Nanobiotechnology

Training program and research support for nanotechnology

Nanoparticles have achieved much attention in the last few decades owing to their unique photochemical and structural characteristics. Nanoparticles and nanoscale platforms have attracted great attention in different areas of biomedical sciences. A primary need for biomedical application is the assurance of its biocompatibility through detailed analysis of their toxicity to animal and microbial cells. A major problem faced by chemists, physicist and engineers working in nanotechnology is the lack of adequate facilities and manpower to support biological analysis of their nanoparticle. Based on our strong technical expertise in designing biological assays and experience in interacting with nanotechnologists, a set of training programs, bioassays and research platforms are introduced specifically to make the crosstalk of nano-biotechnology.

Our Objectives

Design and implement biological assays required for different types of nanoparticles
Provide biology workspace and guidance for nanotechnologists to implement their assays

Major activities

Training programs and work space: We offer training programs in basic microbiology and molecular biology tools for nanotechnologies. The syllabus of the program will include both theory and practical course on isolation and maintenance of microorganisms, antimicrobial assays, DNA and plasmid purification, DNA denaturation assays, comet assay, microbial biofilm based studies, labelling and imaging of bacteria with fluorescent nanoparticles, biological synthesis of nanoparticles, application of molecular techniques in toxicity of nanoparticles (PCR, NGS). The content of the training program and assays will vary depending on the requirement of the research project and will be discussed based on discussion. Lab space and technical guidance also will be provided to researchers for implementing their assays by themselves.

Design of biological assays and implementation: The biological assays required for each nanoparticle varies depending on their nature and area of application. We will help researchers to identify appropriate assays and conduct the same for the nanoparticles prepared by them. Most widely used assays are

Antimicrobial property of nanoparticle: Death rate assays, MIC of nanoparticle, Comet assay, cell wall stability assay, biofilm inhibition assay

Toxicity of nanoparticles: Environmental toxicity of nanoparticle using microbial community structure analysis, toxicity of nanoparticles of test organisms, DNA toxicity, inhibition of biofilm formation, microbial growth inhibition,

Other applications of nanoparticles: Antioxidant assays, cytotoxicity of nanoparticles to animal cell, labelling and imaging of nanoparticle labelled cells.

References

Arshad E, Anas A, Asok A, Jasmin C, Pai SS, Singh ISB, Mohandas A, Biju V. (2016) Fluorescence detection of the pathogenic bacteria Vibrio harveyiin solution and animal cells using semiconductor quantum dots. RSC Advances. 6, 15686-15693 (IF 3.049)
Asok A, Arshad E, Jasmin C, SomnathPai S, Bright Singh I. S, Mohandas A and Anas A. 2011 Reducing Vibrio load in Artemianauplii using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: a promising strategy to reduce antibiotic application in shrimp larviculture. Microbial Biotechnology 5(1): 59-68 (IF:4.847)
Jiya Jose, Abdulaziz Anas, Bina Jose, Anand B Puthirath, SujithAthiyanathil, Chekidhenkuzhiyil Jasmin, M. R. Anantharaman, Shanta Nair, ChallapalliSubrahmanyamVasudevanpillaiBiju (2019) Extinction of Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens Using Silver Embedded Silica Nanoparticles and an Efflux Pump Blocker. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2 (9):acsabm.9b0