In the third session of the Biotechnology Seminar hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), Dr. Kengo Inoue from the Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University presented his research on electrogenic microbial communities in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) systems. His work demonstrates the dual functionality of these systems in treating liquid waste while simultaneously generating electrical energy.

Dr. Inoue explained that MFC systems operated continuously for more than three years were able to maintain stable and high performance. During that period, an enrichment of specific microorganisms occurred, particularly methanogens and sulfate-reducing bacteria, which play a vital role in maintaining system stability. The presence of these two microbial groups not only increases the efficiency of organic compound degradation in liquid waste but also strengthens the system’s capacity to produce clean energy. read more

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), concluded its Biotechnology Seminar series with a presentation by Dr. Mari Maeda-Yamamoto from the Institute of Food Research, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan. Her lecture, titled “Development of Functional Green Tea Using Functional Food Labeling System in Japan,” explored the evolving role of functional foods in advancing the food healthcare sector.

Dr. Maeda-Yamamoto explained that Japan has a clear and strict classification system for food products. General food products are not permitted to feature health claims. However, there are special categories such as “Foods for Special Dietary Uses” intended for patients, pregnant women, infants, or individuals with swallowing difficulties, which require inspection by the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA). read more

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) began its Biotechnology Seminar series with a presentation by Prof. Hideaki Nojiri from the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo. In his presentation, he introduced the latest screening technology capable of revealing the presence of new aromatic degraders and hidden interactions between bacteria in the environment.

Prof. Nojiri emphasized that the behavior of bacteria in nature cannot be understood from a single strain alone, but through microbial consortia working synergistically. The research, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, shows how bacterial communities collaborate to degrade hazardous compounds such as pyrene, opening significant opportunities for the development of bioremediation technology. read more