Category: Research Highlights

Highlights in Functional ingredient and High Valued Agricultural Products and Health Foods

Development of high-value products from porcine placenta functional ingredients

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Tavan Janvilisri, Mahidol University

Porcine placenta – a by-product of food industry – has been shown to contain functional ingredients with various bioactive properties including pro-proliferation, antioxidants and antimicrobials. These functional ingredients have potential to be developed into high-value products. This project aims to develop the production processes of functional ingredients found in porcine placenta into commercial products, namely a skin rejuvenation product, a hair growth product, a bioactive peptide-based wound healing product and a substitute bioproduct for calf serum. The processes developed in this project will be ready to move to pilot production. This research project will create economic benefit to the swine production industry, including pig farms and agricultural cooperatives. Sponsored under a public-private collaboration between PMU-C and CCF Energy Supplement (Thailand) Company Limited, the project is carried out by a research team consisting of Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, Silpakorn University, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and Ratchaburi Livestock Cooperative.

Evaluation of consumption safety and effects of functional drink containing tuna oil on working memory, emotional stresses, and aging process in perimenopausal and menopausal women

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Khon Kaen University

Tuna oil has high contents of omega-3-fatty acids e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Health benefits of omega-3-fatty acids include enhancing brain function, slowing aging process, decreasing inflammation, reducing emotional stress, and lowering blood pressure. This project aims to develop a functional drink containing tuna oil, evaluate the effect and underlying mechanisms of health benefits, and assess the safety for human consumption. The production process along with health benefit and safety information developed in this project will be ready to advance to industrial production and commercialization. This is a joint project between Khon Kaen University and Thai Union Group Public Company Limited.

Pilot plant for standardized herbal extract phase 2

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornkanok Ingkaninan, Naresuan University

This project aims to bring the Naresuan University herbal extraction pilot plant established with partial funding from PMU-C to the GMP standard which is one of the requirements for the production of certified herbal extracts supplying to industries. Cannabis and hemp extracts produced from the pilot plant will be studied for their potential use as active ingredients in a wide variety of herbal products and functional food. The facility will also be designed for future expansion to produce medical-grade extracts such as CBD oil for placing under the tongue. This GMP facility will support research, development and upscale production, thus expediting the commercialization of herbal extracts. The project is a collaboration between Naresuan University and SLC Interlab Company Limited.

9 June 2022
Highlights in Digital Platform

Automated glaucoma screening system using visual field based on virtual reality and fundus image based on deep learning

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaturong Tantibundhit, Thammasat University

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss after cataract disease. Due to the shortage of ophthalmologists in Thailand, an automated glaucoma screening will help lessen the burden of ophthalmologists and allow patients to get access to diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner, thus preventing vision loss. This project proposes to develop an automated screening system for glaucoma powered by artificial intelligence. The proposed system employs a virtual reality device to screen for visual field abnormalities and uses deep learning to detect retinal abnormalities from retinal images. This screening system has a potential to save THB 14 million on imported technology and the cost of screening.

Development of a Bangkok Cooperative Store Management System

Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsarun Bonyopakorn, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok

Bangkok Cooperative Store operates five store branches and has more than 140,000 members. Advancement in digital technology and change in lifestyle have driven customers to engage in online shopping. To stay competitive, Bangkok Cooperative Store plans to open an online shop. This project aims to develop Bangkok Cooperative Store Management System to enable Bangkok Cooperative Store to increase sales volume from an online channel while avoiding the duplicate work within the cooperative and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Digital tools and services will be introduced to the operation, such as using cloud system as a data center and offering new payment methods such as QR code and mobile banking to increase customers’ convenience.

Development of a deep learning system for smart robot bin-picking

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siridech Boonsang, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang

Bin picking robots combines industrial robots with 3D cameras, thus allowing them to operate with 3D vision and accurately pick-up objects. Thanks to this capability, bin picking robots are increasingly used in manufacturing to improve productivity, reduce human errors and replace human in labor-intensive or dangerous tasks. This project aims to develop a deep learning system to enhance object recognition and position estimation capability of bin picking robots. The smart bin picking robot developed from this project will be put into use and reduce the dependence on foreign technology.

