Natural Sciences Research Institute up Diliman, Quezon City ANNUAL REPORT 2018 a YEAR of ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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Natural Sciences Research Institute UP Diliman, Quezon City ANNUAL REPORT 2018 A YEAR OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I. Introduction Vision, Mission ii Message of the Director iii Brief History and Program Goals iv PART II. Programs and Other Activities 1. Research Programs and Publications 1 1.1 NSRI-funded Researches 1 List of Terminated Projects in 2018 1 List of Extended Projects in 2018 3 List of Approved Projects for Funding in 2018 7 List of Commitment Projects in 2018 18 List of Externally-Funded Researches in 2018 21 1.2 Publication and Creative Works 39 2. Extension Services 43 2.1 Technical Assistance and Advisory Services 43 Biological Research and Services Laboratory (BRSL) 44 DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL) 61 Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory (MRSL) 80 Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (RASL) 96 2.2 Information Service 126 2.3 Community Service 126 2.4 Biosafety Program 127 2.5 Lecture Series 127 PART III. Resources 3. Organization and Personnel 130 Organization and Management 130 Executive Council 130 Research Section 131 Technical Support Section 132 Administrative Support Section 133 List of NSRI Room Occupants 2018 134 Personnel Inventory of NSRI 135 3.1 NSRI Staff Development in 2018 138 3.2 Resource Generation and Allocations 142 3.3 Fiscal Resources 142 PART IV. Conclusion Future Plans and Recommendations 145 Annual Report 2018| i NATURAL SCIENCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE Vision A world-renowned National Center of Excellence for research and technical services in the disciplines and multi-disciplines of biology, chemistry, environmental, mathematical, and atmospheric sciences. Mission • To provide opportunities for the development of high caliber scientific and technological human resources. • To attain world-class status for its research and scientific contributions. • To attain world-class status for its various technical service laboratories. • To take the initiative in the advocacy for the protection of the environment. • To take the leadership in the advancement and application of science and technology for the improvement of the quality of life of the Filipino. Annual Report 2018| ii MESSAGE OF THE DIRECTOR The Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) has had another strong year. It continues to lead the way and build on past strengths. I am proud to see first-hand how the Institute’s research advances are benefiting society and improving lives. With members producing high quality publications in 2018, many research discoveries are emerging. I am pleased not only by the Institute’s research and extension works but also the willingness of members to share their findings with our community through media, seminars and scientific conferences. This communication is necessary to raise awareness, influence policy and practice, and educate people. I am confident in the ability of the NSRI to make significant improvements for the lives of generations to come. As always, I am grateful for the University’s continued encouragement and support in the value of the Institute’s research and its significance for the University’s impact. I am looking forward for another exciting year ahead. Mabuhay ang NSRI ! WINDELL L. RIVERA, Ph.D. Director Annual Report 2018| iii BRIEF HISTORY AND PROGRAM GOALS June 19, 1964 Republic Act 3887, signed by President Diosdado Macapagal, for the establishment of the Natural Sciences Research Center (NSRC) as amended by Republic Act 6069 (1969). February 1965 U.P. President Carlos P. Romulo organized the Executive Advisory Council with the task of getting funds for the Center. July 1971 NSRC was first opened to researchers. November 13, 1972 Formal inauguration and dedication ceremonies of the UP-NSRC by U.P. President Salvador P. Lopez. March 23, 1983 Executive Order No. 889, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, organized the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) from the Natural Sciences Research Center (NSRC). May 26, 1983 Approval of the Implementing Guidelines for the creation of the NSRI out of NSRC by the UP Board of Regents. July 2, 1985 Executive Order No. 7, signed by UP President Edgardo J. Angara, provided for the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the NSRI. December 18, 1986 Executive Order No. 6, signed by UP President Edgardo J. Angara, amended EO No. 7 to include interdisciplinary programs. February 28, 2000 The NSRI building was named Miranda Hall in honor of the late Prof. Bienvenido T. Miranda, the Institute's first Director. The NSRI serves as the national center of excellence for the advancement, dissemi- nation, and application of knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences and Mathematics. It is mandated to: a. undertake research in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, and organize interdisciplinary research programs. b. support the graduate programs of the College of Science in these fields of study. c. provide extension and other services on request and when feasible do research needs such as consultancies, research, training, technical support, analytical support to researchers, other units of the University, and other institutions and agencies, both government and private. d. disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops, conferences and seminars. Annual Report 2018| iv 1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS 1.1 NSRI-FUNDED RESEARCHES RESEARCH SUPPORT: MOOE, FACILITIES, HONORARIA AND SALARIES OF PROJECT PERSONNEL LIST OF TERMINATED PROJECTS IN 2018 BIOLOGY 1) Project title : Analysis of Virulence-Associated Genes of Leptospira Isolated from Environmental Samples in the Philippines Project code : BIO-17-1-09 Funding source : NSRI Amount of funding : 2017 – P 620,401.00 Duration of project : January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017 Project leader : Dr. Windell L. Rivera Personnel : 1 University Research Associate I Title of Publication : Identification of Leptospira spp. from Environmental Sources in Areas with High Human Leptospirosis Incidence in the Philippines Abstract: Leptospira is the causative agent of leptospirosis, which is considered an emerging major threat to public health due to its increasing frequency reported worldwide. In the Philippines, the prevalence of the disease continuously rises, particularly in urban areas. Because leptospirosis is commonly transmitted through contact with contaminated environment, water and soil samples were collected in regions in the Philippines where high incidence of human leptospirosis cases was reported recently. Of the 54 samples screened for the presence of Leptospira, 35% were found positive through 23S rRNA gene PCR-based detection. None were found positive when primers targeting lipL32, lipL41, and ompL1 genes were used. Most of these isolates were collected from rural areas. However, 165 rRNA gene sequencing identified all isolates to be L. yanagawae and L. meyeri, which are nonpathogenic. Despite the lack of evidence of the presence of pathogenic species in the environmental sources, the results still suggest that leptospires persist in these areas. These data are crucial for environmental monitoring and identification of contaminated areas where humans may be at risk of infection. Annual Report 2018| 1 CHEMISTRY 2) Project title : Polymeric Nanocarriers Formed by Hyperbranched Copolymers of Poly(ethylene glycol) and Methacrylic Acid as Drug Delivery System Project code : CHE-17-1-08 Funding source : NSRI Amount of funding : 2017 – P 570,001.00 Duration of project : January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017 Project leader : Dr. Susan D. Arco Personnel : 1 University Research Associate I Title of Publication : Temperature- and pH-Dependent Drug Release of Block Copolymers of Methacrylic Acid and Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylates Abstract: The block copolyrners, poly(methacrylic acid)-b-poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (Block-D) and poly(methacrylic acid)-b-poty(polyethyIene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (Block-P) were synthesized via reversible addition- fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization towards the development of stimuli-responsive carriers of poorly water-soluble drugs. The structures of the copolymers and the confirmation of successful block copolymerization were studied using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectrosropy. Data from gel permeation chromatography (GPC) then showed polydispersity indices (PDI) close to 1.0, characteristic of RAFT polymerization. Stimuli-response studies revealed Block-D was responsive at pH 5.15 and 26oC while Block-P was responsive at pH 5.15 and 72oC. The corresponding micelles had particle sizes of 92.95-201.4 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), with critical micelle concentration (CMC) at about 10-1 mg/mL, per fluorescence studies. Using ibuprofen as the model drug, the drug loading content reached 11.76%, at 66.65% efficiency. In vitro release profiles then demonstrated 18% drug release within 5 h at stomach-like conditions and 65% release within 5 h at small intestine-Iike conditions. Ultimately, cell viability assays of the blank and loaded micelles confirmed that neither is cytotoxic. These results show the immense potential and capability of the synthesized material as a drug delivery system for poorly water-insoluble drugs Annual Report 2018| 2 LIST OF EXTENDED PROJECTS IN 2018 BIOLOGY 1) Project title : Emerging Leptospirosis and Toxoplasmosis in Marine Wildlife Reservoir Hosts: The Case of