Biotechnology is a broad field of applied science that utilizes biological systems and living organisms to develop products that deciphers societal issues. Biotechnology comprises of vital disciplines like Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology that results with novel technologies and products in the area of medicine (development of new medicines and therapies), agriculture (development of genetically modified plants, biofuels, biological treatment) or industrial biotechnology (production of chemicals, paper, textiles and food). This in turn has opened a great avenue for higher education and employment for the future generation. Hence, the department has formulated an efficient curriculum to impart knowledge and develop skills among students.
The Department of Biotechnology at Bishop Heber College had its inception in 2002 with a strong interdisciplinary research and teaching base in biological sciences. It houses several sophisticated equipment and provides excellent lab facilities to our students. The department’s active collaboration with research institutions and industries evokes to inspire the students to solve the challenges in health sectors. The eminence of the department was hoisted with the establishment of bioinformatics during the year 2010. This synchronization catalyses the enrichment of technical education through creative teaching-learning process and augments innovative research. Bioinformatics gains importance to predict and suggest progressive solutions through disease diagnosis, drug discovery and development, genomics, proteomics, structural biology. To enhance research, the department has become a full-fledged research department from 2012.
Quick Response (QR) code is a technology which provides access to resources through smart devices. The objective of the paper is to review the application of QR code and discusses the basic concept, structure, technology, use of QR code. It also describes the use of QR codes in Biotechnology Lab and its implementation in various applications such as , Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) , Laboratory Safety Measures , Precautions and Warnings .
Quick Response (QR) code is a bi-dimensional squared matrix code comprising of black and white pixels. The pixels translated with the help of smart devices such as mobile phones or similar devices. Users can directly obtain the information of the objects or services on their mobile devices while scanning the code. Now-a-days smart devices are considered as best devices used to share the information among user community. Looking this advanced technology and its features, libraries are also exploring new services to reach its users, QR code based service is among the one.
We the Faculty of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Proudly Presents the QR Code Enabled Laboratory Operating System towards the easy and Efficient Access to the Students , Academicians , Especially to the Research Scholars.
“QR code system was invented in the year 1994 by a Japanese company Denso Wave designed with the aim to allow high-speed component scanning to track vehicles during manufacturing”. This technology was used for both commercial and non commercial applications aimed at mobile-phone users. It is used for displaying text, adding a new contact, write a message, open a website (URL), etc. In present scenario, QR code becomes popular in Research & Academic activities for sharing information among user community.
A QR code is a machine readable label where the information is stored in it. Information is coded or stored in QR code is two dimensional viz horizontally and vertically, unlike barcodes are in one direction. QR codes can hold more information than barcode. It is easier to read by the devices using mobile camera. “A QR code uses four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji) to store data efficiently and extensions may also be used” .
A QR code consists of white background and black squares and typically appears in black and white; however coloured QR codes are also available in present scenario. Using imaging devices like camera, the codes can be read. Reed-Solomon error correction technique is used to interpret the code accurately. Due to its high speed and usefulness, many libraries have started using QR codes initially in print and online literature and extended it to many library services.
| S.No | Name of the Instrument | Code | Instrument |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Autoclave | PG AT 01 |
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| 2. | Binocular Microscope | PG BM 10 |
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| 3. | Centrifuge | PG CF 02 |
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| 4. | Clinical Centrifuge | PG CLF 01 |
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| 5. | Colorimeter | PG COL 01 |
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| 6. | Electronic Balance | PG EWB 02 |
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| 7. | Fermenter | PG FER 01 |
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| 8. | Gel Rocker | PG GER 01 |
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| 9. | Heating Mantle | PG HEM 01 |
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| 10. | Hot Air Oven | PG HAO 01 |
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| 11. | Incubator | PG INC 03 |
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| 12. | Laminar Air Flow Chamber | PG LAF 05 |
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| 13. | Magnetic stirrer | PG MST 01 |
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| 14. | Microwave oven | PG MVO 01 |
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| 15. | PCR Thermal Cycler | PG PCR 02 |
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Associate Professor of Chemistry , Dean of Sciences
Coordinator – Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics
| Sno | Name | Designation | Faculty In-Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr. J. Dinesh Raja | Associate Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
| 2. | Dr. T. Jebastin | Assistant Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
| 3. | Dr. M. Ganaraj | Assistant Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
| 4. | Mrs. A. Melba Priyadarshini | Assistant Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
| 5. | Ms. S. Leelavathy | Assistant Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
| 6. | Dr. J. Bliss Ramya Joan | Assistant Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
| 7. | Ms. A. Amrita Anandi | Assistant Professor | Heber Biotechnology Lab QR Code System |
