Transmission electron micrograph of WSSV
| :: Research Areas |
| The Centre maintains a holistic approach to aquatic animal health management and combines areas of basic and applied science viz. aquatic microbiology, animal cell culture, bioremediation, drug development & delivery under a single umbrella to address the issues relating to aquatic animal health. |
| The Centre has undertaken research in the following areas as part of the ‘Vision 2010’ programme of the University: | |
| » | Management of Vibriosis |
| » | Management of WSSV |
| » | Documentation of ornamental fish diseases and development of management protocols |
| » | Development of novel antagonistic probiotics |
| » | Phage therapy |
| » | Novel drugs |
| » | Immuostimulants |
| » | Specific and non specific immune response |
| » | Drug delivery system |
| » | Aquatic animal cell culture |
| » | Bioremediation |
| » | Organic recirculation prawn/shrimp production system |
| » | High health broodstock development |
| » | Molecular characterization of microbes important in aquaculture |
| » | Antimicorbial peptides |
| » | Marine natural products |
| » | Shrimp reproductive hormone gene |
| » | Nitrifying bacterial film kinetics |
| » | Immunodiagnostics |
| » | Solar photooxidative disinfection of water in closed system shrimp hatcheries |
| Fish and Shell Fish Disease Management |
| Diseases afflicting aquatic animals are addressed by developing cost effective as yet sensitive diagnostics, biological control methods, biological response modifiers, vaccines, novel drugs and drug delivery systems. We also aim to elucidate the physiological and immunological features of aquatic animals in response to pathogens, which will directly enable us to better understand the diseases and therefore develop targeted drugs/ control measures against it. Our current focus is on two major diseases of shrimps, namely, vibriosis and white spot disease besides the diseases affecting ornamental fish culture. |
| Fish & Shellfish Disease Management | |
| » | Vibriosis |
| » | WSSV |
| » | Ornamental Fish Disease |
| » | Biological Control Methods |
| » | Shrimp Immunology & Biological Response Modifiers |
| » | Novel Aquaculture Drugs |
| » | Drug Delivery Systems |
| Vibriosis |
| The Centre over the years has isolated several species of vibrios from shrimp (Penaeids) and prawn (M. rosenbergii) culture systems in India. The species identified so far are Vibrio alginolyticus, V. harveyi, V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae, V. splendidus, V. vulnificus, V. mediterranei, V. proteolyticus, V. fluvialis and V. neries. Pathogenicity of V. alginolyticus and V. harveyi has been demonstrated in M. rosenbergii and F. indicus respectively. The numerical taxonomy of family Vibrionaceae, is of particular interest to the Centre. An active research programme is underway to develop cost effective immunodiagnostic for vibrios using polyclonal antisera. A continuous monitoring program is being undertaken to identify emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens from shrimp culture systems. |
| WSSV | |
| White spot syndrome virus has been the focus of this Centre for a decade. We could demonstrate WSSV in various tissues and organs of Fenneropenaeus indicus by histopathology; develop polyclonal antisera for immunodiagnostics, and a cocktail vaccine to protect shrimp from WSSV. Besides, the carrier/reservoir status of the aquatic animals associated with shrimp culture systems, environmental factors and seasonality favouring the outbreak of WSSV and secondary pathogens associated with the viral infection are also studied. Presently, research is underway to isolate and identify anti-white spot syndrome virus molecules and to elucidate the immunological response of shrimp and to develop a comprehensive WSSV management. | Transmission electron micrograph of WSSV |
| Ornamental Fish Disease |
| Over two decades there experienced progressive increase in the ornamental fish industrial productivity both in the domestic market and the International level. Primarily being aquatic animals and secondarily being forced to remain under crowded conditions, they are prone to diseases of various natures. So far, the epidemiology in ornamental fish population is not scientifically documented in India by any organization. The lacunae pose serious problems in the ornamental fish trades during rearing, breeding, marketing and export. Presently, the Center is looking at areas like disease diagnosis and identification of pathogen, standardization and development of management measures and appropriate biosecurity programme for the exotic species. |
| Biological Control Measures |
