IBSD explores microbial bioresources in NE
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 19 2024: Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), under Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) of the Department of Bio technology, Ministry of Science and Technology,' has reportedly launched research efforts focused on exploring the microbial bio-resources of the North Eastern Region (NER).

The Imphal headquartered IBSD is actively engaged in preserving, studying, and utilising the rich microbial diversity of the region for various applications in therapeutics, agriculture, and industry.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over environmental changes and excessive harvesting from wild ecosystems, which threaten the region's unique habitats.

The Microbial Resources Programme led by IBSD director Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee is at the forefront of this research.

It aims to unlock the potential of microorganisms from the NER to drive innovations and bio-economic growth.

Informing this in a statement, IBSD said that its Microbial Repository Centre (MRC) currently holds over 75,000 microbial cultures, including bacteria, actinomycetes, yeast, and fungi, collected from diverse ecological niches, such as hot springs, sacred groves, limestone caves, wetlands, and forest ecosystems across Northeast India.

The microbial diversity also includes endophytes and epiphytes from ethno-medicinal plants, wild mushrooms, fermented foods, and fish, among others.

The centre works in collaboration with various institutes and universities across the region.

IBSD is also advancing research in agriculture, focusing on plant growth-promot -ing arid biocontrol agents.

Strains like Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus t26 and Bacillus altitudinis Lc5 have shown promise in enhancing plant growth and combating phytopathogens, while Bacillus velezensis MRC 5958, isolated from Bakra Natural Hot Springs, has emerged as a candidate for industrial biofuel production due to its ability to produce thermostable cellulase.

The institute is also conducting extensive screening of medicinal plants traditionally used in Northeast India for antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Several plants and their essential oils have demonstrated promising activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, skin diseases, and RNA viruses, including Chikungunya and SARS-CoV-2.In addition to its research, IBSD plays a pivotal role in training students, researchers, and scholars from various universities in India and abroad, offering hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific techniques.

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