ANNUAL REPORTS
OF
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGYOSAKA UNIVERSITY
VOL. 44, 2022
DIRECTOR/EDITORFUJIYAMA KAZUHITOASSISTANT EDITORHONDA KOHSUKEMIYAZAKI KENTAROMISAKI RYO
TOMITA HIROYA
KAJIURA HIROYUKI

SECRETARYARAKI MEGUMITOMOMATSU FUMIKOYAMASHITA KEIKOKAWAKAMI SHIZUKAITADANI AKIKO

The Annual Report is published to record the activity of the International
Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech) and issued once in each fiscal year.
It contains scientific articles, progress reports, letters, and announcementfrom the Center. This volume includes publications by the former
participants in UNESCO courses. The editor welcomes the submission of
appropriate articles from all persons who are concerned with the activity of
the Center. All the contributions, however, will be reviewed by editors
before their acceptance. The scientific paper herein should be treated as
personal communications and not treated as original publications. The
Annual Report is distributed upon request to the International Center for
Biotechnology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871,
Japan (e-mail: info_icbio@icb.osaka-u.ac.jp).

CONTENTS
Insights into the Quality of Recombinant Proteins Produced by Two Different Bombyx mori Expression
Systems
H. Kajiura, K. Tatematsu, T. Nomura, M. Miyazawa, A. Usami, T. Tamura, H. Sezutsu, and K. Fujiyama

1

Production of Recombinant β-glucocerebrosidase in Wild-Type and Glycoengineered Transgenic Nicotiana
benthamiana Root Cultures with Different N-glycan Profiles
N. Uthailak, H. Kajiura, R. Misaki, and K. Fujiyama

16

List of Publications: FUJIYAMA Kazuhito

17

One-Step Preparation of Cell-Free ATP Regeneration Module Based on Non-Oxidative Glycolysis Using
Thermophilic Enzymes
G. S. Alim, K. Okano, and K. Honda

19

Characterization of Thermostable Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase for β‑hydroxy Amino Acids Synthesis
I. F. Ma’ruf, E. Restiawaty, S. F. Syihab, K. Honda, and Akhmaloka

27

List of Publications: HONDA Kohsuke

28

Genome-wide Identification of Bacterial Colonization and Fitness Determinants on the Floating Macrophyte,
Duckweed
H. Ishizawa, M. Kuroda, D. Inoue and M. Ike

29

Identification of Key Steps and Associated Microbial Populations for Efficient Anaerobic Digestion underHigh Ammonium or Salinity Conditions
L. V. Duc, Y. Miyagawa, D. Inoue, and M. Ike

39

List of Publications: IKE Michihiko

40

Regulation of the High-Specificity Rubisco Genes by the Third CbbR-type Regulator in a Hydrogen-oxidizing
Bacterium Hydrogenovibrio marinus
K. Toyoda, Y. Yoshizawa, M. Ishii, and H. Arai

42

Reversible Glutamate Coordination to High-Valent Nickel Protects the Active Site of a [NiFe] Hydrogenasefrom Oxygen
C. J. Kulka-Peschke, A.-C. Schulz, C. Lorent, Y. Rippers, S. Wahlefeld, J. Preissler, C. Schulz, C. Wiemann,
C. C. M. Bernitzky, C. Karafoulidi-Retsou, S. L. D. Wrathall, B. Procacci, H. Matsuura, G. M. Greetham,
C. Teutloff, L. Lauterbach, Y. Higuchi, M. Ishii, N. T. Hunt, O. Lenz, I. Zebger, and M, Horch47

List of Publications: ISHII Masaharu

48

Construction of Tomato Plants with Suppressed endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase Activity Using CRISPRCas9 Mediated Genome Editing
N. Okamoto, M. Maeda, C. Yamamoto, R. Kodama, K. Sugimoto, Y. Shinozaki, H. Ezura, and Y. Kimura

49

Improved Method for Preparation and Purification of Recombinant α-synuclein: High-Mannose-Type Free N-glycan Prepared from an Edible Bean (Vigna angulari, Azuki bean) Inhibits α-synuclein Aggregation
S. Kosaka, M. Katsube, M. Maeda, and Y. Kimura

58

List of Publications: KIMURA Yoshinobu

59

High-Level Transient Production of a Protease-Resistant Mutant Form of Human Basic Fibroblast Growth
Factor in Nicotiana benthamiana Leaves
E. A. Macauyag, H. Kajiura, T. Ohashi, R. Misaki, and K. Fujiyama

60

Galactosylation of Cell-Surface Glycoprotein Required for Hyphal Growth and Cell Wall Integrity in
Schizosaccharomyces japonicus
T. Fukunaga, T. Ohashi, Y. Tanaka, T. Yoshimatsu, Y. Higuchi, H. Maekawa, and K. Takegawa

