Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Abul Mandal
University of skovde,Sweden
Keynote: Genetic engineering of tobacco plants by expressing arsenic responsive genes of Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Arabidopsis thaliana for removal of arsenics from the contaminated lands
Time : 09:45-10:45
Biography:
Abul Mandal has completed his PhD from University of Agriculture in Cracow, Poland and Postdoctoral studies from University of Stockholm, Sweden. In 2010, he was appointed as a Professor of Molecular Biology at the System Biology Research Center of the University of Skövde, Sweden. Currently, he is heading the Biotechnology Research Group at the same university. He also functions as the Academic Coordinator of the School of Bioscience. He has three patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the USA and one PCT patent that has been granted by the Patent Office in India. He has also published more than 100 papers in reputed peer reviewed journals. Since 2010, he has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of several scientific journals.
Abstract:
Contamination of foods and water with heavy metals, such as arsenic is a severe threat to human health and the environment. Long-term exposure to arsenic leads to chronic poisoning of human health and results in severe diseases such as keratosis, gangrene, kidney damage, neurovascular disorders and many forms of cancer. In this paper we report our recent results on genetic engineering of tobacco plants for removal of arsenics from the contaminated lands so that arsenic free foods and fodders can be obtained from these soils. Previously, by using bioinformatics, molecular biology and microbiology tools, we have identified and studied three key genes suitable for this purpose. One of these genes (PCS1) was isolated from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the other two genes (arsB and arsC) were isolated from an arsenic resistant bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus collected from an arsenic contaminated land in South East. Our modeling studies show that by overexpressing PCS1, it is possible to increase the uptake and accumulation of arsenic in the roots of the model plant A. thaliana by 38%, which means that the arsenic content in the growth medium could be reduced by the same amount. Preliminary results obtained very recently in the laboratory experiments show that transgenic Escherichia coli strains overexpressing arsB and arsC genes of Lysinibacillus sphaericus can reduce arsenic content in the liquid growth medium by 46%. Now we have transferred these genes into tobacco plants in various combinations by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA mediated gene transfer system and transgenic tobacco lines have been regenerated. Evaluation of bioremediation potentials of these plants (increased uptake and accumulation of arsenics) will be discussed.
Keynote Forum
Khwaja Hossain
Mayville State University, USA
Keynote: Uptake and translocation of bio-based polymer in plant tissue
Time : 11:00 - 11:30
Biography:
Khwaja Hossain did his PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK, 1995. MS in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural
University, 1989. BS in Agricultural Sciences, Bangladesh Agricultural University, 1985. He is currently working as professor of biology- Division of Science and
Mathematics, Mayville State University (MSU), Mayville, ND. July 2015 – Present
Abstract:
In recent years interest in bio-based polymers has accelerated because of its renewable and biodegradable properties. However, the
first generation bio-based polymers were mostly derived from agricultural feedstocks which contradict directly with human food
demand. There is limited research in isolating bio-based polymers from crop wastes and their utilization in plant system. Our ultimate
goal is to isolate plant polymer, xylan from wheat bran. After characterization of the polymer using spectroscopic and chromatographic
techniques, chemical functionalization of xylan hydroxyl groups was carried out to form a type of nanoparticles within the size range
of 50-100 nanometer (nm). These particles function as extremely small nanocapsules and will be used to encapsulate micronutrients
for delivering into plant cells. In this preliminary work, to understand the uptake and translocation of bio-based polymer in plant
system, we prepared a Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NP) tagged with Alexa Fluor 647 dye and applied to germinating
seeds of common bean. Analyzing the polymers treated and non-treated tissue of germinated seeds using confocal microscopy, we
observed differential uptake and translocation of Alexa Fluor 647 dye bound polymer in common bean tissues
Keynote Forum
Tingting Deng
Chinese academy of Inspection and Quarantine, China
Keynote: Quantitative identification of species and GM ingredients in food
Time : 11:30-12:00
Biography:
Tingting Deng, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine. Over the past 9 years, she has been focusing on the inspection and
quarantine work, devoting herself to the research on the theory and practice of food scientific analysis and finishing research work in the field of the application
of molecular identification in food properties, such as GMO detection, food authenticity identification. For the past 5 years in particular, Dr. Tingting Deng has
conducted innovative study on the application of molecular biological techniques in the analysis of food and agricultural products with the support of many national
scientific research projects. She has won 1 second prizes of Provincial and Ministerial Level Scientific and Technical Progress, 1 First Prize of Chinese Institute
award of Food Science and Technology, published 12 papers, been authorized 10 national invention patent and participating in formulating 41 industry standards.
Abstract:
GM content in food and feed is strictly regulated in most countries around the world. The implementation of regulation requires
the establishment of GMO detection methods that are specific, reliable, sensitive and suitable for quantitative GMO detection.
Meat adulteration and mislabeling is also a world widely concern in recent years. However, the determination of adulteration ratio
has become a critic issue due to the lack of effective quantitative technique. This presentation will report droplet digital PCR method
for quantitative determination of GMO rice events and meat species in food. The experimental amplification results of relative
quantification all perfectly matched the theoretical results and the limit of quantitative (LOQ) of GMO was determined to be 0.1%,
lower than the labeling threshold level of the EU and many countries, while the meat species method was confirmed to be 1% (w/w).
Moreover, its use for several types of food, feed and seed matrices commonly found in routine samples has been verified.
Keynote Forum
Mokrish Ajat
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Keynote: Cholesterol uptake in mammalian cells supplemented with edible bird nest (EBN) extract
Time : 12:00 - 12:30
Biography:
Mokrish Ajat holds PhD degree in Biochemistry from Utrecht University, Netherlands. His Doctoral research training focuses on the dynamics of lipid droplets
formation in hepatic stellate cells. He is currently attached as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His research interest
is in elucidating the effects of various compounds on lipid metabolism and lipid related diseases. He is in the supervisory committee of a number of postgraduate
students, either as main Supervisor or Co-Supervisor.
Abstract:
Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is one of the most expensive health supplements in the market. EBN derives from the secretion of salivary
glands produced by male swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) during breeding season. In general, EBN consists of glycoproteins
such as; N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), galactosamine and glucosamine. For centuries, EBN has been used as medicinal
remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with several medicinal properties, such as anti-cancer, immune enhancer, antioxidant,
energy and metabolism stimulant, anti-aging and anti-viral. However, limited number of research has been conducted to
support such claims. This research has been designed to investigate the role of EBN in cholesterol uptake and storage metabolism in
mammalian cell lines (Hep-G2). EBN extract was prepared by stewing method in water bath at 70°C for 5 hours. Supernatant consist
of EBN aqueous extract was collected and extracted via cold acetone technique before quantified. Cell viability of Hep-G2 against
EBN was determined by MTT assay. Hep-G2 cells were supplemented with EBN extracts at different concentrations together with
exogenous cholesterol for 24 hours. After overnight incubation, cells collected were analyzed to see the effect of EBN in cholesterol
uptake in Hep-G2 cells. Gene expression of LDL-R and enzymes (LCAT and DGAT2) were assessed using conventional PCR and
quantitative PCR (qPCR). Distribution of LDL-R associated membrane plasma was also observed via immunofluorescence staining
using specific antibody conjugated with immunofluorescence stain. This study provides an important explanation whether EBN can
be used as food supplements to reduce cholesterol or LDL in blood circulation hence reduce the possibilities of plaque formation that
eventually leads to atherosclerosis.
Keynote Forum
Soraya Siabani
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Keynote: Why pregnant women do not adherent to iron/folate supplementation? A cross-sectional study
Time : 12:30 - 13:00
Biography:
Soraya Siabani is an Associate Professor at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran and an External Supervisor at University Technology Sydney,
Australia. She has received her PhD in Public Health from the University of Sydney, Australia. She also has a Medical Doctorate from KUMS, Iran. Her research
focuses on health promotion and epidemiology of chronic diseases
Abstract:
Background & Aim: Iron deficiency anemia and acid folic deficiency are two important health problems involving pregnant women
worldwide, especially in less developed countries. Although these nutritional insufficiencies could be prevented by iron and acid folic
supplementation, adherence to prescribed supplementations is still problematic in many nations. A cross sectional study in Iran was
conducted to explore the likely reasons of non-adherence to iron/folate supplements.
Methods & Materials: In order to address the research question, 433 pregnant women selected randomly from western Iran (2016)
were interviewed. Data gathering instrument was a validated semi-structured questionnaire containing 27 questions including personal
characteristics, socioeconomic situation and the likely reasons for non-adherence. Using Chi-square and t-test, when applicable, the
relationships between outcome variable and predicting variables were assessed. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Findings: The mean and standard deviation (μ±SD) of women ages and their gestational ages were (27.86±5.54 years) and (23.29±9.86
weeks), respectively. The most common cause of non-adherence was forgetfulness and fear of side-effects, respectively. Educational
status was only factor significantly associated with adherence to both supplementations.
Conclusion: Adherence to iron and folate supplementation in pregnant women can be promoted by minimizing side-effects and
providing a strategy remembering women to take their pills on time.
Keynote Forum
A M Alseaf
Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Keynote: Molecular characteristics of Aradi goats with prediction equation of growth pattern
Time : 14:00-14:30
Biography:
Abstract:
To specify morphological characteristics and choose preferable growth equation for kids up to 24 weeks of age, in Aradi goats,
338 kids of fathered by 25 sires and mothered by 153 does were used. Also, 74 individuals used in assisted with 29 microsatellites
markers to identify molecular characterization. Results illustrated the linear equation was preferable according to easy compute, have
two linear additive parameters and equation accuracy. The accuracy of that equation was very high ranged from 0.996 and 0.993 for
predicted weights in male and female, respectively. Five loci showed only three alleles for each, while the rest of markers ranged from
13 alleles in loci CSRD247 and RM088 to four alleles in locus ILSTS011. The average of observed heterozygosity was 0.63 ranged
0.89 in BM2113 locus to 0.17 in ILSTS002 locus. The expected heterozygosity reached the maximum value in locus RM088 and
the minimum one in locus OARE129, the average value was 0.65. The polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.85
(RM088) to 0.22 (OARE129). Thus, the investigation on a set of 29 microsatellites revealed high degree of genetic variability in Aradi
goat indicating an important indigenous genetic resource.
