Conagen’s New Dihydro Resveratrol Made By Clean Bioconversion Inspires Novel Products and Drives Market Growth

Bedford, Mass., May 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Massachusetts-based biotech Conagen announces the development of a new scalable natural compound, dihydro resveratrol, for use in industrial and human health applications. Conagen’s dihydro resveratrol is made by bioconversion from p-coumaric acid (pCA), a natural preservative Conagen produced by precision fermentation.

The same proprietary bioconversion technology used to make dihydro resveratrol can be used to make resveratrol and other polyphenol class molecules. Both compounds are natural metabolites of plants, such as berries and grapes, and are commonly found in red wine.

Because resveratrol and dihydro resveratrol exist in only very small quantities in plants, cultivation, extraction, and purification are very inefficient, using more land, water, and energy. Instead, Conagen starts with pCA made using fermentation of microorganisms. Bioconversion of pCA allows Conagen to use a much smaller footprint to make dihydro resveratrol and related compounds.

“The development of dihydro resveratrol demonstrates Conagen’s strong capability to manufacture and deliver innovative and versatile compounds for multiple large-scale applications,” said Casey Lippmeier, vice president of innovation. “Our proprietary bioconversion and precision fermentation capabilities enable the production of sustainable high-quality polyphenols for use in novel products which drive the growth of new markets.”

Resveratrol molecules in the category of polyphenols possess rich antioxidant properties. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity are linked to protective effects against heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive decline. Conagen has announced several polyphenol products over the past few years, such as Taxifolin BC-DHQ® (dihydroquercetin), kaempferol, Rosaval™  rosmarinic acid, and hydroxytyrosol, establishing a strong leadership in the development of polyphenol compounds.

In addition to their importance in human health applications for improving the quality of life, dihydro resveratrol and resveratrol are also important industrial intermediates. They offer valuable use in many industrial applications, such as plastic additives, paints, resins, polymers, and high-temperature-resistant biomaterials.

Conagen is working with multiple industrial partners to develop novel applications of dihydro resveratrol, resveratrol, and related compounds.

About Conagen

Conagen is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing service capabilities. Our scientists and engineers use the latest synthetic biology tools to develop high-quality, sustainable, nature-based products by precision fermentation and enzymatic bioconversion. We focus on the bioproduction of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavors and fragrances, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries. www.conagen.com

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Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Conagen
+1.781.271.1588
ana.arakelian@conagen.com

Physics Forum hosts Mr. Luqman to give a talk on Islam and Science

Lahore, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):To discuss initiatives to reconcile Science with Islam, the Physics Forum at the University of Lahore (UOL) hosted a seminar on the topic of Islam and Science, highlighting the concept of Physics in Islam on May 19, 2022. Mr. Mugheerah Luqman (Regional Director Punjab, Youth Club) was the key speaker who delivered a lecture that covered the major aspects of the Quran and science. The event also discussed how to promote practical solutions to problems created by globalization in the teachings of Islam. Later, shields were presented to the speaker and active members of the Physics Forum.

For more information, contact:

The University of Lahore

1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761

Email: info@uol.edu.pk

Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Opening ceremony of the HEC Funded Sindh consortium of universities held at IoBM

Karachi, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):The opening ceremony of the HEC Funded Sindh consortium of universities, for the establishment of Business Incubation Centers (BICs) with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, was held on May 28, 2022, at IoBM, Karachi. The Chief Guest was Professor Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC). Invited to this event were the vice chancellors of various universities, heads of incubation centers of business schools, corporate leaders, and IoBM’s alumni.

Present at the occasion were IoBM’s Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM; Ms. Sabina Mohsin, Executive Director; Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector; Dr. Shujaat Mubarik, Dean CBM; along with Deans, HoDs, faculty, and management. Mr. Mehboob Karim, Advisor to SSKIC, IoBM, shared a roadmap of the consortium through a recorded video presentation. The emcee of the event was Mr. Burhan Allah Saiyed, HoD Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC), IoBM. Hafiz Humayun Baig recited the verses from the Holy Quran.

The consortium was formed in April 2022 by IoBM and is led by Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET). Other member universities are Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) and Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (DUET). It will help the country achieve its goals of sustainability and livelihood and become a seat of learning for the same, not only for Sindh but also for Pakistan. The HEC-recognized consortium will offer capacity-building training programs, mentorship, and establish industry linkages to selected start-ups. These startups will be incubated in the new Cohort Incubation Program 2022 by IoBM’s Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC).

During his address, Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM said that the consortium is the first such project financed by the HEC. It enables the partner universities to exchange knowledge, facilities and build resources. IoBM SSKIC has finalized ten start-up ideas that will receive seed money of PKR 500,000 each to build a prototype. He added that IoBM targets nearly 20% of its students to set up their businesses. IoBM Chancellor, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad emphasized that start-ups are the best option for the youth who aspire to become entrepreneurs. He also stressed the need to strengthen the industry-academia linkage.

