Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry | Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology

UsenbekovBakdaulet Naubaevich

Head of the Laboratory, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor

FAO Project GCP/SEC/011/GFF (2024–2025)

Technical Assistance for Implementing Field-Scale Microbe-Assisted Phytoremediation of POP Pesticide- and Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils. Project Manager: Assil Nurzhanova.

FAO Project GCP/SEC/011/GFF (2023–2024)

Technical Assistance in Implementation of Laboratory Trials on Bioremediation and Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated by POPs and Heavy Metals. Project Manager: Assil Nurzhanova.

NATO SPS MYP G4687 (2016–2020): New Phytotechnology for Cleaning Contaminated Military Sites. Project Manager: Assil Nurzhanova.

National Research Projects

BR287125392025–2027

Molecular-genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of economically valuable traits in major agricultural crops. Sub-project 0125РК00733: Study of the molecular-genetic basis for increasing yield and improving grain quality in domestic rice

AP261043532025–2027

Creation of a rice line with increased amylose content using marker-assisted selection (MAS)

AP234874192024–2026

Development of phytomanagement strategies for xenobiotic-contaminated soils using PGPR-immobilised biochar and metagenomic tools

AP234881162024–2026

Study of saponin-producing plants (family Caryophyllaceae) from Kazakhstan’s flora to develop new bactericidal and fungicidal biological crop protection products

AP196792732023–2025

Development of a phytostabilisation technology for soils complexly contaminated with toxic substances within a “zero-waste” energy approach

AP092597242021–2023

Optimisation of Miscanthus × giganteus productivity and phytoremediation efficiency on heavy metal-contaminated soils using PGPR

Contract-Based Research Projects

BR185740222023–2024

Microbial preparations for controlling bacterial fire blight of fruit crops

BR102644712021

Accelerated propagation of hard-to-propagate and rare plant species, as well as tree species, using biotechnological methods for urban landscaping and establishing mother plantations

2019–2020

2019–2020: Comprehensive assessment of the environmental conditions and public health of the city of Kentau and surrounding settlements. Commissioning organisation: EcoService-S LLP

BR052365062018–2020

Development of a biotechnology for micropropagation and creation of a clone collection using clonal micropropagation methods

BR052363792018–2020

Comprehensive assessment of the impact of obsolete and banned pesticides on the genetic status and health of the population of Almaty Region

2018

2018: Study of Turkish rice lines under the conditions of the Akdalinsk rice-growing area, Almaty Region. Commissioning organisation: Agrobest Kazakhstan LLP

Head of laboratory: biography

Since 2011, he has served as the Head of the Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. He graduated in 1996 from the Faculty of Biology at al-Farabi Kazakh National University with a degree in Biology. In 2004, he defended his Candidate’s dissertation in the specialty 03.00.12 – Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. In 2018, he was awarded the academic title of Associate Professor.

14 staff members

Laboratory Staff

ANAssil NurzhanovaPrincipal Research Associate, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor

VMValentina MursaliyevaLeading Research Associate, Candidate of Biological Sciences

AAAigul AmirovaLeading Researcher, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor

ISInnabat SartbaevaLeading Researcher, Ph.D

AMAigerim MamirovaSenior Researcher, Ph.D

ANAssiya NurmagambetovaSenior Researcher, Master’s Degree

TMTlek MukhanovResearch Associate, Master’s Degree

ZZZhadyra ZhumashevaResearch Associate, Master’s Degree

DMDana MynbayevaResearch Associate, Master’s Degree, Ph.D. Student

TKTaira KurbangaliyevaResearch Associate, Master’s Degree, Ph.D. Student

BSBalaussa SarsenbekJunior Researcher, Master’s Degree

AAAkmaral AlgazyJunior Researcher, Master’s Degree

BNBalnur NurlybayLaboratory Assistant, Bachelor’s Degree

NUNurlan UsenbekovLaboratory Assistant, Bachelor’s Degree

Research Directions

01Plant physiology and biochemistry, Biotechnology, In vitro plant cell and tissue culture, Rice breeding, Development of innovative plant-based technologies

02Scientific Output and Achievements: аuthor of more than 90 scientific publications, сo-author of seven innovative patents of the Republic of Kazakhstan: сo-developer of Kazakhstan’s first domestic glutinous rice variety, Kazvetta

03Contact Information: Address: Timiriazev 45, 050040 Almaty.

