Today, the amount of pure enzyme produced using microorganisms has reached a massive global scale of 500 tons per year. The extremely high economic value of the resulting products increases the importance of biotechnological research in this field day by day. Microorganisms are utilized in the production of approximately 200 out of the 4,000 enzyme types used in various industrial sectors, but only 20 of these can be produced on an industrial scale. This gigantic enzyme demand worldwide is met by approximately 12 major producers and 400 small suppliers.
Aiming to eliminate our country's foreign dependency in the industrial enzyme sector, the Üsküdar University Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory was established with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency and conducts pioneering scientific activities in the field of bio-innovation.
What is the Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory? / What is its Purpose?
Main Purpose: The primary objective of the Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory is to research new sources that will reduce foreign dependency in the industrial enzyme sector, produce innovative technologies, develop comprehensive R&D applications, and conduct strategic studies on protein molecules. While signing pioneering projects in the field of bio-innovation within Üsküdar University, the laboratory has adopted the vision of guiding University–Industry cooperation and pioneering these partnerships with its developed outputs.
Devices and Technical Equipment Available in the Laboratory
Highlighted Features: Technical devices complying with industrial and academic standards have been positioned within the laboratory to maintain data precision and process efficiency at the highest level in microbial biotechnology, protein purification, bioprocess, and enzyme engineering research.
| Device / Equipment Name | Brand / Model Detail |
|---|---|
| Bioreactor | INFORS HT |
| 37°C Shaking Multi-Stack Incubator | DAIHAN Scientific (WIS-ML Model) |
| Evaporator System | BUCHI (with Recirculating Chiller F-100/F-105, Interface I-100, Vacuum Pump V-100, Rotavapor R-100 components) |
| Vertical Laboratory Steam Sterilizer | NUVE (OT 40L/90L) |
| Pure Water Device | ELGA (Purelab Option-Q 7/15) |
| Shaking Graduated Water Bath | NUVE (ST 30) |
| Tube Shaker | Heidolph (Hei-MIX Reax Top) |
| Ice Machine | Scotsman (AF/EF Series) |
| High Resolution Datalogger | Pico Technology |
| Microcomputer Thermostat Serial | Ewelly (EW–988 Model) |
| Power Supply | GWINSTEK (DC Power Supply GPS-S Series) |
| Data Processing Computer | AOC (931SWL Model) |
| +4°C Refrigerator | VESTEL (21 GT/SN1001V A+ Model) |
Research Areas and Application Fields
Academic Contribution: Scientific projects and experimental processes carried out in the laboratory focus on transforming microbiology into value-added products on an industrial scale. In this context, the main application and research areas studied in the laboratory are:
- Microbial Enzymes and Proteins: Processes of identification, characterization, and purification of enzymes obtained from microorganisms.
- Industrial Enzyme and Secondary Metabolite Production: Biotechnological synthesis of special enzymes and secondary metabolites needed by the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.
- Antimicrobial Drugs: Research on the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents and drug raw materials against resistant microorganisms.
- Microbial Proteins: Alternative protein sources and production models of industrial protein molecules.
Contributions to Students and the Industry
- Reducing Foreign Dependency: Contributes to reducing Turkey's foreign dependency in this sector by producing domestic R&D solutions in the field of industrial enzyme production, which is monopolized by a few producers in the global market.
- University - Industry Cooperation: Offers academic infrastructure and solution partnerships to industrial partners in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical-food-cosmetics sectors thanks to the bio-innovative projects developed.
- Advanced Project Experience: Realized with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency, this laboratory provides researchers with hands-on work experience in nationally and internationally funded projects using industry-standard devices such as the INFORS HT bioreactor.
- High-Technology Production Culture: Lays the groundwork for creating innovative applications on protein and secondary metabolite chemistry, which have extremely high added value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. With the support of which institution was the Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory established?
The Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory was established with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency within the scope of our country's strategic goals to eliminate foreign dependency in the enzyme sector.
2. What main study topics are researched in the laboratory?
Main research activities are carried out in the laboratory on microbial enzymes and proteins; enzymes and secondary metabolites for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries; antimicrobial drugs, and microbial proteins.
3. Is the Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory open to external sectoral collaborations?
Yes, the laboratory is designed to pioneer University–Industry cooperation and is open to sectoral partnerships in order to create innovative applications in the field of bio-innovation and contribute to the industrial enzyme sector.
4. Which bioreactor system is used in the microorganism and cell production processes in the laboratory?
An INFORS HT brand bioreactor system complying with industrial standards is used in the bioprocess and controlled production studies carried out in the laboratory.
5. What is the importance of the laboratory in terms of the industrial enzyme market?
Considering that world enzyme demand is met by only 12 major producers and 400 small suppliers, and globally only 20 enzymes can be produced on an industrial scale, this laboratory is of critical importance in terms of aiming to increase Turkey's domestic enzyme production capacity and R&D strength.
