Vietnam National University-HCM City University of Natural SciencesTechnology transfer : Experiences in Department of Plant biotechnology & Biotransformation

Associate Prof.Dr. Bui Van Le

Outline of presentationIntroductionCurrent researches in plant biotechnologyResults in technology transferSome successful examples in technology transferConclusions

IntroductionGeneral researches of Universities:Basic scientists often make remarkable discoveries.Fundamental researches.Many Universities have made researches under governmental finance.Lack of the co-operation with Industry.

Some Universities have technology transfer programs

- Research can directly benefit the public.- Facilitating the commercialization of research results for the public.Faculties have come to expect support for patenting and started businesses.Some Universities make lots of money.

Develop methods of Tissue culture for mass propagation of plant and metabolite secondary productions.Develop methods of gene transfer in plant to monitor the dispersal of transgenic plants.Utilize marker molecular to monitor plant resources and plant diseases.What are we doing now in plant Biotechnology?

Results in plant tissue culture. Basic researches on model plants such as tobacco, Arabidopsis to study morphological program of plant cells using Thin Cell layers technique.. Mass propagation of plants (e.g. Paulownia, Pinus carribea, Vetiver Zizanoids, Orchids, Saintpaulia..).. Producing in vitro secondary metabolite compounds (e.g. Naphthoquinone in Drosera burmani Vahl).

Exploitation of plant propagation and natural product.

Results in plant transformation. Transformation in plant using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and biolistic methods.. Transgenic plants in laboratory (e.g. Tobacco, Citrus, Cassava, Vetiver).. Develop some methods (PCR, Real time PCR) to detect transgenic plants based on target genes, promoter (CAMV35S) and terminator (tNOS)

Exploitation of detection transgenic plants in crop plants and food.

Results in plant resources. Identification plant sources using maker molecular techniques such as RAPD (e.g. tomato, bananas). Detection plant diseases using PCR technique (e.g. Phytophthora infectans in tomato .). Study hybridization between species to obtain novel varieties (e.g. orchids)

Exploitation of plant breeding project and detection plant diseases.

Why do we use Technology Transfer Programs?The processes of laboratory researches are transferred to organizations for development and commercialization.Extend the parameters of technological innovation by using fundamental knowledge through focusing applied research and development.- Participate in the establishment of technology and business.

Barriers. Lack of highly professional management and mechanism of supporting .. Lack of appropriate resources to approach up-date information and find out the opportunities for technology cooperation.. Short term of production.

Some successful examples in technology transfer

Technology transfer in Saintpaulia ionantha.Technology transfer in orchids.Technology transfer in molecular methods.

In case of study in Saintpaulia species.

Technological issues:Produced in the world.Little information about technological productions (only by cutting).Research issues:Educational programs (plant tissue culture).Facilities for mass propagation.Effective applications of the process:Novel plants.Cycle productions: 4-5 months.

Technology transfer strategies for SaintpauliaThe establishment of plant tissue culture system about the innovation and technology transfer for students

Integrating education and R&D programs

The development of appropriate innovations, technology transfer models and support systems

Results in Saintpaulia ionantha Produce 75.000 plants in 3 years.

Transfer technique in local sectors.

In case of study in orchids.

Technological issue:Produced in the world.Much information about technological productions (by tissue culture).Research issue.Research programs (tissue culture).Effective application of process.Low technical capability.Cycle productions: 1-5 years.

Technology transfer strategies for orchidsCombination with individual organizations for Innovation and Technology Transfer.

The development of appropriate innovations, technology transfer models and support systems.

Results in technology transfer for orchidsProduce 100.000 plants in 2 years

In case of study in plant marker molecular

Technological issue:Useful techniques in the world.Much information about technique.Research issue.Research programs.Effective application of the process.Highly technical capability.Fast detections.

Technology transfer strategies for plant marker molecularExchange experiences, models and the best practices through networks.

Standardization Innovation and Technology Transfer.

Results in technology transfer for plant marker molecularMethods of detection plant diseases.Methods of detection GMOs.Methods of identification plant breeding.

CONCLUSIONSResults of researches in universities start the technology transfer processes.Enhancement R&D program at Universities.Its necessary to have a support mechanism for technology transfer.Universities play professionally consultative role.

Thank youfor your attention!