24 July 2026 – The Talent@IBS Program for the 19th Series of 2026 Scheme C Technical Presentations of the Institute of Biosciences (IBS) was successfully held. Organized by the IBS Laboratory Services Management Secretariat, this monthly program aims to empower the competency of laboratory staff and highlight technical expertise in various life science research disciplines. This series featured two highly informative technical presentations focusing on the application of chemical purification instrumentation and specialized microbiology methodologies.

The first session was conducted by Mr. Ahmad Fauzi bin Mokhtar, Assistant Science Officer from the Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Products Research (NaturMeds). In his presentation titled "A Comprehensive Guide to Operation: Rotary Evaporator", he shared technical expertise on the gentle evaporation technique used specifically for concentrating and purifying valuable liquid samples via solvent evaporation. Emphasis was placed on the core principles of rotary evaporation, which integrates three key elements: heat (water bath), kinetics (rotary flask), and low pressure (vacuum pump). He explained that the vacuum system is critical to lowering the solvent's boiling point, thereby protecting thermolabile sample molecules from damage caused by excessive heat. In addition to detailing the detailed anatomy of the instrument—including the condenser, rotary flask, collecting flask, vacuum valve, water bath, and control panels—he also presented a comparison between the industrial-scale BUCHI R220 and the compact benchtop IKA RV-8 model. His session concluded with essential safety best practices, such as maintaining adequate water bath levels, applying silicone grease for vacuum sealing, and preventing sudden vacuum release to avoid sample splashing (bumping).

The second session was delivered by Mrs. Nor Umaira Abu Asan, Science Officer from the UPM Microbe Culture Collection (UPM-MCC), Institute of Biosciences. She presented on the topic "Viability Test for Bacteria / Ujian Daya Hidup Bakteria". She explained the critical importance of bacterial viability testing across various industrial sectors, such as determining precise probiotic dosages, monitoring drinking water quality, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccine and medical product manufacturing. She elaborated on the Viable Plate Count (VPC) method and clarified the rationale behind using CFU (Colony Forming Unit) as the unit of measurement instead of "Cell", as a single colony growing on agar can originate from either a single cell or a small cluster of bacterial cells.

She walked the audience through the seven-step VPC process flow, starting from sample collection, serial dilution, plating (spread plate or pour plate), and optimal incubation, to colony growth, valid colony counting, and final analysis using the mathematical formula: . Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of the '30-300 Rule' in selecting plates with statistically valid counts, where plates with fewer than 30 colonies are categorized as TFTC (Too Few To Count) and those with more than 300 as TNTC (Too Numerous To Count). The session also outlined the critical factors influencing VPC results, including technical aspects (aseptic techniques, dilution, spreading) and environmental variables, and discussed the advantages and limitations of the VPC method, including its blindness to dead bacterial cells and cells in the VBNC (Viable But Non-Culturable) state.

This monthly Talent@IBS program is hoped to continue strengthening technical knowledge, improving staff understanding of specialized equipment operation and laboratory techniques, and serving as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and experiences among IBS laboratory staff to drive scientific sustainability.

Date of Input: 08/08/2026 | Updated: 08/08/2026 | azah