71iL-Lactate Oxidase-mediated Removal of L-lactic Acid Derived from Fermentation Medium for the Productionof Optically Pure D-lactic Acid
K. Okano, Y. Sato, S. Hama, T. Tanaka, H. Noda, A. Kondo, and K. Honda

72

Dietary-Protein Sources Modulate Host Susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile Infection Through the Gut
Microbiota
K. Yakabe, S. Higashi, M. Akiyama, H. Mori, T. Murakami, A. Toyoda, Y. Sugiyama, S. Kishino, K. Okano,
A. Hirayama, A. Gotoh, S. Li, T. Mori, T. Katayama, J. Ogawa, S. Fukuda, K. Hase, and Y.-G. Kim

81

List of Publications: OKANO Kenji

82

Investigation of the Effect of Processing on the Component Changes of Singleorigin Chocolate During the
Bean-to-Bar Process
Y. Kitani, S. P. Putri, and E. Fukusaki

83

Metabolomics Approach to Elucidate the Importance of Count Size in Commercial Penaeid Shrimps: WhiteLeg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
S. L. E. Putri, G. Suantika, M. L. Situmorang, S. P. Putri, and E. Fukusaki

89

List of Publications: FUKUSAKI Eiichiro

90

CELF1 Represses Doublesex1 Expression via its 5’ UTR in the Crustacean Daphnia magna
Y. K. Tirta, S. Adachi, C. A. G. Perez, N. Adhitama, Q. D. Nong, T. Natsume, Y. Kato, and H. Watanabe

92

Neonatal Administration of Synthetic Estrogen, Diethylstilbestrol to Mice Up-Regulates Inflammatory
Cxclchemokines Located in the 5qE1 Region in the Vaginal Epithelium
A. Kitamura, C. Jiayue, T. Suwa, Y. Kato, T. Wada, and H. Watanabe

106

List of Publications: WATANABE Hajime

107

Utility of Three Flow Imaging Microscopy Instruments for Image Analysis in Evaluating four Types ofSubvisible Particle in Biopharmaceuticals
H. Nishiumi, N. Deiringer, N. Krause, S. Yoneda, T. Torisu, T. Menzen, W. Friess, and S. Uchiyama

108

Relationship between Aggregation of Therapeutic Proteins and Agitation Parameters: Acceleration andFrequency
S. Kizuki, Z. Wang, T. Torisu, S. Yamauchi, and S. Uchiyama

120

Novel Strategy to Improve Hepatocyte Differentiation Stability Through Synchronized Behavior‐Driven
Mechanical Memory of iPSCs
M.-H. Kim, N. Thanuthanakhun, and M. Kino-oka

121

Effect of Rho–Associated Kinase Inhibitor on Growth Behaviors of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in
Suspension Culture
T. Matsumoto, M.-H. Kim, and M. Kino-oka

136

List of Publications: KINO-OKA Masahiro

137

Artificial Induction of Chromosome Aneuploidy in CHO Cells Alters Their Function as Host Cells
N. Yamano-Adachi, Y. Nakanishi, W. Tanaka, Y. S. Lai, M. Yamazaki, L. Zenner, H. Hata, and T. Omasa

139

Effect of Co-Overexpression of the Cargo Receptor ERGIC-53/MCFD2 on Antibody Production andIntracellular IgG Secretion in Recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Y. Kirimoto, N. Yamano-Adachi, Y. Koga and T. Omasa

154

List of Publications: OMASA Takeshi

155

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Professor at Osaka University
Biological Activity and Health Benefits of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides
W. Panbangred

ii

156

Effects of Aqueous Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract on Growth Performance and Accumulation of Cadmium ina Thai Jasmine Rice-Khao Dawk Mali 105 Variety
C. Auesukaree, J. Bussarakum, S. Sirirakphaisarn, and P. J. Saengwilai

165

PUBLICATIONS by Visiting Academic Staff at Osaka University
Pheretimoid Earthworms (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) Cultivated in a Vermifacility in Los Baños, Laguna,Philippines, with Description of a New Species
N. M. Aspe and M. C. M. Obusan

175

Host-Associated Bacteroides 16S rDNA-Based Markers for Source Tracking of Fecal Pollution in Laguna
Lake, Philippines
G. T. Malajacan, M. A. G. Nacario, M. C. M. Obusan and W. L. Rivera

187

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Researchers
Kitasatospora humi Sp. Nov., Isolated From a Tropical Peat Swamp Forest Soil, and Proposal for the
Reclassification of Kitasatospora psammotica as a Later Heterotypic Synonym of Kitasatospora aureofaciens
C. Klaysubun, N. Srisuk, and K. Duangmal

188

Streptomyces rhizoryzae Sp. Nov., Isolated from Paddy Rhizosphere Soil and Formal Proposal to Reclassify
Streptomyces albulus as a Later Heterotypic Synonym of Streptomyces noursei
W. Butdee, S. Muangham, D. Chonudomkul, and K. Duangmal

197

List of Publications: Kannika DUANGMAL

198

Antibiofilm Activity and Bioactive Phenolic Compounds of Ethanol Extract from the Hericium erinaceus
Basidiome
S. Darmasiwi, Y. Aramsirirujiwet, and I. Kimkong

199

Evaluation of the Nutritional Value, Mycochemicals, and Antioxidant Activities of Hericium erinaceus
Cultivated Using Jasmine Rice
S. Darmasiwi, Y. Aramsirirujiwet, and I. Kimkong

205

Malaria Box Compounds against Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) Carboxypeptidase B Activity to
Block Malaria Transmission
T. Pomun, P. Wonginta, and A. Kubera

206

Biological Activities of the Vegetative Insecticidal Protein Vip3Aa against Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera
exigua)P. Ouyin, B. Promdonkoy, and A. Kubera

214

Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose by Recyclable Heteropolyacid Catalyst in Ionic Liquid
K.-L. Chang, Q. T. Huynh, C.-T. Zhong, W.-R. Chen, H.-Y. Wang, P. Phitsuwan, Y.-C. Lin, and G. C. C. Yang

215

Digestibility of Bacillus firmus K-1 Pretreated Rice Straw by Different Commercial Cellulase Cocktails
T. Teeravivattanakit, S. Baramee, P. Ketbot, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason, C. Tachaapaikoon,
K. Ratanakhanokchai, and P. Phitsuwan

224

List of Publications: Paripok PHITSUWAN

225

Synergistic Effect of Nisin with Acetic and Propionic Acids Inactivates Bacillus subtilis on Meat and Potato
Y. S. Ajingi, S. Rodpan, J. N. Usman, Y. Koga, and N. Jongruja

226

Characterization of Recombinant Cutinase from Thermobifida cellulosilytica and Its Application in Tomato
Cutin Degradation
N. J. Usman, K. Rodrid, Y. S. Ajingi, N. Tuncharoen, K. Meegnoen, P. Pason, and N. Jongruja

235

Cloning, Recombinant Expression, Purification, and Functional Characterization of AGAAN Antibacterial
PeptideY. S. Ajingi, N. Rukying, N. J. Usman, Y. Koga, and N. Jongruja

236

iii

PUBLICATIONS by Former Participants in
UNESCO International Post-Graduate University Course in Microbiology (UM),UNESCO Postgraduate Inter-University Course in Biotechnology (UB),and UNESCO Training Project supported by ODA Grants for UNESCO Activities, MEXT (UO)
Expression of Escherichia coli Malic Enzyme Gene in Zymomonas mobilis for Production of Malic Acid
R. Khandelwal, P. Srivastava, and V. S. Bisaria

237

Characterization of Zymomonas mobilis Promoters That Are Functional in Escherichia coli
R. Khandelwal, D. Jain, J. Jaishankar, A. Barman, P. Srivastava and V. S. Bisaria

244

Drimane-Type Sesquiterpenoids Derived from the Tropical Basidiomycetes Perenniporia centrali-africana
and Cerrena sp. Nov
P. Pathompong, S. Pfütze, F. Surup, T. Boonpratuang, R. Choeyklin, J. C. Matasyoh, C. Decock, M. Stadler,
and C. Boonchird

245

Shrimp Protected from a Virus by Feed Containing Yeast with a Surface-Displayed Viral Binding Protein
V. Ananphongmanee, N. Lertpreedakorn, S. Taengchaiyaphum, T. Charoenrat, K. Sritunyalucksana, andC. Boonchird

258

Isolation, Characterization, and Lipase Production of Lipolytic Yeasts Isolated from Mt. Makiling Forest
Reserve, Philippines
J. S. Maloles, N. B. Lantican, J. F. Simbahan, L. C. Trinidad, J. T. Zarate, and F. B. Elegado

259

Small-Scale Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Fermentation Process Utilizing Cacao Pod Husk
S. C. Bobiles, F. B. Elegado, C. G. Millena, and F. E. Merca

271

Production of Plant-Based Fermented Beverages Possessing Functional Ingredients Antioxidant, γaminobutyric Acid and Antimicrobials Using a Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain L42g as an
Efficient Starter Culture
A. Buatong, R. Meidong, Y. Trongpanich, and S. Tongpim

272

Biochemical Characterization of a Lanthanum-Elicited Insecticidal Compound in Actinobacteria
E. P. Alcantara and F. A. M. Sumang

281

Insights into Antifungal Mechanisms of Bacillus velezensis S141 against Cercospora Leaf Spot in Mungbean(V. radiata)
P. Songwattana, P. Boonchuen, P. Piromyou, J. Wongdee, T. Greetatorn, S. Inthaisong, P. A. Tantasawat,
K. Teamtisong, P. Tittabutr, N. Boonkerd, and N. Teaumroong

