
as a Bio- repository for resistant
microbes/infective agents (Bacteria and
Fungi)” and to carry out collection,
storage, maintenance, preservation and
characterization of these microbes across
the country. Nearly 1200 samples have
been deposited so far.
l Department while working with WHO,
Country Office, New Delhi has developed
the Indian Priority Pathogen List to guide
research, discovery and development of
new antibiotics in India.
l Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in
collaboration with Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has
announced support for Projects in the
area of development of new antibiotics
and alternatives to antibiotics to counter
AMR. Under this Call, 378 LoIs were
received by the Department and after two
rounds of screening, total 10 projects
were recommended for financial support.
DBT has supported a project on PPEF,
bacterial topoisomerase inhibitor against
ESKAPE pathogens (both on WHO and Fig.- a) Antibiogram of Drug Resistant
Indian priority pathogen list) amongst Microbes against PPEF and
b) Schematic diagram of the mechanism
of PPEF

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R & D Efforts
Saha et al. have uncovered a second tier of
transcriptional activation that is cell cycle
dependent in Leishmania sp. Kumar et al. have
successfully synthesized sixteen (16) new
thiourea derivatives with different substitutions
& tested these for cytotoxicity and efficacy
against HBV replication and viral gene expression
in cell culture. Three compounds (i.e., DSA-00,
DSA-09 & DSA-11) down-regulated the
expression of pgRNA and cccDNA in cells similar
to standard drugs and were non-toxic to cells.
Chatterjee et al. show that total Treg levels were
not reduced in patients with Tubercular uveitis.
Mukhopadhyay et al. show that inhibitory effect
of novel α-MSH-based antimicrobial peptides
against staphylococcal biofilms when combined
with lysostaphin suggests that it might be
considered for the treatment of implant-
a s s o c i a t e d s ta p hy l o c o c c a l i n fe c t i o n s .
Parthasarthi et al. observed that minor
subpopulation of short-sized cells exists in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulent strain and
in the tubercle bacilli population in the freshly
diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients'
sputum and which possesses the ability to
Fig. Elucidating the mechanism of small RNAs and RNA chaperone Hfq in antibiotic and
virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
produce antibiotic resisters at high frequency
due to a specific NADH oxidase which could be a
novel drug target.
A novel zinc metallophore from Mtb that restores
zinc metabolic imbalance has been reported.
These diisonitrile lipopeptides, named
kupyaphores protects bacteria from host-
mediated nutritional deprivation and
intoxication. Kupyaphore Mtb mutant strain
cannot mobilize zinc and shows reduced fitness
in mice. Further, Mtb encoded isonitrile
hydratase was characterised that could mediate
intracellular zinc release through covalent
modification of kupyaphores. These studies
could provide a molecular link between TB-
induced altered zinc homeostasis and associated
cachexia. (PNAS, 2021, In Press).
Membrane engineered vesicles (mEV) of non-
pathogenic bacteria for targeted delivery of
firstline drugs against Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (Mtb) were developed. mEVs were
found to be stable and provided sustained
release of Rifampicin which was effective in
reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC) of pathogenic Mtb.
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Taneja et al. in their cross-sectional observational
study of clinical cases of dermatophytosis,
identified several recalcitrant and drug resistant
cases. Whole genome sequencing and
comparative genomics analysis of selected
isolates mapped distinct variations in key drug
response genes and in ergosterol biosynthesis
pathway. Findings of Surolia et al. suggest
involvement of P. falciparum autophagy in
proteostasis mechanisms of artemisinin
resistance, indicating parasite autophagy as a
novel target for developing anti-malarials for the
treatment of artemisinin resistant malaria.
Mukhopadhyay et al. observed that the N-
terminal domain of PPE17 can be used as a
Fig. Development of a nanovaccine for protection against shigellosis
potential serodiagnostic marker for the diagnosis
of active tuberculosis and latent TB infection.
Surolia et al. discovered a novel allosteric site on
MtbArgJ and its inhibitors, Pranlukast and
Sorafenib inhibited Mtb growth in cultures, in
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
macrophage infection model and in mice.
Nagaraj et al. demonstrate that targeting parasite
heme synthesis by griseofulvin - a FDA-approved
antifungal drug, prevents cerebral malaria in
mice and provides a new adjunct therapeutic
option for cerebral and severe malaria. Devarajan
et al. identified four miRNAs - miR-423-5p, miR-
328- 3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-16-5p as potential
TB-specific diagnostic markers in aqueous humor
of the ocular TB (OTB) patients.
Taneja et al. isolated coliphages against XDR UPEC
and observed good efficacy when administered
experimentally trans- urethrally to treat UTI
infection. Kalia et al. through a high-throughput
screening platform identified autophagy
i n d u c i n g F DA - d r u g s a ga i n st J a p a n e s e
encephalitis virus induced neuronal cell death
and replication.
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Two drugs, Rilmenidine and Methotrimperazine
showed protective effect in mouse model of
disease. Roy et al. determined structural features
with molecular details of a protein named PfAsf1
which is involved in regulating the process of
packaging of DNA in the nucleus of the cell.
Rajavelu et al. identified a dynamic distribution of
m6A methyl mark on the mRNA of P. falciparum
and also identified & functionally characterized
novel m6A-specific binding protein from
P. falciparum. Sood et al. through reanalysis of
RNA- Seq data from JEV infected cells from
several diverse studies identified novel cross-talk
among host factors dysregulated in JEV Infection.
Chattopadhyay et al. show that Telmisartan (TM)
inhibits CHIKV infection efficiently in Vero, RAW
264.7 and human peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (hPBMCs) in vitro. Additionally, TM
abrogated CHIKV infection and inflammation in
C57BL/6 mice at a human equivalent dose of
40mg. This anti-CHIKV property of TM was partly
mediated through the AT1/PPAR-γ/MAPKs
pathways.
National HIV Cohort Program - Cohorts of HIV
Resistance and Progression in Indian Children
and Adults (CoHRPICA)- The Program aims to
bring together Centres of Excellence with
interdisciplinary expertise (clinical, socio-
behavioural and biomedical) across India that has
enabled establishment of a consortium of CRCs
that leverages on their individual strengths to
accelerate population-based studies for
informing effective management of HIV/AIDS.
Recruitment progress has been as follows-
Screened-347; Enrolment-163 (across 7 activated
sites). Progress towards sample management-
Operationalization of Central Biorepository at
NARI- Q2 21; Regional Biorepository at NIRT-
Operationalized. Progress towards National
Database- Application developed and 2 rounds of
pilot testing completed.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Indo-South Africa Program on HIV/TB- Under the
bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation
Agreement between the Department of Science
and Technology, Ministry of Science and
Technology, Governments of India and South
Africa, three collaborative projects are ongoing in
the area HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (the leading
causes of death in adults and children in both
India and South Africa). Major Outcomes from
the collaboration are:
l 3 near-native like SOSIP Env trimers
developed in India and South Africa.
l Large neutralization assay panels
representing circulating viruses in India
and South Africa developed.
l 2 novel broadly neutralizing antibodies
(bnAbs) isolated in India.
l Potential combination of cytokine
biomarkers identified in India for
prognosis of active TB.
Neurosciences
The Department has a focus on understanding
the basic biology, biotechnology of neurological
disorders such as dementia, stroke, epilepsy etc.
and neurological injuries such as brain and spinal
cord injury as well as neuro-infections and
Neuromuscular and movement disorders, Brain
Cancers etc. Department advertised a Call for
proposal for developing Neurotools, Techniques,
and Procedures for Brain disorders and
Pathological conditions. The Department also
conducted a Brain storming session for initiating
the 'Impact of malnutrition on Child's Brain
Development'.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Outcome and Achievements
A population based cohort study called
'Longitudinal Cognition and Aging Research on
Manpower Trained 85
Publications 24
Patent Filed 3
Population of the National capital region
(LoCARPoN)' was supported under Indo-
Netherland joint collaboration. At Urban site i.e.
AIIMS, New Delhi, 7505 participants were
assessed, while at Rural site i.e. Comprehensive
Rural Health Services Project, Ballabhgarh, 1976
participants were assessed. A biorespository has
been setup in AIIMS for storage of biological
materials (DNA, whole blood, Plasma, Serum,
Dental samples) collected under this study. A
recent publication out of the study indicates that
the prevalence of stroke is 1.5%. The causative
factors are Hypertension, diabetes, obesity,
smoking and chewing tobacco. Hypertension is
the most prevalent risk factor for stroke
occurrences. Department of Biotechnology has
supported a multi-institutional 'Dementia
Science Programme' with National Brain
Research Center (NBRC), Manesar as the nodal
centre. The programme aims to arrive at reliable
estimate of prevalence and incidence of
dementia including Alzheimer's disease in the
country. The pilot studies were conducted at
Palwal (rural community site) and Bengaluru
(urban community site). The standardization of
neurospyschiatric assessment battery across
seven sites in the country is being carried on.
Preliminary findings of the programme suggest
that PICLAM gene variant rs3851179 might be
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
associated with dementia.
A 'Collaborative Neuro-Engineering Platform for
Excellence in Innovation and Translational
Research' in All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), New Delhi is supported with an aim to
provide unsupervised computerized evaluation
of surgical skills and provide feedback to trainee
neurosurgeons to improve their performance.
Seven different technologies have been
developed and validated in the project including
a virtual repository of neurological instruments,
3D animation modules and virtual 3D tracking
and navigation simulators for neuro-endoscopy.
Besides this, three patents have been filed under
the project for trainer, endoscopy and eye gear.
Also at AIIMS, Delhi, in a major programme
support in Stroke Biology, a study on 1393
subjects and 1393 controls suggested that IL-6
(G174C) gene polymorphism is significantly
associated with protective effect for overall
Ischemic Stroke, while two genes i.e. MMP3 &
NOS3 (G1407A) polymorphism leads to higher
chance of Small Vessel Disease (SVD) Stroke. In
another project, the fetal neural stem cells
(FNSCs) were exposed to hypoxia and it was
concluded that astrocytes probably play a
neuroprotective role in hypoxic brain injury. In
another study, it was shown that the altered
kynurenine metabolism may be responsible for
hyperglutamatergic tone in Mesial Temporal
Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampal Sclerosis (MTLE-
HS) patients.
Zika Virus (ZIKV) infection is associated with
micro encephaly which is manifested as babies
born with smaller head and under developed
brain. WNT2 involved in cell fate determination
was found to be downregulated in response to
ZIKV protein in human fetal neuronal stem cells.
This finding provides a basis to ZIKV induced
neurological complications in infants born to
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mothers who were infected by the mosquito
borne virus during their pregnancies. (Brain
Re s e a rc h B u l l et i n , 1 7 6 , 9 3 - 1 0 2 . D O I :
10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.08.009.
Collaborative research led by clinicians and
scientists analyzing whole exome sequencing
provides insights into the genetic architecture of
severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and
its link to immune factors, especially immune
related pathways and functions related to innate
immunity such as antigen binding were over
presented. The findings give a hint at how
selection pressures in individuals from families
with a severe mental illness may diverge from the
general population. (Scientific Reports: 2021,
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-
00123-x)
Deep neural networks have revolutionized
computer vision, and their object
representations across layers' match coarsely
with visual cortical areas in the brain. However,
whether these representations exhibit
qualitative patterns seen in human perception or
brain representations remains unresolved. Some
neural phenomena in terms of distance
comparisons were found to be present in
randomly initialized networks, such as the global
advantage effect, sparseness, and relative size.
Many others were present after object
recognition training, whereas, other phenomena
were absent in trained networks. These findings
indicate sufficient conditions for the emergence
of these phenomena in brains and deep
networks, and offer clues to the properties that
could be incorporated to improve deep
networks. (Nature Communications,
(2021)12:1872.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
SWADESH is the first large-scale multimodal
neuroimaging database designed specifically for
Indian population with big-data architecture and
analytics for various disease categories under
one platform. This is the World's first multimodal
brain imaging data and analytics developed
through the integration of various modules for
early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The
unique brain initiative focuses on certified
neuroimaging, neurochemical,
neuropsychological data and analytics that are
made accessible to researchers for managing
brain disorders.
Public Health Nutrition
The Public Health Nutrition programme is
concerned with promotion of good health
through prevention of nutrition–related illnesses
/ problems in the population, and the
government policies and programmes that are
aimed at solving these problems using organised
and multidisciplinary approaches. The areas
u n d e r s u p p o r t i n c l u d e s a d d re s s a l o f
micronutrient deficiencies including anemia,
severe acute malnutrition, protein and
malnutrition, food fortification, probiotics for
human health and well-being, food safety,
development of low cost foods/ supplements and
capacity building in the field. The Department has
initiated new R& D programs that includes “Food
fortification and newer technologies to improve
bioavailability of nutrients” and Geriatric
Nutrition. Recently R&D programs on Agri
Nutrition linkages has been undertaken to
address the protein malnutrition prevalent
across the country.
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Researchers have developed the gold-
nanoparticle-based, sandwich-format lateral
flow immunoassay (LFIA) test kit with excellent
sensitivity allowing the detection of as low as 0.5
% (w/w) pork in raw and heat- processed meat
mix and commercial meat samples within 15 min
including sample preparation. DBT funded study
in JNU, New Delhi suggests that VDR-SNPs can be
associated with diseased states and resistance to
vitamin D. In a DBT funded study at JSS Medical
College of Pharmacy, Mysore, researchers
showed Vitamin-D3 and Metformin inhibited
breast cancer cell lines by inducing G2/M arrest
and promoting the expression of p53, and
Caspase-3/7 activity. Vitamin-D3 is more
effective compared to Metformin in inhibiting
the breast cancer cells proliferation. In a DBT
funded study at Acharya Institute of Technology,
Bangalore, researchers have developed low-cost
and user friendly vitamin D test strips that work
based on the principle of electrochemistry and
allow detection of nanomolar concentrations of
vitamin D bound with a specifically designed
electroactive molecule. The prototype is further
interfaced with a smart-phone app “VitaD” that
obtains test results from the device in real-time
and compare the results with datasets to provide
suitable recommendations of diet and sunlight
exposure to overcome vitamin D deficiencies. In a
joint study by NII, Delhi and THSTI, Faridabad,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
researchers showed that skeletal muscles of vdr-
/- exhibit abnormal glycogen accumulation
leading to energy deprivation and concomitant
increase in AMPK activity when they are
subjected to a carbohydrate enriched diet. The
data presented revealed that vitamin D signalling
plays an essential role in metabolic adaptation of
mammals to a carbohydrate rich diet upon
weaning by optimizing glucose utilization in
skeletal muscles. A study is being conducted at St
John's Research Institute, Bangalore to study the
Effect of early stunting on body cell mass and fat
mass in terms appropriate for gestational age
(AGA) infants. Results from the preliminary data
analysis suggest that the body composition
between infants with and without linear growth
faltering is similar. Linear growth faltered infants
show significantly lower BCM accretion during 3
to 6 months period. The % BCM is higher in SGA
infants up to 1.5 months and thereafter the
significance disappears with increasing age.
Scientific Sub-Committee of National
Technical Board on Nutrition (SSC NTBN):
Govt. of India has constituted the National
Technical Board on Nutrition (NTBN) under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Vinod Paul, Member NITI
Aayog to make technical recommendations on
policy relevant issues on nutrition. A Scientific
Sub-Committee of National Technical Board on
Nutrition (SSC NTBN) was constituted to make
technical recommendations to the National
Technical Board on Nutrition (NTBN) by NITI
Aayog and WCD Division. The SSC NTBN is co-
chaired by Secretary DBT and Secretary DHR.
Since its constitution five meetings of SSC NTBN
have been organized. Further, two working
groups, one for Research Activities and the other
for Policy Implementation have also been
constituted which will advise the SSC NTBN.
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The first meeting of the two

working groups and the fifth
meeting of SSC NTBN was
organized during Oct. 2021.
One of the
recommendations of the
SSC NTBN during the fifth
meeting was to initiate a
program on 'Data Driven
Approaches to Public Health
& Nutrition'.

Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine

The aim of the Stem Cells & Regenerative

developing gene editing technology for possible
Medicine program is to promote basic, early and
therapeutic applications, creation of animal
late translational research in the area of stem
models for various human diseases, trainings and
cells and regenerative medicine. Scientific
workshops, and formulation of regulatory
strategies include: basic biology of all adult stem
framework for stem cell research in India.
cells, early and late translational research,

Significant Outcomes and Achievements

No. of Research 35 Process/Product/ Technology Developed

Publications
during 2020-21

No.of Patents 9
Applied/ Granted

No. of Human 38
Resources trained

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R& D efforts:
Vaidya et al. have shown that inhibiting p38
MAPK in ex vivo cultured MSCs revitalizes them
and enhances their regenerative properties. Sen
et al. observed low levels of DNA damage and
aneuploidy in mouse embryonic stem cells
(mESCs) on soft gels and cell derived matrices,
thus mESCs may be cultured on soft substrates
for expansion maintaining genomic integrity.
Thangavel et al. demonstrated the application of
their novel culture conditions for gene therapy
application and have also developed gene editing
reagents, validated in Hematopoietic stem cells
and in mouse transplantation studies.
Subramanyam et al. show that loss of clathrin
heavy chain results in a change in the stiffness of
embryonic stem cells in a manner dependent on
the actin cytoskeleton. Pethe et al. show that
Fig. CRISPR/Cas9 gene edited human embryonic stem cells showing undifferentiated (top) and
ectoderm differentiated (bottom) colonies.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
human embryonic stem cells remain pluripotent
on soft substrates (0.2 kPa) while differentiation
into definitive endoderm is hindered on soft
substrate. Inamdar et al. have successfully
generated and characterized targeted gene
knockout human pluripotent embryonic stem cell
lines using the CRISPR-Cas9 strategy and also
transgenic lines for constitutive overexpression,
for mitochondrial genes. The lines show
pluripotency marker expression, normal
karyotype and tri-lineage differentiation. Mishra
et al. observed that extracellular matrix stiffness
in neural stem cell niche is found to upregulate
proliferation and transformation to cancer stem
cell phenotype. Hence, co-targeting ECM fibrosis
and redox mis-regulation can be effective in
eliminating brain cancer stem-like population.
Mohanty et al. show Wharton Jelly derived MSCs
as emerging source for translational applications.
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Centre for Neuro Developmental
Synaptopathies (CNS)
This collaborative programme at lnStem has a
major objective of creating stem cell based
models of brain disorders, leveraging expertise at
NCBS and the University of Edinburgh. The Centre
has refined the stem cell research program using
human iPSC technology including a platform of
functional neurons and glial cells. Fragile X
syndrome model neurons show wayward
uncontrolled activity than the controls mirroring
previous network activity changes in animal
models of same disease. World's first multi-
model rat transgenic experimental platform was
also set up having 10 rat transgenic lines
modeling 7 of the most penetrant genetic
conditions associated with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD). Ongoing analyses reveal that the
divergence in behavioural phenotypes between
models of ID/ASD across rodent species contrasts
with the clear convergence at the biochemical
and cellular level. Behavioural consequences of
null mutations are not conserved between mice
and rats and rodents are resilient to certain
genetic mutations that give rise to severe ASD.
Programme on Accelerating the application of
stem cell technology in human disease (ASHD)
A major multi-institutional collaborative project
Fig. Distribution of the 88 HiPSC lines generated by the ADBS program according to disease types.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
with focus on two broad research components,
namely “Accelerator program for discovery in
brain disorders using stem cells (ADBS)” and
“Novel approaches to hematological disorders
(NAHD)” led to some interesting findings.
ADBS program has established a cohort of large
dense families with major psychiatric disorders. A
total of 4038 families were screened, and 540
large dense families have been systematically
evaluated. Eight hundred and ninety-nine
i n d i v i d u a l s h av e u n d e r g o n e d e t a i l e d
assessments including magnetic resonance
imaging, psychophysics and neuropsychological
tests. Healthy controls (N=119) have also been
ascertained and evaluated. Preliminary analyses
indicate the presence of shared and unique risk
factors and endophenotypes across disorders. A
total of 88HiPSC primary lines were generated at
the ADBS program and banked as primary lines of
MEF. In addition to generating new HiPSC lines
and validating their pluripotency, the ADBS
biobanking group works towards sustainable
banking of these HiPSCs benchmarked to
international standards. The ADBS program
includes a strong component of capacity building
in stem cell technology in India. The program
organizes an annual training program in iPSC
technology with the Centre for iPSC Research,
Kyoto University (CiRA), Japan and also iPSC
training programs at inStem, Bengaluru.
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Novel Approaches To Hematological Diseases
(NAHD):
NAHD program involves developing modern
methods including gene therapy technologies for
hereditary blood disorders such as haemophilia,
thalassemia and sickle cell disease. This program
is led by Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
and the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR, a
unit of inStem, Bengaluru), Vellore.
Gene Therapy for Hematological Disorders
l AAV based gene therapy for hemophilia B:
Developed an AAV3 vector to express codon
optimized hFIXpadua gene for gene therapy
for hemophilia B and clinical protocol
developed.
l AAV Antibody Assays: TIA based assay
standardized for AAV serotypes 3 and 5. An in-
house peptide ELISA established for AAV
serotypes 3, 5 and 8. There were a total of 892
samples collected.
l Lentiviral based gene therapy for hemophilia
Pre-clinical work involving harvest of
peripheral blood stem cells have been
completed. The transduction protocol tested
in three different batches of these cells. Data
has been submitted to the CDSCO. CDSCO
phase-I clinical trial approval obtained.
l Pre-clinical gene therapy for
haemoglobinopathies (lentiviral): High
expression novel lentiviral vectors for beta
globin expression developed & tested in ex-
vivo erythropoiesis and mouse models.
Genome-Editing Based Gene Therapy
l Developed gene edited hematopoietic stem
cells that are resistant for HIV-1 infection.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
l Developed a technology for preferential
enrichment of specific subsets of
hematopoietic stem cells for gene therapy
application.
l Identified multiple novel regulatory
mutations, in addition to naturally occurring
mutations, that substantially elevated the
fetal globin level levels up to 47%, without any
detrimental effects on erythroid
differentiation and provided potential
additional targets for the treatment of SCD
and β- thalassemia.
Non-Viral Vector Based Nucleic Acid Transfer
l Developed a novel Shikimoylated Mannose
Receptor Targeting (SMART) nanoparticle
system for delivering mRNAs into dendritic
cells for vaccine development, synthesized
chemically modified mRNA and validated
functionally.
Musculoskeletal Regeneration Program
l Two phase I/II clinical trials for bone and
physeal regeneration using autologous
culture expanded mesenchymal stem cells
and chondrocytes completed and three
ongoing phase I/II clinical trial for physis, bone
(OI) and muscle regeneration (sphincter
repair).
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The control & management programme for Sickle
Cell Anemia and Thalassemia has been
implemented in the State of Odisha. This program
has been initiated in six districts in Phase I,
namely: Balasore, Bargarh, Cuttack, Jharsuguda,
Koraput, and Sambalpur. The major components
of this program include: comprehensive testing
of the population at risk for carrier status with a
single blood sample right up to genetic diagnosis
and a major component of Behaviour Change
Communication targeted activities using all
forms of media to increase knowledge and
awareness about these diseases among the
general population. Towards increasing the
capacity and capability for treatment of major
haemoglobin disorders, several training
workshops are being arranged at different levels
(State/Regional levels) for doctors/other
healthcare workers of Odisha.
Vaccine Research and Development
Vaccines are the one of the most cost-effective
health interventions for combating infectious
diseases. Hence, over the past three decades, the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has made
concerted efforts to strengthen the Indian
vaccine research and development ecosystem.
The most significant international partnership
t h a t c o n t r i b u t e d i m m e n s e l y t o w a rd s
development of indigenous vaccine science is the
Indo-US Vaccine Action Programme (VAP), a
bilateral programme being jointly implemented
by DBT, and the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), since 1987. The programme demonstrated
major achievements like the development of the
low-cost Rotavirus vaccine which became part of
the universal immunization programme. Through
the Horizon 2020 Programme the Union
Government and European Union (EU) have
collaborated to develop cost-effective and
affordable universal Influenza vaccine with
reactivity against an increased breadth of
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Influenza strains. The Ind-CEPI Mission is another
initiative initiated in 2019, in partnership with the
global foundation, the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), for supporting
vaccine development for potential outbreak
threats up to Phase II testing and enhancing inter-
ministerial co-ordination for rapid vaccine
development. Innovative funding mechanisms
are being facilitated through the National
Biopharma Mission (NBM) - an Industry-
Academia collaborative Mission, being
implemented by BIRAC, a Public Sector
Undertaking of DBT. The availability of affordable
and accessible vaccines in India is a priority area
of the Mission and is supporting vaccine
candidates in different stages of development.
Major initiatives during the year:
Initiatives under the auspices of Indo-US VAP-
A new initiative to strengthen capacities in
biomedical research ethics was initiated, in
collaboration with the Department of Bioethics,
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center,
USA. Under this initiative, a series of webinars on
'Clinical Research Ethics', were organized.
Initiatives to support vaccine development for
COVID-19- Mission COVID Suraksha
The Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Mission', was announced as part of the third
stimulus package, Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0, for
promoting research and development of Indian
COVID-19 vaccines. The Mission has been
intended to be a National Mission with a focus on
bringing to the citizens of the country a safe,
efficacious, affordable and accessible COVID-19
Vaccine, at the earliest with a focus on
AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
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The mission was launched to strengthen and
consolidate the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine
development efforts and to build a strong
ecosystem for pre-clinical and clinical vaccine
development.
Upgradation of DBT's laboratories as Central
Drug Laboratories (CDLs)- Considering the need
for enhanced batch testing of Vaccines, two DBT
Autonomous Institutes- National Institute of
Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad and
National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune,
have been identified for upgradation as Central
Drug Laboratories (CDLs), for vaccine testing. The
facility at NCCS, Pune, was notified as CDL, on
June 28, 2021; the facility at NIAB, Hyderabad
th
was notified on 17 August, 2021; by Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare. Support for the same
was provided under PM-CARES funds.
Outcomes and achievements of the program:
a. Achievements under Indo-US VAP-
The Department is supporting development of
candidate vaccines in various stages of pre-
clinical and clinical development, for cholera,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
dengue, influenza, malaria, pneumococcal
infection, chikungunya and tuberculosis.
A Consultation on 'Opportunities for SARS-CoV-2
Research Collaboration' was held on 19th May,
2021 under Indo-U.S. Vaccine Action Programme.
The aim of the meeting was to set a foundation
for undertaking important and urgent
collaborative research to quickly understand the
effect of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants on the
efficacy of vaccines that are being implemented
in various countries. Further, the adjuvant
Alhydroxiquim-II (from US-based ViroVax) that
was developed through NIAID's adjuvant
program was included in the development of
Covaxin, the indigenous inactivated COVID-19
vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech. 'India-U.S.
Collaborative Research Grants on Vaccine
Adjuvant Development' is being implemented to
foster collaborations between Indian and U.S.
investigators to accelerate vaccine adjuvant
research. Under the initiative, four proposals
have been shortlisted for financial support,
focused on (i) heparinoid-based adjuvants for
flavivirus vaccine development, (ii) development
of adjuvanted vaccine for FMDV, (iii)
identification of combination adjuvants for RSV
vaccine, (iv) development of endogenous STING
agonist adjuvanted BCG vaccine for tuberculosis.
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Indo-US Collaborative Research on Human
Immunophenotyping in collaboration with
Human Immunology Project Consortium (HIPC)
supports human immunology research in India
through collaborations of Indian investigators
with U.S.-based investigators in the Human
Immunology Project Consortium (HIPC) of the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID). In Phase I from 2014 through
2016, 6 projects were supported, which resulted
in 12 high impact publications. The
commendable progress that was achieved in
Phase I, led to the implementation of Phase II of
the Programme. DBT-NIAID joint funding support
was initiated in 2018/early 2019, as part of which,
5 projects were supported. The study titled
'Systems Vaccinology of the Vi Conjugate Typhoid
Vaccine in Infants' used systems biological
approaches to explore the immune response of
infants in India, vaccinated with Typbar-TCV®.
Among the 124 infants who completed the study,
97% (121/124) infants seroconverted at day 42,
and at 6 months, 96% (119/124) of infants had
maintained the 4-fold rise post vaccination,
similar to previously published data showing a
98.2% seroconversion (age group 12-23 months)
at day 42 post vaccination. In the study titled
'Molecular Dissection of Trained Immunity in HBV
infected Infants' it was found that differential
monocyte subsets in pre- vaccine and post
vaccine blood of healthy, anti HBC+ve adults and
newborns born to HBsAg +ve mothers showed
that post vaccine,classical monocytes
(CD14+CD16+) were significantly increased in
newborns born to HBsAg+ve mothers. The
project titled 'Human B cell responses and
receptor repertoire in dengue patients in India'
found that the quality, quantity and dynamics of
the plasmablast responses and their receptor
repertoire differ between patients with primary
and secondary infections - but both primary and
secondary infections can account for a
substantial fraction of the dengue burden of
illness and severe disease in India.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Regional Prospective Observational Research in
Tuberculosis (RePORT) India: This is a bilateral
collaborative effort being supported under the
aegis of the Indo-US Vaccine Action Programme
(VAP), to advance tuberculosis (TB) research in
I n d i a . T h e i n i t i at i ve h a s b e e n u n d e r
implementation since 2013 with a focus on the
establishment of a TB consortium with PAN-India
representation, involving long term longitudinal
cohorts of TB patients and their household
contacts in India. Basic and applied research for
development of newer diagnostics and
identification of novel improved biomarkers for
targeted therapy are being conducted under the
RePORT India initiative. RePORT India is the first
multidisciplinary, multi-institutional clinical and
translational TB research consortium for India,
whereby seven clinical research sites are being
supported. The RePORT sites majorly enrol two
sets of cohorts – Patients with active tuberculosis
(Cohort A) and their healthy household contacts
(Cohort B).
As part of the Phase I of RePORT India Common
Protocol, all the biospecimens are stored in an
interim biorepository at NIRT, Chennai. The
biospecimens collected under the site-specific
Parent Protocols are housed in the respective
sites. All the clinical data acquired through
Common Protocol is centrally harboured in the
statistical data management unit at Centre for
Health Research and Development (SAS-CHRD),
in New Delhi. Significant achievements of
RePORT India Phase I include: archiving of >
2,50,000 biospecimens in the central and
institutional biorepositories;>90 peer-reviewed
publications emerged in the past 6 years
addressing key scientific priorities. The cohort
participants of RePORT India are also being co-
enrolled for the Phase III trial of VPM1002, a new
and improved recombinant vaccine for
prevention of TB and prevention of recurrence of
TB.
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Outcomes of RePORT India Phase I Studies:
l Identified metabolites that regulate
innate resistance against MTB infection
among household contacts of PTB.
l Identified biomarkers such as pre-
treatment IL-6, hair levels of INH and its
metabolite, visceral adiposity index and
lipid signatures which could predict
treatment outcomes.
l Developed a computational profiling
platform of TB signature gene sets and
characterized the diagnostic ability of
ex i st i n g s i g n at u re ge n e s e t s to
differentiate active TB from LTBI in the
setting of malnutrition
l Studied the Gene expression profiles
among Indian children with confirmed TB
and found that they were distinct from
adult-derived gene lists
b. S u p p o r t f o r C O V I D - 1 9 Va c c i n e
Development
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
l Identified three metabolites (N-
acetylneuraminate, Quinolinate and
pyridoxate) that correctly identified TB
status at distinct times during treatment
among paediatric TB participants.
l Elucidated activation of diabetic
complication pathway with implications
for associated NCD viz Epigenetic
regulation, Oxidative stress, DNA damage,
Cellular senescence, Platelet activation,
RAGE signaling, CVD biomarkers
Building on the success of Phase I,
implementation of Phase II of RePORT India was
initiated in February, 2021, whereby 9 cohort
research sites / units, inclusive of 2 additional
sites from North and North-East, have initiated
enrolments.
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Major outcomes from the support provided and mouse infection models are being
through the Department for COVID vaccine supported, for providing services offered
development are enumerated below: to vaccine developers.
l 5 vaccine candidates in advanced stage of l 5 biorepositories for archiving COVID-19
development are being supported under biospecimens have been established and
'Mission COVID Suraksha- The Indian nearly 16,000 samples shared with
COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission'. industry and academia.
l To scale-up production capacity of l 2 Central Drug Laboratories (CDLs) were
Covaxin, financial support is being set up at DBT-NCCS and DBT-NIAB with
provided to BBIL and three other Public support from PM-CARES Funds.
Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Also,
l Under the Partnerships for Advancing
technology transfer for Covaxin
Clinical Trials (PACT) program, a science
production from BBIL to Gujarat COVID
diplomacy initiative of the Department, in
Vaccine Consortium (GCVC), is being
Archived more than 53,000 COVID -19 biospecimens
and 27 viral isolates; 16,000 samples shared with
industry and academia

Bioreposito
Set up at DBT-NCCS and DBT-NIAB ries Generation of hamster challenge models and
with support from PM -CARES Funds mouse infection models; services offered to 6
for testing and batch release of Animal industries
vaccines Vaccine
2 Challenge 5
Testing
Facilities
Facilities

Enhancing capacities of BBIL, and 3 PSUs

for ramping up Covaxin production to 10 cr. Capacity
Immunoassay Bioassay Laboratory at THSTI recognized by
doses /month. Technology transfer of Enhance-
labs CEPI as one of the 7 global network of
Covaxin production to Gujarat COVID ment laboratories; Offering services to vaccine
Vaccine Consortium; Indian 6 manufacturers
Immunologicals achieved production of 20
lakh doses equivalent of Covaxin Drug
Substance

facilitated. Through these efforts, the collaboration with the Ministry of

current manufacturing of Covaxin is External Affairs, 2 series of training
expected to be enhanced by 5-6 times in programmes, for strengthening clinical
the next few months. trial capacities were held for more than
l 54 GCP Compliant clinical trial sites, PAN-
2000 candidates across 14 neighboring
India, have been set-up for facilitating and friendly countries.
quick clinical trials. Each site has access to
a cohort of about 50000 - 100000 healthy
volunteers.
l 6 Immunoassay laboratories and 5
facilities for animal challenge studies for
generation of hamster challenge models

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 138

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l The Department is coordinating with the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and
other international agencies to promote
vaccine development and production.
National Biopharma Mission
The National Biopharma Mission (NBM), is a
government- industry-academia collaboration
dedicated to 'Accelerating Discovery Research to
Early Development for Biopharmaceuticals'
funded at a total cost of INR 1500 Cr co-funded by
the World Bank at 50% cost sharing. NBM's
charter is being implemented by Biotechnology
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
a. Vaccines
l Pneumococcal vaccine candidate, a 15
valent pneumococcal vaccine successfully
completed the Stage-1 (Phase I/II CT) and
is currently being supported for Phase III
CT.
l Two (02) Dengue vaccine candidates
supported for pre-clinical studies, Indian
Immunological Ltd. (Live attenuated
platform, in-licensed technology from
NIH, USA) and Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(VLP based platform, indigenous novel
technology) have now transitioned to
Stage-2 and have been recommended for
support for Phase I human clinical trials.
l Chikungunya vaccine candidate: received
NOC from DCG(I) to commence Phase II
part of the Phase II/III trials of the
candidate Chikungunya vaccine BBV87.
l Rabies vaccine candidate (Cadila
Pharmaceuticals) has been
recommended for support.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
b. Biotherapeutics
l Biosimilar Insulin Glargine by Stelis
Biopharma and Biosimilar Liraglutide by
Levim Biotech completed Phase I clinical
Trial. Biosimilar Liraglutide Phase III
Clinical trial is ongoing.
l Three (03) Biosimilar projects
Tra st u z u m a b fo r b re a st ca n c e r,
Ustekinumab for Psoriasis by (Serum
Institute India Limited)- and Aflibercept
(Lupin Ltd) have completed the preclinical
toxicity study.
c. Medical Devices
l Working prototype endoscopes made by
Grantees Univlabs Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
and Irillic Pvt. Ltd. An ISO 13485 facility
established for biological grade polylactic
a c i d p ro d u c t i o n b y O r t h o c ra f t s
Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
l Another ISO certified facility established
for development of MRI scanners by
Voxelgrids Innovations Pvt. Ltd. along
with setting up of completely indigenous
MRI machine scanners at several hospital
sites in India.
l Recruitment of patients for clinical trials
of heart valves initiated by TTK
Healthcare Ltd.
l Advanced Multi spectral Flexible Video
Endoscope, a next generation, 4K+, 60 fps
flexible video endoscopy system with
multi spectral imaging and intelligent
image fusion techniques for multi modal
tissue visualization for improved
diagnosis, set up by HealthCare
Technology Innovation Center at IIT
Madras.
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d. Shared Facilities Biologicals, Dharwad, Karnataka is

manufacturing clinical trial lots for
l The manufacturing facility at AMTZ has biologics products from India and other
manufactured the following products: RT- countries. The facility is manufacturing
PCR tests 900 lakhs; Tests, ELISA Test Kits- COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik-V Drug
1.5 Crores, Viral Transport Medium – 11 Substance and few more Biologics
lakh units; IR Thermometers – 5000 units. products for external clients. MJ
Ventilators – 11,000 units. Pulse – Biopharm and Gennova
Biopharmaceuticals Private Limited are
oximeters 5000 units.
also providing PDL services while
expanding their facility to serve different
l Huwel Lifesciences facility developed 200
clientele.
lakh RT-PCR diagnostic kits, 20 lakhs vial
material transfer medium, 24 lakhs
l The cell line repositories at National
nucleic extraction kits and have initiated
Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) and CSIR-
the commercial production of fluorescent
IMTECH are under development.
probes for molecular diagnostics assays.
Activities are in progress for facility
establishment and establishing MTAs
l The Good Clinical Lab Practices (GCLP)
with the international repositories for
facility focusing on Pneumococcal
acquiring the cell line strains. These will
(bacterial) assays in Bangalore Karnataka
be developed as national centres for cell
and another in Pune are targeting
banking and cell line characterization
serological assays for major viral diseases
services.
affecting the Indian subcontinent
(Dengue and Chikungunya). IRSHA facility
Translational Research Consortium
at Pune has completed validation and
NABL Accreditation of Chikungunya
Under the aegis of National Biopharma Mission,
assay: IgG ELISA, IgG isotyping and re-
Translational Research Consortia (TRC) is a
accreditation of the Chikungunya PRNT50
Partnership Platform to ensure the translational
assay. The facility of IRSHA, inaugurated in
ecosystem to improve, standardize and provide
2020 is providing services to industry and
support for advancing development and
academia. The facility also established
evaluation of vaccines and monoclonal
the immunogenicity evaluation assays for
antibodies against the most prevalent viral
COVID-19 vaccines.
diseases in the country.
l The Centre for Advanced Protein Studies
l “Translational Research Consortium for
at Syngene has served 10 National clients
Establishing Platform Technologies to
including 5 under start-ups or academia
Support Prophylactic and Therapeutic
for analytical services for Biologics. The
Strategies for Dengue Discovery to Proof-
facility is ready with GLP analytical setup.
of-Concept ” is carried out by a
Entrepreneurship Development Centre,
consortium of eight (08) leading institutes
Syngene and CSIR-IICT are providing
of the country. Major accomplishments
services to the industry and academia.
include:
l The cGMP manufacturing facility at Shilpa

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- Identification of potent mAbs against all
4 serotypes of Dengue and standardized
high throughput assays to monitor
neutralizing antibody responses.
- Serum bank establishment with
hyperimmune sera of 100 Dengue exposed
patients at the lead institute ICGEB.
- Establishment of Biorepository with
about 50 well characterized strains at
THSTI, the collaborating institute.
- The team at THSTI has AG129 mouse
model of Dengue. The model will be
available as a fee for service for researchers.
- A provisional patent is filed on Design of
dengue 4 constructs (DENV4 TVP/360 prM-
E4v.2 and DENV4 TVP/360 prM-E4v.3) that
leads to generation of soluble, cleaved,
well-ordered, dimeric, native-like envelope
(E) protein from mammalian expression
system”. The envelope proteins will be used
as antigen baits to identify potentmAbs.
l “Translational Research Consortia TRC
for Chikungunya Virus” is carried out by
consortium of six (06) leading institutes
of the country. The main achievements
are as follows:
- MAHE had implemented the serum Bio-
Banking for CHIKV and so-far approximately
3000 aliquots have been banked (including
300 virus positive aliquots). MAHE had
performed whole genome sequencing
(WGS) of 24 CHIKV clinical isolates selected
by ICGEB based on mutational and
epidemiological analysis.
- ICGEB had completed quantitative
antibody testing- both IgM and IgG for 170
samples received from MAHE. Out of all the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
clinical symptoms, joint pain had a
significant co- relation with CHIKV IgM
positivity.
- ILS is in the process of developing
chikungunya acute and chronic model using
reference strains (S 27/DRDE-06) in adult
(4-6 weeks) C57BL/6 mice.
l Hepatitis E-Translational Research
Consortium (TRC-HEV): The Mission is
supporting two (02) TRCs for HEV. Cadila
Healthcare Ltd. has developed a
recombinant subunit vaccine expressed
in prokaryotic system, against HEV
infection in humans targeting the
immunodominant epitope in HEV ORF2
protein. The vaccine candidate has been
found to be safe in preclinical toxicology
studies. The Mission is supporting
collaboration between industry (Cadila)
and academic partners, led by JIPMER.
The team will undertake Phase II/ III
clinical trials of candidate vaccine in India
and evaluate T-cell response to the
vaccine, identify the immunological
determinants of antibody responses and
to determine neutralization potential of
the antibodies using an in vitro model.
THSTI-HEV Translational Research
Consortium (THSTI-HEV-TRC) is led by
Translational Health Science and
Technology (THSTI), New Delhi. Consortia
partners include VaxFarm Life Sciences, a
Start-up company, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi,
Post Graduate Institute of Medical
Education & Research (PGIMER),
Chandigarh, Regional Centre for
Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad. The
objective of the consortia
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l M a l a r i a Tra n s l a t i o n a l Re s e a r c h
Consortium (TRC-Malaria): The Malaria
Translational Research Consortium is
between Regional Medical Research
Center, Bhubaneswar, National Institute
of Immunology, New Delhi, ICMR-
National Institute of Malaria Research,
N e w D e l h i a n d M u l t i Va c c i n e s
Development Program, New Delhi. A
novel combination of antigens will be
evaluated as potential vaccine
candidates. The antigens will target
different stages of the malarial parasite
Plasmodium falciparum such as the
sexual stage and pre-erythrocytic stage to
try to generate effective antimalarial
efficacy. The evaluation will be done in
small animal models, transgenic parasites
and validated using complex assays which
include SMFA. Epidemiological findings
from high endemicity areas will provide
additional information in support of the
antigenic candidates under
consideration.
l Clinical Trial Network - Field sites for
Vaccines- Efforts are directed towards
strengthening already existing Health and
Demographic Surveillance Systems
(HDSS) and establishing new HDSS sites at
different locations in the country. In view,
of the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts
are steered to address the current crisis,
at hand.
l Electronic Data Management
(SOMAARTH Platform)- Within the
network, paperless e-data management
has been ensured through different
platforms developed for the studies at
DRIVEN sites. The INCLEN Trust
International, New Delhi has developed
an electronic data management platform
namely SOMAARTH-1 and SOMAARTH-3
for collecting data, reporting, analysis and
archival of community-based
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
demographic, development and
environmental surveillance sites and
associated studies. These network sites are
being sought to bring harmonization in the
p ro c e s s e s a n d u n i fo r m i t y i n t h e
methodology and steps to be followed in
carrying out the study which would ensure
quality of data collected from all the sites
and preparedness of all these sites for
future clinical trials.
l Technology Transfer Offices (TTO)- The
Mission is supporting establishment of
seven (07) TTOs which are geographically
spread across the country, the goal is to
establish/expand/thrive chosen entities
designated as Regional Technology Transfer
Offices (RTTOs). They will function as
strategic drivers of innovation within the
host institution and vitally engage with
number of affiliate and non-affiliate
institutions within a geographical region to
bring in transformative approach to
recognition of the value of academic
research results and their translation to
markets. These are located at:
1.Innovation Technology Transfer
Office (iTTO), IIT Delhi
2. TechEx.in, Pune
3. Office of Technology Transfer (OTT),
Bangalore
4. I K P - P l a t fo r m fo r Re g i o n a l I P
Management Ecosystem (IKP-PRIME),
Hyderabad
5. KIIT-TBI Technology Transfer Office
(KIIT-TBI TTO), Bhubaneshwar
6. Technology Transfer Office @ BCIL
(TTO@BCIL), New Delhi.
7. Technology Transfer & Intellectual
Property Services @SCTIMST-TIMed
(TIPS@SCTIMST-TIMed), Trivandrum
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l Skill Development- Conducting trainings
and workshops-across various relevant
thematic areas are an integral part of the
National Biopharma Mission's (NBM's)
mandate. Several trainings on 'Good
Clinical Practice' (GCP), 'Good Clinical Lab
Practice' (GCLP) and 'Bioethics' were held
in collaboration with CDSA, Faridabad.
Workshops in the areas of clinical
research, regulatory compliances,
technology transfer, biopharmaceuticals
and medical devices have been majorly
supported.
Total Trainings: 42
Total Trained: 6968
Female Participation: 3641
Ind-CEPI MISSION
The Ind-CEPI Mission is an India centric
collaborative mission of Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India, aligned to
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
the global initiatives of CEPI (Coalition of
Epidemic Preparedness Innovations). The Ind-
CEPI Mission is currently supporting 2 vaccine
projects:
a. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine- Support is being
provided to Gennova Biopharmaceuticals
Limited for the development of “Next-generation
m R N A v a c c i n e a ga i n s t C O V I D - 1 9 fo r
manufacturing of vaccine candidate, and safety
and immunogenicity in Phase I/II clinical trial.
Currently the proof-of-concept has been
established and pre-clinical studies in nonhuman
primates for optimum dose identification has
been conducted.
b. Chikungunya vaccine- Support is being
provided to Bharat Biotech International Ltd
(BBIL) for the development of inactivated virus
based Global Chikungunya Vaccine for GMP
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manufacturing of the vaccine in India and anomalies, diseases of neonatal period and early
subsequent manufacture of clinical trial childhood. Several collaborative efforts have
materials. Under the aegis of IndCEPI Mission, been initiated for hypothesis driven original
the India PACT (Partnerships for Accelerating research for answering questions relevant to our
Clinical Trials) programme, a science diplomacy health need in the area.
initiative, has been launched by the Department
of Biotechnology, to promote capacity building,
skill development, and regional coordination in Inter-Institutional Program for Maternal,
the field of vaccine development. In this direction Neonatal and Infant Sciences: A translational
an e-course series “Strengthening Clinical Trial approach to studying preterm birth (PTB)
Research Capacity in Neighbouring Countries”
has been launched in collaboration with CDSA, GarbhINI: Inter discisplinary Group for Advanced
Faridabad. The series was very well received by Research on BirtH outcomes -DBT India Initiative-
the neighbouring countries and proved to be an Under the phase I of this programme, more than
important diplomacy initiative for regional 27000 women have been screened and a unique
networking and coordination. pregnancy cohort comprising more than 8000
women has been established using an
i nte rd i s c i p l i n a r y a p p ro a c h co m p r i s i n g
Translational Health Science And Technology
Institute (THSTI), an autonomous institute of the
Department of Biotechnology, has been
supported under the Ind-CEPI mission for
establishment of BSL-3 facility, a translational
laboratory for platform technologies and a
Bioassay laboratory for development of assays to
measure clinical immunogenicity. The mandate
of the bioassay laboratory at THSTI is to provide
validated assays for vaccine development on par
with global standards. This DBT-THSTI Bioassay
laboratory had been recognized by CEPI as one of
the Global network of Laboratories for
centralized assessment of COVID 19 Vaccines .

Fig. Garbhini Cohort and Biobank

Women and Child Health
Women and Child Health programme was earlier
known as the Maternal and Child Health
Programme. It has been rechristened as the
overall mandate of the program has expanded to
include initiatives for addressing various
problems encompassing women's health .
Programmes have been supported on aspects of
pregnancy complications, mechanistic paradigm
governing the outcomes of pregnancy, congenital
methodologies of clinical, epidemiological,
statistical, genetic, proteomic and imaging
sciences to study Pre Term Birth. The GARBH-Ini
platform comprises of a biorepository of well
characterized clinical phenotypes with around 1
million bio-specimens and ~600,000 ultrasound
images.

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l In the cohort, the frequency of preterm attributed to exposure to indoor air

birth has been found to be 13%, with high pollution
rates of other adverse (stillbirth rate 2.3%,
low birth rate 27%, small for gestational l India – specific models of gestational age
age 38%) birth outcomes. estimation: Performance of Garbhini-
GA1 formula (developed from the
l In addition to the well-known risk factors Garbhini anthropometry data), a
like prior PTB, short IP interval and short nonlinear function of crown- rump length
cervix at 3rd trimester, some less (CRL), was equivalent to standard
reported factors such as biomass fuel use formulae used globally, for estimation of
and passive smoking as risk factors of first trimester GA (LoA, -0.46, 0.96
Preterm birth have been identified. weeks). The second & third trimester
models were 40% more accurate than
l An interim analysis of Garbh-Ini data Hadlock & INTERGROWTH-21st models.
showed nearly 9.5% of all PTB could be

Population-specific ultrasound- CALOPUS: Computer-Assisted LOw-cost Point-of-care UltraSound

based models for dating pregnancy
Gold standard: First trimester dating by USG Six Step Risk Assessment Traffic Light
Acquisition Algorithm Decision System
• 2nd & 3rd trimester model – 40% lesser error
than Hadlock Presentation Normal
(no referral)
• USG raw-image based dating- 30% Viability
reduced error than Hadlock Inconclusive
Number
Abnormal (immediate
Placenta referral)
• 2205 videos form 1065 participants
• 97 videos are annotated by expert radiologists
Amniotic fluid

Automation of measurement of fetal anthropometry in antenatal Ultrasonography

Schematic Diagram Deliverables
Biometry RMSE R2Score
Head Initial models • Software with automated
Circumference 0.73 0.98 can estimate measurements
biometry with
Abdominal • Reduces time of scan
a precision of
Circumference 0.8 0.98
± 1 cm
by 50 %
FemurLength 0.21 0.98
Completed & validated • Enables accurate
in Phase 2 measurements
Cervical Length 0.23 0.89

Fig. Tools Emerging from Garbhini Phase II

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Phase II of the GARBH-Ini program has been
developed and supported to continue the efforts
for acquiring deep fundamental knowledge
about PTB and find efficient and sustainable
solutions for reducing associated mortality,
immediate and long term morbidity. A dynamic
risk prediction model for PTB is proposed to be
built using multi-dimensional data from clinical,
epidemiological, ultrasound sonography imaging
and multiple omics technologies. This will enable
early & effective risk stratification of mothers
who may deliver preterm and facilitate timely
referral to higher level care.
Pediatric Renal Biology- Nephrotic Syndrome:
The chief achievements of this network proposal
have been the creation of a platform for
collaborative studies on nephrotic syndrome for
investigators across our country, establishing
longitudinal cohorts of patients who are offered
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
enrolment into prospective observational and
interventional studies, and a well phenotyped
biorepository that is a valuable resource for
studies into disease pathogenesis. Biospecimens,
collected at enrolment and during follow up in a
subset of patients enrolled into longitudinal
disease cohorts at 5 of 10 participating centers,
have been stored at one of two biorepositories,
namely Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute, Faridabad, and St. John's
Research Institute, Bengaluru. In collaboration
with IIT Roorkee, an App (Utsarjan) that allows
remote monitoring of patient clinical status and
enhances parental involvement in the
management of nephrotic syndrome was created
and launched on Google PlayStore in October
2020.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
DBT Programme Support for Fetal Programming
Research
This is a longitudinal study based on the Pune
Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS) and Pune Rural
Intervention in Young Adolescents (PRIYA), to test
the hypothesis that intervention with vitamin
B12, multi micronutrients (MMN) and protein in
adolescent girls from before conception will
favorably influence fetal programming of
'diabesity' in the offspring. The results support
the primary hypothesis that pre-conceptional
B12 supplementation improves maternal and
cord B12 status. The vitamin B12 intervention
group has been found to perform better in the
cognitive and language domains than the
placebo control. Intriguingly, the vitamin B12
intervention group also performed better than
the group that received both Vit B12 and
multiple-micronutrient supplementation.
Fig. Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS) & Pune Rural Intervention in
Young Adolescents (PRIYA)
The PRIYA trial has successfully concluded.
Supplementation starting in adolescence
achieved a better Vit.B12 and multi-
micronutrient status in the offspring. Even
though there was no difference in birth size in the
intervention groups, intergenerational increase
in birth weight was higher in the groups which
received vitamins. The neurocognitive
performance (cognitive and language) was better
in Vit. B12 only group. Preliminary analysis of
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
cord blood multi-OMICs studies have shown that
DNA methylation and transcriptomic differences
were more prominent in Vit.B12+MMN group.
Cord blood mononucleocytes of Vit.B12+ MMN
group showed 20 differentially expressedgenes,
which influence cell cycle and mitotic processes.
The proteome of the cord blood in the
intervention groups have shown many
differentially expressed proteins, which are being
characterized. An enviable biorepository
spanning three generations in the PMNS study
has been established, which is ready for multiple
possible investigations in future (DNA, RNA,
blood plasma and serum, urine and multi-site
microbiome).
Neonatal Sepsis – a detailed study: - Amongst
the problems of infancy and childhood, neonatal
sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and
morbidity among infants. The Indian scenario of
neonatal sepsis is particularly alarming with the
highest reported incidence in the world. Since
emerging evidence indicates differences in the
trends and characteristics of sepsis in low and
middle income countries like India compared
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to the developed countries, a context specific
comprehensive understanding of the biology of
neonatal sepsis may help guide clinical practice
and prevention strategies. The department has
therefore initiated a multi-disciplinary, multi-
institutional network program on neonatal
sepsis with an overarching goal of reducing
the burden of neonatal sepsis, sepsis-related
mortality and antimicrobial resistance in
neonates.
Placental Biology- Placental insufficiency has
been associated with several pregnancy related
complications including preterm birth. However,
direct invasive tissue-sampling from the placenta
during pregnancy is not feasible due to
inaccessibility and safety concerns. The analysis
of placenta specific exosomes in maternal blood
during pregnancy may represent a non-invasive
test for placental function/dysfunction in
pregnancy related disorder. Till date, 518 (target
n=1550) blood samples from pregnant women
across gestation have been collected and after
follow-up 18 Early Onset Preeclampsia (EOPE)
cases in different group have been identified. The
study proposes to carry out comparative analysis
of the DNA methylome, miRNA transcriptome
and proteome of placental exosomes derived
from serum of women with EOPE throughout
gestation. Another study aims to use state-of-the
art tools involving multi-omics approach for
development of methods to better understand
molecular signatures of this feto-maternal
dynamics. The ultimate goal of probing this
understudied organ is to unravel its role in
parturition and use of associated molecular
signatures to understand the optimal placental
functioning for healthy pregnancy. The study till
date reported that levels of Human Leukocyte
Antigen–G (sHLA-G) protein assayed across
pregnancy in maternal circulation at different
trimesters reveal a higher level during early
pregnancy in mothers delivering SGA neonates.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Placental angiogenic markers have also been
examined for their roles in pathogenesis and
potential utility in diagnosis of pregnancy related
complications. One study assessed whether
leptin transcript abundance and methylation
levels are associated with fetoplacental growth in
a set of well-characterized small (SGA) and
appropriate (AGA) for gestational age full-term
singleton births and it showed that placental
upregulation of leptin may be a plausible
regulator of angiogenesis.
Reproductive Biology- In the area of
reproductive biology, projects to advance
understanding in the area of polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS), endometrial dysfunction,
recurrent implantation failure and male infertility
were supported. A study on the incidence of male
infertility which is rising sharply with about 15%
of couples facing infertility showed that
alterations in HOXB1 expression correlate with
male infertility, which may result from HOXB1
mediated changes in the signaling pathways
important for spermatogenesis, particularly cell
proliferation, differentiation and meiosis.
In an undergoing study on assisted reproductive
technology (ART), it was noted that higher
maternal age and blood pressure is observed in
women of the ART group. Preliminary data shows
a lower trend of placental mRNA expression
levels of angiogenic factors-vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor
(PlGF) in the ART group as compared to the non-
ART group. A study on polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS), which is a disturbance of ovarian
follicular development showed that the
ovulation potential /rate can be improved with
the treatment of 4 Hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL)
from the fenugreek seeds in the PCOS condition,
indicating a great potential of this natural
product in the management of PCOS.
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Healthy Life Trajectories initiative (HeLTi): Early
Interventions to Support Trajectories for
healthy life in India (EINSTEIN) -The Healthy Life
Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) was launched as a
joint initiative between Canada, India, China and
South Africa in collaboration with the World
Health Organization to address the increasing
burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) –
including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease. It aims to test the hypothesis that
integrated interventions administered pre-
conceptionally and at appropriate points across
the life-course (pregnancy, infancy and
childhood) will reduce childhood adiposity,
improve cardiovascular and metabolic health,
and improve child neurodevelopmental
outcomes. In the HeLTI EINSTEIN (Early
Interventions to Support Trajectories for Healthy
Life in India) study set in rural Mysore, women of
reproductive age will receive a longitudinal multi-
faceted intervention comprising of multiple
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
micronutrients; a group parenting program;
hygiene and infection prevention measures;
reduction of environmental pollution exposure.
Extensive formative work and harmonization
across country sites has been completed and
target villages (N=105) were mapped and
enumerated (over 37,000 households with a
population of approximately 1,40,000); Nearly
3600 eligible women and about 2800 women
who would be potentially eligible over the next
12 months were identified. Due to current
pandemic, data is being collected using remote
methods (telephone and portable tablets;
anthropometry and biospecimen collection will
be undertaken soon after the local community is
comfortable with contact). Approximately 680
participants have been recruited so far and
baseline data has been collected on about 407.
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Outcome
1. No. of Research Publications during
2021-22: 11

2. No. of Human Resources Trained during

the year 2021-22: 338

3. Technology developed- A rapid multiplex

PCR assay for detection of a panel of
bacterial pathogens of early-onset sepsis
was successfully developed with
detection threshold established at 10-2 to
-4
10 CFU with 25 to 100 ng of DNA.
Additionally, the genes reported for
detection of resistance to antibiotics
commonly used were also evaluated and
significant association was observed
between the presence of the gene and
phenotype of resistance.

