Achievements M

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Successfully developed drought and salt tolerant cotton lines through precise genome editing of the PQT3 gene.
  • Developed fungus-resistant potato lines by targeted editing of LOV1 & AOS2 genes using transgene-free genome editing technology.
  • Investigated and analyzed the expression of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) VP2 epitopes, contributing to the
    evaluation of their immunogenic potential for vaccine-related applications.
  • Development of local transgenic cotton containing Lipid transfer protein gene (LTP).
  • Hesperidin and ferulic acid significantly enhanced the stem cells mediated burn wound healing. While Naringenin enhanced stem cells mediated treatment of liver fibrosis.
  • The chitosan-umbilical cord-derived hydrogels promoted cartilage repair. Alpha Lipoic Acid enhanced the stem cells mediated in Achilles Tendon Repair.
  • Ongoing clinical trials of stem cells for diabetic foot ulcers, and ocular disease in collaboration with multiple hospitals.
  • License for Biosimilar production for R&D was awarded by DRAP.
  • Developed Rapid DNA Ligation Kit.
  • Pharmacological evaluation of three medicinal plants against liver cancer using in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches.
  • Indigenously discovered novel bacteriophages with potential to combat MDR bacterial infections.
  • Psidium guajava (guava) leaf extract showed promising anti-breast cancer activity, and anticancer activity by regulating the cross-talk of AKT/FOXO3 and MAPK cascade and related miRNAs.
  • Quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles revealed significant cancer cell–killing activity comparable to the standard drug doxorubicin, in HepG2 liver cancer cells.
  • CEM-ALGATECH-1 demonstrated the 90% larval mortality of Aedes aegypti under simulated & semi-field conditions.
  • Halal production of Bos taurus (Cow) and Capra hircus (Goat) chymosin in reinhardtii without acid activation.
  • Development of prediction models for human age estimation based on CpG sites for forensic purposes.
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COMMERCIALIZATION/ INDUSTRY

  • Three-gene cotton variety CEMB-AAS3 was approved by Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation
  • Set up commercial facilities for DNA testing, bird sexing, Qubit quantification for DNA, RNA and proteins.
  • DNA fingerprinting, GMO detection and transgene development services were provided to public and private stakeholders.
  • Commercial tissue processing and stem cell testing services to various clinics. Lab animal services were provided.
  • lncRNA expression levels represent promising non-invasive biomarkers and robust predictors of response to direct-acting antiviral therapy.
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GRANTS / FUNDINGS

  • International Ongoing:
    • European Foundation: €125,000
    • Islamic Development Bank: 38.36 million PKR
    • UGC Nepal: 16,500,000 PKR
    • WHO project (AP24-01787): PKR 2.5 million
    • Turkiye Industrial: USD 25,000
    • (Total Worth= 97,622,338/-)
  • National Ongoing:
    • 02-HEC Projects
    • 04-TDF project
    • 03 PSDP-PAS Projects
    • 01 NSLP
    • (Total worth: 57,914,450/-)
    • 02 HEC
    • 01 NIH
    • 01 NSLP
    • 27 PU Projects successfully completed in 2025
    • (Total worth: 99,955,8000/-)

INNOVATION, AWARDS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  • HEC Best Researcher award was won by Prof. Dr. Abdul Qayyum Rao
  • 1st Prize (PKR 0.5 million) in PINTECH Expo 2025 “Next Generation Oral Edible Vaccine” and 10th Invention to Innovation Summit was won
  • Runner up prize (PKR 0.3 million) ) in PINTECH Expo 2025 “Stem Cells Therapeutics and Regenerative Medicine” in Science Category and 10th Invention to Innovation Summit was won
  • Best New Initiative Award 2025 for Breast Cancer Genetic Screening, with Pink Ribbon from HEC-NAHE

PATENTS/MOUs/AGREEMENTS AND COLLABORATIONS

  • 2 Patents Awarded
  • 10 Submitted
  • 10 MOUs
  • 09 Agreements
  • Multiple National & International Collaborations Signed

ACADEMIA

  • Degree Awarded: 46 M.Phil and 10 Ph.D. Scholars
  • Published 67 research articles (IF 146.364)
  • 04 book chapters
  • Organized 25 Scientific Events, Faculty and Students’ Participation in National & International Conferences, Symposia, and Workshops
  • 55 Students from Various Institutions of Pakistan completed their Internships at CEMB