Dr. Benjarat Bunterngsook, a researcher in the Enzyme Technology Research Team, the Biorefinery and Bioproduct Technology Research Group, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), was awarded the 31st Science and Technology Research Grant for her research project on the development of whole cell biocatalyst process for xylitol biosynthesis and product purification technology to increase the value of byproduct from rice industry.
Dr. Benjarat Bunterngsook is spearheading a research initiative to develop a whole-cell biocatalyst process for xylitol production, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. Currently, xylitol is synthesized via chemical hydrogenation of xylose using catalysts like Raney-Nickel under high pressure (50–60 bars) and high temperatures (140–200°C), leading to high energy consumption, unwanted chemical by-products, and expensive wastewater treatment. This project leverages microbial fermentation, utilizing yeast strains engineered through adaptive laboratory evolution and genome engineering to enhance their osmotolerance, resistance to inhibitory compounds from biomass-derived sugars, and efficiency in xylitol biosynthesis. By using xylose monomers extracted from rice straw, this approach maximizes resource utilization while reducing reliance on energy-intensive chemical processes.
This biotechnological innovation presents significant environmental and economic benefits. By transforming agricultural waste into a high-value product, it enhances resource valorization and minimizes industrial waste, aligning with the principles of a circular bioeconomy. The eco-friendly xylitol production process also supports the expanding health food market, which increasingly demands natural, sustainably sourced sweeteners. Furthermore, the project strengthens Thailand’s biorefinery and bio-based industries, fostering industrial competitiveness while advancing sustainable biomanufacturing technologies. Through this research, Dr. Benjarat and her team are paving the way for a greener, more efficient alternative for xylitol production, reinforcing the role of biotechnology in driving a more sustainable future.
The Thailand Toray Science Foundation (TTSF) has continuously this initiative for 31 years to honor individuals and institutions with outstanding achievements. Recipients receive a plaque of honor and a prize of 200,000 THB for each. Additionally, the grants are 4 million THB in research funding to outstanding researchers and 690,000 THB in awards for science educators, in a total 5,490,000 THB for supporting fund.