bacterial disease resistant derivative of samba mahsuri ... · pdf filebacterial disease...

15 JUNE 2007 173173173173173

ISSN 0409-7467

VOL 57 NO 11 15 JUNE 2007

Bacterial disease resistant derivative of Samba Mahsuri recommended for release as a variety by ICAR

IN a collaborative project, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad and the Directorate of Rice Research [a constituent laboratory of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)] have introduced three genes for bacterial leaf blight (BLB) resistance into the elite fine grained rice variety, Samba Mahsuri using molecular marker assisted backcross breeding. This rice strain, called is a near isogenic line containing the BLB resistance genes, , and in the genetic background of Samba Mahsuri.

has successfully undergone national level field trials under the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project of ICAR. It has been found to retain the yield as well as excellent grain and cooking quality of Samba Mahsuri and, in addition, is resistant to BLB which is a serious disease. Because of the above, it has been recommended for release as a variety by ICAR during the 42nd All India Rice Research Group Meeting held recently in Hyderabad.

is found to be suitable for BLB endemic areas of Southern, parts of Eastern and Western zones of India where BLB susceptible fine-grained varieties like Samba Mahsuri, Sona Mahsuri, etc. are grown. Samba Mahsuri, which was originally developed by the Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh, currently occupies 3.3 per cent of the area under rice cultivation in India and is grown in five states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Chhatisgarh and Uttar Pradesh). Samba Mahsuri is in great demand in the market place and commands a very high premium price in comparison to other varieties. Because RP BIO 226 is equivalent in yield and grain and cooking quality, it could serve as a replacement for Samba Mahsuri in BLB endemic areas.

This is one of the first examples of a rice variety product developed in India through biotechnology that is approved for commercialization.

RP BIO 226 (IET 19046)

RP BIO 226

RP BIO 226

Xa21 Xa13Xa5

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R&D HighlightsR&D HighlightsR&D HighlightsR&D HighlightsR&D Highlights

NGRI probes Synthetic Gas Hydrates by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

GAS hydrates are non-stoichiometric ice-likesolids, constituted by cage-like structuresformed by a skeleton of hydrogen-bonded

water molecules hosting the guest molecules suchas methane in abundant quantity, often found alongthe continental margins. Understanding theformation, stability and structure of these hydrates,in particular methane hydrates, is a burning issuein many industrial and research laboratoriesworldwide. Raman spectroscopy has beenrecognized as a versatile tool for probing the gashydrates in various structural states.

The National Geophysical Research Institute(NGRI), Hyderabad, is actively involved in thescientific programme on Gas Hydrates, launchedby the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The institute ispursuing Geophysical data processing,interpretation and laboratory studies. A state-of-the-art facility for Laser Micro-Raman Spectroscopyhas been established and small volume high-pressurereactors have been indigenously fabricated.

“Burning ice” — Methane Hydrate synthesized at NGRI

Using these facilities methane hydrateshave been synthesized and characterizedfor the first time in the country by NGRI.Observed Raman band at 2918 cm-1 is thecharacteristic feature of methane gas,whereas the bands at 2905 and 2917 cm-1

are typical of methane hydrates instructure-I. Using Micro-Raman Probeone can establish the presence of gas-hydrates in naturally occurring oceanbottom sediments. Such work so far isbeing taken up only in some leadinglaboratories in USA, Canada and Japan.

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CENTRAL FOOD TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

THE Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, continues to pursue a largenumber of in-house, network, grant-in-aid and industrial projects. A brief account of R&D highlightsduring 2005-06:

Shelf stable Brown rice (Nutri-rice), which could be stored for 6-8months at room temperature, hasbeen obtained from hydrothermallytreated paddy. Sensory evaluation ofthe stored nutri-rice has providedfavourable indications about cookedNutri-rice in respect of texture,aroma and other attributes. TheNutri-rice is found to possess betternutritional quality than milled rice.A versatile tiny rice mill that couldshell and mill paddy of any variety,size and shape (including parboiledpaddy), which can be useful in thetiny scale sector, has been designed,fabricated and tested. Moth bean,soybean, little millet, horsegram andpearl millet have been used in thepreparation of ready-to-eatexpanded grains. These products arecrisp and crunchy with desirablearoma and taste. Expanded brownrice distinguishes itself by its highcontent of dietary fiber apart fromantioxidants such as oryzanol.Expanded cereals and legumes aresuitable as ingredients in healthfoods. Formulations and processparameters for the preparation ofnutraceutically-enriched candy havebeen standardized. Hardboiledcandy, fortified with ferrous iron andvitamin C is found to possessacceptable sensory attributes otherthan colour. A confectionery tablet,fortified with amla pulp powder, hasbeen developed to exploit the health

benefits of amla. Products in whichamla is incorporated moderately arefound sensorily acceptable.

Studies have indicated thatcombination of preservatives canextend the shelf life of chapati andparotta by 7-8 days. Emulsifierssuch as glycerol monostearate,sodium stearoyl-2-lactillate andlecithin improve the mixingcharacteristics of whole-wheat flourwhile alpha amylase causes doughbreakdown. Fortification of whole-wheat flour and wheat flour does notsignificantly influence the doughproperties of the flours up to threemonths of storage. Differentpreservatives and additives havebeen experimented for enhancingshelf life of chapatis prepared on alarge scale. Attempts have beenmade to understand the influence offortification of flour with mineralssuch as iron, calcium and vitaminson the rheological characteristicsand bread making quality.