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KNOWLEDGE GENERATION,
DISCOVERY RESEARCH, NEW
TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Basic Research in Modern Biology
The focus of the programme has been
u n d erstan d in g f u n d amental b io lo gical
processes/ mechanism leading to application of
fundamental concepts and encouraging the
discovery enabled and use inspired research.
During the period, Department has supported
more than 120 projects to increase the
understanding of basic principles and to provide
scientific information and theories that lays down
No. of research publication 232
during 2021-22
No. of patent applied 10
No.of human resource 240
trained
the foundation for the applied science which
have resulted in several good publications in high
impact journals. Six Centre of excellence (CoE)
have also been supported. DBT-IISc Partnership
Program Phase-II is also being implemented at
IISc, Bengaluru with an aim to support cross
disciplinary research bringing about collaborative
activities between the faculty of the Division of
Biological Sciences and the faculty from various
other science and engineering divisions. Through
these high quality research projects more than
230 research articles have been published, 10
international and national patents have been
filed and 4 technologies have been developed.
Some of the key achievements of the
Programme are highlighted below:
A network project is being carried out at National
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, Indian
Institute of Science Education and Research
(IISER), Pune and University of Hyderabad, on
structural perspective of molecular interactions
in pathogenicity to elucidate the role of
regulatory proteins of HIV-1 and heat shock
proteins of M. tuberculosis (Mtb). In this study, it
is found that CD40 protein can interact with Mtb
HSP70 full length, HSP70 peptide binding
domain, human HSPA8 full length and HSPA8
nucleotide-binding domain protein (Figure 1).
Further, it is also informed that HSPA8, a member
of the HSP70 family, has been identified as an
important cellular factor for HIV-1 production.
These are important leads for elucidating the
detailed mechanism by which isoforms of heat
shock proteins regulate HIV-1 replication and
infectivity for a potential therapeutic approach.
Figure-1. Minimal interacting domain analysis
for mtHSP70 and hsHSPA8 proteins with CD40
receptor extracellular domain. A. Schematic
ofthe domain architecture for mtHSP70 and
hsHSPA8 proteins specifying expressed protein
with GST tag is shown. B. SDS PAGE analysis of
domain or full-length protein purified in complex
with His-tagged extracellular CD40 receptor. C.
SPR analysis for binding of domains and full-
length mtHSP70 and hsHSPA8 proteins with
extracellular CD40 receptor. The table shows
binding parameters for different analytes of CD40
ligand.
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An epigenetic study is being carried out at IISER,
Pune and Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research (TIFR), Mumbai focussing on the role of
SATB1 and SATB2 (chromatin organizer proteins)
in human embr yonic stem (hES) cell
differentiation and Wnt signalling. The study
reveals that SATB1 is upregulated whereas SATB2
is downregulated during differentiation of hES
cells. These set of findings provide novel insights
into the regulation of gene expression in hES cells
especially during differentiation. Their data
provide further insights into the differential
targets of SATB1 and SATB2 and also throw light
on the differential roles of these global regulators
towards maintenance of pluripotency and
induction of differentiation (Figure 2).

Figure-2: Genome-wide occupancy analysis of SATB1 and SATB2 from H9 hES cells
differentiated using RA treatment. (A). SATB1-bound sites were significant decreased upon
day 3 of RA induced differentiation (B). Venn diagram showing specific and common
genomic targets bound by SATB1 (C) or SATB2 (D) at all the 3 stages.

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A study conducted at Centre for DNA
Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD),
Hyderabad and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and
Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad has
reported several novel and anonymous open-
reading frames (ORF) during the basic research
on the classic model bacterium E. coli. These
ORFs include ybjE encoding a lysine exporter
designated as LysO, yciM that participates in
regulation of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis,
yfiH (re-designated as pgeF) encoding a protein
that protects against mis-incorporation of serine
or glycine in place of alanine in peptidoglycan,
the roles of two genes yciB (a fourth anonymous
ORF) and dcrB in envelope integrity, a fifth
anonymous ORF ycbK (re-designated as mepK) as
a novel cross-link specific endopeptidase and a
sixth anonymous ORF yafK that encodes the
protein LdtF that cleaves lipoprotein (Lpp) from
the peptidoglycan sacculus.
A study carried out at IISER, Bhopal, researchers
have developed a bimolecular fluorescence
complementation assay to study the dynamics of
Wnt pathway activation in a live cell. Using a split-
GFP complementation system, they have
generated fusion protein constructs to
quantitatively analyze the nuclear import of a
transcription cofactor, β-catenin, which is an
essential step in the Wnt pathway activation. So
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
far, these constructs have been tested in cultured
cells and will be further used to study the
activation of Wntsignalling in vivo. The
development of these tools to analyse the
dynamics of Wnt signalling activity will also be
essential to study the effect of various upstream
activities on the signalling effect in the nucleus.
This tool will help analyse the ligand dependent
processes and the ligand-independent
mechanisms activating the pathway in real-time.
At University of Madras, studies were carried out
on the Rhusiopathiae surface protein B (RspB) is
an important adhesin for Erysipelothrix
rhusiopathiae infection. The crystal structure
analysis of RspB and its homologue Cna of S.
aureus revealed that the adhesin structure was
found only in the closed conformation.
Therefore, to get insights about the open
conformation of RspB/Cna, which will be helpful
in designing the inhibitors to inhibit the collagen
binding, the molecular dynamics simulation of
Cna was carried out in different open
conformational states in the presence of collagen
peptide. The simulations show that when the two
domains of Cna are far apart (38 Å), the domain
closure was not found. However, when the
domains are at a distance of 18 Å, the closed
conformation of Cna was observed as seen in the
crystal structure presented in Figure 3
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Figure 3: MD simuations of S. aureus Cna. Three
models of Cna was made (Model I, II and III) with
different degrees of domain opening. The models
were subjected to 100 ns simuations. Model I
which has a wide opening did not exhibit domain
closing whereas models II and III show domain
closure. The results suggest that the domains can
close only when the separation between them
should fall below a critical cutoff distance (for eg.
18 Å) as in model III. The three chains of collagen
are shown in pink, cyan and yellow.
A study conducted at University of Delhi targeted
the development of cost-effective, novel and
robust SUMO proteases (Ulp1 and Ulp2) from
fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The
use of SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier)
fusion technology has emerged as a major
expression platform for targeting the soluble
expression of difficult to express proteins.
However, the high cost of Ulp protease used for
the removal of SUMO tag limits the exploitation
of this system. The researchers have successfully
developed a cost-effective alternative of
commercial ScUlp1. The SpUlp1SD was found to
be highly efficacious in removing the SUMO tag.
The efficient production of novel SPUlp1SD is
expected to overcome the high market price of
ScUlp1 which in turn will reduce the overall
production cost of soluble proteins using SUMO
fusion technology. Thus, the ease in producing
soluble protein will definitely lead to a better
understanding of different molecules that are
difficult to express for clinical studies.
A study carried out at Regional Centre for
Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad focused to
characterize the function of the myosin heavy
chain-embryonic (MyHC-emb) protein in adult
skeletal muscle regeneration, using gene
targeted mouse models. The researchers found
that MyHC-emb is not expressed in uninjured
adult muscle, but its expression starts at 3 days'
post injury (dpi), peaking at 5-7 dpi and back to
uninjured muscle levels by 14 dpi. MyHC-IIb
expression declines at 3 dpi, increases at 5-7 dpi
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
and returns to uninjured muscle levels by 14 dpi.
Investigating the effect of injury on muscle size, it
is found that it decreases significantly at 3, 5 and 7
dpi but returns to normal size by 14 dpi. Overall,
these results characterize the dynamics of MyHC
expression and muscle size during injury and
regeneration This mouse model study is a
valuable resource for understanding muscle
regeneration and function and to study Freeman-
Sheldon syndrome, a congenital musculoskeletal
disease caused by mutations in MYH3. The effect
of MyHC-embryonic on muscle regeneration and
stem cell function will provide novel therapeutic
intervention possibilities to combat muscle injury
and disease.
In another study jointly carried out at RCB,
Faridabad, All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), New Delhi and National Institute of
Pharmaceutical Education and Research
( N I P E R ) , G u wa h at i , re s e a rc h e rs h ave
standardized the type-2 diabetes (T2D) db/db
(Leptin receptor deficient) mice model. These
mice display an elevated thrombo-inflammatory
phenotype than wild type C57BL6 mice. A high
blood glucose level along with platelet- leukocyte
aggregates and elevated platelet microparticles
(prothrombotic markers), and an elevated
percentage of inflammatory cells including
monocytes and neutrophil, existed in the
peripheral blood of db/db mice. Also they
describe that the db/db mice with
hyperglycaemia are susceptible to LPS-induced
lung inflammation and thrombosis, measured by
thrombus size and cellularity score
(accumulation of inflammatory cells) in the lungs.
They have further shown that the dietary
supplementation of a-ketogluterate (aKG) could
alleviate the inflammation and thrombosis in
mice. They also showed that the dietary aKG
supplementation could rescue the inflammatory
and thrombotic phenotype in db/db mice,
suggesting a rescue effect of the metabolite on
the thrombo-inflammatory pathophysiology in
T2D.
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At IIT, Delhi a study was carried out focussing on
structure-function elucidations on a membrane
protein from Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV). Using a
combination of electrophysiology, confocal and
electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics
simulations they have shown that CHIKV 6K is an
ion channel forming protein that primarily
associates with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
membranes. The ion channel activity of 6K can be
inhibited by amantadine, an antiviral developed
against the M2 protein of Influenza A virus; and
CHIKV infection of cultured cells can be
effectively inhibited in presence of this drug. They
have shown that the ion-channel properties of 6K
are somewhat distinct from its analogues in other
alphaviruses and have established scribble as an
interaction partner for the transframe variant of
6K, and as a host factor that is required for CHIKV
propagation. This study so far provides crucial
mechanistic insights into the functionality of 6K
during CHIKV-host interaction and suggests that
6K is a potential therapeutic drug target, with
amantadine and its derivatives being strong
candidates for further development. Amantadine
has also been shown to be an inhibitor of a similar
ion channel protein in SARS-CoV-2 and a
promising drug candidate with the ability to
inhibit virus propagation in animals and humans.
It is possible that amantadine and its derivatives
may be generic inhibitors for enveloped viruses
that utilize analogous ion-channels for assembly
and release.
A study conducted at Indian Institute of Science
(IISc) Bengaluru, scientists have fabricated a
custom microscope mountable fluid shear device
to measure the de-adhesion strength of cells on
substrates. Results have shown the importance
of ligand type and density on the measured de-
adhesion strength of fibroblasts. Cell areas
increased linearly with substrate ligand
concentration. Cellular de-adhesion from
substrates show a sigmoidal profile and shift to
the right with increasing ligand concentrations.
Collagen coated samples show a higher de-
adhesion strength as compared to fibronectin
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
coated samples that suggest differences in the
integrin types and densities that may be involved
with different ligand coatings. The critical shear
stress for deadhesion increased linearly with
ligand concentrations. This increase was similar
to a real change with ligand concentration.
Cellular tractions, measured using Reg- FTTC
(Fourier Transform Traction Cytometry),
increased with exposure to dynamic shear.
Autologous hair follicle grafting is a recent
therapy to stimulate closure of such non-healing
wounds. A collaboration between the
academicians and clinicians demonstrated that
grafting hair follicles into chronic wounds from
the patient's own scalp promotes complete
repair of the injured skin. (JID Innovations, Skin
Science from Molecules to Population Health;
2021. DOI
:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100041)
A body-wide sensory organization of unique
photoreceptor cells that allows movement of
even headed-removed flatworm was discovered.
This work illustrated how eye-independent
systems can deeply influence animal physiology
and behavior (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
118(20):e2021426118. doi:
10.1073/pnas.2021426118)
Timely and tunable stoppage of RNA synthesis is
vital for cellular homeostasis. Extensive and
dynamic network of termination factor r
interactions with RNA polymerase, nucleic acids
and accessory NuS factors were found. Further
factor ρ was found to mediate step-wise
rearrangements of these contacts and
t ra n s fo r m s R N A p o l y m e ra s e c o m p l ex
inactivation into a moribund pre-termination
intermediate state (Science: Jan 1; 371 (6524):
eabd 1673).
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The mechanistic basis of margin dissection and
leaflet initiation in angiosperms has been
inferred primarily by analysing compound-leaf
architecture, and thus whether the intact lamina
of simple leaves has the potential to initiate
leaflets upon endogenous gene inactivation
remains unclear. A conserved developmental
mechanism that promotes simple leaf
architecture in which CINTCP–KNOX-II forms a
strong differentiation module that suppresses
the KNO7TEDI like proliferating cell factors
network and leaflet initiation. (Nature
Communications, (2021) 12:1872).
DBT-IISc. Partnership Programme:
A DBT-IISc. Partnership Phase-II programme is
being implemented at IISc, Bengaluru to support
the collaborative activities between the faculty of
the Division of Biological Sciences and the faculty
from various other science and engineering
divisions. Under programme the core and other
essential support facilities such as confocal
microscopes, biacore facility, mass spectrometry
facility, central animal facility, biosafety level-3,
SPR Facility, X-ray Crystallography Facility and
Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter have raised
the level of biology research at IISc, Bengaluru.
The rapidly changing experimental tools form
essential components of the contemporary
biology research and these facilities at IISc, cater
to the needs of researchers from all over the
country. These collaborative efforts have resulted
in the development of newer drug options for the
treatment of tuberculosis which continues to be a
major societal problem in the country. The
collaborative efforts have also been useful in
developing newer devices to monitor life
parameters of various animal models useful in
carrying out discoveries relating to one health.
Besides, the program was able to support various
activities to set-up the Covid-19 testing
laboratory. The efforts of the colleagues in the
program have also been useful in predictions for
drug repurposing using various computational
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
biology tools. The program will continue to
develop newer technologies relating to the SARS-
CoV-2 pandemic. Yet another program is
investigating how to develop modern antivenoms
to combat the common snake bites. Under the
programme during the current year, 60 Ph.D were
awarded, 156 research articles were published, 9
patents were filed and 4 technologies were
developed.
Theoretical and Computational Biology
(Bioinformatics, AI and Big Data)
Realizing the immense importance of this
discipline, DBT is supporting the programme
Theoretical and Computational Biology
(Bioinformatics, AI and Big Data) to bridge the
inter- disciplinary gaps in Biotechnology
information and establish linkages between
scientists in organisations involved in R&D and
manufacturing activities in the country. The focus
of the programme is to build up information
Database/ Process/ Product/ 6
Technology Transferred to
User Agency/ Industry/
Stakeholders
No. of research publication 30
during 2021-22
No. of patent/copyright applied 1
No. of human resource trained 80
resources, prepare databases on Biotechnology
and to develop relevant information handling
tools and techniques and to continuously assess
information requirements, organise creation of
necessary infrastructure and to provide
information and computational support services
to the national community of users working in
Biotechnology and allied areas through one of
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the key programme BTISNet which has been
supported for more than three decades. A
supercomputing facility in IIT Delhi and National
Data Repository Facility at RCB, Faridabad has
also been supported. Under the programme the
projects on structural and functional
bioinformatics, NGS, integrative modelling of
large macromolecular complexes using
computational biology with cryoEM, integrative
omics and systems biology are being supported
apart from application of AI in Healthcare.
Some of the Major Programmes Supported
under the Programme are as follows:
DBT-Biotechnology Information System
Network (BTISNet):
The DBT-BTISNet programme which was
supported by DBT for more than three decades
has emerged as a very sophisticated scientific
infrastructure for Bioinformatics involving state-
of-the-art computational and communication
facilities. Considering the immense importance
of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at
the intersection of various disciplines of Bio-
Sciences, Department has revamped the BTISNet
programme to accelerate R&D in biotechnology
sector through supporting projects in the broad
sub-areas i.e. Structural Bioinformatics, Drug
discovery and drug development,
Chemiinformatics, Database, Tools, Machine
Learning, Genome Informatics, Metagenomics,
Systems Bio/Microbial, Agriculture, Plants,
Animal, Aquaculture and Marine, Human
diseases, Disease informatics, Biodiversity,
Proteomics and Metabolomics (Figure-1).
Currently, 48 projects are being funded under
BTISNet programme. The supported BTISNet
Centres are conducted advanced research in
structural bioinformatics for development of
multi-scale modelling tools, novel scientific
methods and highly efficient algorithms,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
combining principles of chemistry and biology
with information technology for genome
analysis, protein structure prediction, target
directed lead molecule design and also validation
of the computational approach, experimental/
wet-lab testing on the predictions emerging from
the computational tools and methods.
The centres envisage for development and
application of computational biology tools to
address the research problems in parasite
biology, medical research, synthetic biology and
development of artificial intelligence based tools
for healthcare, multi-targeting molecule for
treating various multi-factorial diseases like
diabetic complications, cancer, tuberculosis,
Alzheimer etc., develop new bioinformatics
approaches for improved genome analysis,
transcriptome data analysis, deep learning
algorithms to predict features from genomic
data, develop high quality, manually curated,
disease-specific online databases and
customizable algorithms for data mining, drug
design and development and also to develop high
quality and efficient tools/ methods to increase
the accuracy of analysis. Development of cloud
based computational facility for bioinformatics,
big data analytics tools for NGS data, building a
robust pipeline for in silico screening to unearth
lead molecules using state-of-art tools and
infrastructure are also being done. Development
of a tool on AMR Information System to map the
prevalence of AMR in community and in the
hospital settings and development of mobile App
for AMR Information System are being carried out
along with creation of viral bio informatics centre
for cutting edge research on viruses and
development of deep learning/ machine learning
based software for annotation of stress-tolerant
genes and analysis of genome and transcriptome
of major field crops in the supported revamped
BTISNet Centres. All the centre are coordinated
by DBT Apex Centre established at ICGEB, New
Delhi.
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Figure-1: Revamped DBT-Biotechnology Information System Network (BTISNet)

Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines:
Department has formulated 'Biotech-PRIDE submission of Biological Data to Indian Biological
(Promotion of Research and Innovation through Data Centre (IBDC)'- the National Repository on
th
Data Exchange) Guidelines' of India to facilitate 30 July, 2021 (Figure- 2b).
and enable sharing and exchange of biological
knowledge, information and data generated
through research conducted within the country
and is specifically applicable to high-throughput
and high-volume data (Figure-2A). Sharing of
'sensitive data' as defined in the document is not
allowed under these guidelines. These guidelines
do not deal with generation of biological data per
se. These guidelines create an enabling
mechanism to share and exchange information
and knowledge that is produced/ generated/
submitted by the Data Producer/ Generator/
Submitter following relevant extant laws, rules,
regulations and guidelines of Government of
India (GoI). These guidelines have been
harmonized with relevant extant norms of GoI.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) of
the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth
Sciences has released the “Biotech-PRIDE
Guidelines” and launched a 'Web-Portal for Figure 2-A: Biotech PRIDE Guidelines

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Figure-2-B: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) of the Ministry of Science &
Technology and Earth Sciences has released the “Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines” on 30th July, 2021
Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC)
The Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) is being The Bio-Grid will be a National Repository for all
developed as a major digital data centre for biological knowledge, information and data
archiving and curating life science data in India. generated through research within the country
The data center would archive the data coming (Figure 3) and will be responsible for enabling its
from various fields of life science research. The exchange to facilitate the Research and
data sets would be indexed, curated and Innovation, developing measures for safety,
integrated and made available to all the research standards and quality for datasets and
labs in India. The data centre would also establish establishing detailed modalities for accessing
active collaboration with major international data.
data repositories to ensure implementation of
globally accepted data formats and data sharing
principles. IBDC shall also forge active
collaboration with various life science research
organizations across the nation to ensure free
and seamless data access. The centre would also
provide training programs in the field of 'Big Data'
analytics. Other datasets/ data centres will be
bridged to the IBDC which will be called Bio-Grid.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 159

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Figure 3: The Proposed National BIO-GRID
Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for
Affordable and Accessible Healthcare - Big Data
and Genomics:
In accordance with the NITI Aayog's Policies of
#AIforAll, Department is supporting projects for
application of 'Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial
Intelligence is an important area which is bringing
a paradigm shift to the healthcare sector and
considering the immense importance of AI
applications, department has supported projects
on AI applications for Affordable and Accessible
Healthcare programme in the area of Cancer,
Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases, Diabetic &
Cardiovascular Diseases, Ophthalmological
Diseases, Neurological Disorders and Drug
Development. These projects are being
supported to develop AI based diagnostics for
different types of cancer, AI based vaccine
d e l i ve r y syste m , p re d i c t i o n o f a c u te
decompensated heart failure using Machine
Learning algorithm, screening and prediction of
diabetic retinopathy, development of AI based
accurate refractive outcome prediction model for
post cataract surgery, Machine Learning model
for early diagnosis of stroke, to develop AI based
system for Comprehensive Cerebral Arterial
Stroke Imaging and Prognostication, Tremor
diagnosis and quantification using artificial
intelligence, Application of AI and optimal control
in optimizing protein/vaccine production in
bioreactor system, Detection of PCOS using
artificial intelligence based algorithms,
Classification of Plasmodium infected RBC into
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
various malarial stages using machine learning
and genomics, docking and identification of
prospective drug-like compounds, AI-based
approach to predict the drug biotransformation
by human gut microbiome, Predictive detection
of Osteoporosis, fragility fractures and skeletal
dysplasia in Indian population based on artificial
intelligence implementation. Two major projects
being supported under the programme are as
follows:
l Under AI programme, a project on 'Imaging
BioBank for Cancer' is also being supported
at Tata Memorial Centre Advanced Centre
for Treatment, Research and Education in
Cancer (TMC-ACTREC), Mumbai, AIIMS,
Delhi, IIT, Bombay & Rajiv Gandhi Cancer
Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), a
Unit of Indraprastha Cancer Research
Society, Delhi to develop AI tools and
database for advance research in cancer
and also aiming cancer diagnosis/ prognosis
and cancer care. The project is mainly
working to develop a database of two types
of cancer i.e. Head Neck Cancer and Lung
Cancer radiology and pathology images
linked to their clinical information and to
drive the AI based algorithm/application
d eve l o p m e nt u s i n g t h e B i o B a n k
infrastructure and data. A website is being
developed for popularization, facilitating
data entry, management and hosting the
data for public use (Figure 4).
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Figure 4: Landing Page for Imaging Biobank for cancer
l Department is supporting “MANAV: Human
Atlas Initiative” project for construction of
world's most comprehensive human atlas
by assimilating all the known macro-level
and micro-level information from scientific
literature and public databases. The
proposed human map refers to a
computational representation, which will
provide knowledge in holistic fashion from
inter-organ dependencies to intra-organ,
tissue level, cell and sub-cellular level
biological reactions. This project helps to
deliver an open source annotation
platform, organ (skin) model development,
up-skilled manpower and community. In
this programme 1708 students, 64 faculty
and 61 reviewers have been enrolled across
58 cities in 20 states of India.
Some of the other key achievements in the
project supported under Theoretical and
Computational Biology (Bioinformatics, AI and
Big Data) are as follow:
In Bioinformatics Centre supported at Indian
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi considerable
progress has been made on structural and
energetic characterization of the Eukaryotic
Genomes. A software tool named “SEProm” for
promoter prediction has been developed. The
tool uses 31 structural and energetic parameters
to predict promoters from a given DNA sequence.
Additionally, the methodology for intron-exon
boundary characterization has been developed
and published. Further as a part of strengthening
in-house developed Bhageerath software,
researchers have developed and added a data-
driven and knowledge-based algorithm for
protein secondary structure prediction to
eliminate the dependency on PSIPRED software.
Apart from it, indigenous software Bhageerath H-
Strgen for protein conformational sampling has
been improved and as a result, 85% of mid-
resolution structures have been improved to high
resolution structures with an improved beta-
sheet formation feature w.r.t. previous versions.
Sanjeevini methodologies and software suites
were used to scan (i) FDA approved drugs; (ii)
Isatin compounds which showed promise against
3C proteases of Picorna viruses earlier;
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(iii) Compounds from Indian medicinal plants; (iv)
Million compounds from Zinc Library to identify
potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 enzymes.
Bioinformatics centre established in National
Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi has
focused on developing RiPPMiner-Genome
(Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-
translationally Modified Peptides), a significantly
updated version of RiPPMiner, which can take
genomic sequences as input and identify RiPP
biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) and modifying
enzymes using HMM profiles. In Bioinformatics
centre at National Institute of Plant Genome
Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, researchers have
developed first database of Mediator proteins
and studied different properties of these
important class of proteins. Computational
pipeline/ software package for accurate
identification of genuine Transfer RNA-derived
non-coding RNAs (tncRNAs) has been developed.
In a project being supported at Indian Institute of
Science (IISc) Bengaluru, researchers have
developed InPharmNet, a robust computational
approach to infer the mechanism of drug action
from transcriptomics data. For a given drug
dataset, the algorithm outputs a set of highly
perturbed biological pathways indicating the
drug's primary and secondary target processes.
This method of computational approach is tested
on a variety of drugs, with appropriate datasets,
and the results appear promising. The pipeline
outputs a set of pathways that indicate the
mechanism of action for the particular drug. In a
study carried out at Jawaharlal Nehru University
(JNU), New Delhi a one-step approach to
classifying high azadirachtin bearing fruits and
leaves using the object detection approach have
been postulated.
Genome Engineering Technologies (GET)
and their Applications
With an aim to nurture new and innovative
technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has
supported several R&D projects under the
Genome Engineering Technology program. The
vision of the program is to promote development
of Genome-wide Analysis and Engineering
Technologies and make them accessible and
affordable for wider use in diverse sectors
including agriculture, health, and environment.
At present, over 80 ongoing projects are being
Technology developed 2
No. of research publication 98
during 2021-22
No. of patent applied 6
No. of human resource trained 200
supported and more than 50 research
publications have emanated from the R&D
projects supported under this program. The key
achievements of some of the ongoing projects
are mentioned below:
Genome Engineering Technology (GET)
applications in Agriculture and allied areas
A project on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 for editing
plant genome(s) to develop herbicide resistant
plants was supported at ICGEB. As an outcome of
the project, rice plants with enhanced tolerance
to glyphosate and sulfonyl urea herbicides were
developed that may facilitate effective weed
management and lead to low cost yield.
In addition, a project supported at NCBS,
Bangalore used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to
generate transgenic tobacco, rice and
Arabidopsis which are resistant to drought.
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Scientists at NABI, developed single vector having
sgRNAs against three target genes viz. CCD4
(carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4), BCH3 (β-
ring carotenoid hydroxylase 3), and LCY-ε
(lycopene ε-cyclase) for high pro-vitamin A
accumulation and its stability in banana. The LCYε
edited cv. Grand Naine banana plants developed
using CRISPR_GN-LCYε construct showed six-fold
increase in β -carotene content as compared to
native crops.
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing has also
been used for nutritional improvement of Indian
Oilseed Mustard by a team of researchers at
NIPGR wherein gene editing constructs for
targeting specific and multiple homologs of
BjMYB28 and BjFAE1 were developed and
successfully transformed into B. juncea cv.
Varuna.
The investigators at NIPGR have successfully
developed a novel variant of rice, Bg_9562
(eBg_9562) via genome based engineering,
which has higher yield, and shows broad
spectrum antifungal activity against pathogenic
plant fungus, including Rhizoctonia solani,
Magnaporthe oryzae, Yeast and Candida.
Genome Engineering Technology (GET)
applications in health sector
CRISPR/Cas9 system has evolved into a favourite
tool for researchers to engineer and understand
the molecular pathways and their genetic
underpinnings. The tool offers an opportunity to
selectively modify and regulate specific genes
study its impact on various diseases.
Investigators at IISER Bhopal, have designed a
sensitive reporter-based assay to determine the
efficiency of genome editing in human cells. With
the help of this assay, the investigators
established editing of a defined locus in the cells
using virus-like particles (VLPs). Lgr5- specific
Atoh1 or relevant gene loss using CRISPR/Cas9
was evaluated in cell-based assay at genomic
locus and it was found that the locus is being
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
targeted. This platform can improve the efficiency
of genome editing in human cells and may find
application in medical interventions in health and
disease.
A project to elucidate the functional
characterization of casein using CRISPR was
supported at Central University of Haryana. The
team showed that deletion of Evolutionarily
Conserved Region (ECR) of the Casein loci in mice
increased the expression of alpha casein
precursor isoform protein in the milk, reduced
expression of odontogenic ameloblast-
associated protein (ODAM) in the salivary gland,
and affected the mineralization process.
In another study, to dissect the roles of Clta and
Cltb in early mammalian development through
selective CRISPR-Cas9- based knockout and
knockin models, the investigators at NCCS
successfully generated knockout mouse
embryonic stem cell for the Clta and Cltb genes.
The mice produced displayed alterations in
intestinal morphology and physiology.
In a project aimed at generating cell and animal
models to delineate melanocyte cell fate
decision, the researchers at IGIB have established
a CRISPR-based mutagenesis system for targeted
mutagenesis in the Zebrafish model system.
Several mutant lines for carbonic anhydrase
knockout (Ca14fs003) were characterized to
unravel their role in melanocyte maturation.
Additionally, cell lines with mutations in targeted
genes viz. Tyrosinase knockout KO), CA14 (KO),
H2A.2 (KO), PlxnD1 (KO) were developed to study
the mechanistic aspects of transitions in the
melanocyte lineage.
In another project supported at IGIB, it was
established that TRF 2 (Telomere Repeat Binding
Factor 2)- mediates regulation of hTERT
expression which is independent of telomere
looping and that the TRF-2 mediated regulation is
hampered by the recurrent clinical mutations at
the hTERT promoter.
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It was also reported that TRF2 mediated hTERT
repression occurs via hTERT promoter G
quadruplex binding of TRF2. The TRF2 mediated
hTERT repression occurred via deposition of
H3K27Me3 suppressor mark by the PRC2
complex.
A study supported at IISc Bangalore aiming to
d i s s e c t n o ve l n i c h e s o f i nt rat u m o ra l
heterogeneity by engineering the sialogenome. It
was reported that specific heterogeneity in
sialylation of cell surface proteins occurred in
aggressive cancer epithelial cell lines and in tissue
sections of patients with breast cancer. The
heterogeneity in glycans is specific to sialic acid
linkage and leads to an appropriate change in
adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix
(ECM). It was observed that low expression of
2,6-linked sialic acid levels were associated with
lower glucose uptake indicating the association
of glucose metabolic heterogeneity and its
correlation with glycan heterogeneity.
Nanobiotechnology
Nanobiotechnology program of the Department
of Biotechnology (DBT) supports
application/translation-oriented projects that
aim use nanotechnology for addressing issues in
health, energy, agriculture and environment.
Since its inception in 2007, department has
supported over 300 projects in
nanobiotechnology. Some of these projects have
delivered important products/leads specially in
d ru g d eliver y, t h era p eu t ics a n d d ru g
development. The key achievements of some of
the ongoing projects are presented below:
Technology developed 2 A team of scientists at Central Salt and Marine
No. of research publication 110
during 2021-22
No. of patent applied 6 nanocarrier that allows stimulus-responsive
No. of human resource trained 270
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Nanotechnology interventions in bone disorders
DBT has supported a project at University of
Delhi, wherein the investigators have developed
Methotrexate encapsulated folate conjugated
glycol chitosan (MFGCN) nanoparticle reduced
the symptoms in rat arthritis model.
Another team at INST, Mohali supported by the
Department have synthesized multiple hydrogels
containing natural polymers, peptides or
Polymer-peptide hybrids for supporting
chondrogenesis.
Nanotechnology applications against Cancer
and liver disease
The Department has supported
nanobiotechnology projects for diagnosis and
developing therapeutics via targeted drug
delivery against a variety of diseases including
liver disease andcancer. The investigators at IISER
Trivandrum have designed a 19F-containing
nanoprobe that can specifically detect Thrombin
by a 19F-NMR technique for cancer diagnosis.
In a project supported at IIT Kanpur, the scientists
have successfully developed a new class of PDMS
nanoparticles (NPs) with three different
approaches (template based, nano-emulsion and
nanoprecipitation) for organelle-specific drug
delivery (nucleus and mitochondria). The PDMS
NPs were found to improve the therapeutic
efficacy of anticancer drug by delivering it
specifically to nucleus/mitochondria of cancer
cells by generating excessive reactive oxygen
species and inducing overexpression of
apoptosis-associated genes.
Chemicals Research, Bhavnagar, supported by the
Department have designed organelle specific
pharmaceutical nanocarriers. They have
developed a lysosome specific polymeric
release of the drug miltefosine and a prodrug
showing enhanced cytotoxicity by targeting
mitochondria as compared to free maytansinoid.
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With an aim to destroy the ovarian cancer Nanotechnology applications in agricultural

metastatic niche, the researchers at IISc have allied areas
established new bioconjugation protocols to
target spheroids with active magnetic The investigators in inStem have synthesized silyl
nanomotors and have integrated magnetic oxime compounds and demonstrated that Silyl-
hyperthermia with nanomotors as a therapeutic Iodo-Oxime functionalized fabric could
strategy. deactivate organophosphate based pesticides.
The clothing and masks fabricated using this
Further, at ISSER Kolkata a siRNA delivery vehicle technology can prevent pesticide exposure
reagent which can disrupt the late endosomes through dermal and inhalation route in farmers
and inhibit metastasis in breast cancer was during spraying of pesticides.
developed.
For detection and treatment of liver diseases, a
series of cyanine-based novel Near Infra-Red
dyes (NIR) were developed at IIT Mandi. These
patented dyes exhibited dual properties of
targeting and non-invasive imaging of albumin in
the liver.

Nanotechnology interventions against

infectious diseases
Researchers at THSTI have developed membrane
engineered vesicles (mEV) of non- pathogenic
bacteria for targeted delivery of first-line drugs
against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They
demonstrated that mEVs were stable and
provided sustained release of rifampicin which
was effective in reducing the minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) of pathogenic Mtb.
In another project at IIT Hyderabad, antifungal
nanoformulation for treatment of fungal keratitis
was developed. Herein, photothermally active
ethosomes (modified liposomes) were
synthesized which were effective against Candida
albicans.
Furthermore, a Rose Bengal dye was developed
that reduced the bacterial and viral load and may
be useful in development of accessories and
affordable masks for preventing transmission of
endemic outbreaks.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY SCIENCE
CLUSTERS
Considering the importance of building synergy
and promoting networking in the biotech sector
in the country, the Department conceptualized
the idea of setting up Bioclusters in its National
Biotech Strategy document. Following this, the
Department has established four Bioclusters at
Faridabad (Haryana), Bangalore (Karnataka),
Kalyani (West Bengal) and Pune (Maharashtra).
NCR Biotech Science Cluster-Faridabad
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB),
Translational Health Science and Technology
Institute (THSTI), National Institute of
Immunology (NII), National Institute of Plant
Genome Research (NIPGR), and National Brain
Research Centre (NBRC) have collaborated to
jointly form the NCR Bio-Cluster, envisaged to
support innovation, research, education, and
e n t r e p r e n e u rs h i p i n v a r i e d a r e a s o f
biotechnology through creative partnerships
with Biotech & Pharmaceutical industry. While
THSTI, NII, NIPGR, and NBRC are institutions
primarily focused on research and development
activities, RCB is an institution for academic
training and research. The five partner
institutions of the NCR Biotech Science Cluster
together with participation from industry
partners bring synergies in multi-disciplinary
research, and operational efficiencies in the
creation, management, and operation of the
common facilities of the Cluster.
NCR Biotech Science Cluster
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
The Biotech Science Cluster has already achieved
a unique blend of a variety of multiple biotech
disciplines, in as much as, co-existence of RCB as a
University, Research institutions as partner
institutions connected with all the support
systems and common facilities like Advanced
Technology Platform Centre (ATPC), BSC BioNest
Bio-incubator (BBB), Small Animal Facility (SAF),
M.K. Bhan Auditorium, BSL-3 Facility,
Biorepository and Hostels to support the
innovation, translational research and
commercialization endeavours in inter-
disciplinary areas of biotechnology and life
sciences.
During the FY 2020-21; the NCR Biotech Science
Cluster has ensured completion of the following
common facilities: a) Office of Connectivity
Building, b) Biosafety Level-3 Facility, c)
Vertical Extension of Hostel Building.
T h e O ff i c e o f C o n n e c t i v i t y h a s b e e n
conceptualized as the cluster office for the NCR
Biotech Science Cluster and is responsible to
establish a governance structure for the
management and utilization of common facilities.
It is working towards creating an innovative and
efficient management structure, so that the
advantage of having different institutions co-
located in a cluster, with their respective
competencies can be nurtured through
systematic sharing of knowledge and resources.
Office of Connectivity is acting as a hub for the
whole cluster to focus on seamless connectivity
for accomplishing best results by bringing
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together NCR Biotech Science Cluster stake-
h o l d e rs b y fa c i l i tat i n g , co o rd i n at i o n ,
collaboration and sharing of efforts within the
Cluster setting for various multi disciplinary
collaborative research programs across the
partner institutions along with the establishment
and management of Common Facilities of the
NCR Bio-cluster.
Office of Connectivity
Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bengaluru:
Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC) is a unique
hub of excellence in biological research in India
that aims to build the necessary infrastructure,
and human resources to enable research and
innovation activities across life sciences and
biotechnology domains with emphasis on
Structural Biology and Bioinformatics tools. With
partnering Institutions like Institute for Stem Cell
Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem)
Bangalore; National Centre for Biological
Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore and Centre for
Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP),
Bangalore, Bangalore Life Science Cluster aims at
developing best practices for inter- institutional
collaborations in India.
Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC) along with
the partnering entities including University and
Industry have applied against the DBT's
Biotechnology URJIT “University Research Joint
Industry Translational” Cluster programme. The
said consortium is building around an Integrated
Structural Biology Platform and Cryo-CLEM
capabilities supported by high-end Facilities, and
Big Data in the Life Sciences spanning two major
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
themes of Health and Agricultural Sciences. Thus
making BLiSC, an ever-growing entity with the
idea of different organizations collaborating and
working for their common passion for Science.
BSL-3 Facility
The System Medicine Cluster (SyMeC),
Kalyani, West Bengal:
DBT's support for the Systems Medicine Cluster
(SyMeC) at National Institute of Biomedical
Genomics, Kalyani for various biological aspects
that predispose and result in cancers of
paramount importance in India – oral and cervical
cancers, the most prevalent forms of cancer
among males and females, respectively, in India.
The research conducted in SyMeC resulted in
many discoveries of which two are; (a) Non-
promoter methylation enhances expression
levels of genes in the Central Carbon Metabolism
pathway with important implications for
management of oral cancer: performed
integrative analysis of non-promoter methylation
and transcriptome data that has revealed
significant methylation driven alterations in some
genes that also significantly impact on their
transcription levels. These changes result in
enrichment of the Central Carbon Metabolism
(CCM) pathway (b) Monotonic gene expression
changes with progression from normal to
precancer to frank oral cancer identified:
identified a profound role of interferon receptor
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signaling in tumour growth by activating immune

evasion mechanisms. The role of tumor-
infiltrating immune cells further supported the
growth and immunosuppressive mechanism of
tumour tissues. Some immune evasion genes –
CD274, CD80, and IDO1 – were found to be
activated even in the precancerous tissue. These
findings provide a clear insight into the sequential
genetic dysregulation associated with
progression to oral cancer. This insight provides a
window to the development of predictive
biomarkers and therapeutic targets for oral
cancer.

Fig: Bivariate clustering of gingivo-bucal oral cancer patients and 200 most significantly
differentially expressed genes in the tumour samples of oral cancer patients, whose clinical
and other characteristics are also presented.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 168

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Pune Bio-Cluster
The Biotech science cluster at Pune has been
conceived as a hub for interactions amongst
scientists of Pune and nearby locations with the
theme - “Model Organisms to Human Disease”.
The two leading institutes at Pune, namely:
National Center for Cell Science (NCCS) and
Indian Institute of Science & Engineering
Research (IISER) have collaborated to
developshared facilities and expertise. The focus
of this cluster is on molecular and cellular
imaging extending to whole animal disease
models and establishment of a proteomics
facility to investigate molecular correlates of
human diseases.
Under this programme, NCCS is ready with the
basic infrastructure required for setting up the
Bio-Imaging Facility. One Confocal Laser Scanning
Microscope (Zeiss LSM 880 with Airyscan) and
the Spinning Disk High-Resolution microscope
(Olympus SpinSR10) have been procured, and
regular workshops and hands-on training are
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
being conducted. For the construction of the BSL-
III facility, MoU has been signed with CPWD,
appointing CPWD as the Project Management
Consultant. NCCS also has appointed a
specialized BSL3 consultant and Architect.
Additionally, BSL3 facility drawings, tender
documents, and Bill of Quantities prepared by the
BSL3 consultant were finalized and approved by
CPWD.
The Whole Animal Imaging and Tissue Processing
Facility at IISER Pune has been established. As a
part of the facility, IVIS Spectrum and Quantum
GX Micro CT has been installed and successfully
tested and used. Also, a BD Aria Fusion SORP was
installed for flow cytometry. Basic and advanced
training programs were organized for potential
users.
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*****

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 170

 04
PROMOTING
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL
GROWTH

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Make-in-India (MII)
Promoting Entrepreneurship and Industrial
growth
The Department of Biotechnology along with
BIRAC is playing a fundamental role in
implementing the flagship programs of the
Government of India such as 'Make-in -India' and
'Start-up India'. To make India a manufacturing
hub for the emerging economy, DBT and BIRAC
have taken visionary steps for burgeoning the
biotech ecosystem in the country.
BIRAC supports innovators and start-ups at all the
stages of product development by support
through various schemes, industry-academia
interaction for strengthened innovation,
technology transfer, IP management, and several
handholding services. BIRAC also provides
infrastructural support -it has established
BioNEST incubators, pre-incubation centers,
biotech parks and is planning to establish
Technology clusters and Manufacturing zones.
The potent biotech ecosystem will spur
innovation in the country, start-ups will emerge
that will open new avenues and subsequently can
generate large employment.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Make-in-India Programme in biotechnology
The Make-in-India Cell of BIRAC is enterprising
for a variety of initiatives. It has been facilitating
investment for the biotech sector, providing
regulatory support, and helping protect
Intellectual Property. MII Cell has done state
partnership to expand the biotech innovation
ecosystem and created global start-ups connect.
The rigorous steps taken by BIRAC and Make-in-
India Cell have contributed significantly to the
growth of the biotech sector in India.
Major activities of Make in India Cell in 2021-22
Ø Global Bio-India 2021
The second edition of Global Bio-India 2021
from 1st -3rd March 2021 on a digital
platform. MII Cell at BIRAC steered all
activities of GBI 2021 and the associated
partners for this event were CII, ABLE and
Invest India. The theme for this year was
“Transforming lives” with the tag line
“Biosciences to Bio-economy”.
The event witnessed 8400+ delegates,
40+countries, 50+ international
speakers, 1000+ Entrepreneurs & start-
ups, 23 Awards Facilitated, 140+ investor
start-up meetings, 150+ exhibitors, 350+
bio partnering meetings.
Ø Strategy Meets & Stakeholders' Discussion
a) Stakeholders Meeting for Telemedicine,
mHealth, Digital Health Grand Challenge:
The meeting was organized to discuss
proposed Grand Challenges to support
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AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

75 Innovations on Telemedicine/mhealth/digital
health and extract key recommendations from
experts. Different subject matter experts &
ecosystem stakeholders participated in the
meeting to deliberate upon the topic & identify
the key thematic areas to structure the RFP for
this challenge.

b) 10th Biotech Innovators Meet- Vigyan se

Vikas
Amrit grand challenge Jancare programme-
reimagining the healthcare delivery was
launched on 28th Sept 2021. DBT-BIRAC,
NASSCOM in collaboration with Grand
challenge India envisioned to identify 75
digital healthcare innovations in
telemedicine, mhealthcare, with big data, AI,
blockchain, and other start-ups, companies to
strengthen healthcare in India, in alignment
with national digital health mission launched
by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
b) Realising Investment Potential for Indian
State-Specific Biotech Industries
This report maps the state-specific
investment potential and highlights the
strengths and areas of improvement related
to biotech policies and serves as a guide for
new policy initiatives, investors to assess
potential at the state as well as national level.

Ø Sectoral Reports/Publications Reports

released during Global Bio India 2021
a) India Bioeconomy Report (IBER) 2021 (3rd
edition) BIRAC, through its Make-in-India
Facilitation Cell and the Association of
Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE)
brought out the report. It maps Indian
Bioeconomy status, FDI inflow, number of
Biotech start-up/ Companies in India,
Bioeconomy's contribution to GDP,
thecontribution of various subsectors and
policies that could trigger India's Bioeconomy.
New initiatives of Make in India Cell in
2021-22
a) Setting up of Project Development Cell (PDC)
The Project Development Cell (PDC) for
Biotechnology was launched during Global
Bio India 2021 by Secretary, DBT in the
presence of Hon’ble Minister of Commerce &
Industry. The Biotech PDC unit will be
established within the Make-in-India
Facilitation Cell at BIRAC PMU.

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b) National Investment Clearance Cell (ICC) for
Biotech sector
ICC will allow a single-window system for
Regulatory compliances to promote ease of
doing business. The ICC would work closely
with Invest India and function within Make in
India Cell PMU at BIRAC.
c) Technology Cluster and Manufacturing
Zones
To support medium-scale companies and
mature start-ups, it will create common
infrastructure facilities from PoC to Pilot and
Pilot to Manufacturing.
Start-up India Initiative
It is a flagship initiative by the Government of
India to build a strong start-up biotech ecosystem
that will help the emergence of new biotech
start-ups.
Major activities under Startup India initiative for
Biotech:
a) Start-ups supported: 5000+ Startups,
Entrepreneurs & SMEs creating Intellectual
wealth (1000+ IP filed) and a robust pipeline
of 200+ commercialized products and
technologies across the country.
b) Bio-Incubators: 60 Bio incubators have been
set up across India creating a total incubation
space of 650000+ sq. ft. for budding
entrepreneurs. More than 1000 incubates
have been supported through the scheme so
far. 7 BioNEST clusters have also been
recognized to promote networking &
resource sharing among BioNEST incubators.
C) E q u i t y f u n d i n g : F u n d o f F u n d –
Biotechnology Innovation Fund AcE
(Accelerating Enterprises) is mandated to
encourage private equity mobilization for
Biotech Start-ups through co-investing in
SEBI registered AIF. The assistance to a start-
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
up is up to INR up to 7 crores against equity.
SEED, LEAP, and AcE Fund of Funds schemes
are operational to provide equity-based
capital assistance to start-ups and act as a
bridge between promoters' investment and
venture/angel investors. SEED & 6 LEAP
schemes are implemented through the
BioNEST Incubators.16 SEED & 6 LEAP
partners have been identified. In the case of
AcE Fund, 13 Ace partners have been
identified, out of which 10 are operational.
d) Regional Centers: BIRAC has created 4
Regional Centers (BRIC, BREC, BRBC, BRTC-
E&NE) has extended arms to implement
BIRAC's mandate in the country.
(i) BRIC at IKP Hyderabad
(ii) BREC at C-CAMP Bengaluru
(iii) BRBC at Venture Centre Pune
(iv) BRTC at KIIT-TBI Bhubaneshwar
e) Bio-connect offices: Five bio-connect offices
have been established
(i) CCAMP, Bengaluru with California Institute
for Quantitative Biosciences (Qb3)
(ii) CCAMP- Sister Innovation HUB with Roslin
Innovation Centre, University of Edinburgh,
UK
(iii) CEIIC BioNEST with European Union
(iv) KIIT BioNEST – with TECHNOPORT SA –
BELVAL Business Incubator, Luxembourg
(v) KIIT BioNEST – with Start-Life Centre,
Wageningen University Netherland
F) Technology Transfer Offices: Technology
Transfer Offices (TTOs) were established to
enhance academia-industry inter-linkages,
strengthen bio cluster ecosystem and
provide increased opportunities for
academia to translate knowledge into
products and technologies. 7 TTOs have
been established till date.
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To showcases key activities towards
implementation of National Missions such as
Make-in-India, Startup India, and Policy Support
from the Government of India for the Biotech
sector, following are the publications from BIRAC.
Biodesign
Realizing the importance of affordable,
indigenous and accessible medical technologies
in the country, Biodesign program has been
implemented as a flagship program to foster and
promote development of indigenous affordable
medical technologies and creating an ecosystem
for Med-Tech innovations and entrepreneurship
in the country. Under the programme four
biodesign centres have been established. School
of International Biodesign (SIB) centred at AIIMS
and IIT Delhi; Centre for Biodesign and in-vitro
Diagnostics (CBD) at Translational Health Science
& Technology (THSTI), Faridabad; Biodesign and
Bioengineering Initiative (BBI) program at
IISc Bengaluru; and Healthcare Technology
Innovation Centre (HTIC) at IIT Madras, Chennai.
In the current year, a new centre at KGMU
Lucknow & IIT Kanpur has been supported by the
Department and to establish more such
Biodesign centres in the country, a call for
proposal was announced. In total, 34 proposals
were received against the call and 5 were
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
recommended after multiple rounds of
evaluation. In category I, THSTI in collaboration
with CMC Vellore, PGI Chandigarh, IIT Madras
and NCL Venture Centre, Pune; IIT Bombay
in collaboration with Hinduja Hospital have been
recommended. While in category II (Emerging
centre), IIT Guwahati in collaboration with
Guwahati Neurological Research Center (GNRC)
Hospital, Guwahati Medical College and North
Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health
and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) Shillong;
AIIMS Jodhpur in collaboration with IIT Jodhpur
were recommended.
Ø During the year, five technologies have
been developed by SiB Fellows and one
technology was Licensed to the start-up
Cureous Labs Private Limited formed by
SiB Fellow of 2018 batch. For patent, six
applications were filed and four were
granted during the year.
Ø HTIC developed two technologies during
the year and was granted one patent. The
Centre also transferred one technology.
Apart from filing ten patents, 4 articles
have also been published in Research
Journals.
Ø Biodesign and Bioengineering initiative at
IISc Bangalore has filed 2 patents during
the year with nine publications.
School of International Biodesign
This innovation programme was initiated as the
Stanford-India Biodesign (SIB) Programme by
the Department at the All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT-D), Delhi in collaboration with
Stanford University, USA. The programme was
renamed as the School of International Biodesign
(SiB) in 2015 and it ear-marked the indigenization
and self-sustainability in terms of training. The
SiB programme has built multiple international
collaborations with Universities in Australia and
Japan wherein the international Fellows from
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)-
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Australia, Tottori University- Japan and
Hiroshima University-Japan visited India and
immersed in the Indian hospital settings along
with the Indian fellows to develop globally
relevant, innovative medical device technologies
as per unmet needs of our country. Over the last 3
years, the dramatic change under the SiB
programme has been to be able to build
adequate capacity which has led to the self-
sufficiency of the programme in terms of
providing specialized training in Biodesign. This
marked an important transition – from sending
students to Stanford University, USA for training
in Innovation to self-sufficiency in training for
Innovation in India – for India.
In 2021, a team of SiB Fellows has initiated their
clinical immersion to find out the unmet need.
While the fellows of 2020 batch are working on
the prototyping refinement. During the year five
technologies i) Digital Microscope enabled with
Artificial Intelligence; ii) Indigenous Production of
Novel Personal Protective Equipment for
Healthcare Personnel; iii) Intraoral dental aerosol
containment device; iv) Ultrasound based
therapy using low intensity pulsed ultrasound v)
A wearable device for preventing fracture have
been developed by SiB Fellows. The technology,
“Multiside Tilt Device” was Licensed to the start-
up Cureous Labs Private Limited formed by SiB
Fellow of 2018. Six patent applications were filed
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
and 4 patent have been granted during the year.
Licensing of the Technology developed by SIB
Fellow:
“Digital Microscope enabled with AI” technology
developed by SiB Fellows of 2019 batch, Mr.
Praveen Kumar and Mr. Ashutosh Patra, is an
automated imaging device for microscopy which
utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered
detection and analysis that reduces the
turnaround time taken for general lab tests. Once
a tissue/fluid sample is placed under the lens, the
user can select the sample type based on the
interface and the software decides the best
optical condition to analyze the sample. A digital
image is created that can be further distributed to
pathologists and bring early diagnosis at reduced
costs.
The License Agreement for transfer of this
technology was executed by Dr. Purnima Sharma,
MD, BCIL and Mr. Praveen Kumar Bhagat and Mr.
Ashutosh Patra, Co-founders of Neuranics Lab
Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi in the august presence of Dr.
Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary (DBT), Dr. Alka
Sharma, Senior Advisor (DBT), Prof. Sandeep
Singh and Prof. Harpal Singh, Executive Directors,
SiB among other senior officials. Neuranics Lab is
an AI based diagnostic device startup company
based in New Delhi, India.
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Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre (HTIC)
HTIC is a leading Med-Tech platform in the
country with a unique combination of R&D,
innovation, clinical validation, technology
commercialization, incubation and
entrepreneurship. With its unconventional
approach of bringing together 30+ medical
institutions, industry partners and government
agencies, the centre is developing affordable
healthcare technologies in the country.
HTIC has a dedicated Med-Tech incubator that
houses 30+ Med-Tech start-ups valued at over Rs.
800 crores in areas of devices, digital health and
AI, founded by doctors, engineers, serial
entrepreneurs, faculty and students. The
incubator has an extensive support network of
medical institutions, public health organizations,
government bodies, hospitals, doctors, industry
strategic partners and venture capitalists and a
wide pool of mentors, consultants, subject
experts in research & technology, business
m a n a ge m e nt , re g u l at i o n s & p o l i c i e s ,
manufacturing to mentor and guide the start-
ups.
During the year ARTSENS® technology developed
by HTIC is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged
product that would be deployed for large scale
pilot studies in hospitals and field settings,
leading towards commercialization. Key
engineering tests were completed during the
year making this technology product-ready. Till
date, there is no other single device or system
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
that provides such a comprehensive assessment
of all the clinically established early vascular
health markers in a reliable and easy to use
manner suited for routine clinical practice and/or
large- scale screening. ARTSENS®, has been
clinically validated by more than 6 clinical
collaborators, and tested in laboratory, hospitals,
screening camps and rural field-settings,
cumulatively on 4000+ subjects. Details of the
technology, publications and clinical studies is
available at https://artsens.tech
Bioengineering and Biodesign Initiative at IISc
Bangalore:
The focus of the centre is in areas of Biomaterials,
biomechanics, computational bioengineering &
neural engineering. The programme has resulted
in significant research output in terms of patents,
publications, incubated companies, and
collaborations between IISc researchers and
clinicians. Another significant development led
to the initiation of the interdisciplinary PhD
programme in Bioengineering. Eventually the
Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering
(BSSE) was founded. So far 7 scholars were
awarded Ph.D. and have formed a new breed of
young scientists at the biology-engineering
interface. More than 25 scholars are pursuing
Ph.Ds. State-of- infrastructure for bioengineering
research has been set- up as a central facility. In
Phase II, a total of 24 projects covering the
objective of Bioengineering, Biodesign and
Translational schemes were implemented.
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Biotechnology Parks and
Incubator Parks
The Department of Biotechnology has
established Biotechnology Parks/ Incubators to
translate research into products and services
across the country by providing necessary
infrastructure support. It provides facilities to
scientists, and Small and Medium sized
Enterprises (SMEs) for technology incubation,
technology demonstration and pilot plant
studies for accelerated commercial development
of biotechnology sector in the country. So far, the
Department has supported 9 Biotechnology
Parks in various States for accelerating the
commercialization of new technologies,
nurturing and maintaining emerging ventures
and assisting new enterprises to forge
appropriate linkages with other stakeholders of
biotechnology sector including academia and
government. These are: i) Biotech Park, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh; ii) Biotechnology Incubation
Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana; iii) Tidco Centre
For Life Sciences (TICEL) Biotech Park, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu; iv) The Golden Jubilee Biotech Park
For Women, Chennai, Tamil Nadu; v) Biotech Park
Technology Incubation Centre, Guwahati, Assam;
vi) Biotechnology Incubation Centre, Cochin,
Kerala; vii) Biotechnology Park, Bangalore,
Karnataka; viii) Industrial Biotechnology Parks
(IBTPs), Jammu & Kashmir; and ix) Chhattisgarh
Biotech Park, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Major achievements of Biotech Parks during
2021-22 are as follows:
Biotech Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Biotech
Park, Lucknow was set up jointly by the
Department of Biotechnology, Government of
India & Department of Science and Technology,
Government of Uttar Pradesh and is functioning
from 2007. The mandate of the Park is to usher in
improving the quality of life and economic status
of people through biotechnological
interventions. Park is striving to develop
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
knowledge-based economy in biotechnology,
assure benefits of biotechnology to all sections of
the society, and promote entrepreneurship in
biotechnology-based industry. The Park has been
promoting growth of bio-pharma, agri-
biotechnology and bio-service sectors by inviting
biotech industry to the State; work in
collaboration with state agencies and central
institutes of R&D and learning; and transform the
society for higher crop productivity, better
human health, greater employment
opportunities and improved quality of life.
Serving the society is a part of the mission
envisioned by the Biotech Park. It organizes
programs for farmers and society to make them
aware of latest advances & applications and
provide latest biotechnology products accessible
to farmers to improve their agriculture and
horticulture output. The Park has several
programs for Human Resource Development in
Biotechnology to generate adequate and
appropriate skilled manpower required for
Biotechnology sector in the country. The Park has
incubated a large number of entrepreneurs.
Currently Biotech Park is holding hands with 4
new entrepreneurs namely M/s Grassroot
Energy technologies India Pvt. Limited, M/s
Helixion Biosciences Pvt. Ltd, M/s Green Vision
Biotech, M/s ABio Laboratories with total 9
entrepreneurs. Presently Park is actively
expanding its Analytical and Quality Assurance
and Extraction Unit facilities along-with
strengthening of HRD programs. 327 samples
were tested by the Analytical Laboratory, which
has helped many entrepreneurs, industry and
research scholars. The Park is also providing the
extraction facility to new venture business for
agribusiness, pharmaceutical, biochemical,
nutraceuticals,healthcare and other micro-
manufacturing companies. During this current
year 8 companies have utilized services of
extraction unit of Biotech Park, Lucknow. A total
of 125 biotech/bioscience students were trained
in different areas of Biotechnology for a period
ranging from 1-6 months. Apart of expansion
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of Biotech Park's regular training program Park
offers more than 50 short term Courses, each one
leading to self-employment with a higher degree
of success. The focus is on low investment high
impact innovative product model. Each Course is
based on a specific product or a technology that
the student should be able to handle
independently afterwards.
Biotechnology Incubation Centre, Hyderabad:
This Incubation Centre has been established by
CSIR-IICT and Govt. of AP with support from DBT
and is owned by the Society for Biotechnology
Incubation Centre (SBTIC). World class facilities
have been created for use by entrepreneurs on
use and pay basis. There are 12 labs of 350 sq. ft
each which is given out to companies. There are
11 incubatees which are graduated out from the
park and operationalize successfully. Advanced
Analytical and Characterization Resource (AACR)
facility established by SBTIC and IICT with support
from BIRAC/DBT has advanced instruments like,
NMR (500Mz), UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS, HPLC,
Multimode reader (UV-Vis, Fluorescence,
Luminescence). DBT has provided support for
current good manufacturing practices (cGMP)
compliance for Pilot plant facilities, required for
quality manufacturing and for minimizing
contamination. The biotechnology incubator
facility has research laboratories, knowledge-
based service centres and utility generation
facilities. It is mainly designed for development
and scale up of bio processes and technologies.
Pilot Plant is in operation and is utilized by M/s
Biological Evans Ltd. They are engaged in process
standardization and scale-up studies. The World
Health Organization prequalification of Biological
E's TYPHIBEV -Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)
making BE one of the only two prequalified
suppliers of TCV.
Technology Incubation Centre, Guwahati
Biotech Park, Assam: The Technology Incubation
Centre in Guwahati Biotech Park (GBP), Assam
was sanctioned by the DBT at a total cost of
Rs.27.99 crores in 2009 with the aim to assist
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
technopreneurs in testing their concept, to
establish strategic linkages with international,
national and state level institutions in both public
and private sectors, to develop human resource
for undertaking variety of knowledge based
services and techniques specific to
biotechnology, to provide business expertise to
entrepreneurs by international and national
experts from well-known organizations through
consultancy assignments, to provide
bioprospecting facility, medicinal plant
extraction facility, micropropagation facility,
fermentation facility, bioinformatics facilities for
its use by the technopreneurs on lease. In the
Year 2021-22 nine entrepreneurs were
supported by leasing out laboratory space to
them, a virtual internship was conducted on
Molecular Biology, GBP has also entered into
Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with
KIIT-TBI, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Lumos Labs,
Singapore, Social Alpha, Bangalore, NEATeHUB,
Jorhat and Adamas University, Construction of
TIC was completed at the permanent site of GBP
and the facility has now been shifted to the new
campus.
KRIBS BIONEST, Kochi, Kerala: KSUM-RGCB
Innovation and Bioincubation Society (KRIBS)-
BioNest – Biotech Park – Kochi, supported by
Department of Biotechnology, Government of
India, is the 3rd off site center of Rajiv Gandhi
Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), functioning
jointly with Kerala Start-up Mission (KSUM)
within the Kerala Technology Innovation Zone,
Kochi. The facility provides infrastructure and
scientific support to enable researchers,
investors and entrepreneurs looking to translate
biological research, innovations and medical
technologies into mature business ventures.
Spanning over 44,000 sq.ft, it provides bio
incubation space of over 17,000 sq. ft, and a
common 1000 sq, ft laboratory to the start-ups
housed within the facility. Presently, the facility
has 29 physical incubatees, 9 virtual incubatees
and 1 YIP fellow. The broad business
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
verticals/laboratories include Analytical
Biochemistry, Phytotechnology, Cell and
molecular Biology and Bioprocess Engineering
conducts industry relevant research, supports
upstream, downstream and testing facility to
incubates and contract research operations.
BioNest has been able to collaborate with a
number of industries to set up Corporate
Research Operations. The center also attracts
students for curriculum based project training
and pre-employment training. The facility over
the 4 years has witnessed growth in terms of
number of incubates, creating employment
opportunities, training students, and conducting
Figure: Products Developed by Incubatees
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
industry based contract research projects.
Incubatees have also made progress in terms of
patents, products launched and technology
transfers. Some of the products developed by the
incubatees include: CoviKwik – a rapid
immunochromatagraphic test for COVID-19 by
Sushruta Innovations and Wellness Pvt. Ltd.;
Smartlyse hand sanitizer and wet wipes by Omics
Ggen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.; mobile phone
sanitizer by Biophoton Technologies Pvt. Ltd.;
Coliform detection it by Klones Life Sciences Pvt.
Ltd.; Spice extracts by Spiceor Bionutralites
Private Limited.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