294

Symbiosis Contribution of Non-nodulating Bradyrhizobium cosmicum S23321 after Transferal of theSymbiotic Plasmid pDOA9
D. Wulandari, P. Tittabutr, P. Songwattana, P. Piromyou, K. Teamtisong, N. Boonkerd, P. Boonchuen, and
N. Teaumroong

306

List of Publications: Neung TEAUMROONG

307

The Signaling Pathways Involved in Metabolic Regulation and Stress Responses of the Yeast-Like Fungi
Aureobasidium spp.
Z. Chi, C.-C. Kong, Z.-Z. Wang, Z. Wang, G.-L. Liu, Z. Hu, and Z.-M. Chi

309

Metabolic Engineering of Aureobasidium melanogenum 9–1 for Overproduction of Liamocins by Enhancing
Supply of Acetyl-CoA and ATP
M. Zhang, Z. Wang, Z. Chi, G.-L. Liu, and Z.-M. Chi

322

List of Publications: Zhenming CHI

323

A Novel D-Psicose 3-Epimerase from Halophilic, Anaerobic Iocasia fonsfrigidae and Its Application in
Coconut Water
S. Wulansari, S. Heng, P. Ketbot, S. Baramee, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason, K. Ratanakhanokchai, A. Uke,
A. Kosugi and C. Tachaapaikoon

325

iv

Production of a Series of Long-Chain Isomaltooligosaccharides from Maltose by Bacillus subtilis AP-1 andAssociated Prebiotic Properties
S. Tiangpook, S. Nhim, P. Prangthip, P. Pason, C. Tachaapaikoon, K. Ratanakhanokchai, and R. Waeonukul

341

List of Publications: Khanok RATANAKHANOKCHAI

342

Mycology of Onychomycosis
Cañete-Gibas and N. P. Wiederhold

344

Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibilities of Aspergillus Section Fumigati Isolates in ClinicalSamples from the United States
H. Badali, C. Cañete-Gibas, D. McCarthy, H. Patterson, C. Sanders, M. P. David, J. Mele, H. Fan, and
N. P. Wiederhold

351

List of Publications: Connie Cañete-GIBAS352

De novo Biosynthesis of Rubusoside and Rebaudiosides in Engineered Yeasts
Y. M. Xu, X. L. Wang, C. Y. Zhang, X. Zhou, X. H. Xu, L. Y. Han, X. Q. Lv, Y. F. Liu, S. Liu, J. H. Li,
G. C. Du, J. Chen, R. Ledesma-Amaro and L. Liu

354

Synthesis of Bioengineered Heparin by Recombinant Yeast Pichia pastoris
Y. L. Zhang, Y. Wang, Z. X. Zhou, P. L. Wang, X. T. Xi, S. Hu, R. R. Xu, G. C. Du, J. H. Li, J. Chen, and
Z. Kang

366

List of Publications: Jian CHEN

367

Engineering a DNA Polymerase from Pyrobaculum calidifontis for Improved Activity, Processivity andExtension Rate
S. Ahmad, S. F. Ali, S. Iftikhar, and N. Rashid

372

Functional Analyses of a Highly Thermostable Hexokinase from Pyrobaculum calidifontis
N. A. Shakir, M. Aslam, T. Bibi, S. Falak, and N. Rashid

381

List of Publications: Naeem RASHID

382

Senescence Connects Autophagy Deficiency to Inflammation and Tumor Progression in the LiverN, Huda, B, Khambu, G, Liu, H, Nakatsumi, S, M. Yan, X. Y. Chen, M. Ma, Z. Dong, K. I. Nakayama, and
X.-M. Yin

384

Enhanced Ca2+-Channeling Complex Formation at the ER-Mitochondria Interface Underlies the
Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
T. Thoudam, D. Chanda, J. Y. Lee, M. K. Jung, I. S. Sinam, B. G. Kim, B. Y. Park, W. H. Kwon, H. J. Kim,
M. Kim, C. W. Lim, H. Lee, Y. H. Huh, C. A. Miller, R. Saxena, N. J. Skill, N. Huda, P. Kusumanchi, J. Ma,
Z. Yang, M. J. Kim, J. Y. Mun, R. A. Harris, J. H. Jeon, S. Liangpunsakul, and I. K. Lee

407

List of Publications: Nazmul HUDA

408

Green Composites Made of Polyhydroxybutyrate and Long-Chain Fatty Acid Esterified Microcrystalline
Cellulose from Pineapple Leaf
P. Sinsukudomchai, D. Aht-Ong, K. Honda, and S. C. Napathorn

409

Optimization for the Efficient Recovery of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Using the Green Solvent 1,3-dioxolane
C. Wongmoon and S. C. Napathorn

435

List of Publications: Suchada Chanprateep NAPATHORN

436

Cancer Cells Produce Liver Metastasis via Gap Formation in Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells throughProinflammatory Paracrine Mechanisms
T. H. Hoang, M. Sato-Matsubara, H. Yuasa, T. Matsubara, L. T. T. Thuy, H. Ikenaga, D. M. Phuong,
N. V. Hanh, V. N. Hieu, D. V. Hoang, H. Hai, Y. Okina, M. Enomoto, A. Tamori, A. Daikoku, H. Urushima,
K. Ikeda, N. Q. Dat, Y. Yasui, H. Shinkawa, S. Kubo, R. Yamagishi, N. Ohtani, K. Yoshizato,
J. Gracia-Sancho, and N. Kawada

437v

Soluble Immune Checkpoint Protein CD27 Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Development in Hepatitis C Virus-Sustained Virological Response Patients
M. P. Dong, L. T. T. Thuy, D. V. Hoang, H. Hai, T. H. Hoang, M. Sato-Matsubara, V. N. Hieu, A. Daikoku,
N. V. Hanh, H. Urushima, N. Q. Dat, S. Uchida-Kobayashi, M. Enomoto, N. Ohtani, A. Tamori, and
N. Kawada

454

List of Publications: Hoang HAI

455

Authentication of Putative Competitive Bacterial Endophytes of Rice by Re-Isolation and DNA
Fingerprinting Assay
S. A. D. Nunna and D. Balachandar

456

SCAR Marker: A Potential Tool for Authentication of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms
S. Ambreetha and D. Balachandar

469

List of Publications: Dananjeyan BALACHANDAR470

In Silico Functional Annotation of Hypothetical Proteins from the Bacillus paralicheniformis Strain Bac84
Reveals Proteins with Biotechnological Potentials and Adaptational Functions to Extreme Environments
M. A. Rahman, U. H. Heme, and M. A. K. Parvez

472

The Emerging Role of Autophagy as a Target of Environmental Pollutants: An Update on Mechanisms
M. A. Rahman, M. S. Rahman, M. A. K. Parvez and B. Kim

494

List of Publications: Md. Anowar Khasru PARVEZ

495

Leaf Wettability and Leaf Angle Affect Air‑Moisture Deposition in Wheat for Self‑Irrigation
S. Hakeem, Z. Ali, M. A. B. Saddique, S. Merrium, M. Arslan, and M. Habib‑ur‑Rahman

497

Genetic Effects of GA-Responsive Dwarfing Gene Rht13 on Plant Height, Peduncle Length, Internodal
Length and Grain Yield of Wheat under Drought Stress
M. A. Khalid, Z. Ali, M. H. N. Tahir, A. Ghaffar, and J. Ahmad

509

List of Publications: Zulfiqar ALI

511

Lactic Acid Bacteria from Jambal Roti which Has The Potential to Have Angiotensin I Converting Enzym(ACE) Inhibitory Activity
M. Karyantina, S. Anggrahini, T. Utami, and E. S. Rahayu

513

List of Publications: Merkuria KARYANTINA

514

Role of Two RpoN in Bradyrhizobium sp. Strain DOA9 in Symbiosis and Free-Living Growth
J. Wongdee, P. Piromyou, P. Songwattana, T. Greetatorn, N. Teaumroong, N. Boonkerd, E. Giraud,
N. Nouwen, and P. Tittabutr

515

Application of Light-Emitting Diodes with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Arbuscular
Mycorrhiza Fungi for Tomato Seedling Production
A. Songsaeng, P. Tittabutr, K. Umnajkitikorn, N. Boonkerd, J. Wongdee, P. Songwattana, P. Piromyou,
T. Greetatorn, T. Girdthai, and N. Teaumroong

527

List of Publications: Panlada TITTABUTR

528

Activities of International Center for Biotechnology for 2022

530

Author Index

539

vi

ACTIVITIES OF ICBiotech

530

ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR FY 2022
The International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech) was founded in April 1995 as anindependent institute in Osaka University with a mission to pursue academic advancement
and collaborative research in biotechnology. ICBiotech has its origin from the “International
Center of Cooperative Research Center in Microbial Engineering Japan (ICME)” which wasestablished in the Faculty of Engineering, Osaka University in April 1978, through renaming
to “International Center of Cooperative Research in Biotechnology (ICBiotech)” in April
1985 with the recognition of the wide acceptance and success of ICME’s activities andachievements.
ICBiotech is dedicated to promote international cooperation among Asian countries in the
aspects of research and educational advancement in the field of Biotechnology by propelling
academic interactions in Asian countries, and is committed to industrial biotechnology studies
by means of microbial engineering and related sciences, focusing on the sustainableutilization of abundant natural resources in Southeast Asian countries.
ICBiotech serves as the seat of education and research in Asia, with the support of the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbu-kagaku-sho,
MEXT), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Japan Student Service
Organization (JASSO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in
cooperation with the Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka
University, as well as researchers from prestigious universities nationwide and abroad.
In 2002 Cooperative Research Station (CRS) in Southeast Asia and Mahidol
University-Osaka University Collaborative Research Center for Bioscience andBiotechnology (MU-OU:CRC) were set up at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in
Thailand as a collaborative research center to accomplish multidisciplinary research in thefield of Bioscience and Biotechnology.
The activities of the ICBiotech include:
1. Research and Education
The main area of research is industrial biotechnology rooted in microbial engineering,whilst centering on the sustainable use of agricultural and forest resources in bioresourcerich countries such as those in Southeast Asia. Research is underway in the field of cellengineering with the objectives of analyzing the cellular functions of bacteria, fungi andplants, and developing and using functions of these cells for management and rational useof biological resources that exist on our planet. ICBiotech covers three areas of Biotechnology:
1) Discovery of new functions from biological resources.
2) Bio-conversion and process engineering of biological resources.
3) Conservation of biological resources.
For under graduate and post graduate courses, ICBiotech is involved in the education
activities of Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering as collaborating laboratories and currently covers several fields of biotechnology in education andresearch: Applied Microbiology Laboratory chaired by Prof. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito andMolecular Microbiology laboratory chaired by Prof. HONDA Kohsuke.