| It has been envisaged to use the antagonistic and probiotic potential of beneficial microflora (heterotrophic bacteria and cyanobacteria) to control or prevent the incidence of disease in shrimp and prawn culture systems. We have isolated and maintained a large number of bacterial cultures from a wide variety of environments. From this collection, a Psedomonas sp., and Micrococcus sp., could be segregated and their probiotic effect could be demonstrated in larval rearing systems of M. rosenbergii and P. monodon. Cyanobacteria with antibacterial properties, isolated from marine environments could be successfully demonstrated to protect P. monodon larvae from vibriosis. We are also exploring the possibility of using vibriophage as therapeutics to vibriosis. |
| A concept mooted by the Centre is to design a Comprehensive Microbial Technology (CMT) for the elimination/ control of vibrios in penaeid and non-penaeid larval rearing and grow-out systems. The CMT envisaged would consist of (i)immunodiagonostics (ii) antagonistic bacteria/ probiotics, (iii) bioactive compounds as novel drugs, (iv) immunostimulants, and (v) phage therapy. |
| Shrimp Immunology & Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs) |
| Our interest in this area is the response of shrimp immune system to specific molecules like b-glucan and viral antigens, pathogens, and various environmental conditions. We have found increased ROI levels of shrimp administered with an inactivated WSSV. Currently, research is underway to elucidate the molecular basis of immune response of penaeids to WSSV antigens. |
| Our research on BRMs focuses on b-glucan extracted from the fungus, Acremonium diospyri. The extraction protocol has been standardized by using b-glucan extracted by different protocols and comparing their structure and immunostimulatory effect in F. indicus. We found alkali insoluble glucan (named Acremonium Insoluble b-glucan, AIBG) increased the proPO activity 5 times and ROI by 2 times. We have demonstrated the efficacy of glucan extracted from the fungus Acremonium diospyri along with Vibrio bacterin for increasing survival rate of prawn larvae. All these ventures ultimately will lead to the development of appropriate protective measures by enhancing specific and non-specific immune response of the animal. |
| Novel Aquaculture Drugs |
| This area is a recent addition to our research focus, wherein we are attempting to extract antibacterial and antiviral compounds as specific aquaculture grade drugs. Our current focus is to extract the antibacterial compounds from the cyanobacteria, Pseudomonas sp., and Micrococcus sp., which we have shown to produce antagonistic compounds under in vitro conditions. Antiviral compounds against WSSV are being explored from a variety of plants and marine biota. We have identified several mangrove plant species with anti-WSSV property. |
| Drug Delivery Systems |
| Successful disease management needs efficient drug delivery systems. Unsuitable drug delivery systems lead to the leaching of drug and may not be available to the animal at appropriate concentrations. We have developed a Chitosan based microencapsulated drug delivery system to combat this problem. Using this, we could deliver b-glucan with bacterin preparation to the larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and obtained a 100% increase in survival compared to controls. The delivery system is of universal nature and may be used to study the various nutritional requirements of larvae. |
| Aquatic Animal Cell Culture |
| Aquatic animal cell culture efforts of the Centre began with the development of a diploid cell line form the embryonic tissue of Poecilia reticulata. Further ground was covered with the development of primary cell cultures from liver, spleen, kidney, testis, and ovary of Clarius gariepinus. |
| A new process has been formulated to develop primary cell cultures from eyestalk, gills, hepatopancreas, lymphoid organs, heart, ovary and nerve cord of F. indicus and P. monodon. We have established cell lines from hepatopancreas of F. indicus (Fi HTP) eye stalk of F. indicus (Fi – EST) and P. monodon (Pi – EST). The cell lines have been characterized by electron microcopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and PCR analyses. Efforts are underway to study the multiplication cycle and morphogenesis of WSSV in these cell cultures. |  Scanning electron micrograph of cell culture from Fenneropenaeus indicus hepatopancreas (PiHTP -1 type B) |
| Bioremediation in Aquaculture |