Keynote Forum
Jessica D Rey
University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Keynote: Assessment of seed dispersal through metagenomic analysis of the DNA-barcoded fruit-bat species diet in the tropical lowland forest of Palanan, Isabela
Time : 14:30-15:00
Biography:
Jessica D Rey is Assistant Professor in University of Philippines, Philippines
Abstract:
Bats are important parts of the ecosystem. Some serve as predators of insects, while others serve as seed dispersers. In this study,
we explore chiropteran diversity and the role of bats in seed dispersal. The dispersal of seeds is oftentimes crucial for survival
as it allows the seed to escape from conspecific competition near the mother tree. Fruit bat diversity plays a major role in seed
dispersal since different species have distinct diets. Molecular approach to the diet analysis of bats is expected to contribute to the
limited number of known food sources of bats in the tropical forest. The main objectives of this study are to determine fruit bat
diversity through DNA barcoding and to identify which plant species depend on bats for seed dispersal through diet analysis using
the NGS platform. In the Palanan Forest Dynamics Plot, Isabela, Philippines, a total of 32 individuals from eight species of fruit
bats were barcoded. Assessment of variation in bat-dispersed plant species was done across seasons and years in the forest between
February 2016 and March 2018. Out of the eight species captured, only in three species (Ptenochirus jagori, Cynopterus brachyotis and
Desmalopex leucopterus) were there enough seeds for DNA extraction. DNA from the pooled samples was extracted and the trnHpsbA
intergenic spacer region was amplified with 300 bp long primers with attached adapter sequence. The NGS-generated sequences
were cross-referenced to the available database of trnH-psbA sequences of the trees in the plot. Using BLASTn, three tree genera
were identified to be the most observed sequences. The tree species were also confirmed by voucher samples in the UP IB Herbarium
collection. With this knowledge on the species with which bats consume as food, the next step will be to confirm whether the seeds
still germinate after passing through the guts.
Keynote Forum
Daniel Mavu
University of Namibia, Namibia
Keynote: A review of rise of modern pharmaceutical biotechnology in antibiotic drug discovery and development from natural sources and future implications
Time : 15:00-15:30
Biography:
Daniel Mavu is a Pharmacist by profession registered in Namibia and Zambia. He is currently working as a Pharmaceutics Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy,
University of Namibia. Prior to this, he has worked as a Lecturer and Coordinator of the Pharmacist Assistant training program at the National Health Training
Centre, Windhoek, Namibia from 2013. From 2005-2013, he was the Pharmacist-In-Charge at the Livingstone General Hospital, Zambia. He has taught Chemistry
at Hillcrest National School in Livingstone, Zambia for three years and was also a Lecturer of Chemistry at the Natural Resources Development College in Lusaka,
Zambia. He holds a Master of Pharmacy degree (Pharmaceutics) from the University of the Western Cape, Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and BSc degree both
from the University of Zambia. He is currently a PhD candidate working on characterization and pharmaceutical development of antimicrobial compounds from
microorganisms growing in selected soil types in Namibia.
Abstract:
Background: In the context of antibiotic research and development (R&D), Biotechnology is the exploitation of biological processes for
industrial production. Early antibiotic biotechnology relied on empirical research whereas modern biotechnology is regarded as having
started in 1973 with the discovery of recombinant DNA technology. Currently, two thirds of antibiotics in clinical use globally are of
natural microbial origin, and were developed through these same empirically derived techniques. Empirical antibiotic R&D from natural
sources (NS) was, however, not sustainable. No new classes of antibiotics were discovered until after 2000 when there was renewed
interest in antibiotic R&D from NS, this time powered by advances in biotechnology. Unfortunately, there are currently no comprehensive
systematic reviews of the technologies, focus areas of antibiotic R&D and outcomes thereof over the years. This review aims to highlight
the most important developments, and contributions in antibiotic discovery and development from natural sources (NS).
Methods: A systematic literature review design was adopted for the review. Publications on R&D on antibiotics and biotechnology
were retrieved from research databases including science direct, PubMed, Medline and open source databases like google scholar.
The search terms included “antibiotics and biotechnology, research and development, methods and production.” The main outcome
variables were trends, advances and contributions of biotechnology used for R&D of novel antibiotic classes/types. The study included
publications that are peer reviewed and that give antibiotic outcomes with market authorization. Data was analyzed thematically and
results are descriptively reported. Antibiotic innovations were ranked using a criteria assessing the significance of contribution to
clinical practice and future applicability to R&D of novel antibiotics from NS as well as applicability to other biomedical sciences.
