Molecular Biosciences Research – RIC

A MoU has been signed on 23^rd April 2018 between SeqIndia Labs Private Limited, represented by Dr. Sukrit Silas (Director) and Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) represented by Mr. Pradeep Kumar Varshney, Director MRIIC in association with Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar, Cluster head- Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster.

SeqIndia Labs Private Limited is a privately funded startup which is collaborating with MRIIRS for developing and commercializing their novel non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for Down’s syndrome. Present methods of prenatal diagnosis for Down’s syndrome are invasive and pose a high risk for pregnancy. This novel technique would enable the diagnosis of Down’s syndrome in 10^th week of pregnancy as compared to the routine test that is carried out after completion of 15-16 weeks of pregnancy. This test would empower parents and clinicians to take decisions about invasive clinical testing only when it is necessary.

MRIIRS and SeqIndia Labs Private Limited have agreed to collaborate in the research activities, by sharing technical expertise, technology, and equipment. The lab space and infrastructure shall be provided by MRIIRS. The collaboration is aimed to catalyze research that can be directly translated to the industry. 

1. Anveshan 2018
   Organised by Association of Indian Universities and MRIIRS at the Zonal Level on 26-27th February’18 and co-ordinated by Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar for the technical category ‘Agriculture’. Dr. Pushpa,  internal coordinator for the same category. Following students under the guidance of their Research Mentors participated-

(i) Shivani Khare (B.Tech Biotech IV Semester) and Sanchit Sood (B.Tech Biotech VI Semester) under the supervision of Dr. Kapila Kumar

(ii) S. Maneesha (M.Tech Biotech II semester) under the supervision of Mrs. Richa Yadav

(iii) Mrs. Girisha Malhotra (Ph.D Student) under the supervision of Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar

Ms. Shivani Khare, student of B.Tech Biotechnology Batch 2016-20  and Mr. Sanchit Sood, student of B.Tech Biotechnology Batch 2015-19  under supervision of Dr. Kapila Kumar, AP, BT, won 2nd prize for their project entitled “ Sunlight in spotlight,

Deficient or sufficient!” in Social Sciences Theme in Anveshan-2018 North Zone Student Research Convention held on 26-27 February at MRIIRS campus. They qualified to present their project work and represent the Institute at the National level of Anveshan 2018.

1.  ‘Advances in Biosciences and Biotechnology – ICABB-2018’
   Students of B.Tech Biotechnology attended International Conference entitled ‘Advances in Biosciences and Biotechnology – ICABB-2018’ held at Department of Biotechnology, JIIT, Noida from February 1-3 2018. Two posters by two student teams under the supervision of Dr. Kapila Kumar were. The team of Shivani Khare ((B.Tech Biotech IV Semester) and Priyanka Chauhan (B.Tech Biotech VI Semester)  won “Best Poster Award” for the poster entitled “Emerging and Resurging Encephalitis Viruses: The Indian Scenario”. Both the teams were highly appreciated.

3. INNOSKILL 2018
   INNOSKILL 2018 Mr. Sanchit Sood (B.Tech Biotech VI Semester) and Ms. Shivani Khare (B.Tech Biotech IV Semester) under the guidance of Dr. Kapila Kumar had participated in INNOSKILL 2018 the annual technical fest of MRIIRS and won 1st prize for the project entitled- “Detection and estimation of Vitamin D using Yeast Based Sensor” and were awarded with cash prize of Rs. 6000/-. They competed against 20 teams from different colleges and universities across Delhi NCR. The event was judged and evaluated by eminent personalities from industries.

4. Solution for Pollution- Focus NCR region- Essay writing competition
   Solution for Pollution-Focus NCR region Club Environ and Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster organized an online competition wherein essay cum proposals were invited from students on the topic “Solution for Pollution-Focus NCR region”. The proposals were to be submitted by 25.4.18. The idea was to motivate the students to look for solution which can be taken up in future as a stepping stone for pollution free NCR region. Students across UG and PG participated in the competition as a team with two members in each team. Professor Joseph Alexanand Davis was the judge for the competition who meticulously evaluated the proposals based on the purpose, scientific argument, content, effectiveness and structure. Ms. Akansha Kanujia of M.Sc Biotech II Semester bagged the first position and Ms. Priyanshi Batra, B.Tech Biotech IV Semester won the second position. Certificate of participation were given to all the participants and volunteers and prizes were distributed to the winners.

