PtBio Inc collaborates with Malaysian Universities to create sustainable Biotech solutions
PTBIO INC, a leading Japanese biotechnology company, is forging new pathways to address global environmental and medical challenges through bio-digital transformation (Bio-DX) and advanced genome editing technologies.
The company is dedicated to reengineering biological systems across diverse species, with the dual objectives of promoting sustainability and advancing healthcare solutions.
In its quest to expand research and development (R&D) across Asia, PtBio has chosen Malaysia as its regional hub, citing the nation’s rich natural resources, highly skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure as key factors.
By partnering with top Malaysian institutions such as Sunway University and the University of Malaya, PtBio integrates its cutting-edge expertise with local knowledge to develop innovative projects addressing pressing issues.
These collaborations promise to deliver transformative solutions in environmental sustainability and health, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a biotechnology hub in Southeast Asia.
Sunway University: Metagenomic Studies in Sunway Lake
With the growing awareness of environmental degradation caused by urbanisation and industrialisation, there is an urgent need for sustainable approaches to improving urban ecosystems.
One promising avenue is the use of microorganisms, which possess immense potential for natural remediation. In collaboration with PtBio Inc., Sunway University has launched a groundbreaking study to explore the microbial communities in Sunway South Quay Lake. This initiative investigates how microorganisms can be harnessed to enhance water quality and contribute to sustainable urban development.
The study employs advanced metagenomic techniques, focusing on full-length 16S rRNA sequencing to map the microbial diversity within the lake. This methodology allows researchers to identify microorganisms at the species level, providing detailed insights into their ecological roles.
By investigating the microbial communities in the lake’s soil and water, the project aims to pinpoint species capable of naturally improving water quality by mitigating pollution, odours, turbidity, and even greenhouse gas emissions.
Key objectives of the project include:
- Mapping the Microbial Landscape: Comprehensive profiling of the lake’s microbial ecosystem to identify species with potential environmental benefits.
- Improving Water Quality: Exploring how identified microorganisms can reduce harmful substances and contribute to a cleaner, healthier aquatic environment.
- Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Assessing the potential of microbial communities to reduce methane and other greenhouse gases, contributing to low-carbon urban development.
PtBio’s role in this collaboration involves sequencing and analysing microbial samples collected from the lake. With its expertise in bioinformatics and genomic analysis, the company is well-equipped to identify microorganisms with significant environmental applications.
This partnership exemplifies the synergy between Sunway University’s environmental science expertise and PtBio’s advanced genomic technologies. By addressing water quality challenges in urban settings, the project not only contributes to Malaysia’s green transformation goals but also provides actionable insights for managing urban lakes across the region.
University of Malaya: Enhancing Purslane’s Health Benefits through Genome Sequencing and Editing
Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, is a medicinal herb celebrated for its rich nutrient profile, including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential micronutrients. Traditionally used to treat ailments such as headaches, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders, purslane has been hailed as a “Global Panacea” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beyond its traditional uses, purslane’s bioactive compounds exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound-healing effects.
Despite its many benefits, there is still much to learn about the metabolic pathways responsible for omega-3 biosynthesis in purslane. To address this, PtBio Inc. has partnered with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR) at the University of Malaya to enhance purslane’s lipid profile through genome editing.
This ambitious project aims to identify and manipulate key genes involved in lipid biosynthesis to produce purslane varieties enriched in health-promoting lipids. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics, researchers will isolate biosynthetic branchpoints associated with lipid production and optimize their expression through targeted gene editing.
The project’s primary objectives include:
- Gene Profiling: Comprehensive analysis of the P. oleracea genome to identify candidate genes associated with lipid biosynthesis.
- Metabolic Pathway Optimisation: Identifying enzymes and branchpoints within metabolic pathways that can be targeted for gene editing.
- Genome Editing: Enhancing the expression of key genes to create purslane varieties with superior health benefits.
By combining PtBio’s expertise in genome editing and bioinformatics with CEBAR’s proficiency in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation, the project seeks to revolutionize the nutraceutical market. Expected outcomes include improved purslane varieties tailored for health supplement production and groundbreaking insights into the metabolic pathways of medicinal plants.
The findings are expected to have far-reaching implications, contributing to global research on lipid biosynthesis and paving the way for innovative nutraceutical products.
Driving Sustainable Innovation
Through its collaborations with Sunway University and the University of Malaya, PtBio Inc. is demonstrating its commitment to addressing social and environmental challenges through science and technology. By leveraging its expertise in genomic analysis and bioinformatics, the company is pioneering solutions that align with its mission of “designing bio-functions to solve social issues.”
These projects not only reinforce Malaysia’s position as a biotechnology hub but also showcase the transformative potential of international collaborations in advancing sustainability and health. As PtBio continues to expand its R&D footprint across Asia, its innovative initiatives promise to drive meaningful change and set new benchmarks for sustainable innovation in the region.
