The Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology functioning at the Center for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, in collaboration with BioRad, a leading private biotechnology company, successfully conducted a one-day hands-on training session on Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) on 30.08.2024. The training, held at the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology, attracted the participation of 57 post-graduate students from various departments of TNAU, alongside several teaching faculty members.
The primary objective of this training was to provide participants with in-depth practical knowledge of Real-time PCR, an advanced molecular biology technique widely used in research and diagnostics. The training session was led by expert professionals from BioRad, who demonstrated the operational procedures, technical principles, and best practices involved in RT-PCR. Real-time PCR is known for its versatility and precision in detecting and quantifying nucleic acids, and it has become a critical tool in a wide range of applications, from agricultural biotechnology to clinical diagnostics.
During the training, participants gained hands-on experience with RT-PCR instruments and software, learning the critical steps of sample preparation, amplification, and data interpretation. The experts from BioRad also discussed troubleshooting strategies and optimization techniques to ensure accurate and reproducible results.
One of the key highlights of the session was the discussion on the relevance of RT-PCR in real-world applications. Real-time PCR has played a pivotal role in recent times, particularly in the detection and diagnosis of Covid-19. The method's ability to accurately detect SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in patient samples has made it the gold standard for Covid-19 testing. Dr. Mohankumar, Project Director during his welcome speech emphasised that RT-PCR is used extensively in agricultural research for plant pathogen detection, gene expression analysis, and genetic modification studies.
Dr. N. Senthil, Director of the Center for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, remarked on the importance of such training sessions in equipping students and faculty with cutting-edge molecular techniques. "This training provides our students with valuable skills that will enhance their research capabilities, particularly in areas such as plant biotechnology and diagnostics," he said. The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from industry experts and appreciated the practical exposure to such advanced technology.
The training concluded with a vote of thanks to the BioRad team for their contributions and to the organizers for facilitating a highly informative session.
Dr. Kokiladevi, Professor & Head, Department of Plant Biotechnology proposed a vote of thanks. This hands-on training marks a significant step forward in fostering industry-academia collaboration and empowering the next generation of scientists with crucial molecular biology skills.