Industrial Biotechnology Parks (IBTPs) At Jammu
& Kashmir: The two Industrial Biotechnology
Parks (IBTPs) in the State of Jammu & Kashmir
(one IBTP at Kathua, Jammu and another at
Kupwara, Kashmir Valley) were sanctioned by the
DBT at a total cost of Rs 8466.00 lakhs (IBTP-
Jammu: Rs. 4200.00 lakhs + IBTP-Kashmir: Rs.
4266.00 lakhs) to be shared between DBT (Rs.
6000.00 lakhs) and Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir
State (Rs. 2466.00 lakhs) in June 2018 for a period
of three years. The establishment of these IBTPs
will boost the bio-enterprise development along
with employment generation for youth and
students in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The
project will be executed through CSIR-Indian
Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM),
Jammu for setting up IBTPs and on completion,
will be handed over the facility to J&K Industrial
Biotech Parks Society. The thrust areas for IBTP,
Jammu have been prioritized for the current
phase to include micropropagation, medicinal
plants extract preparation and enzymes/value-
added biomolecules. The IBTP in Kashmir Valley
will provide the facilities focusing on
micropropagation and aromatic plant extracts.
Both the industrial biotech parks are in the
construction phase and the project duration has
been further extended within the overall
sanctioned cost up to June 2022.
of Rs. 4.49 crores. The Government of
Chhattisgarh has allocated Rs. 3.00 crore for
building construction of Biotech Incubation
Centre in the financial year 2020-21. The main
purpose of the project Biotech Incubation Centre
under CG Biotechnology Park is to provide
facilities for interface of research institute with
industry for better utilization of technology and
available bio resources in the State in
collaboration with Govt. of India & Govt. of
Chhattisgarh. The Biotech Incubation Centre
project is implemented by the Chhattisgarh
Biotech Promotion Society. The technical partner
of Biotech Incubation Centre is Indira Gandhi
Krishi Vishwavidyalaya. At this stage, four
Incubation labs, two Common instrumentation
labs equipped with necessary instruments, water
facilities, waste disposal, disposal of other
materials, treatment plant, packaging and
forwarding facility for incubates, utility shed and
washing area has been created as infrastructure.
*****

Chhattisgarh Biotech Park: The Chhattisgarh

Biotech Park provides interface to research
institutes with industry for bioresource based
product commercialization. This park was
supported by the Department of Biotechnology
in July 2018. The aim of the park is to provide
facilities for interface of research institute with
industry for better utilization of technology and
available bioresources in New Raipur in the State
of Chhattisgarh in collaboration with Govt. of
Chhattisgarh. The total project cost is Rs. 2968.39
lakhs for Biotechnology Incubation Centre to be
shared between DBT (1473.05 lakhs) and Govt. of
Chhattisgarh State (1495.34 lakhs) for a period of
two years. DBT has released first year instalment

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 181

 05
BUILDING
INTERNATIONAL
COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL
COLLABORATIONS AND
PARTNERSHIP
International collaboration programme and
partnership of the Department of Biotechnology
are state of the art activity platform for
engagements in mutually agreed areas in the
arena of science diplomacy. These engagements
are providing opportunities to bridge
technological and capacity building gap in
frontiers areas of life sciences through exchange
of ideas and collaboration. The international
collaboration programme of the department
includes participation of the various Science and
Technology organizations, councils, philanthropic
organizations, NGO's and research/academic
institutions through bilateral partnerships with
16 countries and multilateral partnerships via
BRICS, TaSE, and Globalstars (EUREKA). The
engagements through Contribution
Partnerships, Philanthropic Organizations and
Universities as well as NGOs are also providing
scope for leapfrog jump in translational research,
capacity building, outreach and frugal science
areas in India.
Bilateral Cooperation
Germany: The Department of Biotechnology has
active partnership with the German Federal
Ministry of Education, Science Research and
Te c h n o l o g y ( B M B F ) a n d D e u t s c h e
Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) in the areas of
the biotechnology. The partnership between DBT
and DFG is working under a Programme of
Cooperation (PoC) which has vapidity up to 24th
October, 2022. The Indo-German partnership has
implemented 37 projects through various joint
calls with focus on Medical Biotechnology,
Agricultural Biotechnology, Innovative Food and
Nutrition Technology, Medical devices and
bioengineering and Environmental
biotechnology with BMBF and DFG. The
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
department has implemented Phase-II of the
DBT- DFG joint collaborative multi-institutional
network project. This has focus on dynamics of
agriculture mediated economic changes focused
on societal impact in urban, peri-urban and rural
areas of Bangalore that may lead to impact on
policy related aspects. The DBT-DFG joint call on
fundamental research in biotechnology the
department is implementing five projects on blue
sky research. The 2nd DBT-DFG joint call on
fundamental research in biotechnology is under
evaluation. The Department is in the continuum
to engage with Germany to new heights on
consonance to mutually agreed areas of scientific
cooperation.
Indo-German partnership has produced several
scientific achievements. One of the achievement
is development of new method cisDIVERSITY to
explain the whole set of reported regulatory
regions in terms of motifs and their
combinations, all de novo. The cisDIVERSITY can
be applied on your own dataset from
https://github.com/NarlikarLab/cisDIVERSITY.
Spain: The Department under an active PoC for
technological cooperation in biotechnology with
Centre for the Development of Industrial
Technology (CDTI), Government of Spain is
cooperating with mandate to promote market
driven research and technology development as
well as to encourage partnerships and business
led R&D&I collaborative projects in the field of
biotechnology. The department is in process of
th
announcing 7 joint call with CDTI in areas of
biotechnology including health biotechnology,
industrial biotechnology, nano- biotechnology,
agri-biotechnology, biofules, bioenergy,
bioinformatics and biomedical engineering. The
Department is willing to cooperate on Anti-
Microbial Resistance (AMR), Oncology and
Agriculture in coming future.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
This collaboration has produced many scientific
achievements. One of the major achievement
through academic-industrial collaboration under
this partnership generated information on
molecules that may emerge as a potential
inhibitor for the treatment of Leishmaniasis in
the future after completion of appropriate
clinical investigations.
Switzerland: The Department is actively engaged
under bilateral partnership with Swiss National
Science Foundation (SNSF), Switzerland for
promoting science and technology in areas of
strategic relevance to India and Switzerland. The
department has eleven ongoing projects under
Blue Sky Research/ Basic Research in the life
sciences under this partnership with Swiss
National Science Foundation (SNSF). The
Department alongwith SNSF is in process to
implement proposals recommended under the
joint call in “Systems Medicine”.
This partnership has provided opportunities to
both Indian and Swiss scientific community in
blue sky research to generate new knowledge.
Out of several achievements one of the major
a c h i e ve m e nt o f t h i s co l l a b o rat i o n i s
development of Prototypes of Products for novel
nanotechnology platforms for improved delivery
of cancer vaccine together with prolonged
immune activation in lymphoid organs and
reversal of immunesuppression in the tumor
micro- environment.
Figure: Prototypes of Products developed: Nanoparticle based cancer vaccine (nITC1),
Injectable nanogel based sustained releasing system for cytokines (nITC2), implantable
hydrogel basedtumor microenvironment modulator (nITC3)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
O n e o f t h e st u d y h a s d e m o n st rate d
b i o p h o to vo l ta i c s ( b i o P V ) d e v i c e w i t h
Synechocystis cyanobacteria under this
collaboration where the device similar to dye-
sensitized solar cells has been fabricated and
extracted photocurrent.
Belgium: The Department of Biotechnology
alongwith Department of Science & Technology
announced a joint networking call under Indo-
Belgian Research and Technology Cooperation.
This call was coordinated by Belgian Federal
Science Policy Office (BELSPO) from Belgium side
and DST as well as DBT from Indian side. The aim
of the joint networking call is to support
exchanges of ideas by organising joint seminar,
workshop, experts' visits, joint lab or joint field
exchanges to leverage long term research
cooperation between multiple Belgian and
Indian Research institutions, based on existing
infrastructure, with significant impact on a
priority research area. The focus areas from DBT
side were Marine Biotechnology and Life science
focused on micro-organisms.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
United Kingdom: The Department partners with
various Research and Innovation Councils in the
UK through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in
areas such as COVID-19, Antimicrobial
Resistance, Maternal and Child Health,
valorization of Industrial waste, etc. The objective
of these partnerships is to complement the
research expertise across the partnering
countries and co-developing knowledge and
technologies for betterment of society and the
environment.
The Department started a new partnership with
Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), UK to jointly
launch AMS-DBT Newton International
Fellowship. This unique opportunity is offering a
3-year jointly supported post-doctoral fellowship
for Indian scholars. The fellow will spend the first
two years at a UK Laboratory followed by their
final year at an Indian Laboratory pursuing
clinical and patient-oriented research
under joint mentorship. The fellowship aims at
facilitating the transition of exceptional scholars
from budding young researchers to early-
career independent researchers with
strong international mentorship and training
experience. The three selected scholars from the
very first cohort are working towards better
understanding of non-functioning pituitary
tumours; developing novel Antimicrobial Agents;
and designing nanocarrier systems for improved
treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.
In order to offer extensive training, information
sharing, collaboration, and networking
opportunities for early career researchers from
India and the UK in emerging areas of life
sciences; the Department started a new
partnership with British Council for Newton-
Bhabha Researcher Link Workshops. Under this
partnership the Department is jointly supporting
interactive workshops under the mentorship of
established researchers from both countries. The
selected workshops focus on AI in Healthcare,
Blue economy, Building Ecological Resilience in
Vulnerable Mangroves, and Epidemic prediction
and risk reduction using Artificial Intelligence.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
The Department also partnered with the UK to
support joint research for understanding
differential response to COVID-19 infection
among South-Asian populations based in India
and the UK. The four projects supported under
this partnership seek to understand innate
immune activation and cardiovascular disease
risk; prospective investigation of the
determinants for COVID-19 outcomes; the role of
the oral microbiome & mucosal immunity; and
explaining the differential severity of COVID-19
infections.
Another Indo-UK collaborative project led by IIT,
Delhi in India has done extensive field evaluation
in Silchar, Cochin, and Karnal to study the
diagnostic use and impact on AMR with extensive
user mapping and baseline mapping of resistance
profile in different settings. Based on the field
work and user need analysis the team conducted
a workshop to develop 'Target Product Profile' to
address existing challenges. The team has
developed paper strip based cost effective,
robust, reproducible, sensitive, and selective real
time assay for detection of mastitis in dairy
animals. The assay kit can be used for routine
monitoring of mastitis in raw milk at dairy farm,
milk collection center, dairy reception dock, and
R&D institutions.
Addressing Urinary tract infection (UTI) as one of
major public health problem with prevalence
rate of > 21%; the team has also developed a next
generation urine dip stick suitable for use in rural
setting. This modern strip assay with
accompanied service instructions will enable
individuals to assess the risk of UTI in their homes
and connect with healthcare system for proper
management if infection is identified.
Figure: UTI strip assay with accompanied
service instructions in regional language
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Under a jointly supported project led in India by
Indian Institute of Public Health Hyderabad-
Bangalore; a qualitative study for understanding
barriers of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus(GDM)
screening and management was carried out. In
order to spread awareness about screening and
management, video films were developed on
GDM for pregnant women and health
professionals in local languages that were
screened at all intervention PHCs and can be
showcased across all PHCs after study
completion. Over 4000 pregnant women's data
on socio-demographic, obstetric history, and
GDM risk factors has been collected and followed
up at 32 week of pregnancy. The intervention is
trying to address lack of clear understanding of
the cause, consequence and management of
GDM that leads to confusion and gets translated
into emotional distress and not seeking medical
attention.
Within another jointly funded project, scientists
from CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical
Technology aimed to develop novel processes to
generate value-added products from the waste
of the sugarcane industry. This study has
established a sustainable bioprocess for utilizing
waste to valorize into commercial viable
chemicals in an integrated biorefinery strategy
with the aim of maximizing resource recovery.
The study has led to establishing processes for
low- cost and sustainable process for the
valorization of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)
from sugar cane bagasse; and advanced
bioprocess for improved yields of short-chain
fatty acids and biogas from the spent wash of
sugarcane industry. The team aims to exploit the
potential of waste from sugarcane industry for
socio-economic development in sugar growing
and production areas with improved economic
opportunities for Indian sugar industry.
European Union: The Department has been
routinely partnering with the European
Commission in areas like waste-water treatment,
vaccine development, Tuberculosis Research,
etc. The Department recently partnered with the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
EU to support research to develop Rapid
Solutions and Higher Preparedness to COVID 19.
Under this fast-track initiative, the Department is
supporting a study focused on epidemiological,
clinical, microbiological, and genotypic aspects of
large population-based cohorts from European
and non-European countries with environmental
and socioeconomic features. The study also plans
to understand the response of the COVID-19
vaccines on these large cohorts and will help
model responsiveness to a similar health crisis in
the future.
One of the projects jointly supported with the
European Commission is working towards
developing simpler, affordable, accurate
diagnostic test for TB and Multi-Drug Resistance
(MDR) TB, with a colorimetric read-out that can
be interpreted and conveyed via a mobile phone
app. These technologies are being developed
keeping in mind LMICs where case load of TB and
MDR-TB is high and skilled manpower is low in
health-care sector. The team led in India by ICMR-
National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis,
Chennai is trying to approach TB diagnostics
through Rapid 'specific' staining of Mycobacteria
in sputum (no wash probes), rapid molecular
tests for TB and MDR TB (using DNA extraction),
blood-based biomarkers for TB (miRNA detection
device), and development of study based RedCap
Database for data collection.
Figure: The first prototype of a portable,
battery-powered, low cost mycobacterial
DNA extraction device
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Sweden: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has
strategic partnership with Sweden for fostering
research in the medical biotechnology domain
since 2005. In the Year 2018, this was extended to
include support to the innovation ecosystem and
facilitating entrepreneurship development in
biotechnology along with promoting joint
cutting-edge research.
One of the major initiatives under the
collaboration includes Incubator connect
programme at Sweden (Stockholm) for
facilitating networking of Biotech Incubators
wherein BIRAC, a Public Sector Undertaking of
DBT and VINNOVA is facilitating networking of
Biotech Incubators, for Startups to gain access to
Test Beds, KOLs, experts, markets from the two
countries. Now, India and Sweden are developing
a joint call to scale up research and cooperation
on Circular Economy. Various meeting has been
held to discuss the key areas of research and
collaboration priorities that would come under
the purview of the 3 year partnership.
Under the Indo-Swedish collaboration funded by
Pre-transplant 16 months after transplant
Child needed assistance Height and weight
with many activities improved to normal
before Height less than gaining 13 cm in height and
5th percentile Weight , 8kg in weight
th
less than 25 percentile
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 187
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India and
VINNOVA, Sweden; Christian Medical College
(CMC), Vellore and Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
have initiated Boost to Brittle Bones (BOOST2B)
clinical trials to provide stem cell treatment for
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a genetic disease
in which the patient has weakand brittle bones.
The protocol for intraossoeus injection of fetal
Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) infusion as a
therapy for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is
developed. 2-year-old male child with severe
type III OI received his first dose of intravenous
(3x106 MSC per kg body weight) and
intraosseous (0.4x 106 per kg) infusion of fMSC
(female donor) into all 4 long bones. After 16
months follow-up, the child with Osteogenesis
Imperfecta shows improvement in height,
weight, physical functioning and quality of life. 16
months following fetal liver derived MSCs
intraosseous and intravenous infusion in a 4 year
old child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta shows
improvement in height, weight, physical
functioning and quality of life
16 months after transplant
Child is actively playing,
Baseline physical functioning
score of 59 increased to
100 and Quality of life
from 75 to 97

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Also, the protocol for exosome isolation from
mesenchymal stem cells for preclinical animal
models has been standardised. Instituitional
Review Board (IRB) clearance has been obtained
for generating induced pluripotent stem cells
from fetal liver derived mesenchymal stem cells
(fMSC), induced mesenchymal stem cells derived
from fMSC. Protocol for isolation of fetal liver
derived mesenchymal stem cells has been
optiomised and characterised for MSC markers,
Karyoptyping, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA),
osteogenic potency and immunomodulatory
property. Now planning to conduct A Community
Outreach Programme to Improve Awareness on
Diagnosis & Treatment Modalities for
Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
So far under this partnership, five joint calls for
proposals have been announced and 23 joint
projects had been implemented. Sixty
publications, seven patents and six technologies
have been developed. One patent has been
granted in 2021 for 'Nano-Hydroxyapatite Based
Porous Polymer Composite Scaffolds for
Bioactive Molecule Delivery in Musculo-skeletal
Regeneration' at Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT), Kanpur
Finland: With Finland, Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) had been promoting
research programs in biomedical domain for over
a decade. Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) was signed between Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) and Academy of Finland in
July, 2005 and extended till 2018.
Since 2018, this is extended to promote
innovation and connecting start-up networks
between both the countries. Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between
Innovaatiorahoituskeskus Business Finland and
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was signed
on 30.11.2018 for period of 3 years to work on
identified research areas as well as to promote
and nurture start- ups in both the countries. Till
date ten bilateral calls and one trilateral call for
proposals has been announced and forty one
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
projects have been funded in the areas of
biomedical devices, medical biotechnology and
biofuels. 66 publications, two patents and seven
technologies have been developed
Indo-Finnish Joint Call on funding for researcher
mobility was announced on 11th August, 2021
with Academy of Finland. With this funding
opportunity, the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT), India in association with Academy of
Finland, Finland promotes internationalization of
research environments between the countries
and brings about international interaction of
researchers thereby complementing their
research activities. Funding can be applied for
mobility to and from India. The aim of the funding
is to support research collaboration between
Indian and Finnish researchers. 8 applications
have been received under the call.
France: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has
re-oriented its cooperation with France. The
objective is to enable research access to Indian
researchers to the high-end research laboratories
of Centre national de la recherche scientifique
(CNRS) for building leadership in marine biology,
immunology, biomedical sciences. Further it also
aims to designate few Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) autonomous institutes as
the International laboratories of Centre national
de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). Thus,
Recognizing the importance and benefits of
collaborative efforts of India and France in the
field of Biotechnology, both the parties (DBT,
India and CNRS, France) agreed to again sign the
MOU on 1st June, 2021 for a period of 5 years till
31st July 2026 to further foster the Indo-French
bilateral relations on the following points:
1.) Exchange of Research Personnel
2.) Scientific Fields: Collaborations may be
undertaken on identified areas of research in the
past and newer avenues. The proposed areas are
but not restricted to:
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
a. Structural, Systems and Synthetic
Biology
b. Bioengineering and Biotechnology
c.Marine Biology and Biotechnology
3.) Exchange of Technical Information
4.) Promotion of Joint Research
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in
association with CNRS, France conducted a
virtual workshop on 19th May 2021. Based on the
mutual interest, Scientists/researchers from
both the organizations participated in the event
and discussed on the priority areas focusing Host
pathogen interaction and Marine Biology &
Biotechnology.
Australia: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
has strategic partnership with Australia for
fostering research in the medical biotechnology
domain. The Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund
is managed jointly by the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
(DIIS), Govt. of Australia. Since its establishment
in 2006, the IABF has supported collaborative,
leading-edge research between scientists in
Australia and India across a range of jointly
agreed upon priority areas. So far, 14 calls have
been announced and this partnership has
supported 56 joint projects in various areas of life
sciences.
The focus during the year has been on
Collaborative Research Projects Round 14. The
14th Indo-Australia call on 'Indo-Australian
Biotechnology Fund Collaborative Research
Projects (Round 14)' was opened from 1st July,
2021 till 31st August, 2021. The key priority areas
were Biomaterials (including bioplastics), Digital
health and telemedicine, Infection prevention
and control, COVID-19 long-term health impacts.
45 new proposals have been received under the
call and were evaluated and shortlisted from the
Indian Side during the 3rd Technical/ Advisory
Core Committee meeting for International
cooperation held on 7th and 8th October, 2021.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
The shortlisted proposals are being considered in
the Joint review.
The Indo-Australian Web Symposium 'Recent
Advances in Drug Development 2021' supported
by Indo Australian Strategic Fund (Dept of
Biotechnology, India) and CSIR-Indian Institute of
Chemical Biology was held on the 2nd and 3rd of
September 2021 at CSIR-Indian Institute of
Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India. Over 350
stakeholders from students, scientists etc
participated in the symposium.
So far under this partnership, fourteen joint calls
for proposals have been jointly announced and
56 joint projects had been implemented. In 2021,
4 articles are published in international journal
and 3 patents on 'STIM', 'KALPANA' and 'GAURI'
(2 national and 1 international) has been filed.
Department of Biotechnology collaborates with
Canada, Denmark and Netherlands under the
Bilateral Cooperation programme to encourage
and facilitate cooperative activities between
research institutions, universities and other
stakeholders in the respective national sciences
and innovation systems of collaborative
countries, where partnerships are being forged
considering the national priorities to take
forward the technologies.
Netherlands: Indo-Netherlands Cooperation is
focused to support the research, development
and demonstration based bilateral projects are
being supported in the areas of “Technology for a
sustainable Healthcare- Minimally Invasive
Techniques” and “Water for health”. Department
has launched, and finalized the new call for
proposal, in the area of Climate Smart Agriculture
announced in September 2020.
Scientists from Department of Biosciences and
Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati in collaboration
with their Netherlands partner under DBT
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
funded project aimed to develop affordable
cardiac patches for myocardial infarction has
developed north-east muga silk-based 3D
bioprinted vascularized beating cardiac patches
with oxygen releasing and immunomodulatory
potential. This study will assist and establish new
dimensions in tissue engineering based
treatment of myocardial infarction and other
cardiac related anomalies.
Researchers from IIT Kharagpur and IIT Delhi in
collaboration with their Netherlands partner
under DBT funded project aimed to develop a
novel biopsy device having the dual functionality
of snap-freezing the acquired biopsy and cooling
the surrounding tissue, has proposed a design of
the envisaged modified cryo-needle and
developed tissue specific cooling rates for four
different types of tumour tissues using extensive
numerical modelling. The extensive numerical
studies will provide the framework necessary to
accurately understand freezing patterns in
different types of tissues leading to the predictive
acquisition of biopsies. This understanding can
then be utilized to optimise the flow parameters
for the modified biopsy needle.
Canada: Department is actively engaged in joint
cooperation IC-IMPACTS, Canada, and
collaborating for translational projects aims to
create wealth from Waste. The projects being
kicked off under this cooperation are focused to
use lignocellulosic waste sewage for energy
production, and industrial wastewater
treatment. Collaboration and joint Call in other
areas of mutual interest is under such as 'energy'
and 'agriculture' are under process
Denmark: Recently, this cooperation came to join
hands in the area of Bio-Resources and
Secondary Agriculture.
Scientists from the Centre for Development
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
of Advanced Computing, Kolkata in collaboration
with their Danish partner under the DBT funded
bilateral project on the thematic area for aimed
to develop technology “Safe Water Index Sensing
System (SWISS)” - an innovative system towards
real-time monitoring of water by detecting series
of heavy metal contaminants through
Biochemical Sensory Array Device (BSAD)” has
developed a “potentiometric based
electrochemical device for the detection of heavy
metals in drinking water integrated with BSAD” to
support the human population with a point of
care solution for safe water consumption. This
study would benefit the general mass with a
viable and commercial solution for household
use of estimating their drinking water quality and
safety. This study assists and provides the users
with a report for their household drinking water
quality for better human health.
Investigators from IIT Guwahati, CSIR-Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), GB
Pant Agricultural University in collaboration with
their Denmark partner under DBT funded project
aimed to develop an innovative algae platform
for industrial wastewater valorisation towards
multiple bio-based products (biomass,
biohydrogen, and biogas). Dairy (India), Pulp &
Paper (India) and Potato chips (Denmark)
wastewaters are being bioremediated using
various strains of microalgae and the resultant
biomass is being converted to various value
added products. Scientist from IICT Hyderabad
has found that Dairy wastewater is used as a
feedstock for microalgae growth and maximum
biomass of 2.6 g L-1 was observed in
Kirchineriellalunaris. Microalgae cultivated with
dairy waste water showed a significant reduction
in organic pollutants and higher concentration of
photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and
protein content. The results obtained postulate
potential of microalgae in valorizing wastewater
and simultaneous increase in biomass
production.
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Figure: Development of modified cryo needle and tissue specific cooling rates for four
different types of tumour tissues

Figure: Cross sectional view of the tip of the envisaged cryo needle

Figure: Simplified 3D Representation of the Breast model geometry of (a) acquired sample and the
(b) surrounding tissue region (all dimensions are in millimeters)

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Figu: Representation of the Breast tissue boundary conditions of (a) acquired sample and the
(b) surrounding tissue region

Figure: Temperature contours of acquired tissue sample subjected to cooling power of 8W at

indicated instances of time

Figure: BSAD sensor of the SWISS device

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Figure: Left Side of the prototype of the SWISS device with Electronics

Figure: Front side of the prototype of the

SWISS device with Electronics

Figure: Top view of the prototype of the SWISS

device with Electronics

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 193

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Figure: Tubular membrane after sintering

Figure: Tubular membrane while drying in room
temperature

Figure: Schematics details of Work performed

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 194

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Multilateral Cooperation Foundation, China and The Swedish Research

DBT-EUREKA: EUREKA is an intergovernmental Council for Sustainable
organization for publically funded market driven
Development alongwith the Department of
industrial R&D involving 44 countries. The
Biotechnology (DBT). This initiative has focus on
department under 'GlobalStars Initiative' is
'Human-Environment Interactions and the
implementing three projects with UK,
Sustainable Development Goals'. Under this
Netherlands and Spain on 'One Health'. To
partnership six projects implanted for the
strengthen multilateral collaboration, the
duration of two years. Supported projects has
department is implementing two projects under
provided insights that will be utilised for policy
2nd GlobalStars India joint call with EUREKA within
making inputs on sustainable earth and
the scope: “key enabling technologies for
environment.
healthcare, agriculture and water” with The
Netherlands and Sweden. One of the study named as Opportunities for
Climate Mitigation and Sustainable Development
Project supported under this collaboration has
(OPTIMISM) based on Surat & Udaipur cities,
provided several scientific insights. Some of them
provides a new assessment framework to
are mentioned here. The ExoLiv study has
understand linkages between SDGs and deep
developed liver cancer model in Black B6/JL mice
decarbonization scenarios at the city level,
with mice LLC cell line as well as humanized mice
making it a key methodological contribution. The
model was developed for development of
Principle Investigator has presented the project
orthotopic mice model.
findings at COP26 in session “Future of Mobility
Another study on direct 3D bioprinting strategies Through Local Innovation and Transport
to study articular cartilage development and Solutions”.The event can be assessed:
regenerative therapy for osteoarthritis has https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8e3MQZ
recently demonstrated that formation of FWYc; Timestamp: 6:15 – 11:50.
transient cartilage at the expense of permanent
cartilage upon immobilization of developing
embryos is caused by ectopic activation of BMP
signalling.
DBT-BRICS: The Department of Biotechnology
along with DST had announced a multilateral
joint call dedicated to the COVID-19 under BRICS
STI Framework Programme with two-year project
duration to fund proposals as a proof of concept.
Under this joint call two projects implemented by Another study focused on the Peri-Urbanization
the department. The department is participating and Climate environment interaction (PERI-
in the 5th coordinated call for BRICS multilateral CENE) is looking for impacts/effects of
projects under BRICS STI Framework Programme. periurbanisation on climate change risk creating
DBT-TaSE: Towards Sustainable Earth (TaSE) is a new frameworks of adaptive governance based
multilateral joint collaborative platform between on the experiences of greater Manchester and
The Natural Environment, Economic and Social, greater Chennai, with additional information
Arts and Humanities Research Council of UK from 20 other city-regions around the world.
Research and Innovation; Japan Science and
Technology Agency; National Natural Science

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The Opportunities and trade-offs between the
SDGs for food, welfare and the environment in
Deltas study for the first time has explored the
attainment and failure of SDG targets at a sub-
national level in a critical climatic hotspot like
Sundarbans and came up with important leads
on synergies and trade-offs between prevailing
land-use practices, conservation strategies, and
adaptation policies.
This multilateral collaboration platform is looking
for practical solutions for the Land River Interface
(LRI) on/alongside the Sutlej-Beas river basins.
This will help the people in managing these trade-
offs through suitable technology interventions
that enhance multiple Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) Social-Economic-Environmental
Trade-offs in Managing the Land-River-Interface
(SEELARI).
The Pathways of Dispersal for Cholera and
Solution Tools (PODCAST) study is looking for
development and validation of hydrodynamic
models to describe the role of ocean currents in
t h e t ra n s p o rtat io n o f p at h o gen s a n d
vulnerability of coastal areas to cholerae.
Smart Agriculture – FarmerZone project
implemented by the IIT Mandi with coordinating
the first FarmerZone sentinel (potato crop). It was
envisioned to be a Cloud-based service that
collects, collates and curates data from multiple
sources to provide key machine-learning
analytics that cater to the needs of farmers. The
IIT Mandi has developed the FarmerZone cloud
infrastructure that has been able to ingest data
from IMD, Agmark, and several other sources
through web-scraping. Region-specific package-
of-practices and crop advisory predictions have
been obtained from CPRI. Market related advice
including seed, cold storage and insurance
schemes were obtained from IORA. The
advisories reach farmers through an indigenously
developed FarmerZone smartphone app. Till now
over 6000 farmers have been registered across 5
states (UP, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat
and West Bengal) through a team of 12 field
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
officers, workshops and linkages through various
FPOs, research institutions and agricultural
universities.
Mission Innovation (MI) Accelerating the Clean
Energy Innovation was announced on November
30, 2015 at COP21 in Paris to commit ambitious
efforts to combat climate change. It is a global
initiative of 22 countries and the European
Commission (on behalf of the European Union)
working to reinvigorate and accelerate global
clean energy innovation to make clean energy
widely affordable. India has actively participated
in all eight global calls (MI Challenges) aimed at
accelerating Research, Development, and
Demonstration (RD&D) and committed to
actively participate in MI 2.0 through 'Platform' &
'Mission' for Clean Energy Development.
India, during MI Phase-I played crucial role in MI
activities at global level by participating through
DBT, DST and CSIR and other line ministries
leading to develop clean energy solutions
through cutting edge research and development.
Since its inception, India has been an active MI
member, co-leading three Innovation challenges
(Smart Grids, Off-Grid access to Electricity and
Sustainable Biofuels) and actively participating in
other five Innovation Challenges (Carbon
Capture, Converting Sunlight, Clean energy
Materials, Affordable Heating and Cooling of
Buildings and Renewable and Clean Hydrogen.
India through DBT & DST conceptualized > 172
projects to provide innovative solutions in the
area of clean energy.
Mission Innovation Breakthrough Solutions has
resulted in Four Clean Energy Success stories in
India covering Off-grid access to electricity,
Ocean energy, Energy storage and Sustainable
Biofuels, exemplifying the determination of
scientists and engineers in universities and
industry across India, to continue to drive the
phenomenal progress made to date, and to
succeed in delivering a clean growth revolution.
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The MI India Global Champions (Prof. SP Gon
Chaudhuri and Dr Purnima Jalihal) selected under
MI Champions program, are scaling the Potential
of Clean Energy Innovation in the area(s) of Off-
grid access to electricity (Micro-solar dome and
solar water pump) and Ocean energy systems. Till
today 15000 Micro-Solar dome installed,
benefitting 70,000 people in India.
Mission Innovation 6th Ministerial (MI 6): India
participated in the MI Gathering 2021, reiterating
India's commitment via the Joint Launch
Statement to MI's next phase focusing on public-
private alliances ("The Missions") and the Global
Innovation Platform for collaboration and
acceleration of start-up technologies towards
affordable clean energy solutions. India actively
participated at the 6th Mission Innovation
Ministerial (MI-6) held virtually in May 2021,
hosted by Chile, which was attended by a high-
level delegation led by the Hon'bleMoS&T,
H&FW, and ES, Secretary DBT, and senior officials
from DBT and DST, who reaffirmed India's
commitment via the Joint Member Statement to
accelerate the pace of innovation and facilitate
clean energy transitions by advancing the
solutions and technologies needed to support
national goals. At the event, under the Global
Innovation Platform component the following
initiatives were launched:
Integrated Sustainable Aviation Biofuels (ISAF)
co-led by India and USA, was launched with
support from other key members (Netherland,
Denmark, China and EU), aiming to develop cost-
effective strategies for Sustainable Aviation
Fuels.
Innovation Community on Affordable Heating
and Cooling of Buildings Co-led by India aims to
bring together Global R&I community for heating
and cooling of buildings. India also participates in
the Innovation Community on Materials for
Energy, led by Canada.
To support the Start-up Innovation ecosystem,
under the “Accelerate” module, India leads the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
“MI Clean Tech Exchange Platform” aiming to
connect the international incubators and scale
the innovation and startup eco system.
Participation in Other Missions: India actively
supports the following Missions: Hydrogen,
Power, Shipping, Innovation driven Urban
Transition, Carbon Dioxide Removal and Net-Zero
Emission Industry Demo.
Participation in COP26: launch of Mission
Integrated Biorefineries: 09th November 2021:
India reiterated and urged the global clean
energy community at the United Nations Climate
Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) to
commit to expanding access to sustainable fuels,
chemicals, and materials as a means of
decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and
attaining global climate goals. Union Minister for
Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh
reiterated India's stand and called for
commitment from the global clean energy
community for access to sustainable fuels,
chemicals, and materials to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and achieve global climate goals as
one of the mitigation measures. To accelerate the
commercialization of integrated biorefineries
and achieve the goal of replacing an additional
10% of fossil carbon equivalent by sustainable
bio-carbon in fuels, chemicals, and materials
derived from residues and wastes by 2030, the
Government of India and the Netherlands-led
Mission Integrated Biorefineries was launched
among the global clean energy community at a
side event of COP26 (Lead IT Summit).
Impact so far: With the increase in RD&D
investment, Mission Innovation has initiated
R&D activities in advanced areas of clean energy
under the innovation challenges. International
cooperation in these projects has resulted in
knowledge sharing. Mission Innovation has
helped identify cutting-edge innovation and S&T
developments involving larger Stakeholders,
identifying national research strengths, and
involving the private sector in investment and
commercialization. MI- India has successfully
engaged knowledge partners like IEA, IRENA etc.
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Clean International Incubation Centre set up by
DBT-BIRAC has successfully facilitated
innovations by start-ups with more than 20 clean
energy solutions to help standalone researchers
is a unique achievement. Takachar, a start-up
supported by CEIIC, a joint initiative of DBT,
Ministry of Science and Technology and Tata
Trusts, won the EarthShot "Clean our Air" prize
2021, for the creation of a portable machine
which turns agricultural waste into sellable
products like fuels and fertilizers. The technology
reduces smoke emissions by up to 98% which will
help improve the air quality and if scaled could
help cut CO2 levels to a considerable extent.
Working towards the next phase of MI (2.0), India
is focusing on affordable, reliable, and widely
available clean energy, with a focus on research
and innovation, cost reduction, and the discovery
of new approaches to how we produce, use,
store, and distribute energy.
Partnership Programmes with EMBO, HFSPO
and Foldscope
1. EMBO, EMBC and India: The Government of
the Republic of India became an associate
member in January 2016 of EMBO by signing a
Cooperation Agreement with EMBC to
st re n gt h e n s c i e nt i f i c i nte ra c t i o n a n d
collaborative research between India and
Europe. This made Indian scientific community
eligible to participate in all EMBO Programmes
and activities.
2. HFSPO: The partnership between India and
the International Human Frontier Science
Program Organization (HFSPO) is since 2006. It
supports for frontier research on the complex
mechanisms of living organisms through the
Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP). The
HFSPO support investigators under Research
grant and Fellowship categories. In 2021, five
Indians received HFSPO grants support in
Research Grant (1) and Long-Term Fellowship (1)
and Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (3) for
conducting joint collaborative research.

Hon'ble Minister S&T addressing the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the parties
: Launch of Mission Integrated Biorefineries: 09th November 2021

Trigger Talk by Dr. RenuSwarup, Secretary Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India

addressing the global challenges in Clean Energy Transition at MI-6.

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S. N. EMBO and HFSPO Awardee
1. The Global Investigator
2. EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships
3. EMBO Scientific Exchange
4. Indian Scientists attending EMBO Courses & Workshops
5. EMBO Travel grant
6. EMBO Laboratory Leadership Courses
7. EMBO IndiaBioscience Online Seminars
8. HFSPO grants support in Research
9. HFSPO Long-Term Fellowship
10. HFSPO Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships
3. Foldscope: Microscopy for all: The
Department under initiative of “microscope for
every child” has organized two workshops and
distributed Foldscopes to the resource constraint
schools and colleges in 2021. The COVID-19
pandemic has adversely affected this activity.
However, the changing nature in adoption of ICT
led to organization of two Foldscope workshops
at Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh and Chamba,
Himachal Pradesh respectively.
1) Two days hands-on training workshop on
use of Foldscope at Government College,
Sultanpur, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, held on
November 25-26, 2021 for the teachers of
Aspirational Districts of Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and
Uttarakhand. Fifty (50) school teachers and 206
students were trained on use of foldscope.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 199
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
AND PARTNERSHIP
Number of
Awardee
5
7
1
40
1
4
1
1
1
3
2) Two days hands-on training workshop on use
of Foldscope held at Chaudhary Sehaku Singh
Balika Inter College, Dedhgaon, Chandauli, Uttar
Pradesh on December 09 and 10 December 2021
for the teachers of Aspirational Districts of Uttar
Pradesh (Chandauli, Shravasti, Sonbhadra,
Fatehpur, Bahraich, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur
and Chitrakoot). A total of 52 school teachers and
227 students were trained.
The training held on use of foldscope to visualize
unicellular and multi cellular cells like bacteria,
fungus, protozoans, plant cells, animal cells,
arthropods and exopolymeric substances. This
training will provide a platform to the students &
teachers to use Foldscopes as microscopic tool
for their practicals, detection of samples, etc.
These teachers will act as trainers for their
districts to take forward this initiative and
strengthening of the scientific temperament of
the students to pursue science as a career.
*****
 06
SPECIAL
SECTION:
COVID-19
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 SPECIAL SECTION: COVID-19

COVID 19 Diagnostics assays for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2

antibodies. The developed rapid test has
To address gaps in indigenous diagnostics higher sensitivity than the commercial
development during the COVID-19 pandemic, assays in the same
the Department has sanctioned 16 projects
through a special call “DBT-BIRAC Covid-19
Research Consortium” call. Some of the salient
developments are reported below:
Ø DBT as identified 30 City /Regional clusters
to scale up COVID testing as a part of the Hub
and Spoke model. 9 DBT AIs (THSTI, ICGEB,
RGCB, CDFD, inStem, NCCS, IBSD, NII and ILS)
are approved as Hubs for COVID-19 testing.
As on December 17, 2021, DBT supported
COVID Testing centres have tested 70.24
Lakh samples; 29,990 samples have been
tested in the mobile I- lab attached to DBT- Components of the developed
Translational Health Science and Technology
SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA kit
Institute, Faridabad.
Ø DBT supported 'AMTZ COMManD (COVID-19
format and has been found to be in high
Medtech Manufacturing Development)
concordance between serum neutralization
Consortium', an indigenous manufacturing
test titers and the signals (UCNP
facility set up at the Andhra Med Tech Zone
fluorescence) from the LFA. The aim is to
(AMTZ) has achieved a production capacity
further develop this assay as a surrogate
of ~10 Lakh RT-PCR COVID-19 diagnostic
virus neutralization test for the point of care
tests/day and ~1 Lakh VTM/day. AMTZ has
settings keeping in mind the utility of this
been able to achieve production of 9.00 Cr.
test for assessing the vaccine response and
units of Tru-NAT RT- PCR kits; 1.5 Cr. Covid-
to determine the need for the booster dose
IgG ELISA / LFA kits; 08 lakh Viral Transport
in future.
Media (VTM) kits, 3000 IR thermometers,
Ø IISc, Bangalore has developed RT-LAMP
2000 Pulse oximeters along with 11000
assay against the S-gene of SARS-CoV2
ventilators and other critical medical
having significant analytical sensitivity. The
devices.
specificity of the assay lies in the strength of
Ø Tra n s l at i o n a l H e a l t h S c i e n c e a n d
designing of the primers, which are unique in
Technology Institute (THSTI) has developed
the genome of SARS-CoV2 and are absent in
a rapid and stable Receptor Binding Domain
other related coronaviruses. Thus, it would
(RBD)- based IgG ELISA test. The test has
ensure that the LAMP reaction would
shown higher sensitivity compared to few of
proceed by loop formation exclusively in the
the kits available in market. The initial
presence of SARS-CoV2 target RNA, leading
version of the test has been transferred to
to high specificity of the assay. Pilot
Xcyton Diagnostics Ltd. The test should be a
validation has been performed and the
very useful tool in monitoring the
working prototype of the kit is ready for
sustainability of IgG response after the
ICMR evaluation.
infection and vaccination and will have value
even when the pandemic is over. The team
has also developed a lateral flow rapid POC

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 201

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Ø The Department supported Centre for
Human Genetics, Bangalore to develop an
IgG ELISA Test kit for sero- surveillance. The
kit which has been submitted for ICMR
evaluation/validation will help to check for
the immunity by testing SARS-CoV2
antibodies generated by individuals with a
history of SARS COV2 infection or
downstream of receiving the vaccination.
The team has developed two ELISA tests
Lady Bird and Paras, which identifies SARS
CoV2 antibodies with high specificity and
sensitivity. The peptides (RBD) arrays could
be used to develop quantitative estimates/
titres of IgA Antibody as an indicator of the
i m m u n e re s p o n s e ( p ro te c t i o n ) o r
neutralising activity.
Ø Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of
Medical Sciences, Lucknow is studying an
important aspect of Covid 19 wherein the
team is looking for relationship between
digestive symptoms and morbidity,
mortality and fecal excretion of the virus
among patients with COVID-19. The
researchers have recruited patients for
sample collection and are being followed up
for various intervals like 1, 3 and even for 6
months. The preliminary study shows that
presence of GI symptoms was associated
with a severe illness and fatal outcome on
multivariate analysis. Independent
predictors of GI symptoms included the
absence of contact history, presence of non-
GI symptoms, and comorbid illnesses.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SPECIAL SECTION: COVID-19
Testing Count
DBT has identified 21 City /Regional clusters to
scale up Covid testing as a part of the Hub and
Spoke model. Nine Autonomous Institutes (AIs)
of DBT have been approved as testing centres for
COVID-19 diagnosis. These DBT AIs have also
been identified as hubs for their respective
regions. Till date, more than 70.24 lakh tests have
been performed by these Clusters.
To ramp up the COVID-19 testing in rural and
inaccessible areas, India's first I-lab (infectious
disease diagnostic lab) which was launched in
June 2020 and attached to the THSTI, Faridabad
hub have tested more than 29990 samples in
total, till date from the Faridabad region
COVID Vaccine Development
l World's first COVID-19 DNA Vaccine,
ZyCoV-D, developed by Zydus Cadila,
supported under Mission COVID
Suraksha, received Emergency Use
Authorization (EUA) from the National
Regulatory Authority (NRA) on 20th
August, 2021;
l The indigenously developed protein
s u b u n i t va c c i n e ( C O R B E VA X T M )
developed by Biological E is the 2nd
vaccine candidate under Mission COVID
Suraksha, to have received EUA on 28th
December, 2021;
l Nation's first mRNA-based vaccine
developed by
l Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. is
currently in
l Phase II/III clinical stage of development;
l India's first Intranasal Vaccine developed
by Bharat Biotech International Ltd.
(BBIL), supported by DBT-BIRAC under
Mission COVID Suraksha, is in Phase II
clinical stage of development;
l Indian Immunolgicals Limited (IIL),
supported under Mission COVID
S u ra k s h a , fo r a u g m e n t a t i o n o f
manufacturing capacity for COVAXIN®,
has achieved production
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 SPECIAL SECTION: COVID-19

capacity of 20 lakh doses/month COVID-19 Genomics

equivalent Drug Substance (DS) in
September, 2021. A total of 56 lakh doses Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium
equivalent DS was transferred to BBIL as (INSACOG) is a consortium of 38 Regional
on date; Genome Sequencing Laboratories (RGSLs)
l Validation of the facility at Bharat Biotech established by DBT and MoHFW for molecular
International Limited (BBIL), supported surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The
under Mission COVID Suraksha, for INSACOG has sequenced 1,14,972 SARS -CoV-2
augmentation of manufacturing capacity genomes (as on 20.12.2021) of which 1,14,265
for COVAXIN®, at Malur, Bengaluru, is have been analyzed and assigned Pangolin
complete. Approximately 2 Crore doses lineage and results of 87,932 samples have been
equivalent of Drug Substance (DS) of updated in IHIP/ submitted to NCDC.
COVAXIN® have been filled in so far;
l The CEPI Centralized network lab at DBT-
THSTI Faridabad, was inaugurated by the
COVID-19 Therapeutics
Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology
on January 5, 2021. This NABL accredited DBT-BIRAC supported anti-viral drug – Virafin
Bioassay Laboratory validated COVID-19 (pegylated interferon alpha-2b) – developed by
kits and performed immunogenicity Zydus Cadila, has recently been accorded
testing of vaccine candidates for various restricted emergency use approval, for
industries and academic institutions; treatment of moderate COVID-19. Virafin is
l With support from PM-CARES Funds, two available in 214 hospitals across the country;
DBT Autonomous Institutes- National included in 3 state protocols, supplied to 4 states;
Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), 6 states actively considering including in
Hyderabad and National Centre for Cell protocol.
Science (NCCS), Pune, have been
upgraded as Central Drug Laboratories *****
(CDLs), for testing and batch release of
vaccines. The facility at NCCS, Pune, was
notified as CDL, on June 28, 2021; the
facility at NIAB, Hyderabad was notified
on 17th August, 2021 by Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare;
l Under the Partnerships for Advancing
Clinical Trials (PACT) programme, a
science diplomacy initiative of the
Department, two series of training
programmes for strengthening clinical
trial capacities in neighboring countries,
were held between Sep-Dec 2020 and
Feb- Apr 2021, for more than 2400
candidates across 14 neighboring and
friendly countries;
l The tableau of DBT for the Republic Day
Parade 2021, titled 'India Fights COVID-
19' adjudged the best among Ministries /
Departments of India;
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 203
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SOCIETAL
PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 SOCIETAL PROGRAM

SOCIETAL PROGRAM diseases like mastitis, severely mar their milk

p r o d u c t i o n c a p a c i t y. D e p a r t m e n t o f
Department has been supporting projects aiming Biotechnology under its societal project has
to promote use of biotechnological processes selected SC/ST population of four villages in
and tools for the benefit of society specially Jammu district and trained over 370 farmers for
farmers and unemployed youth in Aspirational profitable dairy farming using scientific
districts and rural areas through Biotech Based interventions. Skill development workshops
Programmes for Societal Development. DBT also were organised to enhance their technical skills in
has Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application farm management. This has motivated and
Network (Biotech-KISAN) program that nurtured many new farmers to venture into start-
empowers farmers, especially women farmers. It ups in the dairy sector. Now they are earning two
aims to understand the problems of water, soil, to five times more than their previous income.
seed and market faced by the farmers and Notably, a high percentage of youth with
provide simple solutions to them. impressive pay packages in the private sector
have started dairy farming. There are around 20
Biotechnology Based Program for Societal success stories under this project where youth
Development have initiated dairy start-ups and have
established successful businesses.
Biotechnology based Program for Societal
Development was initiated by DBT in 1990 to
benefit the vulnerable section of the society
particularly farmers, women and SC/ST
population. From 2018-19, the focus of the
program has shifted to socio-economic
upliftment of the underprivileged section of the
society in Aspirational Districts. In last 5 years, the
Department has supported 66 projects under this
program and nearly 39,000 rural, SC/ST and
women population including youth have been
benefitted through the implementation of the
projects in agriculture and allied sector including
animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries; integrated
farming system; health & nutrition; environment
& biodiversity conservation.
During 2021-22, Department has screened 52
proposals received under call for establishment
of Rural Technology Clusters (RTCs) in
Aspirational Districts. 27 proposals have been
recommended for implementation.
Glimpses of some of projects supported under
Societal Development Programs are as given Fig: Training of usage of milk testing kits and
below: modern dairy equipment to beneficiaries; and
l Jammu and Kashmir imports milk from visit of Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) of Science
neighbouring states as the prevalence of & Technology to a beneficiary dairy farm.
cattle

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l Two nutraceutical products namely,
Sahjan leaf powder dietary capsules and
Sahjan- fortified wheat flour puri have
been developed by CSIR-NBRI under
another Societal Development Program
of DBT. These products have reduced
malnutrition problem in growing children
and women of targeted area.
l A project being implemented by Indian
Institute of Technology Roorkee aims at
pursuing the interventions such as Value
addition, product development, and
entrepreneurial skill development-based
innovations for rural and societal
development in traditional Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants based products of the hill
areas focused on North-West Himalayan
Region. The beneficiaries have been
provided with the quality germplasm of
the identified MAPs for cultivation. A
Fig.: Organic cultivation of germplasm and beneficiaries using processing facility.
processing facility housing the
i nte r ve nt i o n s fo r p o st - h a r ve st
management, and processing of MAPs is
established for the beneficiaries. The
beneficiaries are being trained for organic
cultivation, post- harvest processing of
MAPs, and product development based
on MAPs along with skill development for
entrepreneurial practices and support for
m a r ke t d e ve l o p m e nt . I C T - b a s e d Today Tridala women SHG is a role model
interventions are being implemented for
strengthening the connections, providing
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
marketing and selling platform and
developing the brand for the products
developed through scientifically validated
traditional practices. The beneficiaries
have started developing the products
based on MAPs along with selling in the
local markets.
l Another project is involved in Millets
Processing & value addition Training at
Farm Gate and marketing linkages.
Women from a small village of Katti
Tugaon, Bhalki Taluk Bidar district of
Karnataka have started a Self Help Group
called “TRIDALA SELF HELP GROUP”. The
women were provided training on
business plan, processing of millets and
market linkages to get remunerative
prices for products. The products like
Pearl Millet Muruku, Ragi Malt,
Multimillet Malt, Ragi Masala, Roti
Powder, millets Papad and Millets
Khichadi Mix etc., are being prepared by
these SHG members. Many other farm
women were inspired by this SHG group
and as a result now more than 30
members are working in this group and
selling their produce across the country.
to other women in the village.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 SOCIETAL PROGRAM

l High altitude livestock such as yak, plays a the highland farming communities of
major role in the economy of the tribal Arunachal Pradesh and North Sikkim. The
population, living in the difficult terrains technologies have been given to the state
of the foot hills of Himalayas. Yaks are developmental agencies; Animal
raised on free range transhumance Husbandry department and Krishi Vigyan
sy s t e m o f r e a r i n g w i t h o u t a ny Kendra of Tawang and West Kameng in
supplementary feed, except some salts at Arunachal Pradesh and North Sikkim for
regular interval. The entire yak rearing further percolation in field. Complete
areas of the country face acute shortage Feed Blocks (CFB), made from locally
of fodder during winter when entire available feed resources to combat winter
pastures remain covered under snow and feed crisis in yaks, has been distributed
due to dormant biomass growth. Beside, and found effective in recouping 25-30%
over grazing of winter pasture due to over of body weight loss in yaks during winters.
stocking with other livestock resulting in
their deterioration. This results in
substantial loss in animal body weight and
production. These losses could be
compensated by supplementation of
complete feed blocks prepared from
locally available fodder resources such as
maize stover, paddy/millet straw and
concentrated feed. Silage making in poly
bags in another technology of
conservation of surplus green forages for
lean period. The technology is found
effective in ensiling high altitude tree
forages like Willow tender twigs and
leaves for offering to the animals during Fig: CFB distribution and technology
feed scarcity periods. Both these demonstration to the farmers in Sikkim
technologies have been extensively
demonstrated and popularised among

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 207

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 SOCIETAL PROGRAM

l Farmers from Kelambe village in Lanja

Ta l u k a o f R a t n a g i r i d i s t r i c t o f
M a h a ra s h t ra , h a v i n g l i v e l i h o o d
agriculture farming mainly horticulture
crops like coconut, cashew and Amla,
were trained in integrated farming
practice by incorporating fish culture and
utilising waste water from fish culture
unit as a source of nutrient for
horticulture crops. The farmers were
trained for constructing polythene lined
ponds in his unused land of for supporting
irrigation to horticulture crops and fish
culture. The intervention has resulted in
increase in income and productivity of
horticultural crops as well.