Results: Out of the 126 articles retrieved from the literature (1928 – 2017), 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen (15) articles
were excluded due overlap of information. Out of the 32 articles reviewed, 25 innovations in biotechnology had impact on R&D of
novel antibiotics in clinical use. The main trends in antibiotic R & D were in four eras: 1928-mid 1940s – the primordial era, an initial
phase when the first antibiotics were discovered without clinical use and no mass production; 1944 - 1962 is era when most antibiotics
currently in clinical use were discovered and when mass production started. Twenty (20) new classes of antibiotics were discovered and
are still used in clinical practice; 1962 – 2000 there were no innovations in new classes of antibiotics but rather synthetic modifications
of existing compounds. The era of high discoveries of antibiotics was referred to as the golden era 1944-1970; the rise in antimicrobial
resistance due to over use of antibiotics led to combinatorial techniques for novel synthetic antibiotics in the 1980s with no new classes;
in 1990’s genomic era – the biotechnological advances in genome sequencing led to innovations of antibiotics discovery based on
high throughput screens of existing compound libraries to identify targets as well as the genes encoding. Unfortunately the yield for
antibiotics based on genomic sequencing remained poor and because of these disappointments, interest in antibiotics from NS was
revitalized in the 2000’s renascence era, using advanced biotechnology. This led to two new classes of novel antibiotics being marketed
by 2010 and two more were still in phase I of the pipeline. A small number were in the preclinical phases.
Conclusion: A combination of advanced biotechnology applied on NS alongside synthetic modifications has the highest potential for
R&D of novel antibiotics. The future focus areas for antibiotic R&D from NS will focus on the 99% non-culturable microorganism
that have not been exploited, on R&D all microbes with silent genes with potential, R&D on microbes from unexplored environments
and R&D on non-multiplying microorganisms.
Keynote Forum
Naser Aliye Feto
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
Keynote: Comparative and functional metagenomic analyses of goat rumen microbiota
Time : 15:45-16:15
Biography:
Naser Aliye Feto is a Protein Engineer by training. He has successfully engineered color variants of green fluorescent proteins for improved thermostability, folding
kinetics and pH-sensitivity. He is a founding Head of Omics Research Group and Omics Research Facility furnished with the state-of-the-art scientific equipment.
He is currently supervising 2 postdocs and 3 PhD, 7 masters and 2 honor students working on a number of cutting-edge research projects. He is a recipient of
Faculty Research Achievement Award for 2015 and Vice-Chancellor’s 2016 “WOW” Award for his commitment and active participation in his respective role
Abstract:
Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) consumes wide varieties of feeds and vegetation than sheep or cattle and other ruminants. Hence, it is
expected that goat rumen is endowed with diverse microbial population that could be sources of biomolecules of potential industrial and
therapeutic importance. Thus deep sequencing of 7 out of 9 hyper variable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes mined from metagenome
of goat rumen was performed using Ion PGM™ next generation sequencing platform. The analysis was made using the CLC Microbial
Genomics Module in CLC Genomics Workbench 9.1 (CLC Bio, Qiagen). Accordingly, a total of 1,257,757 reads and 3,999 OTUs were
obtained. In brief, marked differences in the proportions and composition of the bacterial communities were observed at the class level.
Proteobacteria was found to be the dominant phylum across all samples, followed by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. In three out of four
goats, Gammaproteobacteria was the most abundant class, whereas the most dominant classes in one the goats were Bacterioidia and
Clostridia. Alpha diversity was calculated for each sample based on the OTU composition generated at the 97% sequence similarity
level. Results of rarefaction based on number of OTUs generally indicate that despite some variability all of goat samples had the high
level of bacterial alpha richness and the general trend of diversity was almost similar. Functional contributions of bacteria in the four
goat rumen samples were evaluated using OTUs based on Greengene database. Results of PICRUSt revealed a total of 301 groups at
level 3 KEGG Orthology. Further mining of genes encoding for biomolecules of commercial importance from goat rumen metagenome
is being conducted in our group. Therefore, one can conclude that goat rumen harbors diverse microbial population and could be of
potential source of biomolecules of therapeutic and industrial importance.
Keynote Forum
Peter Cheung
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Keynote: Biosynthetic regulation of production of Antroquinonol from submerged mycelial fermentation of Antrodia camphorate: A mechanistic study
Time : 16:15-16:45
Biography:
Peter Cheung has expertise in mushroom fermentation technology. He is interested in the production of bioactive metabolites from submerged fermentation of
mushroom mycelium as well as solid state fermentation of mushroom fruiting body and sclerotia. He also studies the chemical structure and biological activities of
mushroom metabolites and cell wall components for their application as functional food ingredients.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Antroquinonol, an important anticancer metabolite derived from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia
camphorate. Due to the slow growth rate of the fruiting bodies of A. camphorata and the rarity of parasitic host, submerged
fermentation has been applied to meet the increasing demand on this metabolite derived from A. camphorata. However, the yield
of antroquinonol was low by conventional submerged fermentation and investigations to increase the yield of this metabolite by
stimulatory agents are required.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The present study revealed the plausible mechanisms related to the stimulatory effect of
coenzyme Q0, camphorwood leach liquor and soybean oil on the biosynthesis of antroquinonol.
Findings: Addition of coenzyme Q0 could up-regulate the expression of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, affording methyl group
for the biosynthesis of antroquinonol. Heat shock proteins and TCA cycle related proteins were also found to participate in the
biosynthetic pathway. Camphorwood leach liquor could provide the precursor of antroquinonol by acting as donor of the quinone
nucleus. Soybean oil could increase the permeability of mycelial cell membrane and the extraction efficiency for the intracellular
hydrophobic antroquinonol from the mycelia.
