Establishes India's Initial Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Lab in Hyderabad by NIAB
The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad has recently unveiled a groundbreaking facility, the first-of-its-kind Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory in India14. This state-of-the-art lab is set to revolutionise research in regenerative medicine, cellular therapies, disease modeling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology for livestock14.
The biobank, spanning over 9,300 sq ft and constructed at a cost of ₹1.85 crore, is equipped with advanced equipment such as a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, and advanced air handling systems14. These tools will ensure high-quality research infrastructure, enabling the lab to preserve and study animal stem cells and their derivatives1.
The lab's primary goal is to provide quality-controlled animal stem cells and indigenous, cost-effective cell culture media to veterinary clinics, research institutions, animal hospitals, and the biotech industry2. This move is expected to reduce India's dependence on imports and foster domestic biomanufacturing capacity.
The National Biopharma Mission (NBM) of DBT-BIRAC is the funding source for the expansion of this facility1. The lab's innovations are aligned with India’s Biotechnology BioE3 policy, aiming to drive economic growth and sustainable rural development13.
This pioneering facility is poised to make significant contributions to veterinary regenerative therapies, cell-based protein production, and the fight against zoonotic diseases, adhering to the ‘One Health’ approach1. It forms part of a broader initiative to boost veterinary diagnostic tools, livestock productivity, rural incomes, and animal health management in India1.
Key points of focus and significance:
- Preservation and study of animal stem cells for livestock health and disease research
- Enhancing regenerative medicine and reproductive technology for animals
- Developing indigenous veterinary biotech products to reduce import reliance
- Supporting innovations that improve animal health, productivity, and zoonosis control
- Aligning with national biotechnology policies to drive economic growth and rural development
This facility marks a significant stride in India's biotechnology landscape for animal health and agriculture13.
- The application of technology in the field of animal biotechnology is set to revolutionize the banking and business sectors, with the launch of the first Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory in India.
- The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology's new facility focuses on regenerative medicine, cellular therapies, disease modeling, tissue engineering, and reproductive biotechnology for livestock.
- The lab, with advanced equipment like stem cell culture units and 3D bioprinters, aims to preserve and study animal stem cells and their derivatives.
- The lab's objective is to provide quality-controlled animal stem cells and indigenous, cost-effective cell culture media to various institutions and industries.
- This move is expected to reduce India's dependence on imports and foster domestic biomanufacturing capacity.
- The National Biopharma Mission is the funding source for the expansion of this facility, aligning with India’s Biotechnology BioE3 policy.
- The lab's innovations aim to drive economic growth and sustainable rural development.
- The lab is poised to make significant contributions to veterinary regenerative therapies, cell-based protein production, and the fight against zoonotic diseases.
- The facility forms part of a broader initiative to boost veterinary diagnostic tools, livestock productivity, rural incomes, and animal health management.
- This pioneering facility is expected to make significant strides in India's biotechnology landscape, particularly in animal health and agriculture.
- The fusion of technology with animal biotechnology may potentially extend into other sectors such as food and drink, home and garden, and personal growth, through education and self-development.
- The implications of this technological advancement in the banking, finance, and medical-conditions sectors, particularly in health and wellness, fitness and exercise, medical research, environmental science, and space and astronomy, are vast.