04Phone/Fax: +7 (727) 394-75-62 / 394-75-61

05Mobile: +7 707 554 63 78

06E-mail: bakdaulet7@yandex.ru

Key Research Directions of the Laboratory

01Investigation of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses, with the aim of developing technologies that enhance tolerance to unfavourable environmental conditions.

02Development of phytoremediation and phytomanagement approaches for soils contaminated with heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides, using Miscanthus × giganteus.

03Breeding and biotechnological development of high-yielding varieties, lines, and hybrids of grain and industrial crops.

04Study of morphogenetic and metabolic processes in plant tissue and cell cultures, and development of methodological frameworks for the conservation, propagation, and sustainable utilisation of Kazakhstan’s plant genetic resources.

05Development of technologies for producing new biologically active compounds and specialised food products.

Major Laboratory Achievements

Formulation of a comprehensive theory describing plant adaptation to abiotic environmental stressors.

Identification of physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant responses to xenobiotics, and development of phytoremediation-based strategies for soil restoration.

Proposal of a membrane-based concept explaining the initial stages of plant responses to adverse environmental conditions.

Demonstration of enhanced biochemical and physiological tolerance of Miscanthus × giganteus to toxic elements following inoculation with PGPR strains.

Development and patenting of an in vitro propagation method for Miscanthus × giganteus.

Development and patenting of a phytoremediation technology and an approach to increase the stress tolerance of Miscanthus × giganteus through PGPR-based bacterization.

Creation of two PGPR-based biological products designed to increase biomass yield of the energy crop Miscanthus × giganteus and to support targeted phytoremediation processes.

Development and patenting of methods for producing biochar from the post-phytoremediation biomass of Miscanthus × giganteus.

Development and patenting of methods for immobilising bacterial–yeast consortium cells on biochar surfaces.

Creation of new rice varieties (Altynai, Bakanassky, Madina, Kazvetta, Fatima) that have been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Development of methods for extracting biologically active compounds from plants and technologies for producing specialised food products.

Development and patenting of biotechnological methods for in vitro conservation, propagation, and long-term storage of several rare and endemic plant species native to Kazakhstan.

Establishment of a scientific and technological basis for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources of Turkestan soap root (Allochrusa gypsophiloides), a high-value producer of technical and medicinal saponins.

Development of clonal in vitro root cultures from elite high-yielding lines of Allochrusa gypsophiloides, exhibiting pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Key Publications and Scientific Output

During 2015–2025, laboratory staff: released 2 monographs, prepared 5 methodological manuals,

published 52 scientific articles, and obtained 15 patents and implementation acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Monographs

2024Usenbekov B.N., Sarsenbayev B.A., Zhambakin K.Zh., Mukhametzhanov S.K., Amirova A.K., et al. Physiological-Biochemical, Genetic-Breeding, and Biotechnological Studies of Rice in Kazakhstan. Almaty: Toganay T, 2024. — 520 pp.

2022Nurzhanova A., Zhansugurova L.B., Zhappasov R.Zh., Vsevolodov E.B., Zhubanova A.A., et al. Cadastre of Obsolete Pesticides in Almaty Region (using Talgar District as an Example). Almaty: Kazakh University, 2022. — 116 pp. Methodological Manuals

2023Mursaliyeva V.K., Mammadov R., Sarsenbek B.T., Algazy A.T., Mukhanov T.M. In Vitro Culture of Turkestan Soap Root (Allochrusa gypsophiloides (Regel) Schischk). Almaty: Quick Print, 2023. — 40 pp.

2020Mursaliyeva V.K., Nam S.V., Kozhebaeva Zh.S., Mukhanov T.M., Imanbaeva A.A. Microclonal Propagation of Rare and Collection Plants of the Mangyshlak Experimental Botanical Garden. Almaty, 2020. — 50 pp.

2017Mursaliyeva V.K., Kozhebaeva Zh.S., Nam S.V., Rakhimbaev I. Turkestan Soap Root: Propagation Methods. Almaty, 2017. — 25 pp.

2015Mursaliyeva V.K., Satybaldieva D.N., Rakhimbaev I.R. Microclonal Propagation of Crocus: Methodological Guidelines. Almaty: IP Volkova, 2015. — 24 pp.Guidelines

2020Nurzhanova A.A., Dzhansugurova L.B., Dzhangalina E.D., Shadenova E.A., Mamirova A.A., Mit N.V., Amirgalieva A.S., Begmanova M.O., Tolebaeva A.D., Khamdieva O.Kh., et al. Obsolete Persistent Pesticides: Reality and Threat. Almaty: Kazakh University, 2020. — ISBN 978-601-04-4791-2.

63 publications

Scientific Articles

2025year

2025

2025year

Nurzhanova A., Boulygina E., Sungurtseva I., Mamirova A., Berzhanova R., Muratova A. Miscanthus × giganteus rhizobacterial community responses to Zn and oil sludge co-contamination. Agronomy, 2025, 15(9): 2232.

2025year

Nurzhanova A., Pidlisnyuk V., Nurmagambetova A., Zhumasheva Z., Naizabayeva L., Mamirova A. Biochar as a tool to optimise Miscanthus sinensis resilience and phytoremediation efficiency: case study of contamination by a mixture of Ni and 4,4′-DDE. Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 2025, 7: 802–818.

2024year

2024

2024year

Amirova A., Usenbekov B., Berkimbay Kh., Mynbayeva D., Atabayeva S., Baiseitova G., Meldebekova A., Zhunusbayeva Zh., Kenzhebayeva S., Mukhambetzhanov S. Selection of rice breeding lines for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2024, 84: e282495.

2024year

Mynbayeva D., Amirova A., Usenbekov B., Dubina E., Sartbayeva I., Zhunusbayeva Z., Yrgynbayeva S., Askhat K., Zeinalov Z. Enhancing rice blast resistance through gene pyramiding and marker-assisted selection. ES Energy & Environment, 2024, 26: 1349.

2024year

Nurzhanova A.A., Mamirova A., Mursaliyeva V., Nurmagambetova A.S., Zhumasheva Z., Turdiyev T., Kushnarenko S., Ismailova E. In vitro approbation of microbial preparations to shield fruit crops from fire blight: physio-biochemical parameters. Plants, 2024, 13: 1431.

2024year

Nurzhanova A.A., Pidlisnyuk V.V., Nurmagambetova A.S., Zhumasheva Z., Mamirova A.A. novel phyto plant of pop-pesticides: energy crop Miscanthus sinensis. Experimental Biology, 2024, 99: 140–152.

2024year

Usenbekov B., Amirova A., Zeinalov Z., Meldebekova A., Mynbayeva D., Berkimbay Kh., Kurbangaliyeva T. Creation of rice doubled haploids with low amylose content using in vitro anther culture. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2024, 84: e284946.

2024year

Usenbekov B.N., Mukhambetzhanov S.K., Mynbaeva D., Amirova A.K., Berkimbay Kh.A., Ospanova A., Turganova Ch. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) androgenesis in vitro. Bulletin of Al-Farabi KazNU, 2024, 1: 4–11.

Patents and certificates

2023Patent No. 8240. Method for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. Registered on 20 April 2023.Patent

2022Patent No. 7649. Method for obtaining a culture of adventitious roots of the Turkestan soap root (Allochrusa gypsophiloides) in vitro. Registered on 22 October 2022.Patent

2021Patent No. 596213. Haploid biotechnology method for obtaining green regenerant plants in cultures of colored-pericarp rice pollen. Registered on 2 April 2021.Patent

2019Patent No. 2019/0331. Method for obtaining regenerated plants of the soft-leaved crithmifolius (Malacocarpus crithmifolius) under in vitro conditions. Registered on 12 April 2019.Patent

2016Patent No. 2274. Method of in vitro propagation of Turkestan soap root (Allochrusa gypsophiloides). Registered on 26 December 2016.Patent

2016Patent No. 2016/01992. Method of Miscanthus × giganteus in vitro propagation. Registered on 1 April 2016.Patent

2015Patent No. 1643. Method of obtaining in vitro micro-corms of Crocus alatavicus. Registered on 15 December 2015.Patent

2015Innovative Patent No. 29926. Method for producing glutinous rice groats for instant porridges enriched with syrup from sugar sorghum stems. Registered on 19 May 2015.Patent

