The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will soon develop a network program aimed at developing industrial products through prospecting of bioactive molecules from seabuckthorn, a deciduous shrub.

The programme aims to prospecting on seabuckthorn for industrially important bio-molecules for therapeutic herbal products such as antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-ulcer, and cardiovascular; cosmeceutical products such as anti-ageing creams, foot crack creams, and facial creams; and nutraceutical products such as health tonics.

The main objective of this programme is to establish a network programme involving R&D centres at universities and institutes who are interested in prospecting of seabuckthorn for industrial important bio-molecules. Specific emphasis should be to work with standardized extracts in order to develop herbal products.

Earlier, the DBT had supported a major network programme on germplasm collection and characterization of seabuckthorn. During this programme, several hundred accessions have been characterized at various participating institutes. Considering the industrial importance of this bioresource, Department decided to develop a network program to take this work forward aimed at developing industrial products through prospecting of bioactive molecules from seabuckthorn.

For this programme, the DBT has invited full-length proposals from R&D centres (national laboratories, public institutes, universities etc.) who are interested in prospecting on seabuckthorn of industrial importance. Network proposals will be preferred. Scientists working in the universities, national laboratories and public institutes are eligible to participate in this network programme.

The proposals must highlight novelty and strength of existing knowledge, demonstrated proof of concept and expected products/ outcomes. If industry is involved, IP sharing between the partners should be clearly spelt out and the percent budget contribution of the industrial partner should be mentioned clearly.