ANNUAL REPORTS
OF
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGYOSAKA UNIVERSITY
VOL. 43, 2021
DIRECTOR/EDITORFUJIYAMA KAZUHITOASSISTANT EDITORHONDA KOHSUKEKITANI SHIGERUMISAKI RYO
KAJIURA HIROYUKIOKANO KENJI

SECRETARYARAKI MEGUMITOMOMATSU FUMIKOYAMASHITA KEIKOKAWAKAMI SHIZUKAKIKUCHI TERUMIITADANI 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
Establishment of Serum-Free Adapted Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells with Double Knockout of GDPMannose-4,6- Dehydratase and GDP-Fucose Transporter
R. Misaki, M. Iwasaki, H. Takechi, N. Yamano-Adachi, T. Ohashi, H. Kajiura, and K. Fujiyama

1

Bombyx mori β1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase possesses relaxed donor substrate specificity in N-glycan
synthesis
H. Kajiura, R. Miyauchi, A. Kakudo, T. Ohashi, R. Misaki, and K. Fujiyama

18

List of Publications: FUJIYAMA Kazuhito

19

In Vitro Production of Coenzyme A Using Thermophilic Enzymes
G. S. Alim, T. Iwatani, K. Okano, S. Kitani, and K. Honda

21

Heterologous Gene Expression and Characterization of Two Serine Hydroxymethyltransferases from
Thermoplasma Acidophilum
I. F. Ma’ruf, Y. Sasaki, A. Kerbs, J. Nießer, Y. Sato, H. Taniguchi, K. Okano, S. Kitani, E. Restiawaty,
Akhmaloka, and K. Honda

32

List of Publications: HONDA Kohsuke

33

Optimization of Aerobic Dynamic Discharge Process for Very Rapid Enrichment of PolyhydroxyalkanoatesAccumulating Bacteria from Activated Sludge
D. Inoue, A. Fukuyama, Y. Ren, and M. Ike

35

Coordination of Leaf Economics Traits within the Family of the World's Fastest Growing Plants(Lemnaceae)
H. Ishizawa, Y. Onoda, K. Kitajima, M. Kuroda, D. Inoue, and M. Ike

44

List of Publications: IKE Michihiko45

Gut Microbiome of Indonesian Adults Associated with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Studyin an Asian City, Yogyakarta
P. Therdtatha, Y. Song, M. Tanaka, M. Mariyatun, M. Almunifah, N. E. P. Manurung, S. Indriarsih, Y. Lu,
K. Nagata, K. Fukami, T. Ikeda, Y.-K. Lee, E. S. Rahayu, and J. Nakayama

48

Gut Microbiome Status of Urban and Rural Filipino Adults in Relation to Diet and Metabolic Disorders
M. Watanabe, A. Sianoya, R. Mishima, P. Therdtatha, A. Rodriguez, D. C. Ramos, Y.-K. Lee, L. M. Dalmacio,
and J. Nakayama

67

List of Publications: NAKAYAMA Jiro

68

Biochemical Characterization of Arabidopsis Clade F Polygalacturonase Shows a Substrate Preference toward
Oligogalacturonic Acids
T. Ohashi, N. Sari, R. Misaki, and K. Fujiyama

70

Substrate Specificities of α1,2- and α1,3-galactosyltransferases and Characterization of Gmh1p and Otg1p in
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
T. Fukunaga, N. Tanaka, T. Furumoto, S. Nakakita, T. Ohashi, Y. Higuchi, H. Maekawa, and K. Takegawa

77

List of Publications: OHASHI Takao

78

Comparative Metabolomics and Sensory Evaluation of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Reveal the Importance of
Ripening Stage Compared to Cultivar
M. M. M. Ikram, R. Mizuno, S. P. Putri, and E. Fukusaki

79

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolite Profiling and Sensory Profile of Indonesian
Fermented Food (tempe) from Various Legumes
D. Rahmawati, M. Astawan, S. P. Putri, and E. Fukusaki

86iList of Publications: FUKUSAKI Eiichiro

87

Sense-Overlapping lncRNA as a Decoy of Translational Repressor Protein for Dimorphic Gene Expression
C. A. G. Perez, S. Adachi, Q. D. Nong, N. Adhitama, T. Matsuura, T. Natsume, T. Wada, Y. Kato, andH. Watanabe90

