The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology: Pioneering Algae Biotechnology for Sustainable Shrimp Farming
Collaboration with Top Universities to Develop Complete Systems Biology
The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) has been at the forefront of algae biotechnology research and development for more than two decades. In collaboration with Mahidol University and King Mongkut Thonburi University of Technology (KMUTT), BIOTEC aims to develop a complete systems biology of algae.
This comprehensive research spans from upstream to downstream processes, including the extraction of essential substances from algae cultures to support sustainable aquaculture practices in the shrimp farming industry.
Leading the Shrimp Export Market with Innovative Algae-Based Solutions
BIOTEC’s primary goal is to regain Thailand’s position as a leading shrimp exporter worldwide. By focusing on research and information about single-celled algae, the organization aims to establish the country as a global leader in this field.
The research team has successfully developed a premium shrimp branding called “Premium Shrimp” that emphasizes environmentally-friendly production processes and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. This branding aims to position Thailand as the top choice in the world market.
Utilizing Unicellular Algae Biotechnology to Combat Viral Diseases in Shrimp
BIOTEC’s research and development efforts have led to a breakthrough in the field of unicellular algae biotechnology. The team has genetically modified single-celled algae, specifically spirulina, to possess antiviral properties in shrimp.
Wanwimon Saksaerprom, the head of the fish and shrimp biotechnology research team, states that the team has collaborated with the University of Kent and University College London in the UK to develop genetically modified unicellular algae using state-of-the-art technology. This ensures that there are no concerns regarding the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, thus addressing potential controversies.
This innovative approach makes the use of modified microbes in the shrimp industry more feasible. As viral diseases continue to pose challenges, biotechnology offers effective solutions at the farm level.
Effective Disease Prevention and Enhanced Growth
The biomolecules derived from the research have exhibited significant potential in preventing mortality due to red-white spot disease in shrimp. Compared to both the control group and the group fed with the original species of algae, the biomolecules demonstrated a 70-80% reduction in mortality.
This breakthrough provides farmers with valuable time to recover from disease outbreaks, minimizing potential losses in their shrimp farms. Additionally, the research has shown that the modified single-celled algae can accelerate shrimp growth, allowing farmers to reduce feeding time.
Towards Commercialization and a Thriving Aquatic Animal Export
Wanwimol expresses the team’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance their work towards commercialization. The application of single-cell algae biotechnology holds the potential to enhance farm management efficiency and improve the quality of life for farmers. Ultimately, this will solidify Thailand’s position as a leader in aquatic animal exports.
Collaboration between BIOTEC and KMUTT: Cultivating Algae for High-Value Substances
A Partnership Boosting Algae Research and Development Since 1987
The collaboration between BIOTEC and KMUTT dates back to 1987 when they embarked on the joint project of using effluent from tapioca starch factories as a food source for growing spirulina. This collaboration gave birth to the Algal Biotechnology Research Group.
Three Key Approaches Driving Algae Research and Development
The research group at BIOTEC and KMUTT focuses on three main approaches to algae research and development:
- Culture (Mass Growing): The team strives to maximize output and benefits by studying the impact of environmental factors on spirulina growth. They develop and select recipes for breeding, as well as conduct mathematical simulations of culture systems. Additionally, they have established a pond system for outdoor breeding, which serves as an aquaculture training center.
- High-Value Chemicals: This approach seeks to understand how rearing conditions and environmental factors influence the production of various substances in spirulina. The team extracts high-value chemicals, such as lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, phycocyanin, and polysaccharides from spirulina. They also explore the therapeutic properties of these substances and seek to optimize the extraction process for cost reduction.
- Biological Studies: The focus here lies in understanding the molecular biology of spirulina, including the control mechanisms and synthesis of bioactive compounds. The team delves into cellular-level studies, examining stress response conditions and culture factors that influence the production of target substances. They have also developed a gene transfer system for spirulina, enabling the production of target compounds, including protein extraction for peptide production, which proves effective against pathogens. This protein can be used as an alternative protein source and food supplement for shrimp larvae.
The research group has previously collaborated with leading private companies, transferring culture technology and designing systems. The extraction of high-value chemicals is also an area of expertise for the research team, benefiting both the private sector and the larger industrial group focusing on algae biotechnology.
Moreover, the use of algae in the biotechnology industry addresses concerns regarding the circular economy. Algae employ carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and produce disease-fighting compounds, mitigating potential carbon footprint issues during international exportation.
Through continuous research and development, BIOTEC and KMUTT strive to unlock the full potential of algae, contributing to sustainable shrimp farming and further establishing Thailand as a leader in aquatic animal exports.