Fig: Fish culture farms; Seed stocking and Health check-up and monitoring on site.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 208

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Biotech-Krishi Innovation
Science Application Network
(Biotech-KISAN)
Biotech-KISAN is a scientist-farmer partnership
scheme launched by Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) in 2017 for agriculture
innovation with an objective to connect science
laboratories with the farmers to find out
innovative solutions and technologies to be
applied at farm level. The establishment of
Biotech-KISAN Hubs in different agroclimatic
zones will strengthen and empower the KVKs
with latest and innovative technologies by linking
them with national scientific labs and
institutions. This programme will be working on
the basis of cluster approach for economic uplift
of small and marginal farmers, rural youths and
woman by infusion of biotechnology-based
solutions in agriculture and allied sectors,
development of bio-based agri-enterprises in
rural areas based on affordable technologies and
providing support to them. The Biotech-KISAN
Hubs/Incubators that have been established so
far covers all 15 agro-climatic zones of the
country and their activities have been
implemented in a total of 169 districts including
112 Aspirational Districts. The scheme has
benefitted over three lakh farmers (directly and
indirectly, both) by increasing their agriculture
output and income. Over 200 entrepreneurships
have also been developed in the rural areas.
Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application
Network (Biotech-KISAN)
No. of Ongoing Biotech-KISAN Hubs supported
Satellite Centers
No. of Aspirational Districts Covered
No. of Demonstrations Carried Out
No. of Interventions Carried Out
No. of Farmer beneficiaries covered under training
programmes and workshops
Entrepreneurships developed in the rural areas
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 209
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
Major highlights of the progress made in
ongoing programmes are as follows:
Under the Biotech-KISAN Hub in the Aspirational
Districts Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar of
Uttarakhand, the overall crop yield increase
recorded is between 60 to 70% in all crops dueto
use of seeds of improved varieties and cultivation
technology packages in paddy and vegetable.
The vermi-compost technology introduced first
time in the area, helped the farmers to reduce
their dependency on costly chemical fertilizers as
well to improve the soil health. The protected
vegetable cultivation (Polyhouse technology)
was demonstrated and introduced first time in
the project area.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in the Aspirational Districts
Nandurbar and Osmanabad of Maharashtra,
demonstration activities on groundnut and onion
in Nandurbar district; gram and soybean in
Osmanabad district has been carried out. A total
of 17 Farmers Training programmes have been
organized benefiting 606 farmers. The
technological booklets for each crop are being
made for the distribution to the farming
community.
Under Biotech-KISAN Hub in aspirational districts
of Virudhunagar and Ramanthapuram of Tamil
Nadu forty beneficiaries were identified for
imparting training on 'Importance of balanced
feeding, improved fodder crop varieties and its
36
169
112
8000
55
3,000,00
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
production technologies' comprising of lectures,
discussion, demonstration, exposure visits and
confidence building workshops. At the end of the
training/workshops, the beneficiaries were
distributed with seeds / planting materials of
different improved fodder crops and the
accessories of hydroponic unit on free of cost to
establish the nutritional forage cafeteria.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in selected Seven
Aspirational Districts of North East States, a total
of 574 piglets have been purchased and
distributed to 272 piglet beneficiaries along with
pig feed (129 packets, 50 kg / packet). A total of
49 training programmes were organized to
educate/ aware beneficiaries about Scientific Pig
Husbandry under this project by seven Centres
and two numbers by Main Hub (through video
conference). Support was provided for Good
quality improved pig breed, feeding techniques,
low cost pig housing, administration of medicines
and vaccines to pigs, formula of low-cost feed,
collection of faecal samples etc.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub comprising of Karauli,
Dholpur, and Baran districts of Rajasthan; Mewat
district of Haryana and Balrampur, Baharaich and
Sravasti districts of Uttar Pradesh,
demonstrations of improved varieties of paddy,
wheat, moong, pigeon pea, mustard and
horticultural crops; bio-fertilizers (PSB, VAM,
Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Pusa Sampoorn
(NPK), ZNSB), microbial formulations for pest and
residue management and agro-techniques were
laid out benefitting 1967 farmers. Training on
crop production, protection and value addition
benefitted as many as 1315 farmers, while
farmers-scientists' interactions benefitted 1282
farmers. The use of improved Pusa varieties with
higher yield attributes resulted in enhancing the
productivity of crops, leading to increased
income for the farmers.
Under the Biotech-KISAN Hub in Six Aspirational
Districts (Purnia, Katihar, Khagaria, Banka, Araria
and Aurangabad) of Bihar promotion, production
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
and marketing of activities enterprises in
Scientific Beekeeping (30 farmers), Tissue
Culture Banana cultivation (Var. G- 9 in 50 acres),
Scientific Goat Farming (290 farmers),
demonstration of improved Makhana Var.
(Sabour Makhana I in 75 ha) and Scientific
Mushroom cultivation was carried out. Market
linkage with private companies has been
established for better marketing of makhana.
Tissue Culture Banana cultivation is being
demonstrated in 50 acres farmers' field and the
crop is now in good condition. Scientific
B eekeep in g c reated b etter livelih o o d
opportunity for farmers especially for returned
migrant lanour due to COVID 19 Pandemic. Goat
farming received huge attention specially to farm
women and goat mortally rate is reduced and
farmers are getting more price.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Washim and Gadchiroli
dstrcits of Maharashtra, technologies were
disseminated to adjacent 54 villages of Hingoli,
Akola and Amravati district with 120 ha land
covered under demonstration. Total 72 trainings
were conducted through which 1828 farmers
were trained in two year on IPM of pink bollworm
in cotton. About 300 demonstrations have been
laid in the field of 300 farmers beneficiaries from
2019 to 2021 with innovative package and
practices with major emphasis on intervention of
IPM in cotton for pink bollworm management.
The techniques viz Pheromone traps, Solar light
trap, NSKE, Trichocards have saved the money of
farmers on chemical pesticide and due to this
intervention and innovative package and
practices adopted by farmers they have obtained
good yield.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at Central Rainfed Upland
Rice Research Station (CRURRS), ICAR- NRRI,
Hazaribag, Jharkhand, a total of 13 training
programmes have been conducted involving 731
farmers / farm women / rural youth on various
activities viz., Lac cultivation, Backyard poultry
rearing, scientific honey production and goatary.
Four demonstrations on Lac cultivation, Apiary
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(Chatra, Gumla, and Palamau) have been
conducted involving 223 farmers / farm women.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at ICAR-National Institute
of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, the main
objective was the popularization of improved
rice varieties such as drought tolerant, BPH
resistant varieties, nutri-rich rice varieties
(developed through biotechnology approaches),
application / use of bioagents (like Trichogramma
spp, NPV, BT, Trichoderma viride and
Pseudomonas) along with complete package of
practice at farmers level in rice and pulses,
demonstration of low-cost protected cultivation
of vegetables such as coloured capsicum,
cucumber and tomato and demonstration of
scientific goat farming. As a capacity building
initiative, 150 field demonstration, 47 trainings
and 55 farmer-scientist interfaces were
organized. Total 879 farmers benefited under this
programme.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Khammam, Asifabad
and Bhoopalpalli districts of Telangana, Eco-
friendly biofertilizers and biopesticides were
p ro m o te d to i n c re a s e r u ra l b i o te c h -
entrepreneurship for livelihood improvement.
Under entrepreneurship activity, five women and
three men entrepreneurs were developed for
vegetable seedling nurseries (six units) and two
on-farm production of Trichoderma (two units).
Field level demonstrations of both bio- fertilizers
and biopesticides were conducted covering 200
acres with 2,800 litres. Their application
effectively contained diseases and enhanced the
plant growth and yield in the selected vegetable
crops vis-à-vis farmers' practices (chemical
applications).
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Raichur and Yadgir of
Karnataka, Yellow mosaic disease in green gram
has been managed by adopting IP&DM strategies
like BGS-9 variety, seed treatment with goucho
and fixing yellow sticky traps, pulse magic
spraying to pulse like green gram. Redgram has
shown reduced flower drops and enhanced crop
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
yield by 20%. Direct sown rice technology has
increased yield by 18% and water saving to the
tune of 30-40%. This technology is adopted by
fellow farmers and it is helpful to increase
command area by the farmers. By following ICM
& IPM technology has resulted pink bollworm
management effectively. Water management by
following drip, raingun has saved 40% irrigation
water.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Baramulla and Kupwara
districts of Kashmir, demonstrations were carried
out on 3 kanals each accommodating a minimum
of 480 plants of apples in High-density Plantation
established. The orchards have been established
on cluster basis keeping in view the overall
profitability of the orchard. Overall, eighteen
Kanals have been covered. A total of 804 Farmers
including 100 women farmers and have been
trained in district Kupwara by organising 28
training programmes with nine field level
demonstrations. In district Baramulla, a total of
675 farmers including 10 tribal and 18 women
farmers have been trained by organizing 25
training programmes including 10 field level
demonstration. Overall, 25 villages have been
covered in district Baramulla and 23 in district
Kupwara.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at Regional Rainfed
Lowland Rice Research Station (RRLRRS), ICAR-
National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Gerua,
Hajo, Kamrup, Assam, Cultivation of biofortified
rice varieties (CR Dhan 310 and CR Dhan 311) was
demonstrated in 26.67 ha area of farmer's field
covering 121 beneficiaries. Efforts were made to
construct 13 numbers of polyhouses and
cultivation of high value low volume vegetables
like capsicum, broccoli, tomato and king chilli
were demonstrated in 4.47 ha areas benefitting
230 farmers. Introduced Vanaraja breed of
poultry and khaki campbell, Indian runner breed
of duck in 15 villages of Assam which benefitted
240 numbers of beneficiaries. Two animal health
camps were organized for farmers in each of
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three aspirational districts. Demonstration site
for Integrated Farming System model and Paddy
cum fish culture have been selected in Barpeta
district. In Baksa and Darrang districts, two sites
were selected for IFS model in each district.
Moreover, 17 training programmes and 33
interface meetings between scientists and
farmers were organized. Three SHGs were
formed for developing entrepreneurship skill
among the farmers through mushroom
cultivation.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Balarampur and Sravasti
districts of Uttar Pradesh, ICAR-NBAIM is
popularizing the technologies of microbe based
rapid decomposition of agro-waste,
biofortification of compost for its value addition
and various microbial formulations. To
popularize the technologies, 75 HDPE
bioconversion units each of 5 bioconversion bags
(375 bioconversion bags) of capacity 0.8 to 1.0
tons per cycle of compost production within 60
days were established at farmers' field in
different villages Balrampur. Till now 500 farmers
have been made aware about the rapid
composting technology as well as application of
microbial formulations while establishing the
units. The activities will help in reducing
dependency of the small and marginal farmers on
synthetic chemical farm inputs, to which farmers
are using regularly and excessively day by day.
This compost and fortified compost will also help
produce organic crops with high commercial
values. By adopting the technologies, the farmers
can also go for enterprising of these products for
generating rural livelihood to strengthen their
family economy.
Under the Biotech-KISAN Hub at Odisha
University of Agriculture and Technology,
Bhubaneswar, there are five numbers of
partnering KVKs i.e., Kalahandi, Bolangir,
Dhenkanal, Gajapati and Kandhamal covering
under four different agro-climatic zones with an
aim to hasten the process of technology transfer
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
from lab to land. Six hundred eleven numbersof
beneficiaries are covered, out of which 461 are
male and 150 females. The technology
interventions are integrated pest management,
integrated nutrient management, integrated
water management, scientific mushroom
production, goat rearing, poultry and quality
planting material production in vegetables and
fruit crops.
Biotech-KISAN Hub at Foundation for
Advancement of Agriculture and Rural
Development (FAARD Foundation), Varanasi has
focus on demonstration of cultivation of latest
varieties of important crops, including vegetables
and production technologies; capacity building
of farmers including women; creating seed hubs
for saturating villages and districts with seeds of
different crops and verities, and establishing
FPOs / SHGs for creating a strong farmer
scientists connect, identifying farmer fellows and
entrepreneurs and help them enhance their
capacity, production and income.
At B i o te c h - K I SA N H u b at S o u t h A s i a
Biotechnology Centre, Jodhpur, the focus is on
strategically important aspects of the high value
seed spices including cumin, paan methi and
fenugreek and isabgol. The Hub has carried out
baseline assessment including consultation with
diverse value chain partners from farm inputs,
aggregators, processers and exporters in
Western Rajasthan to create socio-economic
impact in the ensuing period of the
implementation of Biotech Kisan Hub. The Hub
sets to benchmark conventional cumin
production to IPM cumin and establishes brand
of IPM cumin to fetch higher return to farming
community. Secondly, the Hub in collaboration
with ICAR-NRCSS, Department of Agriculture,
Nagaur and the Spices Board of India tends to
redesignate Kasuri methi to “Nagauri paan
methi” and registration of geographical
indication (GI) of Nagauri paan methi. Third, the
creation of knowledge base and popularization of
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IPM production system of seed spices and isabgol
through large scale demonstrations in cluster
mode in identified districts of Western Rajasthan.
Under Biotech-KISAN Hub at Indian Society for
Human and Rural Advancement (ISHARA),
Deoria, high yielding, short duration, dwarf
variety of aromatic Kalanamak rice developed by
IARI has been introduced in the Aspirational
district Siddharth Nagar. Demonstration of IARI
developed High yielding rice variety, Pusa 1850
and HD 3086 of wheat variety which would
replace existing comparably low yielding existing
varieties in the hub and sub hub districts, breed
improvement in Goatary by introducing Pure
Barbari Bucks as well as Pure breed female
Barbari goats especially among women farmers
of disadvantaged groups. Total 327 farmers were
benefitted. The seed treatment with Tricoderma
strains were multiplied and given to farmers for
seed treatments. Biocontrol and bioagents were
used and demonstrated among all the farmers
and significant yield increase was observed.
Under the Biotech-KISAN Hub at M.S.
Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai
Biotech- KISAN Hub Tinkering Lab has been
established in the Main Hub at M.S.
Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF),
Chennai. Also, a pilot AMF production unit for
mass multiplication of AMF has been set up
which will serve as a production cum training unit
for farmers. www.mssrfbiotechkisanhub.org
with information on the MSSRF-KISAN Hub
details, activities and news has been developed.
Online workshop on plant and soil health, pest
and disease management and use of inoculants
has been organised for the YPs and Scientists.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at Foundation for
Agricultural Resources Management and
Environmental Remediation (FARMER),
Ghaziabad, a total of 268 FLDs were conducted
and 24 Field-Days were organized involving 1167
beneficiary farmers. Fourteen training
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
programmes were conducted with 485 farmers.
Ten events of Seed Distribution Programmes,
Awareness Programmes, Webinars and Kisan
Gosthies, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with 1207
beneficiary farmers and one Scientists Training
Programme involving four scientists were
organized. The total number of farmer
beneficiaries covered were 2863. The
technologies like, seed treatment and soil
application of enriched compost with bio-agents
(bio-fertilizers, bio- pesticides and EPN), use of
quality seed and planting material, management
of white grub by EPN, space management,
intercropping, crop residue management in
sugarcane crop, soil conservation by using
modern agriculture machinery, production of
disease free potato seed in low cost insect free
net house were disseminated successfully and
being adopted by farmers at substantial scale.
FARMER Hub has published 8 publications on
production and application of organic inputs,
management of white grub through bio-control
including EPN, disease-free potato seed
production for the distribution among farmers.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Moga and Ferozepur
districts of Punjab and Chamba district of
Himachal Pradesh, demonstrations of Integrated
Farming System (IFS) involving small and
marginal farmers were undertaken. Twenty-five
farmers each in Moga and Ferozepur districts and
20 in Chamba district have been covered.
Benchmark survey of the selected farmers in
Moga and Ferozepur has been completed. The
demonstrations on improved varieties of wheat
(HD 3086) and berseem (BL 42), backyard poultry,
mushroom production, goatery, use of mineral
mixture for milch animals, vegetable nutrition
garden, agro-forestry and fruit plants have been
carried out. Critical agri-inputs for all these
demonstrations were supplied to the beneficiary
farmers, who are satisfied with the performance
of all the project interventions and earning good
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monetary returns. Rabi crops and booklets on
'Poultry Rearing', 'Mushroom Cultivation' and
'Goat Rearing' have been distributed to the
farmers of target Aspirational Districts.
Manthan Gramin Evam Samaj Sewa Samiti has
been implementing Biotech-KISAN Hub Project in
eight Aspirational districts viz., Khandwa,
Barwani, Chhattarpur, Damoh, Rajgarh, Guna,
Vidisha and Singrauli of Madhya Pradesh in
partnership with ICAR-Indian Institute of
Soybean Research (IISR), ICAR-Central Institute
of Agriculture Engineering (CIAE) and ICAR-
Directorate of Weed Science Research (DWR). In
order to identify the major constraints of project
area, the extensive survey of the project area was
carried out and found that there is lack of
awareness about the innovative farming
techniques and farmers are practicing traditional
crop cultivation which result into poor crop
yields. In each district, the area has been
identified where the unprivileged community
dominates and further need-based technological
interventions identified, especially conservation-
agriculture techniques adopted in order to
reduce the cost of cultivation, transfer of best
crop practice of various crops through
technology demos of soybean, sorghum, cotton,
maize, black-gram sesame, rice, wheat, lentil,
chickpea, mustard and coriander. Techniques for
producing quality seed have also been
demonstrated to make village self-sustainable
with quality seeds. Processing and value addition
of crop produce and its marketing through FPOs
was found to be effective. The project has
economically benefited a total of 67,630 farmers.
About 5,000 farmers received intensive training
and capacity building support. 1,200 farmers
adopted biotech-KISAN technologies and 712
were imparted training on entrepreneurship
development in agriculture.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at ICAR-Central Island
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, a total
of 2,202 farmer beneficiaries have been covered
so far under the project through skill
development on biotechnological tools through
various capacity building programmes such as
fellowship programmes, trainings,
demonstrations, exposure visits, workshops and
health camps and through field demonstration
units. Application of the biotechnological tool,
Mini Incubator in rural poultry production has
increased the availability of desi chicks by 4 to 8
times. A total of 7 Mini Incubator demonstration
units have been established in four villages and
two units at the partnering institutes. A total of
228 desi chicks have been produced. The project
has significant impact on development of
farmers into entrepreneurs. A total of 15 farmers
have established their own Mini Incubators and
have their own source for the chicks.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at KVK, Agricultural
Development Trust , Baramati, four
demonstration activities involving 400 sugarcane
farmers have been completed covering a total
area of 400 acres. Thirty-seven Kisan Melas were
organized for 2,039 farmers at various locations
of the target area. In all these extension activities,
about 3,816 farmers were benefited. For the
maximum dissemination of the technology for
the farming community, a website has been
created by the Communication Cell. The
technology SMSs to the farmers have been
disseminated for better sugarcane production.
The informative leaflets on Bio-fertilizers for
sugarcane production and stress tolerance are
being made available to the sugarcane farmers.
Two Farmers Training Programme for five-days
for 50 farmers each and two Scientist Training
Programme for 15 scientists for 10 days each
were organized.
The Biotech-KISAN Hub at Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Central Agricultural University, Muzaffarpur,
Bihar is implementing various activities at three
Aspirational Districts – Muzaffarpur, Begusarai
and Sitamarhi involving partner institutions –
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
KVK, Muzaffarpur, KVK, Begusarai and KVK,
Sitamarhi, respectively. A total of 150 farmer
beneficiaries have been selected on the basis of
village survey who were totally dependent upon
the field crops with imbalanced use of chemical
fertilizers and following traditional cropping
systems such as, Wheat-Maize- Rice, or
Sugarcane-wheat cropping cycle. Among
selected farmers, 30 landless women farmers
were chosen for entrepreneurship development
in goatery. 120 acres of farmer's demonstration
field was geo-tagged and 120 soil health cards
were provided under the project. One hundred
twenty marginal farmers were provided with
high- value horticultural
(spices/fruits/vegetables/flowers) cropping
module along with 12 trainings on scientific
cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers, soil
health management, post-harvest management,
mushroom cultivation with 600 beneficiaries.
The landless women were trained in scientific
goat rearing of improved breed of goat for
assuring additional returns.
Under Biotech-KISAN Hub at Chitrakoot by ICAR-
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
a total of 2,829 farmers covering 906 SC/ST
farmers and 901 female farmers were benefitted
through different technological interventions.
During the Kharif season, 263 demonstrations
while 526 demonstrations in Rabi season were
laid out on improved varieties in area of 86.08 ha
and 95.14 ha, respectively. A total of 181.22 ha
area was covered under demonstrations, and a
total number of 3,045 farmers including 331
female farmers were benefitted. As many as 207
farmers of SC/ST categories were benefitted with
the demonstrations. Capacity building
interventions were made to upgrade the
knowledge and skills of farmers. More than 1,000
farmers were benefitted through organization of
49 training programmes, out of which 264
farmers belonged to SC/ST categories. During
Kharif season, demonstrations of improved
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
varieties of paddy, pigeon pea, sesame, green
gram, okra and cow pea were laid in total 86.08
ha area involving 263 farmers. There was yield
increase in the range of about 8% to 31% by using
improved varieties as compared to the local
check in different crops under demonstrations.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub at Zandu Foundation for
Health Care, Ambach, Gujarat, an area of 56.75
acre has been brought under medicinal plants
cultivation by involving 81 farmers from districts
of Panchmahal, Navsari, Valsad, Vadodara,
Anand, Mahisagar, Surat, Mahesana,
Ahmedabad and Kheda. The field
demonstrations were carried out following Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP). The farmers were
made aware about the GAP of targeted species
by providing on-site training as well as by
distributing pamphlets in regional language.
Farmers have shared their field related problems
with experts and got the solution. Useful
information on related aspects is also being
shared with connected farmers. A launch
workshop was organized which was attended by
over 350 farmers. Quality Planting Material was
distributed to selected progressive farmers
under this project. A “Kisan Mela” with the
mandate to display and exposition of the latest
technologies, equipment's, bio fertilizers etc. was
also organized for the farmers. A total of nine
training programmes (three five-days training, six
one-day trainings) were also organized by ZFHC,
Ambach along with the partner Institutes – ICAR-
DMAPR, Anand and KVK, Ambheti. ZFHC and the
partner institutes also participate in “Bharat Ka
Amrit Mahotsav” and organized four training
programs in which 351 farmers have
participated. To facilitate marketing of the
cultivated material, three MoU were singed with
different vendors and one FPO named “Valsad
Vibhag Farmer Producer Company Ltd.”
(Registration No. 116978) was formed and the
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documents for the registration of one more FPO
were submitted to the Registrar office. ZFHC and
project partners – ICAR-DMAPR, Anand and KVK,
Valsad are making all efforts to give direct access
of market to farmers by way of ensuring buy back
agreements on mutually agreed price.
Under Biotech-KISAN Hub in Udalguri, Dhubri
and Goalpara districts of Assam, three
demonstration programmes on GAP based
cultivation have been conducted for Malbhog
banana and high curcumin variety “Megha
Turmeric 1”. Demonstration on the improved
technology of composite fish culture has been
started in Goalpara and Dhubri districts. For
better management of project activities
including demonstration, capacity building and
market integration, sturdy linkage has been
developed with KVK, Udalguri, KVK, Goalpara and
KVK, Dhubri. Farmers-Scientists interface
programmes for effective planning and execution
of envisaged activities have been arranged. The
HUB (AAU-HRS, Kahikuchi) has been serving as
the Cluster Based Business Organization (CBBO)
for promotion of FPO/FPC in Goalpara district
with financial assistance from NABARD.
Association has been established with agro
based private companies for furtherance of
market oriented organized production through
effective demonstration, dissemination and
spread of select technologies for the economic
empowerment.
Under Biotech-KISAN Hub Jharkhand and Bihar,
the project is being implemented in East
Singhbhum, Khunti, Ramgarh, Bokaro districts of
Jharkhand and Nawada, Sheikhpura and Jamui
districts of Bihar with an objective to
demonstrate cultivation of high value
horticultural crops and establishment of value
chain of the high value horticultural crops.
Technology demonstration on cultivation of high
value horticultural crops viz. Broccoli, Sweet
corn, Capsicum, Strawberry, Red cabbage,
Carrot, Pencil bean, Rainy season cultivation of
tomato, Early season cauliflower, Water melon,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
SOCIETAL PROGRAM
Musk melon, Papaya, Oyster mushroom was
undertaken over a total area of 44.04 ha involving
2,052 farmers in seven Aspirational districts of
Jharkhand and Bihar. For establishment of value
chain of the target horticultural crops, 41
Farmers' groups with 492 members, 14 numbers
of WhatsApp groups with 564 farmer members
have been formed and 15 numbers of Agri-
Entrepreneurs have been identified for
marketing of the produce.
Biotech-KISAN Hub Programme implemented in
Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Maldah and
South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal, through
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery
Sciences, Kolkata has conducted 13 front line
demonstrations involving 27,700 farmers of 278
villages in these five districts. A total number of
3530 farmers have been trained through 28
Farmers' training programme on scientific animal
husbandry and aquaculture practices. Over 2400
quality Black Bengal Goat, 20,000 nos. of 28-days
old Vanraja chicks and 160,000 quality finger
lings of Indian major carps were distributed to
2,015 trained women and marginal farmers. An
average economic gain achieved was 29.72% in
one and half year. Establishment of modern and
mechanized slaughter house for hygienic meat
and fully automated Poultry hatchery with
capacity of 10,000 eggs will help the local
farmers. Entrepreneurship development by
formation of 9 FPOs and 86 FIGs has been made.
At Biotech-KISAN Hub in Kadapa, Vizainagaram
and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh
during the year 2020-21, about 35 fellow farmers
and 185 demo farmers were identified and
conducted demonstrations in 75 ha on improved
agro-technologies in all the three districts. In
Kadapa district the technology demonstrations
have recorded 14.8% increased yield in
groundnut as compared with traditional farmers'
practice with a saving of ₹ 3496/ ha in cost of
cultivation and net increased benefit of ₹
17,173/ha.
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The Department has announced a Special Call for

North East Region as a part of its Mission
Programme “Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science
Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)” in 2021,
with an aim to understand the local problems of
the NER farmers and provide scientific solutions
to those problems thereby benefitting small and
marginal farmers, especially women farmers of
the region. The Hubs in NER will collaborate with
the top scientific institutions across the country
as well as State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) /
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) / existing state
agriculture extension services / system and other
Farmers' organizations in the NER for
demonstrations of available innovative
agriculture technologies and training of farmers.
A total of 17 Biotech-KISAN Hubs have been
recommended for support by the Department in
NE Region. The programme will eventually cover
40 most backward blocks and villages of NER as
identified by Niti Aayog.

*****

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 217

 08
PROMOTING
BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH
EASTERN REGION

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY IN
THE NORTH EASTERN REGION
The North East Region of India has been
identified as one of the biodiversity hotspots of
the world. The region, though endowed with one
of the best bioresources of the country faces
several challenges in terms of poor agricultural/
horticulture outputs, high disease burden in the
homogeneous ethnic communities, degradation
of the fragile ecosystem, lack of skilled
manpower, good research infrastructure etc.
Rich bioresources spread across NER's diverse
ecosystems and nurtured by indigenous
communities, provide ample opportunities for
furthering economic development of the region
t h ro u g h s c i e n t i f i c a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l
interventions.
In order to give focused attention for the region,
the Department has earmarked 10% of its annual
budget every year for implementing special
programmes for NER in 2010. The specialized
programme for NER aims at promoting and
strengthening biotechnology related activities
for addressing local challenges and harnessing
endemic bioresources for economic
development of the region. To effectively
manage the programme, NER Biotechnology
Management Cell (NER- BPMC) has been set up
by DBT and is being managed by DBT-Institute of
Life Sciences (DBT- ILS), Bhubaneshwar.
Major Initiatives during the Year 2021-22
A. Twinning R&D Programme for NER
The programme was initiated in 2010-2011
towards developing core competence and
capacity in various areas of biotechnology
through collaboration of Institutes from North
East India with other leading Institutes across the
country. The programme has catalyzed vibrant
collaborations between more than 65
institutions from NER and those from the rest of
India in various spheres of biotechnology, where
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
close to 650 R&D projects has been supported
benefitting around 450 researchers and 2000
young researchers / students. Currently 156 of
these projects are ongoing.
Fig.1 Collaborations under the DBT- Twinning
R&D Programme
B. Establishment of Biotech Hubs across NER
Since 2011, a network of 126 Biotech Hubs were
established across NER, providing necessary
infrastructure in universities/ colleges/
institutions and the required training in
sophisticated technologies to support and
promote biological sciences / biotechnology
education and research.
In the Phase-II, 76 Biotech have been selected for
further support under 3 categories – (i) Advanced
level State Biotech Hubs (ii) Advanced level
Institutional Biotech Hubs, and (iii) Institutional
Biotech Hubs. The Advanced level State Biotech
Hubs will focus on research addressing local
issues, conduct advanced training for students,
researchers and local entrepreneurs, provide
mentoring to Institutional level biotech Hubs,
work on micro-grants with young researchers on
other NE Institutes, conduct awareness
programmes and Popular Lecture series. The
Advanced level Institutional Biotech Hubs will
focus mainly on focus on research addressing
local issues, conduct advanced training for
students, faculty, researchers and local
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IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION

e nt re p re n e u rs , p ro v i d e m e nto r i n g to
Institutional level biotech Hubs, work on micro-
grants with young researchers on other NE
Institutes, conduct awareness programmes and
Popular Lecture series. The Advanced level
Institutional Biotech Hubs will focus mainly on
focus on research addressing local issues,
conduct advanced training for students, faculty,
researchers and local entrepreneurs. The
Institutional Biotech Hubs will provide training to
students, teachers and local entrepreneurs.

C. Centers of Excellence in NER

Centre for Bioresources and Sustainable

Development at Kimin, Papum, Arunachal
Pradesh
The Centre is focusing on three major aspects: (i)
Orchidarium at Kimin for conservation and mass
multiplication of priority and endemic orchid
species, establishment of banana fibre extraction
and processing units from local banana and
establishment of Aroma Unit for promotion of
cultivation of aromatic crops in selected districts
of Arunachal Pradesh. These programmes will
create employment opportunities for the
prospective young entrepreneurs of the state of
Arunachal Pradesh. These facilities will be
established in four districts of Arunachal Pradesh
covering over 50 villages and benefiting over
10000 farmers in next two years. The Centre has
established academic linkages with institutions
of national repute for fruitful implementation of
these programmes.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Science & Technology; Minister of State
(Independent Charge) Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra
Singh inaugurated this Centre for Northeast
tribals in remote area of Arunachal Pradesh at
Kimin on 9th November 2021.
Fig.2 Union Minister of State (Independent
Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of
State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences,
Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurating the Centre for
Bioresources and Sustainable Development at
Kimin, Papum, Arunachal Pradesh
North East Centre for Agriculture Biotechnology
(NECAB), AAU, Jorhat
The Centre was established to strengthen the
R&D activities and extend the agriculture
technologies to North-Eastern states. Stress
tolerance in rice, gene based improvement of
chick pea, bioprospecting of soil microbes, novel
biofertilisers and biopesticides and extension
activities were given major emphasis. Under the
center, GM chickpea lines have been developed
using Bt Cry genes and these have entered into
regulatory pipeline, three promising drought
tolerant rice lines in Ranjit background along with
six QTLs for drought tolerance have been

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 220


ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
identified and are under validation, 15
biofertilizer formulations and 10 biopesticides
were developed and transferred to five
companies/firms for commercialization, 3 patent
applications have been filed on microbial mass
production technologies and 65 workshops for
farmers and entrepreneurs in use of biofertilizers
and biopesticides have been conducted.
Fig.3 North East Centre for Agriculture
Biotechnology (NECAB) at AAU, Jorhat
Centre of Excellence (COE) on Fisheries and
Agriculture Biotechnology, at College of
Fisheries, Central Agricultural University,
Agartala, Tripura.
The Centre was established to strengthen R&D
activities in the field of aquaculture
biotechnology and extend the developed
technologies to farmer's field in Tripura and
other NE states. The major focus of the Centre is
o n m a s s s c a l e s e e d p ro d u c t i o n a n d
demonstration of alternative food fish species,
culture technology standardisation and
development of good management practices,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
Human resource development, traditional
techniques of preservation, etc. Under the
programme a package of mass seed production
of 2 impotrant food fishes of NE, pengba and
pabda has been established, seeds of pengba
(two million spawn) and pabda (20 thousand
fingerlings) have been provided to farmers in
Tripura for propagation in the ponds, on Farm
Training (OFT) of pengba in polyculture with
Indian major carps is being undertaken with
farmers in collaboration with KVK, Khowai,
Tripura, OFT of practical grow-out feed produced
utilizing locally available ingredients is under
progress in collaboration with KVK, Sephaijila,
Tripura, twenty-five farmers have been trained in
culture and utilization of Wolffia as local feed
resource, a mini portable fish smoking kiln for
hygienic and convenience smoking of fish at
household level has been developed.
Fig.4 CoE on Fisheries and Agriculture
Biotechnologyat College of Fisheries
CAU, Agartala, Tripura
D. Major Infrastructure Facilities
Animal House Facility at RMRC, Dibrugarh
This regional facility is being setup in NER with the
objectives to develop advanced animal facilities
for housing/holding small laboratory animals in
different levels of biosafety environment
(excluding containment level BSL-3 and above),
to make the facility accessible to
biomedical/biotechnology researchers from all
the 8 states of NER and to provide appropriate
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
training to the biomedical research staff in SOPs
for caring, maintenance and handling of small lab
animals. The regional facility is expected to be
fully operational by December, 2022.
North East Centre for Biological Sciences and
Healthcare Engineering (NECBH), at IIT,
Guwahati
The Centre, aims to bolster the scientific research
and innovation in the field of biological sciences
and healthcare engineering of the entire North-
East Region by promoting dissipation of
knowledge through collaborative research
activities with IIT-Guwahati and providing
training programs and workshops on instrument
facilities and scientific research.
Six facilities of biological sciences and six facilities
of healthcare engineering have been established
as part of NECBH. These include X-ray diffraction,
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Scanning
Tunneling Microscopy, Confocal microscopy,
Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope
Fig.5 NECBH at IIT, Guwahati
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
(FESEM) facility, Flow Assisted Cell Sorter.
The instrument facilities of NECBH are dedicated
to the entire NER. To dissipate the knowledge and
train the scientific community on the
sophisticated instrument techniques, NECBH
conducts regular training programs and
workshops. So far NECBH has conducted 15
different workshops on various techniques useful
for biological sciences and healthcare
engineering. More than 1000 participants mostly
students and young researchers have been
benefited from these workshops. Through
various activities, NECBH has connected itself
with more than 100 academic research
institutions not only from the NER but from the
entire country. For the year 2021-22, 215
students/ researchers have used the facility and 4
workshops have been organized where 580
students participated and benefitted.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
E. Major Network Projects:
DBT-NER Banana Programme
A major network programme on NER-Banana
was initiated in 2017 with 39 institutions. The
programme focuses on NE banana biodiversity
studies, pathogen detection and control, tissue
culture, value addition, post-harvest loss and
down-streaming & processing studies. Under the
programme following leads have been obtained:
a) A total of 250 germplasm accessions
have been collected from all eight NE states
and characterized.
b) The genome of NE banana Bhimkol has
been sequenced.
c) Four field gene banks for NE Banana have
been established at ICAR-NRC for Banana,
Trichi; Utkal University, Bhubaneswar;
NERIST, Nirjuli, Itanagar and CAU, Tripura.
d) Nursery has been established at CAU,
Tripura for mass production of quality
planting material of location varieties –
Sabri, Kachkela and Gopi for supplying to
the farmers.
Fig.6 (a) In vitro regeneration of Bhimkol;
(b) Bhimkol plant maintained in the field
Consortium programme on MDR-TB
The programme involving 22 institutions, aims at
mapping hot-spots of TB and MDR/XDR-TB in
NER, population genetic studies to delineate
predisposing factors, repurposing studies of
drugs, development validation of new tools for
diagnosis of TB & MDR-TB and non-tuberculosis
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
Mycobacterium (NTM) in NER and awareness
programme on NTMs and Paragonimiasis.
The preliminary results indicate high positivity
rate of MDR-TB in NER as compared to the
national average and a possible linkage with
Vitamin A and C deficiency. An important aspect
of the programme was collection of 1000+ M.
tuberculosis isolates from diverse population of
NER residing in remote rural regions. During
remaining period of the programme, these
strains unique to NER will be characterized
further and deposited in a Biobank for future
research. A BSL-3 facility has also been
established at General Hospital, Arunachal
Pradesh.
Fig.7 BSL-3 facility at Arunachal Pradesh
Consortia programme on NER Duck
The programme involving 16 institutions aims at
exploration of the innate and adaptive immune
response in Indigenous duck breeds, genetic
makeup and breeding for improving duck
production, establishing molecular platform for
epidemiology, disease mapping, development of
DIVA diagnostics and vaccine against duck plague
virus, analysis of gut metagenome of duck, value
chain on processing of novel duck meat and egg
products.
Fig.8 Preparation of different duck egg
and meat products
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Advanced Animal Diagnostic and Management
Consortium (ADMaC) programme
As an extension of the phase-I activity, the phase-
II of the programme was initiated in 2021,
focusing on following objectives:
l Bulk production and validation Duck
Plague virus vaccine and lateral flow test
for DPV antigen and antibody detection.
l Multiplex PCR and qPCR assays for
simultaneous detection of major swine
viruses viz. CSFV, JEV, PRRSV, PCV2, ASF
and PPV.
l Validation of peptide-based iELISA for the
zoonotic diseases, (a) Brucellosis and (b)
Q-fever.
l DIVA tests for surveillance of brucellosis in
the NER.
l Implementation of Knowledge Based
system (KBS) in NER for disease
surveillance
Fig. 9 DBT-NER ADMaC programme
Development and Utilization of Bioresources of
NER for Generating Livelihood Security and
Entrepreneurship
The programme was launched in 2021 with the
objective to promote sustainable development
and utilization of the unique bioresources of NER
and linking it with socio-economic upliftment of
the region. The programme aims to demonstrate
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
and deploy the entrepreneurial outcomes of the
already available technologies with proven
effectiveness, developed on the priority
resources of NER. These include, mass-
multiplication, value addition and popularization
of indigenous fruits of NER such as Assam apple
(Docynia indica) and Sohiong (Prunus
nepalensis), standardization of technologies for
popularization of NER ornamental bananas,
quality seeds and seedling production of
indigenous and commercial vegetables, scaling
up of biofertilizers and bio- pesticides for
application on local crops, installation of solar
drying plants in several NER districts for
agricultural products, demonstration of solar-
biomass hybrid distillation plants for
Litseacubeba, Homalomena and Zanthoxylum,
large-scale production of Shiitake (Lentinula
edodes) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
mushrooms, pilot-scale production of high
nutritive ethnic fermented food products of
Meghalaya, creating entrepreneurs towards
producing nutracetuicals comprising of eri
silkworm for human and animal consumption.
Fig 10. Docynia indica in Natural Habitat
Young Whole Fruit Mature Whole Fruit
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Chemical Ecology Programme for the NER
The programme, initiated in 2021, aims to bring
together researchers in complementary
disciplines to explore the role chemical signals
plays in shaping the unique ecosystems of the
NER by studying interactions at the molecular
level using advanced metabolomics tools to
answer age old questions by studying how
organisms communicate with each other via
chemical signals and discovering novel molecules
for improving human life and environment.
Under the Chemical Ecology programme areas
such as pheromone based management strategy
would be attempted against the major looper
pest of tea Hyposidra talaca, chemical ecology for
IPM, studies on temperate tasar silk moths,
chemical ecology of high L-DOPA containing
plants, chemical defense in Hemiptera:
Pentatomidae bug (the gondhi bug) and
understanding the impact of variation in plant
defenses with edaphic factors on tri-trophic
interactions using Brassica plants would be
covered.
Biotech Interventions for the improvement of
NE Tea
Indian tea is among the finest tea in the world.
India is the second largest tea producer in the
world and the Assam Tea plays an important role
in the economy of the NER. With Tea being a
monoculture, continuous cultivation has brought
in challenges to soil health due to reduced
biodiversity. The global phenomenon of climate
change has further created new challenges to the
sustainability of the industry which needs to be
addressed with a multidisciplinary and multi-
institutional approach. To help mitigate the
challenges in tea production and management, a
consortium programme on “Biotechnological
intervention for the improvement and
management of tea” has been initiated in 2021.
The programme will focus on Tea Genomics,
Genetic engineering and Genome editing in tea,
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
Pest and disease management including Organic
Tea, Nursery and Nutrient management and
abiotic stress mitigation in Tea – Growth
regulators and crop boosters and Waste
Management.
Fig.11. Tea Plantation
F. Mission Programmes
Himalayan Bioresource Mission programme
The programme, launched in 2021 and anchored
through DBT-ILS-IBSD Partnership Centre,
primarily aims at bioresource-based
development and sustainable utilization through
biotechnological interventions for socio-
economic upliftment of the entire Himalayan
region. The programme has been designed as
translational and transformative and will provide
enormous opportunities for increasing
productivity and profitability of the ecosystem,
empower community for value addition and
marketing of the local products towards
bioresource-based enterprises development as
well as creating a cadre of scientific expertise in
the region. Fifty-one projects under the Mission
programme have been finalised for support
under five major verticals (i) Plant Resources
(including Agri, Horti resources, etc.), (ii) Animal
Resources (including Fisheries, Wildlife etc.), (iii)
Microbial Resources (including extremophiles,
etc.), (iv) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
(including nutraceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals,
etc.), and .
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
(v) Bioresources for Livelihood Security / Societal
Relevance Programme, Training and Capacity
Building.
Biotech KISAN Mission Programme for the NER
The Department has announced a Special Call for
North East Region as a part of its Mission
Programme “Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science
Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)” in 2021,
with an aim to understand the local problems of
the NER farmers and provide scientific solutions
to those problems thereby benefitting small and
marginal farmers, especially women farmers of
the region. The Hubs in NER will collaborate with
the top scientific institutions across the country
as well as State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) /
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) / existing state
agriculture extension services / system and other
Farmers' organizations in the NER for
demonstrations of available innovative
agriculture technologies and training of farmers.
A total of 17 Biotech-KISAN Hubs have been
recommended for support by the Department in
NE Region. The programme will eventually cover
40 most backward blocks and villages of NER as
identified by Niti Aayog.
Fig.12. Biotech KISAN Activities
G. Demonstration and Scale-up programmes for
Societal Upliftment in NER
Pilot-scale demonstration of cultivation of
Strawberry with improved Agrotechnology in
Farmers field in Meghalaya
Cultivation of tissue cultured Strawberry
varieties viz., Camorosa, Sweet Charlie and
Chandler using improved Agro-technologies have
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
PROMOTING BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN THE NORTH ASTERN REGION
been demonstrated in open field covering an
area of 15.15 acres in 50 demonstration units in
farmers' fields in East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills,
Garo Hills and Jayanti Hills of Meghalaya. Under
the project technologies/ interventions like
runner production, nutrition, pest management
of the strawberry plants and preparation for the
land for planting runners of the imported
strawberry variety were demonstrated and
hands on trainings was also provided for the
same. About 600 farmers were trained for
adopting improved agro- technologies in
strawberry during the year. The produce i.e.,
strawberries was sold by farmers at an average of
₹ 200/kg in local market, while some also
converted their produce into value-added
products like jam, jellies, wines, etc.
Fig.13. Strawberry Cultivation
Demonstration project on the tissue-cultured
cut flower orchid production
A network of 25 production-cum-demonstration
units of Dendrobium have been setup at village
level in districts – Kamrup and Goalpara in Assam.
About 1000 farmers and entrepreneurs were
trained in Dendrobium cut flower production
systems at homesteads in Assam. Under the
project use of soilless media like coco husk,
charcoal for dendrobium cut flower production,
nutrition and integrated pest management,
harvesting time, method, stage of harvest,
precooling, pulsing were demonstrated to the
farmers.
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Fig.14. Cut flower Orchid Production

Field Demonstration of Tissue-cultured Sabri

Banana
The project on management of Fusarium wilt in
NER Banana using ICAR-FUSICONT Technology
aims at production and successful demonstration
of 1.5 lakh disease-free Malbhog and Sabri
banana plants in 10 selected districts of Assam
and Tripura. The project will benefit over 800
farmers in these districts.