Thermal and hydrodynamicproperties of individual oils, blendedoils and interesterified oils have beenworked out to identify suitablecombinations for frying studies. Twococonut oil blends — one with ricebran oil and the other with sesameoil — have been assessed for theirnutritional value in addition to theireffects on serum and hepatic lipidsin rats. Low temperature-lowhumidity method of drying is found

to afford better retention of colourin dry oregano leaves. Volatileprofiles of essential oils from threesamples of ajowan have beenobtained. A simple process has beendevised to isolate best purity thymolfrom ajowan oil. The antimicrobialactivity of phenolic portion of ajowanoil is most effective followed bycarvacrol and oregano oil (phenolicportion).

Oligosaccharides from cerealgrains and pulse husks were foundto be heterogenic in nature. In vitroenzymatic digestibility of threemushroom species — one each ofhigh protein, medium protein andlow protein (dry, powdered) — wasstudied. Incorporation of drymushroom powder in biscuitformulation at a low level resultedin an acceptable product.Encapsulated cumin and oryzanolwas found to decrease the lipidperoxidation in liver. High proteinconcentrates were prepared fromsesame, soy and mustard seeds.Saponin content in soybeanincreased three fold on germination.Protein concentrates, enriched withiron from niger meal and highsaponin soy milk powder, could findapplications in functional foods. Aprotein hydrolysate was developedwith potential to scavenge freeradicals and also inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme. Amelioratoryinfluence of dietary fenugreek seeds

R&D Highlights

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on cholesterol induced gallstonecondition was evaluated inexperimental mice. Dietaryfenugreek significantly loweredserum cholesterol levels, serumLDL-cholesterol as well as hepaticcholesterol concentrations. Aprocess that yields free flowing,fat enriched chocolate powderwas standardized. Encapsulatingingredients, such as casein,maltoextrin, skim milk and wheypowders were experimented withto obtain bakery shortening inpowder form. Partial replacementof oil by suitable starch in thefoods, without affecting oilymouthfeel of the product, wasbeing probed.

Lactic acid bacteria cultures,along with 12 cultures obtainedfrom culture collection centresexhibited probiotic propertiessuch as tolerance of pH and bilesalts, apart from antimicrobialactivity. Phytase activity wasfound to be essential for thebioavailability of trace elements,while beta-glycosidase activityreduced glucose intolerance. Sixcultures isolated from kanjikaexhibited antimicrobial activityagainst E. coli, B. cereus, L.monocytogenes, Y. entero-coliticaand S. aureus (FR1-722).Multifunctional proteins thatinhibited angiotensin covertingenzyme and exhibited free radicalscavenging as well as antimicrobialactivity, were isolated from alpha andk-casein, and were characterizedand synthesized. Chilli pericarppowder was subjected to counter-current extraction with a selectedpolar solvent mixture in columns,arranged in a row, to obtain pungent

aromatic fraction before eluting thecolumns with nonpolar or ketoticsolvents to get colour fraction. Thepungent aromatic powder andcolorant obtained by desolventizingthe fractions were analyzed for total

integrated process for preparationof protein hydrolysate, recovery ofcarotenoids and extraction of chitinwas developed. Effect of enzymepretreatment of cumin on theextraction of volatile oil was

investigated. The conditions ofpretreatment, namely, enzymedosage preconditioning andincubation time were optimizedfor a few enzymes. An improvedunit for distillation of volatile oilfrom cumin was designed and aprototype fabricated.

A prototype of a sheeting,forming and frying machine forcontinuous production oftraditional food, poori, has beendesigned and fabricated. Thevada-making machine, developedearlier, has been modified toachieve fuel efficiency andreduction of oil consumptionduring frying. Studies on thetexture of vada have indicatedshear stress and stiffness to begood indices. Makhana processinghas been surveyed to developequipment and process for puffingmakhana seeds.

Preliminary studies on dryblanching of tulsi have been donewith infra-red and microwaveradiations. The spouted bedroaster, designed to work on

HTST principle, not only removesunwanted materials such as husk,dirt and dust, but also enables solidmixing, effective gas-particlecontact, enhancement of aroma andflavour, retention of organoleptic andnutritional attributes, to yield thebest product.

An integrated roaster has beendevised, wherein roasting, restingand cooling take place in a single,

Performance Indicators 2005-06

Patents filedIn India 52Abroad 70

PublicationsResearch Papers 150Reviews 22Book Chapters 10Papers in Proceedings 5

ProjectsSponsored 16Grant-in-aid 94Consultancy 44

AccomplishmentsNew Processes Developed 12Technologies Transferred to Industries 76Product Samples Analyzed 1455Number of Technical Counselling 902Number of Technical Enquiries 7079

Human Resource DevelopmentM.Sc. Students Passed Out 24ISMT Students Passed Out 20Number of Short Term Courses Conducted 24Number of Ph.Ds Awarded 19

soluble solids and the colourcontent, respectively.

Parameters were optimized forbiotransformation of potent culturesto obtain nutraceuticals from fungalcultivars. Tea polyphenol oxidasewas found to be the best forconversion of catechin to theaflavins.Fermentation ensiling was found tobe a better method of pigmentstablisation of carotenoid fromshrimp waste than acid ensiling. An

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compact machine, as an alternativeto conventional sand roasting, withbetter energy efficiency.

Inactivation of peroxidaseenzyme is found to be quicker incarrot slices compared to potato,under similar blanching conditions.Parameters for separation andpurification of biomolecules from thecrude extract of pineapple have beenoptimised. A technology protocol forpackaging and transportation ofpineapple of the north-easternregion comprising harvest maturity,post-harvest treatments that arenontoxic and non-residual, apartfrom a method of bulk packing intrucks on a commercial scale, hasbeen developed and tried withsignificant reduction in losses.Extension of shelf life of litchi fruitsby three weeks, with reduction inpericarp browning, has beenachieved. Physical properties suchas length, breadth, thickness,sphericity index and coefficient offriction, have been analyzed at twomoisture levels of a maize variety.The germ-obtained from acommercial variety of maize milledin a horizontal abrasive polisher anda horizontal friction polisher, withand without water conditioning, hasbeen evaluated. Number of fingermillet cultivars have been evaluatedfor amylase content, poping andpasting characteristics. Functionalproperties of finger millet malthydrolysate indicate the latter’ssuitability as a substitute tomaltrodextrin in specialty foods.

A process for the production offructooligosaccharides (FOS) at 50L level has been developed. A fewproducts based on FOS, such asnature identical honey, prebiotic

spread, FOS powder andnutraceutical beverage concentratehave been developed.

The texture of liquid as well assnack foods has been investigated.A method to characterize variousattributes such as stringiness andmass adherence that relate torheological characteristics like yieldstress and apparent viscosity, apartfrom sensory attributes, viz.,stickiness and flowability has beendeveloped for liquid foods. In caseof solid foods, size of air cavities andthickness of cell wall appear toaffect the texture of solid foods,markedly. The feasibility of inpackage thermal process andreduction of headspace oxygen inthe package have been explored astwo major hurdles against microbialgrowth and oxidation relatedspoilage in traditional Indian sweets.

Packaging and processingconditions have been standardizedfor Laddu and Jahangir, followingheat penetration studies usingdifferent packaging and packingconfigurations. The effect of differentsolvents used in the extraction of oilfrom rice bran on the quality of theoil has been studied. Four organicsolvents, two polar and two non-polar, have been used in theextraction in a soxhlet apparatus.The polarity of the solvent used forextraction appears to have a bearingon the quality of rice bran oil.Enzymatic pretreatment of cakewith cell wall degrading enzymeshas been studied with respect to itseffect on oil yield and recovery.Process parameters have beenoptimized to obtain tofu (a soy curd)with good flavour, quality andtexture. Suitable packaging material

that can enhance the shelf life of tofuhas been identified. Okara, abyproduct of tofu preparation, richin protein and amino acids has beentried as supplement in Indiantraditional foods.

Molecular weight and degree ofacetylation of native chitosan,purified by various criteria, weredetermined by FTIR and NMR tobe 71 KDa and 26%, respectively.Lipases and hemicellulasesexhibited non-specificchitosoanalytic activity. Of thevarious lipases screened, wheatgerm lipases as well as Candidacylindracea lipases were found to bemore efficient compared to otherlipases. Ragi water-solublepolysaccharides had maximuminhibitory effect on pancreatic α-amylase at 1% concentration.Water-soluble polysaccharides were foundto contribute to the slow digestionof cereal starches by pancreatic α -amylase. Chloroform extract ofmango ginger, on fractionation,yielded a pure antioxidantcompound.

Aqueous and methanol extractsby fresh and dry fruits of Dilleniaindica were evaluated for totalphenolic content, total antioxidantactivity and antibacterial activityagainst a few foodborne pathogens.Methanoic extracts had higher totalphenolics and antioxidant capacitythan aqueous extracts. A newaqueous two-phase systemcontaining polyethylene glycol andxanthan, developed along with itsphase diagram, was employed forpartitioning studies of bovine serumalbumin. Aqueous two-phaseextraction was found to be anattractive alternative for the

CSIR NEWS178178178178178

downstream processing ofbetalaines, mainly for the removalof sugars. A new, simple andefficient approach for thepurification of C-phycocyanin wasdeveloped using aqueous two-phaseextraction and ion-exchangechromatography.

Micropropagation protocol forCoffea arabica and C. canephorawas developed. Triacontanolsupplemented medium supportedregeneration of plants from somaticembryos. Cloning of N-methyltransferase gene and makingantisense and RNAi constructs fordown regulation of coffee resultingin the development of low caffeinesomatic embryo were achieved.

Botryococcus, an algal species,was found to be rich in antioxidantand bioactive compounds, whosefood value is being ascertained,apart from hydrocarbons that can betransformed to biofuels. Seaweeds,eucheuma and enteromorpha, wereprocessed and incorporated into afew food formulations.Enteromorpha-based snack foodshad enhanced nutritional value interms of iron, calcium, vitamins A,E and niacin. Seaweed sampleswere suitably processed to reducemicrobial load to facilitateacceptability in food formulations.Microbiological analysis of treatedand untreated samples of the twoseaweeds (flakes as well as powder)showed the presence of standardplate count in all samples and theabsence of coliform, yeast and moldin most of them.

PCR conditions for the isolationof enterotoxin gene werestandardized, while plant tissueculture conditions for spinach and

carrot were under standardisation.Shoot cultures of Nanjanagudurasabale, already established invitro, have been used to develop ahigh rate multiplication medium forimproved shoot number avoiding thepossibilities, of epigenetic variationsthat occur during micropropagation.Tissue culture methods have beenstandardized to aid in obtainingvariants and regenerate genetictransformants. PCR basedprocedures for the detection ofregulatory taxon specific andtransgenic sequences have beenstandardized for herbicide tolerant(round up ready) soya and insectresistant maize powders. Lateralflow strips from three commercialsources have been optimized for thespecific detection of CP4EPSPSgene in herbicide tolerant soya, Cry1Ab gene in insect resistant maizeand Cry 1Ac gene in Bt cotton.