Conclusion & Significance: The production of antroquinonol from the mycelial fermentation of A. camphorate can be enhanced by
stimulating agents such as coenzyme Q0, camphorwood leach liquor and soybean oil. This study advances our understanding on how
stimulatory agents can be used to regulate the biosynthetic pathway of valuable metabolites produced from mushroom mycelia and
facilitate the development of submerged fermentation for potential industrial application.
- Advancements in Biotechnology | Agriculture Biotechnology | Animal Biotechnology | Environmental Biotechnology | Food Biotechnology |Industrial and Microbial Biotechnology | Marine Biotechnology | Nanobiotechnology
Location: Hampton Room
Session Introduction
Khwaja Hossain
Mayville State University, USA
Title: Uptake and translocation of bio-based polymer in plant tissue
Time : 10:45 to 11:15 AM
Biography:
Khwaja Hossain did his PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK, 1995. MS in Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, 1989. BS in Agricultural Sciences, Bangladesh Agricultural University, 1985. He is currently working as professor of biology- Division of Science and Mathematics, Mayville State University (MSU), Mayville, ND. July 2015 – Present
Abstract:
In recent years interest in bio-based polymers has accelerated because of its renewable and biodegradable properties. However, the first generation bio-based polymers were mostly derived from agricultural feedstocks which contradict directly with human food demand. There is limited research in isolating bio-based polymers from crop wastes and their utilization in plant system. Our ultimate goal is to isolate plant polymer, xylan from wheat bran. After characterization of the polymer using spectroscopic and chromatographic
techniques, chemical functionalization of xylan hydroxyl groups was carried out to form a type of nanoparticles within the size range of 50-100 nanometer (nm). These particles function as extremely small nanocapsules and will be used to encapsulate micronutrients for delivering into plant cells. In this preliminary work, to understand the uptake and translocation of bio-based polymer in plant system, we prepared a Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NP) tagged with Alexa Fluor 647 dye and applied to germinating seeds of common bean. Analyzing the polymers treated and non-treated tissue of germinated seeds using confocal microscopy, we observed differential uptake and translocation of Alexa Fluor 647 dye bound polymer in common bean tissues.
Tingting Deng
Chinese academy of Inspection and Quarantine, China
Title: Quantitative identification of species and GM ingredients in food
Biography:
Tingting Deng, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine. Over the past 9 years, she has been focusing on the inspection and quarantine work, devoting herself to the research on the theory and practice of food scientific analysis and finishing research work in the field of the application of molecular identification in food properties, such as GMO detection, food authenticity identification. For the past 5 years in particular, Dr. Tingting Deng has conducted innovative study on the application of molecular biological techniques in the analysis of food and agricultural products with the support of many national scientific research projects. She has won 1 second prizes of Provincial and Ministerial Level Scientific and Technical Progress, 1 First Prize of Chinese Institute award of Food Science and Technology, published 12 papers, been authorized 10 national invention patent and participating in formulating 41 industry standards
Abstract:
GM content in food and feed is strictly regulated in most countries around the world. The implementation of regulation requires the establishment of GMO detection methods that are specific, reliable, sensitive and suitable for quantitative GMO detection. Meat adulteration and mislabeling is also a world widely concern in recent years. However, the determination of adulteration ratio has become a critic issue due to the lack of effective quantitative technique. This presentation will report droplet digital PCR method for quantitative determination of GMO rice events and meat species in food. The experimental amplification results of relative uantification all perfectly matched the theoretical results and the limit of quantitative (LOQ) of GMO was determined to be 0.1%, lower than the labeling threshold level of the EU and many countries, while the meat species method was confirmed to be 1% (w/w). Moreover, its use for several types of food, feed and seed matrices commonly found in routine samples has been verified.
Tingting Deng,
Chinese academy of Inspection and Quarantine, China
Title: Quantitative identification of species and GM ingredients in food
Biography:
Tingting Deng, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine. Over the past 9 years, she has been focusing on the inspection and quarantine work, devoting herself to the research on the theory and practice of food scientific analysis and finishing research work in the field of the application of molecular identification in food properties, such as GMO detection, food authenticity identification. For the past 5 years in particular, Dr. Tingting Deng has conducted innovative study on the application of molecular biological techniques in the analysis of food and agricultural products with the support of many national scientific research projects. She has won 1 second prizes of Provincial and Ministerial Level Scientific and Technical Progress, 1 First Prize of Chinese Institute award of Food Science and Technology, published 12 papers, been authorized 10 national invention patent and participating in formulating 41 industry standards
Abstract:
GM content in food and feed is strictly regulated in most countries around the world. The implementation of regulation requires the establishment of GMO detection methods that are specific, reliable, sensitive and suitable for quantitative GMO detection. Meat adulteration and mislabeling is also a world widely concern in recent years. However, the determination of adulteration ratio has become a critic issue due to the lack of effective quantitative technique. This presentation will report droplet digital PCR method for quantitative determination of GMO rice events and meat species in food. The experimental amplification results of relative uantification all perfectly matched the theoretical results and the limit of quantitative (LOQ) of GMO was determined to be 0.1%, lower than the labeling threshold level of the EU and many countries, while the meat species method was confirmed to be 1% (w/w). Moreover, its use for several types of food, feed and seed matrices commonly found in routine samples has been verified.
