GOVPH

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Irradiation Solutions Inc, (ISI E-BEAM) on December 2, 2024, solidifying their partnership to advance radiation processing in the Philippines. The agreement marks a significant step toward stepping up electron beam (E-beam) technology for research, development, and innovation in the country.

Radiation processing, particularly through E-beam technology, is a cutting-edge application of ionizing radiation to enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and ensure safety. Its benefits span across various industrial processes, such as sterilization of medical devices and packaging materials, reduction of microorganisms and elimination of pathogens in food products, and improvement of material properties for manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications, among others.

Such capabilities are crucial for meeting stringent global standards for health, safety, and trade, while also fostering innovative solutions for emerging challenges.

“The PNRI-ISI E-BEAM partnership is a result of DOST's relentless efforts to drive economic growth by engaging the private sector to bring innovations to the market,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.

“The synergy will expectedly lead to a more robust R&D and product development through the use of E-beam technology. In the end, better quality products with longer shelf life and free from micro-organisms will dominate our homes and tables,” he added.

DOST-PNRI is the country’s lead agency in nuclear research and services, as well as regulations. As such, it is tasked to advance and regulate the safe and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in the country.

Meanwhile, ISI E-BEAM operates the country’s first commercial-scale 10 MeV electron beam facility in Tanay, Rizal, catering to the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

The collaboration of DOST-PNRI and ISI E-BEAM is expected to boost research and development and drive the commercialization of E-Beam technology. The two institutions expressed their mutual aim of pushing for private-sector investments in the irradiation industry, which ensures that Philippine science and technology-based industries remain competitive with neighboring countries.

Under this MOU, PNRI and ISI E-BEAM intend to support each other in the application of electron beam technology for research, development, and innovation by promoting and conducting research and development that will generate data, establish new knowledge, and apply emerging technologies for sustainable development.

To achieve their mutual aim of strengthening their technical cooperation, both PNRI and ISI E-BEAM intend to organize joint activities especially in R&D among scientists, engineers, and subject matter experts; facilitate data sharing; and conduct assessment of research facilities, among others.

DOST-PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla underscored the importance of this partnership, describing ISI E-BEAM’s facility as “one of the greatest technology transfer endeavors by the PNRI, supported by PNRI’s expertise.”

Further, ISI EBEAM President Paul Francis B. Juat expressed enthusiasm for future projects under the partnership.   “After the MOU signing, I am looking forward to the MOAs for the individual collaborative projects that will be implemented by DOST PNRI and ISI E-BEAM," he said.

Being the pioneer E-beam facility in the country, ISI E-BEAM is “committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective E-beam sterilization services,” Juat said. “Through this technology, we are able to help address critical challenges in food safety, medical device sterilization, and compliance to requirements for export” he added.

One of the upcoming collaborative projects is the radiation processing of carboxymethyl hyaluronic acid for potential cosmetic and medical applications. Also in the pipeline for potential research activities are the sterilization of male Aedes mosquito pupae/adults for sterile insect technique; irradiation of adlay, rice, ornamentals, and others for mutation breeding studies; and irradiation of mangoes and other commodities for phytosanitary treatment studies.

There is also research in the development of hemostatic devices and food irradiation lined up for future collaboration.

“These initiatives reflect the transformative potential of E-beam technology in addressing global challenges in health, agriculture, and sustainability,” DOST PNRI Dir. Arcilla said.

Also included in the accord is the compliance to Republic Act 10055, also known as the Technology Transfer Act of 2009, in all intellectual properties resulting from cooperative activities and project implementation. (By Framelia V. Anonas, DOST-PNRI)