Methods have been optimizedfor isolation of total volatiles fromthe roots of D. hamiltonii and H.indicus. Chemical compositions ofvolatiles of both the species havebeen compared with reference tobiogenesis, sensory and flavourcharacteristics. Processes have beendeveloped for the preparation ofradical scavenging conserves fromthe roots of D. hamiltonii and H.indicus. Flavoured tea, preparedwith swallow root extract atdifferent concentrations rangingfrom 15 to 22 ppm has beenevaluated for flavour intensity andoverall quality. Development of astable, improvised prototype of teabiosensor using immobilizedtyrosine enzyme has beencompleted. Black tea samples havebeen analyzed and the results

validated by total polyphenolestimation. Attempts have beenmade to adopt the fluorescencebased dipstick method developed atIMTECH, Chandigarh to thechemiluminescence methoddeveloped at CFTRI. The excellentlinear calibration ofchemiluminescence response ofvarious dilutions of atrazine labelledHRP indicate sensitivity of thebiosensor to 0.1 ppb level.

cDNA sequence of rice branlipase was elucidated towardsdeveloping an understanding of thestructure of the lipase. A total of 17(fungal) strains from the culture bankof CFTRI were screened forproteolysis activity. Extracellularprotease activity was checked inmoldy bran with special referenceto acidic proteases. Bacterial strainsfrom the culture bank were alsoscreened for protease activity.Bacillus species showed themaximum activity underexperimental conditions of growth.All the proteases were highly activein the neutral range pH. Processconditions, such as pH,temperature, time of hydrolysis andenzyme-substrate ratio, wereoptimized to obtain proteinhydrolysate, using an alkalineprotease, from the visceral wastesof fresh water fish. The majorprotease inhibitor specific gene wasisolated from the genomic DNA ofhorsegram using amino and carboxyterminal specific primers. Theexpressed protein inhibited bothtrypsin and chymotrypsin.

Detoxification of the oilseedmeals from tree borne oil seeds—Jatropha, Karanja and Simarouba —was investigated by roasting,


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autoclaving, acid treatments,extraction with acid, alkali orethanol, boiling with water and mildalkali or acid. Preliminary studieshave indicated that Karanjin, afurano flavanoid isolated fromKaranja seeds, possessesantiulcerogenic property.

The diabetic status of rats andamelioratory effect of banana stemas well as flower have beenestablished by measuring relevantparameters in blood and urine. Theformation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in diabetic rats andits amelioration has been assessedby the extent of fructosamineformation. Peptic polysaccharidesand antioxidant fractions fromginger and swallow root have beenevaluated for their efficacyemploying in vitro biochemical andin vivo animal models. Redness,bloody streaks and bloody stomach,a few symptoms of swim stressinduced ulcer, have been controlleddrastically by the twopolysaccharides, at a particularconcentration.

Both the above pepticpolysaccharides also exhibitinhibition of proton-potassiumATPase activity, while the gingercomponent arrested the growth ofH. pylori, at suitableconcentrations. Galectin, purifiedfrom the urine of cancer patients byammonium sulfate precipitation,followed by gel filtration and affinitycolumn chromatography, has beenused to raise polyclonal antibody.Histopathological analysis hasrevealed that the incidence oflobular carcinoma being higher, therelease of galectin from the epithelialcells may be essential for the

detachment of primary cancer cellsleading to invasiveness.

The aggregation kinetics ofsynuclein, a 140 amino acid proteininvolved in neurodegenerativepathways in Parkinson’s disease,have been studied using thioflavin-tand transmission electronmicroscope. An algorithmiccomputational model has beendeveloped to understand theaggregation. Curcumin-glucoside, awater-soluble molecule, has beenfound to prevent synucleinaggregation. A film made withpolyhydroxyalkanoate obtained bycultivation of Rhizobium meliloti, onsucrose medium, has exhibitedwater vapour transmission ratescomparable to polyester andpolypropylene films. Blendingpolyvinyl acetate with PHA hasresulted in linear decrease in tensilestrength and a linear increase inpercentage elongation of PHAblends. It is found feasible to obtaina film ideal for forming and heat-sealing by blending these in anappropriate ratio. Aerobicdegradation of PHA, undercomposting conditions, has beeninvestigated. Exopolysaccharideproduction by the isolates ofLeuconostoc sp CFR2181 andLactobacillus sp. CFR2182, hasbeen studied. Glucose is found to bethe major sugar in both the samples.Fruits of different cultivars of tomatocollected at different stages ofgrowth have been analyzed for theirlycopene, total carotenoid, totalsoluble solids and ascorbic acid atdifferent stages of maturity. Basedon lycopene content, one of thecultivars, Arka Ahuti, has beenidentified for further studies.

The effect of hyperglycemia ontotal glutathione, α-tocopherol andsuccinate dehydrogenase activity intestis, has also been determined.Formation of ROS and TBARS, atsignificantly elevated levels, hasbeen observed in both testis andliver, associated with markedperturbations in the activity ofvarious antioxidant enzymes. Thedata collected suggest that underexperimental diabetic conditions,testicular mitochondria aresubjected to oxidative stress.

Methods developed fordetermination of caffeine in non-alcoholic beverage and mixture ofartificial sweeteners in beveragesare under validation. A reversephase HPLC method has beendeveloped for detection ofneurotoxin present in Kesari dal(Lathyrus sativus). Uric acid hasbeen determined in turmericsamples following removal ofcurcumin. The method of estimationof thiamine in amylase rich energyfood is being validated. Studies arein progress to prevent milk spoilageby intercepting signal molecules byhomogenate furanones. The bestestimated threshold for cardamomaroma has been determined in threedifferent media. Volatiles present invanilla extracts, pepper powders,pepper oleoresin and pepper essentialoil were identified by GC-MS. Bestestimated threshold for cardamomaroma (green, bold variety) wasdetermined in three different media.