5. Teaching Model Competition
   Teaching Model Competition-14.3.2018 National Science Day is celebrated on 28th February every year to commemorate the discovery of Raman effects by Indian physicist Sir Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman on 28 February. Sir C.V. Raman was awarded Noble Prize in Physics in 1930 for the discovery of Raman effects. To celebrate National Science Day, Club Biotechnea and Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster organized “Teaching Model Competition” on 14th March 2018. The theme of the event was to design a teaching model in such a way so that the students can understand the basics of science. This was a team event where the number of participants was limited to three. In total, seven teams from B.Tech Biotech participated in the event. The event was judged by Dr. Joseph (Department of Biotechnology, MRIIRS), Dr. Kalpana Varshney (Department of Chemistry, MRIIRS) and Mr. Vinay (Department of Mechanical Engineering. MRIIRS). The competition was tough to be judged as the judges were in a dilemma whether to assess a model on its teaching or research ability. The Team of Drishti and Muskaan from B.Tech Biotech 2nd Sem bagged the first prize. Students of fourth semester viz., Taruna Dhingra, Tanmaya and Simran Verma were the runner’s up. Certificate of participation were given to all the participants and volunteers and prizes were distributed to the winners.

“BIOQUEST, unlocking knowledge at the speed of thought”- A quiz competition

Molecular Biosciences Cluster, MRIIC in coordination with Department of Biotechnology, FET, MRIU organised a quiz competition “BIOQUEST, unlocking knowledge at the speed of thought” on 31^st Jan 2017. Theme of the competition was Biosciences and questions were all related to general biosciences and biotechnology. In total, 29 teams participated, of which only six teams were selected on the basis of their performance in elimination round. In elimination round, participating teams were given 15 minutes to attempt MCQ based question paper comprising of 20 question. Two teams from each, B. Tech Biotech 2^nd Semester, B. Tech Biotech 4^th Semester and M. Sc. Biotechnology 2^nd Semester were selected for the final round. The quiz was conducted by the volunteering students of the Biotechnology department. The quiz had four rounds named, General Round (Round 1), Picto-word Round (2^nd Round), Buzzer Round (3^rd Round) and Rapid-fire Round (4^th Round). On the basis of performance in all the four rounds, Team A (Shivani Khare and Dipansh Srivastava of B. Tech Biotech 2^ndSem) stood first, Team B (Manovrit and Meenal SianiB. Tech Biotech 2^ndSem) stood 2^nd and Team E (Leena and Gargi of M. Sc. Biotech 2^ndSem) stood 3^rd in the competition.

The students in the audience also enjoyed thoroughly as few question were open to audience to answer.Winning teams were then awarded with a Certificate of Achievement and a Trophy (to each member of the team). The volunteer students were also facilitated with the Certificate of Appreciation by Dr. Abhilasha Shourie, Associate Professor and Head – Department of Biotechnology and Dr. Shilpa S Chapadgaonkar, Head of Molecular Biosciences Cluster.

It was a nice, informative quiz with everyone participating enthusiastically.

Debate- Genetically Modified Organisms
The Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster, Department of Biotechnology, organized the Debate competition on 1^st March 2017 in the spirit of National Science Day. The topic of the debate was “Genetically Modified Organisms” (GMOs). It was graced by Dr. Nilanjan Das, Research Coordinator, Accendere Knowledge Management Services and Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur, Assistant Professor Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dr.Shilpa Chapadgaonkar, Head of Molecular biosciences Cluster. The participants were divided into teams of two persons, each speaking against and for the motion. Both the aspects of using genetically modified organisms were discussed with good presentation skills and great affirmation. The better digestibility, long shelf life, better taste and use of fewer toxic chemicals were among the most discussed advantages of using GMOs and on the other side playing with nature without conscious efforts for the betterment of human life and serious effects on environment were discussed discouraging the use of GMOs. The point that nature and technology should not contradict each other rather complement each other was emphasized. The event witnessed the various aspects of genetic engineering.  A total of 11 teams participated in the event.

It was an informative and interesting event and participants were thoroughly motivated to know about novel techniques and to take advantage to improve the quality of living.

We hope such competitions are conducted on regular basis on diverse topics like this so that the students get to know the potentials that the field of Biotechnology holds.

The programme was concluded by thanks-giving to the speakers, judges and research cluster team members with the hope to conduct such beneficial programmes again in future.

