The National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE)

Interaction Team

This series is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable achievements and vital contributions of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and its affiliated institutions. It aims to provide readers with insights into Pakistan’s nuclear advancements, including nuclear science, energy production, healthcare breakthroughs, agricultural innovations, and environmental conservation, all driven by PAEC’s pioneering efforts. The series draws extensively from the insightful book “Johari Nishtar e Tehqeeq,” the first-ever Urdu book on the topic, authored by the Chief Editor of the monthly Interaction, Nusrat Mirza. It offers a unique perspective on untold stories, significant milestones, and the unwavering commitment of PAEC and its dedicated scientists and researchers.

The National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) is a prominent institution under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. It was established in 1994. The institute holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and collaborates with international organizations such as the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). The main focus of the institute is on modern biotechnology and genetic engineering, playing a vital role in national development across agriculture, health, environment, and industry.

NIBGE conducts research programs, offers services, and develops marketable products across various divisions. They are briefly described as under:

1. Agricultural biotechnology division: This division addresses food security challenges in Pakistan by researching key crops, developing approved cotton and wheat lines, and working on transgenic/genome-edited crops with improved traits. Utilizing advanced tools like genomics and bioinformatics, the division aims to enhance crop productivity, reduce production costs, and collaborate with various renowned national and international organizations like Higher Education Commission (HEC), Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), Agricultural Linkages Program (PARC), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation, Pak-US ICARDA and King Abdullah University for Science & Technology (KAUST) etc.
2. Industrial biotechnology division: Engaging in multidisciplinary research, this division focuses on sustainable manufacturing processes and products such as enzymes, biofuels, prebiotics, and antimicrobials. Research activities involve isolating microorganisms, studying biosynthetic pathways, conducting mass cultures using bioreactors, and recovering products. Four main themes guide the division’s work: Bioprocessing of Ores and Fossil Fuels, Industrial Enzymes and Biofuels, Biotechnology of Prebiotics and Antimicrobials, and Nanobiotechnology.
3. Health biotechnology division: The Health Biotechnology Division focuses on combating genetic and infectious diseases in Pakistan, conducting research on molecular studies, nucleic acid diagnostics, therapeutic strategies, and developing diagnostic tools. The division has made significant achievements in discovering gene functions, identifying genes responsible for diseases, and establishing a National Probiotic Laboratory. The division also synthesizes medications, works on vaccines, and offers services such as molecular analyses, chromosomal analysis, and prenatal diagnosis.
4. Environmental biotechnology division: This division tackles pollution and depleted natural resources by developing wetland technologies for wastewater treatment, bioremediation of contaminated sites, and environmentally friendly agricultural products. Services include wetland technologies, environmental monitoring, toxicity testing, bio-fertilizer production, and operating an animal house research facility.

NIBGE has developed expertise and infrastructure for bio-fertilizer production. Notable products include BioPowerSuper, a biofertilizer for various crops, and Phosphorus Pool, which addresses soil phosphorus deficiency.

Apart from the various research divisions, NIBGE is actively involved in academic programs, offering M.Phil and Ph.D. level programs to contribute to human resources in biotechnology. NIBGE’s dedicated library is recognized as the National Library for Biological Sciences, focusing on extremophilic microorganisms, microbial biodiversity, biotechnology of extremophiles, extremozymes, and gene mining.

In summary, NIBGE is dedicated to research, education, and biofertilizer production, with a keen focus on modern biotechnology applications in various sectors. The institute’s collaboration with international organizations, state-of-the-art research divisions, and academic contributions position it as a leading institution in biotechnology and genetic engineering within Pakistan.