Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology center: Pioneering the transfer of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in aquaculture

(SHTP) - The Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center announces the successful completion of the training and technology transfer program titled “Application of CRISPR-Cas9 Technology in Aquaculture” conducted for Viet Uc Seafood Corporation. Commenced in April 2025, this initiative has significantly strengthened the synergy between research institutions and industry, thereby driving the adoption of biotechnology in Ho Chi Minh City.

Figure 1: Opening ceremony of the training course, attended by Dr. Ha Thi Loan – Deputy Director of HCMC Biotech Center, and Dr. Lu Duc – Deputy General Director of Viet Uc Group.

The training course was systematically designed across distinct phases, spanning preparation, intensive hands-on training, and long-term monitoring. The intensive training phase lasted 2–3 weeks and comprised three main modules: in-depth theoretical foundations of CRISPR-Cas9, practice on microinjection mock procedures in embryos, and official CRISPR-Cas9 microinjection on zebrafish embryos. Following this phase, trainees received continued guidance to monitor F0, F1, and F2 generations over a period of 6–9 months to evaluate gene-editing efficiency and build long-term R&D capacity within the enterprise.

Beyond technical transfer, the program focused heavily on enhancing R&D capabilities for participants. Trainees acquired full workflow proficiency, from gRNA design and microinjection practice to screening and mutation analysis using molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sequencing. Notably, embryonic microinjection in zebrafish—a core technique in gene-editing research—was systematically trained from basic manipulation to practical applications.

To ensure training quality, the HCMC Biotech Center mobilized a highly specialized team of lecturers and teaching assistants, including Ph.Ds and Master's degree holders from the Department of Aquatic Biotechnology. This team provided direct instruction and close supervision during practical sessions, ensuring that every operational step met international standards and enabling trainees to operate independently post-course.

On the enterprise side, Viet Uc Seafood Corporation proactively invested the necessary resources for the program, including essential chemicals and reagents (such as Cas9, gRNA, PCR kits), as well as costs related to personnel and laboratory operations. This partnership demonstrates a clear “co-investment – co-development” mechanism, where the Center serves as the core knowledge and technology hub, while the enterprise acts as the application and commercialization driver.

Moving beyond short-term training, the program expanded toward long-term research orientations, aiming to assist the enterprise in gradually mastering gene-editing technologies to serve the development of high-economic-value aquatic breeds. The post-editing tracking of F0, F1, and F2 generations highlights a systematic approach, ensuring sustainability and real-world applicability.

The completion of this CRISPR-Cas9 technology transfer program affirms the critical role of the HCMC Biotech Center as a key node within the R&D ecosystem under the Management Board of Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Park. Leveraging its infrastructure capabilities, expert team, and proven track record in biotech projects, the Center is steadily establishing itself as an effective bridge between basic research and industrial applications.

Amid challenges in the aquaculture sector—such as disease outbreaks, climate change, and rising demands for product quality—applying advanced solutions like CRISPR-Cas9 is recognized as a strategic imperative. Through such technology transfer initiatives, Ho Chi Minh City not only enhances its internal scientific and technological capabilities but also empowers businesses to innovate toward sustainable development.

Figure 2: Trainees performing molecular biology techniques at the Aquatic Biotechnology Laboratory.

This collaboration between the HCMC Biotech Center and Viet Uc Seafood Corporation stands as a flagship model for the "Research Center – Enterprise" partnership in biotechnology. The success of the program delivers immediate value to the participating entities while reinforcing Ho Chi Minh City’s position as a leading hub for science and technology, particularly in applied biotechnology for agriculture and aquaculture.

In the coming time, the HCMC Biotech Center will continue to expand its specialized training and technology transfer programs aligned with practical industry needs. This initiative forms a vital foundation for cultivating high-quality human resources and driving the innovation ecosystem in biotechnology across Ho Chi Minh City./.