ไทย
The Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University (KKU), extends its warmest congratulations to Miss Zerlinda Mara Ditta, a PhD student in the International Program in Bioscience and Bioinnovation for Sustainability, on receiving the Best Presentation Award at the 16th International Conference on Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics (ICBBB 2026). The conference was held in Kobe, Japan, from 16–19 January 2026.
The award-winning research, entitled “Biosequestration of carbon dioxide using novel β- and γ-carbonic anhydrase from bacterium Lysinibacillus sp. WH,” was supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Jindarat Ekprasert from the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, with Professor Dr. Prinya Chindaprasirt from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, serving as co-supervisor.
The study addresses the global challenge of climate change by exploring a nature-based approach for carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal. The research reports the discovery of highly efficient β- and γ-carbonic anhydrase enzymes from Lysinibacillus bacteria, which significantly accelerate the conversion of CO₂ into stable calcium carbonate minerals, similar to limestone. This process enables long-term carbon storage through mineralization.
Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the enzyme-assisted system produced carbonate minerals efficiently. This facilitates scaling up to an industrial level, highlighting its strong potential for carbon capture applications. Due to their efficiency, cleanliness, and biological origin, these enzymes represent a promising foundation for scalable and environmentally friendly technologies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions.
Miss Zerlinda Mara Ditta is an international student of the Faculty of Science and a recipient of the ASEAN–GMS Scholarship (ASEAN and Greater Mekong Subregion Scholarship), which supports students from ASEAN countries and the Greater Mekong Subregion to pursue graduate studies at Khon Kaen University. The scholarship plays a vital role in fostering international academic collaboration and nurturing future researchers in the region.
This achievement marks another significant milestone for the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, demonstrating the excellence of its international graduate programs, research capabilities, and commitment to advancing sustainable solutions to global challenges.