DNMT3.1 Controls Trade‑Offs between Growth, Reproduction, and Life Span under Starved Conditions inDaphnia magna
N. D. Nguyen, T. Matsuura, Y. Kato, and H. Watanabe

108

List of Publications: WATANABE Hajime

109

Characterization of Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Proteins with Two Types of VP3-Related Components by
Capillary Gel Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry
H. Oyama, K. Ishii, T. Maruno, T. Torisu, and S. Uchiyama

110

The Fab Portion of Immunoglobulin G Has Sites in the CL Domain that Interact with Fc Gamma Receptor IIIa
Y. Yamaguchi, N. Wakaizumi, M. Irisa, T. Maruno, M. Shimada, K. Shintani, H. Nishiumi, R. Yogo, S. Yanaka,
D. Higo, T. Torisu, K. Kato, and S. Uchiyama

124

List of Publications: UCHIYAMA Susumu

125

Mechanobiological Conceptual Framework for Assessing Stem Cell Bioprocess EffectivenessM.-H. Kim and M. Kino-oka

128

Design of Suspension Culture System with Bubble Sparging for Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in a
Plastic Fluid
R. Yamamoto and M. Kino-oka

141

List of Publications: KINO-OKA Masahiro

142

Production of Monoclonal Shark-Derived Immunoglobulin New Antigen Receptor Antibodies Using Chinese
Hamster Ovary Cell Expression System
H. Enatsu, N. Okamoto, Y. Nomura, M. Onitsuka, N. Yamano-Adachi, Y. Koga, and T. Omasa

144

Secretion of a Low-Molecular-Weight Species of Endogenous GRP94 Devoid of the KDEL Motif during
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
A. Samy, N. Yamano-Adachi, Y. Koga, and T. Omasa

152

List of Publications: OMASA Takeshi

153

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Professor at Osaka University
Plant Growth Promoting Activity of Paenibacillus alvei WW001 and its Antagonistic Effects against
Phytopathogenic Bacteria
P. Laoburin, W. Wimonsiravude, and W. Panbangred

154

Bacillus is One of the Most Potential Genus as a Biocontrol Agent of Golden Cyst Nematode (Globodera
Rostochiensis)
D. Widianto, A. D. Pramita, I. Kurniasari, N. A. Arofatullah, I. D. Prijambada, J. Widada, and S. Indarti

164

Enrichment of Thermophilic Methanogenic Microflora from Mesophilic Waste Activated Sludge for
Anaerobic Digestion of Garbage Slurry
M. Mellyanawaty, S. Nakakoji, M. Tatara, L. Marbelia, Sarto, I. D. Prijambada, W. Budhijanto, and Y. Ueno

179

List of Publications: Irfan Dwidya PRIJAMBADA180

Low Phosphate Mitigates Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Enhancing
Endogenous Antioxidant Defence System
K. Kerdsomboon, T. Techo, T. Limcharoensuk, S. Tatip, and C. Auesukaree

181

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts and its Bioactive Compound Gallic Acid on Reducing Toxicities ofii

Heavy Metals and Metalloid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
K. Kerdsomboon, W. Chumsawat, and C. Auesukaree

195

PUBLICATIONS by Visiting Academic Staff at Osaka University
Genome Mining Associated with Analysis of Structure, Antioxidant Activity Reveals the Potential
Production of Levan-Rich Exopolysaccharides by Food-Derived Bacillus velezensis VTX20
T. H. N. Vu, N. T. Quach, N. A. Nguyen, H. T. Nguyen, C. C. Ngo, T. D. Nguyen, P.-H. Ho, H. Hoang,
H. H. Chu, and Q.-T. Phi

196

Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria for their Potential Use as Aromatic Starters in Fermented Vegetables
D. Lorn, T.-K.-C. Nguyen, P.-H. Ho, R. Tan, H. Licandro, and Y. Waché

209

Diaporthe/Phomopsis longicolla Degrades an Array of Bisphenol Analogues with Secreted Laccase
J. C. Baluyot, H. K. Santos, D. C. R. Batoctoy, V. P. M. Torreno, L. B. Ghimire, S. E. A. Joson IV,
M. C. M. Obusan, E. T. Yu, D. B. Bela-ong, R. R. Gerona, and M. C. Velarde