10 June 2022
Highlights in Enerygy, Chemicals and Biomaterials

Synthesis of wood surface protection coating from agricultural wastes using green technology

Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Duangamol Tungasmita, Chulalongkorn University

Oil palm empty fruit bunches are by-products of palm oil production. They contain lignocellulose that can be developed into wood coatings used for the protection and refinement of wood and wood-made furniture. The stringent regulation on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in wood coatings has caused the shift from petroleum-based to biobased wood coatings, thus presenting an opportunity for utilizing oil palm empty fruit bunches in the production of wood coatings. This project aims to develop green wood coatings using oil palm empty fruit bunches as feedstock and characterize their physical and chemical properties. Green technology is employed to convert lignocellulose in oil palm empty fruit bunches into modified lignin and biobased solvents, both of which are mixed to obtain green wood coatings. Results of this project will not only offer a solution to waste utilization, but also create a green product for both local and international markets.

Production of green fuel and synthetic fuel from green technologies for transportation

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suwimol Wongsakulphasatch, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok

Fossil fuels are one of the contributors to climate change and air pollution as its combustion releases greenhouse gases and particulate matters (PM2.5). Reducing fossil fuel use can be done by adding or replacing it with biobased fuels such as biodiesel as well as employing green technology in the production process. This project aims at developing the production of bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD) from palm oil and its by-products, as well as a green process for the production of synthetic fuel. The result of this project will represent a clean renewable energy innovation with commercial viability. Joining forces with PMU-C to sponsor this project are PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, Verasuwan Company Limited, Cherdchai Corporation Company Limited and Polawat Engine Company Limited. The project is carried out by a research team consisting of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Suranaree University of Technology, Silpakorn University and Mahidol University.

Hybrid artificial intelligence optimizer for biodiesel and ethanol distiller for higher energy efficiency and automated early anomaly detection in biodiesel and ethanol industries

Principal Investigator: Mr. Wiroon Tanthapanichakoon, Global R&D Company Limited

Not only are distillation columns the most important component of biodiesel and ethanol distillation operation, they also represent the highest energy consumption part. To save energy, optimizers are employed to improve their performance. However, optimizers used in Thailand are mostly imported. This project aims to develop an AI-powered hybrid optimizer for distillation column to improve energy efficiency and prevent process anomaly. The success of this project will not only contribute to the energy saving, but also replace imported products.

9 June 2022
Highlights in Tourism and Creative Economy

A creative railroad tourism development beyond Lanna modernization era

Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Natthanan Thitiyapramote, Lampang Rajabhat University

Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered gravely due to the decline of foreign tourists caused by the pandemic. This project is initiated to encourage domestic travel to support the profoundly impacted industry. The project proposes to design Lanna railroad tourism by employing a creative economy concept. The Lanna rail tour will present the way of life of people in northern Thailand, history of Lanna modernization and creative products via the train travel that passes through old towns of Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai provinces. The Lanna railroad tourism is expected to revive tourism businesses in these three provinces, bringing in revenue to the communities.

Prototype of administration of WellHotel to be a quality health tourism destination

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petsunee Thungjaroenkul, Chiang Mai University

Before the pandemic, Thai wellness tourism was ranked 13th in the world, generating an estimated USD 12 billion revenue and employing 530,000 workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new trends to travelling including sanitation, hygiene, safety, social distancing, digital technology, reliability and social responsibility, setting new standards for the travel industry. Thai wellness industry must prepare to embrace these new trends in order to become “Global Wellness Tourism Destination”. WellHotel is an international quality standard for wellness travelling, and therefore WellHotel accreditation is an essential element to bolster the competitiveness of wellness businesses in Thailand. In this project, a prototype of WellHotel administration has been developed. Aonang Princeville Villa Resort and Spa became the first establishment to use this prototype and successfully integrated local arts and traditional knowledge such as Thai kick boxing and “Tek therapy” into its wellness treatment program.

Storytelling through food and development of food ambassadors

Principal Investigator: Dr. Chirdchai Chantarat, Perfectlink Consulting Group Company Limited

This project aims to employ gastrodiplomacy to create economic value to local resources and culture. “Storytelling through food” is the presentation of local culture, identity, history and way of life through culinary arts and food products and services. Not only can it create an appreciation to local culinary culture and arts, “storytelling through food” is also able to add economic value to Thai food, local resources and products and improve the competitiveness of local businesses. Knowledge obtained from the project will be used to design an online training platform to develop gastro-storytelling specialists to support the creative economy which is part of the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) national agenda.