Mokrish Ajat
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Title: Cholesterol uptake in mammalian cells supplemented with edible bird nest (EBN) extract
Biography:
Mokrish Ajat holds PhD degree in Biochemistry from Utrecht University, Netherlands. His Doctoral research training focuses on the dynamics of lipid droplets formation in hepatic stellate cells. He is currently attached as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His research interest is in elucidating the effects of various compounds on lipid metabolism and lipid related diseases. He is in the supervisory committee of a number of postgraduate students, either as main Supervisor or Co-Supervisor
Abstract:
Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is one of the most expensive health supplements in the market. EBN derives from the secretion of salivary glands produced by male swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) during breeding season. In general, EBN consists of glycoproteins such as; N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), galactosamine and glucosamine. For centuries, EBN has been used as medicinal remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with several medicinal properties, such as anti-cancer, immune enhancer, antioxidant, energy and metabolism stimulant, anti-aging and anti-viral. However, limited number of research has been conducted to support such claims. This research has been designed to investigate the role of EBN in cholesterol uptake and storage metabolism in mammalian cell lines (Hep-G2). EBN extract was prepared by stewing method in water bath at 70°C for 5 hours. Supernatant consist of EBN aqueous extract was collected and extracted via cold acetone technique before quantified. Cell viability of Hep-G2 against EBN was determined by MTT assay. Hep-G2 cells were supplemented with EBN extracts at different concentrations together with
exogenous cholesterol for 24 hours. After overnight incubation, cells collected were analyzed to see the effect of EBN in cholesterol uptake in Hep-G2 cells. Gene expression of LDL-R and enzymes (LCAT and DGAT2) were assessed using conventional PCR and
quantitative PCR (qPCR). Distribution of LDL-R associated membrane plasma was also observed via immunofluorescence staining using specific antibody conjugated with immunofluorescence stain. This study provides an important explanation whether EBN can be used as food supplements to reduce cholesterol or LDL in blood circulation hence reduce the possibilities of plaque formation that eventually leads to atherosclerosis.
Soraya Siabani
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran Lunch
Title: Why pregnant women do not adherent to iron/folate supplementation? A cross-sectional study
Biography:
Soraya Siabani is an Associate Professor at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran and an External Supervisor at University Technology Sydney, Australia. She has received her PhD in Public Health from the University of Sydney, Australia. She also has a Medical Doctorate from KUMS, Iran. Her research focuses on health promotion and epidemiology of chronic diseases.
Abstract:
Background & Aim: Iron deficiency anemia and acid folic deficiency are two important health problems involving pregnant women worldwide, especially in less developed countries. Although these nutritional insufficiencies could be prevented by iron and acid folic supplementation, adherence to prescribed supplementations is still problematic in many nations. A cross sectional study in Iran was conducted to explore the likely reasons of non-adherence to iron/folate supplements.
Methods & Materials: In order to address the research question, 433 pregnant women selected randomly from western Iran (2016) were interviewed. Data gathering instrument was a validated semi-structured questionnaire containing 27 questions including personal characteristics, socioeconomic situation and the likely reasons for non-adherence. Using Chi-square and t-test, when applicable, the relationships between outcome variable and predicting variables were assessed. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Findings: The mean and standard deviation (μ±SD) of women ages and their gestational ages were (27.86±5.54 years) and (23.29±9.86 weeks), respectively. The most common cause of non adherence was forgetfulness and fear of side-effects, respectively. Educational status was only factor significantly associated with adherence to both supplementations.
Conclusion: Adherence to iron and folate supplementation in pregnant women can be promoted by minimizing side-effects and
providing a strategy remembering women to take their pills on time.
A M Alseaf
Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Molecular characteristics of Aradi goats with prediction equation of growth pattern
Biography:
Currently working as professor at Qassim University, Saudi Aarabia.
Abstract:
To specify morphological characteristics and choose preferable growth equation for kids up to 24 weeks of age, in Aradi goats, 338 kids of fathered by 25 sires and mothered by 153 does were used. Also, 74 individuals used in assisted with 29 microsatellites markers to identify molecular characterization. Results illustrated the linear equation was preferable according to easy compute, have two linear additive parameters and equation accuracy. The accuracy of that equation was very high ranged from 0.996 and 0.993 for predicted weights in male and female, respectively. Five loci showed only three alleles for each, while the rest of markers ranged from 13 alleles in loci CSRD247 and RM088 to four alleles in locus ILSTS011. The average of observed heterozygosity was 0.63 ranged 0.89 in BM2113 locus to 0.17 in ILSTS002 locus. The expected heterozygosity reached the maximum value in locus RM088 and the minimum one in locus OARE129, the average value was 0.65. The polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.85 (RM088) to 0.22 (OARE129). Thus, the investigation on a set of 29 microsatellites revealed high degree of genetic variability in Aradi goat indicating an important indigenous genetic resource.