1. Abhinob Baruah, Kajal Singla, Poonam Narwat, Nilanjan Das and Shilpa S Chapadgaonkar. Gender Bias in Autism Spectrum Disorders-a review, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018, Vol-12(4): KE01-KE07.
2.  Girisha Malhotra and Dr. Shilpa S Chapadgaonkar,  Production and Applications of Xylanase –an overview, Biotechnologia, 2018, 99(1): 59-72
3. Alex Joseph Anand Davis, ‘Approaches towards the development of chimeric DPP4/ACE inhibitors for treating metabolic syndrome’ Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters (Scopus Indexed journal)   Published
4. Pushpa  C. Tomar and Tanya Kalra (2018) Foliar application: A Thriving and Flourishing Domain in Agriculture”  Environmental Analysis & Ecology Studies. 2(1) 1-2.
5. Pushpa  C. Tomar, Tanya Kalra, Garima Ahuja and Sakshi Taneja (2018). Plant Emerging With  Promising Nanoworld. Biotechnologia. 99(2) 165-179.
6. Swati Jain and Pushpa C.Tomar (2017). Role of Media and Management towards sustainability. MR International Journal of Engineering & Technology. 9 (1):13-17.
7. Kajal Singla, Abhinob Baruah, Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar, Nilanjan Das (2017)’A Review On Approaches To Diagnose The Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Need Of The Hour – International Journal of Advanced Research (PUB MED journal)- 5(10), 695-709
8. Mohit Kumar, Atul Thatai,  Shilpa S Chapadgaonkar (2017) A Retrospective Cytogenetic Study of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Infertile Couples of Indian Origin, Der Pharmacia Lettre, 9[4]:44-56
9. Khushwant Singh, Gunjan Gupta and Rajesh Ghangal, (2017) SOILLESS CULTIVATION, ITS VARIOUS TYPES AND APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 6, Issue 7, 722-729
10. Richa Yadav, Kapila Kumar, (2017) Treatment of Industrial waste: Issues, Challenges and Solutions, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 6, Issue 5, 1414-1436.
11. Pushpa Tomar, Tanya Kalra, Harisha Kohli, (2017) Bioethics: A Review, World journal of pharmaceutical research. 6(1): 216-226.
12. Pushpa C.Tomar , S.N.Mishra and Charu Rajpal, (2017) Effect of Cadaverine on Protein Profiling of Brassica Juncea (Rh-30) Seedlings Under Multiple Stress. International journal of advance information of science and technology. 1. 6(3): 49-63.
13. Indranil Sarkar, Soma Patnaik (2017)Effect of salinity stress and detection of affected phytocomponents on Ocimum Sanctum, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, DOI: 10.20959/wjpr20175-8462
14. Pushpa C. Tomar and Charu Rajpal (2017). Transgenics in crop improvement. FET Technical Magazine “Ingenieur Sphere” pp. 45.
15. Girisha Malhotra, Rajkumari Jeshreena And Shilpa S Chapadgaonkar (2016)  Aqueous Two Phase Purification Of Xylanase Obtained From A Bacterial Isolate Int J Pharm Bio Sci; 7(4): (B) 305 – 308. (Scopus Indexed SJR 0.329 )
16. Rashmi Rameshwari, Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar And T.V. Prasad, (2016) Visualization Of Apoptotic Network Using Bioinformatics Tool, Asian Jr. Of Microbiol. Biotech. Env. Sc. Vol. 18, (3) 679-684. (Scopus Indexed NAAS rating 3.07, SJR 0.11)
17. Nita Lakra, Pushpa C.Tomar, N. Mishra (2016). Growth response modulation by putrescine in Indian mustard Brassica juncea L. under multiple stress. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 54:262-270.
18. Soma Patnaik ‘Carbon Nanotubes: Evaluation of toxicity in-vivo and in-vitro conditions ‘Pertanika JST (Scopus Indexed journal) – under review

1. Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar, Novel process for integrated production and purification of xylanase  Provisional Appl.  No. 201711035094

To be in progress

To be in progress

To be in progress

1. Molecular Biotechnology -in collaboration with SeqIndia Co. Ltd.- Summer Training:
   Molecular Biosciences Research Cluster in collaboration with SeqIndia Co. Ltd. Organized advanced training in Molecular Biotechnology during June-July 2018 for undergraduates students. Trainees from reputed institutes such as Delhi University and Bennett University joined. They were trained in molecular diagnostics tools including DNA isolation from blood and other body fluids, PCR and characterization of DNA. They were given a primer of Nextgen Sequencing techniques and analysis.

2. Workshop on IPR awareness:
   The intellectual property rights awareness workshop was organized at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) on 20^th March 2018. The workshop was jointly organized by Department of Biotechnology and IPR cell of MRIIRS in collaboration with Haryana State Council of Science and Technology. Prof. Joseph Davis, Convener coordinated the workshop which was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. M.K. Soni, Pro Vice Chancellor, MRIIRS & Executive Director, MRIIC, Dr. Krishnakanth, Executive Director & Dean, FET, MRIIRS, Dr. Pradeep K. Varsheny, Director, ManavRachna Research, Innovation and Incubation Center (MRIIC) and Dr. Patrali Banerjee, Head, IPR Cell.

