Reference:

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first state-of-the-art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Animal Stem Cell Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.

Key Points:

• The Biobank and laboratory are established over an area of 9,300 sq. ft. with a cost of around ₹1.85 crore.
• Main Objective: To promote research in animal regenerative medicine, preservation of biological cells (stem cells), disease modelling, tissue engineering, reproductive biotechnology, and cellular therapies.

Technical Features of the Biobank:

• Stem cell culture unit
• 3D bioprinter
• Bacterial culture lab
• Cryostorage (cell preservation facility)
• Autoclave room (sterilization)
• Advanced air handling system
• Uninterrupted power backup

These facilities are dedicated to high-tech research in animal health management, helping to improve livestock productivity.

Importance & Objectives:

• This Biobank will promote regenerative medicine and cellular therapy in veterinary science, bringing a revolution in diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases.
• It marks a new direction for India, especially in supporting the “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
• Expected to contribute to livestock disease prevention, productivity enhancement, and increase in the nation’s GDP linked to agriculture.
• Possible due to PM Narendra Modi’s Bio-E3 Policy, which aims to make India a leader in biotechnology.

Other Initiatives & Inaugurations:

• Alongside the new laboratory, the foundation stone was laid for a Hostel Block and Type-IV Quarters worth ₹19.98 crore, to provide facilities for research scholars, faculty, and staff.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh also launched five new veterinary diagnostic devices developed by NIAB for early detection and prevention of livestock diseases.
• Special emphasis will be given to raising awareness among farmers about animal diseases like Brucellosis, Mastitis, and Toxoplasmosis.

Biobank

• A Biobank is an organized repository where biological samples—such as blood, tissue, DNA, urine, saliva, etc.—are collected, processed, preserved, and managed for research, medical, and diagnostic purposes.

Main Purpose:

• Assist medical research and disease studies
• Development of new drugs and treatments
• Study genetic and environmental factors
• Improve public health

Sample Types:

• Human samples: Blood, plasma, DNA, tissue, organs
• Animal samples: For veterinary research
• Microbial samples: Bacteria, viruses, etc.

Types of Biobanks:

• Population-based: Focused on health and disease patterns in a specific population
• Disease-specific: Samples related to particular diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc.
• Virtual Biobank: Digital management of data and sample information
• Data Management:
  • Each sample is linked with patient health information, genetic data, and medical history
  • Privacy regulations are followed to protect personal identity

Importance:

• Foundation for personalized and precision medicine
• Useful in rare disease and epidemic studies
• Promotes global health collaboration

Types of Biobanks & Uses:

Major Biobanks in India: