On Friday, 13 September 2024, the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) held a guest lecture with the topic “Microbial and Protein Engineering in Various Industrial Applications”. This event was held online via the Zoom platform by presenting Dr. Yosephine Gumulya from the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Australia, as a speaker.
The event opened with remarks from Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D, who highlighted the importance of this topic in the industrial world.
“The topic of Microbial and Protein Engineering has many applications, especially in various industrial activities. I hope this lecture will provide new insights for students regarding activities related to microbes and protein engineering in industry. “I also hope this is useful for students,” said Prof. Irfan.
In her presentation, Dr. Yosephine Gumulya explained that enzyme and microbial engineering is a powerful approach for changing proteins and microbes to meet specific needs in various industrial applications. According to her, this technology can be used in various sectors, such as a white biotechnology for producing chemicals, red for producing medicines, and green for environmental restoration and bioremediation.
Dr. Yosephine also discusses protein engineering for pharmaceutical applications, particularly in developing the innovative Cytochrome P450 enzyme for the synthesis of drug metabolites. In addition, she also described the CLADE (Combinatorial Libraries of Ancestors for Directed Evolution) method and the development of the new ketol acid reductoisomerase enzyme.
Apart from that, Dr. Yosephine explained the potential of microbial engineering in resource recovery, such as biomining for low-grade ore, increasing microbial resistance to environmental stress, and cutting-edge applications in outer space. Microbes are also being engineered for food applications, such as plant-based milk alternatives, plant-based yoghurts, and plant-based fermentations.
The atmosphere of the guest lecture was interactive and exciting, as seen by the large number of students and lecturers who actively discussed during the question-and-answer session. Dr. Yosephine also gave a message to the guest lecture participants, as well as closing her presentation.
“Enzyme and microbial engineering are a powerful approach to utilize proteins and microbes to meet specific needs in various industrial applications,” said Dr. Josephine
This guest lecture provides new and in-depth insights for students about the applications of microbial and protein engineering in various industrial sectors, from pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, to food processing. This activity also supports the achievement of SDGs, namely SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