531

2. Participating in FrontierLab@OsakaU ’Scientific Empowerment Program for International Students’ which was created for international students to conduct thematic studies
and achieve results under the guidance of supervisors while acquiring skills necessary forcontinuing research in one of Osaka University’s internationally renowned science andtechnology laboratories for a period of up to 12 months.
3.

Acting as collaborating laboratories with Department of Biotechnology, Graduate Schoolof Engineering, Osaka University for ‘Biotechnology Global Human Resource
Development Program for Industry-University Co-Creation’. The aim of this program is
to expose graduate students (privately financed as well as the Japanese Government
Scholarship students) to state-of-the-art research skills and in-depth knowledge ofadvanced biology to harness the potential of biotechnology.

4. Promoting international cooperative researches in biotechnology with the Southeast Asian
countries related to Biotechnology, under the support of Monbu-kagaku-sho
Grant-in-Aids for International Scientific Research. In addition, ICBiotech cooperates indeveloping international organization and conducting academic seminars related tobiotechnology.
5.

Implementing Student Exchange Support Program with the support of JASSO. Under the
program, graduate students of Osaka University are sent to Thai four universities for afield study program named “Bio-resource & environment”, and graduate students ofThailand and ASEAN countries are invited to Osaka University for lab study programs
named “Bio-industry & bio-diversity” as well as “ASEAN Biotechnology School”, all forabout 5 weeks.

6.

Inviting Asian students through Sakura Science Plan (SAKURA SCIENCE Exchange
Program) of JST to introduce and offer experiences in Japanese science and techonology.
By exchanging ideas among the participants, the Plan aims to support the development of
talented people overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science andtechnology and support continuous interaction between Japan and other countries; topromote globalization of Japanese education and research institutes; to strengthen good
relationship between Japan and other countries.

7.

Accepting graduate students of JICA partner schools in Asian countries to provide aninternship with the support of JICA Innovative Asia Program that aims to enhance thecirculation of capable young personnel between Japan and Asian countries and topromote innovation in the whole Asia.

8.

Implementing Plant Biotech Program with the University of California, Davis, thatenhances cooperation between the two universities to promote healthy and sustainable
planet by exploring the intersectionality of biology and engineering.

9.

Promoting ASEAN Campus Project organized by Osaka University that aims at
contributing to “Quality Growth” and the development of high-level global humanresources for the next generation in ASEAN countries and Japan.

10. Periodical publishing of Annual Reports of ICBiotech.

532

STEERING COMMITTEE
ChairmanCommittee Members

STAFF
Director/Professor
Professor
Adjunct Professor

Prof. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito (Director of ICBiotech)
Prof. HONDA Kohsuke (International Center for Biotechnology)
Prof. ARAI Masayoshi (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences)Prof. FUKUSAKI Eiichiro (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. WATANABE Hajime (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. TOBISU Mamoru (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. UMAKOSHI Hiroshi (Graduate School of Engineering Science)Prof. IIDA Tetsuya (Research Institute for Microbial Diseases)
Prof. KURISU Genji (Institute for Protein Research)

Collaborative Professor

Dr. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito
Dr. HONDA Kohsuke
Dr. IKE Michihiko(Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering,
Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University)
Dr. Watanalai PANBANGRED (Mahidol University, Thailand)

Dr. Irfan Dwidya PRIJAMBADA(Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)

Dr. Raymond L. RODRIGUEZ

Guest Professor

Specially Appointed Professor

Adjunct Professor

Associate Professor
Guest Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Visiting Academic Staff(University of California-Davis, USA)
Dr. Choowong AUESUKAREE (Mahidol University, Thailand)
Dr. YOSHIDA Toshiomi (Prof. Emer., Osaka University)
Dr. SEKI Tatsuji (Prof. Emer., Osaka University)
Mr. TAYAMA Junji (Osaka University)
Dr. ISHII Masaharu (University of Tokyo)
Dr. KIMURA Yoshinobu (Okayama University)

Mr. SUZUKI Nobuaki (Hitachi Zosen Corp)
Dr. KITANI Shigeru (Aoyamagakuin University)
Dr. MIYAZAKI Kentaro
Dr. SUMIMURA Yoshinori(Center for Global Initiatives, Osaka University)

Dr. MISAKI Ryo
Dr. TOMITA Hiroya
Dr. OHASHI Takao (Setsunan University)
Dr. OKANO Kenji (Osaka Seikei College)
Dr. KAJIURA Hiroyuki
Dr. HO Phu Ha(Associate Professor, Hanoi University of Science and Technology,
Vietnam) Specially Appointed Associate Professor under
the Cross-appointment Agreement

Dr. Marie Christine Merca OBUSAN

Administrative Official
Administrative AssistantTechnical Assistant(Assistant Professor, Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines
Dilman, Philippines) Specially Appointed Assistant Professor under
the Cross-appointment Agreement

Ms. ARAKI Megumi
Ms. TOMOMATSU Fumiko
Ms. YAMASHITA KeikoMs. KAWAKAMI Shizuka
Ms. ITADANI Akiko

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I. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH STATION (CRS) IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
The ICBiotech, Osaka University launched out the Cooperative Research Station (CRS) in
Southeast Asia at Chalermprakiat Building, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in 2002
through the generous support by Mahidol University. The CRS's space and equipments are
made available for Southeast Asian and Japanese researchers to undertake cooperative onsite
researches on the development of the abundant natural biological and genetic resources andtheir sustainable utilization in Southeast Asian countries through JSPS core university
program (ended in 2005), JST Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science andTechnology (2006-2009) and JSPS Asian CORE Program (2009-2014). The CRS alsofunctioned as a lecturing and research station of the UNESCO International Post-graduate
Inter-University program, which Osaka University operated in coordination with Thai
universities. The CRS is considering support to the alumni of Osaka University and provisionof university information for recruitment of students for study in Osaka University. Moreover,
the CRS has become the base for the research at the DDP program with Mahidol University.
Mahidol University (MU) and Osaka University (OU) together established the Mahidol
University-Osaka University Collaborative Research Center (MU-OU:CRC) for Bioscienceand Biotechnology at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in 2002, to strengthen the
research cooperation in these fields which are amongst the most active fields of study andresearch in both universities.
Currently, MU-OU:CRC has coordinated a research projects under the jointly support ofNational Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), National Center for Genetic Engineering andBiotechnology (BIOTEC) and The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
Researchers from Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, King
Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi and BIOTEC participate in this project.
CRS is conducting researches on:
1. Degrading enzymes.
2. Cell culture system for screening of bioactive compounds from Streptomycetes andenvironmental fungi.
3. Quorum sensing interference: Novel biocontrol strategies for pathogenic bacteria.
In addition to above, CRS has been taking care of graduate students of Osaka University
sent to Thai universities and Thai graduate students sent to Osaka University under the
JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (details in Chapter Ⅲ) from FY2011. (ForFY2020 and FY2021, this program was canceld due to COVID-19).

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II. WORKSHOP“Job Search Seminar for Biotechnology Companies in Japan”
Februay 20th, 2023

(17:30 - 18:30)

International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University
Organized by International Center for Biotechnology and Career Center, Osaka University
We, International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech) held "Job Search Seminar for
Biotechnology Companies in Japan" online.
International students and young researchers who are studying biotechnology at Osaka
University joined the seminar and learned about the R&D activity of Biotechnology
Companies to consider about their career path in the relevant industrial field.
This year, YAEGAKI Biotechnology, Inc., held the company information session online.

III. JASSO STUDENT EXCHANGE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Scholarship for Short Stay/ Short Visit Program (SSSV)This is a field study program jointly operated with several universities in Thailand and 3
ASEAN countries. In 2022, 21 first year students of the master's course of Osaka University
was supposed to visit 4 universities in Thailand between August 7 and September 10, and 10
postgraduate students from Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia was supposed tovisit Osaka University between November 7 and December 12, 2022, which enhanced mutualinteractions.

IV. JST JAPAN-ASIA YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN SCIENCE(SAKURA Exchange Program in Science)
Purpose of the Program: Promoting science and technology is a key engine to materializea bright future of Asia and it is vitally important to enhance the exchange of youths in Asian
countries and Japan who will play a crucial role in the field of science and technology. Basedon this concept, “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” (SAKURA Exchange
Program in Science) is the program for enhancing exchanges between Asia and Japan of the
youths who will play a crucial role in the future field of science and technology through theclose collaboration of industry-academia-government by facilitating short-term visits ofcompetent Asian youths to Japan. This program aims at raising the interest of Asian youths
toward the leading Japanese science and technologies at Japanese universities, research
institutions and private companies.

