Genetic technology, a neglected area
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Mohammad Rajja
IN Bangladesh, although biotechnological research has been started in the recent past with seriousness, genetic technology remains a neglected area. But a programme on genetic improvement of industrial microorganisms' was taken early in the 1970s by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC).
Genetic improvement of citric acid fermenting strains of Aspergillus Niger achieved through mutations, could not be applied due to lack of suitable industries. Gene transfer technologies introduced recently can not be applied due to shortage of fund and proper training facilities. Microbiologists are working on human healthcare, agriculture, industry and pollution control, can get better results if they use gene transfer technology.
For the development of vaccines, the Institute of Public Health (IPH) and International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) are working. The use of biotechnology in health care and diagnosis are at the preliminary stage. The ICDDR,B, has established uses of micro satellite marker to diagnose diarrhoea, cholera and hepatitis A, B and C. ICDDR,B is also developing shigella vaccine.
Research and development in animal genetic engineering is very limited in the country. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute have developed disease-resistant high yielding crop varieties including those of rice, wheat, pulses, potato, fruits and vegetables. BCSIR has been working to develop bioprocessed cereal food by microbial fermentation, rich enzymes, proteins and vitamins.
Bangladesh has achieved success in artificial production of fish fry. Extension work is in progress. Only a few laboratories are working on gene transfer in key crops like rice and jute.
Technique for large-scale bioremediation of arsenic from groundwater, through duckweed, has been innovated. Bioindicator (Azolla filiculoidis) for arsenic pollution has also been developed.
The use of recombinant DNA is at its infancy in Bangladesh. It is confined to development, standardisation, and use in vitro culture and micro-propagation of cereals, vegetables and units. Embryo rescue and somaclonal variation technologies are used, but at the lower spectrum of the biotechnological gradients. The progress in fisheries and livestock sectors is also insignificant.
Thus, the use of biotechnology in Bangladesh is still at the primary stage. Biotechnological research started only recently, there are hindrances due to lack of infrastructure, funding and skilled manpower. Whatever little progress has been made cannot be applied due to lack of interest among entrepreneurs, who prefer to import technology to get quick returns. Whatever has been achieved was possible because of individuals working in different laboratories. Lack of initiative and investment keeps the potential sector unexploited. The new government must come up with financial and policy support for institutional development.
The objective should be the application of biotechnology, particularly recombinant DNA technology to solve problems facing agriculture, industry, health and environment. The use of molecular and cellular biotechnology for breeding could develop new crop varieties, improve feed and livestock. It could improve diagnosis and medical treatment and energy production. Collaborative research is required to augment the flow of work at the institutes. Delivery of processes involves recombinant DNA technology to the field and compliance with national and international standards, specially those involving in the release of genetically modified organisms.
(The writer, a student of Gono Bishwabidyalaya, Savar, can be contacted at arnold_raza@yahoo.com)
IN Bangladesh, although biotechnological research has been started in the recent past with seriousness, genetic technology remains a neglected area. But a programme on genetic improvement of industrial microorganisms' was taken early in the 1970s by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC).
Genetic improvement of citric acid fermenting strains of Aspergillus Niger achieved through mutations, could not be applied due to lack of suitable industries. Gene transfer technologies introduced recently can not be applied due to shortage of fund and proper training facilities. Microbiologists are working on human healthcare, agriculture, industry and pollution control, can get better results if they use gene transfer technology.
For the development of vaccines, the Institute of Public Health (IPH) and International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) are working. The use of biotechnology in health care and diagnosis are at the preliminary stage. The ICDDR,B, has established uses of micro satellite marker to diagnose diarrhoea, cholera and hepatitis A, B and C. ICDDR,B is also developing shigella vaccine.
Research and development in animal genetic engineering is very limited in the country. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute have developed disease-resistant high yielding crop varieties including those of rice, wheat, pulses, potato, fruits and vegetables. BCSIR has been working to develop bioprocessed cereal food by microbial fermentation, rich enzymes, proteins and vitamins.
Bangladesh has achieved success in artificial production of fish fry. Extension work is in progress. Only a few laboratories are working on gene transfer in key crops like rice and jute.
Technique for large-scale bioremediation of arsenic from groundwater, through duckweed, has been innovated. Bioindicator (Azolla filiculoidis) for arsenic pollution has also been developed.
The use of recombinant DNA is at its infancy in Bangladesh. It is confined to development, standardisation, and use in vitro culture and micro-propagation of cereals, vegetables and units. Embryo rescue and somaclonal variation technologies are used, but at the lower spectrum of the biotechnological gradients. The progress in fisheries and livestock sectors is also insignificant.
Thus, the use of biotechnology in Bangladesh is still at the primary stage. Biotechnological research started only recently, there are hindrances due to lack of infrastructure, funding and skilled manpower. Whatever little progress has been made cannot be applied due to lack of interest among entrepreneurs, who prefer to import technology to get quick returns. Whatever has been achieved was possible because of individuals working in different laboratories. Lack of initiative and investment keeps the potential sector unexploited. The new government must come up with financial and policy support for institutional development.
The objective should be the application of biotechnology, particularly recombinant DNA technology to solve problems facing agriculture, industry, health and environment. The use of molecular and cellular biotechnology for breeding could develop new crop varieties, improve feed and livestock. It could improve diagnosis and medical treatment and energy production. Collaborative research is required to augment the flow of work at the institutes. Delivery of processes involves recombinant DNA technology to the field and compliance with national and international standards, specially those involving in the release of genetically modified organisms.
(The writer, a student of Gono Bishwabidyalaya, Savar, can be contacted at arnold_raza@yahoo.com)