Glenda B. Obra
Head,  Agriculture Research Section
Atomic Research Division
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Resilva, Sotero S.
Javier, Abigaile Mia V.
Dimaano, Arvin O.
Isip, Flora C.
Lazo, Dolores M.
Garcia, Ricky E.
Villareal, Robert E. (Contractual)

Dengue, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, affects more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-east Asia and the Western Pacific. Of these, South-east Asia and the Western Pacific are most seriously affected and it is endemic in the Philippines.

Sterile insect technique (SIT), a species-specific, effective, and environment-friendly method of pest suppression or eradication, has been successfully used against several insect species. SIT involves the rearing, sterilization and release of insects rendered sterile by gamma radiation. This project will explore SIT as an alternative method of control for Aedes aegypti which can be integrated with other methods of control.

Application of Food Irradiation Technologies for Enhancing Food Safety, Quality and Agricultural Trade

Zenaida M. de Guzman
Head, Biomedical Research Section
Atomic Research Division

Abrera, Gina B.                        
Asa, Anie Day DC                       
Asaad, Celia O.                         
Baldos, Davison T.

Significant achievement has been generated in the field of food irradiation technology in terms of R & D, regulations and semi-commercial applications on various food products. 

It is the goal of this project to continue demonstrating the effectiveness of radiation technology as applied to various commodities in order to attract potential stakeholders who will pursue future commercialization of the technology. This includes completion of R&D studies on fresh vegetables and fruits, food for calamity victims, brown rice irradiation, a feasibility study on setting up a commercial irradiation facility, and the development of the  Philippine National Standard on Food Irradiation.

Phase 1 involves the completion of a feasibility study of putting up a commercial irradiation facility in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech, Department of Agriculture   and other agencies. A new Code of Practice for Food Irradiation Processing is being  completed  for publication.   The irradiated and non-irradiated packaging materials will be evaluated for physico-chemical properties and stability of food samples.

Phase 2 involves irradiation of fresh fruits and vegetables, food for calamity victims and brown rice for studying shelf life extension. The quality of irradiated and non-irradiated food products after storage will be evaluated in terms of physico-chemical properties, microbiological, sensory and nutritional analysis.

Celia O. Asaad
Senior Science Research Specialist
Biomedical Research Section
Atomic Research Division

Caraos, Gloriamaris L.
Robles, Gerardo Jose M.
Cobar, Ma. Lucia
Asa, Anie Day DC.

Cytogenetic biological dosimetry is a method which can measure the amount of radiation received by a person who was exposed to a radiation source.

The evaluation resulting from a cytogenetic biodosimetry analysis helps medical doctors and authorities in making informed decisions on the appropriate treatment of persons who were exposed to radiation. Thus, the management of exposed persons depends largely upon the efficiency of the analysis.

This project aims to strengthen the Philippines’ capability to efficiently conduct cytogenetic biodosimetry analysis by establishing  alternative faster techniques, validating reference curves used in measuring the amount of radiation exposure   and improving both the technical expertise and infrastructure involved in performing the analysis.

Zenaida M. de Guzman
Head, Biomedical Research Section
Atomic Research Division
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Asa, Anie Day DC                               
Asaad, Celia O.                                   
Baldos, Davison T.
Robles, Gerardo Jose M.
Tolentino, Mitos M.
Diano, Gilbert T.
Valdez,Jeff Darren G.

The project aims to develop radiation-processed biomedical products which can contribute to the utilization of natural materials like alginate, honey and other honey byproducts, like propolis, which are available in the market.

Developed gamma-sterilized honey alginate wound dressing has been shown to have excellent absorbency, low pH content and the ability to heal faster than commercial dressings. Additional tests will be completed for the stability test of product using a modified packaging material and validation of animal and clinical trials on a pilot-scale.

A mixture of propolis (honey beehive resin material) and alginate in gel and patch forms are also being developed as antiseptic product. These will be sterilized by gamma irradiation and electron beam technology and the effects on the quality of the product will be compared.