Overview

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology on August 9, making the 9,300-sq-ft facility operational.
• Built at a cost of Rs. 1.85 crore, the biobank houses a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture lab, cryostorage, autoclave rooms and advanced air handling systems.
• Developed with DBT–BIRAC’s National Biopharma Mission and HiMedia Laboratories, it will supply quality-controlled animal stem cells and indigenous culture media to research institutes, clinics and industry.
• Five portable diagnostic kits—BruDIVA for brucellosis, Udder Care for mastitis, CureCheck for antibiotic sensitivity, Toxo Antibody Rapid Test and RapiChex JE NS1 for Japanese Encephalitis—are now field-ready to strengthen livestock and public health.
• Plans are underway to expand biobanking to include stem cell derivatives and to build new residential accommodations to support the growing scientific community.