Bioproton Postgraduate Research Scholarship Recipient
Bioproton has partnered with The University of Queensland‘s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) to start a world-class PhD program to develop efficient enzyme encapsulation technology.
Mr Victor (Yilun) Weng has been selected as the recipient of the Postgraduate Research Scholarship awarded by Bioproton in July 2020. Recently, Mr Weng has achieved another milestone. He completed his PhD Confirmation in June 2021.
Mr Weng’s research will investigate emerging encapsulation technologies for enzyme immobilisation, particularly phytase. Phytase was selected as a model enzyme because of its importance in enhancing the nutritional value of feed and improving animal growth performance and health.
“After exploring emerging technologies for enzyme encapsulation, my project will aim to provide solutions to improve enzyme thermostability accompanied by enhanced activity and efficacy in animals,” said Mr Weng.
The encapsulated phytase showed promising results in Mr Weng’s earlier trial, but “there is still a long way to go,” said Mr Weng.
“The potential of this enzyme engineering project is enormous, and I am excited to see where it goes,’ said Mr Juhani von Hellens, Technical Manager of Bioproton.
Mr Weng’s research will be beneficial for enzyme manufacturers and developers and sustainable livestock and poultry production.
Mr Weng’s supervisors include Dr Wendy Chen from Bioproton and Professor Chunxia Zhao, and Dr Hao Song from AIBN.
Photo: Left to Right: Dr Wendy Chen, Professor Chunxia Zhao, Mr Victor Weng, Mr Juhani von Hellens, Dr Hao Song.