Professor Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, VC, DUET commented that the professors and the industry professionals need to use the same jargon and terminologies to reduce the communication gaps and hence reinforce the industry-academia link. Professor Dr. Rafi emphasized the importance of research conducted in universities. He mentioned that the graduates should remain relevant to the industry to become successful professionals or entrepreneurs.

He also called for the universities to encourage the students’ business ideas. The education system must inspire the students to become critical thinkers, he added. Dr. Inamullah Bhatti, Director, ORIC, MUET, presented an overview of the start-ups incubated at MUET. Two start-ups, Creative3D and BridgeCare, that were incubated at the SSKIC, shared their journey and the insights they gained while being incubated. President IoBM presented mementos to the guests.

For more information, contact:

Institute of Business Management (IoBM)

Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan

UAN: +92-21-111-002-004

Tel: +92-21-35090961-67

Fax: +92-21-35090968

Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk

Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/

ESUP organizes a visit of VP Queen Mary University of London to IoBM

Karachi, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):The English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) organized an event at IoBM on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The speaker was Prof. Dr. Colin B. Grant, Vice-Principal (International) at Queen Mary University of London. The session was hosted by Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM. Dr. Grant had an interactive discussion with the Rector, Deans, Heads of Departments, and faculty of IoBM. Mr. Irfan Qureshi, District Governor (2018-19) at the Rotary Club and Ms. Shumaila Omar represented the Union.

Dr. Grant shared that the Queen Mary University of London is planning to conduct in-depth research that translates into policy documents, reports, training policy initiatives to guide the underprivileged strata in Pakistan. He added that the purpose of such research is to create a linkage with business schools in Karachi and other cities of Pakistan to pursue excellence in research.

For more information, contact:

Institute of Business Management (IoBM)

Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan

UAN: +92-21-111-002-004

Tel: +92-21-35090961-67

Fax: +92-21-35090968

Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk

Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/

IBA CEIF to host the World Islamic Finance Forum 2022 in Karachi

Karachi, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi’s Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance (IBA CEIF), has been actively working for the promotion and development of Islamic Finance. One of their focus areas is promoting innovation and research in the field of Islamic Finance focused at sustainable national and global economic development. In this regard, the IBA CEIF is organizing the World Islamic Finance Forum (WIFF) 2022 at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi, on May 30-31, 2022.

To launch this conference, a press conference was organized by the IBA CEIF at the IBA City Campus, Karachi which was attended by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi; Dr. Ishrat Husain, Chairman, IBA CEIF; Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Director, IBA CEIF; Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, President and CEO, Meezan Bank Limited; Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO, Faysal Bank; Dr. Muhammad Imran, Group Head Islamic Banking, Bank Alfalah Limited; Syed Nayyar Hussain Zaidi; Executive Director, Salaam Takaful Limited; Muhammad Irfan Ahmed, Head, Shariah Compliance, BankIslami Pakistan Limited; and Dr. Irum Saba, Associate Professor and Program Director, MS Islamic Banking and Finance, IBA.

Dr. Saba delivered the opening remarks, followed by Dr. Zaidi who appreciated the efforts of IBA CEIF as they play a foremost part to integrate academics with industry practices in the field of Islamic Finance. Dr. Zaidi mentioned that more than 50 speakers from Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, USA, UK, France, Turkey, Bahrain and Pakistan will speak at the conference. According to Dr. Husain, WIFF 2022 will bring industry leaders, Shari’ah Scholars, policy makers, academicians and students together to provide solutions for the existing challenges faced by the Islamic Finance industry. He further referred to the International Credit Rating Agency Report by Moody’s which appreciated the efforts of the Islamic Finance industry reflecting 24% growth.

For more information, contact:

Executive, Communication and Public Affairs,

Institute of Business Administration Karachi (IBA)

Main Campus: University Road, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan

UAN: +92-21-111-422-422 (Ext. 269)

Fax: +92-21-99261508

Email: raza.lakhani@khi.iba.edu.pk

Website: https://www.iba.edu.pk

Result Announcement of SSC and HSSC Programs Semester Autumn 2021

Islamabad, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):It is to inform all concerned that the results of the Semester Autumn 2021 Matriculation (SSC) Programme have been announced. Students can view this result in their CMS portal. The results of the HSSC programme will also be announced today which will be available in their portal soon.

For more information, contact:

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)

Ashfaq Ahmed Road, Sector H-8,

Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-111-112-468

Email: director_sac@aiou.edu.pk, support@aiou.edu.pk

Website: http://www.aiou.edu.pk/