D. hamiltonii was subjected tosequential extraction using differentsolvents, such as hexane, ethylacetate, acetone and methanol.Insecticide activity of ethyl acetateextract was found to be maximum


CSIR NEWS180180180180180

The CLRI and M/s Scigenics teams after signing the agreement

THE Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai,has signed an agreement with M/s Scigenics India Pvt.Ltd,Chennai, for supply, installation, commissioning and

operation and maintenance for upscaling of EnzymaticFermentation Facility under the NMITLI programme. The totalcontract value including Q & M is Rs 2.02 crore. The agreementwas signed on 3 May 2007 in the office of the Director, CLRI.

against adults of lesser grain borer,Rhizopertha dominica, through contactbioassay. Hexane extract was found toeffectively inhibit the growth of A. flavus.Three plant materials that can inhibitfeeding on blood meal in female mosquitoes,when burnt as coils, were identified.Conditions were standardized for analysisof quinalphos by GC chemicals andmixtures were screened to arrive at astandard method for decontamination ofsurface residues of quinalphos on fruits andvegetables. Protocols were prepared andstandardized to maintain bacteria as wellas worm cultures of Caenorhabditis elegansin agar and in liquid medium. Methodswere standardized to identify the variouslife stages of the worms. Multipesticideanalysis method, using single internalstandard, was developed and statisticallyevaluated. Analytical methods for residuesof pesticides as well as antibodies byLC-MS/MS were standardized. TheDot-ELISA kit for aflatoxin B1, developedin-house was validated. Groundnuts, maize,chilli powder, animal feed, wheat and soyflour formed the matrices. ELISA forinvisible insect contamination, duringstorage, was found to be sensitive at a verysmall dose of antigen. The efficacy ofdisinfectant solutions prepared fromecofriendly ingredients in reducing themicrobial load in cold environments wasdetermined.

Mini dal mill, developed by CFTRI fordehulling bolder pulses, is being improvedto enable dehulling of other pulses.Necessary changes in operationalparameters and structure of the mill havebeen incorporated. A prototype of theimproved mill has been fabricated. Basedon trials, operational parameters fordifferent pulses are being optimised. Thismill, when made ready, is likely to be usefulin households in the pulse growing regionsof the country.

CLRI-Scigenics MoU forEnzymatic Fermentation Facility

Exchange of agreement documents between CLRI and Scigenics India

R&D Highlights/MoUsR&D Highlights/MoUsR&D Highlights/MoUsR&D Highlights/MoUsR&D Highlights/MoUs

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Functional delivery ofa cytosolic tRNA

into mutantmitochondria of

human cells

Many maternallyinherited andincurable neuromyo-

pathies are caused by mutationsin mitochondrial (mt)transfer RNA (tRNA) genes.Kinetoplastid protozoa, includingLeishmania, have evolvedspecialized systems for importingnucleus-encoded tRNAs intomitochondria.

B. Mahata, S. Mukherjee,S. Mishra, A. Bandyopadhyayand S. Adhya of the IndianInstitute of Chemical Biology,Kolkata, in their researchpublication in Science (2006, Vol314, Iss 5798, pp 471-474) havereported that the LeishmaniaRNA import complex (RIC) couldenter human cells by a caveolin-1-dependent pathway, where itinduced import of endogenouscytosolic tRNAs, includingtRNA(Lys), and restoredmitochondrial function in acybrid harboring a mutant mttRNA(Lys) (MT-TK) gene. Theuse of protein complexes tomodulate mitochondrial functionmay help in the management ofsuch genetic disorders.

This is the first time a largeprotein complex has been shownto correct respiratory defectsdue to mitochondrial mutationsthat occur in certain humangenetic disorders.

Formation of Hybrid Water-ChlorideStructure with Discrete Undecameric

Water Self-Assembly in a HeptaprotonatedOctaamino Cryptand

SMALL water clusters are subject of considerable theoretical andexperimental interest in science for understanding the structureof bulk water. In the past several years, studies on structural

morphologies of water cluster in crystal hydrates show that thestabilization of discrete even-membered water ring morphologies suchas tetramer, hexamer, octamer, decamer, dodecamer, tetradecamer, andhexadecamer, are common within the lattice of crystal host. Curiously,little is known of the structural constraints required in stabilizing“discrete” odd-membered water cluster morphologies of “highernuclearity” though trimers and pentamers are familiar in crystalhydrates.

P. S. Lakshminarayanan, E. Suresh, Pradyut Ghosh of the CentralSalt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, in their studypublished in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 3807-3811, have utilizeda homoditopic cryptand, N(CH2CH2NHCH2-p-xylyl-CH2NHCH2CH2)3N, having N4 donor sets with xylyl spacers (a) in itsheptaprotonated state (b) as a receptor for chloride encapsulation insidethe proton cage.C r y s t a l l o g r a p h i canalysis shows that thechloride encapsulatedcage stabilized thestructure of discretep r o p e l l e r - s h a p e dtricyclic water [(H2O)11]clusters (c). This is thefirst report of a “discrete”p r o p e l l e r - s h a p e dundecameric watercluster. This watercluster, orientedsymmetrically aroundthe cryptand moiety,interacts with theencapsulated chlorideinside the cryptand cavity, forming thehybrid water-chloridestructure (d).

(a) Octaamino cryptand; ; ; ; ; (b) ORTEP diagram ofheptahydrochloride salt of octaamino cryptand;

(c) ORTEP diagram of (H2O)

11 cluster;

(d) Encapsulated chloride and its interaction with the threediscrete (H

2O)

11 clusters

High Impact PHigh Impact PHigh Impact PHigh Impact PHigh Impact Publicationsublicationsublicationsublicationsublications

(b)(a)

(c) (d)

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SSSSSeminars/Workshopseminars/Workshopseminars/Workshopseminars/Workshopseminars/Workshops

Seminar on Fibre Optic Sensor Technology forReal-time Monitoring of Parameters for Capacity Enhancement

of Existing Tansmission Lines

Aone-day seminar on‘Fibre Optic SensorTechnology for Real-Time

Monitoring of Parameters for CapacityEnhancement of ExistingTransmission Lines’ was held at theCentral Glass & Ceramic ResearchInstitute (CGCRI), Kolkata, on12 April 2007. The seminar markedthe conclusion of an internationalproject that was awarded to CGCRIunder Indo-Norwegian Programmeof Institutional Cooperation (INPIC).The Norwegian counterpart wasSINTEF- Norway. The main objectiveof the collaborative programme wasto develop a Fibre Bragg Grating(FBG) based device for application ofreal time monitoring systems tomeasure conductor temperature, sagand tension in the critical spans of hightension transmission lines to enhancepower flow capacity in hilly/coastalregion in India. The project startedin April 2005 with Power GridCorporation of India as the useragency.