211

Bacteriological and Histopathological Findings in Cetaceans that Stranded in the Philippines from 2017 to2018
M. C. M. Obusan, J. A. A. Caras, L. S. L. Lumang, E. J. S. Calderon, R. M. D. Villanueva, C. C. Salibay,
M. A. T. Siringan, W. L. Rivera, J. S. Masangkay, and L. V. Aragones

220

List of Publications: Marie Christine M. OBUSAN

222

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Researchers
Bio-Based Dispersants for Fuel Oil Spill Remediation Based on the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Deviation (HLD)
Concept and Box-Behnken Design
P. Nawavimarn, W. Rongsayamanont, T. Subsanguan, and E. Luepromchai

223

Biological Activities and Chemical Profile of Hericium Erinaceus Mycelium Cultivated on Mixed Red andWhite Jasmine Rice
S. Darmasiwi, Y. Aramsirirujiwet, and I. Kimkong

232

The Role of N-glycosylation of Hepatitis B Surface Protein in Autophagy
S. Boonruab, K. Fujiyama, R. Misaki, and I. Kimkong

240

Streptomyces Spirodelae sp. nov., Isolated from Duckweed
Y. Saimee and K. Duangmal

241

Effect of Rice Seeds Germination Bioprimed with Actinomycetes Isolated from Peat Swamp Forest
W. F. A. Teo, S. Muangham, K. Lipun, and K. Duangmal

248

List of Publications: Kannika DUANGMAL

249

Large Scale Production of Indole‑3‑Acetic Acid and Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Indole‑3‑Acetic
Acid on Weed Growth
S. Bunsangiam, N. Thongpae, S. Limtong, and N. Srisuk

250

Description of Crinitomyces reliqui gen. nov., sp. nov. and Reassignment of Trichosporiella flavificans andCandida ghanaensis to the Genus Crinitomyces
V. Sakpuntoon, G. Péter, M. Groenewald, D. Dlauchy, S. Limtong, and N. Srisuk

263

List of Publications: Nantana SRISUK

264

Cotton Cellulose-Derived Hydrogel and Electrospun Fiber as Alternative Material for Wound Dressing
Application
S. Jirawitchalert, S. Mitaim, C.-Y. Chen, and N. Patikarnmonthon

265

Dextran-Based Nanoparticles for Encapsulation of Ciprofloxacin
N. Watcharadulyarat, M. Rattanatayarom, N. Ruangsawasdi, N. Hongdilokkul, and N. Patikarnmonthon

277

iii

Effects of Environmental Factors and Coexisting Substrates on PAH Degradation and Transcriptomic
Responses of the Defined Bacterial Consortium OPK*
N. Laothamteep, H. Kawano, F. Vejarano, C. Suzuki-Minakuchi, M. Shintani, H. Nojiri, and O. Pinyakong

278

Bioaugmentation with Zeolite-Immobilized Bacterial Consortium OPK Results in a Bacterial Community
Shift and Enhances the Bioremediation of Crude Oil-Polluted Marine Sandy Soil Microcosms*
N. Laothamteep, K. Naloka, and O. Pinyakong

288

List of Publications: Onruthai PINYAKONG

289

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Production Using an Arabinose-Inducible Expression System in Comparison
With Cold Shock Inducible Expression System in Escherichia coli
S. C. Napathorn, S. Visetkoop, O. Pinyakong, K. Okano, and K. Honda

291

Strategies for Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Production Using a Cold-Shock Promoter in Escherichia coli
T. Boontip, R. Waditee-Sirisattha, K. Honda, and S. C. Napathorn

304

Screening of Compounds to Identify Novel Epigenetic Regulatory Factors that Affect Innate Immune
Memory in Macrophages
S. Benjaskulluecha, A. Boonmee, T. Pattarakankul, B. Wongprom, J. Klomsing, amd T. Palaga

305

The Chemotherapeutic Drug Carboplatin Affects Macrophage Responses to LPS and LPS Tolerance via
Epigenetic Modifications
A. Boonmee, S. Benjaskulluecha, P. Kueanjinda, B. Wongprom, T. Pattarakankul, and T. Palaga

318

List of Publications: Tanapat PALAGA

319

Targets and Strategies for Vaccine Development Against Dengue Viruses
W.-H. Wang, A. N. Urbina, C.-Y. Lin, Z.-S. Yang, W. Assavalapsakul, A. Thitithanyanont, P.-L. Lu,
Y.-H. Chen, and S.-F. Wang

320

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)
List of Publications: Saisamorn LUMYONG

333

Microbial and Metabolite Profiles of Spontaneous and Adjunct-Inoculated Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)
Fermentation
J. G. B. Peralta, F. B. Elegado, J. F. Simbahan, I. G. Pajares, and E. I. Dizon

334

Molecular Characterization of Pediococcus acidilactici Pediocin Genes (ped PA-1/AcH) and PlasmidTransfer into Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-3749 via Electroporation
R. E. Ramos, F. B. Elegado, M. T. M. Perez, N. G. Sabino, and A. C. Laurena

343

List of Publications: Francisco B. ELEGADO

344

The Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens Type III Effector NopE Modulates the Regulation of Plant Hormones
towards Nodulation in Vigna radiate
P. Piromyou, H. P. Nguyen, P. Songwattana, P. Boonchuen, K. Teamtisong, P. Tittabutr, N. Boonkerd,
P. A. Tantasawat, M. Göttfert, S. Okazaki, and N. Teaumroong345

Nod-Factor Structure and Functional Redundancy of Nod Genes Contribute the Broad Host Range
Bradyrhizobium sp. DOA9
D. Wulandari, P. Songwattana, F. Gressent, P. Piromyou, K. Teamtisong, N. Boonkerd, E. Giraud,
P. Tittabutr, and N. Teaumroong

357

List of Publications: Neung TEAUMROONG

358

iv

A Novel Multifunctional Arabinofuranosidase/Endoxylanase/β-Xylosidase GH43 Enzyme from
Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus B-6 and Its Synergistic Action To Produce Arabinose and Xylose from Cereal
Arabinoxylan
P. Limsakul, P. Phitsuwan, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason, C. Tachaapaikoon, K. Poomputsa, A. Kosugi, andK. Ratanakhanokchai

360

A Novel Amylolytic/Xylanolytic/Cellulolytic Multienzyme Complex from Clostridium manihotivorum that
Hydrolyzes Polysaccharides in Cassava Pulp
P. Cheawchanlertfa, P. Tongsuk, S. Sutheeworapong, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason, K. Poomputsa,
K. Ratanakhanokchai, A. Kosugi, and C. Tachaapaikoon

379

List of Publications: Khanok RATANAKHANOKCHAI

380

Pseudocanariomyces americanus, gen. nov., sp. nov., A New Thielavia-Like Species in the Chaetomiaceae:
Identification and Management of a Prosthetic Hip Infection
K. Ryan, C. Cañete-Gibas, C. Sanders, N. Sosa, and N. P. Wiederhold

382

Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibilities of Mucoralean Fungi in Clinical Samples from the UnitedStatesH. Badali, C. Cañete-Gibas, D. McCarthy, H. Patterson, C. Sanders, M. P. David, J. Mele, H. Fan, and
N. P. Wiederhold

389

List of Publications: Connie F. Cañete-GIBAS390

Engineered Pro-Peptide Enhances the Catalytic Activity of Keratinase to Improve the Conversion Ability of
Feather Waste
Z. Peng, J. Zhang, Y. Song, R. Guo, G. C. Du, and J. Chen

391

Enhanced Production of Transglutaminase in Streptomyces mobaraensis through Random Mutagenesis andSite-Directed Genetic Modification
X. Q. Yin, Y. Y. Li, J. W. Zhou, S. Q. Rao, G. C. Du, J. Chen, and S. Liu

404

List of Publications: CHEN Jian405

The Fungus Phoma Multirostrata is a Host-Specific Pathogen and a Potential Biocontrol Agent for a
Broadleaf Weed
C. Srisuksam, P. Yodpanan, R. Suntivich, P. Tepboonrueng, W. Wattananukit, B. Jongsareejit, and
A. Amnuaykanjanasin