The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) has been carrying out research and development on algae biotechnology for over 20 years.Algae biotechnology Collaboration with Mahidol University and King Mongkut Thonburi University of Technology (KMUTT)
Development of a complete systems biology of algae. from upstream to downstream both cultures extract essential substances and add value to support the aquaculture industry. (Aquaculture) for sustainability
Aims to regain the positionshrimp exporterleading the world as well as being the country’s leader in research and information about single-celled algae
‘Premium Shrimp’ Branding from Lab
Shrimp or premium shrimp that are environmentally friendly in all production processes and reduce carbon dioxide. is the branding that the research team wants to communicate to the world market to recognize and think of Thailand first.
It is a problem that leads to research and development. “Unicellular algae biotechnology”, namely genetically modified single-celled algae. (spirulina) to have antiviral properties in shrimp
Wanwimon Saksaerprom The head of the fish and shrimp biotechnology research team said the research team was working with the University of Kent (Kent) and University College London (UCL) in the UK. genetically modifiedUnicellular algae using new technology so there are no contaminated antibiotic resistance genes which creates concern about the actual action
unicellular algaeThis makes the use of modified microbes in the shrimp industry more viable. As outbreaks of viral diseases continue to occur and no biotechnology can help effectively at the farm level.
The biomolecules that the team have investigated have proven that they can prevent death fromred-white spot disease70-80% compared to the control group and the group fed the original species of algae at almost 100% mortality.
This is an important moment to help buy time for farmers to recover from the situation. Fixed farm page issues to reduce the severity of viral diseases and reduce potential losses.
At the same time, it can also provide edible substances. It is convenient to use by being produced asdietary supplementinstead of spraying each one which makes it costly and difficult to implement
“If the shrimp are infected with the red and white spot virus, the whole pond will die in just a few days. But we tested it in the lab and found that the biomolecules from this research can extend the life of shrimp by 14 days, giving farmers time to harvest shrimp to sell without having to dump the entire pond. “
The highlight of the research is Environmentally friendly by selecting photosynthetic algae species. It is also certified for safety by the US FDA, non-toxic to humans and animals.
Importantly, it also answers the circular economy question. Because algae use carbon dioxide to photosynthesize and produce disease-fighting compounds, therefore, the carbon footprint issue is not a concern when exporting abroad.
In addition to the anti-viral properties in shrimp The research team is still studying the properties of a modified single-celled algae that can accelerate growth. help farmers reduce their feeding time
“We are ready to collaborate with all parties to expand our work to commercialization. hopefully one day in the near future, single cell algae biotechnology will be one of the mechanisms that contribute to increasing the efficiency of farm management. As a result, the quality of life for farmers improved. As a result, Thailand is once again a leader in the export of aquatic animals,” said Wanwimol.
KMUTT shows culture pits – extracting high value substances
Apiradee Hongthong The Biotechnology and System Biology Research Team Leader, BIOTEC said that the collaboration between BIOTEC and KMUTT started in 1987 with the project “Using effluent from the tapioca starch factory as a food source for growing spirulina”. “Algal Biotechnology Research Group” together
For algae research and development, the research group focuses on 3 main approaches:
1) Culture (Mass Growing) focuses on getting the maximum output and the maximum benefit from the output. There is research on the effect of environmental factors on the growth of spirulina. Development and selection of recipe development breed
and the study of mathematical simulations of culture systems. by developing a culture system from the laboratory to the industrial level A pond system for breeding outside the building the study begins with spirulina including other microalgae It is also an aquaculture training center for private sectors and farms that will grow seaweed.
2) high value chemicals (High Value Chemicals) by studying rearing conditions Influence of environmental factors on the production of various substances in spirulina Extraction of high value chemicals such as lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, phycocyanin and polysaccharides from spirulina. as well as studying the properties of bioactive compounds from different substances in spirulina.
This work will focus on extracting important substances from spirulina, such as phycocyanin, the blue pigment. Which has an economic value of up to 14,000 baht per kilogram and includes research articles showing medical applications in Alzheimer’s disease as well The research group is studying the extraction process and expanding production to reduce costs.
3) Biological studies (Molecular biology) focuses on understanding the molecular biology of spirulina. including control mechanism and synthesis of bioactive compounds (bioactive compound)
It is a study at the cellular level such as stress response conditions (cell stress response), timing and culture factors that affect the production of target substances, etc., which all affect the production of important substances from algae.
In addition, a system for gene transfer to spirulina has been developed. to be used as a source of production of target compounds Including further research on protein extraction from algae for productionpeptideeffective against pathogens It is used as a food supplement for young white shrimp larvae. and using algae as a sourcealternative proteinalso
In the past, the research group has carried out in-depth research with leading private companies. There is also culture technology transfer and systems design. Including the process of extracting high value chemicals for the private sector. which is also an industrial group about algae biotechnology.
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