Animal Stem Cell Biobank: Aim, Key Features, Significance & UPSC Notes

An animal stem cell biobank is a specialised facility that collects, processes, and stores stem cells from various animal species. It supports regenerative medicine, veterinary treatments, and conservation efforts, preserving valuable cellular material for future healthcare advancements and biodiversity protection.

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For UPSC, animal stem cell biobanks are relevant to GS Paper 3 under Science & Technology and Environment & Biodiversity Conservation. They link to biotechnology applications, veterinary health, and species preservation, aligning with topics on scientific innovations, environmental sustainability, and wildlife conservation strategies. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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What Is The Animal Stem Cell Biobank in India?

India's first Animal Stem Cell Biobank is a pioneering facility inaugurated on August 9, 2025, at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Spread over 9,300 sq ft and built at a cost of ₹1.85 crore, the biobank houses sophisticated infrastructure—such as a stem cell culture unit, 3D bioprinter, bacterial culture laboratory, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, advanced air-handling systems, and consistent power 

backup—for storing and preserving high-quality stem cells from various animal species.

Supported by DBT–BIRAC's National Biopharma Mission, this facility is designed to advance regenerative medicine, disease modelling, tissue engineering, reproductive biotechnology, and cell-based innovative protein production, aiming to boost veterinary medicine, livestock productivity, and reduce dependency on imported biotech resources. 

Check this article on Health Issues.

About the Animal Stem Cell Biobank

• Facility size and cost: Spread over 9,300 sq ft, built at a cost of ₹1.85 crore.
• Key infrastructure: Includes stem cell culture units, 3D bioprinter (for tissue engineering), bacterial culture labs, cryostorage, autoclave rooms, advanced air handling systems, and uninterrupted power backup.
• Support: Backed by the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) of DBT–BIRAC to expand biobanking capabilities for animal stem cells and their derivatives.

Organisation Involved

• National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.

Animal Stem Cell Biobank: Aim

The aim of the Animal Stem Cell Biobank in India is to drive innovation in regenerative medicine and advanced therapies for livestock. It seeks to provide quality-controlled animal stem cells and cost-effective indigenous cell culture media to veterinary clinics, research institutions, and industry. 

• To drive innovation in regenerative medicine and advanced therapies for livestock.
• To provide quality-controlled animal stem cells and cost-effective indigenous cell culture media to veterinary clinics, research institutions, and industry.
• To boost research in disease modelling, tissue engineering, reproductive biotechnology, and animal cell-based innovative protein production.
• To improve livestock health, increase productivity, and protect farmers' livelihoods.

Check this article on the National Health Resource Repository.

Animal Stem Cell Biobank: Key Features

The key features of the Animal Stem Cell Biobank at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, include:

• A state-of-the-art facility spread over 9,300 sq ft, developed at a cost of ₹1.85 crore.
• Advanced infrastructure, including:
  • Stem cell culture unit for growing and preserving stem cells.
  • 3D bioprinter for tissue engineering applications.
  • Bacterial culture laboratory for microbial studies.
  • Cryostorage facilities to protect stem cells at ultra-low temperatures.
  • Autoclave rooms are designed to meet high biosafety standards.
  • Advanced air handling systems ensure controlled laboratory environments.
  • Uninterrupted power backup for continuous operations.
• Supports research in regenerative medicine, cellular therapies for livestock, disease modelling, tissue engineering, reproductive biotechnology, and animal cell-based innovative protein production.
• Provides quality-controlled animal stem cells and cost-effective indigenous cell culture media to veterinary clinics, research institutions, and industry.
• Helps reduce dependence on imported technologies by fostering indigenous biomanufacturing capabilities.
• Aligns with national biotechnology initiatives like the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) by DBT–BIRAC to expand animal stem cell biobanking capacity.

Check this article on the national urban health mission.

Launch of Five Breakthrough Veterinary Technologies

The launch of the five breakthrough veterinary technologies by the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, was done by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh alongside the inauguration of India's first Animal Stem Cell Biobank. These field-ready and affordable innovations aim to improve animal health, increase livestock productivity, and secure farmers' livelihoods. The five technologies are:

• BruDIVA - A field-deployable, DIVA-capable diagnostic kit for rapid and early detection of Brucellosis (Brucella species).
• Udder Care - An affordable on-site mastitis detection technology for identifying subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.
• Toxo Antibody Rapid Test - A sensitive and specific kit for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals.
• RapiChex JE NS1 - An indigenously developed rapid detection strip for Japanese Encephalitis surveillance in animals and humans.
• Rapid Antibiotic Sensitivity Test Device - A portable tool that delivers antimicrobial sensitivity results for responsible antibiotic use within two hours.

Significance

The relevance of this fact is the foundation of the first Animal Stem Cell Biobank in India by the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, aimed to restructure veterinary medicine, livestock health status, and agricultural economy. 

Highlights are:

Development of Veterinary Healthcare

The biobank introduces a storage facility of superior stem cells, which may be employed in animal-based regenerative treatments. It comprises rescuing damaged tissues, degenerative joint disease, wound healing, and even assisting during organ regeneration. It paves the way toward non-invasive therapies in veterinary medicine.

Increase in livestock productivity.

With the potential of researching disease resistance, improvement of fertility, and general health of the animal, the biobank can be used to increase the productivity of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and poultry. This helps produce a higher milk yield and quality meat and economic gains for the farmers.

Endangered Species Conservation and Biodiversity Conservation

The facility has the potential to store the stem cells of endangered or rare species, which provides a backup in terms of genetic diversity for conservation. These cells may then be employed in cloning, assisted reproduction, or reintroduction of a species, thus helping India's wildlife heritage.

Enhancing biotechnology and research capacity, Strength-based cells

With new-fangled equipments such as 3D bioprinters and cryopreservation systems, the biobank makes India a frontrunner in animal biotechnology. It encourages cross-disciplinary studies in stem cell biology, genetic engineering, tissue engineering and reproductive biotechnology.

Interest-Free Education and Skill Development

The biobank allows veterans, researchers, and students to gain practical experience in advanced biotechnological work. This will assist in creating a competent labour force in the veterinary regenerative medicine.

Check This Article: Malnutrition in India

Conclusion

Animal stem cell biobanks preserve cellular resources for future veterinary treatments, research, and species conservation. By storing high-quality stem cells, they enable advanced therapies, support biodiversity, and enhance the long-term health of animals worldwide. 

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