Fig.15. Tissue-cultured Sabri Banana

*****

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 227

 09
Data Monitoring
and Impact
Analysis
Studies

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Socio–Economic Impact
Assessment & Analysis of the
various Schemes and
Programmes of the Department
of Biotechnology
The Department of Biotechnology has
commissioned a study on “Socio–Economic
Impact Assessment & Analysis of the various
Schemes and Programmes of the Department of
Biotechnology”. The objectives of the study
were to assess socio-economic impact of DBT
interventions in various sectors. The study looked
into the macro-economic impact of the DBT
Programmes and assessed the impact of DBT
interventions in specific areas of Human
Resource Development, agriculture, health,
environmental, regional, and societal. This study
covered the socio-economic impact of projects
that have been completed during April 2014 to
March 2020. On-going projects have not been
considered for detailed impact assessment
except in the case of Star College Scheme and
Infrastructure development. For sampling, the
Study Team has taken more than 10 percent of
the DBT funded projects completed during the
period of April 2014 to March 2020 for doing
detailed analysis. Based on the list of completed
projects during 2014-20, the Study Team
prepared a list of about 2,700 projects and 290
samples were selected for detailed analysis in the
first phase. The study has covered the socio-
economic impact of various schemes. The
schemes were Building Capacities, Mission
Programme (Bio-tech KISAN Programme, Bio-
Pharma Mission Programme, Mission Innovation
etc), Research & Development (Medical
Biotechnology, Agriculture & Allied Areas,
Knowledge Generation, Discovery and Research,
New tool and technologies, Energy
Environmental and Bio- Resource Based
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
Application, Bio-informatics, Human Genetics,
Bio-Design), Translational & Industrial
Development Programme, Special Programme
(Bio-technology of Societal Development).
The executive summary of the report is as
follows: -
l DBT which began as a modest entity is now
in the forefront of fostering cutting edge-
research and innovation, with strong
emphasis on translational research with a
budget allocation of Rs. 2932.38 (RE) crores
in 2021- 22, from Rs.2786.76 crores in
2020-21.
l As very few people were working on
biosciences in the 1980s, DBT had to focus
on four major areas: (i) Developing human
resources, (ii) Creation of appropriate
i n f ra s t r u c t u r e , ( i i i ) Re s e a r c h a n d
development, (iv) Creating a regulatory
framework. Under this initiative, various
autonomous Institutes of Research were
brought under the DBT. Over the years DBT
has also made renewed efforts on social
aspects such as health care, food and
agriculture, energy and environmental
security.
l The National Biotechnology Development
Strategy (2007) provided an insight into the
enormous opportunities of biotechnology.
Convergence between disciplines gave
birth to newer opportunities and
challenges. The cornerstone of the strategy
was to focus on building coherence and
connectivity between disciplines and bring
together variegated skills across sectors to
enhance synergy.
l The National Biotechnology Development
Strategy (NBDS 2015-2020) aimed to
establish India as a world-class bio-
manufacturing hub through four missions:
(i) Healthcare, (ii) Food and nutrition, (iii)
Clean energy, and (iv) Education, which will
enable India to achieve $100 bn by 2025.
International collaborations have become
more strategic, with focus on Young India.
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l In keeping with international monitoring,
evaluation, learning and dissemination
(MELD) practices, for the first time in 2019,
DBT decided to conduct a “Socio–Economic
Impact Assessment & Analysis of the
various Schemes and Programmes of the
Department of Biotechnology,” by an
external agency. This is an apt response to
the growing demand for validating and
justifying investment of financial, human
and scientific resources for societal
development and to make course
corrections and strategic policy changes in
alignment with the country's vision.
1.Human Resource Development and Capacity
Building Programmes
(i) Direct involvement in R&D Projects- DBT
projects directly train a number of research
fellows, project associates, students and interns
and plays a vital role in capacity building. Using
data provided by PIs, 375 samples were analyzed
to track their career path. Over half of them (51%)
are continuing to pursue research, either for their
degrees, post docs, or as research scientists in
public or private establishments, while 12.8
percent had taken up teaching as a profession,
and 10.4 percent had joined the industry in
various positions.
l Of the 191 scholars pursuing research, 23%
is doing postdoctoral research; 6.3%
pursuing their research abroad (USA,
Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, and UK)
and 29% PhDs.
l Almost equal proportions of women (45%)
men (55%) were involved in these project
positions. Typical project duration is 12-36
months, but a few spent up to 4-5 years in
these projects.
(ii) DBT Star College Programme: The Star
College Programme is arguably one of the most
impactful schemes of DBT. Star Colleges have
become the nursery for grooming of future
biotechnology researchers and practitioners. A
large number of the researchers in the fields of
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
biotechnology in the coming years would have
graduated from these colleges. Major impacts of
the Star College Programme are:
l High direct impact in improving standards
of teaching, curriculum, and experiential
learning
l Fostering creative thinking, innovation,
exposure to national and international
standards in teaching, research and
publications.
l Improved admissions to higher studies in
National Level Research institutions and
better employability after Post Graduation.
l Significant improvement in laboratory
capability, including labs in areas like
Mathematics, statistics. The scheme
became instrumental in harnessing other
resources too.
(iii) BioCARe Programme- It has enabled women
scientists to return to a research career. It also
helps the host institutions with additional
infrastructure, and skillsets. Out of the 165
women scientists who were unemployed at the
time of getting their respective BioCARe projects,
22 (13%) have got permanent employment.
(iv) Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship
Programme- It has been instrumental in bringing
over 600 scientists employed in various global
institutions back to India, and helping them to
further their research interests as well as
addressing issues of national significance. Many
fellows credited the fellowship as a major factor
in their decision to return home with a wide
range of expertise and networks.
l RLS fellows are making signal contributions
to advancing scientific research in the
country, in building capacities, producing
marketable technologies apart from
excelling in academic pursuits.
l Most of the RLS fellows surveyed (81) were
satisfied with the remuneration, working
conditions, and opportunities for research
and teaching.
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l Many fellows are concerned about their
status as non-permanent post-doctoral
researchers which deprive them of certain
opportunities for a stable and productive
career path.
2. DBT Autonomous Institutes facilitate flow of
knowledge from Basic Sciences to Translational
Research in Health, Agriculture, Bioresource and
Basic & Emerging Biotechnologies. DBT makes
substantial investment in promoting research
and teaching in Autonomous Institutes. Three
Institutes also generated good extramural grants.
In technology development – THSTI (6.6), NCCS
(5.8) and NABI (3.6) per year are the leaders. Total
technology developed by 14 institutes for 5 years
was 152, while technology transferred/
commercialized was 35. No royalty received was
reported. The scope for reorganization/
strengthening of DBT Autonomous Institutes
needs further deliberation and analysis.
3. DBT Infrastructure Projects:
l Under the 'DBT-Boost to University
Interdisciplinary Departments of Life
Sciences for Education and Research (DBT-
BUILDER)', DBT has helped in creating
excellent infrastructure facilities in a
number of university departments and also
provided some manpower support during
the project phase. These facilities are
accessed by 100s of postgraduate students
and research scholars and produced a
number of PhDs.
l Biotech Parks/Incubators: DBT has
established Biotechnology
Parks/Incubators across the country to
translate research into products and
services by providing the necessary
infrastructure support to Scientists, and
Small and Medium sized Enterprises
(SMEs) for technology incubation,
technology demonstration and pilot plant
studies for accelerated commercial
development of Biotechnology. Impact of
support for infrastructure and capacity
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
building and overall satisfaction level are high in
sample parks surveyed. Technology incubation in
5 sample parks surveyed showed 2.5 times
increase, with steady increase in utilization.
4. BIRAC and Start Ups: Products are mainly
medical devices; companies are a mix of startups
and established ones. Most of the products have
huge market potential (>Rs.100 Cr) and high
beneficiary reach. The market for these products
is not limited to regional/national level but caters
to global needs. Products are innovative and
unique. Majority has been awarded or has filed
for patents. In terms of commercialization, most
companies have already started marketing and
selling products.
5.Popularization and Promotion of
Biotechnology: Under the Conference, Travel,
Exhibition & Popular Lectures (CTEP) and Travel
support Programme (CTEP) DBT supports
scholars and researchers to share their research
findings at international fora. Funding for CTEP
has been declining while demand and
participation has been increasing. Overall: (a)
Student participation is high-average 190, (b)
Faculties involved- 50 average, (c) Papers and
posters presented – 87 average, and (d) Industry
participation is low (av. 6) per samples analyzed.
6. Medical Biotechnology - Vaccine Programmes
and Bio-Pharma Mission- The talent pool,
quality of manpower and research infrastructure
coupled with a vision to leverage this capacity to
achieve world class scientific research and
product development puts India among the
biotechnology leaders in the world. India has
high potential in the research & development,
and production of biopharmaceuticals and
health care management products including
vaccines, antibiotics, therapeutics, diagnostics,
stem cell research, healthcare bioinformatics,
antibodies and animal health care. Quality of
R&D seems to be high as reflected in the large
number of publications in peer reviewed
international journals.
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Contribution of the 85 sample projects to
intellectual property was limited: 11 Indian
patents filed, 3 granted and only 1 International
patent filed.
l Product development: Total 8 products
were developed and one commercialized
through technology transfer. The 85
sample studies also have developed 54
research leads having significant
commercial and therapeutic significance
meriting further research and translation.
l Vaccine development: Nine vaccine
candidates are under various stages of
clinical trial of different diseases
supported by DBT under National BIO
Pharma Mission. The Candidates vaccine
after success, would benefit millions of
affected populations. India as the largest
vaccine producer in the world has a major
role to play in supporting global health by
producing affordable vaccines.
7. Agriculture and Allied Projects, and Biotech-
KISAN Programme
Agriculture and Allied Projects- For Impact
Evaluation of DBT Projects, 76 sample projects
from Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and
Aquaculture Biotechnology were studied. The
impacts of projects were measured in terms of
Bibliometrics, Scientific outcomes and Impact of
research by way of commercialization and
socioeconomic effects. Bibliometric Outputs: On
an average, a project results in 4-5 publications, 3
published papers with average of 8 citations
(some papers even with over 500 citations).
Dissemination of research findings is high
considering the large number presentations in
research seminars and workshops. Scientific
Outcomes of Agriculture and Allied Projects: The
results are quite impressive, as most projects
lead to development of varieties of seed, vaccine
and bio-fertilizers, and biopesticides. There are
42 available leads, which need more attention
and support. Product development and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
commercialization is low, probably due to lack of
continuity in personnel and funding. The number
of beneficiaries of projects having field
implementation, is 3,650. Products sold from a
few projects are over 1.2 lakh, including one lakh
orchid plants sold in one project. Only 6 patents
have been awarded from these projects, but the
low numbers are a general reflection of the
Indian patents granting system. Greater
convergence between the agriculture and allied
institutions and farmer – scientist interactions
and field demonstrations are required.
l Biotech KISAN: The Biotech-KISAN
Programme has made significant progress
by expanding its activities in 92
Aspirational Districts, to establish
Biotech- KISAN Hub in each of the 15 agro-
climatic zones of India. Each Hub has
created a network by developing strong
linkages with top quality scientific
institutions, State Agricultural
Universities (SAUs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras
(KVKs), state agriculture extension
ser vices system, and Farmers'
organizations in the region and
international institutions and
organizations. Biotech-KISAN Hubs have a
tinkering laboratory.
l The Impact Evaluation study team
conducted detailed field studies of a
number of Biotech KISAN Hubs through
field visits, sample surveys of
beneficiaries and interaction with
primary and secondary stakeholders.
Biotech KISAN hub Farmers in ANGRAU
covers 350,710 farmers, developed 160
fellow farmers as KVK contact farmers.
Biotech-KISAN Hub at Himalayan
Environmental Studies and Conservation
Organization (HESCO), Dehradun,
Uttarakhand, has created improved
agriculture, horticulture practices,
sustainable use of bioresource and soil
and water conservation.
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DBT-Assam Agriculture University centre
Biotech- KISAN – developed large-scale
production of bio fertilizers and spread of the
application of bio fertilizers and bio pesticides in
the state. AGRI Biotech Foundation (ABF)
initiated introduction of new Sorted Semen
technology to enhance the female cattle
population. Farmers cultivate over 40 varieties of
organic vegetables, organic papaya and organic
rice and use smart phone for direct marketing of
their produce. Tissue culture banana is one of the
great success stories of biotech applications:
Farmers cultivating Microsun tissue cultured
banana plants are getting 3 times more yield than
from planting conventional banana suckers. ABF
Tissue Culture Unit, Anantapur AP is providing TC
plants to thousands of acres of banana farms,
tripling farmer incomes.
8.Knowledge Generation and Discovery
Research- DBT supports several knowledge
generation and discovery research projects in
anticipation of getting technologies for
translation. In cutting edge and emerging R&D
areas, 72 sample projects were analysed. Almost
half of the research projects in the sample
produced research leads that can be taken up
further in future research (31 leads from 72
projects). The bibliometric outputs from
Knowledge Generation and Discovery Research is
impressive. On an average, an R&D project
results in 9-10 publications, 5 published papers
with average of 12 citations (with even some
papers with over 250 citations).
9. Energy, Environment & Bioresource-based
Applications for Societal Development- A total of
22 projects on Biotechnology for Societal
Development were analysed in this study. Five
product development and commercialization,
five international patents, and two Indian patents
have also been won. One project produced 205 lt.
of algal oil which could be commercialized. Some
of the research also has produced 10 leads that
could be eventually taken up for further focused
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
research towards translating them into
commercial use. The projects studied under the
rural development, women, and SC/ST segments
have directly improved the lives of 4450
beneficiaries in 11 states of the country through
training, dissemination and by hand holding in
setting up entrepreneurial ventures. The projects
varied from aquaculture, bakery units, and
piggery units to handicraft and food production.
One of the projects dealt with health issues in
women. Projects also addressed issues in
environmental remediation of soil and water,
rare endangered and threatened species, and
done advanced research in areas like biofuel
production. Some pilot scale demonstrations
indicate viability for commercial scale
deployment of technology, and some of the
research has produced good leads with further
research potential.
10.Promoting Biotechnology in North East
Region of India- The North east region (NER) of
India comprising eight States receives 10% of
DBT's annual budget as per government
mandate. The Twinning R&D Programme for NER
initiated in 2010-11 develops core competence
and core capacity in different areas of
biotechnology through joint ventures, between
two or more institutes, wherein one of the
institutes is from NER. About 670 Twinning
projects have been supported since 2010, in 70
Institutes across NER. About 2000 young
researchers/students of NER have been trained
in advanced biotechnology. 34 outstanding
scientists from the NER have been funded for
their innovative projects across 12 Institutes
producing 3 patents and 45 research papers.
Under the scented Rice Network Programme for
the NER, 106 aromatic rice germplasm have been
collected and characterized. NER Banana
Programme, initiated in 2018, with 39
institutions including 18 from NER Institutes and
21 other institutes focusses on biodiversity
studies.
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Advanced Animal Diagnostic and Management
Consortium (ADMaC) Programme is being
implemented with 3 NER Institutes, 4 National
Institutes and 8 State Veterinary and Animal
husbandry departments as partners. BT has
established a network of 126 Biotech Hubs across
NER, providing the necessary infrastructure in
universities/ colleges/institutions and the
required training in sophisticated technologies to
support and promote biotechnology education
and research.
11. Extant Biotechnology Policies- India is
among the top 12 destinations for biotechnology
in the world $63 billion in size. India is also the
leader in the global supply of DPT, BCG and
measles vaccines. Biotechnology sector is
recognized as one of the key drivers for
contributing to India's USD 5 Trillion economy
target by 2025. Extant biotech policies evolved
over the last two iterations published in 2007 and
2015 have been successful in understanding the
ground realities, foreseeing potential growth
areas and suggesting growth avenues and
strengthening areas that needs attention.
Biotech Strategy III: DBT has built on the previous
strategies and proposed ambitious vision and
goals for 2025. Some salient aspects of the
proposed Strategy-III are: (i) A $100 billion
Bioeconomy by 2025, (ii) 10 million jobs driving
the Bioeconomy led by products and services,
and (iii) Over 100 “Made in India” Biotech
products in global markets. There has been a
significant increase in Government of India's
outlays for biotechnology over the years. The
DBT budget has gone up from Rs. 2381crores
revised estimate in 2019/20 to Rs. 2,787 crores
budget estimate in 2020/21 Revenue budget
doubled in the last 7 years. DBT's proposed
budget for 2021-22 is 26 percent higher at
Rs.3502 crores. The FDI policy for the biotech
industry is strong and attractive one, which
results in easy entry of private players into the
Indian market. It is clear that the FDI policy not
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
only targets the biotech industry but also brings
in related industries such as manufacture of
medical devices. BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council) has established
many industries focused schemes such as SBIRI,
BIPP Biotechnology Ignition Grant, BioNEST,
SITARE, PACE, SIIP, SEED, LEAP, Fund of Funds –
AcE, etc.
12. SWOT Analysis, and Self Rating of DBT
Grants and Awards Process- Strengths of the DBT
eco-system: (i) Generous and wide spread
funding, (ii) good peer Review. Weaknesses of
the DBT grants awarding and management
processes: (i) Delayed and inadequate funding
hindering timely completion of projects, (ii) slow
communication to queries, and (iii) the short
duration of projects. Opportunities to optimize
DBT vision and objectives: (i) Global and national
collaborations, (ii) the emerging interdisciplinary
research engagement, (iii) Network projects, (iv)
presence of bio-science clusters, and (v) highly
trained manpower availability. Threats: Delayed,
adjusted or cancelled funding. Opportunity to
overcome threats: Engage with philanthropic
groups and corporates to increase funding
potential.
Summary, Conclusions and Way Forward
The major findings are:
l DBT has created world class infrastructure
and facilities for advancing biotech
t e a c h i n g , s t u d y, r e s e a r c h , a n d
productization and commercialization.
l DBT support is producing adequate
number of human resources within the
country through its various innovative
Programmes such as the Star College and
many types of fellowships.
l Autonomous Institutes funded by DBT are
playing leading roles in promoting
biotechnology research and contributing
to bio-economy.
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l Socio-economic benefits and impact are

mainly in the form of human capital
development as well as knowledge
generation.
l Direct social and economic benefits to
people at large are substantial with every
advance especially in the medical, health
and allied fields. Quantifying these
benefits precisely is rather difficult.
l Impact of social development-oriented
bio-tech projects in the area of agriculture
and allied areas are more tangible and
measurable. Recent initiatives such as
Biotech-KISAN mission are showing
promising results.
l As in any system dealing with thousands
of stakeholders, there is scope of making
the DBT ecosystem more alert, efficient
and responsive to achieve its objectives.

Conclusion: DBT has been making significant

contributions to supporting teaching, capacity
building, research, innovation and translation of
biotechnology outcomes in India for over three
decades. The recent pandemic challenge
highlighted the strength of the Indian
biotechnology sector to contribute to global well-
being. There is immense scope to achieve DBTs

vision of “Attaining new heights in biotechnology

research and innovation for creation of wealth
and ensuring social justice specially for the
welfare of the poor.” These insights are based on
the draft report submitted by the agency.

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Research Landscape and Performance
Benchmarking in Biotechnology (Elsevier
Study)
The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of
Science & Technology, Government of India,
commissioned this study on the Research
Landscape and Performance Benchmarking in
Biotechnology. The study presents analyses of
data relating to both publications and patents,
offering a multifaceted view of research and
innovation performance in biotechnology,
subfields of biotechnology, and related topics.
Analyses include assessment of output, impact,
excellence, and collaboration, globally, for India,
and for the Department of Biotechnology. The
study “Research Landscape and Performance
Benchmarking in Biotechnology” briefs about
the achievements of Department of
Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology,
Government of India nationally and
internationally.
It had two main objectives:
1) Provide an overview of the global and
national research and innovation landscape in
biotechnology.
2) Provide insights into the scholarly and
inventive impact of DBT schemes and programs
on the field.
The key findings of the study are as follows: -
1. Analysis of Scholarly output- This section
analyzed biotechnology research output defined
as the number of publications published in titles
belonging to the All-Science Journal Category
(ASJC) "Biotechnology" in Scopus. To identify
publications in biotechnology subfields, we use
the Fields of Research and Development (FORD)
classification defined by the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD). The four fields of Research and
Development (FORD) biotechnology categories
used to break down the analyses were
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
Agricultural, Environmental, Industrial and
Medical Biotechnology. Methodology used- To
calculate metrics related to publications, full
counting was employed. This means that a
publication co-authored, for example, by at least
one author at Harvard University and at least one
author at the University of Delhi was counted as
one publication towards the global publication
count, one publication for the Unites States, one
publication for India, one publication for Harvard
University, and one publication for the University
of Delhi. The same logic was applied to
publications in more than one biotechnology
subfield. To estimate the scholarly impact of
publications, the metric average Field-Weighted
Citation Impact (FWCI) was used. It is a
normalized measure of citations received by
publications normalized to account for
differences in referencing practices and citation
behaviors across fields, publication types, and
publication age. The number and proportion of
publications was used that belong to the top 10%
most cited publications globally to gain a view
into research excellence. The international
collaboration was also analyzed by assessing the
affiliations of co-authors on publications. A
publication with at least one author listing an
affiliation in a country and at least one author
listing an affiliation in another country count as
an internationally collaborated publication.
a) Biotechnology research activity across the
Globe and in India
l In the 1999–2018 period, India produced
38,595 of the 502,336 global
biotechnology publications, accounting
for 7.7% of the global scholarly output
over the period. India's contribution to
the field has been growing over time, its
annual growth rate of publications was
10.6%, which was faster than the 6.4%
overall rate for the field. The Citations to
biotechnology publications for India was
533,211 against global
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technology publications, i.e, 11,922,93,

accounting for Average number of citations per
biotechnology publication for India being 13.8
against worldwide average, i.e, 23.7. The number
of internationally collaborated biotechnology
publications for India was 5,327 against global
internationally collaborated biotechnology
publications, i.e, 99,216.

Figure 1: Biotechnology research activity across the Globe

Figure 2: Biotechnology Research Activities in India

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b) Contributions of DBT to biotechnology
research
This section highlights the Department of
Biotechnology's contributions to India's
biotechnology research by assessing publications
from DBT institutions (intramural research
output) or by assessing publications resulting
from DBT grants and funding streams (extramural
research output). The period for analyzing the
scholarly output of DBT was defined from 2014 to
2018 to create an overview of more recent
research resulting from DBT's intramural and
extramural activities. Publications of DBT
institutions or DBT funded projects display a
moderate FWCI and contribute to many areas of
research. Only 10% of these publications are
assigned to the subject of biotechnology, while
the majority of DBT publications are within the
broader field of Biochemistry, Genetics, and
Molecular Biology.
c)Emerging research areas utilizing
biotechnology research
Biotechnology research in 38 thematic clusters
identified as relevant among biotechnology
publications was analyzed. These clusters are
formed from the 96,000 research topics created
using citation patterns of Scopus-indexed
publications. The advantage of taking a citation-
based approach to identify a research topic is
that citation patterns delineate the research area
in the topic, whereby research that appears in the
same citation network is clustered together in
the same topic. This approach provides a more
nuanced definition of research topics. Topic
clusters are a higher-level aggregation of these
research topics based on the same direct citation
algorithm that creates the topics. When the
strength of the citation links between topics
reaches a threshold, a cluster is formed. The
biotechnology field clusters around 38 main
themes, two of which are particularly prominent,
with over 26,000 publications each in
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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2014–2018. They are "METAGENOME,
PROBIOTICS, BACTERIA" and "CELLULOSE,
LIGNIN, CELLULASES." India has more than 1,000
publications in these clusters as well as in the
clusters "PLANTS, RHIZOSPHERE, RHIZOBIUM"
and "ALGAE, MICROALGAE, BIODIESEL." India is a
major player in "PLANTS, RHIZOSPHERE,
RHIZOBIUM" with over 16% of global
publications and superior citation performance.
2.Patent Analysis (1997-2017) - This section of
the report investigated innovation at DBT
through its patent output. The data presented in
this section were based on the PATSTAT database,
a product of the European Patent Organization
that covers patent data from dozens of patent
authorities around the world. Analyses
presented was based on either the full data
available in PATSTAT for all patent authorities, or
for subsets covering only patent data from the
United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), and
the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO).
Trends in Patent activity at DBT (1997-2017)
The patent application activity of DBT was
relatively stable across the period, ensuring a
solid pipeline of granted patents for the coming
years. The majority of applications were filed at
WIPO and USPTO. Between 1997 and 2017, DBT
applied for a patent application for 256 distinct
patent families around the world and 114 patents
were granted. The National Institute of
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Immunology in Delhi (NII, Delhi) was the most
active of DBT's institutions according to the
application data, which filed 42 patent
applications. Approximately 70% of patent
applications of DBT are filed with co-applicants,
and the top co-applicants are AIIMS, CSIR, IIS and
University of Delhi. Top patenting cluster for DBT
was C12N, with 88 patent families. C12N
biotechnology cluster encompasses patents
related to compositions based on
microorganisms and enzymes (e.g., biocides,
repellants, fermentates and other materials).
DBT applied for 67 patent families A61K of the
medical sub-topic which is dedicated to
preparation for medical, dental, or toilet
purposes.
Analysis Based on Output-Outcome
Monitoring Framework (OOMF)
Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework
(OOMF) is formulated by NITI Aayog for each
Department/Ministry to strengthen the
monitoring & evaluation of various activities. The
Table 1: Budget Utilization
Financial Year Budget Estimate
(In crore) Statement (In crore)
2018-19 2411.53
2019-20 2580.34
2020-21 2786.76
2021-22 (RE) 2932.38
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
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Department of Biotechnology has set annual
targets against each output and outcome
indicators to monitor various schemes and
programmes of the department. All the outputs
and outcomes identified are measurable,
bringing-in greater accountability in execution of
schemes and programmes of the Department.
Output refers to the direct and measurable
product of programme activities, often
expressed in physical terms or units. Outcomes
are the collective results or qualitative
improvements brought about in the delivery of
these activities. The progress is updated
quarterly by DBT on dashboard developed and
maintained by NITI Aayog.
Budget Utilization Summary and OOMF
Compliance status:
Budget utilization for Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) for past four FY 2018-19,
2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 is mentioned in
the Table 1 below. Similarly, Figure 4 represents
the graph of the financial performance of the
Department of Biotechnology in past four years.
Expenditure Funds Released to AIs
(In crore)
2379.11 747.93
2367.17 792.53
2266.45 577
- 675
Figure 4: Budget Utilization for the
year 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21
and 2021-22
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It can be inferred from the Figure 5 that all the

achievements with respect to both R&D and IED
schemes have been reported. Hence, the OOMF
compliance rate is observed to be high for both
the schemes in both FY 2019-20 and 2020-21
Figure 5: OOMF Compliance status for the year 2019-20 and 2020-21

DBT measured the progress of various activities focuses on creating and developing highly
through 2 central sector schemes, i.e., Research trained/skilled manpower in the field of
and Development (R&D) and Industrial and biotechnology through various schemes and
Entrepreneurship Development (IED). programs. Whereas, Industrial and
Entrepreneurship Development (IED) scheme
The core objective of the Research and
focuses to develop high quality basic
Development (R&D) scheme of the department
infrastructure and high-end equipment facilities
is to focus and promote collaborative research to
with research and development, product
address needs for developing technological and
development, piloting and validation by SMEs
clinical solutions to the domain such as
and Biotech industries.
agriculture, medical, environmental and societal
challenges. In addition to this, the scheme also
Figure 6: Progress of Output Indicators of IED and R&D of FY 2019-20 and 2020-2021

*Note: Output indicators include number of ongoing projects, new projects,

workshops, training activities, facilities supported, etc.

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The progress of output indicators (include
ongoing projects, new projects, workshops,
training activities, facilities supported, etc.) for
Research and Development (R&D) and Industrial
and Entrepreneurship Development (IED)
schemes for the FY 2019-20 and 2020-21 was
shown in Figure 6. Under IED scheme, there were
total 1041 achievements marked as output
activities during the year 2019-20. There was high
progression in terms of IED achievements during
Table 2: Progress of Outcome Indicators (IED) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21
year 2020-21, with total achievements being
5636. Un d er R & D s ch eme, t h e to ta l
achievements during the year 2019-20 were
17028, but during year 2020-21 the number of
achievements were 11289. It can be deduced
that irrespective of COVID-19 induced
disruptions, the Department has notably
performed in accomplishing all the targets for
the FY 2020-21 regarding IED.

Outcome 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

Indicators
(IED) Targets Achievements Targets Achievements Targets Achievements

Technologies 10 8 13 15 13 13
Commercialized

International 0 0 5 5 10 13
Collaborations

Patents filed 35 45 40 46 40 43

Affordable Products 18 20 19 12 19 19
(at 5% success rate)

Start-up generating 0 0 25 27 29 29
follow-on funding (<10
Lakhs)

No. of incubates 210 377 500 530 550 550

No. of professional 2350 2260 3000 3089 3500 3500

trainings for
high end skills

No. of users - - 150 50 150 450

using facilities in clusters

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Figure 7: Achievements of Outcome Indicators (IED) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21
The Table 2 and Figure 7 represent the
achievements of outcome indicators for IED
scheme for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21.
It can be inferred from the Figure 7
and Table 2 that, in the current year (2020-21)
the figures of all the indicators except,
Technologies Commercialized and Patents
Filed, has seen the rise in comparison to the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATA MONITORING AND
IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES
past two years. The department has
outperformed in accomplishing all its outcome
indicators for IED scheme in the last two FY that
are, 2019-20 and 2020-21. It can be inferred
that department has managed to accomplish
the set target for FY 2020-21 and has shown
quite impressive achievements for the IED
scheme.
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Table 3: Progress of Output indicators (IED) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21
Output 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Indicators
(IED) Targets Achievements Targets Achievements Targets Achievements

No. of Bioclusters 1 1 2 0 2 2
developed

No. of technologies 6 0 5 0 5 7
transfer offices set up

No. of Bio- connect 1 2 6 5 8 8

offices set up

No. of on-going 350 391 400 511 400 400

research projects under
PPP program

No. of Academic 65 74 100 107 100 100

Institutes supported

No. of Companies 275 288 300 294 300 300

supported

No. of incubators
supported & facilities 40 31 50 50 60 61
developed
(instrumentation,
fermentation, etc.)

No.of Regional &

Entrepreneursh 3 1 5 4 6 6
i p Development
Centres

No. of
workshops conducted 8 2 125 70 125 125

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Figure 8: Achievements of Output Indicators (IED) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-

Table 3 and Figure 8 represent the performance of DBT in achieving the various IED output indicators for
FY year 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21. The figure 8 clearly portrays that the performance of the
department in achieving its targets over the past three years have been optimum. For every
consecutive year the achievements for output indicators for the IED scheme has seen the growth.
Despite the COVID-19 induced disruptions in the FY 2019-20, the department has performed
outstandingly in accomplishing all its targets.

Table 4: Progress of Output indicators (R&D) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21

Output 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

Indicators
(R&D) Targets Achievements Targets Achievements Targets Achievements

No. of on-going 3540 2160 2080 2566 2434 2295

projects
supported

No. of new projects

supported 245 296 208 269 401 252

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Figure 9: Achievements of Output indicators (R&D) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21

Table 4 and Figure 9 represent the important output indicators of R&D for FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and
2020-21. DBT supported number of on-going and new R&D projects for FY 2018-19, 2019- 20 and 2020-
21 were shown in Figure 9. During the year 2018-19, the numbers of on-going R&D projects were 2160,
which increased to 2566 during the year 2019-20. For the current session, i.e., year 2020-21, till now the
numbers of on-going R&D projects supported were 2295. Secondly, new R&D projects supported by DBT
were 296 and 269 during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. For the current session, i.e., year
2020-21, till now the numbers of new R&D projects supported by DBT were 252.

Table 5: Outcome Indicators (R&D) for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-2021

Outcome 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

Indicators
Targets Achievements Targets Achievements Targets Achievements

Manpower trained 10413 13716 6752 20874 10298 9763

Publications 2700 3737 2570 3758 2254 2450

Patents Filed 117 145 111 122 82 80

Technology Developed/ 100 101 91 136 124 112

transferred/
commercialized

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Figure 10: Achievements of Outcome Indicators (R&D) for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-2021

The achievements of R&D projects (in terms of manpower trained, publications, Technology
Developed/transferred/ commercialized, and patent filed) for FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 were
shown in Figure 10 and Table 5. Manpower trained for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 were 8009,
17402 and 9763 respectively. Publications for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 were 3737, 3758,
and 2450 respectively. Technology Developed/transferred/ commercialized for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20
and 2020-21 were 101, 136 and 112 respectively. Patent filed for the FY 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21
were 145, 122 and 80 respectively.

Conclusion: The Department has also faced Covid-19

The efforts of the Department of Biotechnology
in the development of vaccine and diagnostic
methods in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic are
well appreciated. The emphasis was on the
sustenance of current collaborative agreements
with the industry, especially in strengthening
the R&D ecosystem in the country to realize the
vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
induced interruptions in the FY 2020-21. Due to
this, some of the achievements pertaining to the
IC and HRD indicators of R&D could not attain
the optimum level. However, it has been
highlighted that the DBT is one of the best
departments ensuring 100% compliance on
OOMF dashboard and achieving majority of the
targets pertaining to OOMF indicators.

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Gender Responsive Budgeting Initiative programme. The programme is mainly for career
development of employed/unemployed women
Gender Budgeting has been used by the Indian
scientists for whom it is the first extramural
government as a technique for incorporating a
research grant. The scheme gives opportunities
gender perspective into planning and budgeting
procedures. Gender Budgeting is concerned with to unemployed women scientist having a break in
the gender-responsive formulation of legislation, career to be back to the mainstream by getting
policies, plans, programmes, and schemes; the their first grant as Principal Investigator. Women
allocation and collection of resources; the Scientist who are employed or unemployed or
implementation and execution of programmes are desirous of coming back after a break can get
and schemes; monitoring, reviewing, impact back to the mainstream by getting their first grant
assessment and audit of programme and as the Principal Investigator.
schemes from the gender lens; and the follow-up
corrective actions to reduce gender gaps.
Figure 11: Success Outcomes of the
Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB), as it is more
BioCARe Programme
popularly known, is a mechanism to ensure that
public wealth is distributed in an equal manner in
order to meet the most urgent concerns of
certain gender groups. GRB seeks to view the
projects, programmes and schemes of
Ministries/Departments and overall Government
Budget from a gender lens to gauge the process
of addressing the different needs of women and
girls.
Institutional mechanisms and practices
The Department of Biotechnology has also
initiated its work to contribute towards the The Figure 11 portrays the success outcomes of
government's aim of gender equality. The
the BioCARe Programme. It can be inferred from
department launched has various schemes and
the Figure 11 that the BioCARe programme has
programmes wherein special focus has been
given to women. Even more, the department has supported 361 women scientists in their career.
a programme specifically dedicated to women, 300 papers were published by the women
that is, BioCARe. scientist under this programme. Moreover, the
With the vision of Department to promote programme also focused on helping women in
women in science and in an attempt to enhance getting employment. In the FY 2020-21, 7 women
the participation of Women Scientists in scientists were supported under the BioCARe
Biotechnology Research, the Department Programme. Other than this, DBT has done the
launched a Biotechnology Career Advancement hand holding of various PIs and CoPIs. In past
and Re-orientation Programme (BioCARe) for decade, i.e., from, 2010-2021, DBT has supported
women scientists and first call for applications 4774 women PIs and CoPIs.
was announced in the year 2011. Till now, five

calls have been announced under the

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IMPACT ANALYSIS STUDIES

Another major program of the Department that
tries to bring the gender equity is Biotech KISAN
Mission which aims to work with small and
marginal farmers to empower them, especially
the woman farmer for better agriculture
productivity and income through scientific
interventions and evolving best farming practices
by linking available science and technology to the
farm by first understanding the problem of the
local farmer and providing solutions to those
problems.
Further, this program also focuses on improving
the lifestyle of women beneficiaries by improving
their socio-economic status. In one of the
interventions that took place in Sunderban, West
Table 6: Indicators Reflecting Gender Responsive Behaviour for FY 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21
Bengal in the year 2019, 4185 women farmers
were benefited under this program. Moreover,
the programme has benefitted 7684 more
women farmers in various states of India.
Other schemes/programmes and awards
Department has also identified certain indicators
to identify and measure the performance of
department in terms of gender responsive
behaviour. For instance, in past 3 Financial Years,
i.e. (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21) the department
has recorded its output and outcome indicators
of various programmes that have benefited
women.

2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

Name of the
Indicators
Targets Achievements Targets Achievements Targets Achievements

National Women Bio- 2 3 3 3 3 3

Scientist Awards (output
indicator)

No. of women farmers 35 35 35 0 35 0

trained in current year
(output indicator)

Number of hands- on
training/workshops/ 35 39 20 19 50 52
awareness programmes
provided in current year
in area of agriculture &
animal husbandry:
Women (output
indicator)

No. of women scientists

getting employment after 5 6 5 10 5 2
working on projects
under BioCARe
(outcome indicator)

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Providing training and

demonstration to the
beneficiaries for 700 740 NA NA 90 91
utilization of technologies
in Agriculture and
allied areas including
animal husbandry
practice: Women
(outcome
indicator)

Figure 12: Indicators Reflecting Gender Responsive Behaviour

The Table 6 clearly portrays the involvement of
women beneficiaries in diverse programs of the
department. Moreover, it can be inferred from
the Figure 12 that women participation has seen
an upsurge in terms of participation. The
numbers may have seen a decrease in the year
2019-20 due to COVID-19 induced disruptions;
however, this got improved later in year 2020-21.
Due to lockdown and other COVID-19 induced
disruptions some of the field trainings and
workshop could not be held in the year 2019-20.
All these parameters present that the
Department of Biotechnology is working towards
the goal of gender inclusiveness. Numerous
awards and fellowships are also given to women
to motivate and encourage them for their
participation.
Way Forward
The Department of Biotechnology has
continually worked to mainstream gender and
advocate for gender responsive initiatives.
Gender Budgeting across various levels of
governance have strengthen systems for
resource allocation for women and girls. Gender
Budgeting was adopted as a consequence of the
awareness that the ways in which governments
plan and budget for women and girls has the
tendency to mitigate gender inequities. As a way
forward, the department will organize training /
sensitization / capacity building workshops for
officials and staff members in order to
mainstream gender concerns in public
expenditure and policy making of any scheme /
project / programme. Also, to further build the
capacities of women the department will
continue to encourage more women and girls to
take the benefits of theprogramme/ projects/
schemes of the department that are presently
active. Department will also try to do the gender
auditing of the expenditure, programme
implementation and policies, wherever possible.

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Electronic Project Management System maintain the database properly, a lot of tasks are
(eProMIS) ongoing such as integrating eProMIS with PFMS,
development of input formats for International
eProMIS is a web enabled Project Management Collaboration and Bio-care area and many more.
Information System of the Department of
Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, To further enhance, the management system of
Government of India. It is hosted at the NIC sever the Department, a way forward is to promote the
at http://www.dbtepromis.nic.in. eProMIS self-service in eProMIS. Moreover, redesign and
facilitates for the submission, evaluation, development of formats to record patents,
management, monitoring and closure of publications and technology transfer data is
research proposals in various area of needed. Also, there is a need for incorporation of
Biotechnology. It also captures, manages and business intelligence tools for smart report
monitors the complete life cycle of proposals and generation. Also, DBT has to involve actively in
subsequently approved projects. It is a gateway data cleaning exercise so that only the required
that unifies access to departmental information and relevant information is saved in the
of research proposals/projects on the internet. dashboard. As a way forward, other features
Not only this, eProMIS helps the department in those are required to be added in the eProMIS
managing its data and large volume of system are; integration of SMS gateway, using SSL
information more easily. This data can be derived to encrypt sensitive information, detaching other
to answer RTIs, Parliament Questions and applications from eProMIS and enhancing user-
queries by PIs. friendliness of the application.
Figure 13: Flow Chart of eProMIS
eProMIS helps in the management of all the (existing structure)
schemes, which offers end to end solution for
effective management of all the schemes funded
by the department. eProMIS has multiple
features, which includes facilitating new
investigators to registrar online, submission of
protocols, peer review and processing of
proposals, status of proposal/project, generation
of sanction no., e-signing SAN, intimation of
release of grants, dashboards for various
stakeholders and others. eProMIS facilitates DBT
to answer various parliament questions through
generating reports to various stakeholders.
eProMIS also has reports available area wise, Figure 14: Thematic Areas supported by DBT
region wise and state wise along with other
parameters.
Recently numerous enhancements and
developments have been made in eProMIS to
enhance its performance. Some of them include
implementation of e-sign utility, SSL
implementation to run the website on secure
channel, development of Star College Area and
system is securely audited to make it safe for
hosting on NIC cloud and many others. To
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DBT-AUTONOMOUS
INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR
UNDERTAKINGS

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
The Department has established 15 theme-
based Autonomous Institutions (AIs) and
supported one International Centre for
improving knowledge generation and translating
the knowledge to address the societal
challenges. These institutions are pursuing
fundamental, discovery and translational
research in areas of agriculture biotechnology &
allied areas, animal biotechnology, medical
biotechnology, bioresources and secondary
agriculture, clean energy and environmental
biotechnology. The institutes also reach out to
human resource development and societal
outreach. The institutes are mainly catalyzing its
effort to train students, young researchers and to
nurture scientific excellence of the scientists.
Apart from AIs, Department of Biotechnology has
three Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under its
administrative control wherein various research
activities are undertaken. During the year 2021,
research outcome of these institutions has
resulted in 866 publications. Besides 24 patents
have been granted this year and 54 patents
applications been filed by these AIs/PSUs.
Autonomous Institutes
A brief summary of research activities
undertaken by these autonomous institutions
during the year are depicted as follows:
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics
(CDFD), Hyderabad
The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and
Diagnostics (CDFD) was established as an
autonomous institute of the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science &
Technology, Govt. of India, in the year 1996.
CDFD is the first institute in the country to
incorporate a “hybrid model” amalgamating
services and research, with both components
enriching each other. CDFD has successfully
completed twenty-five years of its significant
existence.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Vision and Mission:
To carry out scientific research, services and
training; to achieve global excellence in
fundamental and applied research; and
simultaneous endeavour to transfer the benefits
of modern biology to every section of society.
Objectives:
The main objectives of CDFD are to provide DNA
fingerprinting services to the judiciary and to law
enforcing agencies, to establish DNA diagnostics
methods for detecting genetic disorders, to use
DNA fingerprinting techniques for authentication
of plant species (e.g. basmati rice), and to
undertake basic, applied and developmental
R&D work. Another important mandate of CDFD
is to provide highly trained and skilled manpower
in the domains of modern biology through its
PhD and various other training programmes.
Major Initiatives:
In the year 2021, DBT-CDFD has provided:
l High quality forensic DNA fingerprinting
services for 54 cases to the various Courts
of law, law enforcement and investigative
agencies in the country.
l Genetic diagnostic, prenatal diagnosis and
clinical genetic counselling services to 2647
patients with various genetic diseases.
l Plant DNA fingerprinting services to test
purity of Basmati Rice for 607 samples,
which has contributed to the increase in
Basmati exports, and acted as a major
deterrent to adulteration in Basmati export
consignments
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Fig.1: Human Finger-printing Services (54 cases have been analyzed; Revenue generated: Rs.
12,56,009/-)

Fig. 2: Genetic Diagnostics (2647 patients' samples have been analyzed; Revenue generated: Rs.
75,05,123/-)

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l CDFD offers a wide range of testing of COVID-19 samples from

instrumentation and analytical services of
modern molecular and cell biology; using
state-of-the-art, high precision, supreme
quality, sophisticatescientific instruments.
This matchless facility is being made
accessible to all interested scholars,
academicians and scientists from
Universities, R&D institutes, and industry
along with teachers and students from
colleges and schools, at a notional cost.
During the year 2021, the total revenue
generated from various Equipment usage is
Rs.37,93,642/-.
Major Achievement:
Ø COVID-19 TESTING: DBT-CDFD started
Telangana State on 18th April 2020 after
due approval from DBT and ICMR. The
institute has tested more than 60,000
COVID – 19 nasopharyngeal swab samples
during the year 2021.
Ø During the reporting period 55 research
papers have been published by various
scientific groups.
Ø On 20th February, 2021, the Hon'ble Vice
President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
and Hon'ble Home Minister of Telangana
Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali visited
CDFD and inaugurated the Pediatric Rare
Genetic Disorders Laboratory.

Fig. 3: Visit of Hon'ble Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and Hon'ble Home Minister
of Telangana Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali to DBT-CDFD, Hon'ble Vice President of India
inaugurated the Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders Laboratory on 20 February 2021

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Center of Innovative and Applied
Bioprocessing (CIAB), Mohali
Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocesing
(CIAB) functions as a nodal research and
innovation organization linking leads of
bioprocess and bioproduct R&D system
knowledge, technology with production system,
and serve as incubatorial platform for agri-
process and agri- food-product related
entrepreneurship. It renders a frontal role in
translation, innovation, optimization and
upscaling of approaches and technologies for
bioprocessing products through progressive
f u n c t i o n a l l i n ka g e s a n d n e t w o r k i n g /
collaborations with institutions and industries
nationally and globally.
Vision/Mission and Objectives:
Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing
(CIAB) works mainly on Secondary Agriculture
and development of value added commercial
products from different types of bio-resources.
Institute is working towards “Doubling the
Farmer`s Income” as well as “Waste to Wealth”,
thus creating start-ups/entrepreneurs as well as
supporting industries for societal well-being.
CIAB has four R & D programmes; (i) Value
addition to primary processing residue/wastes
for edible products, (ii) Valorization of crop
wastes for specialty products and chemicals, (iii)
Nutritionals, nutraceuticals, and upgradation of
value or use of primary processing bioproducts
and (iv) Biosynthetic technology/synthetic
biology for low volume-high value products and
industrial enzymes.
Major Initiatives:
CIAB is exploring potential, microbes from niche
areas and, studying their enzymatic potential in
bioprocessing and biomass valorization.
Biotechnology, nanobiology and bioprocessing
techniques are being explored for the
development of processes in the preparation of
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
functional molecules like oligosaccharides, rare
and functional sugars, platform chemicals,
platform chemicals, natural molecules, etc. Work
has been initiated that involve the synthetic
biology and engineering technologies for the
improvement of existing technologies as well as
innovative technologies around the biomass
valorization.
Notable Outcomes:
Few significant research outcomes are as follows:
l Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase
(LPMO) are mono copper enzymes known
for the oxidative cleavage of recalcitrant
polysaccharides. The enzyme, named as
LPMO-AOAA17 was recombinantly
expressed in E. coli BL21 and characterized
for its substrate specificity. Recombinant
enzyme was found to be oxidising broad
range of phenolic and non-phenolic
monomers of lignin. Biochemical study
revealed the optimum activity of LPMO-
AOAA17 at pH 7 and was highly stable and
active at 100 °C. This study has first time
documented the identification of a
hyperthermostable LPMO for oxidative
cleavage of β-O-4 linkage of lignin
compounds to form aromatic products.
l Lignin was successfully utilized for the
development of a lignin-based coating
through the preparation of titanium
dioxide nanocomposites via a green and
single-step method. To note, lignin was
used as a sole capping and stabilizing agent
to fabricate the titanium dioxide
nanocomposites (TiO2NCs). The
synthesized lignin-based TiO2
nanocomposites exhibited promising
antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV blocking
potential in comparison to the bare lignin
as well as the commercially available.
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AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

This TiO2NCs doped lignin coating can find vat

application in disinfecting personal protective
equipment and common surfaces.

Fig. 1. Novel catalytic potential of a hyperthermostable mono copper oxidase (LPMO-AOAA17) for
the oxidation of lignin monomers and depolymerisation of lignin dimer (A) Amino acid sequence
of LPMO-AOAA17 with additional Methionine (highlighted in red). (B) Enzyme structure as
predicted by SWISS-MODELLER showing the conserved His
2, His 87, Tyr 196 to form Cu containing T-loop.

Fig. 2. The schematic diagram for the development of lignin-derived TiO2 nanocomposites using lignin
and development of TiO2 nanocomposites doped lignin coating and their applications

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
l A two-step approach demonstrated 82%
total removal of hemicellulose and lignin
along with 90.4% of silica removal from rice
straw to obtain cellulose. Furthermore, the
obtained crude CEL is found to be with a
purity of 78%.
l Optimized the maximum production of 5-
HMF using glucose over Sn doped Ta2O5 in a
binary solvent system. The analytical
characterizations established that Sn4+ in
the catalyst interacts with Ta2O5 and offers
the Lewis acid sites favorable for glucose
isomerization to fructose. The catalyst
provided favorable conditions for the
sequential sugar(s) transformation, i. e.,
glucose isomerization followed by fructose
dehydration, which resulted in a 5-HMF
yield as high as 57 % wt. and 80 % selectivity
under modest reaction conditions in a
water-DMSO system using ST1 (1 % Sn on
Ta2O5).
Societal Impact:
CIAB has been contributing towards human
resources development in the areas of
bioprocessing and biotechnology. More than 50
students are presently undergoing research
training and 5 students have submitted their PhD
thesis and more than 20 students are pursuing
their PhD degrees. CIAB has demonstrated
tech n o lo gies o n b io co a l p rep a rat io n ,
biomolecules and functional compounds
extraction from biomass. CIAB has also
demonstrated technologies on value addition of
citrus fruits biomass to the interested incubate.
Many technologies developed by the CIAB will
have a larger impact on the societal growth at
various levels. CIAB is continuously benefiting
the society by providing training to young minds,
start-ups and entrepreneurs.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD), Imphal
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD) is working with the mission
for “Bioresources development and their
sustainable use through biotechnological
interventions forthe socio-economic growth of
the North East region”. Main goal of IBSD is
“Scientific management of bioresources in the
Indian region falling under Indo-Burma
Biodiversity Hotspot”.
Objectives:
(1) To study and document the unique
biodiversity of bio-geographic junction of the
Indian and oriental landmasses,
(2) Biotechnological interventions and
translational research for sustainable
development and promotion of bioresources,
(3) To undertake capacity building in
bioresources conservation and management.
(4) To collaborate with other institutions/
organizations/ universities nationally and
internationally in furthering research pursuits in
bioresources.
To fulfil these objectives, IBSD is working under
different research verticals including
Phytopharmaceutical Mission,
Ethnopharmacology & Drug Development; Plant
Resources; Microbial Resources including
Fermented Food; Animal Resources; Eco-
Re s t o ra t i o n i n c l u d i n g Wa t e r Q u a l i t y
Management & Surveillance.
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Major initiatives: During the year some of the
major research initiatives being undertaken by
IBSD is as follows:
l IBSD, has established the Indian SARS-CoV-
2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) facility
at IBSD, Imphal, which is the first time such
Fig. 1: The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) facility established
at IBSD, Imphal
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 258
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
an effort has been made in this part of the
country (Fig. 1). This sequencing platform/
laboratory within Manipur is a big leap in
our collective fight and understanding of
the novel coronavirus that has affected all
aspects of our lives.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

l IBSD has initiated 'Himalayan Bioresources testing of drinking water of Manipur and
Mission' to connect Eastern-Western Meghalaya in association with respective
Himalayas to explore rich bioresources and State PHED Department for water quality
Fig. 2: Himalayan Bioresources Mission to connect Eastern and Western Himalaya

their sustainable utilization for future monitoring, surveillance and development

socio-economic development (Fig. 2). for rapid water test kit for monitoring water
quality. In this context, MoU has been
l IBSD has initiated a programme on
signed between IBSD, Imphal and State
“Bioeconomy from Bioresources” to boost
PHED Department, Govt. of Manipur to
the economy of North Eastern Region
work in the presence of Hon'ble Member of
through sustainable utilization of available
Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Maharaja
unique bioresources. Thisprogramme was
Leishemba Sanajaoba on October 7, 2021.
inaugurated by the Hon'ble Vice President
l IBSD has set up a 'Science Museum' in
of India on October 5, 2021 (Fig. 3) and
Chandel District of Manipur which is an
addressed by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble
Aspirational District of Manipur to develop
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Science & Technology and Earth Sciences scientific attitude and to inculcate general
on October 18, 2021 (Fig. 4). awareness about local bioresources among
l IBSD has initiated working on Household the students and common people.
Water Quality Management through
Testing, Surveillance and Technological
Interventions with water testing facility for
drinking water, waste water etc to support
the local people of NER. Major focus is the

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AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

Fig. 3: Inauguration of National Seminar on “Bioeconomy from Bioresources of North Eastern

Region of India” by Hon'ble Vice President of India on October 5, 2021 at IBSD, Imphal.

Fig. 4: Visit of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology and
Earth Sciences on October 18, 2021 at IBSD, Imphal to address seminar on “Development of
Bioeconomy from Bioresources of North Eastern Region of India”.

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Societal Impact:
IBSD has organized various trainings and
outreach programmes for students and farmers
of NER. During Corona Pandemic, IBSD has
initiated an international webinar series on
“Reimagine Ethnopharmacology ” where
scientists/ academicians from all over the world
have shared their ideas. Currently, IBSD is running
46th online session under this webinar series. IBSD
has organized another webinar series for college
students of NER under “Science Setu 2021” to
celebrate the 75 years of Independence where
s c ient ist s g u id ed st u d ent s a b o u t t h e
opportunities to explore bioresources of this
region. Many interaction programmes on “Orchid
cultivation and floriculture” organized at Imphal,
Mao in Manipur and at Shillong, Meghalaya.
During this year, IBSD has also organized online
programme on International Women's Day, IBSD
Foundation Day, International Yoga Day, World
Environment Day and also seminar on “Managing
Bioresources of NER for Atamnirbhar Bharat”,
workshop on “Water quality management
through testing, surveillance and technological
intervention for socioeconomic development of
Manipur”. Recently, IBSD has established
“Science Museum” in Chandel, Aspirational
district of Manipur to develop scientific attitude
and to inculcate general awareness about local
bioresources among the students and common
people. IBSD has initiated webinar series on
“Bioeconomy from Bioresources” with special
reference to North Eastern Region of India to
commemorate the 75 years of Independence and
celebrate the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
Research publications (2021-22): 26
Human Resources trained: Ph.D. thesis
submitted: 04, Ph.D. awarded: 01
Patents Filed: 02
Monograph: 01 (Compendium)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative
Medicine (inStem), Bangalore
The Institute for Stem Cell Science and
Regenerative Medicine (inStem) has been
established by DBT for accelerating research in
stem cell biology & regeneration in the context of
disease.
Mandate and Objectives
inStem's mandate is to address complex
problems in areas of directed differentiation and
tissue regeneration with disease relevance,
through collaborative research programs
involving interdisciplinary teams. inStem's
research programs connect basic discovery with
translational outcomes, the development of
technologies and efforts based in the clinic.
inStem has built core strengths in stem cell
biology and manipulations, in injury repair in skin,
lung and muscle, disorders of the brain, cardiac
disease and the development of gene therapy
approaches for blood disorders. inStem hosts a
repository of iPSC cell lines and offers resources
and training in stem cell technologies.
Major Initiatives
l inStem took initiatives to turn the
challenges posed by the COVID-19
pandemic into opportunities that can be
leveraged for public health. The testing
laboratory at inStem has processed more
than 80,000 samples in the current
financial year. As an INSACOG Genome
Sequencing Laboratory (GSL), upwards of
5000 samples have been sequenced for the
national virus sequence surveillance effort.
inStem hosts a COVID-19 Bioresource and
also oversees the validation of indigenously
developed diagnostic kits.
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l Laboratories at inStem reported key
advances in areas of skin repair and
regeneration, metabolic regulation of cell
fate and immune function, and its
researchers have identified the first of its
kind genetic linkage between cardiac
disease and obesity in India.
l inStem began the Science Setu bimonthly
webinars under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav (https://www.instem.res.in/dbt-
instem-science-setu). This has been a
successful mechanism to communicate
science to the public as evidenced by the
expanding participant base.
l A monthly invited seminar series titled
“Mechanisms to Medicine” has been
launched as a forum where academia,
industry and clinicians find common
ground to discuss specific areas of
biomedical relevance.
l The Stem Cell Core initiated activities in
2021. Its repository will store patient-
derived iPSCs that can be differentiated
into specific tissue cells and organoids.
l Gene therapy for Hemophilia A, developed
at the Centre for Stem Cell Research, has
received approval from CDSCO for carrying
out clinical trials. This is the first gene
therapy clinical trial approved in India.
Salient Achievement:
l Contribution to the COVID 19 effort
The Covid testing laboratory, supported by the
DBT, DAE and Government of Karnataka at inStem
has tested more than 80,000 samples. As a
INSACOG RGSL, inStem has contributed to the
national virus sequence surveillance efforts and
sequenced upwards of 5000 samples. inStem
hosts a recognized COVID-19 Bioresource, which
includes swabs, PBMC as well as Saliva and
Bronchoalveolar lavage. These have supported
efforts to validate indigenously developed kits as
well clinical studies based from hospitals.
Together, these capabilities will have an
immediate impact in the current pandemic and
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
position us to tackle future challenges.
F i g . 1 : COV I D 1 9 r e s p o n s e a t i n S te m :
Establishment of a COVID19 Bioresource and
SARS-CoV- 2 testing centre; viral genome
sequencing as an RGSL in INSACOG; and
distribution of hACE-2 transgenic mice
developed at inStem to academic institutions for
research.
l Stem cell therapy for non-healing wounds
There is an exponential growth in the incidence of
chronic non-healing ulcers associated with
diseases such as diabetes. Autologous hair follicle
grafting is a recent therapy to stimulate closure of
such non-healing wounds. In collaborative work
from the Jamora laboratory (DBT-inStem) and
clinicians from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health
Sciences (Bangalore Medical College) have
demonstrated that grafting hair follicles into
chronic wounds from the patient's own scalp
promotes complete repair of the injured skin
(Saha et al, JID Innovations 2021). The research
finding illustrates how this approach not only
closes the open wound, but can promote
regeneration of critical components required for
normal skin function - blood vessels, nerves,
sweat glands, fat cells, and extracellular matrix.
The research team showed that the grafted stem
cells associated with the hair follicle are also able
to reduce inflammation. This therapeutic
approach can potentially also be used for large
non-healing wounds such as third-degree burns.
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Fig 2: Stem cells in autologous hair follicle grafting as a therapy to stimulate closure of such non- healing
wounds. Collaborative study between the Jamora Laboratory at DBT-inStem and clinicians at Bangalore
Medical College.

l Stem cell neighbourhoods regulate environment is critical for maintaining quiescent

quiescence properties.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body,
and its outermost part, called the epidermis, is
replenished every three weeks. The cells fuelling
this renewal of the epidermal stem cells, found in
specialized areas or niche, within a region of the
hair follicle (or root) is known as the 'bulge
compartment'. The bulge compartment resident
stem cells contribute to the repair of skin when
it's injured, and also regenerate the hair follicles
during normal development. The Raghavan
laboratory at DBT-inStem, studies the less well-
understood stem-cell niche and extrinsic factors
that influence stem cells fate (Biswas et al.,
Developmental Cell, 2021). Their work showed
that mechano-transducer proteins that signal by Fig 3: Insights into the mechanisms of hair follicle
generating forces within cells, in response to the (or root) resident stem during normal development.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Metabolic control of cellular responses
Sunil Laxman's laboratory identified molecules
that control cellular responses to nutrient poor
or changing environments (Rashida et al Science
Advanced, 2021). The observations conceptually
advance the understanding of how cells grow in
varying nutrients, manage to balance carbon flux
for growth in changing nutrient environments;
and resolves findings from cancers where
molecules reported to play opposing roles in
nutrient sensing are important for tumour
progression. Dasaradhi Palakodeti's group at
inStem showed that the mitochondrial state,
determines functionality in stem cell population
(Haroon et al., Stem Cell Reports, 2021). This
work was based on a comprehensive analysis of
mitochondrial function in stem cells and
differentiated cells.
Fig. 4: Science Outreach and Engagements at inStem: The Science Setu bimonthly webinars under the
aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav; and monthly invited seminar series “Mechanisms to Medicine”, a
forum where academia, industry and clinicians find common ground to discuss specific areas of
biomedical relevance.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Societal Impact:
Genetic blood disorders such as sickle cell
disease, thalassemia, and haemophilia pose a
significant socio-economic burden in India. A
control program for reducing the burden of
Thalassemia major and Sickle Cell disease,
coordinated by Centre for Stem Cell Research
(CSCR) and CMC Vellore for counselling,
awareness and management is active in seven
districts (including an aspirational district) in
Odisha. A gene therapy developed at CSCR for
Hemophilia A has received approval of CDSCO for
clinical trial.
Outreach and engagement with UG and PG
students is being done through the Science Setu
Program, connecting ten colleges in Bengaluru,
Gadag, Ujire, Mangalore, Chennai and Anchal,
Kerala.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Details of Process/Product/ Technology
Developed: 1
Research Publications: 47; Chapters &
proceedings: 3
No. of Patents Applied: 3
No. of Human Resources Trained: 6 students
defended their PhD Thesis; Training given to 10
personnel to work in the COVID19 testing centre
and for sequencing.
International Centre for Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
ICGEB encourages innovative research in the field
of life sciences with special emphasis to fulfil
needs for the benefit of developing countries.
The ICGEB New Delhi component has
successfully maintained its pace of research
activities and efforts in the year 2021, despite the
worse wave of covid-19 in India. This year, the
component has published around 120
publications and filed 2 national and 15 (6
International & 9 National Phase) international
Patent applications.
Salient Outcomes:
A brief description of the progress highlights in
three research domains are as follows:
(i) Molecular Medicine
l The Dengue Botanical drug has entered
into clinical trials in July, 2021 after
receiving all necessary regulatory
approvals. It will be the first botanical drug
against Dengue. ICGEB has been
collaborating with Sun Pharmaceutical
Limited for this project.
l Immunobiology Group conducted a study
to highlight the fundamental importance of
pathogen- mediated modulation of host
NAD+ homeostasis for its infection
propagation. Tuberculosis necrotizing toxin
(TNT) in macrophages and erythrocytes
was expressed in the host cells for M.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
tuberculosis and the malaria parasite
respectively, and found that it reduced the
NAD+ levels and thereby induced
necroptosis and eryptosis resulting in
premature dissemination of pathogen.
Targeting TNT in M. tuberculosis or induced
eryptosis in malaria parasite interferes with
pathogen dissemination and reduction in
the propagation of infection. Group further
also synthesized and screened some novel
compounds that showed inhibition of
NAD+- glycohydrolase activity and
pathogen infection in the nanomolar range
(Cell Death Discov. 2021.13;7(1):10)
l Cellular Immunology group reported that
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays an
important role to help Mtb to tolerate anti-
TB drugs. MSCs readily take up Mtb and
allow unabated mycobacterial growth
despite having a functional innate pathway
of phagosome maturation. Additionally,
the classic pro-inflammatory cytokines
IFNγ and TNFα aid mycobacterial growth
within MSCs. Mechanistically, evading
drugs and inflammatory cytokines by MSC-
resident Mtb is dependent on elevated
PGE2 signaling. Moreover, MSCs are
observed in and around human
tuberculosis granulomas, harboring Mtb
bacilli. Therefore it is proposed that
targeting the unique immune-privileged
niche, provided by MSCs to Mtb, can have a
major impact on tuberculosis prevention
and cure (Nature Communications. 2020.
11: 3062)
l The Translational Health Group made
constant progress on the work of Drug
resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Recently, the group has reported the draft
whole-genome sequence of drug-resistant
M. tuberculosis strain S7, which was
isolated from a patient from Tripura, India,
who was diagnosed with pulmonary TB.
(Microbiology Resource
Announcements.2020. 9,17.)
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l Malaria Biology Group synthesised
artemisinin-peptidyl vinyl phosphonate
hybrid molecules that show superior
efficacy than artemisinin alone against
chloroquine-resistant as well as multidrug-
resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains
with EC50 in pico-molar ranges. These
hybrid molecules showed complete
parasite clearance in-vivo using P. berghei
mouse malaria model in comparison to
artemisinin alone. (Eur J Med Chem. 2021 .
14;220:113454)
l Parasite Cell Biology group reported that
the transient down regulation of the
parasite phospholipase (P. falciparum
lysophospholipase, PfLPL1) in the parasite
disrupt lipid homeostasis and caused a
reduction in neutral lipids essentially
required for heme to hemozoin conversion.
Thus, a crucial link is suggested between
phospholipid catabolism and generation of
neutral lipids (TAGs) with the host
haemoglobin degradation pathway
(BMC Biol. 2021.11;19(1):159)
l The Membrane Protein Biology Group
depicted the role of Zinc in SARS-CoV-2. It is
showed that ionic Zinc not only inhibits
SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) with
nanomolar affinity but also viral
replication. The structural basis of viral
replication inhibition was also provided. It
is showed that Zn2+ coordinates with the
catalytic dyad at the enzyme active site
along with two previously unknown water
molecules in a tetrahedral geometry to
form a stable inhibited Mpro-Zn2+
complex. Further, natural ionophore
quercetin increases the anti-viral potency
of Zn2+.
l The Vector Borne Disease Group evaluated
the significance of concurrent dengue and
its clinical implications (Ind J Med Res,
2021. Ahead of Publication). The group also
identified the interacting partners of Aedes
and CHIKV (Virus Disease. 2021. DOI
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
10.1007/s13337-021- 00734-2021, Int J of
Mol Sciences, 2021. 22(1), 323).
l ICGEB-Emory Vaccine programme have
successfully generated over 200 human
monoclonal antibodies from single cell
sorted memory B cells derived from COVID-
19 recovered individuals in India. A patent
application on this work is about to be filed.
(ii) Integrative Biology
l The Translational Bioinformatics Group for
the first time, reported the molecules like
cyclosporine, calcitriol, and estradiol as
candidate drugs for Covid-19 with the
binding ability to the host proteases that
enable SARS-CoV-2 entry to the host cell
and found cyclosporine as a potential drug
molecule as apart from interacting with
SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors, it also
interacts with most of SARS-CoV-2 target
host genes; thus it could potentially
interfere with functions of SARS-CoV-2
proteins in human cells. (ACS Chem
Neurosci. 2021 3;12(5):930- 944).
l The Transcriptional Regulation Group
deciphered the structural basis of target
search performed by the key regulator of
expression of c-myc proto-oncogene, the
human RBMS1 protein. In this study,
requirement of the structural
reorganization of c-myc proto-oncogene
for recognizing the specific c-myc promoter
sequence is shown. The study suggested
that a synergy between structural re-
organization and thermodynamics is
necessary for the recognition of target
sequences and presented another
perspective of looking at the DNA-protein
interactions. (Nucleic Acids Res. 2021 May
17; gkab 363. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkab363)
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l Structural Immunology Group analysed the
dicotomy between the presence of
promiscuous antibodies against influenza
infection and immune escape mechanisms
suggesting that the antibody promiscuity
may be responsible for reducing the
frequency of infection. Also, while
attempting to explore therapeutic
antibodies against tuberculosis, several
monoclonal antibodies against specific
designed epitopes of the M. tuberculosis
surface proteins were made.
l Yeast Biofuel Group conducted a study to
characterize the dynamics of Sphingolipids
(SLs) of Candida auris clinical isolates,
which were either resistant to fluconazole
(FLCR) or amphotericin B (AmpB) or both,
by using high throughput ESI-MS/MS.
Based on the structures, the analysis
confirmed the presence of 140 SL species
within nine major SL classes and defined
the SL molecular species imprints specific
to drug resistance. Among SLs,
Phytoceramides were most abundant and
glucosylceramides were typically abundant
in AmpB resistant isolates. (Biochim
Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2020.
1866(1):158815.)
l Small chemical molecules act as growth
modulators and interact with microalgal
cells at nanomolar levels to trigger the
specific metabolic pathways, thus
rerouting the carbon to enhance biomass,
biofuels and bioproducts (B3)
productivities. Omics of Algae group
highlighted that such an engineering
strategy is an excellent perspective for
physiological perturbations within cell
factories as sustainable algal biorefineries.
(Chemical Engineering Journal,2021. 418:
129413; Frontiers in Microbiology,2021.
12: 693106; Algal Research, 55:102285,
2021.)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
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l The Systems Biology for Biofuel Group
recently tested the effect of two different
RBS sequences (RBS1: GGAGGA and RBS2:
AGGAGA) and three different promoters
(PcpcB, PcpcB 560, and PrbcL 2) on the
growth and glycogen production in Sodium
dependent bicarbonate transporter, SbtA
overexpressing Synechococcus sp. PCC
7002 cells. The results showed that PcpcB
or PcpcB 560 were more effective than
PrbcL 2 in increasing the growth and
glycogen content (Front Microbiol.
2021.13;12:607411.)
l Metabolic engineering group conducted a
study to optimise the large scale algae
(Chlorococcum sp.) cultivation on
unhydrolysed waste molasses syrup to
produce higher biomass (18g/L) and lipid
accumulation (80%).(3 Biotech. 2021.11:
287)
l Penicillium funiculosum NCIM1228
produces high-quality secretome for
lignocellulosic biomass saccharification.
But, due to its drug tolerability, it can't be
used for industrial purposes. Microbial
Engineering Group addressed drug
tolerability of P. funiculosum and
developed an optimized toolkit for its
genome modification. (Biotechnol
Biofuels. 2021 Jan 25;14(1):31)
(iii) Plant Biology Group
l Plant Stress Biology Group found the rice
prionome being significantly enriched in
transposons/retrotransposons (Ts/RTRs)
and identified over 60 rice prion-like
proteins (PrLPs) that were differentially
regulated in stress and developmental
responses. By integrating the available rice
interactome, transcriptome, and regulome
data sets, links between stress and memory
pathways could be explored. (Front Plant
Sci. 2021.12:707286)
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AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

l The Plant RNAi Biology Group showed that Nos. of technologies developed during 2021-22:
adaptability of Pokkali rice (PK) variety to 08 Nos. of technologies transferred to User
excess salt is due to the genetic regulation Agency/Industry: 04 (2 under negotiations)
of different cellular components by a panel Nos. of Research Publications: 120
of miRNAs (Goswami et al., 2020, Nos. of Patent applied: 02 national and 15 (6
Biomolecules, 10, 498). The miRNA-target International & 9 National Phase)
interaction nodes were mapped to the Nos. of Patent granted: 02 (national)
Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) to identify the Nos. of human resources trained: 14 Graduated,
correlated root traits for understanding 14 Webinars organized
their significance in the adaptation of PK
under saline environments (Biomoecules Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneshwar
2020, 10:498). They also used RNA The research programme of ILS strategically
silencing suppressor encoded by insect plans to address issues on cancer biology,
Flock House virus to modulate the host infectious disease biology and environmental
miRNA levels leading to tolerate high and plant biotechnology.
concentrations of salt (Sinha et al., 2021,
Phytoparasitica, 1). This indicated the Vision/Mission and Objectives:
involvement of key miRNA regulatory
The mission of the institute is to use cutting edge
nodes by which plants deal with diverse
technology in modern biology to acquire insights
environmental stresses.
into pathogen biology, immune-regulation and
l The Nutritional Improvement of Crops
protective immunity and inflammatory
group reported that one of the key
processes at cellular and molecular levels. The
pathways that get activated in plants to
research programs also include innovative use of
impart stress tolerance is ascorbate
nanotechnology for effective targeted delivery of
glutathione (AsA-GSH) pathway. To
existing drugs, development of transgenic plants
demonstrate the effect of this pathway in
for expression of viral, bacterial and parasite
tomato, group developed the AsA-GSH
proteins and development of DNA chip-based
overexpression lines. The exposure of
assays as tools for diagnosis.
transgenic seedlings to varying stress
The objectives of DBT-ILS include developing
regiments exhibited that pyramiding of
systematic and scientific approaches to tackle
AsA-GSH pathway genes is an effective
issues in the area of cancer biology, infectious
strategy for developing stress resistant
disease biology, environmental and plant
crops. (Plant Cell Rep. 2021.12.)
biotechnology. In addition, it is constantly
l The Plant Insect Interaction group has
introducing and implementing programs
continued its work on brown plant hopper
benefiting the tribal and aspirational people of
(BPH). In a study, expression of various genes
the state. The training of a large pool of
coding for phytohormones was analyzed in
internationally competitive manpower for
different plant tissue samples, at different
undertaking basic laboratory research is also an
time points. The plant tissue samples
objective towards which DBT-ILS is constantly
included BPH-infested samples, uninfested
working for.
samples, mechanically wounded host tissue
samples and samples treated with a mix of
purified BPH salivary gland proteins. Data
from preliminary screening suggested that
the salivary gland proteins influence
expression of some of the host genes.

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Major Initiatives:
The major initiatives undertaken during the year
2021-2022 are as follows:
Ø New Initiatives and Partnerships
DBT-ILS has been working in close collaboration
with many national and international research
organizations and universities in furthering its
research agenda. During this year a number of
Clinical collaboration were established with a
number of hospitals and research institutions.
During this year the ILS-IBSD Partnership center
aimed at skill and capacity development of the
Northeast Students and Scientists. ILS is currently
working with IBSD for the Himalayan Bio-
resources Mission program that aims at
conservation, value addition and sustainable use
of bio resources for enhancing the bio economy
of the region. A major program on establishment
of a center for excellence for Marine
Biotechnology is being formulated as per the
suggestion of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Union Minister of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India. ILS has also
taken the lead for establishment of the
Bhubaneswar Biotech URJIT-CLUSTER in
partnership with as many as 13 Universities,
Research Institutions, industries and incubators.
Ø Promoting Entrepreneurship
During the year DBT-ILS has established the
bioincubator for promoting Bio-
e n t r e p r e n e u rs h i p w i t h s u p p o r t f ro m
Department of Biotechnology, BIONEST Program
of BIRAC and the Science & Technology
Department, Govt. of Odisha. The Bio-incubator
was inaugurated by Hon'ble Chief Minister of
Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik on 15th April 2021 in
the presence of Dr. Renu Swarup, ex-Secretary,
DBT. The Bio-incubator with a dedicated facility
of nearly 12000 square feet and all desired
infrastructure facilities and equipment are in
place and currently 12 incubatees have been
provided space for initiating their activities.
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Major Achievement:
The notable outcomes during the year 2021-22 testing have been conducted for more than 2.5
have been essentially on two fronts: 1) the lakhs samples collected from 26 of the 30
initiative undertaken to mitigate the COVID-19 districts of Odisha. ILS has its own strength for
pandemic and the DBT-ILS flagship program. The working on various infectious diseases and
outcomes under the two categories are initiated several research initiatives in the area of
highlighted below. COVID-19.
l Program 1: ILS Response to COVID-19
Pandemic With the emergence of the
devastating COVID-19, the ILS Students and
Scientists provided significant research
work in the area of testing, diagnostics and
therapeutics. With the commissioning of
BSL-3 facility, ILS undertook testing of
COVID-19 infections and RT-PCR based

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Fig. A) BSL-3 facility at DBT-ILS and the sample
analysis protocols, B) Phylogenetic analysis of
SARS-CoV-2 genomes C) A donut chart
representing the sequenced sample (n=202)
distribution across the clades (clade
nomenclature obtained using Nextstrain), D)
Cytopathic effect (CPE) in SARS-CoV-2 infected
cells, Immunofluorescence of SARS-CoV2
infected cells, E) Syrian golden hamsters
(Mesocricetusauratus), K18-hACE2 transgenic
mice (procured form The Jackson Laboratory), F)
(a) Representative immunofluorescence (IF)
image of SARS-CoV-2 (ILS-isolate) infected
hamster lung tissue section shows presence of
SARS-CoV-2 nuclear capsid protein (NC) in
bronchial epithelial cells, (b) Micrographs
showing IF staining of hamster lung and kidney
tissues for ACE2 expression.
l Program 2: Tribal Health and Nutrition - ILS
Flagship Program
ILS program on Tribal health and nutrition has the
overall goal of contributing towards providing a
comprehensive outcome through Identifying
potential locally used bioresources.
Ø Understanding host genomic diversity
and differentiation.
Ø Linking immune-metabolic variations to
prevent diseases.
Ø Understanding gut microbiome diversity
and their contribution to/ or influence on
human nutrition and diseases, in
ethnically distinct, well differentiated and
geographically distributed tribal
populations at the state of Odisha.
Societal Impact:
The Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, has
been implementing several interventions aimed
at empowerment of tribal farming communities
of Nabarangapur district since the last three
years. These initiatives are supported by the
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India,
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and the
Govt. of Odisha. These programs are being
implemented in partnership with ICMR-RMRC
and KISS Deemed-to-be University,
Bhubaneswar, and 10 other ICAR, CSIR, and
ICMR institutions located in Odisha. In addition,
ILS is also undertaking societal development
projects in the Tigiria block of Cuttack district
with support from the National Academy of
Sciences (NASI), Prayagraj.
The interventions include:
l Developing integrated farming systems (IFS)
with integration of fisheries, horticulture,
poultry, and goatary with crop-based
activities.
l Promoting low water-requiring crops in lands
that are not fertile, with focus on cultivation
of medicinal and aromatic plants that
produce essential oil such as lemongrass,
palmarosa, and mentha.
l Educating communities about health and
nutrition, and establishment of nutrition
gardens and backyard poultry for nutritional
security and dietary diversification.
l Providing technological and skill
empowerment, focusing on on-farm, off-
farm, and non- farm interventions.
Nos. of Research Publications: 58;
Book Chapter: 01
Nos. of Patent applied/granted: Nil
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute
(NABI), Mohali
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute
(NABI) was established with the objectives to
promote and coordinate research of high calibre
in basic and translational aspects at the interface
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition. The major
areas of the institute include five core areas that
deals with, improving Cereals for nutrition and
processing quality; improving fruits for post-
harvest quality and nutrition; basic Biology for
crop improvement; diet and health, and
computational biology approaches for marker
and gene discovery.
Vision/Mission and Objectives:
l Vision: Food and nutritional security for all
through agri-food biotechnology research
and innovation.
l Mission: To be a centre of excellence and
provide leadership in agri-food
biotechnology research.
l Goal: Improving nutritional quality and
availability of affordable agri-food and food
products through innovations.
Major Initiatives:
l Establishment of advanced
Supercomputing Facility: In a major step
towards R&D excellence, Hon'ble Minister
of State (Independent Charge) for Science
& Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr.
Jitendra Singh inaugurated the advanced
650 terraflops supercomputing facility at
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute
(NABI), Mohali on 2nd November 2021
through online mode. The facility has come
up under the National Supercomputing
Mission (NSM) in collaboration with C-DAC,
Pune. This high-end facility will be a boon
for the analysis of BIG DATA accruing from
the large-scale genomics, functional
genomics, structural genomics and
population studies being carried out at
various Institutes and universities of
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
national and international repute.
l Establishment of Accredited Test
Laboratory (ATL) for Tissue Culture Raised
Plants (NCS-TCP): This project for setting up
the National Certification System for Tissue
Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP) at NABI has
been sanctioned by DBT with five-year
financial support. This project is being
implemented through NIPGR, New Delhi as
NCS- TCP management Cell of DBT w.e.f.
October 1, 2021.
l Establishment of Bio-Incubator: NABI has
also established a bio-incubator with the
vision of catalyzing Agri-Food
Biotechnology Innovations and
entrepreneurship for sustainable food and
nutritional security. In the next 5 years,
NABI plans to incubate multiple companies
and develop a model of a self-sufficient
incubator.
Notable Outcomes:
l Wheat lines containing high amylose that
have shown low glycemic index (GI) and
improved agronomic traits have been
developed. These improved genotypes
provide nutritional benefits and good
processing of high amylose for consumer
acceptance. Quantitative trait loci (QTL)
mapping has identified a few major QTLs
for high amylose in selected wheat lines
which will be further validated using back
cross-population and functional genomics
tools.
l Biofortified colored wheat with high
anthocyanin content has been developed
by the breeding approach and would be
exploited for different nutraceutical
applications. Different food products
prepared from colored wheat have shown
better storage life, higher retention of
antioxidant activity and lower amino acid
losses than the traditional white wheat.
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During this year, MOU/NDA has been sensitivity and selectivity.

signed with 22 companies for the c
ommercialization of colored wheat.
l The ambitious banana biofortification
project has now been extended further
with support from BIRAC for the multi-
location event selection trials. The most
promising ten banana (cultivar Grand
Naine) events have shown close to 50-folds
higher accumulation of pro- vitamin A in
fruit-pulp of ratoon crops (2nd generation)
and has been considered for the multi-
location event selection trails (Figure 1).
l Edible coating material from agricultural and
food processing by-products (e.g. wheat
straw, oat bran and potato peel) has been
developed and demonstrated an increase in
the post-harvest shelf life of fresh fruits. The
use of this technology has been shown in
apples and banana and now it has been
extended to increase the shelf life of peach
by 6 days, thereby providing an alternative to
animal-derived shellac coating in India.
(Figure 2).

Fig. 1: Visual observation of pro-vitamin A (PVA) content in ripe-fruit-pulp.

l Previously identified Transient Receptor
Potential (TRP) channels were linked with
dietary constituents like capsaicin, menthol
and cinnamaldehyde and have shown a
potential role to prevent weight gain and its
related complications like type-2 diabetes
and cardiovascular complications in mice
model. The current study has
demonstrated dietary capsaicin has
produced anti-obesity effects in mice. Fig. 2: Change in color (hue angle) and ripening
l Under the area of food and GM crops index of peachesafter 6 days storage at 22°C
(±2) with 85% RH (SH: Commercial
b i o s a f e t y, N A B I h a s d e v e l o p e d
Shellac coating).
ca r b o hyd rate, a pta m er, a n d go ld
nanostars-based biosensors against
different foodborne pathogens to increase

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

l Ultrasensitive, portable, and rapid l NABI has generated provitamin A (PVA)

biosensor for the detection of heavy
metals, pesticides and food contaminants
using functional hybrid nanostructure has
been developed. This spectroscopic and
color-based sensing probe can detect
arsenic lower down to 0.002 and 0.004 ppb,
respectively in water and food samples
(Figure 3).
enriched genetically engineered banana
lines and was recently highlighted in the
news. This study will provide β-carotene,
essential for human health.
l NABI has developed an edible coating
material from agricultural crop residues to
maintain post-harvest qualities of various

Fig. 3: Work-flow of ultra-sensitive, easy to use sensor for detection of arsenic in food and water.
Societal Impact: fruit crops. The development of coating
material will benefit the farmers to
minimize postharvest losses of fruits and
l NABI has developed antioxidants rich bio-
vegetables.
fortified coloured wheat (Black and Purple)
l NABI has developed novel class of
showing health benefits. For its wide
functional foods (cobiotics) which could
dissemination, initiatives have been made
further prevent double nutritional burden
to gather the attention of farmers,
(under nutrition and over nutrition) in
consumers and industry and it is expected
India.
to increase to significant levels in the
l NABI is developing aptamer-based and
coming years.
Indian spice-based smell testing kits for
l NABI has developed low-glycemic wheat
detection of Covid-19 virus.
lines through EMS mutagenesis (non-
l Ultrasensitive, portable, and rapid
transgenic approach) in the background
biosensor for the detection of heavy metals
Indian bread wheat variety (var. C 306). The
such as arsenic has been developed and
developed low- glycemic wheat will be
covered by different print and broadcast
highly beneficial for diabetic and obese
media.
individuals in India.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Nos. of Process/Product/Technology transferred
to User Agency/Industry/Stakeholders: 03 Nos.
of technology/process/product commercialized
during 2021-22: 01
Research publications (2021-22): 48
Human Resources trained: Trainees (4 to 6
Months): 28; Trainees (1/2/3 Months): 10;
Research Scholar (JRF, SRF and Research
Associate): 100
Patents filed/applied:
04 Patent granted: Nil
National Brain Research Centre (NBRC),
Manesar
National Brain Research Center (NBRC) is a
premier research and education Institute
dedicated to conducting advanced research in
Neuroscience, and excel in providing education
and training. NBRC is a Deemed -to-be-University,
which runs M.Sc. and Ph.D programs besides
other post- graduate and postdoctoral programs
to generate trained human resources with
knowledge and skills required to conduct
interdisciplinary research in advanced
neurosciences.
Mandate and objectives:
The mandate of NBRC includes: 1) pursuing basic
research to understand brain function in health
and disease, 2) generating trained human
resources with the capability to carry out inter-
disciplinary research in neuroscience, and 3)
promoting neuroscience in India through
networking among national institutions. NBRC
envisions to not only grow into a world-class
institute for brain research but also create a
vibrant active neuroscience community by
catalyzing overall growth of this discipline in
India. NBRC generates skilled manpower in
neuroscience research. This would help India
achieve an international leadership in
neuroscience and present a platform for Indian
neuroscientists to participate in global research
efforts as equal partners. NBRC plays a unique
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
role in that it acts as a node with linkages to other
centers conducting neuroscience research in
India, acting as the “hub of the wheel” rather
than the wheel itself.
Major Initiatives:
l NBRC continued its Flagship Program
“Comparative mapping of common mental
disorders (CMD) over the lifespan” that
studies how information processing
networks in the brain are affected in
common mental disorders, such as anxiety
and depression. The goal is to understand
underlying brain network mechanisms that
differentiate between these disorders and
if these networks are affected in the same
manner in patients of different age groups.
l The second major national-level initiative
“Dementia Science Program” determines
incidence and prevalence of dementia in
India, analyze risk factors causing the
progressing MCI to dementia, and develop
potential therapies. Three community-
based sites exist in north (Palwal), south
(Bengaluru), and east (Mawphalang) India.
There are four hospital-based sites at AIIMS
New Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, SCTIMST
Thiruvananthapuram, and BIN Kolkata.
Harmonized protocols for data collection
have been finalized and pilot runs have
been done, and patient recruitment phase
will soon begin as the pandemic subsides.
l The third major initiative continued since
2020 is understanding basic biology of
SARS-CoV- 2 and search for potential ways
to reduce virus load. NINS lab has
conducted the first global study to analyze
structural, spectroscopic, and behavioral
changes (brain mapping) in the brains of
recovered/asymptomatic patients using
MRS.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Salient Research Outcomes:
Few significant research outcomes are as follows:
l JEV-caused viral encephalitis is a major
health problem in India. Prof. Anirban
Basu's team has developed a technique,
which is a successful combination of both
basic and translational research in virus-
induced encephalitis area. They observed
that atorvastatin effectively reduces viral
load in the subventricular zone of infected
animals and decreases resultant cell death.
Ator vastatin abrogates microglial
activation and proinflammatory
cyto/chemokine production post JEV
infection in vivo. They demonstrated that
host innate antiviral response plays a
critical role in deterioration of motor
functioning and pathogenesis of flaccid
paralysis upon neurotropic virus infections.
l Rehabilitation strategies are beneficial in
promoting functional recovery after the
nervous system injuries in vertebrate
models, including humans. However, it is
unclear how these interventions affect
nerve regeneration process at molecular
level. Using swim-exercise model in
nematode C. elegans, Dr. Ghosh-Roy's lab
showed that exercise session following
axonal injury in mechanosensory neuron
improves functional restoration through
the regeneration of the injured axon. This
study sets a paradigm in C. elegans model
to address how other tissues with injured
ner vous system communicate for
functional rewiring process.
l DCVs are specialized sub-cellular organelles
present in neuronal/neuro-endocrine cells.
They regulate diverse physio-metabolic
f u n c t i o n s a n d u n d e rgo st i m u l u s -
dependent regulated secretion. Despite
extensive research, several aspects related
to sub-cellular trafficking/secretion yet
remain unknown. Dr. Bhavani Shankar
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Sahu's lab addresses this very question by
understanding how DCV proteins regulate
neuronal, metabolic, and physiological
functions.
l Research studies into understanding
pathways through which SARS-CoV-2
damages human brain cells, particularly
neurons, are of high clinical relevance as
huge number of long-COVID survivors
reports neurological symptoms and
cognitive deficits. In fact, soon after the
viral outbreak, Prof. Pankaj Seth and his
team proposed that SARS-CoV-2 is more
than a respiratory virus, in that it has the
potential to affect human brain functions.
This has now been proven by several clinical
reports and research studies. His lab also
developed a well-characterized model of
primary cells of human brain-derived
neural stem cells (hNSCs). They have been
using a recently developed model of
human blood–brain barrier (BBB)
comprising primary cultures of human
brain microvascular endothelial cells and
human astrocytes. The model is used for
studying the effects of Zika virus proteins
on BBB.
l Study from Prof. Ellora Sen's lab indicated
that the expression of SARS-COV-2 viral
proteins in lung epithelial cells contributes
to hyper-inflammation by triggering
release of pro- inflammatory mediator
HMGB1. Treatment with HMGB1 inhibitor
Glycyrrhizin dampened SARS-CoV-2 viral
protein-induced inflammation-mediated
death in lung cells and viral replication.
Thus, glycyrrhizin serves as anti-viral and
anti-inflammatory. It is an active ingredient
of Yashtimadhu or Mulethi widely
prescribed for lung ailments and
inflammation in Ayurveda and constitutes a
therapeutic option.
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l Prof. Ranjit Kumar Giri's lab works on activity at a threshold point. These
Alzheimer's disease (AD) strongly suggest regulator y control points involve
the involvement of multiple receptors coordinated control of protein synthesis
instead of any specific death receptor in and degradation that remodel miRNA-
prion disease. The team has also containing RNA-induced silencing complex
established the differentiation of
in neurons to tune synaptic transmission by
neuroblastoma to investigate the
expression profile of CPEB (cytoplasmic modulating key components of the synaptic
polyadenylation element binding protein) proteome.
transcript splice variants. Moreover, Prof. l Research at NINS Laboratory involves
Shiv Sharma's lab focuses on understanding identifying early diagnostic markers for AD
how memories are formed in the brain, and using noninvasive imaging modalities, e.g.,
to examine the processes involved in the M R I , M R S , f M R I , a n d
memory impairment condition. They magnetoencephalography. Prof. Pravat
recently discovered that a small peptide Kumar Mandal's team conduct quantitative
reduces amyloid pathology and improves assessment of neurochemical levels and
memory in an animal model of AD.
functional performance and their
l Prof. Dhruba studies the mechanism of
correlation with disease progression. They
complex neurodevelopmental and
develop tools and platforms for processing
neurodegenerative disorders using
neuroimaging data. Their team has recently
Drosophila model system to readout the
developed a user-friendly toolbox
phenotype caused by gene knockdown,
PRATEEK—a unique novel revolutionary
leading to autism and intellectual disability.
package to generalize and integrate data
He is interested in finding novel genetic
received from multiple neuroimaging
modifiers of neurodegenerative disorders,
techniques. Prof. Mandal also developed a
including Huntington's disease and AD,
MATLAB- based automated software
with therapeutic potential.
package NINS-STAT to identify appropriate
l Prof. Soumya Iyengar's lab studies self-
statistical tests for hypothesis testing
awareness in songbirds by using “mark
according to study design, objectives, and
test.” Attempts at removing the mark while
data provided. ANSH is the first Indian
looking at their reflection suggests that the
neuroimaging database management
bird possesses a sense of self. They found
system facilitating the management of
that house crows do not recognize
subject data and can be scaled according to
themselves in mirrors, but a small number
study requirements.
of zebra finches display heightened
responses towards the mark. These
findings need to be confirmed with large
sample size, considering high variability of
mirror-directed behavior, even within a
species.
l Synapse Biology Laboratory led by Dr.
Sourav Banerjee elucidated microRNA-
dependent synaptic plasticity mechanism
that plays a pivotal role to keep synaptic

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Significant Achievement:
SWADESH: World's first multimodal brain
imaging data and analytics developed by
integration of various modules for early
diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD): In
computational neurosciences, NeuroImaging
and NeuroSpectroscopy (NINS) team recently
developed project SWADESH, a unique brain
initiative, focusing on certified neuroimaging,
neurochemical, neuropsychological data and
analytics that are made accessible to researchers
for managing brain disorders. SWADESH is the
first large-scale multimodal neuroimaging
database designed specifically for Indian
population with big-data architecture and
analytics for various disease categories under
one platform. Presently, SWADESH has data of
500 AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
patients and 70 Parkinsons Disease patients. It
also includes data of 600 healthy old individuals
and 800 healthy young individuals in the control
group. NINS team has developed several clinical
research tools through SWADESH. GAURI system
uses adaptive pattern recognition and learning
schemes for predictive single or differential
diagnosis, designed with MRI modalities and
neuropsychological batteries. NINS-STAT is a
high-performance state- of-the-art automated
statistical test selection and execution software
package with high applicability in clinical
research. KALPANA is an integrative package for
visualization, preprocessing, and quantitation of
MRS data. PRATEEK analyzes multimodal
neuroimaging data that minimizes the need for
expertise in handling different neuroimaging
tools for processing and analyzing multimodal
data. STIM includes a versatile paradigm design
system, presentation system, and real-time
participant response-collection system for
functional MRI-related purposes, mapping brain
activity non-invasively in normal healthy
condition and clinical evaluation of various brain
disorders. Dr. Mandal's team subsequently
launched BHARAT, a big-data analytic model for
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
early diagnostic biomarkers of AD. The design
included a Hadoop-based big-data framework
integrating MRI, MRS, and neuropsychological
test scores. The team is working to expand the
project to include rich multimodal neuroimaging
datasets for healthy and diseased cases.
Societal Impact:
NBRC fulfils its societal responsibilities through
various ways. DALI, a tool in Indian languages for
dyslexia assessment in children, developed at
NBRC remains in high demand nationally.
Developed in-house BRAHMA and ANSH
integrate inputs from neuroimaging data and the
clinical information to help diagnosis brain
diseases. BRAHMA is standardized on a robust
Indian population-specific brain template. NBRC
offers neurological outpatient department
services at Civil Hospital, Gurgaon, to citizens and
those from surrounding districts. Patients with
epilepsy visit the campus for free-of-cost medical
check-ups conducted collaboratively with AIIMS,
New Delhi. Along with HelpAge India, NBRC
conducts awareness programs for senior citizens
regarding mental health and neurodegenerative
diseases associated with old age. In this
pandemic, NBRC collaborated with Civil Hospital
to avail vaccination drives to students and
employees. Immediate appointment of Resident
Medical Officer implemented preventive and
curative measures at NBRC and special medical
attention was given to those suffering from
COVID-19.
Research publications (2021-22): 61
Human Resources trained: 11 + NSD 2021
Public Lecture Live Views of total 144
Patents Filed/Obtained: Nil
278

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune
NCCS is involved in cutting-edge research in
several areas of cell biology relevant to human
health, including the biology of diseases like
cancer, malaria, tuberculosis, metabolic
disorders like diabetes and obesity, as also
neurobiology, stem cell biology, immunology and
microbiology. It contributes immensely to the
capacity building of the nation through high-
quality human resource development in cell
biology research and serves to support cell
biology research across India.
Vision/ Mission and Mandate
To carry out cutting-edge research in cell biology
and contribute to national development through
capacity-building and value-added services that
facilitate cell biology research across India. NCCS
was established at Pune with a mandate of three
main functions:
(a) To carry out research in cell biology
(b) To serve as a national cell repository
(c) Human resource development.
Major Initiatives:
l Initiatives to facilitate the national efforts
against COVID-19
As soon as COVID-19 hit the world, NCCS swiftly
rose to the challenge, and joined hands with
other members of the scientific community and
the industry to collectively fight it. NCCS has been
contributing to the national efforts against the
pandemic through various initiatives. During the
current year, these activities have included:
a) Viral genome sequencing as a participant of
INSACOG.
b) Different research projects to identify
potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets and
facilitate vaccine development.
c) Serving as a biorepository for COVID-related
resources and providing cell cultures required for
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
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COVID-related research.
d) Serving as a CDL for testing COVID vaccines:
The Government of India proactively decided to
set up additional Central Drug Laboratories
(CDLs) to expedite the process of vaccine testing
& batch release certification. NCCS is honoured
to be bestowed with the Government's
confidence to function as a CDL as an additional
facility in respect of testing Covid-19 vaccines,
after the one currently functional at Kasauli.
Through diligent efforts, a state-of-the-art
facility was constructed at NCCS on a war
footing, with generous support from the PM
CARES Trust Fund, & with invaluable guidance
f r o m t h e S e c r e t a r y, D e p a r t m e n t o f
Biotechnology, Government of India, the Central
Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO),
and CDL-Kasauli. The CDL at NCCS is now geared
to test the existing COVID-19 vaccines as well as
upcoming newly-developed vaccines, as and
when required. NCCS is proud to have been given
this opportunity to offer its expertise in
biotechnology and infrastructure to benefit the
society at large.
e)COVID-related outreach performed through
various means in the local language and English.
Fig 1: The Central Drug Laboratory (CDL) at
DBT-NCCS forCOVID-19 vaccine testing and
he team involved in setting it up
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Fig 2: Responding to the nation's urgent need during the peak of the pandemic: construction of the
CDL was initiated & successfully completed within four months

Fig 3: A glimpse inside the CDL set up at DBT-NCCS for testing COVID-19 vaccines

l Contributions of the National Cell ii. Speak Your Science (SyS) webinar
Repository: NCCS has facilitated cell biology series: Ten webinars were organized to celebrate
research across India, including COVID- contemporary science in India, delivered by
related research, by providing 2480 cell young Indian scientists, including NCCS alumni
cultures to 423 organizations. and other early-career scientists, postdoctoral
th
l Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: The 75 year of fellows and PhD students, and one webinar was
India's independence was commemorated in organized to celebrate the scientific excellence of
various ways: the Indian diaspora, delivered by a scientist of
i. Science Setu: Three webinars (public Indian origin from the USA.
talks) were organized to create awareness
about the scientific activities and
achievements of NCCS. These were
especially aimed at engaging students and
faculty members of DBT Star Colleges and
other academic organizations through
DBT's 'Science Setu' programme.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Other Research Iniatives:
l be used as an in vitro assay system to screen
l Studies by NCCS have identified that β-TrCP
proteins could serve as potential new
therapeutic targets for cancer.
l Other studies have revealed that the
presence or absence of oxygen can influence
how microbes respond to antibiotics.
l It was discovered that CCR9 signaling in
dendritic cells suppresses the allergic IgE
response in the gut.
l For the first time, NCCS developed chimeric
proteins effective against all three
complement pathways. This would have
immense clinical utility to combat
uncontrolled complement activation leading
to inflammatory reactions in the human
body.
l A new software was developed for
microbiome studies, which was found to be
better than other similar software tools
available.
l Kainate receptors are important for neuronal
signalling in the brain. Our research provides
the first biophysical and low-resolution
structural insights into how the GluK2, a
subtype of kainate receptors, is regulated by
the Neuropilin and tolloid-like protein,
Neto1.
l The mechanism by which FBXL20 promotes
breast cancer malignancy was identified.
l Studies by NCCS scientists reveal the impact
of environmental changes on bacterial
communities in Antarctic soil.
l The promise of CCR9+ dendritic cells in
adoptive cellular therapy to control chronic
allergies was identified.
Significant Outcomes:
l Cell culture licensed to private company for
commercialization: A stable clone
(CHO‐HIRc‐ mycGLUT4eGFP cell line)
developed by NCCS was licensed to Applied
Biological Materials Inc. Canada. This cell line
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is a valuable tool for diabetes research. It can
GLUT4 translocation modulators, which are
small molecules with therapeutic potential
for therapeutic diabetes mitigation. This cell
line is now available commercially and listed
on the company's website.
l During the year NCCS has filed 7 patents and
3 patents have been granted this year to the
Institute.
l Covid-related outcomes:
Ø Using machine learning, NCCS designed
a peptide which showed ability to
neutralize the COVID-19 pseudovirus.
These outcomes serve as a proof-of-
concept, which could be explored
further.
Ø Another research initiative involved
ex p l o r i n g a nt h ra q u i n o l o n e a n d
quinolizine derivatives as potential
therapeutics against COVID-19, using
machine learning. A paper based on this
work was published in Nature Scientific
Reports.
Ø About ten clones producing human
monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) were
generated from B cells isolated from
Covid-19 patient samples, which showed
the ability to neutralize the SARS-CoV2
virus. Four more clones obtained yielded
antibodies that bind strongly to the RBD.
Their supernatants have been sent to
BBIL to test for neutralization with SARS-
CoV-2. Five selected clones are being
processed for antibody generation &
characterization.
Ø Further studies revealed the prevalence
of certain opportunistic pathogens in
COVID-19- infected individuals, which
may trigger secondary infections in
them.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Ø NCCS is part of a multi-institutional
multi-city project that will look at
antibody response in Covaxin and
Covishield vaccinated individuals. NCCS
is facilitating the isolation of plasma &
PBMCs, and setting up biobanking at
CSIR-NCL, & will eventually be involved in
studies on B cell memory.
Ø Production of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2
in BSL-2 setting using VSV platform for
candidate vaccine development and
biomedical research use (BIRAC-funded):
This project was submitted to BIRAC by
IIT, Indore, with NCCS as a collaborator.
SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus was obtained
using two different strategies, and tested
for neutralization with patient sera.
Pseudovirus production was established.
Mice were immunized with the
pseudovirus and their antibody response
was tested. A single injection of the
pseudovirus induced a strong antibody
response. The subsequent booster dose
induced a potent IgG response. In
addition to IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies
were also induced. The NCCS component
of this project has been completed. This
platform is being used at NCCS to
characterize antibody response in
Covishield vaccine recipients, in
collaboration with AFMC, on a separate
project with support from NCCS core
funds.
l INSACOG: During the FY 2021 to date, DBT-
NCCS has sequenced viral genomes from
over 1700 samples.
l Services to facilitate COVID-related
research: 124 plasma &peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) samples of the
127 samples stored in the COVID
biorepository were shared with researchers
from within NCCS and from the industry.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
l COVID-related outreach:
l 4 Marathi articles published in
newspapers and magazines.
l 2 webinars and pandel discussions in
Hindi and Marathi participated in.
l 5 English webinars / panel discussions
organized or participated in
Societal Impact:
DBT-NCCS has been facilitating the national
COVID-19 surveillance efforts to track viral
variants across the country by participating in
INSACOG. Since the beginning of FY 2021 to date,
DBT- NCCS has sequenced viral genomes from
over 1700 samples. Moreover, the research
efforts undertaken by NCCS towards identifying
potential targets to develop diagnostics, vaccines
and therapeutics for COVID-19, are aimed at
serving the society at large. The biomedically-
relevant research in cell biology is also aimed at
benefiting society in the long run, by helping to
address human health issues.
Nos. of Technology/Process/Product developed
during 2021-22: 07 Nos. of technology
Commercialized during 2021-22: 01
Research publications (2021-22): 79
Human Resources trained: Over 500 people
trained in various initiatives of NCCS
Patents filed/applied: 7
Patent granted: 3
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
National Institute for Biomedical Genomics
(NIBMG), Kalyani
The National Institute of Biomedical Genomics
(NIBMG) has been established as an autonomous
institution by the Government of India, under the
aegis of the Department of Biotechnology. This is
the first institution in India explicitly devoted to
research, training, translation and service and
capacity-building in Biomedical Genomics. It is
located in Kalyani, West Bengal, India, near
Kolkata.
Vision and objectives:
The vision of NIBMG is to enhance knowledge of
human health and disease through genomics and
to translate the knowledge using appropriate
technologies for promotion of well-being and
improvement of genetics-based health care. The
institute aims to achieve this by creating
necessary physical infrastructure to serve as the
expert base for the principles and practice of
biomedical genomics, to conduct and promote
cutting edge research in biomedical genomics for
better understanding of public health need and
to build capacity in biomedical genomics.
Research and related activities undertaken by
NIBMG enable prediction, prevention,
deceleration of progression, therapy and gain of
biological knowledge of human diseases.
Major Initiatives:
l NIBMG is working on Oral squamous cell
carcinoma -gingivobuccal oral cancer (OSCC-
GB). The research activities being
undertaken by NIBMG in International
Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) – India
Project and Systems Medicine Cluster have
resulted in identification of somatic
alterations in the genome, epigenome and
transcriptome in this cancer type in 540
Indian patients. The importance of these
alterations with respect to prognosis and
therapeutics is being investigated.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
l NIBMG is coordinating Indian SARS-CoV-2
genome sequencing surveillance being
conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2
Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Till date,
NIBMG has sequenced the viral whole
genome from 16,000 individuals, mostly
from West Bengal and NER.
l NIBMG has conducted genome wide DNA
methylation and genotyping of 6,200
pregnant women of the GARBH-ini cohort in
the Grand Challenge Program on Preterm
Birth.
l NIBMG is participating in building the
catalogue of human genomic variation with
special reference to India in the Genome
India Project which aims to collect 10,000
genetic samples from citizens across India, to
build an Indian reference genome. Till date,
NIBMG has conducted genome wide
genotyping and whole genome sequencing
of 1,000 Indians.
l In addition to above, scientists of NIBMG
have conducted research studies on
genomics of cervical, breast and pancreatic
cancer, non-alcoholic fatty lever disease,
vaginal and skin microbiome, viral infections,
tuberculosis and sepsis as well as developed
data analytic pipelines and tools for genomic
data analysis.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Significant Outcomes:
l NIBMG has generated large-scale genomic
data on oral cancer patients, identified
associations and catalogued genomic
variants in the ICGC and some other National
initiatives. Using this information, it has now
developed the first Database of GENomic
Variants of Oral Cancer (dbGENVOC), a
browsable online database framework for
storage, retrieval and analysis of large-scale
data on genomic variants of oral cancer. This
user-friendly database allows easy mining
and comparative geographical and/ethnic
analyses with data obtained from other
global populations. It allows users to query
the database by a single gene, multiple
genes, multiple variant sites, genomic region,
patient ID and pathway identities. It is a
resource of approximately 24 million somatic
and germline variant data from 105 Indian
Oral cancer patients. Additional data of
variants from non-Indian patients has also
been incorporated to identify common and
unique variants specific to Indian population-
specific oral cancer data. To our knowledge,
dbGENVOC is the most comprehensive
population-specific large-scale open access
database of Oral cancer genomic variants.
Fig 1: Creation of GENetic Variants Database
in Oral Cancer patients (dbGENVOC)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
l T h e I n d i a n S A RS - C o V - 2 G e n o m i c s
Consortium (INSACOG), jointly established
by MoH&FW, DBT, CSIR and ICMR, is
coordinated by NIBMG. It is a consortium of
28 National Laboratories to monitor the
genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2. The
main aim of the consortium is to assess virus
variants from Indian patients. This network
carries out whole genome sequencing of
SARS-CoV-2 virus across the nation to assist
with the understanding of how the virus
spreads and evolves, and provide
information to aid public health response. It
covers the entire country through 28
laboratories, 300+ sentinel sites and a
network of hospitals.In addition to being
major sequencing and analysis hub in this
program, we have established the INSACOG
Data Hub, which provides lineage and variant
information of SARS-CoV-2 genome
sequences generated in INSACOG from
different regions in India.
Fig 2: Indian SARS CoV-2 Genomics
Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
l Other COVID-related research at NIBMG
reported the molecular, biological and
evolutionary model for the higher observed
virulence of the 614G subtype of the virus, in
terms of causing higher morbidity in the host
(higher infectivity and higher viral load), than
the non-mutant 614D subtype. Researchers
from NIBMG have also published reviews
and other reports in the area.
l Using whole exome sequencing we have
identified reported as well as novel variants
for the first time in Indian patients with
Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and
Congenital Myopathy. The researchers at
NIBMG have also contributed to the
finding that specific Lactobacillus species
and few other facultative anaerobes are
associated with birth outcomes. The
maternal and foetal genetic factors have also
been reviewed which may be associated with
spontaneous preterm birth.
l The two novel buccal mucosal cancer cell
lines 'GBC02' and 'GBC035' derived from
non- tobacco users have been established
and characterized. These cells are capable of
forming 3-D spheroids which can be used for
preclinical investigations of oral cancers
caused independent of tobacco usage.
l In the study on SNPs in Interferon lambda 3
gene, it has been shown that the
Fig. 3: Isolation and characterization of novel buccal mucosal cancer cell lines
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
minor/ancestral alleles of both
rs28416813and rs4803217, together have a
strong inhibitory effect on reporter gene
expression. An interaction has been shown
between the two principal transcription
factors regulating IFNL3 promoter: IRF7 and
NF-kB RelA/p65. The three genetic variants in
INFL3: rs28416813, rs4803217 and
rs72258881 also have been reported which
could have functional roles in controlling its
gene expression. In another study comparing
the effect of IFNL3 and IFNL4 on immune
cells, it has been found for the first time that
IFN-λ4 may influence immune responses by
immunomodulation.
l Another study shows that contrary to
assumptions in many previous studies and
despite having linguistic commonality, Indian
Austroasiatics (AAs) have a distinct genomic
structure compared to Malaysian AAs. This
linguistic-genetic discordance is reflective of
the complex history of population migration
and admixture shaping the genomic
landscape of South and South East Asia
(S&SEA). It is postulated that pre-Neolithic
ancestors of today's AAs were widespread in
S&SEA, and the fragmentation and
dissipation of the population have largely
been a result of multiple migrations of East
Asian farmers during the Neolithic period.
285

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
(NIAB), Hyderabad
NIAB aims to take up research in the cutting edge
areas for improving animal health and
productivity by integrating novel and emerging
biotechnological interventions. Institute
research activities are mainly focussed on animal
genomics and genetics, transgenic technology,
reproductive biotechnology, animal diseases,
bioinformatics and nutrition enrichment.
Vision/Mission and objectives:
Vision: To demonstrate excellence in promoting
and commercializing leads in biotechnology and
to produce globally competitive livestock
products, pharmaceuticals and biologicals for
animal health care.
Mission: Development of sustainable and
globally competitive livestock industry through
innovative technology.
Objectives:
1. To undertake directed, basic and applied
research towards technology and product
innovation.
2. To develop human resource across the value
chain, primarily for translational research
3. To contribute to national policy formulation
related to animal biotechnology, animal
biosafety issues and ethical issues.
4. To promote intellectual property protection,
business development, technology transfer, and
academia-industry partnerships.
5. To develop collaborative programmes with
national and international partners with focus on
translational research and product development.
6. To provide incubation facilities for
entrepreneurs/start-up companies.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Major Initiatives:
The ongoing research projects in the area of
infectious diseases include those on brucellosis,
leptospirosis, staphylococcosis, Newcastle
disease, babesiosis, theileriosis and
toxoplasmosis. Host-pathogen interactions,
virulence mechanisms, and molecular
pathogenesis are being studied with an ultimate
objective of technology and product innovation
for development of efficient diagnostic tools and
novel vaccines. NIAB is working on cattle
genomics using state of art next generation
sequencing to determine purity of breeds and
help in conservation of valuable indigenous
breeds of cattle. Zoonotic and transboundary
animal diseases impose a huge pecuniary burden
on any nation, but particularly on lower- and
middle-income countries. NIAB has established a
One health program including major medical
hospitals and veterinary universities for
understanding the pervasiveness of the animal
pathogens under study and their potential threat
to human health.
Major Achievement:
Ø Genomic Selection for conservation of
indigenous cattle breeds and enhancing
milk yield Using whole genome sequencing
of 176 animals of 43 indigenous registered
breeds of indigenous cattle, millions of SNPs
have been divulged using next generation
sequencing technology. Out of the 1290488
markers, 788496 SNPs, were spaced to
develop the final Chip and named as IndiGau.
This is the largest cattle chip of the world. The
IndiGau chip was released by the honorable
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr.
Jitendra Singh on 13th August, 2021.This chip
was validated and found to have a call rate of
greater than 98%. This chip was further
validated among duplicates, trios
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
and across breeds and found to have 97.4% highly
recommended markers. The concordance among
duplicates was found to be 99.9%. Discriminative
SNPs were identified among six breeds (Gir,
Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Binjarpuri, Kankrej and
Hallikar) and the probability of assignment was
found to be 90% on cross validation.
Fig 1: Release of IndiGau chip by Hon'ble Minister of State (IC)
for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh
Ø One Health Programme
Although the concrete impact indicators of One
Health (OH) are difficult to project but, there is a
Fig.2: DBT-One health consortium with institutes
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
dire need for continued dialogue at various levels
to address the issue of zoonoses through a OH
approach. NIAB has been funded a multicentric
One Health project by DBT which has 27
partnering institutions, including AIIMS (Delhi &
Jodhpur), MGR Medical University, Chennai;
Nazreth Hospital, Shillong; Gandhi hospital,
Telangana; IVRI, GADVASU, TANUVAS, MAFSU,
Assam veterinary college and wildlife institution
etc. This is first consortium of India with so many
partners committed to a single cause of disease
surveillance as well as disease forecasting to
address Zoonotic diseases. Recent disease
outbreaks have highlighted the need to shift to a
holistic and proactive paradigm, which can be
achieved using the OH approach. The key
objective of the programme is to
strengthen/maintain decentralized laboratory-
based IT enabled disease surveillance system for
epidemic prone diseases.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Ø Animal Diseases
l Toxoplasma gondii, is a parasite of
medical and veterinary importance. The
research carried out at NIAB has shown
that antibodies to T. gondii are widely
prevalent in small ruminants, which may
cause public health problems. A lateral
flow based diagnostic has been
developed and validated to detect its
antibodies in the serum of animals and
humans.
l Brucellosis accounts for huge loss to the
livestock sector and poses a serious
threat to public health. A BM5 protein
based ELISA based assay having DIVA
capability has been developed and the
technology has been transferred to a
private company.
l Newcastle disease is an economically
important poultry disease across the
globe caused by Newcastle disease virus
(NDV) and is a highly contagious
respiratory, neurological and/or enteric
disease. In India, NDV is endemic and
episodes of outbreaks despite strict
vaccinations are common. Work is
ongoing to develop reverse genetics
system which is a valuable tool to study
viral molecular biology, host-virus
interactions and to establish viral vectors
for developing effective multivalent
vaccines. A PCV-2 free PK15 cell line has
been developed and is ready for
commercial application.
l Theileriosis causes huge economic losses
to the farmers. The current vaccine has
lots of drawbacks such as need to
maintain a cold chain, high cost, and
short shelf life. Hence, there is need for
development of novel subunit vaccine(s)
for theileriosis. A multiepitope vaccine
candidate has been designed which
contains T cell epitopes from the
antigenic proteins of T. annulata.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
l Leptospirosis is a zoonotic and emerging
infectious disease in India. Using
comparative genomics and reverse
vaccinology approaches, several novel
surface antigens have been identified as
potential vaccine candidates.
Development of conjugate and mucosal
vaccine for Leptospira has also been
initiated. Standardization of time point
for Leptospira infection in mouse, human
and bovine cells in vitro has been done
and samples are being prepared for
transcriptomic analysis.
l The pathogenomics of Japanese
encephalitis (JE) infections in different
hosts studies has been initiated in in vivo
and in vitro conditions. Pig samples
(PBMCs) both control and infected
samples have been collected and are
being sent for transcriptome data
generation. Two samples from Assam
that were found positive for JE were
identified to be genotype III isolates
based on envelop gene sequence.
Proteomics data has been generated
from pig and human infected cells and
data analysis is underway.
Societal Impact:
The chip developed under livestock genomics
program will help in conserving all native breeds
of cows with superior qualities. Diagnostic Kits
d e v e l o p e d fo r d e t e c t i n g a n t i b i o t i c s ,
toxoplasmosis, brucellosis, mastitis etc will be of
great help to farmers. If therapeutic proteins can
be generated at cheaper cost in milk, it will
become affordable by general masses for health
benefits and livestock centric proteins for various
treatments to animals.
N o s . o f P ro c e s s / P ro d u c t / Te c h n o l o g y
transferred/developed during 2020-21: 04
No. of Research Publications (2021-22): 23
No. of Patents Applied: 05
No. of Human Resources Trained: 10
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
National Institute of Plant Genome
Research (NIPGR), New Delhi
The National Institute of Plant Genome Research
(NIPGR), is engaged in generation of new
knowledge in the area of plant genomics,
assimilate it with current knowledge, and
translate the same for genetic enhancement of
plants for social benefits. Today NIPGR's vision is
to be recognized as a centre of excellence not
only in the Asia-pacific region, but also among top
plant science institute in the world. To fulfil the
vision, the mission is to continue to call for
research and innovation to have transformative
impact on society.
Vision/Mission and Objectives:
The Mission is to undertake, aid, promote, guide
and coordinate research of high caliber in basic
and applied plant molecular biology. The
objectives of the Institute are as follows:
l Providing effective linkages between various
scientific and research agencies in India and
abroad.
l Utilizing molecular biology approaches along
with tissue culture, genetic engineering,
gene editing and molecular breeding to
identify important genes, understand gene
regulation and manipulate them for
developing plants with improved agronomic
and nutritional characters and abiotic stress
and pathogen resistance.
l Imparting advance training and undertaking
collaborative programmes in the above-
mentioned fields.
Major Initiatives:
Ø Institute is continuously upgrading its
research infrastructure in order to effectively
pursue the twin goals of conducting high-
quality basic research and seeking its
application towards product development.
Towards this, under the Advanced Research
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Platform for Crop Science (ARPCS) a Gene
Functional Analysis platform (GFAPC),
Metabolomics facility and Advanced
Proteomics facility (AIIPF) had been
established and providing services both to
internal and external users. Six papers have
been published in internationally reputed
journals using proteomics and metabolomics
services in last one year.
Ø The National Genomics and Genotyping
Facility (NGGF) has been established and
would be providing service to the scientific
community very soon. A first ever pan-
genome based SNP genotyping array has
been developed in crop plants, rice and
chickpea, which would enormously help the
rice and chickpea mission programs
launched by DBT on germplasm
characterization for trait discovery.
Ø NIPGR during this period has run nine
international and seven national
collaborative programs, besides
participating in various national mission
mode projects.
Ø The Institute has implemented a Multi-
institutional National Mission Mode
program on “Characterization of Chickpea
Germplasm Resource to Accelerate
Genomics-assisted Crop Improvement” in
partnership with ICAR, ICRISAT and SAUs.
Ø The Institute has prepared to launch mega-
projects in nationally important areas. One
such program on “Protein nutrition” has
been developed in collaboration with
different ICAR and ICMR institutes and
currently under consideration by DBT.
Ø Earlier another study revealed differential
modulation of specific induced defense
responses in local, older, and younger
systemic leaves in Solanum lycopersicum
upon Spodoptera litura herbivory using
Metabolite profiling, biochemical assays,
and transcript analysis.
289
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

A MoU has been executed between NIPGR

and Mayhco, to check efficacy of one such
metabolite chlorogenic acid as an anti-
herbivore defence molecule against wide
range of insect pests.
Ø The institute's first start-up has been
established based on an innovative
technology to enhance shelf-life of fruits and
vegetables during post-harvest. This
technology accentuates the importance of
nitric oxide (NO) in plants which is
conceptualized as a formulation in an
engineered device to enhance shelf-life
without using any gene interrupting
molecular procedure. A BIRAC-BIG grant has
been obtained to support a start-up venture
with a name Fruvetech Pvt. Ltd. The start-up
company has been registered and incubated
via Biotechnology Business Incubation Fig. 1: (a) Workflow describing steps
Facility, FITT, IIT, Delhi. involved in designing of Rice Pan-genome
Genotyping Array. 3K RGP: 3000 Rice
Significant Achievements: Genomes Project; HDRA: High Density Rice
Ø Development of Rice Pan-genome Array; MAF: Minor Allele Frequency. (b, c)
Genotyping Array (RPGA) for accelerated Pan-genome wide distribution and
genomics- assisted crop improvement structural annotation of SNPs tiled on rice
Rice pan-genome genotyping array (RPGA), a pan-genome array. (b) The density of SNPs
90K SNP genotyping array based on 3K rice in 100 Kb bins across twelve chromosomes
pan- genome had been developed for from Nipponbare reference genome. (c) The
genomics-assisted breeding and accelerated density of SNPs in 100 Kb bins across sub-
crop improvement. Contrary to conventional population/varietal group-specific contigs
SNP genotyping arrays that relies on single of 3K rice pan- genome.
reference genome RPGA assays variants
from entire 3K rice pan-genome. This Using RPGA-based genotyping data of RILs, many
enables RPGA to tag haplotype variation dispensable genes/genomic sequences which
present in entire pan-genome, which include are absent from the Nipponbare reference
both core (genes shared by all accessions) as genome could be assigned to twelve rice
well as dispensable (subpopulation/cultivar chromosomes. RPGA-driven QTL and association
specific genes) genome (Figure 1). The mapping delineated many novel genomic regions
usefulness of RPGA for large-scale pan- (which otherwise would have missed with
genome based genotyping applications was conventional reference genome-based
demonstrated by their high-throughput genotyping) associated with diverse grain
genotyping in the natural germplasm size/weight traits in rice. This highlights the utility
accessions and recombinant inbred line (RIL) of RPGA for genomics-assisted breeding and
mapping population of rice. accelerated crop improvement of rice by optimal
use of resources.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 290


ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Ø Proteomic identification of wheat 2-Cys
peroxiredoxin that plays a dual role in
chlorophyll biosynthesis and
thermotolerance
High temperature stress (HTS) affects plant
growth and development, and causes
serious losses in crop production worldwide.
Since global warming is a major threat to
food security, there is an urgent need to
develop crop species with higher
thermotolerance. In a recent study
published in Plant Journal, using proteomics
approach NIPGR researchers have examined
the HTS- modulated adaptive responses of a
resilient wheat cultivar (Figure 2). The study
characterized the physiological and
photosynthetic responses of wheat against
HTS. Comparative proteomics of the
thermotolerant cultivar revealed
differentially expressed proteins involved in
cell metabolism and defense response. The
screening for HTS-responsive targets in the
cytosolic proteome landscape led to the
identification of a potential candidate,
designated Ta2CP. Ta2CP was functionally
characterized in various model organisms
such as yeast and Arabidopsis, besides
native system i.e., wheat. Heterologous
complementation in yeast mutants, and
Ta2cp- silenced as well as Ta2CP-
overexpressing plants demonstrated a key
role of Ta2CP in thermotolerance. We
systematically demonstrated how Ta2CP
plays a crucial role in chlorophyll
biosynthesis through interaction with
protochlorophyllide reductase b, TaPORB.
The Ta2cp- silenced plants showed
photobleaching-like phenotype, and
phenotypic manifestations were severe
when exposed to elevated temperature.
Increased starch content and higher
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
accumulation of AGPase has been observed
in the silenced plants, indicating an
increased interaction of AGPase with NADP-
thioredoxin reductase C in the absence of
Ta2CP. Additionally, Ta2CP acts as a cellular
death regulator through balancing
autophagic and apoptotic pathways under
severe stress condition. This study has been
published in Plant Journal and findings of
this study would pave the avenue for
developing climate-resilient wheat in
particular and crop species in general.
Fig. 2: Predictive model of Ta2CP function in wheat.
(a) The penultimate reaction of chlorophyll
biosynthesis is catalyzed by PORB. Interaction of
TaPORB with Ta2CP plays an important role in
conversion of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide
a. Modulation in Ta2CP level affects the interaction
and hence chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway. (b)
Downregulation of 2CP might enhance the
interaction efficacy of NTRC with AGPase and
stimulate starch biosynthesis. (c) Ta2CP fine-tunes
the autophagic and apoptotic pathways to maintain
the cellular homeostatic system under extreme high-
temperature stress (HTS) conditions. Red bold
arrows indicate the effect of downregulation of
Ta2CP under unstressed condition, while yellow bold
arrows indicate the effect under HTS conditions. Glu,
glutamic acid; Pchlide, protochlorophyllide; chllide,
chlorophyllide, Chl a, chlorophyll a; Chl b, chlorophyll
b; PS, photosystem; NTRC, NADPH-dependent Trx
reductase C; AGPase, ADP-glucose
pyrophosphorylase; ROS, reactive oxygen species
(the figure was created with the help of
BioRender.com).
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Ø Conversion of intracellular defense function
into extracellular antibacterial weapons in
Burkholderia bacteria
Bacteria use various kinds of toxins to either
inhibit growth of co-habiting bacteria or
when needed control their own growth. In a
recent study published in EMBO reports, it
has been shown that Burkholderia and
certain other bacteria have altered potential
defensive function of Tox- REase-5 domain
containing toxins into offensive function.
Burkholderia gladioli strain NGJ1 encodes
such toxins as T6SS effectors (TseTBg) and
potentially deploys them to kill co-habiting
rice endophytic bacteria. The TseTBg protein
exhibit DNase and RNase activities (Figure 3).
Fig. 3: Model depicting the intracellular and extracellular functions of antibacterial effector
TseTBg protein of B. gladioli strain NGJ1
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
The RNase activity is prominent on NGJ1 as
well as prey bacterial RNA while DNase
activity is pertinent to only prey bacteria. The
associated immunity (TsiTBg) proteins
demonstrate transcriptional repression
activity, similar to the antitoxins of type II
toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems. Genome
analysis of diverse bacteria revealed that
various TseTBg orthologs are either encoded
as TA or T6SS effectors. Overall the results
indicate that transposition of IS3 elementhas
led to operonic fusion of certain T6SS related
genes with TA genes resulting in their
conversion into T6SS effectors. Such a
genetic change has enabled bacteria to
utilize novel toxins to precisely target co-
habiting bacteria.
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Ø GTR1 and GTR2 transporters differentially
regulate glucosinolates and defense
response in the oilseed crop Brassica juncea
GTR1 and GTR2 transporters are components
of the source to sink translocation network of
glucosinolates, which constitute a major
defence arsenal of the Brassicaceae. Towards
nutritional improvement, in a recent Plant
C ell & E nv iro n m ent p a p er, NI P G R
researchers have functionally characterized
two groups of glucosinolate transporters
(GTR1 and GTR2) from Brassica juncea.
Although both GTRs showed ubiquitous
expression pattern and broad substrate
spectra, the single-gene knockdown lines
displayed different phenotypes. The GTR2-
knockdown plants showed drastic reduction
of glucosinolates in seeds and higher
accumulation in leaves and pod wall, while
the GTR1-knockdown plants displayed less
reduction of glucosinolates in seeds and
drastic glucosinolate reduction in leaves.
Knockdown of GTR2 also conferred plants
with higher resistance towards the generalist
pest, Spodoptera litura. Overall, the study
highlights the distinctive roles of B. juncea
GTRs in shaping tissue-specific accumulation
of glucosinolates and potential of
manipulating BjuGTR2 for enhanced
nutrition and plant defense.
Ø Application oriented research at NIPGR
Large seeded, high yielding, high protein
content Improved JG11 and KAK2, desi and
kabuli chickpea varieties, respectively using
ABC transporter gene have undergone
second year of testing (Advanced Varietal
trial 2; AVT-2) in 2020-2021 at 9 locations in
India. Similarly, a semi-dwarf and optimum
plant width chickpea variety using Basic helix
loop helix gene 121 and a drought tolerant
high yielding improved JG 11 chickpea
variety using Basic helix loop helix gene 10
have been tested in AVT-2 in 2020-2021 at 9
locations in India. Furthermore, an early
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flowering and high yielding (high flower
number) chickpea variety has been
developed using CaCLV3 (CLAVATA 3) gene
using integrated genomics assisted breeding
in a recent study published in Theoretical and
Applied Genetics. Event selection trial of low
glucosinolate transgenic mustard BjMYB28-
RNAi lines established the stability of the
trait in the open field in a study under the
collaborative program with UDSC.
Societal Impact:
The advanced high-yielding and protein-rich
chickpea lines with dense cropping, early
flowering and drought tolerance developed
by marker-assisted breeding will ensure
pulse self-sufficiency, productivity as well as
food and nutrition security amidst climate
change scenario and also useful to eradicate
malnutrition for the majority of vegetarian
India population. This can also essentially
facilitate the achievement of better
remunerative outputs by farmers with
rational land use, thus ensuring global food
security in the present scenario of an
increasing population density and shrinking
per capita land area.
The Pan-genome SNP Genotyping Array is a
f i rst - e v e r p a n - g e n o m e b a s e d S N P
genotyping assay developed for crop plants.
It enables researchers to target population-
specific genomic variation by assaying SNP
markers unique to different populations in
addition to markers from reference genome.
Therefore, Genotyping Array provides higher
genomic coverage across diverse
populations compared to other genotyping
arrays available for rice and chickpea. This
makes Genotyping Array ideal SNP
genotyping solution for pan-genome based
genetic studies including complex trait
dissection and molecular breeding
applications to drive genetic improvement of
rice and chickpea.
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The low glucosinolate lines could be utilized as an
excellent genetic stock for developing Canola
Quality Indian mustard. The development of low
glucosinolate lines in Indian oilseed mustard will
broaden the scope and acceptability of this crop
in the global market for its food and feed value.
While humanity faced a unique challenge of
COVID19 pandemic, NIPGR has ventured in the
area of plant-based therapeutics against COVID
19. Five different phyto-metabolites and
variouspotent glucosinolates have been
identified, purified and their cytopathic effect
against COVID- 19 infected transformed cell lines
are currently under study in collaboration with
RCB.
With a view to popularize science and showcase
the various facets of research and development
to young innovators, students, teachers, and
individuals interested in the field of plant
sciences, the Institute had organized several
events. Further, NIPGR in collaboration with
Cambridge University, INSA, DST KARYA, IASc,
COAR and OpenVirus has contributed in the
online capacity building in computational biology
under WE-VIDYA initiative during the pandemic
through which more than 12,800 students were
reached in 6 months' time.
Details of Process/Product/ Technology
Developed during 2021: 7
Research Publications during 2021: 45
Patents Filed: 04
Patents obtained: 02
No. of Human Resources trained: 204
National Institute of Immunology (NII), New
Delhi
National Institute of Immunology (NII) was
conceived in the early eighties to address health
care needs of the country. The idea was to
conduct research to study the body's defenses
and use that knowledge to provide solutions for
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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prevention and treatment of diseases. Over the
years NII has established itself as a premier center
in modern biology in general and basic
immunology, infection and immunity, host-
pathogen interactions, development, structural
and chemical biology in particular. These
research programmes have been built based on
the unique blend of expertise at the Institute.
Vision
To undertake fundamental research of the
highest standard in the area of immunology and
related areas with a view to develop modalities
for combating various diseases.
Mission
l To undertake, aid, promote, guide and
coordinate research of a high caliber in
basic and applied immunology.
l To carry out research for development of
new vaccines, immuno-diagnostic kits,
immunological reagents.
l To interact with industry for the transfer of
technology for the leads developed from
research.
l To provide and promote linkages between
various scientific research
agencies/laboratories in the field of
immunology, vaccine development and
related areas.
Major Initiatives:
l NII did not waver its commitments or its
efforts towards Covid pandemic. In service to
the nation's containment efforts, the
Institute now runs a SARS-CoV-2 qPCR
diagnostic facility. In addition, several
scientists are contributing towards a better
understanding of the biology of SARS-CoV-2
infection, as well as of immune responses
elicited upon infection or vaccination.
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l The establishment of immunological
memory subsequent to infection or
vaccination is the basis of protective
immunity. CD4+ cytotoxic memory T cells
(CD4-CTLs) constitute a population of cells
whose contributions to protective
immunological responses remain relatively
obscure. The study of such cells, and
delineation of the factors that propel their
growth, could aid in the development of
more effective vaccination strategies. The
program seeks to study CD4-CTLs in viral
infections (CMV, EBV, Dengue Virus and
Influenza Virus) using multi-omics and
immunological approaches.
l Nano-immunotherapeutic platforms for
cancer are being developed. Along with
other approaches, artificial antigen-
presenting cells displaying MHC molecules
(bound with tumor-associated peptides)
along with co-stimulatory molecules have
been designed in order to engender potent
anti-tumor responses. Anti-chaperone
strategies are also being employed to
enhance antigen presentation.
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l Muscle wasting is associated with several
chronic disorders. Studies are aimed at
investigating the crosstalk between different
organs during muscle wasting and recovery;
the influence of nutritional intervention in
these events is being assessed. Data suggests
that myopathies associated with a deficiency
of Vitamin D are characterized by an increase
in the uptake of glucose by skeletal muscle,
as well as by abnormal accumulation of
glycogen.
Major Achievement:
Ø Tumorigenesis is characterized by the
aberrant expression of several proteins; in
many instances, consequences remain
unknown, however, PRAMEF2, a cancer-
testis antigen, was demonstrated to form
part of the Cullin-2 Based E3 Ubiquitin Ligase
Complex. PRAMEF2 mediate degradation of
the LATS1 kinase and cause the nuclear
accumulation of YAP; the depletion of
PRAMEF2 reduced tumor cell invasion. (Proc
Natl Acad Sci U S A. doi:
10.1073/pnas.2105523118, 2021)
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Fig. 1: YAP is critical for PRAMEF2-promoted
aggressive tumor phenotype. (A) MCF-7Luc2 cells
were stably transfected (pooled zeomycin-
resistant population) with control (scrambled),
PRAMEF2, LATS1, or PRAMEF2 along with LATS1
shRNA as indicated. MCF-7Luc2 and PRAMEF2
knockdown cells were stably transfected with
Flag-tagged YAPS127A (pooled G418- resistant
population). These cells were orthotopically
injected into the mammary fat pad of nude mice.
Bioluminescence imaging was performed weekly.
(B) Bioluminescence quantification (A, Above)
was performed at indicated time points. (C and D)
At the end of 4 wk, organs from mice
orthotopically implanted with MCF-7Luc2
PRAMEF2/LATS1 knockdown cells in A (Above)
were harvested and examined by ex vivo imaging
(C) as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining (D)
to examine metastases. (E) Representative
images of immunostaining of PRAMEF2, LATS1,
and phosphorylated-YAP on sections of normal
breast tissue and different grades of human
breast carcinoma. DAPI was used to counterstain
nuclei. (Scale bar, 20 μm.) (F) Quantification of
PRAMEF2 levels in normal breast tissue and
different grades of human breast carcinoma. (G)
Quantification of LATS1 levels in normal breast
tissue and different grades of human breast
carcinoma. (H) Quantification of
phosphorylated-YAP levels in normal breast
tissue and different grades of human breast
carcinoma.
Ø While Mycobacterium tuberculosis can
utilize host amino acids to fulfil its metabolic
needs, it also possesses de novo amino acid
biosynthesis pathways. As host cells up-
regulate histidinecatabolizing enzymes via
IFN-γ-mediated signalling (which works to
starve the bacillus of host histidine),
Mycobacterium tuberculosis synthesizes its
own histidine, sustaining bacterial growth in
wild-type mice; while histidine auxotrophs
fail to grow in such mice, they do grow as well
as wild-type Mycobacterium tuberculosisin
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IFN-γ −/− mice. The study highlights the
essentiality of histidine biosynthesis in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis.
(Commun Biol. doi:10.1038/s42003-021-
01926-4, 2021).
Ø Mycobacterium tuberculosis has evolved
diverse stress responses. Transcription
factors essential for bacterial survival were
identified. The transcription factor AosR was
shown to mitigate oxidative and nitrosative
stress and promote mycobacterial growth in
vivo. Oxidative stress- induced intra-subunit
disulphide bond formation in AosR
facilitated its interaction with SigH.
Upregulation of the CysM-dependent non-
canonical cysteine biosynthesis pathway
occurred (critical in detoxifying host-derived
oxidative and nitrosative radicals),
enhancing bacterial survival in a hostile
intracellular environment. (EMBO J. doi:
10.15252/embj.2020106111, 2021).
Ø The polymerase γ subunit (PolγA) plays a key
role the replication of mitochondrial DNA.
Data indicated that the E3 ligase MITOL
ubiquitylates PolγA; only non-ubiquitylated
PolγA was shown to be capable of entering
the mitochondrial matrix to exert its
function. In patients of progressive external
ophthalmoplegia, mutant PolγA proteins are
hyper-ubiquitylated and therefore cannot
enter the mitochondria, diminishing
mitochondrial genome integrity. (PLoS Biol.
doi.10.1371/journal.pbio.3001139, 2021).
Ø Apicomplexan parasites cause several
human diseases. CDPK7, critical for the
d eve l o p m e nt o f b o t h P l a s m o d i u m
falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii, is an
atypical member of the calcium dependent
protein kinase family, and may constitute a
novel drug target. Phosphoproteomics of T.
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gondii lacking TgCDPK7 has led to the
identification TgCDPK7 substrates involved
in phospholipid synthesis and vesicular
trafficking, and the kinase was shown to
regulate phosphatidylethanolamine levels.
These studies provide insights into
processes critical for parasite development.
( P l o S P a t h o g . d o i :
10.1371/journal.ppat.1009325, 2021).
Ø The canonical NF-κB signalling pathway,
which can be triggered by several stimuli and
mediates a large number of inflammatory
responses, is critical to organismal health.
Context-specific control of such responses is
important, since dysregulated signalling is
associated with several disorders. Data
suggests that the specific composition of the
NF-κB complexes in the nucleus have a
significant bearing on cellular responses.
Systems-level readouts are beginning to
provide deeper mechanistic insight into the
factors that influence inflammatory
responses and help maintain homeostasis.
Fig. 2: Tuning RelA: p50-driven inflammatory gene expressions by non-RelA: p50 NF-κBfactors
(Curr Opin Immunol. 68: 21-27, 2021)
Ø Work to further understand the causes of
diverse outcomes upon SARS-CoV-2
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infection have continued; current studies
have employed both unexposed healthy
donors and mild COVID-19 subjects. SARS-
+
CoV-2 cross-reactive CD4 T cells have been
identified in a majority of unexposed
individuals, and data for immune memory
(predominantly directed against the spike
+
glycoprotein) in the CD4 T cell and B cell
compartments has been collated. Such
work has implications for the development
and implementation of vaccines against
SARS-CoV-2 (Front Immunol. doi:
10.3389/fimmu.2021.636768, 2021)
Ø Small molecules which modulate
protein–protein interactions have potential
uses as therapeutic agents in cancer and
microbial infections. Machine learning
classifiers have been developed for
prediction of new small molecule
modulators, with prediction accuracies
above 90%. Of relevance to the SARS-CoV-2
pandemic, docking studies show that some
compounds can inhibit RBD-hACE2
interaction by high affinity interaction with
RBD.(Brief Bioinform.doi:
10.1093/bib/bbab111, 2021).
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Societal Impact:
By providing cutting-edge training in
biotechnology, NII continues to strengthen
scientific aptitude among a large number of
undergraduates. Under the “Science Setu”
Programme, NII scie ntists are also delivering
online scientific lectures to undergraduate
colleges across India. To further promote
scientific temperament, NII is now setting up a
science museum in one of the aspirational
districts of the country. In response to the
ongoing pandemic, NII has set up a laboratory for
testing SARS-CoV-2 in human samples. The
Institute has also trained 65 medical lab
technicians, with the support of Gates
Foundation, further augmenting the testing
capacity of India. Webinars were also conducted
by NII scientists to disseminate useful
information about the pandemic.
No. of Research Publications during 2021-22: 53
No. of Patents Applied during 2021-22: 07
No. of Patents Obtained during 2021-22: 02
No. of Human Resources Trained: Trainees:46;
PhD students joined: 21
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB),
Thiruvananthapuram
DBT-RGCB currently functions from three
campuses. The main campus is located at Jagathy
in Thiruvananthapuram where the bulk of the
discovery research programs are implemented.
The second campus located at the KINFRA Park in
Thiruvananthapuram functions as the transit
facility for the Bio-Innovation Center where
RGCB's core Bio-Imaging, Genomics and
Laboratory Medicine & Molecular Diagnostic
core facilities are located in addition to
laboratories for Chemical Biology, and Tropical
Disease Biology. The third campus located in
Kalamaserry, Kochi is called the Bio-Nest, a
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
setting for translational biotechnology, including
expert and high technology resources for
potential clients and customers, platforms for
productive and sustainable partnerships with
biotechnology, life science, medical and
pharmaceutical industry besides opportunities
for consultancy, contract research and
commercialization of potential products.
Vision/Mission and objectives:
RGCB has identified the following Themes and
Strategic Goals as priority areas
i. Fundamental Research
Understanding the biology that defines basic
mechanisms involved in the disease process and
its implications for human health.
ii. Translational Science
Trans-disciplinary health science to benefit
individual, clinical, and public health decision
making to improve health
iii. Technology Development
Turning research into technology innovation and
on to business
iv. Training and Education
Developing and retaining a sustainable pipeline
of biotechnology professionals across a range of
related disciplines including fundamental
science, technology development, translation,
policy and outreach through efforts in education,
training, and career development.
v. Social interventions
Touching the lives of weaker sections of the
society through various S&T interventions. As
part of the tribal heritage study, the
establishment of 8 community enterprises for
the empowerment of tribal communities.
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Major Initiatives:
Beating the Pandemic: COVID-19 initiatives at
RGCB: In a quick response to the emergence of
the COVID-19 pandemic, RGCB formed a core
Corona virus Research & Intervention Group,
consisting of scientists from infectious disease
biology, cell biology, immunology, diagnostics
services, public health epidemiology and
technology development group, who are
currently involved in all research & development
/ service activities on Covid-19. A brief
description of these activities and outcomes in
specific areas are highlighted below.
i. CoVID-19 diagnostic product developed by
Sperogenx Biosciences, Bangalore and POCT
Service, New Delhi, in Collaboration with RGCB
ii. Q-Line® Molecular nCoV-19 RT-PCR Kit was
designed to detect Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-19)
based on single tube multiplex real-time RT PCR
(rRT-PCR) assays in respiratory and serum
specimens.
iii. Q-line Viral RNA extraction kit developed
using silica column chemistry for the isolation of
highly pure RNA from CoVID-19 patient sample
that will be used for downstream process such as
RT-PCR analysis for screening the CoVID-19.
iv. Molecular Determinants for Virus-Host
Interaction: Using a high fidelity bioinformatics
pipeline, RGCB has analysed 31,403 SARS-CoV-2
genomes across the globe, and identified 444
non-synonymous mutations that cause 49
distinct amino acid substitutions in the RBD. The
study identified key molecular arrangements in
RBD- ACE2 interface that help virus to tolerate
mutations and prevail.
v. Developed bead based assays that utilizes
recombinant protein immobilization on beads
with affinity tag or nanobody. Nanobody
mediated bead capture of orange fluorescent
protein tagged Spike (SI) protein of SARS-CoV-2
showed rapid binding of soluble recombinant
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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EGFP ACE-2 that is inhibited by neutralizing
antibody.
vi. "COVID-Anosmia checker", a tool for Covid-
19/olfactory dysfunction screening, developed
by RGCB has been transferred to Instigator e-
Supporting Services Private Ltd,
Thiruvananthapuram.
Major Achievement:
Ø COVID-Anosmia Checker
DBT-RGCB has developed a new handy
device, which has been proved useful to
detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus in
humans. Loss of smell is reported as a major
symptom of COVID-19, however, a precise
olfactory testing tool to identify COVID-19
patient is still lacking. To quantitatively
check for the loss of smell, RGCB developed
an odor strip, “COVID-Anosmia checker”,
spotted with gradients of coffee and lemon
grass oil. It was observed that COVID
positive participants were hyposmic instead
of being anosmic when they were subjected
to smelling higher odor concentration. The
tool identified 97% of symptomatic and 94%
of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive subjects
after excluding most confounding factors
like concurrent chronic sinusitis. Further, it
was possible to reliably predict COVID-19
infection by calculating a loss of smell score
with 100% specificity. This tool has been
coupled with a mobile application, which
takes the input response from the user, and
can readily categorize the user in the
appropriate risk groups. The tool has now
been made available to the public as Inster
COVI-SMELL, manufactured and marketed
by Inster e-Supporting Services Pvt. Ltd.,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
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Ø Development of Q-line CoVID-19 RT-PCR
kit: DBT-RGCB has developed Q-Line®
Molecular nCoV-19 RT-PCR Kit designed to
detect Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-19) based
on single tube multiplex real-time RT PCR
(rRT-PCR) assays in respiratory and serum
specimens. The developed kit was validated
and approved by National Institute of
Virology-ICMR, Pune with the sensitivity of
98.7% and specificity of 100% for
commercial use. The kit is currently using in
CoVID-19 screening centers of both
government organization as well as private
hospitals.
Ø Development of Q-line Viral RNA extraction
kit: DBT-RGCB has developed Viral RNA
extraction method using silica column
chemistry for the isolation of highly pure
RNA from CoVID-19 patient sample that will
be used for downstream process such as RT-
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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PCR analysis for screening the CoVID-19. The
silica column-based RNA extraction system
is lysis enzyme proteinase-K free and it can
be performed in room temperature that will
help and increase the users experience
which is not possible in other extraction
methods available in the market. Further,
RGCB has designed a lysis and working
reagents specific to the CoVID-19 viral RNA
isolation from the nasal-swap samples and
showed better viral RNA quality and
quantity as compared to the other available
extraction methods. The developed kit was
in- house validated at RGCB and performed
well as compared to gold standard methods.
Further, our viral RNA isolation kit was
validated and approved by NIV-ICMR with
98% analytical performance for commercial
use.
Ø Development of Annexin V FITC Kit and
Annexin V - Cy3 Kit: The most popular assay
kit used for the discrimination of apoptosis
from necrosis is Annexin V FITC - PE kit.
Currently available kits are imported and are
expensive. DBT-RGCB has developed
Mammalian expressed recombinant
Annexin V using a low cost expression and
purification approach through the
engineering of stable cells. The recombinant
Annexin V FITC –PE kit developed using this
approach has been validated for microscopy
and flow cytometry application. A new
apoptosis necrosis kit that can be employed
with GFP or FITC multiplexing has been
developed using the recombinant Annexin V
Cy3 or OFP. These kits are currently available
from Layog Life Sciences, a start-up
company incubated at the Bio-Incubator
facility of RGCB, Bio- Nest.
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Fig.2: Annexin V OFP fluorescent protein based Kit: Validation Results

Ø Recombinant Cell lines for Drug Discovery: 27th May 2017) and Canadian patent
DBT-RGCB has developed recombinant cell (Application No. 3,026,426 dated 27th May
lines expressing fluorescent protein based 2017, Date of issue: April 13th, 2021). As
sensors for screening compounds that can p a r t o f t e c h n o l o g y
interfere with key cancer targets such as cell transfer/commercialization, an MOU has
death, cell cycle, growth factor and been signed between RGCB and Oklahoma
proteasomes. These cell lines were validated Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), USA
using multiple platforms such as fluorescent for the clinical translation of the compound
microscopy, flow cytometry and high- in liver cancer patients. The technology has
throughput imagers. In addition, panel of cell been transferred to the multi-national
lines expressing ACE2 EGFP have been company, QBioMed and the first mile-stone
developed to be used for COVID 19 viral payment has been received. Recently,
propagation and pseudovirion assay. RGCB uttroside B received orphan drug
has signed an agreement with the global designation from FDA, against HCC.
non-profit business unit of Cancer Research,
UK, Ximbio for making these drug discovery
tools available to all researchers and drug
discovery companies.
Ø Plant derived compound Utroside-B for the
Treatment of Liver Cancer: The team of
Scientists in the Division of Cancer Research,
have isolated and identified a saponin,
uttroside B, from the leaves of the medicinal
plant, Solanum nigrum Linn (Black
nightshade; Manathakkali), which is well
demonstrated as a hepatoprotective agent
in traditional Ayurveda literature. The study
reveals that uttroside B is ten times more
potent than Sorafenib, and does not Fig.3: Source of Utroside B:
manifest significant side-effects. This work Solanum nigrum Linn
was published in the Nature group journal,
'Scientific Reports' (Lekshmi et al.,2016) and
the innovation obtained US patent
(Application No. PCT/ IN20 17/050204 dated

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Fig.4: Structure of Utroside B
Societal Impact:
· Medical Laboratory Services:
RGCB in collaboration with the Department of
Health and Family Welfare, Government of
Kerala, implements Public Health and Research
Service Programme all over the State. A major
activity under this programme is the
establishment of Medical Laboratory Service
(MLS) units in the Government Hospitals. RGCB
have established the testing facility during the
beginning of the outbreak itself under the
guidance of Government of India protocol with
the approval of ICMR. MLS is having a dedicated
team of field sample collection unit who collects
samples for Hematological Investigations as well
as Antigen/RT-PCR Testing.
Laboratory Medicine and Molecular diagnostic
(LMMD), ICMR Viral Research and Diagnostic
Laboratory (VRDL), grade 1 Laboratory of Rajiv
Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is one of
the significant laboratories in India which handles
more than 220 infectious and non- infectious
disease diagnostics. The lab initiated the SARS
CoV 2 as soon as the first case was reported in
Kerala. A total of 1 lakh 86 thousand samples
were processed in the Division to date. The
Division maintains approximately 10,000 positive
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
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samples in the repository. The lab also helps the
government understand the dominant strains
and the genetic variations based on whole-
genome sequencing. RGCB is the only participant
from Kerala on INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV- 2
Genomic Consortia (INSACOG), coordinated by
the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along
with MoH & FW, ICMR, and CSIR. LMMD is one
among the 7 VRDL labs under ICMR that are
authorized to validate PCR, Antigen, Antibody,
and VTM kits supplied in the country to screen
SARS CoV 2. The Division is also allowed to
validate disinfectants and instruments for
disinfection.
· Inclusive Technology Interventions for Tribal
Heritage Resilience of Kerala
DBT-RGCB has conducted various technology
interventions for the empowerment of tribal
communities along with the protection of their
heritage. Documented the traditional
knowledge/traditional crop varieties/art and
craft etc from the two targeted districts, Idukki
and Wayanad. Ethno-veterinary formulation for
wound healing has been successfully evaluated
using in vitro, in silico and in vivo models. RGCB
has created 9 tribal community groups (Self Help
Groups/Societies) for establishing various social
enterprises for the empowerment of tribal
communities and also to protect their rich
heritage. Community Enterprises on Traditional
Pepper Nursery (with 26 varieties) by Mala
Arayan Tribes, two Bamboo Craft Units by Urali
tribes at Idukki and Field Distillation of Essential
Oils by Ulladan tribal community at Idukki,
Kurichya and Paniya communities at Wayanad
were established. Regarding the traditional
paddy varieties, as of now, 44 landraces have
been documented and conducted genetic and
nutritional analysis of the samples. Moreover,
we have distributed seeds of 19 traditional paddy
varieties to establish around 7.5 hectares of field
gene bank in various parts of Wayanad district.
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l Outreach activities: mandate of the Centre is to provide a platform

l DBT- RGCB has celebrated the National
Science Day 2021 with students of tribal
colonies in Idukki and Wayanad. The
team of scientists visited the tribal
colonies and demonstrated various
experiments for the students to inculcate
scientific temperament among students.
l "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" is an initiative
of the Government of India to celebrate
a n d co m m e m o rate 7 5 ye a rs o f
independence of progressive India and
the glorious history of its people, culture
and achievements. As part of the
programme, DBT-RGCB is conducting
various programmes like popular lecture
series, open day events, etc. for the public
Nos. of Research Publications during 2021-22:
102
Nos. of Patent Applied: Nil
Nos. of Patent granted during 2021: 05
Nos. of Human resources trained: PhD students
passed: 15; MSc. Students passed: 40; Project/
internship training has been given to 33
students
for biotechnology education, training, and
research at the interface of multiple disciplines.
Major Initiatives:
· Academic Programs:
RCB offers structured degree programs as well as
short-term training programs in highly
specialized areas of biotechnology and life
sciences. More than 100 students are pursuing
doctoral degree programs in Biotechnology,
Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics in different RCB
laboratories. So far, 43 RCB students have been
awarded PhD degrees. RCB also has an
integrated MSc-PhD degree program where
students with bachelor's degrees are admitted. A
total of 37 students are currently registered for
this programme.
The RCB Act 2016 empowers the Centre to
recognize higher learning institutions for their
various academic programs. In this direction,
after due diligence, RCB has granted recognition
to the MSc, MSc-PhD (integrated), or PhD
programs at ten such centers. More than 300
students from these recognized centers are
registered for their degrees with RCB.

Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB),

Faridabad

Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) is an

Institution of National Importance established by
the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of
India, under the aegis of UNESCO with a mandate
to impart education and training, and conduct
research in the frontier areas of biotechnology.

Vision and Mandate:

The vision of RCB is to produce human resources
tailored to drive innovation in biotechnology,
particularly in areas of new opportunities and
also to fill the talent gap in deficient areas. The

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l Scientific Programs: RCB's scientific
achievements in terms of quality of
publications and the ability of the faculty to
attract extramural grants have shown
consistent growth. RCB continued to conduct
cutting-edge scientific research in the broad
areas of Structural Biology, Infectious
Disease Biology, Molecular Medicine, Cancer
and Cell Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology,
and Systems and Synthetic Biology.
l Training activities: Towards human resource
development in the advanced areas of life
sciences and biotech sciences, RCB
conducted several training programs.
Notable among these was a 7-days' long
international webinar series to celebrate the
'Brain Awareness Week' from March 15-21,
2021. During this event, various speakers
(international and national) were invited to
discuss and unite on one platform to increase
the awareness about nervous system
disorders, its implications on mental health
and diseases. A workshop on 'Mass
Spectrometry Based Proteomics' was
th th
organized on 04 & 18 February, 2021
during which researchers were trained for
Routine Workflows for MS- based
proteomics, Sample preparation for IDA and
iTRAQ, Data Analysis: Protein pilot, Mascot,
Virtual demonstration on Triple TOF 5600.
Another workshop on 'Basics of Electron
Microscopy' was conducted on 03rd March,
2021 where the participants were trained for
samplepreparation for Transmission Electron
Microscope, recent advances in single
particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
to determine the structure of biological
macromolecules, sample preparation for
Cryo- TEM, Basics of Scanning Electron
Microscopy and sample preparation for
Scanning Electron Microscopy. During
October, 2021, three UNESCO-sponsored
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
virtual workshops were conducted on 'Mass
Spectroscopy Based Proteomics' (12-13
October, 2021); 'Basics of Electron
Microscopy' (October 20, 2021); Confocal
Microscope-based drug screening (High
content imaging)' (October 22, 2021).
l As a part of Science Setu and to
commemorate 75th year of Indian
Independence, RCB is organizing webinar
series (till August 2022) where the life and
works of eminent Indian scientists who have
made a difference to science and lives of
people, and who have furthered science to
its current glory in India and around the
world are being showcased.
l The BIRAC-funded Bio-Incubator is currently
incubating 24 start-ups giving employment
to nearly
l 120 people. Bio-Incubator has also
conducted several entrepreneurial
development activities including IDEA,
EMPOWER, IDEATHON, BBB WEBINAR
SERIES, INNOVATION CHALLENGE FINE,
LEARN etc., thus actively promoting the
entrepreneurial aptitude among young
innovators through its strategic programs &
outreach activities.
l RCB continues to provide the Indian
researchers access to the ESRF synchrotron
radiation facility. This program has provided
tremendous support to the Indian structural
biologists and has benefited a large number
of young research students.
304
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

Notable Research Outcomes: carried out an RNA interference based study

l The Agribiotech group developed insights targeting the membrane trafficking network
into Upregulation of SUMO-conjugations in neuronal cells thus showing an essential
and differential SUMO1-modification during role of the dynamic actin network and actin
innate immune responses or in an auto- filament associated proteins for the
active defensive mutant of Arabidopsis infection of Japanese encephalitis virus.
thaliana. A novel protocol for transient gene l Under the DBT-funded RCB Flagship
expression in rice was developed. This Research Program, a couple of small
protocol, although developed in rice, molecules have been identified that show
represents a model system for monocots and anti-Chikungunya virus activity in cell
may facilitate the rapid deciphering of the culture as well as in the animal model of
functions of genes. Besides, a plant sugar disease. These are being further evaluated.
transporter that confers resistance against l RCB continued to nurture the young
the pea powdery mildew pathogen through investigators though the various funding
host defense activation was also identified, mechanisms such as RCB Young Investigator
indicating its applicability in powdery disease Award, INSPIRE Faculty Award, and National
management in legumes. Post-Doctoral Fellowships etc.
l The Cancer & Cell Biology group showed l Besides, RCB has also carried out national
Structure-activity studies demonstrating and international collaborations with
that cholic acid amphiphile can disrupt the various institutions and industries.
fungal membranes, and are effective International collaborations
fungicidal in nature. Another group of
scientists illuminated the role of Orai3 Ca2+
channel in cancer progression and the
potential therapeutic targeting of Orai3 for
better cancer management and treatment
was also elaborated.
l The structural biology group determined the
structure of basal pilin SpaB from
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with a view to
understand the overall architecture of
SpaCBA pilus. A structural model for the
whole SpaCBA pilus was proposed which
also reveals the mucus binding sites on the
pilus.
l Scientists in the area of Infectious Disease
Biology described a comprehensive analysis
of microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in plasma
of dengue virus-infected patients and
identified miRNA signatures with biomarker
potential for dengue infection and disease
National collaborations
progression. Anothergroup of scientists

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 305


ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Societal Impact:
RCB has contributed significantly to the human
resource development by training students and
young researchers for their skill enhancement
and academic degree programs. RCB has been
catalyzing the entrepreneurial activities in the
National Capital Region through its Bio-
Incubatorwhich is supporting several start-ups in
the area of life sciences. RCB Flagship program
aims to develop prophylactics and therapeutics
against viral diseases highly prevalent in the
Indian population.
Nos. of Research Publications during 2021-22: 103
Nos. of human resources trained during the year
2021-22:
>1000 Nos. od research grant obtained: 71
Translational Health Science and Technology
Institute (THSTI), Faridabad
Translational Health Science and Technology
Institute (THSTI) was established with the goal to
integrate multidisciplinary scientific teams from
the fields of medicine, science, engineering and
technology for generating translational
knowledge and make the biomedical innovations
accessible to improve the public health. THSTI
has made seminal contributions to COVID-19
research during this year which has helped in
developing vaccines, evaluating therapeutic
molecules and establishing diagnostic assays.
THSTI has been recognized nationally and
internationally as an excellent hub of basic,
translational and clinical research.
Vision/Mandate and Objectives:
Vision: As a networked organization linking many
centers of excellence, THSTI is envisioned as a
collective of scientists, engineers and physicians
that will effectively enhance the quality of human
life through integrating a culture of shared
excellence in research, education and
translational knowledge with the
entrepreneurial spirit to take technologies into
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
the public sphere. In fulfilment of its vision, the
THSTI will work with other institutions of the
biotechnology cluster in the NCR through long
term partnerships.
Mandate: The institute has a mandate to act as a
catalyst to translate fundamental discoveries by
building rigorous clinical research capacity and to
enable a faster transition of discoveries from
bench to bedside.
Objectives: The institution is a dynamic
enterprise with a mission to conduct innovative
translational research and develop research
collaborations across disciplines and professions
to translate concepts into products to improve
human health.
Major Initiatives:
l GARBH-Ini (interdisciplinary Group for
Advanced Research on Birth outcomes-DBT
INdia Initiative): THSTI has established
GARBHINI which is a large longitudinal
cohort of pregnant women in LMIC with an
extensive well phenotyped biorepository
and serial ultrasonographic parameters. The
phase-II of this initiative to start a birth
cohort has been sanctioned by DBT (Fig 1).
Novel
Epidemiology & predictor/
clinical risk factor risk factor
Important risk factors for
Biomarker identification pre-term birth
Mechanistic
Pathway analysis
inference
Fig1: GARBH-Ini (interdisciplinary Group for
Advanced Research on Birth outcomes-
DBT INdia Intitiative)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
l THSTI is a part of the consortium for COVID-
19 research which has been established by
DBT.
l School of Diagnostic Innovation in Bio-design
(SiB) has been started at THSTI in
collaboration with leading institutions in the
country viz. Indian Institute of Technology-
Madras (IITM), Christian Medical College
Vellore, PGI-Chandigarh and Venture Centre-
Pune. The focus of this program is on
medtech innovation for the development of
affordable and accessible medical diagnostic
technologies.
l Respiratory & Influenza Virology Group
(RIVG) has been established at THSTI to deal
with respiratory viruses such as influenza
virus, corona virus and other similar viruses.
l THSTI is now a part of INSACOG for viral
sequencing.
l To enhance research programs at THSTI, 20
intramural projects have been funded.
l THSTI signed MoUs with Delhi
Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research
University and Manipal University to
strengthen its academic programs.
l Infrastructure:
l A large state of the art new BSL-3 Facility
has been established
l Immunology Core lab and Ferret Facility
(first in India) have been established to
support clinical and translational
research
l Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Research Program has been initiated at
THSTI
l Bio info rmatics C o re a n d High -
throughput Computational Facility
developed for system biology and big
data analysis
l The proposal for 'Establishment of a
Medical Research Centre (MRC) at THSTI
in NCR- Biotech Science Cluster' has been
approved by DBT. The MRC will function
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
as a dedicated medical research centre
for clinical research.
l Bioassay Lab (BAL) partnered with
Foundation for Innovative New
Diagnostics (FIND) for developing a
chatbot for COVID-19.
Significant Achievement:
I. Responding to the COVID-19 challenge
l Establishment of clinical cohorts:
a) A large cohort of patients with COVID-19: This
cohort is being studied for understanding
durability of immunity, risk of re-infection and
long COVID. Similarly, a cohort of vaccinated
people has been established to understand
waning of immunity and break through infection.
b) Collaboration with Research Institutes &
secondary-tertiary care hospitals in different
countries: to study Severe COVID-19 among
pregnant women and children
c) A pan India multicenter network of hospitals
has been established for COVID-19 research
l Vaccine Development:
a) THSTI provided animal challenge models viz
hamster and ACE2 Tg mice to industries and
academia for pre-clinical vaccine testing and
anti-viral screening (Fig 2). THSTI contributed
immensely in the clinical trials/development of
vaccines for COVID-19 including Dr. Reddy's
(Sputnik), Zydus Cadilla (DNA vaccine), and
Biological E and entered into an international
collaboration with Nanogen Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology JSC, a Vietnamese
pharmaceutical company which is developing a
new vaccine for COVID-19.
b) The immunology core lab provided cellular
a s s a y p l a t fo r m fo r d e t e r m i n i n g t h e
immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Fig.2: Animal models provided to companies and academia for vaccine development
l COVID-19 kit validation: THSTI validated
COVID-19 kits for various industries and
academic institutions
l Researchers at THSTI are working
towards developing indigenous vaccines
(mRNA and subunit) for COVID-19 which
have shown promising results
l T H ST I h a s d e ve l o p e d p o te nt i a l
therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
against COVID-19
l In-vivo evaluation of AYUSH products
against SARS CoV-2
l Biorepository houses more than 5000
clinical samples of SARS-CoV-2
II. Maternal and Child Health:
l Evaluated impact of Immediate kangaroo
mother care (iKMC ) in very low birth
weight in 5 countries and the results
indicate a 25% reduction in neonatal
death in iKMC group
l Gestational Weight Gain (GWG)
trajectories in GARBH–Ini pregnancy
cohort in North India and a comparative
analysis with global references: The
results suggest that single interventions
are unlikely to bridge the gap between
g e n e ra l I n d i a n p o p u l a t i o n a n d
international references.
l Sixty-one proteins that are differentially
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
expressed across pregnancy (at
enrolment, 18- 20 and 26-28 weeks)
have been identified in the high vaginal
fluid of pregnant women.
l In a study conducted to determine the
association between circulatory levels of
Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen-G
(sHLA-G) in pregnant mothers and Small
for Gestational Age (SGA) births, no
difference was observed in the trajectory
of sHLA-G during the period of
pregnancy in mothers delivering SGA as
compared to those delivering
Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA)
neonates.
III. Infection & Immunology:
l Novel anti-Tuberculosis molecule: THSTI
in collaboration with Sphaera Pharma
Ltd. and Wellcome Trust, has developed
a novel anti-tuberculosis molecule, SPR
113 which is in advance stages of further
development for clinical use.
l Identified small molecules that display in
vitro and in vivo activity against both
drug- susceptible and drug-resistant M.
tuberculosis.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
l Building up a repository of CRISPRi
mutant strains of mycobacteria: In the
last one year, 50 CRISPRi plasmid
constructs have been added in the
repository resulting in ~200 constructs
distinctly targeting genes in Mtb, M.
smegmatis and M. marinum. THSTI has
developed a specialized guide sequence
expressing plasmid, namely pGrna2 to
facilitate cloning and expression of
multiple guide sequence cassettes
targeting a versatile set of Mtb genes
from a single plasmid.
l Engineered the capsid protein of
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) to produce soluble
virus-like particles (VLPs) using a bacterial
expression system. This VLP is now being
evaluated as a vaccine candidate against
HEV by establishing a translational
research consortium between THSTI,
AIIMS (New Delhi), PGIMER (Chandigarh)
and Vaxfarm Life Sciences (industry
partner).
l Researchers at THSTI first time reported
the composition, diversity and functions
of gut microbiome of healthy Indians
living in the urban and rural areas. The
team has decoded the difference of gut
microbiome in healthy vs (i)
malnourished children (ii) IBD patients
and (ii) type 2 diabetes patients. Very
recently the team has identified vaginal
microbial signatures of preterm birth
delivery in Indian women.
l NABL accredited Bioassay Laboratory
(BAL) has been recognized as a part of
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations (CEPI) centralized network
labs. BAL hasreceived its second NABL
accreditation for SARS-CoV-2 ELISAs and
PRNTs and Chikungunya PRNT assay. It
has processed more than 1,36,000
clinical COVID samples using RT-PCR.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
IV. Multidisciplinary Clinical and Translational
Research:
l POCT for the detection of anti-HCV
antibodies: A lateral flow POCT using
upconverting phosphor nanoparticles
has been developed with a sensitivity of
98.23% and specificity: 99.16% in
comparison with Bio-Rad anti-HCV
ELISA.
l THSTI developed DNA aptamers-based
assay for the detection of Bungarus
caeruleus (Indian Krait) venom.
l THSTI has developed novel DNA
aptamers against HspX, an antigen-
based biomarker of M.tb and shown its
utility to detect both EPTB (TBM and
pTB) and pulmonary TB in clinical
specimens which is in advance stages of
commercialization.
l Two prototypes for rapid pathogen
capture and culture have been
developed:
l On 21st September 2021, an invention
entitled “Aptamer Against M.Tb Hupb
And Use Thereof” was granted to THSTI.
V. Non Communicable Diseases:
l THSTI launched an indigenously
developed web-based application,
“konnect2prot” which is freely available
for academic purposes only. It will
identify the triggering proteins, which
are possible causal agents between
various pathological or
pathophysiological conditions.
l Developed in vitro and in vivo models
relevant to NASH phenotype (steatosis,
inflammation and fibrosis) to support
small molecule drug discovery as well as
the development of herbal extracts as
therapeutics for Non-alcoholic Fatty
Liver Disease (NAFLD).
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
l Developed a new project on the
development of herbal extracts as
therapeutics for NAFLD in collaboration
with Dabur.
l On 29th October 2021, an Indian patent
for the invention entitled “Chemical
Process Utilizing Carbon Dioxide as a
Source of carbon" was granted in India.
VI. Clinical Development Services Agency
(CDSA):
l CDSA is supporting the investigators for
the conduct of 17 multi-centre clinical
trials/studies which includes a large ICMR
TB vaccine trial.
l Good Clinical Practice Professional
Certification Scheme (GCPPCS) was
launched on 15th August, 2021 for
certifying training as well as individual
professionals using international best
practices for assessment and certification
like ISO 17024.
l CDSA conducted Version 3.0 of the online
course on “Current regulatory
requirements for conducting clinical
trials in India for investigational new
drugs/new drug.”
l Ind-CEPI training Series 2 “Strengthening
Clinical Trials Research Capacity in India's
Friendly Countries” (Bahrain, Bhutan,
Gambia, Kenya, Oman, Myanmar, Nepal,
and Vietnam) was conducted by CDSA.
Societal Impact:
Extensive work done by THSTI on SARS-CoV-2 has
helped in the approval of vaccines and diagnostic
tests in the country. THSTI has contributed to the
clinical trials for COVAXIN, SPUTNIK V, CORBEVAX
and ZyCoVD in the country by providing animal
challenge studies and humoral & cellular assays.
The work on computational and mathematical
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
biology has resulted in numerical tools to dissect
large-scale data for the identification of
potential drug targets. With respect to vaccine
development against Dengue, our work on
developing a soluble, cleaved, well-ordered,
native-like E (envelope) protein dimers with
desirable antigenic properties and structural
integrity may lead to a potent vaccine. Similarly,
Influenza research platform will be a valuable
tool for evaluating antivirals and vaccine
candidates against the pathogen. Findings of the
gut microbiome compositions and its diversity in
rural and urban healthy Indian population will
certainly help clinicians to identify ideal donor
for faecal microbiome transplant. Similarly, the
vaginal microbiome study of the reproductive
age Indian women and its association with birth
outcomes will help clinicians for early prediction
of preterm birth. THSTI is working on the
development of diagnostics for acute febrile
illnesses (e.g., dengue, malaria, typhoid), blood-
borne infections, SARS-CoV-2, TB, snake bite,
AMR, and tests for rapid identification of
bacterial pathogen and phenotypic AST.
Diagnostic technologies and product that are
developed/being developed by THSTI will
certainly help in addressing the nation priorities
on better healthcare as well as self-reliance in
healthcare.
Nos. of technology transferred to Industry: 01
Nos. of Research Publications during 2021-22: 42
Nos. of Patent Applied: 03
Nos. of Patent granted during 2021: 03 (2 Indian
and 1 International)
Nos. of Human resources trained: 1314
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Public Sector Undertakings
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC), New Delhi
BIRAC, a Government of India Enterprise, not-for-
profit, Section-8 company, under Department of
Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology
facilitates Biotechnology sector by nurturing a
pipeline of entrepreneurs, Start-ups, capacity
building, connecting Academia-Industry,
Investors, Policy initiatives for Medium and Large
scale industries in the country. This includes
dedicated schemes and programs meant for
providing risk capital, targeted funding,
establishing high-end Bioincubation centres;
technical, business mentorship; legal, IP and
regulatory guidance; technology management
that help bring innovation excellence for
biotechnology firms and making them globally
competitive.
Vision and Mission:
The vision is to “Stimulate, foster and enhance
the strategic research and innovation capabilities
of the Indian biotech industry, particularly start-
ups and SMEs, for creation of affordable products
addressing the needs of the largest section of
society.”
MISSION
Facilitate and mentor the generation and
translation of innovative ideas into biotech
products and services by the industry, promote
academia – industry collaboration, forge
international linkages, encourage techno
entrepreneurship and enable creation and
sustainability of viable bio enterprises.
Major Initiatives:
l Intensifying the Impact of Industrial
Innovation (i4)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
The programme provides impetus for pulling the
translational ideas past PoC and taking them
further along the innovation chain for validation,
scale-up, demonstration and pre-
commercialization of products and technologies.
The programme is operated through two
schemes based on the Technology Readiness
Level (TRL):
Ø Small Business Innovation Research
Initiative (SBIRI): Supports development
and initial validation of
products/technologies (up to TRL6).
Under the SBIRI scheme, 56
products/technologies have been
commercialized so far and are market
ready or have been transferred. Many
technologies have reached early stage of
validation. In addition, 45 IPs have been
generated through various projects. In
the current financial year, one challenge
call and one regular call for proposals was
announced. The theme of the challenge
call was decided after deliberations with
area experts. 7 new projects were added
in addition to 46 ongoing projects. 5
projects were successfully completed
achieving TRL 3 – 6.
Ø Biotechnology Industry Partnership
Programme (BIPP): Supports validation,
demonstration and pre-
c o m m e r c i a l i z a t i o n o f
products/technologies (TRL7 and above).
Under BIPP Program, 2 calls for proposals
were announced during the current
financial year (2021-22). In the 53rd call
(challenge call aligned to the Mission
Programs of the Government of India)
th
that closed on 16 August, 2021, 36
proposals were received out of which 4
st
are currently under evaluation. As on 1
April, 2021, 39 proposals under various
thematic areas were ongoing under BIPP.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
The same along with the new sanctioned
proposals are being mentored and monitored
through Technical Expert Committee Meetings
and Online Interactions with PMC Experts. In the
current financial year, the BIPP project executed
by Kuantum Papers Ltd., Chandigarh got
successfully completed at TRL 8 wherein Ethanol
Production Plant & Technology for Ethanol
Production from Rice Straw has been
demonstrated. The pilot plant was run
continuously to demonstrate production of 20
Kilolitres ethanol. The Company now intends to
set-up a commercial plant.
Ø Promoting Academic Research Conversion to
Enterprise (PACE- AIR and CRS): The
Programme has two components as below
l Academia Innovation Research (AIR):
The objective of AIR program is to
promote development of Proof-of-
concept (PoC) for a process/product by
academia with or without the
involvement of industry/LLP.
l Contract Research Scheme (CRS): CRS
aims at validation of a process or
prototype (developed by the academia)
by the industrial partner/LLP.
Since inception of the scheme, 25 calls have been
launched and 133 projects have been supported
involving 59 sole and 74 collaborative projects. So
far, 7 technologies/products developed under
the scheme have achieved TRL7 and 13 IPs have
been generated. More than 80% of the projects
funded under AIR category of PACE so far have
achieved TRL3.
Ø Social Innovation programme for Products
Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health
(SPARSH): Under the program, 14 SPARSH
Centres spread over 9 states are established.
These Centres are working in six thematic
areas of social relevance viz. (i) Maternal and
Child Health, (ii) Ageing and Health, (iii) Food
and Nutrition, (iv) Waste to Value, (v)
Combating environmental pollution and (vi)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Agri-Tech (including reducing post-harvest
losses). The 14 Centres currently housed a
group of 65 Social Innovators working on
various problems of the society. 33 social
innovators in three thematic areas namely,
“Maternal and Child Health” “Ageing and
Health” and “Waste to value” are already
graduated, and several novel and interesting
ideas to tackle related problems were
generated.
Ø Innovation clean technology – Scale –up:
Program was launched as a part of the 100
days agenda of the Department of
Biotechnology under the Swachh Bharat
Mission. Few promising technologies in the
area of waste management/waste to energy
have been taken forward for Scale
up/implementation in association with
Municipal Corporations/Urban local bodies
(ULBs) identified by the companies. These
projects are being implemented with the
municipality of Goa; Gram panchayat
Bangalore, Municipal corporation of greater
Mumbai and Bicholim Municipal Council,
Goa. The pilot plants have been erected and
data collection is ongoing.
Ø Waste treatment at Barapullah Drain: DBT
has leased a land from DDA at the Barapullah
d r a i n s i t e . A “ C l e a n Te c h n o l o g y
Demonstration Park” has been proposed to
be developed at this land which will be
showcasing technologies for treatment of
sewage at Barapullah drain. The proposal for
setting up the demo plant has been received
and is under processing.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Ø DBT-BIRAC COVID-19 Research Consortium
Call: DBT-BIRAC COVID-19 Research
Consortium Call was one of the earliest
responses from Govt. side for supporting
technologies under Diagnostics, Vaccines,
Novel Therapeutics, Repurposing of Drugs or
any other intervention for control of COVID-
19. Overall from two calls that were
announced, around 1073 applications were
received and around 120 proposals
wereselected. Out of these, 46 proposals
have been supported by BIRAC and
remaining under National Biopharma
Mission, INDI-CEPI and DBT.
Ø Early Translation Accelerator: BIRAC is
supporting Early Translation Accelerators
(ETAs) to focus on catalysing transformation
of young academic discoveries
(publications/patents) with possible
co m m e rc i a l l y v i a b l e ve nt u re s a n d
technologies. In the year 2021-22, two ETAs
have been established: i. Yenepoya
Foundation for Technology Incubation,
established for health care products, and ii.
BETIC –IIT Bombay for devices & Diagnostics.
Ø Product Commercialization Program Fund
(PCP-Fund): BIRAC has launched the Product
Commercialization Program Fund (PCP Fund)
under the BIRAC Product Commercialization
Program (PCP) with the objective “To hasten
the market launching and large-scale
commercialization process of BIRAC
supported products/ technologies from
Indian Start-ups having high commercial
potential or societal impact.
Product/technologies from three start-ups
(Aspartika, Aarna Biomedicals and
Innaumation) were approved for funding and
first tranche of funds were released to the
start-ups in March 2020. Four more
technologies have been recommended for
funding in 2021-22.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
l Schemes for students and young
researchers
SITARE (Students Innovations for Translation
& Advancement of Research Explorations):
SITARE scheme is aimed at supporting
innovative student projects in the area of
biotechnology. The scheme has two
components-SITARE GYTI and SITARE-
Appreciation. The scheme is implemented in
partnership with SRISTI, Ahmedabad.
T h ro u gh SI TA R E GY T I t ill n ow 7 5
student/entrepreneurs/start-ups have been
awarded till now.
E-YUVA (Encouraging Youth for Undertaking
Innovative Research through Vibrant
Acceleration) scheme (erstwhile UIC): The
scheme is implemented through E-YUVA
Centres (EYCs) housed within the
University/Institute set up and mentored by
a BIRAC BioNEST supported bio-incubator
(EYUVA Knowledge Partner). Till now there
are 5 E-YUVA Centres and 5 new EYUVA
Centres were selected and identified in the
FY 20-21.
l Schemes supported under Ideation to
Proof-of-Concept stage:
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG): BIRAC's
flagship funding scheme provides the right
admixture of fuel and mentoring support to
young start-ups and entrepreneurial
individuals to establish proof-of-concept for
ideas with translational potential with
funding support of up to INR 50 lakhs (as
grant-in-aid).
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
l Schemes for promoting Incubation,
Translation and Scaling
B i o N EST ( B i o i n c u b ato rs N u r t u r i n g
Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies):
BioNEST bioincubators are mandated to
provide incubation space to entrepreneurs
and Start- ups along with access to high end
infrastructure, specialized and advanced
equipment, business mentorship, IP, legal
and regulatory guidance and networking
opportunities to start-ups. BIRAC has
established 60 BioNEST bioincubators across
the nation with the cumulative area of
6,50,000 sq.
l Schemes for Equity Funding
Equity schemes of BIRAC offer funding
support for the early-stage start-ups which
have potential for differential growth. It also
helps the entities to attract investment
opportunity from prospective investors.
SEED (Sustainable Entrepreneurship and
Enterprise Development), LEAP (Launching
Entrepreneurial Driven Affordable Products)
and Biotechnology Innovation (AcE –
Accelerating Entrepreneurs) Fund of Funds
are few equity schemes offering support to
early start-ups.
l Engaging with Regional Clusters to map
innovations and support entrepreneurs
BIRAC Regional Innovation Centre (BRIC)
Impact (2013-2021)
Ø Pan India Clusters mapping to be completed
by Aug 2021
Ø 800+ innovators engaged
Ø 250+ Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) Connected
Ø 65+ workshops, idea expositions and
n e t wo r k m e e t i n g s o n I P, f u n d i n g
opportunities, regulatory guidance and
capacity building through Incubation in Tier
II and III cities
BIRAC Regional Entrepreneurship Centre
(BREC) Impact (2017-2021)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
Ø 1900+ Students inspired through Awareness
Workshops
Ø 600+ entrepreneurs provided specialized
domain
Ø 500+ One-on-one meetings with between
Investors &Start-ups
Ø 6300+ Registrations for NBEC from across 32
States, Cash prizes and investment
opportunities worth INR 6.00 Cr mobilized
Ø 175+ entrepreneurs and start-ups mentored
through annual bootcamp involving
international faculty
BIRAC Regional Bio innovation Centre (BRBC)
Impact (2018-2021)
Ø 250+ entrepreneurs connected with
mentors
Ø 200+ one to one follow up meetings
Ø 250+ participants provided domain
knowledge through Venture Base Camps
Ø 40 Incubation managers trained
Ø 350+ students/entrepreneurs provided
insights into essentials of scientific
entrepreneurship
Ø 50+ start-ups assisted for solving regulatory
queries
BIRAC Regional Techno Entrepreneurship
Centre for East & NE (BRTC) Impact (2020- 2021)
Ø 2000+ Innovators reached out through
awareness programs such as Roadshows,
Training programmes and design workshops
Ø 85 startups across the NER were provided
one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Ø Mobilized 27 Innovative proposals from
North East and 90 from East for funding
support from BIRAC.
Ø BRTC signed MoU with various institutes like
IASST Guwahati, NIPER Guwahati, Manipur
University, NEHU, Tura Campus, Tripura
University, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar,
College of Fisheries, CAU and Green
314
 DBT-AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

Foundation, Imphal promoting
entrepreneurship and technology
development.
Ø Launched an initiative to map the Change
Makers of Northeast Region to identify
the budding entrepreneurs and prepared
a compendium of the region.
· Grand Challenges India at BIRAC
Grand Challenges India (GCI) is a collaboratively
funded partnership of the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) and the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation (BMGF), launched in 2012. GCI is the
Major Achievement:
1. Details of Process/Product/ Technology Developed during 2021-22: 19
TRL-7
S.No Company Scheme Technology
Indian arm of Global Grand Challenges and is the
flagship program managed by the PMU at BIRAC.
Till date, GCI has supported seven open call
programs and twenty specialized programs in
the sectors covering maternal and child health to
agriculture, nutrition, infectious diseases,
vaccines, AMR, health systems strengthening,
big data, and Medical Technologies (MedTech),
etc. It is also supporting programs on Sewage
Surveillance, Sero-Surveillance, Mobile
Diagnostic Labs to find solutions for the COVID-
19 pandemic. In the coming year GCI is proposing
to launch programs on neglected tropical
diseases, capacity building and other areas.
One line running Picture
description of
Technology developed

1 Prantae Covid- Embargo Embargo

Solutions 19 MagnaLISA MagnaLISA-SARS
Private Consorti -SARS (IgG-IgM kit) is
Limited um call (IgG-IgM ICMR cleared
OPC kit) diagnostic kit based
on gold magnetic
nanosensor
technology. ICMR
sensitivity of 98%,
specificity of 92%

2 Achira Labs Covid- Achira Achira SARS COV-

Pvt. Ltd 19 SARS 2 IgG ELISA
Consorti COV-2 IgG Validated by ICMR
um call ELISA with 92% sensitivity
and 98% specificity

3 Qawach Bio Covid- InstaCOVI InstaCOVIDAg is

Pvt. Ltd. 19 D- Antigen ICMR approved kit
Consorti test kit awaiting CDSCO
um call manufacturing
license

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

4 Nuverse Covid- DSAS Digital Sanitation

health 19 Contactless Assurance System
solutions Consorti Digital (DSAS) provides
adequate sanitation
Pvt Ltd um call Sanitation
and temperature
Entry Exit checks and also
System provide the user
based on sanitation ratings.
multi-gas The system
sensors achieved an
accuracy rate of
98.06% with 567
users over 90 trials.
5 Biological E Covid-19 CORBEVA CORBEVAX is a
Limited Consorti X™ vaccine Spike- RBD protein
um call sub-unit vaccine.
& Mission Phase II Trials
Covid Completed
Surakhsa Successfully

6 Persapien Covid- AIRLENS 5 Units

Innovations 19 Activated manufactured and
Pvt. Ltd Consorti Water Mist validated. Design
um call AWM based for manufacture
sanitization (DFM) ready for
technology scale-up
to prevent manufacturing. The
spread of AWM product was
Covid-19 tested to be 99%
effective against
microbes

7 Mag Covid- MagGenom ICMR Validation of

Genome 19 e Covid-19 RT-PCR kit
Technologie Consorti Single Tube completed
s Pvt. Ltd um call Multiplex
RT-PCR kit

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 316

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

8 Dr. Amit Covid- Smart Device has

Singh 19 system for ultrasonic sensors,
Consorti contactless IR sensors and
um call mass Humidity sensor
screening of and can accurately
COVID-19 detect temperature
for moving of moving subjects
subjects by wirelessly and
every smart display on smart
mobile user phone. The device
has been validated
in 100 subjects

9 InnAccel National Saans- A Saans- Design for

Technologies Biophar low cost manufacture (DFM)
Pvt ma multipowered finalised for scaleup
Limited Mission multifunctio manufacturing
nal neonatal
breathing
support
device for
low resource
settings.

