Agriculture and Forestry Biotechnology Program is the country's incubator of agribiotechnology researches on biofertilizers, microbial biodiversity for reforestation and agricultural waste treatment. BIOTECH, with full support from the University, leads in the active promotion, demonstration and commercialization of biofertilizers towards food security and contribute in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Biofertilizers & Plant Materials BioFix, BioGreen, Biogroe, BioN, BioQuick, Brown Magic, Cocogroe, Mycovam, Mycogroe, Nitroplus, VAM Root Inoculant Virus-free Abaca and banana, Orchids, and Aloe vera Biotechnology Program for Food, Feeds and Specialty Products discovers and upgrades technologies to produce high value foods, feeds, additives, specialty products, and develops efficient detection kits to ensure quality and safety. The program explores sources, properties and application of functional foods (e.g., nutraceuticals, probiotics from GRAS Lactic Acid Bacteria and yeast). Nutraceuticals are the functional foods such as omega-3, 6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids from structured lipids like coconut and local seed oil. The institute also intensifies improvement, application and commercialization of existing DNA-based detection kits and industrial enzymes. Bioinformatics and Drug Discovery Program applies modern and conventional scientific techniques to discover pharmaceutically-important compounds produced from local isolates and to develop plant cell culture systems as a source of high-value secondary metabolites (drugs). The program uses bioinformatics, computational software, and tissue culture technology for the identification and mass production of identified novel compounds. Continuing efforts are exerted to promote and commercialize BioVac-HS and BioVac-FC, the vaccines against Pasteurella multocida which causes fatal hemorrhagic septicemia and fowl cholera, respectively. Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology revives its bioethanol research projects in search for cost-effective and renewable fuel sources and to help lessen the impact of oil price increases. The program focuses on the discovery and development of robust microorganisms to improve biofuel production. It also develops biological binders or biosurfactant, biopolymers, and heat-resistant enzymes, for wastes degradation and bioremediation. Likewise, the program extends analytical services and technical assistance on environment and waste management. Communication and Technology Utilization Program packages BIOTECH information and facilitates its proactive exchange among the scientists-researchers and the Institute clients. The program, likewise, embarks on various technology transfers and commercialization approaches. Among its services include biotechnology promotion, training and internship, product and technology marketing, database management and communication support services. Administrative Support Unit provides enabling mechanisms and logistics support services BIOTECH Program and Service Laboratories. BIOTECH conducts custom-designed contract research and training on biotechnology areas related to agriculture, food and feeds, health, environment and the industry. BIOTECH conducts custom-designed contract research and training on biotechnology areas related to agriculture, food and feeds, health, environment and the industry. |