408

Structural and Functional Analyses of a Novel Manganese-Catalase from Bacillus subtilis R5
A. Shaeer, M. Aslam, and N. Rashid

420

ADP-dependent Glucose/Glucosamine kinase from Thermococcus kodakarensis: Cloning andCharacterization
N. A. Shakir, M. Aslam, T. Bibi, and N. Rashid

432

List of Publications: Naeem RASHID

433

List of Publications: Nazmul HUDA

435

A New CcpA Binding Site Plays a Bidirectional Role in Carbon Catabolism in Bacillus licheniformis
F. X. Xiao, Y. R. Li, Y. P. Zhang, H. R. Wang, L. Zhang, Z. Y. Ding, Z. H. Gu, S. Xu, and G. Y. Shi

437

Reductase-Catalyzed Tetrahydrobiopterin Regeneration Alleviates the Anti-Competitive Inhibition of
Tyrosine Hydroxylation by 7,8-Dihydrobiopterin
Y. B. Xu, Y. R. Li, L. Y. Li, L. Zhang, Z. Y. Ding, and G. Y. Shi

463

List of Publications: Guiyang SHI

464

Hexa Histidine–Tagged Recombinant Human Cytoglobin Deactivates Hepatic Stellate Cells and Inhibits
Liver Fibrosis by Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species
N. Q. Dat, L. T. T. Thuy, V. N. Hieu, H. Hai, D. V. Hoang, N. T. T. Hai, T. T. V. Thuy, T. Komiya,v

K. Rombouts, M. P. Dong, N. V. Hanh, T. H. Hoang, M. Sato-Matsubara, A. Daikoku, C. Kadono,
D. Oikawa, K. Yoshizato, F. Tokunaga, M. Pinzani, and N. Kawada

466

Capacity of Extracellular Globins to Reduce Liver Fibrosis via Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species andPromoting MMP-1 Secretion
V. N. Hieu, L. T. T. Thuy, H. Hai, N. Q. Dat, D. V. Hoang, N. V. Hanh, D. M. Phuong, T. H. Hoang,
H. Sawai, Y. Shiro, M. Sato-Matsubara, D. Oikawa, F. Tokunaga, K. Yoshizato, and N. Kawada

485

List of Publications: Hoang HAI

486

Prevalence and Impact of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease on Clinical Outcome Among Patients with
COVID-19 in Bangladesh
N. Sharif, S. N. Ahmed, R. R. Opu, M. R. Tani, D. Dewan, M. U. Daullah, R. I. Shanto, M. A. K. Parvez,
A. A. Talukder, and S. K. Dey

487

Awareness and Social Attitude towards COVID-19 in Bangladeshi Population
R. N. Ferdous, P. C. Banik, A. Quayum, M. T. Hasan, M. A. Hussain, M. A. K. Parvez, T. Haque,
M. M. Rahman, and S. M. Z. H. Asna

495

Formulation of Biofertilizer for Improving Growth and Yield of Wheat in Rain Dependent Farming System
N. Bangash, S. Mahmood, S. Akhtar, M. T. Hayat, S. Gulzar, and A. Khalid

497

Climate Variables Effect on Fruiting Pattern of Kinnow Mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour × C. deliciosa Tenora)
Grown at Different Agro-Climatic Regions
R. Nawaz, M. A. Khan, I. A. Hafz, M. F. Khan, and A. Khalid

507

List of Publications: Azeem KHALID

508

Leaf Prickle Hairs and Longitudinal Grooves Help Wheat Plants Capture Air Moisture as a Water‑Smart
Strategy for a Changing Climate
S. Hakeem, Z. Ali, M. A. B. Saddique, M. Habib‑ur‑Rahman, and R. Trethowan

510

The Impact of Prolonged Use and Oxidative Degradation of Atrazine by Fenton and Photo-Fenton Processes
A. Fareed, A. Hussain, M. Nawaz, M. Imran, Z. Ali, and S. U. Haq

521

List of Publications: Zulfiqar ALI

522

Effect of Rice Bran Protein Concentrate as Wall Material Adjunct on Selected Physicochemical and Release
Properties of Microencapsulated β-carotene
M. J. F. A. Magnaye, L. E. Mopera, and F. P. Flores