   In the technical session, Ms. Avipsha Thakur, Asst. Vice President, CIPAM, Govt. of India spoke about the “National IPR Policy” and emphasized the importance of IPR awareness at college and student level. She has also informed the participants the readiness of the Govt. to train the students to spread the IPR awareness at school level and opportunities for students to undergo internship at CIPAM.  Shri YashawantPanwar, Scientist E and Head, PFC, TIFAC, Department of Science and technology, Govt. of India spoke on the patents and various forms of patents that can be registered in India and also on other forms of IPRs like copyright, trade mark, geographical indications, etc. He gave many examples of how very simple inventions (like safety pins, post-it etc) gave the people advantage in their daily lives and also benefited the inventor financially. He also challenged the Computer Science students to develop a Program to screen the Patents in real-time to improve the Patent filing process in India. He also advised the Academic Institutions to evaluate all the research articles and dissertations for innovation and patentability before going public. Mr. NilanshuShekhar, Patent Attorney & Managing Director, KAnalysis Consultant (P) Ltd spoke about the patent processes relevant to Biology. The workshop was well received by the audience with active question-answer sessions after each talk.

3. Plant Tissue culture and micropropagation 01 July -18 July 2018 (2 weeks):
   Dr. Pushpa C. Tomar organized a training on Plant Tissue culture and micropropagation between 01 July -18 July 2018. Mr. Jerrin Toms a XII grade student enthusiast was enrolled in a program. His independent project entitled “Micro-propagation of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)” was facilitate in the lab. Ms. Akanskha Kanaujia  (MRIIRS MSc-Biotech programme) and Ms. Charu Rajpal (PhD programme) were also benefited by the hands on training.

4. Microbial Technology:
   Summer training programme for the students of MSc (Biotech) in Microbial Technology was organized during June-July 2018. Five enthusiastic students were divided into two groups and were given independent study projects during the training programe. Ms. Kirtika, Ms. Prachie and Mr. Kinker Sen were given a project on microbial degradation of plastic waste while Ms. Navneet Sandhu and Ms. Priyanka Goswami were given a project on ‘Optimization of amylase production from Bacillus amyloliquifaciens’. The students were trained in different techniques of isolation and culture. The students are now continuing their research projects. The group who worked on Microbial degradation of plastic presented a paper in national conference ‘Beating the Plastic Pollution’ in Delhi Technological University on 4^th June 2018. They are taking this project further for IP generation looking at encouraging results obtained.

1. Pushpa C. Tomar Visited to Maujpur village under Swacch Bharat Drive along with students on 19^th July 2018.
2. Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar chaired a technical session in national conference ‘Beating the Plastic Pollution’ in Delhi Technological University on 4th June 2018
3. Dr. Pushpa C. Tomar attended a National conference on “Beating the Plastic Hazard: Challenges and Strategies” on 4th June, 2018, in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi.
4. Dr. Pushpa C. Tomar & Dr. Shilpa S Chapadgaonkar along with students Charu Rajpal, Akansha and Manisha attended an International Seminar on Sustainable Technologies for Environmental Management (STEM-2018) on 27-28th March, 2018 in DTU
5. Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar, Workshop NPTEL awareness on 20th January 2018 at Dronacharya College of Engineering Gurugram
6. All members, Drug Designing and Applications of Machine learning at MRIIRS Faridabad 10-12 Jan 2018 Learning  at MRIIRS, Faridabad, 10^th – 12^th January, 2018
7. Best paper award for Dr. Pushpa Tomar in 7^th International Science Congress (ISC-2017) on 8^th – 9^th December 2017, Phuentsholing, Chukkha, Bhutan.
8. Dr. Rajesh Ghangal, ‘Two week training on Advanced Bioinformatics at School of Computational and Integrative Sciences’  JNU (4^th Dec to 16^th Dec 2017)
9. Dr. Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar, ‘The Next stage in Bioprocessing” November 30, 2017 by Eppendorf India Ltd
10. Dr. Pushpa Tomar, National workshop on “Preparation of Quality Self-Learning Support Material for MOOCs” from September 28-29, 2017 organized by Internal Quality Assurance Cell, MRIU.
11. All members attended a Seminar on “Pscho-Neurobics” on 19^th August 2017 organized by BT, FET, MRIU, Faridabad, Haryana, India
12. All members attended a Training on PayTm on 13^th April 2017 organized by FET, MRIU, Faridabad, Haryana, India
13. All members attended a Training on “How to access Digital library“, on 9^th August 2017 organized by BT, FET, MRIU, Faridabad, Haryana, India
14. Dr. Pushpa Tomar attended 22^nd International Engineering & Technology Fair IETF 2017, on “Technologies for The Future” on 2-4^th Feb., 2017, organized by Government of India, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
15. Dr. Shilpa Chapadgaonkar and Dr. Kapila Kumar attended a Training cum Workshop on Bioinformatics and molecular modelling in drug design at ACBR, Delhi University (23-25 March, 2017)
16. Shilpa Chapadgaonkar attended a Training on Mammalian Cell culture techniques and Immunofluorescence in Dept of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi (2nd and 3rd March, 2017)