| Traditional aquaculture practices never had used any chemicals or such additives. Intensification of this practice resulted in a total departure from nature and resulted in increased disease incidence and other problems relating to productivity and environmental quality. Our aim is to bring nature back into aquaculture by employing the principles of bioremediation to enhance productivity and make it a sustainable and popular enterprise. Disease management, productivity and environment protection are the three key factors for successful and sustainable aquaculture and for this the centre has developed a closed culture system technology. |
| Closed Culture Systems | |
| » | Organic waste management |
| » | Nitrification |
| » | Photosynthetic bacteria |
| Organic Waste Management |
| We have addressed the problem of detritus management in closed systems using a strain of Bacillus sp. (Detrodigest) from our Probiotic Bacterial Library. Current efforts are directed towards the understanding the fate of probiotics in various aquaculture systems, their dynamics, and the optimization of primary productivity. This includes studies on the direct effect of probiotics on primary productivity and heterotrophic bacterial population, DOM, and the environmental quality as a whole. The final outcome envisaged is a mathematical model, which can be used to develop specific protocols for individual aquaculture systems, based on their inherent dynamics. |
| Nitrifying consortia | |
| Through a project funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, we have developed four nitrifying bacterial consortia, which efficiently oxidize ammonia to nitrate. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated under different conditions in hatcheries. They have been integrated into two reactor systems, namely, In-Situ Stringed Bed Suspended Bioreactors (SBSBR) and Ex – Situ Packed Bed Bioreactors (PBBR) in immobilized form (Patent No. 828/DEL/2000). Research in this area is continuing by way of characterization of the consortia using molecular techniques and studying its biofilm kinetics. |  Transmission electron micrograph of nitrifying consortia |
| Photosynthetic sulphur bacterial systems |
| During our studies in natural aquaculture environments, we found that there is a build up of H2S during the culture period. In order to overcome this build up, farmers tend to use a variety of chemicals, which are not conducive for sustainable aquaculture. Therefore, in order to provide a biological remedy to this problem we have embarked on a research programme funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research to develop a photosynthetic sulphur bacterial system, which will effectively utilize the H2S. |
| Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) |
| The Centre has developed a technology for Recirculation System in shrimp and prawn seed production. It is a combination of the research outcomes under the various programmes. The major components of the system are nitrifying bioreactors (SBSBR and PBBR), a detritus management system, a biological anti-vibrio preparation, and a probiotic antagonistic bacterial formulation. UV- sterilization unit of the reactor assemblage manages the entry of viruses and fungal pathogens effectively. The technology is offered as a package engineered in such a way that it can be integrated effectively with least disturbance and alternations in the existing infrastructure. |
| Biosecurity and High Health Broodstock development |
| Disease free/ disease resistant brood stock is of paramount importance for sustainable aquaculture. The key factor in broodstock maintenance and breeding technology is the maintenance of optimum water quality. It is estimated that more than 60 % of Penaeus monodon and F. indicus brooders caught wild are affected by multiple virus aetiology, and this threat only increases with the emergence of new pathogens. The ultimate aim of research in this area is to develop a sound technology, which will assure a steady supply of disease free nauplii to satisfy the requirement of hatcheries in India. |
| The technology being envisaged includes, screening and selection of healthy founder population of brooders based on molecular markers, maturation in grow out, completion of maturation in indoor facility, breeding and spawning in a controlled recirculatory system, and finally to maintain a broodstock bank for P. monodon and M. rosenbergii, the two major species cultured in India. The entire technology will be totally organic, a step towards achieving the overall goal of Total Organic Shrimp Aquaculture right from brood stock to market. |
| COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMES | |
| 1. | National Network Programme in Shrimp Genomics |
| 1. | Sequence analysis of CMG family of genes (CHH,MIH and GIH) and development of recombinant hormones and their antagonists |
| 2. | Development of RNAi technique for post transcriptional trans gene silencing |
