MEXICO CITY, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's top science research bodies are seeking to launch joint research projects on biofuel and healthcare with China's Beijing Institute of Genomics and China Agricultural University, a senior government adviser told Xinhua Friday.

    "We are looking to study production of antigens and pharmaceutical products using transgenic plants and produce biofuels using vegetable waste," said Juan Pedro Laclette, coordinator of the Science and Technology Consulting Forum, a government institution under the President's Office.

    Scientists from Mexican universities visited the two Chinese institutions in April and the two governments are now working on the funding and other details of the projects.

    "Both sides have the experience of using vegetable waste for fuel," said Laclette, also a biomedicine researcher. "This would be part of the second generation of biofuels that are still under research."

    The so-called first generation of biofuels, made from plants used for human food, triggered controversy in Mexico. They are blamed for raising prices of maize, the main ingredients used to make tortilla, a staple food for Mexicans.

    By contrast, second-generation fuels are made from non-food crops, as well as waste from food crops.

    Mexico hopes to use maize stalks to make fuel, while Chinese scientists have used rice waste. Both sides have conducted research on using plants to produce vaccines.

    "The next step will be to bring together those who work on the projects from each side," Laclette said.

    The meeting would take place in Mexico probably in the next 12 months once organizers get the official approval on funding from competent authorities.

    Laclette said the forum is also seeking to coordinate with Mexico City mayor's Science and Technology Institute, which is working with Beijing-based scientists on a project called the City of Health, a science park which will focus on health research.