OPPORTUNITIES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

1. OPPORTUNITIESIN BIOTECHNOLOGY Bioentrepreneurship and Job opportunities in Biotechnology By Dr.R.JAGANNATHAN

2. PRESENT SCENARIO • The Indian Biotech industry has acquired considerable clout in the international arena. There are many Trans National Corporations which are now interested in locating their facilities in India. This has spurred many Indian National and Multi National Companies to expand their activities in the Biotech Sector. There are large corporations producing Enzymes, Vaccines and Biopharmaceuticals in India.

3. OPPORTUNITIES • Several assignments have been given from abroad as outsourced projects. This have come in the segment of R & D where global entities are utilizing the talent pool of Indian Science located in corporate houses and in Government funded institutes.

4. NATIONAL APPROACH • It is clear with the National Biotech Development Strategy of the Department of Biotechnology that massive growth for the Biotech industry in India is imminent. An ambitious target of $ 5 bio revenue with a million jobs for the year 2010 is very much achievable.

5. PRESENT IMPERATIVE It is essential that many capable and young Biotech professionals of India set up enterprises to provide jobs instead of just looking for jobs. It is very conceivable to make their investment a success, just as we are celebrating the amazing achievements of the entrepreneurs in the software sector. These entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds which is also the need of the hour for the Indian Biotech sector.

6. INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER • Dr. R. Jagannathan Tel: 044- 24895651 Email : srg@eth.net • M Sc. PhD BIOTECH, 25 YRS EXPERIENCE IN INSTITUTES & BIOTECH INDUSTRY IN INDIA AND ABROAD (GERMANY, U.K., U.S.A. AND OTHER COUNTRIES)

7. INTRODUCTION Dr. JAGANNATHAN · Dr, R,Jagannathan PhD. DIRECTOR, BIOTECH AND HERBAL INDUSTRIES; CONSULTANT - ADVISER, BIOTECH, SISI CHENNAI. ·  EXPERT – WTO AND AGRICULTURE FOR SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES (2001) ·   EXPERT BIOTECHNOLOGY OF NGO – VHERDS (VOLUNTARY HEALTH EDUCATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY) (2001 TO DATE )

8. INTRODUCTION Dr. JAGANNATHAN (CONTINUED) ·EXECUTIVE MEMBER, TASK FORCE VISION 2020 ( PRESIDENT A.P.J.ABDUL KALAM) OF LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY OF DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA. ALSO AN EXPERT ON THE SUB PANELS OF BOTH HEALTH CARE AND ENVIRONMENT (1995).

9. INTRODUCTION Dr. JAGANNATHAN (CONTINUED) ·         MEMBER, HIGH LEVEL ADVISORY BOARD OF BIOTECH CONSORTIUM INDIA LIMITED CHAIRED BY DR.M.S.SWAMINATHAN, THE EMINENT AGRONOMIST (1994-1997). ·         MEMBER SELECTION COMMITTEE – POST GRADUATE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME OF DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA(1994-1997).

10. INTRODUCTION Dr. JAGANNATHAN (CONTINUED) ·MEMBER OF BIO-DIVERSITY COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING SUI GENERIS SYSTEM FOR MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA(1994). • ·        MEMBER OF INDIAN DELEGATION FOR INDO-US COMMERCIAL ALLIANCE TO MEET HIGH LEVEL US PRESIDENTIAL BUSINESS DELEGATION LED BY COMMERCE SECRETARY MR. RONALD H, BROWN(1995). • ·        MEMBER OF PROJECT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BANK IN INDIA FOR LOAN DISBURSAL ON BIOTECH PROJECTS(1996).

