Center for Agrobiotechnology

Scientific results:

A unique model of the artificial GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) has been developed, designed, manufactured and put into operation, which is similar and constructively not inferior to the best world samples (e.g., SHIME, the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem), but, unlike them, adapted and optimized for the maximum possible simulation of the natural microbiota of the GIT of different animals.

A new approach to the creation of species-oriented installations for simulation of physiological and microbiological processes in animal organisms, conducting experimental physical and microbiological studies “in-vitro” in an environment with controlled and monitored parameters was found. The created hierarchical microprocessor-based control and monitoring system provides experiments of arbitrary duration with control of chyme temperature, pH value and inert atmosphere. The software of the upper hierarchical level has been developed - model reactors can be scaled up and combined in chains under common control of the ACS. The developed mnemonic schemes and functional system of control and monitoring of temperature and composition of liquid for GIT studies with the possibility of parallelization of the experiment(s) are used in the work of the unit. The unit provides research at exclusion of external illumination of chyme in bioreactors, as well as in low-oxygen atmosphere due to displacement of oxygen by inert gases - nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon. In order to provide a service for remote monitoring of the parameters of the experiments, the program of the control computer includes the possibility of transferring information about the controlled parameters and generated control actions via MQTT protocol to the cloud service of the Internet. The development has passed the registration procedure as a unique scientific installation “Microbiological complex of modeling processes in the gastrointestinal tract of animals” (UNU “Micro GIT”). UNU “Micro GIT” is designed for research work on dynamic models: complex studies of “in vitro” influence of various substances (prebiotics, probiotics, drugs, feed components, etc.) on both functional and structural characteristics of microbial consortia of various parts of the GIT https://probioticdonstu.com/unu-mikro-jkt/, https://ckp-rf.ru/catalog/usu/3559948/.

Microbiota strains isolated from different populations of healthy animals and environment (GIT of caged and free-range animals, litter and soil, different geographical zones) were screened for probiotic potential. A comparative study of selected strains in vitro and in vivo was carried out. The selected probiotics and potential probiotic strains with targeted activity for use in animal husbandry and aquaculture became the basis for the South Russian Research Collection of Probiotic Microorganisms. The identification of prebiotic and postbiotic products promising for modulating animal health and possessing DNA-protective and antioxidant activity will allow to develop the work of the Scientific Research Laboratory «Center for Agrobiotechnology» on the development of new drugs for agriculture.

At the biotechnological experimental site created in the laboratory, laboratory technologies for the production of probiotic preparations are being developed, pilot batches of probiotic preparations are being prepared for research. A package of pilot technologies and application protocols for new synbiotic preparations based on the principle of solid-phase fermentation was created. Dry probiotic preparations were tested in experiments at poultry and aquaculture facilities Biological bases for encapsulation of probiotic bacilli were developed. Creation of effective technology of drying of lactobacilli opened the way to the creation of cost-effective preparations of starter with probiotic action for silage, aimed at improving the efficiency of feeding farm animals. The possibility of using microorganisms with probiotic properties in silage creates prerequisites for a new vector of delivery of health-modulating microorganisms to farm animals.

Implementation of research results:

A method of joint application of a biopreparation based on a probiotic with target activity and a feed additive for industrial customers has been developed, application area - agrobiotechnology (poultry farming).

The technology of obtaining a biopreparation with antifungal activity based on solid-phase fermentation of spore-forming bacilli on plant substrate has been developed; the field of application is agrobiotechnology (plant breeding). The drug was produced on the basis of the laboratory for an industrial customer.

Methods for analyzing antimicrobial activity of recombinant bacteriocin samples against strains with confirmed species affiliation were developed for a private pharmaceutical company.

Developed technologies for the production of probiotic preparations for introduction into the feed of agricultural objects directly at the enterprises of industrial customers, the field of application - agrobiotechnology.

Organizational and infrastructural changes:

Equipped research laboratories of the «Center for Agrobiotechnology» (analytical laboratory, pathohistological laboratory, microbiological laboratory and biotechnology laboratory, experimental-biological clinic (vivarium), cell technology laboratory, PCR laboratory, research collection of probiotic microorganisms) are the base for scientific research, contractual works, educational and research activities of students and postgraduate students of DonSTU).

Education and personnel occupational retraining:

The laboratory staff underwent internships in the direction of scientific research in the world's leading scientific centers: Maastricht University (Netherlands) (2021-22), BINUS University, Indonesia (2023).

The results of the development of the model of artificial chicken gastrointestinal tract are used in the courses: “Modeling of control systems” (training program 27.03.04 ‘Management in technical systems’), ‘Modeling of systems and processes’ (training program 15.03.04 ‘Automation of technological processes and productions’), ‘SCADA’ (training program 15.04.04 ‘Industrial programming’), as well as in the training of graduate students in the directions 15.06.01 and 27.06.01.

Programs of additional professional education “Innovative approaches in the creation of veterinary probiotic preparations for directed modulation of animal health”, “Organic farm from A to Z” have been developed and are being implemented.

The main professional educational program “Hunting, cynology and zoo business” within the framework of training direction 36.03.02 “Zootechnics” has been developed and is planned for implementation.

The basic professional educational programs are developed and implemented: “Processes and equipment of biotechnology” within the training direction 19.03.01 ‘Processes and equipment of biotechnology’; ‘Genetics and selection of fish’ within the training direction 35.03.08 ‘Aquatic bioresources and aquaculture’; ‘Fish breeding’ within the training direction 35.03.08 ‘Aquatic bioresources and aquaculture’.

The main professional educational program “Soil science and agroecological assessment of lands” within the framework of training direction 35.03.03 “Agrochemistry and agrosoil science” is developed and implemented.

Cooperation:

Aquaculture Engineering Solutions Center “Simeon AquaBioTechnologies”, Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Agrarian Research Center “Donskoy” (Russia): joint scientific research.

Amazonen Werke (Germany), Wintersteiger AG (Austria), Rutgers University (USA), Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, machine-building plant LLC “BONUM”, company “Lallemand Animal Nutrition”, LLC “AGROCOM GROUP”, agrotechnological holding “Bison”, LLC “Combine plant ‘Rostselmash’ (Russia), Lemken GmbH & Co. KG: organization and holding of joint conferences and forums within the framework of the complex research plan “Development of Aquaculture” - International Scientific and Practical Conference “State and prospects of development of agro-industrial complex”, International Scientific and Practical Conference “Mathematical modeling and biomechanics”, International Conference on Beneficial Microbes “ICOBM-2021”, International Scientific and Practical Conference “Innovative technologies in science and education”, International Scientific and Practical Conference “Development and modern probes in the field of aquaculture”.

Scientific University of Malaysia, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), University of Diyala (Iraq), Maharshi Dayanand University (India), Stellenbosch University (South Africa), Federal University of Visosa, University of São Paulo (Brazil), University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources of Gorgan (Iran), Jinan University (China): joint publications and reports at international conferences, development of educational programs, bases for joint scientific research.

Academy of Biology and Biotechnology of the Southern Federal University, Rostov State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg State University, K.A. Timiryazev, Russian State Agrarian University State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Institute of Mechanization of Animal Husbandry - branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM”, Stavropol State Agrarian University, Institute of Experimental Medicine, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg State University of Science and Technology.

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University): creation of a joint master's degree program.