Biotechnology for Food, Feeds, and Specialty Products Program (BFFSPP)
The BFFSPP transforms raw materials into high-value products. Current activities include the development, production, and application of detection kits for food, feed, and waterborne pathogens, tailored fats and oils, food enzymes, industrial enzymes, biopreservatives, functional food production, and bioprocessing of agricultural and industrial by-products into animal feeds. The program also offers Salmonella detection, enzyme activity assay, and antioxidant assay, among others.
Enzyme Laboratory
Offers technical services for the analyses of enzymes submitted by government and private individuals. The laboratory may also be involved in collaborative research works on enzymes with other programs/laboratories as the need arises. It also produces MONASCUS RED™, a natural colorant for food and nutraceuticals, and conducts trainings for its use and application.
Food and Feed Laboratory
Produces new, improved, and safe food products through transformation of raw materials by biotechnological approaches. These include development of processes and technologies to produce ingredients such as functional metabolites and microbial enzyme that are important in nutrition upgrading, sensory improvement and yield enhancement of foods as well as ensure food safety for the consumers.
Molecular Genetics Laboratory
Conducts molecular biotechnology and microbial genetics research involving genetic characterization, and identification of molecular markers of microbial resource. It also develops biotechnological products on molecular-based detection of foodborne/waterborne pathogenic microorganisms and screening and identification of antimicrobial compound producing bacteria. The laboratory provides services and technical assistance in PCR-based detection of foodborne pathogens using the BIOTECH-developed DAS kits for E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella.
Oils and Fats Laboratory
Specializes in the establishment of bioextraction processes, chemical analysis and characterization, and biocatalyzed modification for the production of functionalized specialty fats and oils extracted from different oilseeds such as pili, malunggay, avocado, among others. It caters to students, farmers, and stake holders who need assistance in related studies under a Memorandum of Agreement.
Feeds and Specialty Products Laboratory
Specializes in the bioprocessing of agricultural wastes and by-products into protein enriched animal feed ingredient using solid-state fermentation through its DOST-PCAARRD-UPLB-BIOTECH Bioprocessing Plant facility. It is also dedicated to the production and distribution of animal probiotics for swine, poultry, fish and prawn aquaculture, and pets. The laboratory caters to students, farmers, and stakeholders who need assistance in related studies, under a Memorandum of Agreement.