Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Sarajevo


Institute for genetic engineering and biotechnology, also known as INGEB, is public Bosnian scientific institution, member Sarajevo University, Affiliate center of International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology – ICGEB. ICGEB was established as a special project of the United Nations organization for industrial development.
INGEB was founded under the name "Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology", in 1988. Main, if not the main, of founders was Professor Rifat Hadžiselimović. with the support of the Government of Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ANUBiH and the biggest B&H economic systems. After the establishment document, INGEB was entrusted with the functions maker, institutional creator and carrier of the overall scientific and professional work in the development of genetic engineering and biotechnology based molecular biology in B&H.
By relevant legal act, the Assembly of Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993, at the beginning of the Bosnian War, assumed the right of the founder of the institution, and later, in 1999, entitled founder INGEB took over the Sarajevo Canton.

Structure and activities

In INGEB, there are following functional units:
Laboratory for forensic genetics provides scientific approach to analysis of samples of different origin. In this laboratory DNA profiling is routinely done for skeletal remains, blood stains, hair, semen, controversial traces on cigarette butts, controversial traces under fingernails, in urine etc.
Expert activities perform in laboratory for forensic genetics include:
In laboratory for forensic genetics scientific projects, supported by the respective ministries and foreign institutions, are implemented or are under realization. The focus of scientific research is directed towards genetic analysis of archaeological skeletal samples, forensic genetic parameters testing of Bosnian population, as well as towards a target oriented expansion of previously initiated population genetic research.

Laboratory for Human Genetics

This laboratory represents the organizational segment of the Institute which is dealing with genetic characterisation of DNA of human origin for the purpose of basic and applied research. We use molecular-genetics approach mainly PCR based in investigating the genetic structure.
Main activities of the laboratory comprise research directions:
Other important aspect is participation in higher education programs at University of Sarajevo as well as public engagement in developing molecular-genetics methods for support of medical diagnostics.

Laboratory for GMO and Food Biosafety

The laboratory scope includes wide array of activities mainly focused on the issues of food biosafety and plant biotechnology. It provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific DNA sequences in various food matrices, provides advice and correct interpretation of GMO related data to consumers and food safety authority and promotes science based approach to biosafety. In that respect the Laboratory has established communication with JRC-EURL-GMFF and follows the published guidelines. Also, the Laboratory develops new analytical methods, where appropriate, to bridge the gaps in the available methodology.
Research aspect of the Laboratory is mainly focused on endemic and endangered plant species with bioactive potential. Simultaneously with bioactive potential of a species, which is explored in in vitro and in vivo models, molecular markers are employed to evaluate its genetic diversity for the purpose of conservation.

Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genotoxicology

Research activities of the Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genotoxicology are based on:
Expert activity of the Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genotoxicology mainly includes chromosome analysis and karyotyping of human samples. The most frequently used tests in research projects of this lab are based on cell culture and include: chromosome aberrations analysis, cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay and sister chromatids exchange assay. Evaluation of cytotoxic and cytostatic potential of various chemical agents includes application of colorimetric method in different cell lines. Research capacities are significantly used for academic education and the realization of final thesis of Sarajevo University students.
Expertises:
Projects: