Research Direction

Specialized research projects can be initiated through the Unit, with strong scientific and technical support from KMUTT research program. Multidisciplinary project teams can be selected for their relevance to specific research and development projects being undertaken with the research groups.

1) Algal Biotechnology (link to PDTI Lab data)

Research in this group emphasizes the development of mass cultivation techniques and processes, with the aim of obtaining high-value compounds such as phycocyanin and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The goal is to enhance cell growth and maximize the production of high-value chemicals in Spirulina platensis . Researchers have focused on finding the correct substrate and environmental conditions for the cultivation of different strains of Spirulina platensis . For example, CO 2 could be used to replace NaHCO 3 in microalgae cultivation, with substantially lower production costs. In addition, the effects of light and temperature on the productivity and photosynthesis of the algae in an outdoor environment have also been investigated. The group also focuses on understanding the gene expression and regulatory mechanisms by which Spirulina produces high-value compounds such as phycocyanin and GLA at a molecular level, in order that we can develop new strains with higher contents of such compounds. Recently, spirulina genome sequencing project has been initiated. The information obtained will be used to develop new generation of research and would be great help for scientists to unveil many novel genes that are involved in biosynthesis of high value compounds that are produced by this organism.

2) Sensor Technology (Bio sensor s and chemical sensor s technology) (link to PDTI Lab data)

Advances in electrochemistry and sensor (bio sensor s and chemical sensor s) research and development have come about due to the need to meet the indigenous demands of the food industry, for environmental analysis, and for biomedical applications. Research is carried out in three areas, for which there is a need to develop existing approaches for better performance of the sensor s, improve analytical methods and explore possible new applications. The bio sensor s and chemical sensor s technology group can be sub-divided into the following lines of study:

•  Biosensors: Microbial BOD sensor s, phenol enzyme bio sensor s, screen-printed glucose oxidase electrodes, and simultaneous determination of glucose and sucrose.

•  Chemically modified electrodes: Biocompatible redox polymer membrane, metal microparticles in polymer films, inorganic film modified electrodes, and nafion-coated probe in viscous/resistive media.

•  Electroanalytical techniques: Pulse amperometric detection, artificial neuron networks for interpreting voltammetric data, and stripping analysis.

3) Microbial bioprocess development (MBD) (link to PDTI Lab data)

The research in microbial bioprocess development involves working in a group of specific laboratories: Animal cell culture , Microbial Fermentation , Solid State Fermentation , Fungal Biotechnology , Pilot Plant Fermentation ; that emphasize microbial metabolism and molecular physiology relevant to the metabolic networks of microorganisms and the modification of pathways. An understanding of the genetic and metabolic networks as well as their regulation and interaction will be used to form rational models of biological production systems. These systems in turn will be used as a device to transfer the technologies in question into efficient, industrial-scale processes. The group also focuses on animal cell culture and microbial ferment ation technology for the production of biological products at a pilot scale, and production orders and process development for the private industrial sector.

Examples of research conducted by the MBD group are the development of alkaline protease from a filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae using a solid state ferment ation technique, the production of g -linolenic acid (GLA) from Mucor rouxii , the production of Baculoviruses for biopesticide application, pilot scale production and application of probiotic microorganisms, and process development for the production of bioactive compounds for animal feed.

4) Food Technology and Engineering (link to PDTI Lab data)

This group emphasizes on food properties production improving, food thermal processing and aseptic processing.

5) Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (SBI) (link to PDTI Lab data)

This multidisciplinary research group has applied systems biology and bioinformatics approaches to analyze the –omics data of various organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Cassava , Plasmodium , and Tuberculosis . The aim of such research is to understand the biology of these organisms at the systems level, with applications to strains improvement and antibacterial targets identification. The group has at its disposal various tools including mathematical modeling, bioinformatics tools and databases, along with its molecular biology and ferment ation laboratories. With these resources, the group is able to build and improve on in silico models, and verify them experimentally to study cell ular behaviors under changing environmental, physiological and genetic conditions on a personal computer. We hope to generate a better understanding of how these systems work, and our admittedly ambitious goal is to be able to apply the knowledge thus gained to provide better tools for other scientists and engineers, and to work with these scientists and engineers to solve problems relating to agricultural and medical biotechnology in Thailand .