Jessica D Rey
University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Title: Assessment of seed dispersal through metagenomic analysis of the DNA-barcoded fruit-bat species diet in the tropical lowland forest of Palanan, Isabela
Biography:
Jessica D Rey is Assistant Professor in University of Philippines, Philippines
Abstract:
Bats are important parts of the ecosystem. Some serve as predators of insects, while others serve as seed dispersers. In this study, we explore chiropteran diversity and the role of bats in seed dispersal. The dispersal of seeds is oftentimes crucial for survival as it allows the seed to escape from conspecific competition near the mother tree. Fruit bat diversity plays a major role in seed dispersal since different species have distinct diets. Molecular approach to the diet analysis of bats is expected to contribute to the limited number of known food sources of bats in the tropical forest. The main objectives of this study are to determine fruit bat diversity through DNA barcoding and to identify which plant species depend on bats for seed dispersal through diet analysis using the NGS platform. In the Palanan Forest Dynamics Plot, Isabela, Philippines, a total of 32 individuals from eight species of fruit bats were barcoded. Assessment of variation in bat-dispersed plant species was done across seasons and years in the forest between February 2016 and March 2018. Out of the eight species captured, only in three species (Ptenochirus jagori, Cynopterus brachyotis and Desmalopex leucopterus) were there enough seeds for DNA extraction. DNA from the pooled samples was extracted and the trnHpsbA intergenic spacer region was amplified with 300 bp long primers with attached adapter sequence. The NGS-generated sequences were cross-referenced to the available database of trnH-psbA sequences of the trees in the plot. Using BLASTn, three tree genera were identified to be the most observed sequences. The tree species were also confirmed by voucher samples in the UP IB Herbarium collection. With this knowledge on the species with which bats consume as food, the next step will be to confirm whether the seeds still germinate after passing through the guts
Daniel Mavu
University of Namibia, Namibia
Title: A review of rise of modern pharmaceutical biotechnology in antibiotic drug discovery and development from natural sources and future implications
Biography:
Daniel Mavu is a Pharmacist by profession registered in Namibia and Zambia. He is currently working as a Pharmaceutics Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, University of Namibia. Prior to this, he has worked as a Lecturer and Coordinator of the Pharmacist Assistant training program at the National Health Training Centre, Windhoek, Namibia from 2013. From 2005-2013, he was the Pharmacist In-Charge at the Livingstone General Hospital, Zambia. He has taught Chemistry at Hillcrest National School in Livingstone, Zambia for three years and was also a Lecturer of Chemistry at the Natural Resources Development College in Lusaka, Zambia. He holds a Master of Pharmacy degree (Pharmaceutics) from the University of the Western Cape, Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and BSc degree both from the University of Zambia. He is currently a PhD candidate working on characterization and pharmaceutical development of antimicrobial compounds from microorganisms growing in selected soil types in Namibia.
Abstract:
Background: In the context of antibiotic research and development (R&D), Biotechnology is the exploitation of biological processes for industrial production. Early antibiotic biotechnology relied on empirical research whereas modern biotechnology is regarded as having started in 1973 with the discovery of recombinant DNA technology. Currently, two thirds of antibiotics in clinical use globally are of natural microbial origin, and were developed through these same empirically derived techniques. Empirical antibiotic R&D from natural sources (NS) was, however, not sustainable. No new classes of antibiotics were discovered until after 2000 when there was renewed interest in antibiotic R&D from NS, this time powered by advances in biotechnology. Unfortunately, there are currently no comprehensive systematic reviews of the technologies, focus areas of antibiotic R&D and outcomes thereof over the years. This review aims to highlight the most important developments, and contributions in antibiotic discovery and development from natural sources (NS). Methods: A systematic literature review design was adopted for the review. Publications on R&D on antibiotics and biotechnology were retrieved from research databases including science direct, PubMed, Medline and open source databases like google scholar. The search terms included “antibiotics and biotechnology, research and development, methods and production.” The main outcome variables were trends, advances and contributions of biotechnology used for R&D of novel antibiotic classes/types. The study included publications that are peer reviewed and that give antibiotic outcomes with market authorization. Data was analyzed thematically and results are descriptively reported. Antibiotic innovations were ranked using a criteria assessing the significance of contribution to clinical practice and future applicability to R&D of novel antibiotics from NS as well as applicability to other biomedical sciences.
Methods: A systematic literature review design was adopted for the review. Publications on R&D on antibiotics and biotechnology were retrieved from research databases including science direct, PubMed, Medline and open source databases like google scholar. The search terms included “antibiotics and biotechnology, research and development, methods and production.” The main outcome variables were trends, advances and contributions of biotechnology used for R&D of novel antibiotic classes/types. The study included publications that are peer reviewed and that give antibiotic outcomes with market authorization. Data was analyzed thematically and results are descriptively reported. Antibiotic innovations were ranked using a criteria assessing the significance of contribution to clinical practice and future applicability to R&D of novel antibiotics from NS as well as applicability to other biomedical sciences.