| 3. | Standardization of application of the hormones, hormone antagonists and RNAi as tools to regulate maturation and spawning |
| 2. Programme Support In Marine Biotechnology |
| The programme support in Marine Biotechnology envisages the application of the tools of molecular biology and biotechnology to study, protect, enhance and utilize marine and estuarine bio-resources. The mission includes Research and Development Programmes and Training in Marine Biotechnology |
| Thrust Areas of Research and Development Programmes |
| Thrust Area1: Genotypic characterization and sequencing genes of interest of marine microbe |
| 1. Genotypic characterization of pathogenic vibrios and antagonistic bacteria based on their 16S rDNA sequence. (Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptomyces spp – 3 strains, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa – 2 strains, Micrococcus spp. – 3 strains) |
| 2. Molecular characterization of nitrifying bacterial consortia |
| 3. Sequencing genes of interest of a detritivorous strain of Bacillus sp. |
| Thrust area-II: Fish and shellfish immunology |
| 3. Molecular characterization of antimicrobial peptides in shrimp and their enhanced production |
| Thrust area- III: Marine natural products |
| 1. Novel drugs targeted at Vibrios from marine microorganisms - Purification, Characterization and structural elucidation (Streptomyces sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Micrococcus sp.) |
| 2. Bioprocess technology for large-scale production of Single Cell Protein from marine yeasts |
| 3.Alkaline proteases from aquatic bacteria for industrial applications |
| 3. Development and Evaluation of Small Scale Solar Disinfection Systems for Contaminated Drinking Water |
| This project in collaboration with Northumbria University, UK, developed a Solar Photo Oxidative Disinfection based system to improve the microbial quality of contaminated drinking water, which is affordable for the rural population in India. This study funded by Wellcome Trust, UK covered three different eco zones namely, Gorakhpur district (flood and water-logging prone zone) of Uttar Pradesh State; Jodhpur District (arid- semi arid zone) of Rajasthan state; Alappuzha district (humid and backwater zone) of Kerala State |
| Many of the villages under study have drinking water sources faecally contaminated almost round the year and water borne diseases are quite common. Incidences of water borne diseases were monitored in all the field sites. Purpose built PET bottles of one and five liters volumes along with steel cases were distributed among selected households in each area and improvement in the health of the people was evaluated. The bottle (attached to the steel case) is kept under the sunlight for about 6 hours and can be used for drinking. Microbiological tests show that there is complete killing of faecal coliforms when adequate sunlight is available. |
| Projects |
| Single Institution Research Projects (Ongoing) |
| 1. Nitrifying bioreactors integrated in to prawn hatchery systems: Biofilm structure, population dynamics and kinetic modeling |
| Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology, Government
of India Period: June 2005 - May 2008 Funding: Rs. 2,032,420.00 |
| 2. Programme support in Marine Biotechnology |
| Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, Government
of India Period: March 2005 – February 2008 Funding: 12,800,000.00 |
| 3. Diseases of ornamental fishes: Aetiology, disease management and development of biosecurity packages for exotic species. |
| Funding Agency: Marine Products Export Development Authority,
Kochi Period: May 2004 - May 2006 Funding: Rs. 859,625.00 |
| 4. Development of an appropriate technology for bioremediation in shrimp grow out systems for disease management, productivity management and aquaculture environment protection |
| Funding Agency: Indian Council for Agricultural Research,
New Delhi Period: October 2003 - October 2006 Funding: Rs. 1,587,616.00 |
| Collaborative Research Projects (Ongoing) |
| 1. Development and application of CMG family recombinant
hormones, their antagonists and RNAi technique for induced maturation and
spawning of Penaeus monodon. In collaboration with Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai and Department of Zoology, Calicut University, Kozhikode. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India. Period: August 2005 to July 2008. Funding: Rs. 13,831,000.00. |
| 2. Development of appropriate bioremediation technology
for zero-exchange creek-fed shrimp culture system. In collaboration with M/s Pancham Aquaculture Limited, Mumbai. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India under the Institute-Industry Collaboration Programme. Period: September 2004 – September 2007. Funding: Rs. 1,938,000.00. |
