Today, January 28, marks the birthday of Nakhanov Aziz Kuralbaevich, Candidate of Biological Sciences and Head of the Laboratory of Cell Biotechnology at the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems (RIBSP). He is a highly qualified specialist in the field of cellular biotechnology and cytology.He is the developer of a method for microencapsulating cells in biocompatible polymers for cell therapy. Under his direct participation, the laboratory launched a new direction—obtaining stem cells and their application in regenerative tissue and cell therapy.
Aziz Kuralbaevich is the author of more than 40 scientific publications, including 11 in international journals, 6 patents, and 1 monograph. He has been awarded an Honorary Certificate by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
After the global COVID-19 pandemic, interest in virology—one of the fastest-growing biomedical sciences—has significantly increased. The cooperation of scientists in biology, medicine, and veterinary sciences is of great importance. Many infections are common to both humans and animals, which is why veterinary medicine is often discussed internationally. Major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer (USA), Bayer (Germany), and Sanofi (France) have veterinary divisions and plant protection departments.
Fundamental biological research plays a crucial role in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary sciences, agriculture, and livestock farming. Cell cultures are essential for advancing virological research, as well as for developing diagnostic tools, preventive measures, and vaccines. The Laboratory of Cell Biotechnology, led by Nakhanov Aziz Kuralbaevich, is dedicated to this important field.
For most of the vaccines produced at RIBSP, cell cultures are required to study and cultivate viruses for vaccine development. The laboratory of cell biotechnology at RIBSP meets international standards. One of its major achievements was the adaptation of Vero cell cultures for producing Kazakhstan’s domestic COVID-19 vaccine.
LABORATORY OF CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY
The main tasks of the Cell Biotechnology Laboratory at RIBSP include:
•Expanding and maintaining a museum and production bank of cell cultures;
•Supplying virology laboratories with cell cultures;
•Creating conditions for advanced research using cell cultures;
•Establishing a database of cell cultures;
•Studying stem cells and their directed differentiation;
•Investigating cell biology in culture and developing new cell lines;
•Developing cell technologies for regenerative tissue and cell therapy.
Aziz Kuralbaevich and his colleagues take great pride in their achievements, including:
•Bioconstruction of “collagen + cultivated limbal stem cells” for treating eye diseases;
•Microencapsulation of cells derived from stem cells;
•Establishing a specialized museum-bank for the permanent storage of certified primary and passaged cell cultures;
•Obtaining beta cells for transplantation therapy in diabetes treatment;
•Testing various substances on cell cultures for potential use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, insecticides, and preservatives.
For his significant contributions to the country’s scientific progress, the education of young specialists, and his dedication to research, Nakhanov A.K. has been awarded various certificates of appreciation and the Order of Kurmet. His high qualifications and scientific achievements have been recognized by his inclusion in the National Scientific Council on Priority Research in National Security and Biological Safety, as per the decree of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Order No. 224, May 13, 2024).
BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
In May 2022, Kazakhstan adopted its first Law on Biological Safety. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to rethink strategies for preventing and mitigating biological threats.
Biological safety challenges today are shaped by emerging risks, including mutations of bacterial and viral pathogens, the appearance of new infectious diseases, and the rapid development of biotechnological pharmaceutical production.
RIBSP is one of Kazakhstan’s leading scientific centers in veterinary virology, immunology, molecular biology, mycology, phytopathology, and biological safety. It has an experimental base for developing next-generation biological products using genetic engineering and biotechnology. Research in cell biotechnology allows for the creation of new therapeutic drugs for medical applications.
One of the institute’s most well-known achievements is the development of two COVID-19 vaccines—the inactivated QazCovid-in and the subunit QazCoVac-P—as well as PCR and ELISA diagnostic test systems for detecting coronavirus infection. The institute also develops next-generation biopharmaceuticals using recombinant DNA technology to protect against especially dangerous pathogens.
FRUITFUL COLLABORATION
It has been 1.5 years since the first visit of faculty members from the Department of Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) to the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems (RIBSP) in Otar, Zhambyl region.
Much progress has been made in collaboration between our institutions. We participated in the 65th-anniversary conference of RIBSP. Our students and master’s students have already completed internships at RIBSP and at OtarBioPharm, a nearby biopharmaceutical production plant.
Several theses and a master’s dissertation on biological safety in pharmaceutical manufacturing have been completed. In addition, a master’s and PhD dissertation are in progress as part of a joint brucellosis vaccine development project.
RIBSP and OtarBioPharm experts assist in developing lecture materials and practical training on biological safety and biotechnological disciplines.
Since last summer, I have been included as a reviewer for the journal “Biosafety and Biotechnology”, published by RIBSP, where I have already reviewed three research articles submitted for publication. Our students, master’s candidates, PhD students, and faculty members plan to publish in this journal.
Last spring, RIBSP and OtarBioPharm staff attended a motivational meeting with graduates of the KazNMU School of Pharmacy. Many of our graduates showed great interest in working in the field of biological and biotechnological drug development and production.
Our institutions plan to continue collaboration in scientific research, thesis work, master’s and doctoral programs in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical production, and biological safety.
KazNMU and RIBSP will keep organizing roundtables, seminars, conferences, and other events to synchronize the labor market’s demands with educational programs and enhance young professionals’ competitiveness.
KazNMU graduates specializing in pharmaceutical production technology will be in high demand at the biopharmaceutical plant. For biotechnology students, we offer courses in molecular biology, biopharmaceutical production, and other disciplines essential for future specialists in biotechnological industries.
At the KazNMU job fair in April last year, representatives of RIBSP and OtarBioPharm participated, attracting significant interest from graduates, some of whom submitted applications for employment.
It was symbolic that last week, during a joint visit to RIBSP and OtarBioPharm as part of the vaccine development project, we met KazNMU graduates who are now working at the plant.
Happy Birthday, Aziz Kuralbaevich! May your dreams come true, opportunities multiply, and all your endeavors be successful! Wishing you strength and energy for new achievements, groundbreaking research, and impactful innovations. May your loved ones appreciate you, your colleagues respect you, and your friends support you.
Wishing you good health, a positive mindset, confidence in yourself and your success! May prosperity and well-being always be present in your home. Health and happiness to you and your loved ones!