11. INTRODUCTION Dr. JAGANNATHAN (CONTINUED) ·NOMINATED AS BIOGRAPHEE AND INCLUDED IN 14TH EDITION OF MEN OF ACHIEVEMENTS PUBLISHED BY INTERNATIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND. ·        MEMBER EDITORIAL BOARD ‘VATIS UPDATE – BIOTECHNOLOGY’ A JOINT PUBLICATION OF ESCAP – UNIDO AND BIOTECH CONSORTIUM INDIA LIMITED. (1995 – 1997)

12. INTRODUCTION Dr. JAGANNATHAN (CONTINUED) ·EXPERT ON INDO-NETHERLANDS PROJECTS ON SEMI-ARID AGRICULTURE FOR MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, NETHERLANDS RESULTING IN INVESTMENT OF $27 MILLION FOR THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA CHRISTENED AS AP BIOTECH PROJECT. ·EXPERT, NATIONAL SURVEY ON BIOELECTRONICS AND BIOTECH INSTRUMENTATION OF DEPT. OF ELECTRONICS, GOVT. OF INDIA.

13. MANY THANKS TO THE ORGANISERS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY GIVEN.

14. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES • ALL INVESTMENTS SUGGESTED FALL IN THE RANGE FROM Rs. 1 lakh to Rs 100 lakh. • BANKABLE PROJECT REPORTS CAN BE PREPARED. • ALL PRODUCTS WILL BE GIVEN EITHER A BUY BACK OR MARKETING TIE UP. • PAY BACK PERIODS HAVE BEEN WORKED OUT WITH OPTIMUM INVESTMENT. • LOANS/ VENTURE CAPITAL FROM BANKS CAN BE ARRANGED.

15. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY • MANY MARINE BIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES HAVE BEEN ISOLATED AND CHARACTERISED WITH PROMISE FOR TREATING HUMAN DISEASES. • RAPID ASSAY TECHNOLOGY REQUIRING MINUTE AMOUNTS OF TEST SUBSTANCE IS AUTOMATED FOR TESTING NEWLY DEVELOPED BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS . • LIMITED AND SPORADIC DISTRIBUTION OF ORGANISMS IN SEA – METHODS REQUIRING FOR PRODUCING SELECTED METABOLITES EITHER FROM WHOLE ORGANISMS OR FROM CELL CULTURES. E.G. MANOALIDE FROM PACIFIC SPONGE AS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENT.

16. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY • ENZYMES PRODUCED BY MARINE BACTERIA ARE IMPORTANT IN MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY DUE TO THEIR RANGE OF UNUSUAL PROPERTIES. SOME ARE SALT RESISTANT GIVING AN ADVANTAGE IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES. • EXTRACELLULAR PROTEASE CAN BE USED IN DETERGENTS AND INDUSTRIAL CLEANING APPLICATIONS SUCH AS CLEANING OF REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANES. • COLLAGENASE – INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS INCLUDING DISPERSION OF CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE UNITS . • HALOPEROXIDASES ISOLATED FROM ALGAE ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY. • SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE FROM MARINE ALGAE IN JAPAN HAS WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL, COSMETIC AND FOOD APPLICATIONS.

17. BIOMOLECULAR MATERIALS • BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS MODELED ON NATURAL SUBSTANCES THAT FORM THE ORGANIC MATRICES OF MOLLUSCAN SHELLS COMMERCIALISED BY A CHICAGO FIRM. • RESEARCH ON BIOCERAMICS PROMISES TO REVOLUTIONALISE THE MANUFACTURE OF MEDICAL IMPLANTS, AUTOMOTIVE PARTS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, PROTECTIVE COATINGS AND OTHER NOVEL PRODUCTS. • BIOMATERIALS HOLD PROMISE FOR COUNTERACTING BIOFOULING – TO AVOID TOXIC PAINTS.

18. BIOFERTILISERS • Bio fertilizers are carrier based microbial inoculants containing cells of efficient strains of microorganisms. They are used for enhancing the productivity of the soil. They fix atmospheric nitrogen and solublize phosphorus. They also stimulate plant growth through synthesis of plant growth promoting substances.