| Single Institution Research Projects (Completed) |
| 1. Development of a comprehensive microbial technology for
the protection of the larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii from vibriosis
in hatchery. Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India. Period: November 2001 to Nevember 2004. Funding: Rs. 1,506,651.00. |
| 2. Development of Microbial Technology for exclusion of
vibrios from prawn larval rearing systems. Funding Agency: Department of Ocean Development, Govt. of India. Period: November 2001 to March 2005. Funding: Rs. 1,681,463.00. |
| 3. Development of cell culture systems from penaeid prawns
for the isolation of White Spot Virus. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. Period: November 1999 to March 2003. Funding: Rs. 1,994,000.00. |
| 4. Demonstration and validation of the nitrifying bioreactors
developed for penaeid and non penaeid closed hatchery systems. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. Period: July 2001 to March 2003 Funding: Rs. 393,400.00. |
| 5. Systemic Ectodermal Mesodermal Baculovirus Disease in
Penaeids – Epizootiology, Immunodiagnostics and vaccine. Funding Agency: Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Period: April 1998 to April 2002 Funding: Rs. 11,75,576.00. |
| 6. Screening of commercially available aquaculture medicine
for the management of luminescent vibrios in penaeid hatchery systems. Funding Agency: Marine Products Export Development Authority of India. Period: June 2001 to Nov 2001 Funding: Rs. 221,951.00. |
| 7. Development of Disease Diagnosis and Management Strategies
in Finfish and Shellfish Culture Systems. Funding Agency: Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala. Period: August 1998 to July 2001 Funding: Rs.1,000,000.00. |
| 8. Development of primary cell cultures and cell lines from
fresh water fishes to isolate viruses associated with EUS. Funding Agency: State Committee on Science, Technology & Environment, Govt. of Kerala Period: January 1993 to January 1998 Funding: Rs. 217,150.00. |
| 9. Development of bioreactors for nitrifying water in closed
system prawn hatcheries. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. Period: April 1995 to April 1998 Funding: Rs. 1,931,944.00. |
| 10. Coir Retting - Process upgradation and pollution abatement
through Environmental Biotechnology. Funding Agency: Coir Board. Period: August 1993 to April 1998 Funding: Rs.599,200.00. |
| 11. Vibrionaceae associated with the larvae of Macrobrachium
rosenbergii in hatchery - Systematics and pathogenicity. Funding Agency: International Foundation for Science, Sweden. Period: February 1990 to February 1995 Funding: US $ 9,600.00. |
| 12. Vibrionaceae associated with the larvae of Penaeus indicus:
Systematics and Pathogenicity. Funding Agency: State Committee on Science, Technology & Environment, Govt. of Kerala (Part of the Young Scientist award). Period: August 1990 to July 1992 Funding: Rs. 20,000.00 |
| 13. Microorganisms associated with the eggs and larvae of
Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, under the Young Scientist programme. Period: January 1987 to July 1989 Funding: Rs. 98,000.00. |
| Collaborative Research Projects (Completed) |
| 1. Detection, isolation and identification of anti-white
spot syndrome virus molecules from selected species of marine biota and
development of an anti-WSSV formulation. In collaboration with National Centre for Cell Science, Pune. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi. Period: September 2003 to September 2005 Funding: Rs. 2,000,000.00. |
| 2. Development and evaluation of small-scale solar treatment
systems for contaminated drinking water. In collaboration with University of Northumbria at Newcastle, United Kingdom Funding Agency: The Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom. Period: November 2001 to June 2005. Funding: GBP 53,380.00. |
| 3. Digitized inventory of marine bioresources with special
reference to bacteria associated with marine plants and animals. Multi-Institutional Consortium consisting of National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Annamalai University, Porto Novo and Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi. Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology and Department of Ocean Development, Govt. of India. Period: November 2001 to March 2003 Funding: 1,087,000.00. |
| Facilities | |
| » | Animal tissue culture |
| » | Immunodiagnostics |
| » | Molecular diagnostics |
| » | Virology |
| » | Bioprocess and fermentation |
| » | Bacteriology |
| » | Aquatic animal health assessment |
| » | Aquaculture medicine production unit |
| » | Aquatic animal bioassay unit |
| » | Environmental chemical analyses |