523

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Pectinase-Treated Peel Powder from Carabao Mango(Mangifera indica cv. Carabao)
M. K. N. Alaon, A.B. Sapin, T. J. Ramirez, and F. P. Flores

533

List of Publications: Floirendo Pantas FLORES

534

List of Publications: Merkuria KARYANTINA

535

Application of Recombinant Human scFv Antibody as a Powerful Tool to Monitor Nitrogen Fixing
Biofertilizer in Rice and Legume
K. K. Khaing, K. Rangnoi, H. Michlits, N. Boonkerd, N. Teaumroong, P. Tittabutr, and M. Yamabhai

537

Enhancing the Efficiency of Soybean Inoculant for Nodulation under Multi-Environmental Stress Conditions
J. Wongdee, W. Yuttavanichakul, A. Longthonglang, K. Teamtisong, N. Boonkerd, N. Teaumroong, andP. Tittabutr

555

Activities of International Center for Biotechnology for 2021

556

Author Index

573

vi

ACTIVITIES OF ICBiotech

556

ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR FY 2021
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.

557

2. Participating in FrontierLab@OsakaU ’Scientific Empowerment Program for International Students’ which was created for international students to conduct thematicstudies and achieve results under the guidance of supervisors while acquiring skills
necessary for continuing research in one of Osaka University’s internationally renowned
science and technology 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. Having been administrating and implementing the “UNESCO Biotechnology School inAsia” (2012-2016) at Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering,Osaka University, taking over the long-termed “International Post-Graduate University
Course in Microbiology” (1972-2003) and Postgraduate Inter-University Course in
Biotechnology (2004-2007) with total of 459 alumni spreading all over Asia.
5. Having been serving as the secretariat for the UNESCO Regional Network for
Microbiology and Biotechnology in Southeast Asia in accordance with a proposed
memorandum resulting from a Consortium Meeting of the Project “Tropical
Bio-Resources and Green Chemistry Strategy” (Osaka 2003).
6. Working as a member of the global network “Microbiological Resource Centers”(MIRCENs) operated by UNEP, UNESCO and ICRO; and as an original member of the“Regional Network for Microbiology in Southeast Asia” operated under the auspices of
UNESCO through the Fund-In-Trust of the Japanese Government (J-FIT).
7. 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.
8.

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.

9.

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; to558

promote globalization of Japanese education and research institutes; to strengthen good
relationship between Japan and other countries.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13.

Periodical publishing of Annual Reports of ICBiotech.

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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

Associate Professor
Adjunct 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)
Mr. KANEKO Yoshinobu (Osaka University)
Dr. NAKAYAMA Jiro (Kyushu University)

Dr. KITANI Shigeru
Dr. MISAKI Ryo
Dr. SUMIMURA Yoshinori(Center for Global Initiatives, Osaka University)
Dr. KATAOKA Masakazu (Shinshu University)
Dr. OHASHI Takao (Setsunan University)
Dr. YUMIOKA Hitomi (Osaka Seikei College)

Dr. KAJIURA Hiroyuki
Dr. OKANO Kenji
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. KIKUCHI Terumi
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”
January 25th , 2022 (17:30 - 19:30)
International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University
Organized by International Center for Biotechnology and Career Center, Osaka University
Co-organized by; Intelligent Agri-engineering Division, Osaka University, GSE-OU,
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.
Five Biotechnology companies, Amano Enzyme Inc., Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd., ROHTO
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saraya Co., Ltd., YAEGAKI Biotechnology, Inc., and 45
international students have joined the seminar.
17:30-17:35

Opening remark

17:35-17:40

Explanation.

17:40-18:05

Breakout Room Session１

18:07-18:32

Breakout Room Session１

18:34-18:59

Breakout Room Session１

19:01-19:24

Breakout Room Session１

19:25-19:30

Closing remark

III. JASSO STUDENT EXCHANGE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Scholarship for Short Stay/ Short Visit Program (SSSV)(This program was canceled due to COVID-19.)
This is a field study program jointly operated with several universities in Thailand and 3
ASEAN countries. In 2021, 23 first year students of the master's course of Osaka University
was supposed to visit 4 universities in Thailand between August 8 and September 11, and 11
postgraduate students from Thailand was supposed to visit Osaka University between
November 8 and December 12, 2021, which enhanced mutual interactions.

