Laboratory Establishment

Toxicology Laboratory activities were started in early 2007 with small –scale laboratory in which only few test was conducted including MTT cytotoxicity assay, alkaline comet assay and apoptosis assessment.

Melaka Biotechnology Corporation received RM4.12 million from MOSTI in 2008 to establish a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) facility which conducts in vitro mutagenicity studies. The renovation was started immediately and in 2009, the Clean room laboratory renovation was completed.

The laboratory was equipped with high-technology and updated laboratory equipment.

The laboratory specification was in compliance with the GLP requirement.

Currently, nine personnel with a various position working in the Toxicology Laboratory, and all personnel are well-trained and qualified to conduct their job in GLP studies.

Please refer to NPCB Malaysia and  Standard Malaysia for our status.

Laboratory Activities

• In vitro cytotoxicity and mutagenicity testing services
• In vitro cytotoxicity and mutagenicity studies on local herbal products
• Conducting training to government and private sector personnel

Laboratory Facility

• The Clean Room which consist of Preparation Area, Cell Culture laboratory and Bacteriology Lab.
• Chemical and consumable store.
• Administration office.
• Archive Room.
• Waste Area.

Past Reseach

• Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and apoptotsis assessment on Kesum extract.
• Cytotoxicity evaluation of synthesized stilbene
• Cytotoxicity and mjutagenicity effects of local herbal product.

Current Research / Activities

‘Mutagenicity Testing Facility in Accordance With The OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice’

Future Planning for Laboratory Research Activities

• Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and antimutagen assessment of product from Phyllanthus emblica (Buah Melaka).
• in vitro mutagenicity assessment of water sample
• In vitro mutagenicity studies of high value herbal product (project under NKEA herbal from MoA)

Developed protocol

• Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test (OECD Test guidelines 471)
• In Vitro Mammalian Cell Micronucleus Test (OECD Test guidelines 487)
• MTS Cytotoxic Assay
• In Vitro Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test (OECD Test guidelines 476)
• Alkaline Comet Assay
• Acridine orange/propidium iodide dual staining – morphological apoptosis assessment

Future Planning

• To broaden the toxicology service to the international level
• To become national centre of excellence for mutagenicity studies

Best service that can provide to the industry and society

To serve in vitro mutagenicity studies that comply with OECD GLP requirement to various industry including pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry, herbal-based product, pesticide manufacturer, chemical industry and veterinary drugs manufacturer.

Consultancy to the manufacture and industry on the quality product development particularly on the safety level of the products