Results: Out of the 126 articles retrieved from the literature (1928 – 2017), 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen (15) articles were excluded due overlap of information. Out of the 32 articles reviewed, 25 innovations in biotechnology had impact on R&D of novel antibiotics in clinical use. The main trends in antibiotic R & D were in four eras: 1928-mid 1940s – the primordial era, an initial phase when the first antibiotics were discovered without clinical use and no mass production; 1944 - 1962 is era when most antibiotics currently in clinical use were discovered and when mass production started. Twenty (20) new classes of antibiotics were discovered and are still used in clinical practice; 1962 – 2000 there were no innovations in new classes of antibiotics but rather synthetic modifications of existing compounds. The era of high discoveries of antibiotics was referred to as the golden era 1944-1970; the rise in antimicrobial resistance due to over use of antibiotics led to combinatorial techniques for novel synthetic antibiotics in the 1980s with no new classes; in 1990’s genomic era – the biotechnological advances in genome sequencing led to innovations of antibiotics discovery based on high throughput screens of existing compound libraries to identify targets as well as the genes encoding. Unfortunately the yield for antibiotics based on genomic sequencing remained poor and because of these disappointments, interest in antibiotics from NS was revitalized in the 2000’s renascence era, using advanced biotechnology. This led to two new classes of novel antibiotics being marketed
by 2010 and two more were still in phase I of the pipeline. A small number were in the preclinical phases.
Conclusion: A combination of advanced biotechnology applied on NS alongside synthetic modifications has the highest potential for R&D of novel antibiotics. The future focus areas for antibiotic R&D from NS will focus on the 99% non-culturable microorganism that have not been exploited, on R&D all microbes with silent genes with potential, R&D on microbes from unexplored environments and R&D on non-multiplying microorganisms.
Naser Aliye Feto
Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
Title: Comparative and functional metagenomic analyses of goat rumen microbiota
Biography:
Naser Aliye Feto is a Protein Engineer by training. He has successfully engineered color variants of green fluorescent proteins for improved thermostability, folding kinetics and pH-sensitivity. He is a founding Head of Omics Research Group and Omics Research Facility furnished with the state-of-the-art scientific equipment. He is currently supervising 2 postdocs and 3 PhD, 7 masters and 2 honor students working on a number of cutting-edge research projects. He is a recipient of Faculty Research Achievement Award for 2015 and Vice-Chancellor’s 2016 “WOW” Award for his commitment and active participation in his respective role
Abstract:
Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) consumes wide varieties of feeds and vegetation than sheep or cattle and other ruminants. Hence, it is expected that goat rumen is endowed with diverse microbial population that could be sources of biomolecules of potential industrial and therapeutic importance. Thus deep sequencing of 7 out of 9 hyper variable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes mined from metagenome of goat rumen was performed using Ion PGM™ next generation sequencing platform. The analysis was made using the CLC Microbial Genomics Module in CLC Genomics Workbench 9.1 (CLC Bio, Qiagen). Accordingly, a total of 1,257,757 reads and 3,999 OTUs were obtained. In brief, marked differences in the proportions and composition of the bacterial communities were observed at the class level. Proteobacteria was found to be the dominant phylum across all samples, followed by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. In three out of four goats, Gammaproteobacteria was the most abundant class, whereas the most dominant classes in one the goats were Bacterioidia and Clostridia. Alpha diversity was calculated for each sample based on the OTU composition generated at the 97% sequence similarity level. Results of rarefaction based on number of OTUs generally indicate that despite some variability all of goat samples had the high
level of bacterial alpha richness and the general trend of diversity was almost similar. Functional contributions of bacteria in the four goat rumen samples were evaluated using OTUs based on Greengene database. Results of PICRUSt revealed a total of 301 groups at level 3 KEGG Orthology. Further mining of genes encoding for biomolecules of commercial importance from goat rumen metagenome is being conducted in our group. Therefore, one can conclude that goat rumen harbors diverse microbial population and could be of potential source of biomolecules of therapeutic and industrial importance.
Peter Cheung,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Title: Biosynthetic regulation of production of Antroquinonol from submerged mycelial fermentation of Antrodia camphorate: A mechanistic study
Biography:
Peter Cheung has expertise in mushroom fermentation technology. He is interested in the production of bioactive metabolites from submerged fermentation of mushroom mycelium as well as solid state fermentation of mushroom fruiting body and sclerotia. He also studies the chemical structure and biological activities of mushroom metabolites and cell wall components for their application as functional food ingredients
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Antroquinonol, an important anticancer metabolite derived from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorate. Due to the slow growth rate of the fruiting bodies of A. camphorata and the rarity of parasitic host, submerged fermentation has been applied to meet the increasing demand on this metabolite derived from A. camphorata. However, the yield of antroquinonol was low by conventional submerged fermentation and investigations to increase the yield of this metabolite by stimulatory agents are required.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The present study revealed the plausible mechanisms related to the stimulatory effect of coenzyme Q0, camphorwood leach liquor and soybean oil on the biosynthesis of antroquinonol.
Findings: Addition of coenzyme Q0 could up-regulate the expression of S adenosylmethionine synthetase, affording methyl group for the biosynthesis of antroquinonol. Heat shock proteins and TCA cycle related proteins were also found to participate in the biosynthetic pathway. Camphorwood leach liquor could provide the precursor of antroquinonol by acting as donor of the quinone nucleus. Soybean oil could increase the permeability of mycelial cell membrane and the extraction efficiency for the intracellular hydrophobic antroquinonol from the mycelia.
Conclusion & Significance: The production of antroquinonol from the mycelial fermentation of A. camphorate can be enhanced by stimulating agents such as coenzyme Q0, camphorwood leach liquor and soybean oil. This study advances our understanding on how stimulatory agents can be used to regulate the biosynthetic pathway of valuable metabolites produced from mushroom mycelia and facilitate the development of submerged fermentation for potential industrial application