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IV. JST JAPAN-ASIA YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN SCIENCE(SAKURA Exchange Program in Science)( This program was held online. )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.
List of Countries and Number of Participants(Online Lecture)

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia

31
9
30
9

Dates: November 15 and 16

Mongolia
Laos
Taiwan
Total

30
3
3
115

(Student Meetup)

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia

14
9
30
7

Date: November 16

Mongolia
Laos
TaiwanTotal

V. SCIENTIST EXCHANGES
Record of Scientist Exchange (FY2021)
NO SCIENTIST EXCHANGES in FY2021 due to COVID-19.

From ICBiotech to counterpart countries / From counterpart countries to ICBiotech

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

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7
8
3

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Ⅶ. ONLINE SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIUMS
Date
21.6.16

Title
Symposium: Development of Green Technology
for a Sustainable Society

Lecturer/University
Universitas Brawijaya

21.7.15

Seminar: Heredity and Environment
This seminar is held in Japanese only.

Dr. TAKAGI Atsuko, a visiting researcher
of ICBiotech

21.11.10

Symposium: Plant Cell Bioprocessing of Human
Growth Factors and Other Bioactive Proteins

University of California, Davis
Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

21.12.3

Symposium: THE 2nd GREEN SYMPOSIUM
ENZYMATIC FOR BIOMASS DEGRADATION,IMMOBILIZATION AND APPLICATIONSUniversitas Airlangga

21.12.14

Seminar: Structure and function of gut microbiomeof Asians associated with foods and host healthProf. NAKAYAMA Jiro (Kyushu
University, Guest Professor/ICBiotech)

21.12.15

Seminar: Life dynamics: New insight throughintracellular pH

Assoc. Prof. KATAOKA Masakazu(Shinshu University, Guest Associate
Professor/ICBiotech )22.1.20

Seminar: Bridging the macro and micro: microbialinteractions of earthworms and marine mammals of
the Philippines

Assit. Prof. Marie Christine Merca
OBUSAN (University of the Philippines
Dilman, Philippines), Specially Appointed
Assistant Professor under the
Cross-appointment Agreement

22.1.25

Seminar: Purification, antibody productions ofdisease-related enzymes, and clinical application of
their antibodies

Dr. IKEDA Yasuyuki, a visiting
researcher of ICBiotech

Online symposium

RWTH Aachen

22.2.7

Ⅷ. STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 2021
Steering Committee Meetings of ICBiotech were convened as follows:・February 18, 2022 Report on:*Exchange of professors and students*Retirement of professors of ICBiotch
Dr. KITANI Shigeru (Associate Prof.)
Dr. OKANO Kenji (Assistant Prof.)*Commission about adjunct professors of ICBiotech*Online workshop “Job Search Seminar for Biotechnology
Companies in Japan”*Concluding MOU: University of California Davis, U.S.A.
*Visiting of Senior Executive Vice President
Discussion on:*Promotion of Associate Professor of the Laboratory of Applied
Microbiology
Dr. MISAKI Ryo

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*Employment of Specially Appointed Professor of the Laboratory of
Molecular Microbiology
Dr. MIYAZAKI Kentaro*The change of accepting term of two full-time specially appointed
associate professor under the Cross appointment Agreements
Dr. Ho Phu Ha (December 01, 2020 - March 31, 2023)
Dr. Marie Christine Merca OBUSAN (May 01, 2021 - March 31,2023)*Concluding two cross appointment agreements to employ a full-time
specially appointed associate professor*Conferring the title of Collaborative Professors from abroad for
FY2022
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. YOSHIDA Toshiomi
Emer. Prof. SEKI Tatsuji
Mr. TAYAMA Junji
Prof. ISHII Massharu
Prof. KIMURA Yoshinobu
Prof. SUZUKI Nobuaki
Prof. KITANI Shigeru
Assoc. Prof. OHASHI Takao
Assoc. Prof. OKANO Kenji*Research systems about new organization
・March 18, 2022

Discussion on:*Establishment of Regulations of ICBiotech
Industry-Academia-Government Cooperation Committee.
*Election of above Committee members

565