When the current flow enhancesin power lines, the temperature of theconductor increases and as a resultin worst cases the lines maypermanently fail owing to thermalstrain induced elongation. Thereforeit is necessary to monitor thetemperature rise on high tensionconductor. Optical fiber technologyhas inherent advantage in suchenvironment because of its immunityto electromagnetic fields and thepossibility of transferring signals

at SINTEF, Norway and (iv)Suitable sensor probe and housingto install the sensor on high voltageconductor were also designed andfabricated at SINTEF. Combinationof these accomplished tasks led tothe development of sensor systemand the first system was tested onACSR (Moose) conductor in alaboratory test bed at SINTEF,Norway with low voltage andvariable current strength up to750 A.

After successful laboratorytesting, the sensor housings havebeen installed on a 400KV powertransmission line at Subhashgramsubstation of the user agency,Power Grid Corporation of India.The substation is situated in South24-Parganas district in WestBengal. The sensor housings were

Shri P.L. Narayana, Chief, Monitoring Unit, INPIC, delivering his address during the seminar.Others seated are: Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr Lief Jerkan and Dr H.S. Maiti

over long distances. The developedsensor devices are wavelengthselective temperature monitoringsystems. The selectivity is altered bystrain and temperature. Thereforeby measuring the change inwavelength selectivity or shift,strain or temperature can bedirectly obtained.

The major achievements of thecollaboration are: (i) Suitablephotosensitive fibres for writing fibreBragg-grating were developed atCGCRI, (ii) Design and modeling ofFBG sensors suitable fortemperature sensing were donejointly by CGCRI and SINTEF, (iii)Several FBG sensors werefabricated as per the designrequirement at CGCRI and theirtemperature sensitivity wasmeasured at different current level

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installed at two different locationsclose to one of the towers of the sameconductor enabling monitoring oftemperature of the same conductorat two different points simultaneously.The on-line data logging system isdirectly connected with the sensorsusing a special fibre-optic cable. Theinterface software for data logging wasinitiated by SINTEF and later onmodified at CGCRI for finalapplication according to therequirement. On line temperaturerecording is going on from the remotecontrol room of Power Grid’ssubstation. The results of these testshave been found excellent.

At the outset of the one-dayseminar, Dr H. S. Maiti, Director,CGCRI, welcomed the guests,participants and team members ofFibre Optics Lab and expressed hishappiness over the successfulcompletion and demonstration of FBGsensors developed under the project.He said that the country wouldbenefit from the said technology andhoped that the cooperationbetween CGCRI andSINTEF would continue infuture. He expressed hissincere thanks to INPIC forextending cooperation andsupport. He also thankedSINTEF, Norway andPowergrid Corporation ofIndia for actively participatingin the programme.

Shri P. L. Narayana, Chiefof the Monitoring Unit,INPIC, also expressed hishappiness over the successfulcompletion of the projectwithin stipulated time and

stated that the project had built a levelof trust and confidence on the basisof which both sides benefitedmutually. Dr Rajendra Prasad, Head,ISTAD, appreciated the properutilization of allotted funds which hadequipped CGCRI’s Fibre Opticslaboratory with the state-of-the-artfacilities for fabrication andcharacterization of optical fibre. Hehoped that such a collaborativeproject can create a platform forfurther exchange of ideas. Heimpressed upon the delegates theproactive role of CSIR in thecollaboration. Shri S. K. Roy, DeputyGeneral Manager and In-Charge,Power Grid Substation atSubhasgram, expressed hissatisfaction over the functioning oftemperature sensor installed at thesite. He assured that user agencywould extend all cooperation tocontinue this developmental work.

Dr Lief Jerkan, Senior Scientist,SINTEF, made an electronic

presentation of the work done bySINTEF in the project. He discussedthe part of the work carried out inNorway and also the capabilities ofFBG sensors in the measurement ofvibration of high voltagetransmission lines and relatedstructures. This was followed by apresentation by Shri KamalDasgupta, Head, Fibre Optics,CGCRI. He discussed theuniqueness of FBG sensors in highvoltage environment and said thatthe same idea could be extended todevelop other varieties of FBGbased sensors to monitor differentparameters of high voltagetransformers Dr K. Ravisankar,Scientist F and Head, EML, SERC,Chennai, made a presentation ofhealth monitoring of structureundertaken in SERC using fibre-optic sensor. He gave detaileddescription of Fibre Fabry-Perot(FFP) sensors and compared thesame with new generation of FBG

sensors. He remarked thatremote monitoring ofstructures using GSM networkhad been tried out by SERCand the same knowledge basecould be utilized for FBGbased sensors if a properinterrogator was designed anddeveloped.

The participants valuedthe work and expressed hopeof similar collaborations inwhich SERC could be a vitalpartner in future. Themeeting ended with a vote ofthanks by Dr S. K. Bhadra.,Scientist, Fibre OpticsSection, CGCRI, Kolkata.

