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Training Course in Cell Culture Techniques The Training Course in Cell Culture Techniques for the year of 2024 was successfully organized and conducted by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo at the institute’s facilities from February 26 to March 1, 2024. Seventeen participants comprised of young scientists, clinicians, medical officers, academia and science graduates attended the training course. Several practical aspects of fundamental cell culture techniques were covered in the training course which included safety precautions, media preparation, cell counting and viability determination, growth of adherent and suspension cells, maintenance of cells, freezing and thawing of human cell lines, apoptosis detection using light and fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity determination, cell-based assays to screen anti-cancer drugs or substances, isolation and maintenance of primary cells, DNA and RNA extraction from cultured cells, and an overview of stem cells. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in the field of animal cell culture.          

A Training Course in Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression A training course in “Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression” organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 20th to 24th November 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The training course was resourced by Prof Jagathpriya Weerasena, Professor in Molecular Biology, IBMBB, Dr Nilupa Gunaratna, Scientific Assistant, IBMBB, Ms Thulangi, IBMBB and Ms Sandali, IBMBB. The training course was conducted for young scientists, academics, undergraduate/postgraduate students and students awaiting higher studies in biological sciences. The training course provided an opportunity to perform the latest as well as commonly used methods in modern biotechnology such as PCR amplification and cloning, preparing recombinant constructs, transformation, protein expression and purification, protein crystallization, getting structural insights of proteins using bioinformatics/ computer graphics-based exercises etc. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Gene Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression. The training course concluded with an open discussion, where the participants shared their views on the training course and both its contents and organization were greatly appreciated.        

Exploring the Wonders of IBMBB’s Open Day Event in 2023 It was a day of remarkable exploration and discovery as the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB) welcomed over 100 enthusiastic participants to the Open Day Event on October 20, 2023. This event, hosted within the IBMBB premises, offered a unique opportunity to share the marvels of biotechnology and molecular biology with the wider community. IBMBB was honored to have the distinguished presence of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, who graced the event, adding to its value and significance. The Open Day was filled with engaging activities and insights, including: Laboratory Tours: Visitors had the privilege to step inside our state-of-the-art laboratories, witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking research that occurs at IBMBB. These tours provided a unique and intimate look at the remarkable work conducted by our researchers. Engaging Conversations: Our team of passionate researchers and educators engaged in thought-provoking discussions with participants. These conversations provided valuable insights into the dynamic and ever-evolving fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. Academic Pathways: We presented information about our academic programs and short training courses, guiding potential participants towards their dreams of pursuing careers in these dynamic disciplines. Our educational offerings aim to empower future scientists and researchers. Career Opportunities: Attendees had the opportunity to explore the diverse career prospects in the biotechnology and molecular biology sectors. The event also facilitated networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with professionals in the field who already engaged with IBMBB. The success of this Open Day was made possible through the unwavering support of our dedicated academic and non-academic staff. Their commitment and hard work contributed to creating an event that truly showcased the exciting opportunities available in these fields. In addition to these enriching experiences, the Student Welfare Society of IBMBB organized a flash quiz competition for the participants, with more than 50 individuals participating. Winners were acknowledged with certificates, encouraging and celebrating their knowledge and enthusiasm. Furthermore, the Staff Welfare Society arranged a delightful food stall, enhancing the overall experience for our participants by providing a variety of delicious refreshments. The IBMBB Open Day Event in 2023 was a testament to the institute’s commitment to fostering an environment of learning, research, and community engagement.

Workshop for Technical Officers and Laboratory Technicians The Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of Colombo successfully organized a workshop for technical officers and laboratory technicians from August 23rd to 25th, 2023, at the IBMBB premises. The workshop commenced with a welcoming address by Senior Prof. H.D Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo and Prof. Prasanna Galhena, the Director of IBMBB. The workshop featured esteemed resource persons, including Prof. Jagath, Prof. Nimal, Dr. Ruwandi, Dr. Umapriyatharshani from IBMBB, Dr. Dinesh Aluthge from the UOC Chemistry department, and industry experts like Mr. G Shobanababu from Emar Pharma (PVT) LTD and Mr. Amal Buddhika from Avon Pharmo Chem PVT LTD. The participants consisted of laboratory technical officers and other personnel. The workshop encompassed hands-on training in various aspects of Laboratory Safety, pH Meters, Analytical Balances, Spectrophotometer, Centrifuges, PCR & Real-time PCR Machines, Micropipette usage, Laminar Flow and Biosafety Cabinets, Microplate and ELISA Plate Reader operation, Microscope handling, Autoclaving equipment, and HPLC usage. This workshop was primarily aimed to enhance participant’s understanding of the principles, operation manuals and troubleshooting of commonly used laboratory instruments in a standard laboratory environment. It featured a combination of theoretical sessions and real-time practical demonstrations conducted by subject experts from both academia and industry. The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for participants to expand their knowledge in Laboratory Safety and equipment maintenance.

