FIRST-PAKISTAN

Breakthrough in enzyme research at Karachi University

Five enzymes of high industrial value on the import of which the country spends over $10 million every year have been produced at the Dr A.Q. Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Kibge) of Karachi University

About the uses of enzymes produced at Kibge, associate professor Dr Shah Ali-ul-Qader said that they all had a wide range of applications in industry. 'The product produced by an enzyme, dextransucrase, commonly called dextran, is widely used in the food, cosmetic, mining and oil drilling industries. Its most promising application is its use as a protective colloid in blood plasma volume expanders.

In order to enhance our production capacity and boost our research, we plan to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) and the School of Biological Sciences of the University of the Punjab. Besides, we would publicise our work through a website carrying details of our research to get international buyers