Green Technologies of Excellence (GteX) Biomanufacturing Area Microbe Core Team Open Symposium 'Microbial Research Contributing to Solving Social Issues'

The Green Technologies of Excellence (GteX) Biomanufacturing Area Microbe Core Team Symposium "Microbial Research Contributing to Solving Social Issues" was held online and at the Icho Kaikan on Osaka University's Suita Campus on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

• Co-hosted by: International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech), Osaka University; Industrial Biotechnology Initiative Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University; NPO Kinki Bio-Industry Development Organization; Biocommunity Kansai (BiocK)
• Sponsored by: Kansai Pharmaceutical Industries Association; The Society for Biotechnology, Japan
• Support from: Office of Management and Planning, Osaka University

At Osaka University, advanced microbial research is carried out in a number of fields, including medicine, dentistry, engineering science, information science, and more. This symposium was held to find ways to contribute to solving social issues by combining results of research in these fields as part of the project "Development of DBTL* Technologies for Bioengineering to Pioneer Diverse Microbial Functions" in the Biomanufacturing Area of GteX.

*DBTL: Design-Build-Test-Learn

This hybrid symposium attracted many attendees (in-person: 98, virtual:173). Around half of the participants were from corporations, showing the high level of interest in microbial research in the industry.

In the following session, researchers and businessmen exchanged business cards, engaging in active discussions to create prospective collaborations.

Participants voiced their opinions about the symposium, saying:

• "I was able to obtain valuable information from researchers by asking them in person."
• "I was so excited to see the world of microorganisms from a broader perspective."

The symposium received positive feedback from many, ending on a high note.

We will continue to discuss microorganisms from a number of perspectives and carry out projects that provide opportunities for new co-creation to solve social issues through cross-disciplinary research and industry-university collaboration.

Reference: JST GteX Biomanufacturing Area Project "Development of DBTL Technologies for Bioengineering to Pioneer Diverse Microbial Functions" (link in Japanese)

Opening remarks from Executive Vice President ONOYE Takao

Explanation of the symposium by Professor HONDA Kohsuke (International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University)

Professor KUROKAWA Ken (Vice-Director, National Institute of Genetics) - "The Potential of a Consolidated Database for Microorganisms"

Session 1: Manufacturing using Microorganisms

Professor NAKANISHI Shuji (Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University) - "Biomanufacturing of Useful Materials through Chemically Synthesized Sugar"

Professor SAKAI Shinji (Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University) - "Upcycled food bioprinting using Fermented Foods in Japan and Indonesia"

Professor KOGA Nobuyasu (Advanced Data Science Center for Protein Research, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University) - "Inventing Novel Protein Folds"

Session 2: Measuring Microorganisms

Professor MATSUDA Fumio (Bioinformatic Engineering Major, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University) - "Measuring Budding Yeast Metabolism for Production"

Professor AOKI Wataru (Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University) - "Measuring Microbes with Next Generation Proteomics"

Specially Appointed Associate Professor MORI Hideto (WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine, Osaka University) - "Automating DNA Design Using Conversational Artificial Intelligence"

Session 3: Protecting with Microorganisms

Associate Professor INOUE Daisuke (Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University) - "Predatory Bacteria and their Utilization Potential in Various Fields"

Professor KUBONIWA Masae (Division of Oral Infection Control, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University) - "Protecting Systemic Health by Oral Microbiome"

Professor MATSUOKA Yumi (Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University) - "Analysis of the Skin Microbiome and Pathogenic Bacteria and Creating a Treatment Platform for Atopic Dermatitis"

Closing Remarks by Executive Vice President KANEDA Yasufumi