The UP Manila College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology, through the Phil-DIAMOND Project-3, recently launched its newly renovated laboratory at the Gusaling Andres Bonifacio.
The Microbiology and Functional Food Laboratory, formerly CAS Microbiology Laboratory, aims to help develop a biofunctional food product that is anticipated to provide adjunct therapy for metabolic complications experienced by patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
The upgraded laboratory contains high-end scientific and technical equipment procured to support the Phil-DIAMOND’s research work and the department and the students’ other scientific endeavors. The facility is divided into two rooms where the first half serves as a teaching laboratory and the other one a thesis room.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Research and Development, the Phil-DIAMOND project, which stands for Philippine Program for Diagnostic Biomarkers, Disease Modeling, and Nutriceutical Product Development, is a three-part national program that focuses on understanding HIV-related neurocognitive and metabolic complications.
The UP Manila CAS Department of Biology is tasked with Project 3 on the development of safe lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-based biofunctional health-promoting product as an adjunct intervention for the management of HIV-associated metabolic complications. Project 3 was initiated by the late Dr. Marilen Balolong, a CAS faculty member and scientist who passed away a day before the equipment-showcasing event.
Balolong served a pivotal role in this food research. Her efforts left a legacy to the scientific community still trying its best to fight surging HIV infections among Filipinos.