10 Proximal SPARSH SOILSENS AI/ML-based

SoilSenS E- An solutions which
Technologie affordable help improving
s Private soil irrigation efficiency,
monitoring disease prediction
system for and other metrics.
precise Validation data
irrigation generated on potato
and tomato

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 317

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

TRL-8
S.No Company Scheme Technology One line running Picture
description of
Technology developed

1 Kuantum BIPP Cellulosic Ethanol production

Papers Ltd., Ethanol has been
Pilot Plant demonstrated
for Rice
Straw
Management

2 Cadila Covid- ZyCoV-D ZyCoV-D is

Healthcare 19 Vaccine comprised of a DNA
Limited Consorti plasmid Vector
um call carrying S gene of
2019-nCoV spike-S
protein. EUA
obtained for both
Adolescents (12-18
years) and Adults.
Phase III CT ongoing
3 Health Covid-19 Health Health Sensei iOS &
Sensei India Fasttrack Sensei iOS web application
Private call & web connects any vital
Limited application equipment and
transmits real time
patient vitals,
waveforms and
threshold alerts to a
remote physician's
smartphone.
Development and
implementation at
multiple centres
4 Varsha BioS CRS Biopesticide In vivo multi location/
ciences Pvt ecological zones trials
Ltd & Tea of biocontrol
Research formulation produced
Association, in 20L fermenters for
Nagarkatta CIB registration.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 318

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

TRL-9
S.No Company Scheme Product One line running Picture
description of
Product
Commercialized

1 Janitri SBIRI KEYAR & KEYAR - An

Innovations DAKSH affordable, easy to use
Private Wearable and wearable fetal
Limited Intrapartum heart rate and uterine
Monitoring contraction monitoring
Device device which
communicates with
DAKSH - AnIntrapartum
monitoring mobile
application. Completed
trials and integrated
products sold in market

2 IMGENEX Covid-19 Antigens Production at

India Pvt. Consorti (Kit Commercial scale of 1
Ltd. um call Component gm per month
S1-RBD, S1 established & achieved
protein & early sales
Nucleocapsi
d)
3 IMGENEX Covid-19 Monoclonal Production at
India Pvt. Consorti and Commercial scale of
Ltd. um call Polyclonal 100 mg per month
Antibodies established & achieved
(Kit early sales
Component)
against S1-
RBD,
Envelope
and
Nucleocapsi
d)

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

4 Cadila Covid-19 VIRAFIN Phase III trials

Healthcare Consorti Pegylated completed and
Limited um call Interferon emergency approval
alpha-2b in received from DCGI
treating for commercial launch
moderate
COVID-19
infection in
adults

5 Ubiqare Covid-19 Specialty A digital and mobility

Health Pvt. Fasttrack Medical healthcare technology
Ltd. Care at platform that supports
Home adistributed network
Services (m- ofclinicians for
HaaS delivering the last-mile
platform) interventions.
Telepresence platform
for Non-Covid has
been re-deployed for
Covid Care Protocol
and Triage and
deployed in more than
2 districts in Bengaluru

2. Nos. of Patent Applied during 2021-22: 02

3. Nos. of Patent obtained during 2021-22: 07
Indian Vaccines Corporation Ltd. (IVCOL),
New Delhi
Iindian Vaccines Corporation Limited (IVCOL)
was incorporated in March 1989 as a Joint
Venture Company promoted by the Govt. of
India (Department of Biotechnology-DBT);
Pasteur Meraux Serum & Vaccines (PMSV)
France; and Indian Petrochemicals Corporation
Ltd. (IPCL merged with the Reliance Industries
Limited in 2007) with a paid-up capital of Rs.
1 8 . 7 8 c ro r e s , a n d t h e o b j e c t i v e o f
manufacturing vaccines based on Vero cell
Technology to be supplied by PMSV France. The
company came into existence after the joint
venture was signed on 1st February 1989. The
main objective of the company was to
manufacture Injectable Polio Vaccines (IPV) to
be incorporated in the mass immunization
programme of the Govt. of India. However, as
IPV did not get approvals from the World Health
Organization, the project was put on “HOLD” in
February 1992. Thereafter P.M.S.V. exited from
the joint venture in 1998 by selling its shares to
DBT. In the year 1999, National Brain Research
Centre (NBRC) (An Autonomous Body) was

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

given 46.20 acres of land on thirty years lease, at In the year 2020-21 BIBCOL has produced and
a nominal lease rent of Rs.11.91 laces per annum. supplied 1731.44 lakhs doses of Oral Polio
This is the only income of the company at Vaccine and 4704.10 litres of Hand Sanitizer to
present. The company has no trading or fight against COVD pandemic. The company has
commercial activity at present and is maintaining continued to deposit a part of hand sanitizer sale
establishment to look after its site and complying in Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief
with the statutory obligations under the in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund.
company's act 2013. IVCOL is presently being
controlled by a board of Directors, with two
Directors representing RIL and three Directors
representing GOI (DBT). The Company has been
incurring losses for the last two years (Rs.44.51
lakh for 2019-20 and Rs.3.71 lakh for 2020- 21)
and has accumulated losses of Rs.48.22 lakh as of
31.03.2021.

Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals

Corporation Limited (BIBCOL), Uttar Pradesh

Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals

Corporation Limited (BIBCOL) is a Central Public
Sector Unit (PSU) in India, promoted by the
Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of
Science & Technology, Government of India with
primary objective of eradication of Polio from the
country. With continuous support of Department
of Biotechnology, BIBCOL has achieved this vision
of Government of India and now Company is in
diversification mode and two projects namely
Oral Cholera Vaccine and plasma derived
medicines are under execution. Further the
company is working for getting approvals and
sanction to augment the production of Covaxin®
in the country. In addition to bOPV in vaccine
segment, BIBCOL has been manufacturing and
marketing dispersible Zinc Tablet and Diarrhoea
Treatment Kit in Pharmaceutical segment.
BIBCOL is also in process of developing
candidates like Oral Cholera Vaccine and setting
up the facility for production of the same.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 321

 11
REGULATION,
INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY &
LEGISLATIONS

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
REGULATION, INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY & LEGISLATIONS
The Department of Biotechnology is committed
to promote the advancement of research and
teaching activities, by ensuring that all
experiments involving Hazardous
Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered
Organisms are conducted in compliance with
(Rules, 1989) under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA 1986).
The Rules, 1989 delegated the Department to
administer the functioning of i) Institutional
Biosafety Committees (IBSCs) which operate
directly from the premises of the institutions and
ensures on-site assessment and monitoring of
adherence to the biosafety guidelines with
overall oversight of the regulatory process, at the
institutional level and ii) Review Committee on
Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) which monitors &
reviews all ongoing research projects involving
high risk category and confined field experiments
and ensure the compliance of biosafety rules &
regulations. Framing and implementation of
safety measures and guidelines, while
conducting research on high risk group
microorganisms and GE organisms have also
been entrusted upon RCGM.
Guidelines Issued During 2021-22: The
document “SOPs for exchange of infectious
biosamples/biospecimen from Biorepsitory,
2021” was notified to ensure biosafety during the
collection, processing, storage and transaction of
biosamples/biospecimens which require BSL-2
or above containment facility for undertaking
research and development activities; and is
applicable for both public and private
organisations engaged in research and
development activities and handling of GE
organisms and non-GE HMOs.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
REGULATION, INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY & LEGISLATIONS
Certification of BSL-3 facilities: With the
notification of Guidelines for the Establishment
of Containment Facilities: BSL2 and BSL3 and
Certification of BSL3 facility 2020 in 2020-21; DBT
has initiated the certification of the nationwide
BSL-3 facilities and has certified 10 facilities till
November, 2021.
Biosafety Research: During the year, the RCGM
evaluated more than 653 applications from
public/private/autonomous organizations
including universities in 20 meetings in the areas
of agriculture, healthcare and industrial products
specifically for authorization to import, export &
exchange of high risk group microorganisms and
recombinant DNA research (rDNA) related
materials including seeds, gene constructs,
plasmids, vectors and genetically engineered
(GE)/living modified (LM) organisms; to conduct
pre-clinical toxicity studies; for evaluation of pre-
clinical study reports; to conduct confined field
trials on GE crops viz. cotton, corn, rice etc. for
generation of biosafety data; and to conduct
rDNA research in pharmaceutical & agriculture
sectors. This included 244 COVID 19 related
applications for the research and product
development of vaccines, diagnostics,
prophylactics and therapeutics and
import/export/exchange.
During the year under report, 8 rDNA products
were permitted by RCGM for conducting pre-
clinical toxicity studies by 6 private/public
institutions/companies. Based on the evaluation
of pre- clinical study reports, 18 rDNA were
recommended to Drug Controller General of
India [DCG (I)] for appropriate phase of human
clinical trials.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
The Biosafety Support Unit: The Biosafety
Support Unit (BSU) established in partnership
with Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB)
evaluated all applications submitted to RCGM for
approval, and provided support for conducting
scheduled RCGM meeting. The BSU has also
supported Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee (GEAC) providing Risk Assessment
and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) documents
for various applications considered in GEAC
meetings.
Owing to several recent reforms in the Indian
biotechnology regulation which included
decentralized regulatory powers to IBSC and
implementation of a user- friendly online
transactions mechanism of regulatory process
through Indian Biosafety Knowledge Portal
(IBKP). Further, a number of guidelines have been
notified in past one year including: Revised
Simplified Procedures/ Guidelines on Import,
Export and Exchange of GE organisms and
products thereof for R&D purpose, 2020; Rapid
response regulatory framework for COVID-19,
2020; Interim guidance document on laboratory
biosafety to handle COVID-19 specimens for R&D
purpose, 2020; Handbook for Institutional
Biosafety Committees (IBSCs), 2020; and
Guidelines for the Establishment of Containment
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
REGULATION, INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY & LEGISLATIONS
Facilities: BSL-2 and BSL-3 and Certification of
BSL-3 facility, 2020. Hence, it is imperative to
acquaint Researchers (Scientists, Principal
Investigators, Post- doctoral researchers, PhD
scholars, MSc students) from Academic
organizations, Institutes, Universities, and Start-
ups, with existing Rules and Regulations to
ensure sustainable and effective implementation
of the Biosafety regulation in India.
© Accordingly, 13 Interactive Sessions for
Biosafety Awareness for Researchers have
been conducted upto November 2021,
with participation from academia and
industry both in public and private sector
to create awareness on existing
regulations for biosafety in research and
well versed with the existing Rules and
Regulations to ensure sustainable and
effective implementation of the Biosafety
regulation in India.
© As a measure to observe strict compliance
of biosafety guidelines for rDNA activities
by various colleges, universities,
institutions, laboratories, and industry
through their Institutional Biosafety
Committees (IBSCs), 65 new IBSCs have
been constituted, while 38 old IBSCs were
renewed.
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PROPERTY & LEGISLATIONS

Foreign Trade, In-House R&D recognition and commercialize research outcomes for the
other issues: Trade plays an indispensable role benefit of the society. Keeping in view, this need,
and always been a decisive parameter in a proposal to establish patent facilitation and
country's economy. The Department had commercialization of innovation at BIRAC was
communicated comments on 09 applications formulated through various stakeholder
received from DGFT for fixation of I/O norms. consultation meetings and the process for the
Comments on 32 applications pertaining to same is on-going.
export/import of restricted items were also
shared with Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT). Keeping in view of the technical *****
expertise, merit & essentiality of the projects,
resources & manpower established, and
intellectual property (IP) generated, the
Department had recommended 10 R&D units of
biotechnology firms under in-house R&D
recognition scheme to the Department of
Scientific & Industrial Research.

Patent Facilitation Cell Capacity Building:

Biotechnology Patent facilitation facilitates
research and academic institutes across the
country to successfully protect their innovations.
Two patent applications have been granted in
the current year through this facilitation
mechanism. the value of intellectual property
rights depends on the cost incurred in creating
intellectual property assets and the magnitude
of knowledge & information generated and
disseminated for commercial activities. India
enjoys a large asset of R & D personnel and
infrastructure facilities. To bridge the gap
between the research outcome and its use for
the benefit of the stakeholders, scientists and
policymakers need information and facilities for
protecting their research. The DBT established
the “Biotechnology Patent Facilitation Cell
(BPFC)” to address this need. The cell provides a
single window awareness-cum-facilitation
mechanism to create awareness and
understanding about Intellectual Property
Rights among the scientists and researchers. In
year 2021-22, two patent applications have been
Granted so far. Awareness and patent facilitation
is a part of the support, but there is a huge need
to actively license the technologies to

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 12
ADMINISTRATION
AND FINANCE
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
General Administration Section
The General Administration Section of the
Department ensures that all the activities related
to Housekeeping, cleanliness, stores, canteen,
R&I, library, Staff Car Drivers, providing vehicles
to the officers of DBT, purchase of computer
hardware and maintenance of Computers,
Printers and other equipment, issuance of
Identity cards etc. are functioning effectively and
smoothly. Of late, this section is also dealing with
the cases of procurement of specialized
equipment required for research purposes in
various Autonomous Institutes of this
Department under GTE as per Department of
Expenditure's guidelines in this regard.
This Section is also responsible for providing
clean and healthy working atmosphere to the
employees working in different sections of the
department and also provides logistic supports
for organizing various official meetings that take
place between DBT Scientists and technical
experts, specialists, academicians, scholars,
foreign dignitaries from all over the national and
international fraternity.
e-Office
One of the achievements of this department is
the implementation of e-office with the active co-
operation of NIC in a full-fledged manner for
which all the employees have been given in-
house practical training. Almost 95% of the files
have been converted into e-files and are moved
through e-office thereby complying greatly to the
Digital India campaign. This being a continuous
process, new files are created in e-mode only and
all the new entrants in the department viz.,
scientists, officers, administrative staff are given
practical training to get acquainted with e-office.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
A total of 14978 Nos. of e-files are active and 258
Nos. of e-files have been generated during the
month of November, 2021.
Government e-Marketplace(GeM)
As per government order, it has become
mandatory to make procurement of such goods
and services from Government e-Marketplace
(GeM) as are available in it. The Administration is
also making every effort to procure almost all
goods and services through GeM as are available
in it, thereby complying with government
instructions and maintaining the transparency
under such procurement.
Swachh BharatAbhiyan
In its endeavour to maintain Swachhta in the
Department premise sweeping, mopping,
washing of all the rooms, corridors, floors,
bathrooms, used by officials are done on daily
basis making it a year-round exercise. Also,
keeping In view of COVID-19 situation,
sanitization is done on regular basis. A rapid
survey on Swachhta Status was conducted on
21st October 2021 to ensure the cleanliness of
floor, corridors, stairs, toilets etc. of the
Department.
Waste Management
e-waste and other obsolete items were identified
in the Department for auction as per Govt.
Norms. Recently, old, dilapidated furniture were
auctioned to clear and clean office space.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
COVID-19 Precautions
Adequate precautions for prevention of COVID-
19 has been taken in the Department following
the guidelines issued by Ministry of Health from
time to time. Sanitisations/pest/rodent control
exercises of the office rooms are done at regular
intervals. Automatic sanitizer dispensation
machines have been installed at different
locations of DBT office corridors, sanitizers are
also made available on regular basis as per
requisitions received and all are encouraged to
wear face masks and maintain COVID appropriate
behaviour. Meetings are organized maintaining
social distancing as per government guidelines
on COVID-19 protocol.
PVGRC Section
Parliamentary Matters
The meeting of the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Science and Technology,
Environment & Forests was held on 17.02.2021 in
the Parliament House Annexeregarding detailed
demand for grants of the Department of
Biotechnology. Replies to about 15
Parliamentary Questions pertaining to the
Department were duly replied within the
prescribed timeframe.
Grievance Redressal
The Department has established an effective
grievance redressalmechanism to deal with the
public as well as staff grievance petitions. The
Department regularly updates progress, disposal
and pendency of public grievances on the
website of Department of Administrative
Reforms & Public Grievances. A total of 629
grievances were received by the Department,
from 01.01.2021 to 21.12.2021, through the
CPGRAMS portal, out of which, 626 have been
disposed.
Vigilance Unit
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
A Vigilance Cell is functioning in the Department
to handle vigilance and complaint cases
expeditiously. In pursuance of the instructions of
the 'Central Vigilance Commission', a Vigilance
Awareness Week was observed in the
Department and the Autonomous Institutes(AIs)
and Public Sector Undertakings(PSUs) under its
administration from 26th October, 2021 to 1st
November, 2021. An office-wide awareness was
spread towards the theme of "Independent India
@ 75: Self Reliance with Integrity – स्वतंत्रभारत@ 75:
सत्यनिष्ठाकेसाथआत्मनिर्भरता", which was adopted by the
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) as theme for
the year 2021.
RTI Cell
RTI Cell is functioning in the Department &
quarterly reports are filed timely on the RTI
portal. A total of 303 RTI applications were
received by the Department, from 1.4.2021 to
23.12.2021, through the RTI portal, out of which
272 have been disposed, similarly a total of 27 RTI
appeals were received by the Department, out of
which 24 have been disposed respectively.
Special Campaign
Special Drive/Campaign was launched by the
th
Government of India during 13 September, 2021
st
to 31 October, 2021 for expeditiously disposing
of various pending issues, namely, Parliament
Assurances, Public Grievances, references from
Members of Parliament, State Government
references, Inter-Ministerial consultations, etc.
In addition to this Ministries/Departments were
to identify rules and regulations so as to reduce
compliance burden. The Department of
Biotechnology has implemented the Special
Campaign for disposal of Public Grievances,
inspection of Sections, cleanliness drive (indoor
& outdoor) and Record Management etc., in
letter and spirit and has made it a grand success.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

P RO G R ES S I V E U S E O F H I N D I I N T H E The competition for general knowledge was

D E PA RT M E N T: H i n d i d i v i s i o n e n s u re s
progressive use of Hindi and implementation of
Government policies on Official Language in the
Department. An Official Language
Implementation Committee constituted under
the chairmanship of the Joint Secretary
(Administration) in the Department reviews the
progressive use of Hindi in every quarter and
suggests corrective measures for promoting the
use of Hindi. During the year all documents
issued under Section 3(3) of the Official
Languages Act, 1963 were in bilingual form and
the letters received in Hindi were replied to in
Hindi only. In order to strengthen the monitoring
system of progressive use of Hindi, the
officerswho signthe papers have been made the
check-points. Under Rule 8(4) ofthe Official
Language Rules, 1976, Establishment,
Administration, PVGRC, Cash section and Library
in the Department have been notified to do their
100% work in Hindi. Hindi fortnight was
organized in the Department during 01-15th
September 2021, inwhich 6 different
competitions namely, Vaigyanikshodh par
bhashan, Noting & Drafting, Kavita path, General
knowledge competition in hindi and Hindi
Vyavahar competition, Essay writing were held.
especially held for encouraging the multi-tasking
staff and speech on scientific thesis for all
scientists in the department. Around 76
officers/employees participated in various
competition, out of which 64 officials won
different prizes.
Successful participation in different competitions
of Hindi fortnight were awarded in a prize
distribution ceremony. The first prize of ₨.
5000/-, second prize of ₨. 3500/, third prize of
₨.2500/- and 5 consolation prizes of ₨.1500/-
each have been awarded. With a view to
encourage writing of original books on
biotechnology related subjects in Hindi, the
Department has been implementing an award
scheme namely “Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose
Hindi GranthLekhanPuraskarYojna” since 2002.
Under this scheme, first prize of Rupees one lakh
rupees, second prize of rupees fifty thousand,
third prize of rupees twenty-five thousand and
two consolation prizes of rupees ten thousand
each is given. This year two consolation prizes
worth Rs. Ten Thousand only were awarded.

INTEGRATED FINANCE DIVISION

Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was allocated an amount of Rs.3502.37 crore in the Budget Estimate
(BE) for FY 2021-22. The allocation has, however, been reduced to Rs.2961.00 crore at RE stage. The
financial statement showing the stage details of Actual Expenditure during 2020-21, BE and RE for 2021-
22, and BE for 2022-23 in respect of various programmes/ Schemes/ autonomous institutions are given
in Table below:

SL No. Name of the Actual BE 2021-22 RE 2021-22 BE 2022-23

Programme/Scheme 2020-21

1 2 3 4 5 6

REVENUE SECTION
1 Secretariat Economic

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 329

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

1.01 Secretariat 26.40 35.18 34.82 35.18

2.01 BIRAC 28.00 40 24.80 35.00

2.02 Support to Autonomous 577.00 806.91 697.38 830.82

R&D institutions *

3.01 Biotechnology Research 1287.43 1660.28 1494.00 1315

and Development,
Human Resource
Development , Research
Resource Facilities

4.01 Industrial and 340.90 960.00 710.00 365

Entreprenership
Development
Total 2259.73 3502.37 2961.00 2581.00

* Institute includes 16 Autonomous Bodies namely National Institute for Plant Genome Research, New
Delhi, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhuvaneswar, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology,
Thiruvananthapuram, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, International Centre for
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi., National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi,
National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Centre for DNA Finger Printing & Diagnostics, Hyderabad,
National Brain Research Centre, Gurgaon, Institute of Bioresources& Sustainable Development, Imphal,
Translational Health Science & Technology Faridabad, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad,
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative
Medicine, Bengaluru, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Centre of Innovative and
Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 330

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Pending C&AG Audit Paras
The status on Action Taken Notes (ATN) on pending C&AG Paras pertaining to the Department is as
follows:
Sl. Para Number and Year No. of
No. Report paras
settled
during
the year
1. Para No.4.2 of Report Nil
No.2 of 2018 -Regarding
Irregular Grant of
Promotion and
entitlement and pertains
to National Centre for
Cell Science (NCCS),
2. Para No. 4.3 of Report Nil
No. 2 of 2018 regarding
“Non-utilization of land
procured for
construction of staff
quarters) pertaining to
National Institute of
Immunology (NII), New
Delhi.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Number of Present Position
paras
One 2nd ATN was sent to C&AG on
04.09.2019. The C&AG after
vetting the 2nd ATN, has asked
for revised ATN/ additional
information. The matter was last
reviewed in the Standing Audit
Committee Meeting held on
9.6.2021 under the
Chairpersonship of
Secretary(DBT) and instructions
issued to NCCS for compliance of
C&AG observations. Follow-up is
being done on regular basis. As
soon as the compliance report is
received from NCCS the same will
be forwarded to C&AG Deptt. for
settlement of the Para.
rd
One 3 ATN was sent to C&AG on
28.09.2021 with a request to
drop the para.
In response, O/o C&AG have
stated that their comments
issued vide letter No.339-40
dated 31.12.2020 may please be
treated as final vetting comments
and the Department has to
upload the final ATN on APMS
portal after completion of the
construction work.
331
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
3. Para No. 14.2 of Report Nil
No.6 of 2020 regarding
Extra Expenditure
towards grants of
allowances to employee
in National Brain
Research Centre (NBRC),
Manesar
*****
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
This is to state that as per the
extension received from DDA,
construction of quarters has to
be completed by 31.3.2023. This
implies that the Para will, at least,
continue till 31.3.2023.
One The para has been sent to the
nodal officer in the Department
as well as NBRC for their
comments which are awaited.
Follow-up through meetings is
being done on regular basis. Also
official reminders are also being
issued for compliance of the
Audit para. As soon as the
compliance report is received
from NBRC the same will be
forwarded to C&AG Deptt. for
settlement of the Para.
332
 13
DBT @ IISF2021
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
DBT @ INDIA INTERNATIONAL
SCIENCE FESTIVAL (IISF) 2021
India International Science Festival 2021, which is
7th edition of IISF was organized at Panaji, Goa
from December 10 to 13, 2021. The Ministry of
Earth Sciences (MoES), Ministry of S&T and
Vijnana Bharati along with the Government of
Goa together organized the mega event.
This year the theme of IISF was 'Celebrating
Creativity in Science, Technology and Innovation
for Prosperous India'. IISF 2021 had twelve
programs including the Mega Science and
Technology Expo all reflecting the spirit and idea
of Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. IISF 2021 was held
in hybrid mode i.e. both physical and virtual
mode.
The Department along with co-coordinators from
MoES and Vijnana Bharati coordinated two major
events:
1 Eco-Fest
2. New Age Technology Show
In addition, the Department showcased its
various programmes and opportunities available
for Scientific Community in the Mega Science and
Technology Expo. DBT Autonomous institutes
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT @ IISF2021
and DBT PSU – BIRAC also showcased their
activities and achievements at the Mega Science
and Technology Expo.
ECO-FEST
Chief Coordinator: Dr. Sangita M Kasture
(Scientist F, DBT)
Theme: Creativity in Science for Preserving
Ecosystems
The ECO-FEST event in IISF 2021 was held from
10th -13th December 2021 at Kala academy, Panaji,
Goa in hybrid mode. The event was attended
physically by 150 students and 20 research
Scholars. 1074 participants registered for the
event and attended virtually.
The inaugural session of ECO-FEST was adorned
by the gracious presence of Shri Om Prakash
Saklecha, Hon'ble Minister of S&T, Government
of Madhya Pradesh. He emphasised on role of
clean environment for healthy life and need of
contribution of each individual in maintaining
clean environment as well as spreading the
awareness.
334
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
This event witnessed discussion by 75 eminent
penal members on Ancient Indian Scriptures &
Environment, Eco-entrepreneurship, Mitigation
& Adaptation measures: Action plan, India's
resolves for carbon neutrality, Aquatic Ecology
and Economy: Ideas & Action, Achievements &
Resolves for Water Security, Action & Resolves
for Eco-restoration, Energy Policy, Indian Lifestyle
& Idea of India for Sustainability, India struggle
for conserving ecosystem (Tribal movement),
Environmental education in School curriculum:
India's Resolve, Waste to wealth: Achievement &
Action, Idea of Circular Economy/Impact of
colonization areas.
Six Start-Ups innovators were invited and they
shared their views, experiences and given
insights to the audience about their innovation
solutions and contributions towards nature,
society on Delivering net-zero compatible
solutions with focus on energy access for all.
The Jagrut Bharat activity has given opportunity
to see glimpse of innovation done by Five Young
Environment Warriors. In this activity one Young
Environment Warrior from USA has shared ideas
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT @ IISF2021
on “Recycle My Battery”-RMB. Dr. Shekhar C.
Mande, DG-CSIR, encouraged the students to
take message from these innovators and lead the
path for sustainable development.
Round Table Discussions themed on “Clean
Energy Transition Challenges and Opportunities”
was centre of attraction of ECO-FEST. The experts
s h a re d t h e i r p e rs p e c t i ve s o n C a r b o n
Management Solutions, Wave Energy and their
applications, Solar Energy harnessing, Bio- based
plastics and Chemicals and Biofuture: low carbon
Bio-economy. This event has witnessed
participation of two international speakers from
Germany and Brazil.
In ECO-FEST event five eminent speakers shared
their thoughts. The “Behavioural changes to
adopt an eco- friendly lifestyle” by Sharad P. Kale,
Eminent Scientist and Padam Shri Awardee. Shri
Vidyut Mohan, Innovator-Takachar, EarthShot
Awardee 2021 shared views on “Mobile
equipment to convert waste biomass into solid
fuel”. The “Developing sustainable technologies
for ecosystem development” by
335
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
by Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Padam Bhushan and
Padam Sri Awardee, Environmentalist, Green
activist, Founder of Himalayan Environmental
Studies and Conservation Organization
(HESCO). Prof. Tanu Jindal, Amity University,
Noida shared views on “Circular Economy,
Green Technologies, Clean Energy” leading to
Save earth to bring birth to earth. Eminent
scientist Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, FRS
and Former DG-CSIR made audience
enlightened on “Green hydrogen in India's green
future”.
The Site Visit activities were centre of attraction
among students. The site visits at National
Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa has given
opportunities to see research environment and
facilities to 55 undergraduate students of Goa.
The site-visit at Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT @ IISF2021
made students to get enriched on avian
biodiversity. The students interacted with CFO
Sh Paresh Porab who is discoverer of a new
species of a caecilian frog. The “Waste to
Energy” site visit at Marmagao, Goa has given
students to learn about clean energy and
conservation of nature.
The Guest of Honour lecture was delivered by
Shri Jayant Sahasrabudhe Ji on “Panchamrut-
India's five action on climate change”.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of
Earth Sciences, Government of India, delivered
the valedictory address on 13th December 2021.
He urged the students to take home the
message of climate awareness and take forward
the innovations for Clean Energy transitions to
meet the Net Zero Goals.
336
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
New-Age Technology
Chief Coordinator: Dr. Alka Sharma (Senior
Adviser, DBT)
Theme: Scientific Creativity for Future
'New Age Technology' event was held from 10-
12, Dec. 2021. The event had three dedicated
themes, viz. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine
Learning (ML), Data Analytics; Internet of Things;
AR/VR/MR/XR and AI-ML; Innovation showcase
in New Age technologies in Life Sciences. DBT
organized the dedicated session on 'New Age
Technology in Life Sciences' on Day 3 of the event
i.e. December 12, 2021, showcasing the novel
technologies in life sciences and the way they are
shaping human health science endeavours.
The track began with a key note address on 'Gene
therapy -The Need and Possibilities in India', by
Prof. Alok Srivastava, Centre for Stem Cell
Research (CSCR), CMC, Vellore. He beautifully
summarized the various approaches to gene
therapy, the range of applications that gene
therapy holds promise for, globally approved
gene and gene-modified cell therapy products
and gene therapy procedures for hematological
disorders. DBT supported “first in India” CAR-T
cell gene therapy in early phase pilot clinical trial
and Phase I Clinical trial of lentiviral vector-based
gene therapy for Hemophilia A were highlighted.
Further, he remarked that community awareness
and information spread among patient groups
and community engagement programmes,
especially for hemophilia and sickle cell anemia,
will help in increasing acceptance for the
treatment. While mentioning that there is huge
potential and market for gene therapy, the
speaker noted that successful gene therapy
requires modified / regulated pricing model, for
making affordable products.
A Panel Discussion on “Technology Platforms for
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT @ IISF2021
Development of COVID-19 Vaccines”, chaired
and moderated by Dr. N. K. Arora, Executive
Director, The INCLEN Trust International,
included distinguished panellists comprising
public health experts, vaccinologists and industry
representatives. Dr. Kapil Maithal, President,
Vaccine and Diagnostics, Zydus Cadila; Dr. Sanjay
Singh, Founder-CEO, Gennova
Biopharmaceuticals Limited; Prof. K Srinath
Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of
India; Prof. G. Padmanabhan, Former Director,
IISc, Bengaluru; Prof. Varadarajan, IISc,
Bengaluru; participated in the discussion. The
panellists deliberated on the challenges in the
journey towards the development of indigenous
DNA and mRNA vaccines in India; public health
perspectives in vaccine development and
deployment; the robust vaccine development
ecosystem built over the years and the advisory
support and facilitation by Government of India.
In an event, 'Demonstration on New
Technologies in Life Sciences', 14 participants
from academia and young start-ups presented
their innovative technologies in the life sciences
sector. The interventions were evaluated by a
jury comprising Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser,
DBT; Dr. Krishna Shastry, Scientist G, NCCS, Pune;
Dr. Subhra Ranjan Chakrabarti, Mission Director,
National Biopharma Mission, Biotechnology
Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a
PSU of DBT. The results were announced in the
Valedictory Session for “New Age Technology”
held in the later part of the day. The team of R.
Raman & R. Laksmanan, (19-year-old students
who founded the Start-up Backyard Creators Pvt.
Ltd., was adjudged the winner of the
competition. Dr. Deeksha Pandey, Assistant
Professor, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal and
the team led by Mr. Ashirbad Jana, from IIT
Guwahati, were selected for the second and third
prizes, respectively.
337
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
During Valedictory session, Shri. Jayant
Sahsrabuddhe, National Organizing Secretary
Vijnana Bharathi (VIBHA), in his remarks,
mentioned that the outcomes
/recommendations of these sessions need to be
taken up further, with all the stakeholders as per
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT @ IISF2021
the national priorities. He further stated that
these efforts will add tremendous value to
strengthen the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat
initiatives of our Hon'ble Prime Minister.
338
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22
Mega Science and Technology Expo
The Department, its 15 Autonomous institutes
and one of the PSUs – BIRAC showcased their
activities and major achievements at Mega
Science and Technology Expo to spread the
awareness about the cutting edge research going
on in these institutes and possible opportunities
for researchers, students and society which the
Department offers. The DBT AIs pavilions
highlighted the contributions in COVID-19
diagnostics, and vaccine and drug development
and testing. The youngsters were told about
myriad opportunities in pursuit of scientific
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
DBT @ IISF2021
career. There were interesting fun games at
which were enjoyed a lot by the students. The
displays attracted huge crowds of thousands of
visitors over the four days. These includedpeople
from various demographics and backgrounds,
including school and college students, medical
college and nursing college students, educators,
parents, and people from diverse professions
and age groups.
The pavilions of DBT-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for
Biotechnology (DBT-RGCB) and DBT- - National
Institute of Biomedical Genomics (DBT-NIBMG),
won the "Best Conceptual Pavillion award."
339
ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 DBT @ IISF2021

*****

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 340

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATIONS:
AIIMS All India Institute of Medical Sciences
AAYUSH Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy
ABLE Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises
ACTREC Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer
ADBS Accelerator Program for Discovery in Brain Disorders Using Stem Cells
AEF Avoided Emissions Framework
AFB Acid- Fast Bacilli
AFM Atomic Force Microscopes
AFMC Armed Forces Medical College
AGR Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor
AI Artificial Intelligence
AIS Autonomous Institutes
AIS Acute Ischemic Stroke
AMD Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMG Amniotic Membrane Grafts
AMPs Antimicrobial Peptides
AMR Mission Antimicrobial Resistance
AMTZ Andhra Med-Tech Zone
APL Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia
ARMS Amplification Refractory Mutation System
ARPCS Advanced Research Platform for Crop Sciences
ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASHD Application of Stem Cell Technology in Human Disease
ATGC Accelerated Translational Grant for Commercialization
ATLs Accredited Test Laboratories
ATN Action Taken Notes
ATO Arsenic Trioxide
ATPC Advanced Technology Platform Centre
AUC Analytical Ultra Centrifuge
AVT1 Advanced Varietal Trial-1
B.E. Bachelor of Engineering
B.Tech. Bachelor of Technology
B4 Building Bharat-Boston Biosciences Programme
B-ACER Bioenergy-Awards for Cutting Edge Research
BBB BSC BioNest Bio-incubator
BCG BacilleCalmette-Guerin
BDIs Biodesign Innovators
BEAMing Beads, Emulsion, Amplification and Magnetics Methodology
BEVS Baculovirus Expression System
BGWL Bermuda Grass White Leaf
BGYMV Bittergourd Yellow Mosaic Virus
BHU Banaras Hindu University

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 341

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ABBREVIATIONS

BIBCOL Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Ltd.

BIN Bangur Institute of Neurosciences
BioCARe Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-Orientation Programme
BIPP Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme
BIRAC Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
BiSEP Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Programme
BITP Biotech Industrial Training Programme
BLAST Basic Local Alignment Search Tool
BLiSC Bangalore Life Science Cluster
BLiSS Biotechnology Labs in Senior Secondary Schools
BMGF Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
BMP-2 Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2
BPFC Biotechnology Patent Facilitating Cell
BTCIF Biotechnology Core Instrumentation Facility
BTISNet Biotechnology Information System Network
BTV Blue Tongue Virus
BUILDER Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments for Education
and Research Programme
CaCx Cervical Cancer
CAHC C. Abdul Hakeem College
CAP Centre for Aromatic Plants
CAV Chicken Anemia Virus
CBR Cancer Biology Research
C-CAMP Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms
CCBT Centre for Cancer Biology & Therapeutics
CDA Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia
CDSA Clinical Development Services Agency
CDSCO Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
CDTI Centre for The Development Of Industrial Technology
CDV Canine Distemper Virus
CEEB Combined Entrance Examination For Biotechnology
CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
CEV Carp Edema Virus
CFTRI Central Food Technological Research Institute
cGMP Current Good Manufacturing Practices
CHDs Congenital Heart Diseases
CHIKV Chikungunya Virus
chTOG Colonic Hepatic Tumor Over-Expressed Gene
CIARI Central Island Agricultural Research Institute
CIFA Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
CIFE Central Institute of Fisheries Education
CII Confederation of Indian Industry
CIMAP Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 342

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ABBREVIATIONS

CiRA Centre for iPSC Research, Kyoto University

CMD Common Mental Disorders
CMT Canine Mammary Tumour
CNP Cancer Network Program
CNT Carbon Nanotube
CNV Copy Number Variation
CoE Centre of Excellence
COI Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I
COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019
CPV Canine Parvovirus
CPWD Central Public Works Department
CRC Clinical Research Centres
CRISPR Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
CRTPC linical Research Training Programme
CRUK Cancer Research UK
Cryo-TEM Cryo- Transmission Electron Microscope
CSCR Centre for Stem Cell Research
CSIR Council for Scientific & Industrial Research
CSRTI Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute
CSU Central Surveillance Unit
CTEP Conference, Travel, Exhibition And Popular Lectures
CTL Catalytic Thermo Liquefaction
CTN Clinical Trial Network
CTTI Clinical Trials Toolkit for India
CUST Cochin University of Science & Technology
CVD Cardio Vascular Diseases
CyHV2 Cyprinid herpesvirus-2
DALI Dyslexia Assessment for Languages of India
DBA Diamond Blackfan Anemia
DBH Dopamine Β-Hydroxylase
DBS Dried Blood Spots
DBT Department of Biotechnology
DBT-JRF Junior Research Fellowship
DBT-NECAB North East Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB)
DBT-RA Research Associates
DCFR Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries Research
DCGI Drugs Controller General of India
DDR DNA Damage Response
DEA Dog Erythrocyte Antigen
DHA Docosahexaenoic Acid
DIID Deciphering Idiopathic Intellectual Disability
DIOLC Decoupled Input–Output‐Linearizing Controller

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 343

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ABBREVIATIONS

DIVA Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals

DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DOHaD Developmental Origins Of Health And Disease
DoS Department of Space
DPITT Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
DSC Differential Scanning Calorimetry
DTU Delhi Technology University
EAM Electroactive Molecule
EDP Electronics Data Processing
ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EMBC European Molecular Biology Conference
EMBL European Molecular Biology Laboratory
EMBO European Molecular Biology Organization
EP I Efflux Pump Inhibitors
EPA Eicosapentaenoic Acid
EPS Exopolysaccharides
ESR Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
ESRC Economic and Social Research Council
ESRF European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
EUA Emergency Use Authorisation
EVANS Eigen Value Analysis
FAARD Foundation For Advancement of Agriculture and Rural Development
FCR Feed Conversion Ratio
FFIRST Facilitation of Innovation & Regulation For Start-Ups and
Innovators
FRIGE Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FXS Fragile X Syndrome
GABA Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
GADVASU Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
GAPDH Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase
GBU Gautam Buddha University
GCI Grand Challenges India
GC-MS Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
GCP Good Clinical Practice
GD Gaucher Disease
GeM Government E-Market Place
GESPREM Genome Sciences And Predictive Medicine
GETin Genome Engineering/Editing Technologies Initiative
Ginir Genomic Instability Inducing Rna
GIPMER GovindBallabh Pant Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education And Research
GKVK Gandhi KrishiVignana Kendra

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 344

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ABBREVIATIONS

gMECs Goat Mammary Epithelial Cell

GnRH Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
GRP Global Research Programme
GSCs Glioma Stem-Like Cells
GTR Glucosinolate Transporters
Hap Hydroxyapatite
HCPs Host Cell Proteins
HeLTI Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative
hF8 Human Blood Coagulation Factor 8
HFSPO Human Frontier Science Programme Organization
HGW High Grain Weight
HIPC Human Immunology Project Consortium
HITAP Health Intervention And Technology Assessment Program
HLB Huanglongbing
HNB Hydroxynapthol Blue
hPSCs Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
HPV Human papilloma virus
HQ Headquarters
HRD Human Resource & Development
HTIC Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre
hTPA Human Tissue Plasminogen Activator
IA India Alliance
IABF Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund
IACS Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science
IASST Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology
IAVI International Aids Vaccine Initiative
IBAB Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology
iBEC Indian Biological Engineering Competition
IBIN Indian Bioresource Information Network
IBSCs Institutional Biosafety Committees
IBSD Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development
IBTPs Industrial Biotechnology Parks
ICAR Indian Council of Agriculture Research
ICGC International Cancer Genome Consortium
ICGEB International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology
ICKD Indian Chronic Kidney Diseases
ICMR Indian Council of Medical Research
ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for The Semi-Arid Tropics
IDSP Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme
IFS Integrated Farming System
iGEM International Genetically Engineered Machine
IGIB Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
IGKV Indira Gandhi KrishiVishwavidyalaya

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 345

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 ABBREVIATIONS

IGRA Interferon Gamma Release Assay

IGRA Interferon-Gamma (IFN-Γ) Release Assay
IHBT Institute of Himalayan Bioresources Technology
IHHNV Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus
IHT Institute of Horticulture Technology
IICB Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
IICT Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
IIIT International Institute of Information Technology
IIL Indian Immunological Limited
IIRR Indian Institute of Rice Research
IISc Indian Institute of Science
IISER Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
IISF India International Science Festival
IIT Indian Institute of Technology
IITM Indian Institute of Technology Madras
ILBS Institute of Liver And Biliary Sciences
ILS Institute of Life Sciences
IMCs Indian Major Carps
IMNV Infectious Myonecrosis Virus
INAE Indian National Academy Of Engineering
INCLEN International Clinical Epidemiology Network
Ind-CEPI India Centric Epidemic Preparedness Innovation
INMAS Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences
INORMS International Network of Research Management Societies
INSA Indian National Science Academy
INSACOG The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium
inStem Institute For Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine
IPGMER Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education And Research
IPN Interpenetrating Network
IRMI India Research Management Initiative
IRRI International Rice Research Institute
ISI Indian Statistical Institute
ISO International Organization for Standardization
IYBA Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award
JAM Joint Admission Test
JIPMER Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research
JNCASR Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
JNU Jawahar Lal Nehru University
JWG Joint Working Group
KINFRA Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation
KRIBS KSUM-RGCB Innovation and Bioincubation Society
KUSUM Kerala Start Up Mission
LAMP Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

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LC-HRMS Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

LED Light-emitting Diode
LFA Lateral Flow Assay
LoI Letter of Intent
LSHTM London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
LSPCA Locality-Sensitive PCA
LSSSDC Life Science Sector Skill Development Council
LUVAS LalaLajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
M. Tech. Master of Technology
M. V.Sc. Master of Veterinary Sciences
M.Sc. Master In Science
MABC Marker Assisted Back Cross
MACC Microalgal Co-cultivation
MACP Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme
MALF Marine Algal Liquid Fertilizer
MAP Multiple Antigenic Peptides
MBV/PmNV Monodon baculovirus/Penaeus monodon nudivirus
MCI Mild Cognitive Impairment
MCV/ISKNV Megalocytivirus/Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus
MDV Marek's disease virus
MFC Microbial Fuel Cell
Mg63 Malignant glioma
MGIT Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube
MLL Mixed-Lineage Leukemia
MMP Mission Mode Project
MoEF&CC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
MOES Ministry of Earth Sciences
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MrNV Macrobrachiumrosenbergiinodavirus
MSMF Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation
MTBC 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline
MTECH Institute of Microbial Technology
MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide
MyDAN Mycobacterial Diseases in Animals Network
NABI National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute
NABL National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories
NADES Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent
NAFLD Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
NAHD Novel Approaches to Hematological Disease
NARI National Aids Research Institute
NATRAD National Alliance for Translational Research In Autoimmune Diseases
NBFGR National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources

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NBM National Bio-pharma Mission

NBRC National Brain Research Centre
NBRI National Botanical Research Institute
NCBI National Centre for Biotechnology Information
NCBS National Centre for Biological Sciences
NCCS National Centre of Cell Sciences
NCDC National Centre for Disease Control
NCDs Non-Communicable Diseases
NCMR National Centre for Microbial Resource
NCRI National Cancer Research Institute
NCS-TCP National Certification System For Tissue Culture Raised Plants
NDV Newcastle Disease Vaccine
NECBH North East Centre for Biological Sciences and Healthcare Engineering
NEERI National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
NER North Eastern Region
NERC Natural Environment Research Council
NET National Eligibility Test
NGS New Generation Sequencing
NGTS Mission- Next Generation Treatment for Snakebite
NIDAN Kendras National Inherited Disorders Administration Kendras
NIH National Institutes of Health
NII National Institute of Immunology
NIIST National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science And Technology
NIMHANS National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences
NIPER National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
NIPGR National Institute of Plant Genome Research
NIRT National Institute for Research In Tuberculosis
NISER National Institute of Science Education and Research
NLDB National Liver Disease Biobank
NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
NNV Nervous Necrosis Virus
NRCM National Research Centre On Meat
NSCLC Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
NtCD Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots
NUS National University of Singapore
OBC Other Backward Classes
OF Oviductal Fluid
OIE Office International des Epizooties (The World Organisation for Animal Health)
OPUS Optoacoustic Ultrasound
OSCC-GB Gingivo-Buccal Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
OTUs Operational Taxonomic Unit
PACT Partnerships for Advancing Clinical Trials
PAN Presence Across Nation

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PARR PCR For Antigen Receptor Rearrangements

PAU Punjab Agriculture University
PBMNCs Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
PBR Photo Bioreactors
PCOS Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
PDMS Poly-Dimethyl Siloxane
PDP Project Directorate On Poultry
PEG Polyethylene Glycol
PEM Proton Exchange Membrane
PG Post Graduate
PGIMER Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education And Research
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
PHST Pre-Harvest Sprouting Tolerance
Pis Project Investigators
PKDL Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
PLAP+ Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Positive
PMNS Pune Maternal Nutrition Study
PoCs Perform Proof-of-Concepts
PPD Purified Protein Derivative
PPI Protein Protease Inhibitor
PRIYA Pune Rural Intervention In Young Adolescents
PSUs Public Sector Undertakings
PTB Pre Term Birth
PUFA Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
PYMoV Pepper Yellow Mosaic Virus
QRT-PCR Quantitative Reverse Transcription Real-time polymerase chain Reaction
R&D Research & Development
RAD Rapid Anaerobic Digestion
RBCs Red Blood Cells
RBD Receptor Binding Domain
RBIAC Rural Biotech Innovation And Application Centre
RCB Regional Centre for Biotechnology
RCGM Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation
RePORT Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis
RF Radio Frequency
RGSLs Regional Genome Sequencing Laboratories
RISE Research Internships In Biotechnology Based - Sciences And Engineering
RISV Riverside Virus
RMRC Regional Medical Research Centre
RNA Ribonucleic Acid
RNA Ribonucleic Acid

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R-PAC R-Phenyl Acetyl Corbinol

RSIV Red sea bream iridovirus
RTG Redundant Trunk Group
RT-PCR Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
RYD Rice Yellow Dwarf
S&T Science & Technology
SAF Small Animal Facility
SAHAJ Scientific Infrastructure Access For Harnessing Academia University
SAP Swachhta Action Plan
SARS-CoV-2 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
SAU State Agricultural University
SBE Snakebite Envenoming
SBIRI Small Business Innovation Research Initiative
SBRL Seribiotechnology Research Laboratory
SC/ST Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes
SCC Somatic Cell Count
SCGS Sugarcane Grassy Shoot
SciComm Science Communication
SCTIMST SreeChitraTirunal Institute For Medical Sciences And Technology
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SECP Surface-Exposed Colonization Proteins
SEM Scanning Electron Microscope
SERS Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
SFA Saturated Fatty Acids
SGPGIMS Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute Of Medical Sciences
SGRH Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
SHG Self-Help Group
SHRs Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
SiB School of International Biodesign
SICCT Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Test
siRNA Small Interfering RNA
SIT Single Intradermal Tuberculin Test
SKAU Sher-E-Kashmir University
SKUAST-K Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir
SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SLN Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
SNP Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism
SNSF Swiss National Science Foundation
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
SPCE Screen Printed Carbon Electrodes
SPR Surface Plasmon Resonance
SPRERI Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute
SR– NBACD S. Ramachandran - National Bioscience Award For Career Development

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STAG Scientific and Technical Advisory Group

STEM Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics
STEM Structural Topology-Based Electrostatic Model
SyMeC System Medicine Cluster
TANUVAS Tamil Nadu Veterinary And Animal Sciences University
TaSE Towards Sustainable Earth
TB Tuberculosis
TCPF Tissue Culture Production Facility
TDP1 Tyrosyl DNA Phosphodiesterase I
TEM Transmission Electron Microscopes
TERI The Energy And Resources Institute
TGL Triacylglycerol Lipase
THSTI Translational Health Science and Technology Institute
TiLV Tilapia Lake Virus
TMC Tata Medical Centre
TNBC Triple Negative Breast Cancer
TPD Tonnes Per Day
TPLO Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy
TRC Translational Research Consortia
TRP Translational Research Program
TRPVB Translational Research Platform For Veterinary Biologicals
TSG Team Science Grants
TSWV Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
TTA Tibial Tuberosity Advancement
TTA Technology Transfer Agreement
TTOs Technology Transfer Offices
TSWV Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
UAS, Bengaluru University of Agricultural Sciences
UDSC University of Delhi South Campus
U-Excel Units of Excellence
UG Under Graduate
UHMWPE Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
UIP Universal Immunization Programme
UK United Kingdom
UMMID Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders
UNATI Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific And Cultural Organization
USA United State of America
VAP Indo-US Vaccine Action Programme
VFCW Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland
VLP Virus Like Particle
VNCI Virtual National Cancer Institute

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VNN Viral Nervous Necrosis

VNOCI Virtual National Oral Cancer Institute
VNPs Virus Nano Particles
WAO Wet Air Oxidation
WES Whole Exome Sequencing
WHO World Health Organization
WRCB Wadhwani Research Centre For Bioengineering
WSSV White Spot Syndrome Virus
WT Welcome Trust
X-ALD X-Linked Adrenoleuko Dystrophy
XRD X-Ray Diffractometer
XSV Extra Small Virus
YIM Young Investigator Meetings
YVMV Yellow Vein Mosaiv Virus

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