Training Course in Cell Culture Techniques Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, successfully conducted the second training course in “Cell Culture Techniques” for the year 2023 from 07th to 11th August 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The training course was resourced by Prof. Kamani H Tennekoon, Prof. Sameera R Samarakoon, Prof. Prasanna Galhena, Dr. Umapriyatharshini Rajagopalan, Dr. Kanishka Senathilaka, Ms. Sivagini Kumarasamy, Mr. Nirmal Perera IBMBB, University of Colombo Sri Lanka and Dr. Hasi Hays, Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The Participants comprised of young scientists, clinicians, medical officers, academics, science graduates, science undergraduates and an individual with GCE A/L qualifications. The training course covered practical components in basic cell culture techniques including safety precautions, media preparation, cell counting and viability determination, growth of adherent and suspension cells, maintenance of cells, freezing and thawing of human cancer cell lines, apoptosis detection using light and fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity determination and exposure to anti-cancer drug screening. Isolation and maintenance of primary cells, DNA and RNA extraction from cultured cells and an overview of stem cells was also covered. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Cell Culture Techniques.

Training Course in Immunological Techniques A training course in Immunological Techniques organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was conducted successfully from 10th to 14th July 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the training course. The training course was resourced by Prof Shiroma Handunnetti (IBMBB), Dr Rajiva de Silva (Medical Research Institute, Ministry of Health), Prof Sisira Pathirana (IBMBB), Dr Bhagya Deepachandi (IBMBB) and Ms Fatema S Abbasbhoy (IBMBB). The Participants comprised of Medical Officers, academics, science graduates, science undergraduates and an individual with GCE A/L qualifications. The training course covered practical components in cell isolating methods, in vitro culturing of leukocytes, cell counting methods, functional assays for immune cells, and immunodiagnostic assays (ELISA, IFA, Immunochromatography, SDS-PAGE & Western Blotting). The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the field of Immunological Techniques.

Training Course in Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Drug Discovery The Training Course in Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Drug Discovery organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 26th to 30th June 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the workshop. The workshop was resourced by Prof. Sameera Samarakoon (IBMBB), Dr Kanishka Senathilake (IBMBB), Dr Nirupa Nagaratnam (Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery Arizona State University, AZ (ASU) USA (Alumna of IBMBB)), Dr Tolulope Peter Sailu College of Medicine the University of Kentucky USA (Alumnus of IBMBB), and Dr Arabinda Ghosh (Department of Computational Biology and Biotechnology Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva University India), Mr Nirmal Perera (IBMBB), Mr Mishal Faizan (IBMBB) and Mr Kanchana Senanayake (IBMBB). The training course covered theory and practicals with hands-on experience in drug discovery, protein structure modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, ADMET, QSAR etc. The training course allowed the participants to broaden their knowledge of drug discovery and protein structure.

Training Course in Molecular Biological Techniques Training Course in Molecular Biological Techniques organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo was successfully held from 19th to 23th June 2023 at the IBMBB premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena welcomed the participants on the first day of the workshop. The workshop was resourced by Prof. Jagath Weerasena (IBMBB) and Prof Prasanna Galhena (Director, IBMBB). The training course covered theory and practicals with hands-on experience in DNA based techniques such as DNA extraction and quantification, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA probes, gel electrophoresis, restriction fragment length polymorphism and an exposure to DNA sequencing. Application of the techniques in diagnosis of pathogenic diseases, and mutation detection. The training course was a great opportunity for the participants to broaden their knowledge in the DNA based techniques.

Workshop on Advanced Chromatographic Techniques A Workshop on Advanced Chromatographic Techniques jointly organized by the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo and Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) was successfully held from 08th and 09th June 2023 at the IBMBB and ITI premises. The Director of the IBMBB, Prof Prasanna Galhena, Director IBMBB and Dr Sudharshana Somasiri, Additional Director ITI welcomed the participants on the first day of the workshop. The workshop was resourced by Prof Nimal (IBMBB), Dr Sudharshana Somasiri (ITI), Dr Kushani Mahanthila (ITI), Dr Vajira Agampodi (ITI), Dr Vimarshi Liyanarachchi (ITI), and Ms Thanuja Dissanayake (ITI). The Workshop covered theory and practicals with hands-on experience in Advanced Chromatographic Techniques. The workshop included aspects of Advanced Chromatography and practical demonstrations of IC, HPLC-DAD-FLD, LC-MS-MS and GC-MS. Future programmes on Advanced Chromatography will be carried out on demand.