[Edaily Reporter YU JIN-HEE ] A forum exploring the future of natural product science in Asia—ranging from the biosynthetic principles of naturally derived molecules to cutting-edge life sciences incorporating microgravity environments in space—took place in Jeju.

The Korean Chapter of the Asian Society for Natural Products (ASNP) announced on the 9th that the 10th International Conference on Natural Products (NATPRO10) concluded successfully after a three-day run from the 4th to the 6th at the Ara Convention Hall at Jeju National University.

The event brought together approximately 300 participants from industry, academia, and research institutions, including about 80 international researchers from various Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mongolia. The conference was organized under the leadership of Mo Sang-hyun, CEO of BIO-FD&C Co.,Ltd.(251120) and President of ASNP, and Professor Kim So-mi of Jeju National University, who served as both Chair of the Organizing Committee and President of the Korean Chapter. Keynote lectures and 14 specialized academic sessions were held through close cooperation between the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Jeju National University.

The ASNP is an academic platform operated through chapters in five countries: South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam. It serves as a key bridge for sharing country-specific biological resources and fostering organic integration between chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and industry.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Takayoshi Awakawa of the Center for Sustainable Resource Science at the RIKEN Institute in Japan. Dr. Awakawa presented strategies for expanding molecular diversity under the theme “Biosynthesis of Natural Products Derived from Beta-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (β-NAD).”

In the subsequent chemical biology session, Dr. Takahiro Mori of the University of Tokyo and Waseda University shared examples of 3D structural analysis of biosynthetic enzymes and protein engineering modifications. Dr. Takuto Kumano of the University of Tsukuba presented the results of a bioconversion of piperine using the microorganism Rhodococcus.

These studies demonstrated that the focus of natural product screening has evolved from the traditional qualitative analysis of “what active ingredients are present” to “which enzymes catalyze the synthetic reactions and how they can be engineered for practical applications.”

In the Cell Agriculture session, the spotlight was on technologies that link plants’ natural biosynthetic capabilities to biofoundry processes. Baek Ki-yeop, CEO of Wellgreen, presented a technology for the large-scale cultivation of wild ginseng adventitious roots that maximizes ginsenoside content using large-capacity bioreactors.

Chairman Mo introduced high-value-added plant cell line cultivation technology under the theme “From Camellia Cells to Useful Biomolecules.” He emphasized process design know-how for stably increasing the yield of specific functional metabolites, as well as commercialization strategies.

Cell agriculture—which selectively cultivates only active ingredients on a large scale without indiscriminately harvesting wild plant resources—garnered attention as a sustainable alternative for biomanufacturing that simultaneously achieves biodiversity conservation and a stable supply of raw materials.

The session that drew the most attention at this academic conference was the one on astrobiology and medicine. Attempts continued to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of life phenomena by introducing gravitational variables different from those on Earth. Dr. Nan Phan of the Institute of Life Sciences at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) reported on changes in dehydrogenase activity in drug-resistant leukemia cells under microgravity conditions simulating Earth’s environment. Dr. Joshua Chow of the Japanese biotech company CellGen introduced the potential of using microgravity to track aging mechanisms and produce stem cell exosomes.

Subsequently, Professor Kim Su-ji of Korea University and Professor Kim Hyun-woo of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) delivered in-depth presentations on data regarding musculoskeletal degeneration and accelerated muscle aging occurring in the space environment. Their findings received a strong response from participants, particularly regarding the potential to utilize changes in the human body observed during spaceflight as a screening platform for anti-aging research.

Practical research on linking indigenous biological resources from various Asian countries to industrial applications was also presented. Professor Montarop Yamabai of Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand presented achievements in enzyme applications based on immunobiotechnology, while Dr. Lo Kai Er of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Business and Technology in Malaysia revealed the mechanism by which chrysanthemum extract controls hyperuricemia. Dr. Joyce Rodriguez of San Carlos University in the Philippines introduced the cytotoxic efficacy against colorectal cancer derived from indigenous plants.

In addition, companies such as Viewkey Korea, a specialist in natural product isolation and purification equipment; BIO-FD&C Co.,Ltd., a leader in plant cell platforms; and PyoBioTech, a biotech firm targeting ovarian aging, participated as sponsors, enhancing the effectiveness of industry-academia research collaboration.

In his closing remarks, Chairman Mo stated, “The boundaries of natural product science are expanding infinitely—from basic research identifying natural molecules to cell agriculture for their mass production, and even anti-aging screening utilizing the space environment.” He added, “We will consolidate the Asian research network to secure core technologies that will lead the global biotech market.”