JONAKI, the Labelled Biomolecules Laboratory, is a unit of Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT), Department of Atomic Energy. It is situated in the campus of the Centreer for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB). This laboratory is a shining example of BRIT’s commitment to provide labeled biomolecules and different molecular biology kits to the biotechnologists, molecular biologists and other life science research scientists of the country. Over a dozen 32P / 33P labeled nucleotides and molecular biology kits are supplied on a regular basis to various national laboratories, universities and industries across the country. Radioisotopes labeled nucleotides are one of a few essential components of modern research in biology, agriculture, healthcare, medical sciences, biotechnology and genetic engineering. 33P labeled nucleotide, which is also a favoured tool for in situ hybridization, DNA sequencing and DNA chip- based gene expression studies, and is considered as a bridge between radioisotopic and non-isotopic labels, is currently synthesized in this laboratory and supplied to various users.
Jonaki had started a retail outlet for nuclear medicine cold kits one year before to support the hospitals in the city. It had also introduced PCR Amplification kits, nucleotide mix and Taq DNA polymerase to suit individual needs, priced competitively and tested. Both have been a good success.
It is constantly improvising its functioning to maintain an excellent quality of its products and its staff is constantly working in this direction. All the 32P/33P nucleotides are being supplied in very good purity, better stability and specific activity. Its molecular biology products like Taq DNA polymerase and Molecular Biology kits are also being supplied with good stability and very good performance. And for this, Jonaki is rightly placed in the campus of the CCMB, which provides the infrastructure facilities for its good functioning and suitable scientific environment for its growth. Jonaki has entered into a new business area, in the field of molecular diagnostics through the launch of its Gel based TB-PCR kit in August, 2008. It has also launched nucleic acid purification kits based on silica membrane at affordable prices to serve molecular biologists and molecular diagnostics community across the country without compromising with the quality. It is preparing for extending its activities in the field of DNA diagnostics and ELISA diagnostics. Efforts are on for further improvisation. TB-PCR-ELISA kit and Real Time TB-PCR kit are under clinical trial and are expected to be launched shortly. The ELISA kit for the human thyroid hormone T3 is under clinical trial and is also expected to be launched shortly.