Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is an autonomous research institute situated at
Poojapura in
Thiruavananthapuram District. It functions under the umbrella of Science, Technology and Environment Department of the Government of
Kerala. The overall aim of the center is to facilitate in the development of the State and the Nation through the cutting-edge of science by promoting research and manpower development in biotechnology, health care, animal Science, agriculture, environment and basic sciences. They also organize workshops, seminars, symposia and training programs of a specialized nature in selected areas of health care biotechnology, life sciences, agriculture and environmental protection.
The main building complex houses research laboratories of molecular endocrinology, neurobiology, molecular ethno pharmacology, protein and peptide chemistry, cancer biology and biophysical sciences. The laboratory building has research facilities for infectious diseases, animal biotechnology, plant molecular biology, genome research and environmental biotechnology.
RGCB has a wide range of sophisticated molecular biology and biotechnological research equipments that includes DNA sequencer and amino acid sequencer. In addition, the center offers referral diagnostic services for important human, animal and plant diseases. The library and information services division houses a comprehensive collection of books and journals pertaining to life sciences with emphasis on the field of biotechnology.
Facility for DNA fingerprinting - a very powerful technique for the determination of disputed parentage, proving rape cases, crime detection and detecting adulteration of meat - is also available. PCR/ELISA diagnostic tests for Hepatitis-B and C infections, and PCR diagnostic test for tuberculosis, meningitis, herpes and encephalitis are also conducted.
