The Integrated Protein Research and Development (R&D) Center (IPRDC) is empowering biotechnology by addressing supply chain and logistics issues in the Philippines through developing materials and equipment.All of the Center’s outputs are slated for research, educational, and commercial use. Through this, affordable recombinant proteins can be made available for Filipino research laboratories and biotechnology companies looking to scale up. Open source equipment designs will also be made available to schools to give students hands-on exposure to biotechnology and inspire the next generation of Filipino scientists.IPRDC's four component projects were designed to be a holistic approach towards locally producing low-cost, high-quality, and accessible reagents and equipment to be used in making diagnostic kits by various research facilities in the country.IPRDC is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the Niche Center in the Regions (NICER) Program and is monitored by the DOST Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). The Center is currently housed under the Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University.

THE FOUR PROJECTS

The price of point of care (POC) diagnostics is driven up by the cost of importing enzymes. IPRDC Biochemistry will empower the biotechnology sector by the lab scale production of cost effective proteins that are vital for molecular diagnostics. The project currently focuses on enzymes used for PCR and LAMP reactions which are affordable and accurate diagnostic tools.

Project 1: Enzyme Production: Cloning, Fermentation, and Expression and Characterization at Small Scale

Project 2: Scaling Up and Optimization of Protein Production

One of the primary aims of the center is to become a robust manufacturer of proteins at a commercial scale, a prerequisite to facilitate and enable the growth of the Philippine biotechnology sector. IPRDC Scaling Up will empower biotechnology by working on bridging the gap between laboratory and commercial scale production. The project team focuses on the optimization of protein production yield and development of scaling up protocols.

Instruments for protein research, training, and production are prohibitively expensive or difficult to procure in the Philippines. IPRDC Instrumentation will empower the biotechnology sector by democratizing instruments through open source designs. Focus is given to designs of bioreactors and a fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) system which are identified to be the main cost drivers in protein research. These instruments and equipment can be used to equip the local industry with the capacity to develop or process high value finished goods and scientific output at lower costs. They can also enable equitable education access by deploying the open source designs to schools and universities.

Project 3: Building Open-Source Instrumentation for Fermentation and Protein Purification

Project 4: Development of Chemical Tools and Materials for Protein Purification

Imported protein purification materials cause researchers to deal with additional monetary expenditure and extended waiting times. IPRDC Materials will empower the biotechnology sector by developing these materials as well as the methods and techniques to produce them locally. These products will be integrated into other IPRDC projects, allowing the Center to do research with affordable in-house resins and help build up the Center’s sustainability.

Connect with us.

At Integrated Protein Research and Development (R&D) Center, we believe in fostering collaboration and building strong connections within the research community. We are dedicated to engaging with our stakeholders and promoting meaningful discussions that drive innovation and knowledge advancement. If you are interested in collaborating with our interdisciplinary team, here are some ways to reach us:Address:
Room 201A, 2nd Floor, PLDT-CTC Building, Ateneo de Manila University,
Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines 1108Phone:
+63(2)-8426-6001 local 5605