Food & Industrial Biotechnology
Food and Industrial Biotechnology are dynamic branches of applied biotechnology that focus on the use of biological systems to improve food production, processing, preservation, and industrial manufacturing processes. These fields contribute to sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic efficiency by leveraging biological principles in place of traditional chemical or mechanical processes. To use Biotechnology to enhance national capacity for manufacturing, optimize the use of local biological resources and attain technology, self reliance in the industrial sector for the socio-economic well-being of the nation.
Our Vision
To be a national resource centre on the application of biotechnology in industrial products development and automation of the manufacturing processes to ensure the availability of the products and services that meet subsisting standard
Our Mission
To use biotechnology to enhance national capacity for manufacturing, optimize the use of local biological resources and attain technology, self-reliance in the industrial sector for the socio-economic well-being of the nation.
Our Core Value
Resourcefulness, Optimizations, low-cost, efficiency, and Manufacturing Systems (ROLEMS)
Food & Industrial Biotechnology: Protecting Life Through Innovation
Functions of the Department
To use microbes, enzymes and low-cost substrates to obtain bio-based products and services to enhance industrial processes in areas of; food processing and agriculture.
Pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals production
Non-food uses of crop and other products (e.g Biofuels, biodegradable plastics, vegetable oils, detergents)
Environmental clean-ups including Waste Treatments
To develop prototype Industrial- Scale pilot plants
Our Divisions
Product Development
Biofuel Unit
Biosurfactants and Enzymes Unit
Food and Beverages Unit
Industrial-Scale Processes Development
Econometrics and Business Plan Unit
Factory Design Layout
Processing Automation and Control Engineering Unit
Director Food & Industrial Biotechnology
Debo Barnabas Olukotun
Debo Barnabas Olukotun is a seasoned Microbiologist and Biotechnology expert with over two decades of experience in research, development, and scientific leadership. He serves as the current acting Director at the Department of Food and Industrial Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Abuja, where he contributes to National initiatives in Microbial biotechnology, Food Safety and bioresource conservation and has published extensively in reputable scientific journals.
His research focuses on the development of indigenous microbial starter cultures, an area he specialized in his PhD research (Food and Industrial Microbiology) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Other areas include the development of indigenous yeast cultures for biotechnological applications and bio-fungicides for agricultural and industrial applications. He has also led projects in tomato shelf-life enhancement, microbial culture collection, and foodborne pathogen control.
The American Society for Microbiology, the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Society for Microbiology. He has presented papers at several international conferences including the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Microbe Conference, International Conference on Nutrition and Nutraceuticals, Greenville, USA among others.
He is passionate about applying molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology innovations to improve food security, minimize postharvest losses, and promote sustainable industrial practices in Nigeria and beyond. These desires were facilitated by trainings which included Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Microbial Preservation using Lyophilization (Freeze drying) Technology; Biopharma House, Winchester, United Kingdom; Advances in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology; International Centre for Stem Cell, Cancer and Biotechnology, (ICSCCB), Pune, India, among others. He is presently the research lead of ‘Biotechnology Research Incubation Hub’ concept with several researches including the control of ginger infestations in Nigeria farms using Biotechnology methods, among others.
His dedication to scientific advancement continues to drive impactful biotechnological research and capacity building.
Contact Information:
Email: detola2005@yahoo.com, debotuno@gmail.com
Phone: 08069608424
About Us
Why It Matters
Food and Industrial Biotechnology are crucial pillars of the modern bioeconomy. By integrating biology with engineering and technology, these fields contribute to more sustainable food systems and cleaner industrial production methods. Continued innovation and responsible development in these areas will be essential in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and resource scarcity.
Projects
Projects
Empowering Sustainable Innovation through Biology
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Benefits of Food & Industrial Biotechnology
Sustainability
Reduces environmental impact by replacing fossil-fuel-based processes with bio-based alternatives. Promotes the use of renewable resources (like plants, microbes, and waste biomass). Enables eco-friendly manufacturing with lower emissions and less pollution.
Improved Food Quality & Safety
Enhances the nutritional value of food (e.g., vitamin-enriched crops). Improves shelf life and food safety through biotechnology-based preservation methods. Produces allergen-free or gluten-free foods using genetic modification or enzyme technology.
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity
Development of genetically modified crops with resistance to pests, diseases, and climate stress. Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Boosts crop yield and supports food security, especially in developing regions.
Efficient & Cleaner Industrial Processes
Enzymes and microbes replace harsh chemicals in industries (textiles, detergents, paper, etc.). Reduces energy and water consumption in manufacturing. Enables waste-to-value processes—turning agricultural or food waste into valuable products.
Innovation in Food Production
Supports the creation of alternative proteins (e.g., plant-based meat, cultured meat). Enables precision fermentation for producing dairy proteins, flavors, and vitamins. Expands the development of functional foods that support health and wellness.
Clean Energy Production
Enables the generation of biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel, biogas) from renewable sources. Supports the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
Welcome to the World of Biotechnology
Get Involved
Want to Learn More or Collaborate; With advancements in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and fermentation technology, this field is unlocking new possibilities—from lab-grown meat and precision fermentation to smart bio-manufacturing systems. As industries worldwide seek sustainable alternatives, Food & Industrial Biotechnology stands at the forefront of innovation—paving the way for a healthier planet and future-ready economy.