NCHU Team Wins Championship in Microbial Application Innovation Competition
2025-01-20
興新聞張貼者
Unit秘書室
153
A talented team of students. from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology and Doctoral Program in Microbial Genomics at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) has won the championship at the prestigious “Show Your Microbial Creativity—Microbial Application Innovation Competition”, held during the Asia Microbiome Conference on January 11. Under the mentorship of Professor En-Pei Isabel Chiang, the team impressed judges with their innovative project, NeuroGuard for Life- Probiotics for Active Aging, earning a grand prize of NT$60,000.
The competition, which focuses on cutting-edge microbial innovation, invited university students nationwide to present scientifically grounded and market-oriented solutions. Participants competed through written proposals and live presentations, with winners selected based on evaluations by industry professionals and audience voting. This event serves as a vital platform for bridging scientific innovation and practical applications in the microbial field.
Professor Chiang, who also chairs NCHU's Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, highlighted the interdisciplinary approach taken by the team. Leveraging advanced technologies such as stable isotope metabolic flux analysis and sophisticated mass spectrometry, the team developed a probiotic formulation with potential to support muscle and nerve health. Animal trials demonstrated notable benefits, including reduced fecal odor, enhanced breast meat proportion in poultry, and increased choline metabolites in eggs. Mouse studies showed reductions in body fat and saturated fat levels, increased muscle protein, and optimized vitamin B6 metabolism. Several aspects of this research have already been patented in Taiwan, with additional patents pending.
Addressing the challenges of aging populations, the team’s formulation, NeuroGuard for Life- Probiotics for Active Aging, targets muscle loss and neural degeneration by enhancing gut microbiota and metabolic functions. This innovative approach aims to offer seniors a comprehensive health solution to mitigate aging-related conditions and promote vitality.
Doctoral candidate Jian-Hau Kevin Peng, team leader and expert in microbial genomics, expressed gratitude to Tools Biotechnology Corporation for organizing the competition and fostering academic-industry collaboration. Peng noted that the experience offered invaluable insights into balancing scientific rigor with market needs, emphasizing the importance of cost-effectiveness and market size in product development. The team plans to undertake further market research and competitive analysis to refine their product and enhance its commercial viability.
Team member Ying-Yi Judy Lin, a third-year undergraduate, praised the mentorship and support received throughout the journey, describing the competition as an eye-opening experience that revealed both her strengths and areas for improvement. Fellow team member Yi-Hsiu Kiki Chiu echoed this sentiment, crediting Professor Chiang’s guidance for helping them blend creativity with practical applications. Chiu expressed enthusiasm for future opportunities to share their work on broader academic platforms.
By achieving this milestone, the NCHU team has not only demonstrated excellence in microbial innovation but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing global health challenges.
The competition, which focuses on cutting-edge microbial innovation, invited university students nationwide to present scientifically grounded and market-oriented solutions. Participants competed through written proposals and live presentations, with winners selected based on evaluations by industry professionals and audience voting. This event serves as a vital platform for bridging scientific innovation and practical applications in the microbial field.
Professor Chiang, who also chairs NCHU's Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, highlighted the interdisciplinary approach taken by the team. Leveraging advanced technologies such as stable isotope metabolic flux analysis and sophisticated mass spectrometry, the team developed a probiotic formulation with potential to support muscle and nerve health. Animal trials demonstrated notable benefits, including reduced fecal odor, enhanced breast meat proportion in poultry, and increased choline metabolites in eggs. Mouse studies showed reductions in body fat and saturated fat levels, increased muscle protein, and optimized vitamin B6 metabolism. Several aspects of this research have already been patented in Taiwan, with additional patents pending.
Addressing the challenges of aging populations, the team’s formulation, NeuroGuard for Life- Probiotics for Active Aging, targets muscle loss and neural degeneration by enhancing gut microbiota and metabolic functions. This innovative approach aims to offer seniors a comprehensive health solution to mitigate aging-related conditions and promote vitality.
Doctoral candidate Jian-Hau Kevin Peng, team leader and expert in microbial genomics, expressed gratitude to Tools Biotechnology Corporation for organizing the competition and fostering academic-industry collaboration. Peng noted that the experience offered invaluable insights into balancing scientific rigor with market needs, emphasizing the importance of cost-effectiveness and market size in product development. The team plans to undertake further market research and competitive analysis to refine their product and enhance its commercial viability.
Team member Ying-Yi Judy Lin, a third-year undergraduate, praised the mentorship and support received throughout the journey, describing the competition as an eye-opening experience that revealed both her strengths and areas for improvement. Fellow team member Yi-Hsiu Kiki Chiu echoed this sentiment, crediting Professor Chiang’s guidance for helping them blend creativity with practical applications. Chiu expressed enthusiasm for future opportunities to share their work on broader academic platforms.
By achieving this milestone, the NCHU team has not only demonstrated excellence in microbial innovation but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing global health challenges.
NCHU Team Wins Championship in Microbial Application Innovation Competition
