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Home – Centre For Molecular Biosciences And Biotechnology (CMBB)

Prof. Uchechi N. Ekwenye

Director, CMBB

Welcome Message

Welcome to the Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (CBMBB)! We are thrilled to have you here. Our mission is to unlock the mysteries of life at the molecular level and harness biotechnology to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Whether you are a researcher, student or collaborator, we are excited to have you join our vibrant community of researchers and scholars.

In our state-of-the-art facilities, we delve into the intricate world of molecules and cells to develop ground breaking solutions in healthcare, agriculture, industry, environmental sustainability and beyond.

We invite you to explore our cutting edge research, engage with our experts and contribute to the exciting advancement that are shaping the future.

Together, we can push the boundaries of knowledge and create a better world through science and innovation.

We look forward to supporting your academic and professional growth in the exciting fields of molecular biosciences and biotechnology.

CMBB advances molecular biology and biotechnology through hands-on-workshops, certifications, educational opportunities, symposia and others. It enhances laboratory capacity around the University community through trainings. It promotes a deeper understanding of molecular biology and biotechnology to all audiences.

Visit our website to learn more about our research programmes or contact us to explore collaboration opportunities. Welcome to CMBB where curiosity meets discovery.

 

Prof. Uchechi. N. Ekwenye

Director, CMBB

 

Dare to Ask Why?

The quest for knowledge begins with questions. Research is the vehicle that provides the answers to our questions

 

The Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (CMBB) of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike is a centre of Excellence in training and provides core analytical services for researchers in various aspects of molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology.

 

The CMBB is a trans-disciplinary service centre. The Centre focuses on Research and educational services in  molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. The trans-disciplinary nature of subjects such as molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology makes this Centre an appropriate organ for innovative research and development activities within the University.

 

 

The centre provides:

  1. State of the art facilities and services for trans-disciplinary research in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology for the benefit of the community
  2. A platform for world class scientists to interact in their quest for innovative solutions to                                present and future challenges in agriculture, health, industry and the environment.
  • Annual Biotechnology workshop for researchers in molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
  1. Quarterly University-wide biotechnology and Biosciences seminar and invited facilitators.
  2. Training in Biotechnology skills for Post graduate students, researchers and scientists drawn from industries, ministries and other higher institutions.
  3. Training on the use of AI for Teaching/Learning, Research and community service.
  • Deployment of ICT and media in popularizing Biosciences and Biotechnology
  • Analytical services for researchers, industries, and other institutions (Genomics and forensic analysis)
  1. Industrial Training opportunities/programmes for students
  2. Internship Training programmes for researchers.

 

 

 

Exciting New Levels

The Centre is designed to serve as a medium where scientists working in the life sciences can find the kind of collaborations that can engender multidisciplinary approach to research questions that can lead to scientific breakthroughs and innovation. Researchers in this centre are drawn from the parent departments involved in various life sciences, agricultural programmes and related fields within MOUAU and its collaborating institutions. 

 

Molecular Biosciences is a field of study that explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms of life. It uses techniques from chemistry, physics and biology to understand how living organisms work. Applications are available in  health where it helps to improve diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. It can also help in food security and technological development.

 

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of natural sciences and engineering services in order to achieve the application of organisms and parts thereof for products and services. One of the key techniques used in biotechnology is genetic engineering, which allows scientists to modify the genetic make-up of organisms to achieve desired outcomes. This can involve inserting genes from one organism into another, and consequently, create new traits or modify existing ones.

 

Other techniques used in biotechnology include tissue culture, which allows researchers to grow cells and tissues in the laboratory for research and medical purposes and fermentation which is used to produce a wide range of products like life-saving drugs, biofuels, genetically modified crops and so on. It has also been used to address environmental challenges, such as developing biodegradable plastics and using microorganisms to clean up contaminated sites.

 

Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field which has significant potential to address pressing global challenges and improve the quality of life for people around the world, however, despite its numerous benefits, it also poses ethical and societal challenges.

 

The research activities of the centre are grouped  into two broad areas:

  1. Molecular Biosciences (Basic Research) programme
  2. Biotechnology (Applied research) programme.

 

Solutions to Local Problems

Below are itemized services that are offered in CMBB presently:

  1. Genomic DNA Extraction
  2. Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
  3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (Conventional and RealTime)
  4. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
  5. Lyophilization of samples
  6. Detection and Quantification of Metal ions / Flame Photometery
  7. Counting of Microbial Colonies with colony Counters
  8. Community DNA Extraction
  9. Proteomics and Metagenomics
  10. Storage of samples at -800 Centrigrade
  11. Bioinformatics
  12. DNA Finger Printing
  13. Recombinant DNA Technology
  14. DNA Sequencing

 

Short-Term Laboratory Bench Services Available

  1. Training in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Techniques
  2. Lab-for-Rent Services (Lab spaces for students/researchers to perform bench work for a short period of time).

 

Laboratory Facilities

The laboratories and services in CMBB are housed in one building though scientists are drawn from and resident in different colleges and disciplines. The Centre currently has essential state of the art equipment for basic to inter mediate training and research in molecular Biology and Biotechnology techniques.

 

The research and training activities of the centre are carried out within four (4) laboratories at CMBB and in other facilities located in different colleges:

 

  1. Central Teaching Laboratory

It is the main teaching laboratory  where several general and specialized equipment including -800C freezer, refrigerated ultra centrifuge, colony Counters, Gel Electrophoresis System, UV, Transilluminator, Flame Photometer, etc are available.

 

  1. Cell/Tissue Cuture Laboratory:

This laboratory currently has facilities for microbial culture and a Lamina Flow Cabinet. Facilities for plant tissue culture will be available in the near future.

 

  1. Molecular Biology Laboratory I

This laboratory houses the equipment for DNA Extraction and purification as well as a Biosafety Level II Cabinet

 

  1. Molecular Biology Laboratory II

This consists of the Clean Room (Master Mix preparatory area) and the PCR Room. Other equipment include ELISA Reader, Lyophilizer/Freeze  dryer, Fluorometer, etc.

 

Global Partners –  External Collaborating Institutions

  1. Biotechnology Research Programme, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike.
  2. Centre for Integrated Biosystems (CIB), Utah State University Logan, Utah USA.
  3. National Biotechnology development Agency, Abuja Nigeria.

 

For Enquiries contact:

Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (CMBB)

Michael OKpara University of Agriculture,

Umudike, P. M.B. 7267, Umuahaia, Abia State Nigeria

www.mouau.edu.ng

cmbb@mouau.edu.ng

+2348033599791

+2348035011596

+2348064182664

+2348035763080                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

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