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V. SCIENTIST EXCHANGES
Record of Scientist Exchange (FY2022)
From ICBiotech to counterpart countries / From Counterpart countries to ICBiotech* Please contact us for more information.

Ⅵ. GUESTS/VISITORS* Please contact us for more information.

Ⅶ. SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIUMS
Date
22.6.28

Title

22.10.25

Hydrogen bacteria with special focus on
metabolism
Traditionally Fermented foods: Culinary Cultureand Beneficial Microorganisms(Online)22.11.11

Photoenzymatic Catalysis - Using Light to Reveal
New Enzyme Functions

Lecturer/University
Prof. Todd HYSTERCornell University
Prof. ISHII Masaharu
University of Tokyo
Assoc. Prof. HO Phu Ha
Hanoi University of Science andTechnology (HUST)

22.11.16

Biologics spun through chemistry ～ Precise
synthesis of glycoproteins using organic synthetic
chemistry～ (only in Japanese)

President ASAI Hiroaki
GlyTech, Inc.

22.11.30

N-Glycans linked to plant glycoproteins: Structuralfeatures and physiological functions
Making food/feed from food waste using insects(only in Japanese)

Prof. KIMURA Yoshinobu
Okayama University
Mr. SEYAMA Tomohiro
Research Institute of Environment,
Agriculture and Fisheries, Osaka

22. 12. 06

Bioprospecting in unusual environments in thePhilippines(Online)

Assoc. Prof. Marie Christine OBUSAN
University of the Philippines Diliman

22.12.14

History of Osaka Grape and Wine and efforts
towards GI Osaka designation(only in Japanese)

Mr. TANIMOTO Hideo
Research Institute of Environment,
Agriculture and Fisheries, Osaka

22.12.15

Yeast as an excellent model to understand pollutant
toxicity(Online)

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Choowong Aueskaree
Mahidol University

23.01.23

Mini Symposium: Commemorating 50 years of
diplomatic relations between Japan and Mongolia(Online)National University of Mongolia
Mongolian Academy of Sciences

23.03.13

Industrial chemicals through biocatalysis: processdevelopment, reactor types & raw material change
to renewable feestocks

Prof. Harald Groeger
Bielefeld University

22. 12. 06

536

Ⅷ. STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 2022
Steering Committee Meetings of ICBiotech were convened as follows:
・July 27, 2022:
Discussion on:*Employment of the associate professor of the Laboratory of
Molecular Microbiology
Dr. TOMITA Hiroya (October 1, 2022 -)*Concluding MOU: Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University,
Germany・September 13, 2022: Discussion on:*Accepting Visiting Researcher
Batta Dolgormaa (October 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023)
Report on:*Candidate of MOU: ・Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University,
Thailand・Kasetsart University Biodiversity Center・Faculty of Agricultural Technology,
Brawijaya University, Indonesia
・Department of Science and Technology,
Philippines
・October 26, 2022:

Report on:*Organization of ICBiotech
Discussion on:*Concluding MOU: Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Thailand*Selection of Director of ICBiotech:
Dr. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito (April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2025)

・January 23, 2023:

Report on:*Exchange of professors and students*New Professors of ICBiotech in 2022
*Renewal of a contract of Specially Appointed Professor
Dr. MIYAZAKI Kentaro* Adjunct professors* Reappointment of an Evaluation Committee member*Other topics:① New System of ICBiotech② Programs in preparation
Discussion on:* Concluding MOU: ・Faculty of Science, King Mongkuts Universityof Technology Thonburi, Thailand
・Faculty of Technology, Khon Kean University,
Thailand・Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya
University, Indonesia* Updating MOU: ・School of Biotechnology and Food Technology,
Hanoi University of Science and Technology,
Vietnam537

*Concluding a cross appointment agreement to employ a full-time
specially appointed lecturer
Dr. NGUYEN Thanh Hoa (July 12, 2023 - August 4, 2023)*Concluding a cross appointment agreement to employ a full-time
specially appointed associate professor
Dr. Napathorn Suchada Chanprateep (June 28, 2023 – July 21,
2023)*Conferring the title of Collaborative Professors from abroad for
FY2023Emer. Prof. Watanalai PANBANGRED
Prof. Irfan Dwidya PRIJAMBADA
Emer. Prof. Raymond L. RODRIGUEZ
Assoc. Prof. Choowong AUESUKAREE*Inviting Visiting Professors from Japanese universities for FY2022
Emer. Prof. SEKI Tatsuji
Mr. TAYAMA Junji
Prof. MORIKAWA Masaaki
Prof. KITAJIMA Ken
Mr. ASAI Hiroaki
Prof. KITANI Shigeru
Assoc. Prof. FUKUZAWA Mizuho
Assoc. Prof. OHASHI Takao
Assoc. Prof. OKANO Kenji

538