Scientific Research

Biomass conversion technology: To solve basic and technological problems involved in converting biomass into lipids, oleochemicals and bio-based products. Key topics include: 1) Yeast lipid production, 2) Comprehensive biomass utilization.

Synthetic biotechnology: To develop genetic tools, platform strains and eventually advanced cell factories for lipid products and beyond. Key topics include: 1) Engineering of oleaginous yeasts, 2) Creation of synthetic biosystems.

Chemical biology: To develop non-natural cofactor-mediated systems for the regulation of energy metabolism, and to elucidate the biochemical mechanism therein, with an ultimate goal of  creating controllable and efficient cell factories. Key topics include: 1) Non-natural redox cofactor and chemical probes, 2) Energy metabolism and energy transfer process.