BTISNet site

Objectives

The objective of the Centre is to provide analysis of biological data through biotechnology & bioinformatics centre, bibliographic references to published literature in science & technology for the faculty members of the colleges in Shillong, development of students related teaching aids etc.

Current area of research

Research activities

Development of suitable down streaming process for bioremediation of dyes polluted areas.

The state of Meghalaya has no definite textile industries but most of the laundries are exploring the dyes for clothes and some of these dyes are carcinogenic in nature. Furthermore most of these dyes are released into the environment that seriously provokes a threat to water bodies as most of these dyes effluents are releases into the nearby rivers. The centre mainly focusses on the collection of these effluents and also develops process of bioaccumulation using cyanobacteria as a novel candidate for detoxification.

Cloning & protein expression studies of azoR genes from cyanobacteria

azoR genes are solely responsible for dyes degradation on prokaryotes including eukaryotic fungi. These genes are highly diverse and the centre is focussed on the expression of these gene and also study of the macromolecular crystallographic structures.

Molecular approach study on the antioxidant enzymes in response to oxidative stress in cyanobacteria under treatment with metals & Dyes.

Antioxidant enzymes viz. SOD, NO, catalase, gluthathione oxidase, lipid peroxidase are the enzymes responsible for the growth of cyanobacteria under oxidative stress. The centre focussed on the molecular behaviour of these enzymes using in silico tools.

Development of virtual laboratory for undergraduate students.

The centre is engaged in preparing a virtual lab for undergraduate students on basic concepts & practicals.

V. Homology modelling and molecular dynamics stimulation studies of important enzymes for environment degradation.
The centre is engaged in homology modelling of many enzymes which are related to environmental detoxification using various bioinformatics tools.

Achievements at a glance

Human Resource development

Till date 16 undergraduate students of biotechnology honours were trained for using various software’s in bioinformatics as a part of their project work and have completed their bachelor degree under NEHU, Shillong.
15 guest lecturers on Bioinformatics & Biotechnology aspects have been conducted to cater the needs of undergraduate students.
Two National level workshops were conducted for the teachers (College & School) and students to create better research activities in biotechnology & bioinformatics with emphasis on hand on sessions
Master’s degree students from Bangalore University, Bangalore, Lovely Professional University, Ludhiana, Punjab, Sam Huggigbutton University of Agricultural Biotechnology, Allahabad, North Bengal University, Siliguri, WB have completed their six months project work in the BIF centre.
The facility was selected to provide the online Library facility to schools and the project is running smoothly.
The research activities are conducted very smoothly and the centre is publishing papers in journals and symposium.
The students of Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and environmental sciences of the college are utilizing the internet facility.
This centre facility is used by the teachers for analysis of various bioinformatics software applications for their research work. This facility is also used by the nearby colleges

Development of ICT technology:

The centre has compiled online repertoire of hand-outs of class lectures on topics related to Biotechnology & bioinformatics syllabus under NEHU for undergraduate students which are delivered to the students of various science streams.
Video animations of DNA replication, transcriptions, translation, human genome project (Documentary movie) and gene cloning were shown to students of all science streams on priority basis.
The Centre has collaborated with the State Tuberculosis council, Govt. of Meghalaya, Shillong to provide them with handouts, video animations on Mycobacterium tubercolosis for better awareness Programme.
The centre has prepared and distributed teaching kits in the form of power point handouts/PDF documents of laboratory manuals for all the 1st, 2nd & 3rd year Biotechnology undergraduate honours students.
The centre in collaboration with the Institutional biotech hub facility of the college has prepared SOP (Standard Operating procedures) for all the instruments present in the Department of Biotechnology & also the DST FIST sponsored Central Instrumentation Laboratory.
Major achievement was to create a Virtual Laboratory classrooms for undergraduate students
E-books repository has been created and free access is provided to all the undergraduate students of Science streams of the college.
The bioinformatics with the collaboration of the faculty of Department of Biotechnology, St. Edmund’s College has launched a newsletter entitled “Scientia Potentia Est” for the undergraduate students.