9 June 2022
Highlights in Health and Medicine

Center for development of international standard and spectroscopy in medical laboratory

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patcharee Jearanaikoon, Khon Kaen University

This project aims to establish the Center for Innovation and Standard for Medical Technology and Physical Therapy (CISMaP) to provide a biospectroscopy platform to support disease diagnosis studies. The biospectroscopy platform in this project can employ a variety of light sources, including infrared, synchrotron source, fluorescence, ultraviolet and visible light. In addition, CISMaP will seek to obtain the ISO/IEC 17025 certification to perform kidney stone analysis using infrared spectroscopy and the ISO/IEC 17043 certification for proficiency testing in microbial inoculation and characterization. Under the collaboration with Firmer Company Limited, the center plans to provide biospectrocopy services to medical laboratories in hospitals nationwide. CISMaP is expected to drive the development of diagnostic innovations in Thailand, enabling the saving on imports and opportunities for new export products

Development of vacuum blood collection tube

Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Wanvisa Treebuphachatsakul, Naresuan University

Blood collection tubes used in Thailand are primarily imported. Local production of blood collection tubes can help offset the imports and promote the medical device industry in Thailand. Innomed blood collection tube is an innovation developed by Naresuan University in collaboration with its spinoff WE Med Lab Center Company Limited. The tube is coated with two formulations of blood additive agents commonly used in blood collection for laboratory testing, i.e., one to promote or prevent blood clotting and the other to stabilize sugar level. With two formulations of blood additives, one single Innomed tube can be used for two tests, namely biochemistry and blood sugar, and therefore offering a cost-effective solution and requiring less amount of blood drawn from patients. Innomed blood collection tube is currently manufactured in an ISO 13485-certified facility at Naresuan University. This project aims to build the technological capability to advance the production of Innomed blood collection tubes from non-vacuum to vacuum type to offer more products to the market. In this project, the manufacturing will be expanded from non-vacuum to vacuum type and upgraded to obtain CE marking to ensure the quality of the product.

Collaborative laboratory network for diagnostic innovation: Prince of Songkla University and southern network (PSU Medical Diagnostic Technology and Health Informatics, MedTHI)

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Teerapol Srichana, Prince of Songkla University

This project aims to strengthen the capacity of the collaborative laboratory network for diagnostic innovation whose members consist of medical laboratories at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) and its partners in southern Thailand. Under this project, PSU laboratories will develop their capacity to meet the requirements of ISO 15189, ISO 15190 and ISO 13485 standards. The standards conformity will enable laboratories to broaden their medical diagnostic scope and allow physicians and researchers in the region to have access to advanced technologies. In addition, PSU plans to develop a comprehensive operational process for applications of next generation sequencing into clinical work which will significantly promote precision medicine research and innovation. Based on its successful development of microfluidic sperm sorting device, PSU will continue to improve the performance of this sperm sorting device and design other types of medical equipment to enable domestic manufacturing of medical devices and reduce Thailand’s dependence on import products.

Research and development on production of Clostridium botulinum antitoxin type A and B for preclinical studies

Principal Investigator: Mr. Nakorn Premsri, M.D., National Vaccine Institute

Botulism antitoxin (BAT) is used to treat patients who are exposed to botulinum toxin. This project aims to enable the domestic BAT production, thus strengthening the national health security. The production of Clostridium botulinum antitoxin type A and B will be developed, and preclinical studies of the antitoxins will be performed. The project will be carried out by the National Vaccine Institute in collaboration with Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute – an establishment with extensive capability and experience in antitoxin research and production, including rabies vaccine and snake antivenin.

Development of GMP/PICs pilot plant for the production of standardized herbal extract for medical and food applications: the preliminary study in kratom plant model

Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Wanichsuwan, Prince of Songkla University

This project aims to establish a GMP/PICs pilot plant for the production of standardized herbal extract for medical and food application. Located in Southern Region Industrial Estate in Songkhla Province, the facility will be used to produce Kratom extract for research and development to unlock its commercial potential. Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil is a herbal plant whose pharmaceutical benefits have been extensively studied. In addition to GMP standard, the facility and its operation will be designed to comply with Thailand’s Narcotics Act under which Kratom is regulated. The project is funded under the collaboration between PMU-C and Interpharma Company Limited.

9 June 2022
Highlights in Circular Economy

Improving performance and quality of recycled PET for packaging industry

Principal Investigator: Dr. Amporn Sane, Kasetsart University

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics. Every year, one million tons of PET plastic waste is generated in Thailand. PET plastic recycling will not only reduce the amount of waste destined to landfills or polluting the environment, but also minimize the consumption of new resources. The key to PET recycling is the safety and processability of recycled PET (rPET), especially when it is used for the production of a food contact material. This project, therefore, focuses on the development of rPET for the packaging industry, by examining the effect of quality and contamination of PET waste to the properties of rPET, the decontamination and cleaning efficiency of the current industrial recycling system and the degradation of rPET during the recycling and processes. The project is expected to increase the competitiveness of Thai packaging industry, enable the circular economy, lower the amount of plastic waste going to landfills and reduce environmental burden associated with plastic waste. This project is sponsored by PMU-C in collaboration with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited.