Installation of the FBG based temperature sensor system on 400 KVpower conductor at Subhashgram substation of Power GridCorporation of India. Insets: (a) Splice housing box with two

mounted sensors on transmission line and (b) Enlarged view ofSplice housing box

CSIR NEWS184184184184184


T H E Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata, organizedIndo-German Workshop on FuelCells & Hydrogen Energy during29-31 January 2007 at Kolkata, withthe financial support of InternationalScience & Technology AffairsDirectorate (ISTAD), CSIR, Indiaand Federal Ministry of Educationand Research (BMBF), Germany.The aim of the workshop was tostrengthen the research activities inthis particular field with closeinteraction among the scientists ofthe two countries. The workshop wasattended by around 75 participantsincluding 11 from different centers ofexcellence in Germany, e.g.,Forchungszentrum Jülich (FZJ),German Aerospace Centre (DLR),University of Karlsruhe (TH),Fraunhofer Institute of Technologiesand Systems (IKTS),Forchungszentrum Karslruhe,University of Hannover; RWTHAachen University and EnBWEnergie Baden-Württemberg AG.The participants from Indiarepresented from different premierR&D organizations including CSIRlaboratories (CGCRI, NCL,CECRI, NAL, NML, CMERI,IMMT, IIP and CSIR HQ), BARCMumbai, different IITs, RCIHyderabad, NMRL, Ambernath andCenter for Fuel Cell Technology,Chennai. In addition, BHEL andMNRE, Government of India, alsoparticipated.

The inaugural session was gracedby the presence of Mr WehrmannGünter, Consul General, German

Indo-German Workshop onFuel Cells and Hydrogen Energy at CGCRI

Consulate, Kolkata. Welcoming hisfellow German delegates andcomplimenting the organizers of theworkshop, he expressed that theevent was quite relevant under thepresent power scenario. In hiswelcome address, Dr H. S. Maiti,Director, CGCRI, greeted thedelegates and distinguished guestsand emphasized the importance ofalternative/renewable energysources to meet the future globalenergy needs and the necessity ofdeveloping co-operationprogrammes in this emerging fieldof research. Dr Maiti also briefedabout the ongoing Solid Oxide FuelCell (SOFC) developmentprogramme under the NMITLIproject for which CGCRI is the leadlaboratory. He mentioned that amore elaborate programme in thisarea would be taken up by CGCRI

during the Eleventh Five Year Plan(2007-12). Dr Rajendra Prasad,Head, ISTAD, CSIR, spoke aboutthe energy crisis that had become aglobal phenomenon and noted thatinternational co-operation to solvethe problem had been increasingglobally. He emphasized on the useof hydrogen energy which givesharmless by-product, e.g. water andmentioned that Indian Governmenthas already launched the HydrogenEnergy Road Map in which CGCRI,Kolkata, with this kind of initiative,could play a significant role. At theend of the inaugural session, Dr R.N.Basu, convener of the workshop andHead, Fuel Cell & Battery Section,CGCRI, proposed the vote of thanksand expressed his gratitude to all thedelegates and sponsors of theworkshop.

Twenty-two technical lectures

Seen during the inaugural session of the workshop are: Dr H.S. Maiti, Dr Rajendra Prasad,Mr W. Günter, Dr D. Ströver and Dr R.N. Basu

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were presented by eminentscientists on diverse aspects of FuelCell Technology and production ofhydrogen for use as an energy carrierand its storage.

The technical session began withthe keynote address by Prof. Dr D.Ströver, Research Director, FZJ andleader of the German delegation. Inhis talk, Prof. Ströver covered thematerial aspects of planar SOFC andenumerated their influence on theperformance of the cells. Dr R.N. Basuhighlighted the current activity (underNMITLI Project) of CGCRI indeveloping state-of-the-art anodesupported SOFC design using costeffective fabrication techniques. DrS.K. Chopra, Principal Adviser andSpecial Secretary, MNRE, presenteda brief international scenario on thepresent development on the use ofdifferent renewable energy sourcesvis-à-vis various programmes beingundertaken by his Ministry. Prof.Ellen Ivers-Tiffee, Institute ofMaterials for ElectricalEngineering, University ofKarlsruhe, explained lucidly thenovel electrochemical measurementtechniques for characterizing theperformance of SOFC. Prof. A.Michaelis, Managing Director ofFraunhofer Institute (IKTS,Dresden), emphasized the necessityof fuel cell technology developmentusing cost effective manufacturingprocesses. Prof. J. Caro, Instituteof Physical Chemistry andElectrochemistry, University ofHannover, in his lecture, highlightedthe worldwide increasing R & Dactivity in the field of hydrogenselective membranes for hydrogenseparation. Each of the technicallectures was followed by opendiscussions between the speaker and

the audience. The workshop concluded with

an interactive session to discussfuture possible cooperative andcollaborative programmes betweenthe two participating countries ondifferent fuel cells, hydrogenstorage/generation and gasseparation membranes. The sessionwas chaired by Dr S. Sivaram,Director, NCL, Pune. Some of thekey points that emerged as a resultof this interactive session are: (i)Scientists from both the countriesagreed to cooperate and collaboratein different aspects of fuel cell andhydrogen energy research, (ii) boththe teams agreed to exchange visitsof Scientists/Professors and studentsfor which the necessary expenditureare to be organized through differentexisting Indo-German cooperativeprogrammes, (iii) it was agreed toorganize technical workshops onfocused areas of common interest,preferably each year, alternately inIndia and Germany, (iv) related R &D activities in the individualcountries will be mobilized throughfinancial resources from their

respective ministries and/orindustries and (v) research data ofthe collaborative programmes willbe shared by the participatinginstitutions and related IPR issueswill be decided through jointconsultations as and whenappropriate. It was, in principle,decided that in India, CGCRI willcoordinate research activitiesrelated to SOFC and gas separation,CECRI will coordinate activities onPMFC/DMFC and NCL willcoordinate activities on hydrogengeneration/storage.

Shri R.K. Bhattacharya,Executive Director, BHEL,opined that project demonstrationunder Indian conditions was verycrucial even for a joint collaboration.In his concluding remarks Prof.Dr D. Ströver agreed, in principle,on the views expressed byrepresentatives of both the countriesfor more interaction. He alsoexpressed his heartfelt thanks andgratitude for the hospitalityextended to his delegation during theworkshop.