2015Innovative Patent No. 2969. Method for producing enriched glutinous rice groats for instant porridges. Registered on 17 March 2015.Patent

International Partners

BelarusCentral Botanical Garden, Minsk, Belarus

JapanHokkaido Agricultural Research Center, Sapporo, Japan

RussiaI.G. Kalinenko All-Russian Research Institute of Cereal Crops, Zernograd, Russia

RussiaInstitute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Saratov, Russia Institute of Botany, Baku, Azerbaijan

RussiaInstitute of General Genetics and Cytology, Novosibirsk, Russia

International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Philippines

RussiaInternational Science and Technology Center, Moscow, Russia

Czech RepublicJan Evangelista Purkyně University, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic

RussiaK.A. Timiryazev Russian State Agrarian University, Moscow, Russia

National Partners

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Almaty Technological University

I. Zhakhayev Kazakh Research Institute of Rice Growing, JSC “KazAgroInnovation”

Kazakh National Agrarian University

Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University

Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Crop Production

Satbayev University

Printed and Educational Materials

Monographs on the physiological and biochemical foundations of plant stress tolerance and soil phytoremediation technologies for pesticide- and heavy metal–contaminated sites.

Scientific and methodological guidelines on the microclonal propagation of endemic plant species and the in vitro culture of Turkestan soap root (Allochrusa gypsophiloides (Regel) Schischk.).

Biotechnological Products

Technology for producing syrup from sugar sorghum stems, including prototype samples of syrup and bioethanol.

Caption: Collection of sweet sorghum varieties and technologies for extracting juice and producing food-grade syrup from sweet sorghum stems, as well as methods for generating biofuel precursors. Seeds of glutinous rice varieties and breeding lines.

Microbial bioproduct based on concentrated biomass of Trichosporon sp. CA1 and Rhizobium sp. Zn1-1

Microbial bioproduct based on concentrated biomass of Pseudomonas sp. CHA1-4

Caption: Microbial bioproducts formulated using high-potential PGPR strains to support targeted control of the phytoremediation process.

PGPR-based biopreparations designed to enhance biomass yield of the energy crop Miscanthus × giganteus for improved phytoremediation efficiency.

Academic Training and Student Supervision

A total of 12 Bachelor’s students, 6 Master’s students, and 6 PhD graduates have been trained within the laboratory. Supervision of Bachelor’s Students

2022Myrzakhan A.; Abilkhaer Z.; Ebdikhalyk A. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Study of the effect of heavy metals on the bioenergy growth and physiological traits of Miscanthus sp. Supervisor: Dr.Sc. Nurzhanova A.A.

2019Arystanbekova F.E. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Salt tolerance features of pericarp-colored red rice genotypes in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Supervisor: C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N.

2019Medium S.E. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Salt tolerance features of pericarp-colored black rice genotypes in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Supervisor: C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N.

2018Tlepbergenova N.T. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Experimental morphogenesis of rice pollen. Supervisor: C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N.

2018Nuraly B.K. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Screening of cold-tolerant rice genotypes for use in domestic breeding programs. Supervisor: C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N.

2017Koshaeva G.A. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Salt tolerance features of rice genotypes. Supervisor: C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N.

2016Aipova G.A. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Specialty: 5B070100 – Biotechnology. Features of microclonal propagation of common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Co-supervisor: C.Sc. Mursalieva V.K.

2016Katygulova M.B. Kazakh State Women’s Pedagogical University. Specialty: 5B011300 – Biology. Obtaining and characterization of callus culture of Kazakh wormwood (Artemisia kasakorum Krasch. Pavlov). Supervisor: C.Sc. Mursalieva V.K. Supervision of Master’s Students

International Research Internships of Laboratory Staff

2025Muğla, Turkey. Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

2025Saratov, Russia. Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms

2023Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic. Jan Evangelista Purkyně University

2016Tsukuba, Japan. NARO, Rice Quality Research Unit, Institute of Crop Science Denizli, Turkey. Pamukkale University Krasnodar, Russia. Rice Research Institute

2015Sapporo, Japan. Hokkaido Agricultural Research Centre

2015Los Baños, Philippines. International Rice Research Institute Kansas, USA. Kansas State University

Honorary Academic Titles Awarded to Laboratory Staff

2018 – Associate Professor

Awarding body: Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Recipient: C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N.