19. PRODUCTION The unit will produce the following Bio-Fertilizers: • Azospirillum for paddy. • Azospirillum for other crops. • Rhizobium for pulses. • Acetobacter for sugarcane. • Phosphobacteria for all corps. • Azotobactor for millets. • Trichoderma Viride. • Pseudomonas.

20. MARKET POTENTIAL Bio Fertilizer demand all over India -12,43,940 M.T. Bio Fertilizer demand in Tamil Nadu - 50,000 M.T. Bio Fertilizers produced in Tamil Nadu at present - 2,000 M.T. (Including Government & Private Institutions) The gap is due to lack of awareness among the farmers.

21. BIOTECHNOLOGY+INFORMATICS BIOINFORMATICS (GLOBAL SERVICE) CHANGE INDUCING TOOL FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO WORLDWIDE BIOCOMMERCE

22. PILLARS OF BIOINFORMATICS GENOMICS: Study of genes and entire process of their organisation as well as sequencing. PROTEOMICS: Study of all proteins of the organism. PHARMACOGENOMICS: New drug discovery using genetic basis of disease. (in-silico biology; organ replacement etc).

23. SPIRULINA OUTDOOR CULTIVATION • FACTORS FOR OUTDOOR CULTIVATION • Natural Factors  Temperature (25-40 degree C)  Light (70-140 K lux)  Evaporation (5-6 Lit /m.sq)  Rainfall (Dilution)

24. FACTORS WHICH CAN BE REGULATED Water quality (hardness limit 300ppm)  Culture depth (30cm)  Hourly Agitation for 8hrs (9-5pm) daily  Nutrient Level (as per media)  pH (8.5 - 9.5)

25. SPIRULINA BUSINESS FORMULATION ADVANTAGES :  Can be produced at Rural/Commercial levels.  No agricultural land needed.  Technology is simple.  Has multiple application as health food.  Popular in over 75 countries & has big domestic market.

26. STEVIA BASED PRODUCTS • Stevia is a natural, non-caloric, sweet-tasting plant used around the world for its pleasant taste. • It is being researched for it’s potential for inhibiting fat absorption and lowering blood pressure.

27. USE OF STEVIA IN FOOD APPLICATIONS • First, as a prepackaged replacement for sugar and artificial sweeteners. Second, it has been used in various food products, including the Japanese sugar-free versions of Wrigley's gums, Beatrice Foods yogurts and even diet Coke. • It has also been used in Japanese style pickles, dried sea foods, fish meat products, vegetables and sea foods boiled down with soy sauce, confectioneries and a host of other products.

28. BIOTECHNOLOGY IN COSMETICS • Isolates: More efficient, more aesthetic and cost effective. Active ingredients are isolated from a principle source. • Neem - Azadirachtin - antifungal • Turmeric - Curcumin - antiseptic • Henna - Lawsone - natural coloring & conditioning • Jojoba - Decyl poly glucose -moisturising & skin vitalising. • Soya beans - Soya isoflavones - UV protection & anti ageing effect .etc.,

29. BUY BACK FOR HERBAL PRODUCTS • ALOE VERA • OCIMUM SANCTUM • SENNA LEAVES • PAPAYA • PHYLLANTHUS • 33 OTHER HERBS • HERBAL GARDEN CONCEPT SIMILAR TO RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

30. JATROPHA AND BIODIESEL • PACKAGE OF PRACTICES FOR CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING JATROPHA CURCAS, A TREE FOR WASTELANDS • PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY TO PRODUCE BIODIESEL FROM THE OIL DERIVED FROM NON EDIBLE SEEDS LIKE JATROPHA,PUNGAM ETC.

31. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES • Some of the Traditional Biotechnologies are vying with Modern biotech applications to create the employment opportunities in India.

32. OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN Some of the noteworthy techniques leading to the employment avenues are described here. Curriculum Vitae of candidates must have reference to the techniques which are learnt. Expertise which is gained on instrument while doing Real Time Projects must be reflected in the Resume .

