Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biotechnology
Suranaree University of Technology (SUT)
Nakhon Ratchasima, THAILAND
About MY Lab from the Founder...
Dr. Montarop Yamabhai has a dream to teach and inspire new generation of researchers in pursue of new and exciting innovations. In a cooperation with Suranaree University of Technology, Dr. Yamabhai's dream has been realized as “Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory” or MYLab since May 1st, 2004. Under her supervision, students and researchers from all over the world are invited to join our program to exchange idea and share experiences.
The Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory (MYLab) at Suranaree University of Technology was established on May 1st, 2004. It was founded by Dr. Montarop Yamabhai with the vision to teach and inspire a new generation of researchers to pursue new and exciting innovations. MYLab welcomes students and researchers from all over the world to join its programs to exchange ideas and share experiences.
MYLab focuses on the application of high-throughput techniques for the structure-function analysis of proteins and their roles in various cellular activities. This foundational work is geared towards significant biotechnological applications.
Our strength lies in the implementation of two main, well-established techniques: directed evolution and phage display technology. These cutting-edge methods form the basis of our ongoing projects and drive our innovative research forward.
Our expertise is centered on two primary platforms:
Oligosaccharide Production Platform: We have developed an innovative enzyme technology to produce short-chain sugars (oligosaccharides) with high anti-inflammatory properties from agricultural byproducts like coconut and coffee grounds, as well as chitin from shrimp shells and insects. These natural, water-soluble products have significant potential as active ingredients in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and dietary supplements.
Biologic Drug Production Platform: This platform is dedicated to the discovery and production of antibody-based drugs. We have created a human antibody library, "Ya-Mo 1," from the blood of 170 donors in Nakhon Ratchasima. This library serves as a source for discovering new antibody drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and drug-resistant infections. We are also developing animal cell lines for efficient antibody drug production to make these treatments more accessible and affordable.
Our research and production methods emphasize clean, environmentally friendly technologies. By creating value-added products from agricultural waste, we contribute to a circular economy and sustainable practices.
We are committed to advancing biotechnology to address critical needs in health and industry. Our goal is to develop innovations that can be patented, certified, and brought to market. We are also dedicated to making high-cost biologic drugs more accessible to the general population in Thailand and neighboring countries, thereby improving public health outcomes.
Our research is focused on utilizing molecular evolution technology, a field recognized with the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, to develop enzymes and antibodies for creating innovative bioproducts. Current projects involve the improvement of various enzymes for biotechnological applications and the engineering of antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Our work is supported by numerous governmental agencies in Thailand, including Suranaree University of Technology, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), and the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), as well as international bodies such as IFS, eASIA, AUNP, Erasmus, and the Newton Fund. We collaborate with researchers from leading institutions both domestically (e.g., Mahidol, Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, Silpakorn, Rangsit) and internationally (in Austria, Australia, USA, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark).
MYLab is located at the F-10 and F-14 Building, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
We explore molecular biotechnology approach to create innovations for the hapiness of mankind.
This labotaroy was established ~ 20 years ago. Currently, the lab is highly international with members from Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Mynmar, Nepal, and India.
picture taken at MY New Year & Birtday Party, 2024