2016 – Professor

Awarding body: Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Recipient: Dr.Sc. Nurzhanova A.A.

Awards and Honors Received by Laboratory Staff

2024Head of Laboratory, C.Sc. Usenbekov B.N. Badge of Honor “For Contribution to the Development of Science”

2023Leading Research Associate, C.Sc. Mursaliyeva V.K. Badge of Honor “For Contribution to the Development of Science”

2023Senior Researcher, Nurmagambetova A. Certificate of Appreciation from the Minister of Science and Higher Education

2023Research Associate, Zhumasheva Zh. Certificate of Appreciation from the Minister of Science and Higher Education

2022Principal Research Associate, Dr.Sc., Professor Nurzhanova A.A. Badge of Honor “For Contribution to the Development of Science”

2018Principal Research Associate, Dr.Sc., Professor Nurzhanova A.A “Enbek Ardageri” Medal

2017Leading Research Associate, C.Sc. Mursaliyeva V.K. Certificate of Honor, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

2015Principal Research Associate, Dr.Sc., Professor Nurzhanova A.A. Nevada-Semey Medal

2014Principal Research Associate, Dr.Sc., Professor Nurzhanova A.A. Certificate of Honor, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Personnel Training

Organisation of industrial and educational internships.

Supervision and implementation of thesis projects for students in biology-related university programmes.

Professional Development and Short-Term Internships

Two-week specialised training courses in: plant micropropagation techniques; methods for assessing antioxidant activity of extracts (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC assays).

Research and Development (R&D) Services

Comprehensive assessment of biological activities (growth-regulating, antioxidant, cytotoxic) of new compounds or preparations.

Testing across multiple biological systems, including in vitro cultures, bioassays, seeds, micro-cuttings, and green cuttings.

Services for Greenhouse Complexes, Nurseries, and Floriculture Enterprises

Technology Development

Development of clonal micropropagation technologies for hard-to-propagate and rare plant species of medicinal, food, and ornamental value.

Plant Propagation Services

Custom multiplication of cultivar material (roses, conifers, Paulownia, cornelian cherry, etc.) upon client request, available year-round.

Available product forms: in vitro microclones; container-grown plants; two-year-old rootstock seedlings.

Overseas Training Programs for Laboratory Staff

2016нс. Сартбаева И.А. (Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, Sapporo, Japan, 2016)

2023Caption: From left to right: Nurmagambetova Assiya, Mamirova Aigerim, [AM1] Berzhanova Ramza, and Dr. Sci. (Biol.) A. Yu. Muratova(Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saratov, Russian Federation, 2023)

2025Caption: Sarsenbek Balaussa(Muğla Stkı Koçman University, Faculty of Science, Турция, 2025)

2021Caption: From left to right: PhD student Mamirova Aigerim and PhD student Kumar Pranaw(Jan Evangelista Purkyne University. Usti nad Labem Chek republic, 2021)

2024Caption: Nurmagambetova Assiya and Mamirova Aigerim(Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saratov, Russian Federation, 2024)

2015Caption: From left to right: Pidlisnyuk Valentina, Erickson Larry, and Nurzhanova Assil(Kansas State University , Kansas, USA. 2015)

2025Caption: From left to right: Mammadov Ramazan, Mursalieva Valentina, Alper Mehlika, and Sarsenbek Balaussa (Muğla Stkı Koçman University, Faculty of Science, Mugla, Turkey, 2025)

2024Обсуждение проекта ФАО GCP/SEC/011/GFF «Technical assistance in implementation of field-scale microbe-assisted phytoremediation of POP-pesticides and heavy metal-contaminated soils»» на территории разрушенного склада пестицидов в селе Саймасай, Енбекшiказахском районе, Алматинской области, с представителями акимата, ФАО и Министерства экологии и природных ресурсов Республики Казахстан (2024 г.).

Biochar and Planting Material

Caption: Biochar application enhances plant biomass production, improves metal phytostabilization, and reduces the bioavailability of POP-pesticides. It can be used both as a carbon-rich biofertilizer for soil amendment and as a sorbent in aquatic systems.

Caption: LPPB Staff

Caption: Rice Breeding Group

Caption: Biotechnology Group

Caption: Environmental Biotechnology Group

Laboratory, Field, and Greenhouse Activities of the Staff