33. CELL CULTURE Cells from plant tissues can be grown for producing active components for various industries e.g. pharmaceutical, flavours and aroma based organizations. The Commercial production would entail exposure to Microbiology techniques, maintenance of sterile atmosphere free of other micro organism by usage of Bio hoods.

34. STEM CELL CULTURING • Stem cell culturing is the most modern form of cell culturing involving precise methods for achieving good quality cells leading to a good organ suitable for transplanting. Embryonic stem cells can take care of several ailments like diabetes.

35. MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES • One of the fast growing business is the Diagnostic industry which is known to consume Monoclonal antibodies. These specific antibodies could help us in the detection of serious ailments like cancer, AIDS etc. through a specific diagnostic test. Biological pollutants can also be detected easily. It is also used in auto immune diseases. • It is very important to pick up techniques to produce Monoclonal antibodies as the applications for treatment of many diseases by conferring immunity on the deficient host is being explored all the time.

36. FERMENTATION • Some of products like Hepatitis B vaccine and Enzymes are produced using processes like fermentation. Micro organisms are used with fermentation processes for producing amino acids . Production of Antibiotics like Semi Synthetic Penicillins ( e.g. Amoxicillin, Ampicillin etc.), Semi Synthetic Cephalosporins ( e.g. Cephalexin, ceftriaxone etc.) and Human insulin fall under the category of bio processing.

37. CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS • The technique of capillary electrophoresis entails the running of samples in gels (polyacrylamide or agarose) or in free solutions. • The protein bands are identified and observed as they are passing through a detector without any process of staining. This kind of a procedure is very quick. The major advantage is in sectors such as forensic science and mapping of the genomes. • Even drug development of small molecules needs an instrument like capillary electrophoresis.

38. CYTOMETRY • The process of measurement of the biochemical and physical parameters of a biological item or a cell is called as cytometry. When the characters are measured in a stream of fluid it is called as Flow Cytometry. This method requires that the biological particle or cell should pass through a beam of a light which is emitted by the cell after it goes through a fluorescent light, a laser beam or a scattered laser beam. • The flow cytometry is also used to calculate the activity of enzymes, potential of membranes and concentration of ions.

39. PROTEIN ENGINEERING Biocatalysts play a very important role in the industrial production of several products in Paper, textile, pharmaceutical industries. The preparation of suitable and commercially viable enzymes has been possible due to protein engineering. Novel proteins could be designed to deactivate viruses and to counter tumour causing cells. Food products could also be produced designing better proteins.

40. BIOSENSORS Biological components like enzyme or antibody are coupled with electronic components like a detecting device , transducer ( which produces a signal) to form a biosensor. These coupled devices are used industrially to produce better quality foods and clinically to measure blood parameters in bed ridden patients. Detection of toxins and infectious biological agents is also possible very much in an economical fashion.

41. OTHER RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES • Nano Biotechnology The marriage of micro volume of Biological samples (micro fluidics) and measurement of micro signals has created the exciting field of Nano biotechnology which has tremendous application potential in treatment and diagnosis. • Recombinant DNA Technology The practice of combining Genetic material from various living sources is becoming quite common and the ramifications of this technology is reaching into agriculture for enhancing yields, bio control measures etc. It is being used for producing Biodegradable plastics too.

42. CONCLUSIONS • The fields described here are few and there are many more Job opportunities which are likely to spring up as substantial investments are in the process of being made. The stem cell and organ bank concept, Gene therapy, Clinical trials for Biotech products as well as R & D Jobs will be the focus of the future Biotech industry in India. Job seekers must not restrict themselves only to theoretical knowledge derived from the educational institutions but must invest some time money to gain practical experience in the labs of the industry or commercially oriented R & D institutes.

43. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PATIENCE WISH YOU ALL A PROFITABLE TIME

44. Dr. R. Jagannathan Tel: 044- 24895651 Email : srg@eth.net