| Research Directions |
| The core technologies focus on protein purification and functional analysis, as well as recombinant protein expression. The primary emphasis is on the development and application of key enzymes. |
| The laboratory research includes: |
| 1. |
Proteins/enzymes of aiyu: Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang is an endemic plant in Taiwan. Aiyu jelly, made by washing its achenes/seeds, is a well-known traditional beverage. In addition to being rich in pectin, aiyu jelly contains various proteins, among which pectin methylesterase and chitinase are abundant. We further study and identify relatively low-abundance pathogenesis-related proteins. During the harvesting of aiyu fruits, a considerable amount of latex exudes from the stem near the peduncle. Based on the effective utilization of agricultural resources, we have recently studied proteases and other proteins in aiyu latex, which is considered agricultural waste. |
| 2. |
Fungal secreted proteins and natural substances: including purification and characterization of chitinase from Trichoderma species, as well as development of simple methods to extract cordycepin and other compounds from fermentation residues. |
| 3. |
Microbial tolerance to climate and environmental changes: including screening of salt-tolerant and heat-tolerant Trichoderma strains. |