Development of the modular steel building construction system with a digital platform to improve competitiveness to make a transition to a circular economy

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nongnuch Poolsawad, National Science and Technology Development Agency

The construction sector is a resource intensive industry and thus becomes a priority industry to implement circularity. Among various forms of construction, modular steel structure offers several benefits, including rapid fabrication and installation processes, high quality of the structure and reusability. This project focuses on the development of modular steel building construction system with Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM-based tools and platforms enable efficient construction design and planning, minimize errors, make an estimation of building material quantities and give a calculation of material circularity indicator (MCI). By improving resource use efficiency, minimizing waste and increasing material circularity, the project will enhance the competitiveness of Thai construction industry and support its transition into the circular economy. The National Science and Technology Development Agency will take the lead in executing the project in collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and Athletic Solution Company Limited.

Study on the circular dairy farming model for waste management and sustainable development

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nattaphorn Kaewprathum, Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand

This project aims to develop the circular dairy farming model and the utilization of dairy farm wastes. Dairy farmers will be invited to engage in the design and implementation to build a sense of ownership and a strong base for community development. The project is expected to bring sustainability to the dairy farming sector, while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment, as well as adding economic value to wastes. Results of this study will be developed into a dairy farm management manual and served as a model for national expansion. This project is carried out by the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand in collaboration with Prince of Songkla University, Asia-Pacific International University and Mahidol University.

Development of circular product labelling system to promote material circularity to move towards the national policy of circular economy

Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Rattanawan Mungkung, Kasetsart University

Circular product labelling plays an important role in fostering circular economy activities. It stimulates market development and innovation in resource efficient products and services. This project will design the circular product labelling system through the following exercises: reviewing circular product labelling schemes in various countries to find best practices, performing SWOT analysis and prioritizing products for labelling scheme development. The project will focus on five sectors: agriculture and food, building materials, plastic, packaging, and fashion and lifestyle products. The project is carried out by Kasetsart University in partnership with Thailand Environment Institute, the Ministry of Industry and the Federation of Thai Industries.

10 June 2022
Highlights in Future Mobility, Robotics and Automation

Next generation automotive industry’s capability enhancement in Thailand through the development of swappable battery platform for electric motorcycle

Principal Investigator: Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, National Science and Technology Development Agency

The Thai government has announced a policy to make Thailand a hub of electric vehicle (EV) production in ASEAN. To realize this goal, research and development on EVs and their components is promoted. This project aims to establish a standard platform for swappable battery pack which can be used across various lines of motorcycles at any charging station. The platform offers a solution to overcome the hurdle of long charging time and high cost of ownership. The scope of this study includes the design and development of a standardized battery pack that will fit universally across motorbike types and brands as well as a charging station. The project is carried out by a consortium of ten organizations, including the National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khon Kaen University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, A.P. Honda Company Limited, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, GP Motor (Thailand) Company Limited, Beta Energy Solution Company Limited, I-Motor Manufacturing Company Limited, and GridWhiz (Thailand) Company Limited.

Research and development for electric waterjet boat

Principal Investigator: Mr. Khanawut Mudmun, Sakun C Innovation Company Limited

This project aims to develop an electric waterjet pontoon boat. The scope covers the development of a water-cooled magnet-free electric motor and a drivetrain using main parts and components manufactured in Thailand. The project is expected to drive sustainable growth of Thailand’s electric boat industry and reinforce Thailand’s vision to become the production hub of electric vehicles. It represents a public-private collaboration between Sakun C Innovation Company Limited and the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center.

Prototype development of passenger train (Thai-made Train)

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somyot Kaitwanidvilai, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang

This project aims to build a passenger train prototype to enable the manufacturing of Thai-made trains. The development consists of the following steps: 1) assessment of user requirements and manufacturer capability, 2) train design and computer simulation, 3) material selection and train manufacturing process, 4) assembly engineering, and 5) testing and certification. The project brings together research and academic institutes spearheaded by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and companies in the value chain led by Joint Venture Sinogen-Pin Petch Company Limited, in collaboration with the State Railway of Thailand. In addition, a collaboration with Chinese rail equipment manufacturer CRRC Tangshan Company Limited has been formed to facilitate the transfer of technologies – bogie design, installation and maintenance – to Thailand. This Thai-made train will fulfil Thailand’s goal to become more self-reliant in railway technology.

