Introduction

   Our group has mainly two research projects, one is synthesis of biolocally active substances, and the other is the utilization of potentialities of mammaliam cells and biomolecules.

   We are synthesizing many biologically active substances, in particular, plant growth regulators (PGRs) which promote many adventitious root formation or root growth etc. Our synthetic PGRs will be utilized for the production of important crops and for reforestation to absorb carbon dioxide which is causing global warming.

   Mammalian cells undergo numerous chemical reactions and information processing by the action of specific biomolecules. To utilize the potentialities of mammalian cells and biomolecules for industrial processes and medical technology, we are investigating the control mechanisms of cell functions in terms of the action of biomolecules. Novel techniques for long term maintenance of hepatocyte functions, control of programmed cell death, and biosynthesis of bone-like materials by osteoblasts, are being developed for the construction of artificial liver, artificial bone, and advanced bioreactors or biosensors.

Research Projects

1. Studies on Synthesis of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and Their Application to Cassava Production
2. Studies on Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds
3. Application of Advanced Bioreactors to Thermostable Enzymes
4. Research Concerning Novel Techniques with Liver Composing Cells
5. Utilization of the Mechanism of Bone Formation

Staff

1. Studies on Synthesis of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and Their Application to Cassava Production

   Cassava is the most important cash crop in the seasonally dry upland areas of Thailand and the great majority of its harvest is exported in the form od hard chips and pellets, or starch. The Thai Tapioca Development Institute (TTDI) is promoting the research and development on the selection of improved varieties of cassava to meet the quality standard, agricultural technology, innovations of mechanical devices for root harvestinf, starch production technology and other products of tapioca. TTDI and our group started to cooperate for improving cassava production using synhtetic PGRs in 1994. We found that two PGRs were very effective to the increase of cassava production (tuber growth promotion).

2. Studies on Synthesis of Biological Active Compounds

   Our group is improving synthetic methods for PGRs and other biologically active substances. Improved synthetic methods include electrochemical fluorination and enzymatic stereoselective synthesis of biologically active substances.

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3. Application of Advanced Bioreactors to Thermostable Enzymes

   The thermostable enzymes, produced by thermophilic bacteria, have many advantages industrially, because of their heat stability and tolerance against many chemicals. So we will apply thermostable enzymes to high temperature type bioreactors.

4. Research Concerning Novel Techniques with Liver Composing Cells

   Liver, playing an important role in regulating the energy consumption and chemical conversions in human body, has a remarkable regenerative capacity in human body. However it has been very difficult to proliferate the liver composing cells and to maintain the function of the cells, isolated from the body. In order to utilize the physiological function of liver, we were studying about the three dimensional culture systems, and the programmed cell death of liver composing cells. Our findings will contribute to making a hybrid type artificial organ or an advanced bioreactor by applying these technologies in near future.

5. Utilization of the Mechanism of Bone Formation

   Bone has a marked regenerative capacity in human body. Osteoblasts play an important role in bone formation. During the regeneration process, the osteoblasts, which secrete bone-composing substances, such as hydroxyapatite and collagens, are regulated by various protein factors. In the absence of these bone-inducing protein factors it has been very difficult to repeat the mineralization process. In an attempt to accomplish this, we focused on a regulatory protein called BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein). We succeeded in overproducing recombinant BMP. These findings will contribute to clarifying the mechanism of bone formation by BMP.