Research Projects

Project summary: India faces a nutritional challenge with widespread micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in the vitamin B complex group (B2, B6, B9, and B12), affecting a significant portion of the population. Current production methods for these vitamins, relying on chemical synthesis or microbial fermentation, are resource-intensive, environmentally harmful, and economically unsustainable. Given the urgent need for efficient and eco-friendly production systems, photoautotrophic microalgae and cyanobacteria present a promising alternative. The aim of this project is to construct genetically engineered strains of cyanobacteria and microalgae capable of efficiently producing vitamin B complex. The research will focus on developing optimal growth conditions to maximize vitamin yield, followed by the isolation and purification of vitamins. It will also include scale-up and downstream processing for practical application. Additionally, the project will investigate enzymatic pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of vitamins to enhance production efficiency. Main Experiments: Genetic Engineering and Transformation: • Identify and clone vitamin biosynthesis genes from bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis, Pseudomonas denitrificans). • Transform plasmids containing these genes into Chlorella vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, Synechococcus, and Synechocystis using molecular cloning and electroporation techniques. • Confirm gene integration using PCR and segregation analysis. Biochemical and Cellular Analysis: • Identify and quantify key enzymes involved in vitamin biosynthesis using SDS-PAGE chromatography and Spectroscopy. • Isolation and analysis of vitamin production using HPLC and GC. • Optimization of Production Conditions: Test varying light intensities, temperatures, and nutrient levels to enhance vitamin yields. Significance • Provide a green alternative to current industrial methods of vitamin production. This research could pave the way for further innovations in using photoautotrophic organisms for biotechnological applications. • Enhance the fundamental understanding of genetic and metabolic engineering in photoautotrophic organisms. • Demonstrate the potential of cyanobacteria and microalgae as biofactories for producing high-value compounds for industrial purposes. The findings will have broad applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and feed industries, • Alignment with National Missions: Contribution to the “Sawasth Bharat and Swachh Bharat” with innovative tools and methods to increase productivity and profitability in contributing to global health and environmental sustainability. Enhancement of the "Make in India" initiative by fostering plant-based innovations and developing technologies that can be produced and utilized domestically.