German Scientists visiting Fuel Cell & Battery Section of CGCRI, Kolkata

CSIR NEWS186186186186186

Dr A. Ajayaghosh elected Fellow of Indian Academy of SciencesDR Ayyappanpillai Ajayaghosh, aScientist of the Photosciences andPhotonics Group of the Chemical Sciencesand Technology Division,: NationalInstitute for Interdisciplinary Scienceand Technology (NIST) (erstwhileRegional Research Laboratory),Thiruvananthapuram, has been electeda Fellow of the Indian Academy ofSciences, Bangalore, for the Year 2006.

Dr Ajayaghosh obtained hisBachelor’s degree in Chemistry from KeralaUniversity in the year 1982. Aftercompleting M. Sc. (1984) and Ph. D (1988)in Chemistry from Calicut UniversityChemistry Department, he joined the

Hoonours & Awards/AnnouncementsHoonours & Awards/AnnouncementsHoonours & Awards/AnnouncementsHoonours & Awards/AnnouncementsHoonours & Awards/Announcements

Regional Research Laboratory, (presentlyNIST) as a Scientist. Subsequently he wasan Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at theMax Planck Institut fuer Strahlenchemie,Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany (1994-96) and a visiting faculty to manyuniversities in Germany, Japan and TheNetherlands. He is a recipient of the YoungScientist award of the Indian ScienceCongress Association (1988), YoungScientist Medal of the Indian NationalScience Academy (1991), Bronze Medal ofthe Chemical Research Society of India(2002). He is a member of the InternationalAdvisory Board of “Chemistry - An AsianJournal” published by Wiley-VCH,

Germany. Hisresearch interests arein the area ofphotonically andelectronically activeorganic andm a c r o m o l e c u l a rmaterials, particularlythe supramolecular chemistry offunctional dyes and π -conjugated systems,molecular self-assemblies andnanostructures, organogels, lightharvesting assemblies and chemosensors.He is also an Adjunct Professor of theMaterial Research Programme of theIndian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

15 JUNE 2007 187187187187187

COUNCIL of Scientific &Industrial Research (CSIR)is the premier Industrial

R&D Organization in India. On theoccasion of its Diamond Jubilee in2002, CSIR initiated InventionAwards for school children to createawareness, interest and motivationfor Intellectual Property amongstchildren.

On the occasion of the WorldIntellectual Property Day which iscelebrated through out the world on26 April, CSIR invites applicationsfor the ‘Sixth CSIR Diamond JubileeInvention Award (CDJIA) forSchool Children’. The first prizewinner would also become eligiblefor WIPO’s Young Inventor’s Awardcarrying a medal and a certificate.

Applicant must provide thedetails of the invention submitted forthe award in not more than 5000words in English/Hindi including anabstract (in not more than 100words), authenticated (by givingseal and date) and sent through thePrincipal/ Head of the School wherethe student is enrolled and personaldetails on a separate page as follows:Name, date of birth, school andresidential address, class, telephoneno. (residence/school) e-mailaddress.

In case of proposals alreadyselected for state, national,international or equivalent awards,only the subject matter covering theimprovements need to be submittedfor consideration of CDJIA-2007.

Published inventions would beconsidered as per the provisions ofthe Patent Act.

The applications for the awardnot exceeding 5000 words in English/Hindi with requisite drawings willbe considered. The write-up mustdescribe the subject matter in aproblem-solution mode andhighlighting the novel and non-obviousness feature of the inventionand its advantages.

Any Indian student enrolled inan Indian school below the age of 18years as on 31st July 2007 can apply.

The invention submitted shouldbe one that is globally novel, non-obvious and utilitarian. It could bea new concept or idea or a solutionto an existing problem or completelya new method/ process/ device/utility. It is not essential/ necessarythat the invention should have beenworked, only the concept of theinvention should have been provedthrough a model, a prototype orexperimental data. Details of anyassistance/ guidance provided byteachers/parents/friends or othersmust be appropriately mentionedand acknowledged.

Typed applications to be sent byRegistered Post/Courier to: Head,Intellectual Property ManagementDivision, CSIR, NISCAIR Building,14 Satsang Vihar Marg, SpecialInstitutional Area, New Delhi -110 067 with the envelope markedon top left hand corner ‘CDJIA-

2007’. You may send application alsoby email: [email protected]

Applications received on orbefore 15th August 2007 will beconsidered for the Award.

Prizes : There are in all 60prizes. Besides a certificate, thecash awards are:

First Prize (1 No.) Rs. 50,000/-

Second Prize (2 Nos.) Rs. 25,000/-each

Third Prize (3 Nos.) Rs. 15,000/- each

Fourth Prize (4 Nos.) Rs. 10,000/-each

Fifth Prize (50 nos.) Rs. 5,000/- each

The awardees will be selectedby a high level Awards SelectionCommittee. If required, the shortlisted candidates may be called forInterview at Delhi or at any otherappropriate place. The decision ofthe Awards Selection Committee /CSIR will be final and binding onthe applicants and no enquiries/correspondence in this regard willbe entertained.

The Awards will be announcedon CSIR Foundation Day, the 26thSeptember 2007 at New Delhi andwould be communicated to theAwardees only.

For more information, please visitour site at www.csir.res.in

SIXTH CSIR DIAMOND JUBILEE INVENTION AWARDFOR SCHOOL CHILDREN (CDJIA-2007)

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CSIR NEWS188188188188188

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Editor: Dr B.C.Kashyap; Associate Editors: Meenakshi; Vineeta Singhal; Editorial Assistant: Neelima Handoo;Design: Pradip Banerjee; Sarla Dutta; Production: Kaushal Kishore

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