Molecular Biology Laboratory

Molecular methods, particularly PCR and Real-Time PCR, are now among the most important diagnostic tools in agriculture, food industries, veterinary medicine, and aquaculture due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and speed. Relying on the technical expertise of its specialists and specialized equipment, this laboratory provides laboratory and diagnostic services in these fields.

With the growing use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in global markets, the control and identification of these products has become an important requirement in food safety and quality control. The Shakheh Zeytoon Lian Molecular Biology Laboratory uses PCR methods to identify and trace genetically modified agricultural products. In addition, infectious diseases are among the major threats to the aquaculture industry, and rapid and accurate identification of pathogens can play an important role in controlling outbreaks, reducing economic losses, and managing the health of aquaculture farms. Shakheh Zeytoon Lian was the first private-sector laboratory to obtain the required approvals from the Veterinary Organization of Iran to perform diagnostic tests for diseases of shrimp and fish.

Another specialized service of this laboratory is the identification of tuna species in canned tuna products. Given the possibility of substituting tuna with similar and less expensive species, such as sailfish, molecular methods enable accurate species identification and verification of the product’s labeling claims

Scope of Activities of the Molecular Biology Laboratory:

• Detection and identification of genetically modified organisms in agricultural products
• Detection and identification of tuna species in various canned tuna products
• Detection of WSSV, IHHNV, TSV, AHPND, IMNV, YHV/GAV, EHP, and CMNV diseases in shrimp
• Detection of VNN in fish