CEBIB postgraduates participate in hands-on training at KALRO-VSRI Labs

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020; seven CEBIB first-year postgraduate students participated in hands-on training on Molecular biology techniques for DNA and protein extraction and quantification that was hosted at Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization's Veterinary Research Institute labs (KALRO-VSRI, Muguga). The 3-days workshop funded by KALRO AgriFI Project attracted participants from the KALRO – Veterinary Research Institute (KALRO-VSRI), Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP), and the University of Nairobi’s CEBIB.

The workshop was aimed at equipping learners with theoretical and practical knowledge on nucleic acid isolation, purification, and analysis with notable mentions on novel methods for carrying out these processes.

Dr. Monica Maichomo, a Senior Researcher and Director, KALRO-VSRI, welcomed the participants and encouraged the students to participate in similar training in order to get exposed to practical knowledge and experience as well as network with the scientific community in Kenya.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Nimo Gicheru, a molecular biology and immunology expert at KALRO emphasized the effective methods of DNA isolation, purification, and analysis. He highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods. Notably, the physical and chemical methods of purification, DNA isolation by organic extraction, salting out, and selective DNA binding to a solid support; were pointed out.

The practical sessions enabled the participants to gain hands-on skills. The participants were able to perform guided quantification of DNA and protein concentration using a Qubit™4 fluorometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Participants also had the opportunity to learn about vaccine development and factors to take into consideration in the process.