Overview
Biochemical Sciences use the tools of biochemistry to study important enzymes and other microbial and plant bio-molecules which find applications in human health and agriculture.
Mission & Goals
Our mission is to apply the knowledge of modern biology to problems in chemical sciences and technology as well as agriculture. The goal is to explore structure-function relationships in bio-molecules and design them for specific end applications.
Competency
  • Chemistry and structure of bio-molecules
  • Excellent knowledge base in, and technology development skills for, the use of microbes and fungi
  • Development of synthetic chemistry based on biocatalytic transformations
  • Plant molecular biology
    • Facilities
  • Macromolecular x-ray diffraction facility
  • Automatic DNA sequencing facility
  • Spectrofluorimeters
  • Pulsed field electrophoresis
  • Gel documentation system
  • PCR machines
  • 2-D electrophoresis system
    • Glimpses of current research

    Control of Helicoverpa infestation by recombinant protease inhibitors
    The study of the chemistry of proteases and their inhibitors has led to the development of genetically modified chickpea better able to withstand insect attacks.

    Novel protease inhibitors have been discovered which show promise as drugs against HIV
    (J. Biol. Chem., 2002 , 277, 17978).
    Regiospecific conversions of drug intermediates using microbial oxidases
    Microbial or enzymatic processes have been studied for the synthesis of complex organic intermediates.
    (US Patent 6,448,051 B1 Sept. 10, 2002 )
    Cellulases and Xylanases
    The group has extensive experience in the area of structure-function relationships in cellulases and xylanases. Several applications have been explored. Before and after treatment of fibres with cellulases in alternative technology for "stone washing" denim.
    Endophytic fungi produce nanoparticles
    Endophytic fungi produce a range of important secondary and tertiary metabolites which are themselves drugs, or may be chemically modified for this purpose.

    Fungi producing metal nanoparticles have been explored
    (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2002 , 124, 12108)

    Model system to screen antifungal agents: Benjaminiella poitrasii
    Control of insect pests and pathogens has been shown to be possible using fungi which are non-pathogenic to crops.
    (Microbiol Res. 2002, 157, 29)
    Chemistry and structure of bio-molecules
    The crystal structures of biomolecules help in understanding molecular recognition and therefore structure-activity relationships
    (Acta Cryst. 1999 , D55, 1204)
    Sex determination in papaya
    Sex determination in papaya is possible using DNA markers. This determination leads to considerable saving of cost in papaya plantations by weeding out male plants in the initial stages of growth.
    (US Patent 6037128 Mar 14, 2000 ; US patent 6180345 Mar 30, 2001 )
    Leather Biotechnology
    Proteases replace lime and sulfide in the dehairing of leather resulting in better quality products and less pollution .
    (US and Indian Patents pending MF 35/ 2002)
    Contact
     
    Dr. Mala Rao
    National Chemical Laboratory ,
    Dr. Homi Bhabha Road ,
    Pune 411 008 India
    Email : malarao@dalton.ncl.res.in
    Phone :+91-20-2589 3300 (extn 2228)
    Fax :+91-20-2588 4032

    Dr. Vidya Gupta
    National Chemical Laboratory ,
    Dr. Homi Bhabha Road ,
    Pune 411 008 India
    Email : vidya@ems.ncl.res.in
    Phone :+91-20-2589 3300 (extn 2247)
    Fax :+91-20-2588 4032