Intelligent unmanned aerial logistics management system development for urban areas

Principal Investigator: Mr. Michael Bruce Currie, FlingX Company Limited

This project focuses on the development of unmanned aerial logistics management system for urban areas to drive the competitiveness of Thailand’s aviation industry. The scope includes the design and development of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software as well as a ground control. While the ERP software connects drone service providers to its trade partners to enable integrated resource management, the ground control station supports the drone battery charging and package delivery management and therefore must be designed to seamlessly link to drones and the ERP. To accelerate the development, the project will acquire the technology transfer from China on charging station technology and Canada on an ERP system. This project will help pioneer the drone delivery service in Thailand that complies with the aviation safety regulations.

10 June 2022
Highlights in Technology Localization

Research and development of light rail transit vehicle prototype using Thailand’s localization in order to extend into industrial production

Principal Investigator: Dr. Paiwan Kerdtuad, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus

Electrification of public transport provides an opportunity to not only lower air pollution, but also meet global goals on climate change. This project determines to develop Thailand’s capability to design and manufacture light rail vehicles and their parts through collaboration between public and private organizations in Thailand and abroad, thus enabling Thailand to replace imports and reduce its dependence on foreign technologies. Light rail vehicle prototypes will be developed via academic collaboration with world-class institutes in Germany, France and Japan. Through technology localization process, the research team expects to develop prototypes of various parts – bogie, car body, traction motor, traction inverter, cooling system, pantograph, auxiliary power unit, fastener, and rubber concrete rail sleeper – and assemble a full light rail system. Industry partners in this project – including Cho Thavee Public Company Limited, Total Innology Company Limited and Tappratarnporn Wasduphan Limited Partnership – all have the potential and capacity to expand their production lines to manufacture parts for the light rail transit system. In addition to the prototypes, the project will contribute to human resource development in both the academia and industry in the area of railway design and production to enable the growth of Thailand’s railway industry to meet the rising demand. The implementation of light rail transit system is being planned in several major cities, including Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Overall, the project will underpin Thailand’s climate vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2065, as well as the effort to turn Thailand into ASEAN EV production hub.

10 June 2022
Highlights in Deep Science & Technology Accelerator Platform

A platform to enhance competitiveness and commercialization of innovation for a good quality of life (smart living)

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Pattarachai Kiratisin, M.D., Mahidol University

This project proposes the development of a platform to facilitate the transfer of research and innovation with commercial and social benefits at Mahidol University. The proposed platform will cover an overall process of research commercialization, ranging from developing necessary skills for researchers to be able to identify pain points and designing feasible solutions, to providing facilities such as central instruments facility, co-working space and maker space, facilitating funds for product development and commercialization, supporting technology transfer, and increasing access to capital from investors to expand business opportunity. The project is expected to accelerate the innovation commercialization and enable innovations to contribute the country’s social and economic development.

Accelerator platform for science and tech innovation: Accessible design for elderly well-being, food, cosmeceutical and physical safety

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Arnat Leemakdej, Thammasat University

In this project, Thammasat University proposes to develop a management system to support research and technology commercialization. A mechanism will be designed and put in place to link different offices in the university that are in charge of various functions in the innovation and commercialization system – e.g., research management, marketing data and business analysis, technology licensing office (TLO), business incubation and co-working space (Thammasat Creative Space and Thammasat Bualuang Mindscape) – to form a dynamic ecosystem that supports university researchers and industry clients to build successful innovation-based businesses and drive the economic growth for Thailand.

Total Innovation Business Development Center

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kampanart Theinnoi, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok

This project aims to establish Total Innovation Business Development Center at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) to drive innovations originated from KMUTNB’s state-of-the-art scientific and technological research to commercial use. The center will be made up of platforms and staff to offer integrated business development support services – ranging from world-class scientific infrastructure to support experimentation and testing of innovations, to patent and regulatory consulting services, business and marketing analysis, and financial and investor access – and provide a cross border ecosystem enabling university faculty members, researchers and students to work with industry clients to launch successful businesses. The center will also engage in human resource development to ensure that the university’s workforce in both administrative and operational functions is equipped with necessary and up-to-date skills to effectively drive research to market.

10 June 2022