LIMB Wins First Prize at 57th KoSFA International Symposium & Annual Meeting, Showcases Innovative Research in Animal Food Science

 

The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) proudly showcased its research at the 57th Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources (KoSFA) International Symposium & Annual Meeting, held May 22–24, 2025, in Daejeon, Korea. This year’s conference, themed “Future Innovations of Animal Food Science to Navigate Demographic Change,” highlighted cutting-edge developments in animal food science, and LIMB made a strong impression with two poster presentations.

Jae Seung Lee wins 1st prize in poster presentation.

The first poster, “Isolation and Identification of Ligilactobacillus salivarius Strain with Casein Protein-Degrading Capability,” earned first prize, with Jae Seung Lee recognized for this outstanding contribution to enhance protein utilization and functional food development.

The second poster, “Bioactive Hetero-Exopolysaccharide from Latilactobacillus curvatus KU15003: Production, Characterization, and Functional Properties,” highlighted LIMB’s research into bioactive exopolysaccharides with applications in food and health industries.

Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang expressed his pride in the team’s achievements, highlighting their dedication to pushing the boundaries of microbiology research. Both works reflect dedication and scientific excellence, and demonstrate LIMB’s ongoing contributions to food science innovation.

LIMB’s participation in the KoSFA symposium is a testament of the laboratory’s commitment to advancing animal food science and pioneering solutions for future challenges.

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LIMB Attends RECOMB 2025 and Inaugural RECOMB: Microbiome International Conference in Seoul

Van Aldren Cañas of the Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB), Dankook University, participated in the Research in Computational Molecular Biology (RECOMB) 2025 International Conference and its inaugural satellite meeting, RECOMB: Microbiome, held April 24–25, 2025, at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. The event brought together over 1,300 researchers from 33 countries, offering a vibrant platform for discussing the latest advances in computational biology.

This year’s satellite meeting, focused on microbiome analysis, provided a unique opportunity for participants to explore cutting-edge research in microbial community studies. Among the distinguished speakers were Curtis Huttenhower (Harvard University, USA), Nikos Kyrpides (Joint Genome Institute, USA), and Jingyuan Fu (University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands), who shared insights into innovative approaches for understanding microbial function and dynamics.

Van Aldren Cañas described the experience as an exciting introduction to the international research community in computational molecular biology and microbiome studies. He expressed his gratitude to LIMB at Dankook University for supporting his participation, emphasizing how this opportunity contributes to his professional growth and engagement with the global scientific community.

Participation in RECOMB 2025 and the RECOMB: Microbiome satellite meeting exemplifies LIMB’s commitment to fostering early-career researchers’ involvement in cutting-edge scientific discussions and international collaborations.

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LIMB celebrates member's prestigious WooJung Education and Culture Foundation Scholarship award

Mr. Van Aldren Cañas accepting his scholarship with H.E. Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Korea.

Together with 98 outstanding scholars from 29 countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia, LIMB’s newest member, Mr. Van Aldren Cañas (Integrated MS-PhD student in Animal Biotechnology), was chosen as one of the recipients of the prestigious WooJung Education and Culture Foundation Scholarship granted by the Booyoung Group in Seoul, South Korea.

For the 1st semester of 2025, six (6) Filipino students from various academic disciplines were selected based on their academic excellence, character, financial need, and commitment to societal impact and global community. The awarding ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, the Philippine Ambassador to Korea, who extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Filipino scholars. She also expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the WooJung Education and Culture Foundation toward Filipino students and the broader Filipino community in South Korea and in the Philippines.

WooJung Education and Culture Foundation, Booyoung Group, and Ambassadors to Korea from different countries.

Established in 2008 by Booyoung Group President Lee Joong Keun, the WooJung Education and Culture Foundation aims to provide financial assistance to international students from developing nations, including those that supported South Korea during the Korean War. Since 2010, the foundation has awarded scholarships to over 2,500 students, reinforcing its commitment to fostering global education and cultural exchange.

Congratulations to Mr. Cañas and to all the scholars!

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LIMB's Robie Vasquez bags gold at 2024 SiyentiPIKO Research Colloquium

Mr. Robie Vasquez (third from the left) accepting his first place award.

Seoul, South Korea. LIMB once again proved its prowess as Mr. Robie Vasquez landed first place at the recently concluded 2024 SiyentiPIKO Research Colloquium held at the Seoul National University-Asia Center (SNUAC) on September 21, 2024. 

With the theme "Paghahabi ng Kaalaman at Karunungan: Weaving the Fabric of Philippines-Korea Relations through Research, Development, and Innovation," the Colloquium aimed to celebrate the international cooperation between the two countries by highlighting research proposals and published works of Filipino students and academics in South Korea.

Mr. Vasquez presenting his research work during the STEM parallel session.

Vasquez bested the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) parallel session attended by over 180 participants with his research work entitled "Oral Immunization with non-GMO surface displayed SARS-CoV-2 spike epitopes on bacteria-like particles provokes robust humoral and cellular immune responses, and modulated the gut microbiome in mice." Other thematic areas included parallel sessions in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) and Business, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics (BEAM) fields.

The event was co-hosted by Pinoy Iskolar sa Korea (PIKO) and the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, with the support of the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea (AFEK), SNUAC, University of Southeastern Philippines - College of Applied Economics (USEP), and Batangas State University - ARASOF.

Congratulations, Mr. Vasquez! We at LIMB are incredibly proud to celebrate this significant milestone.

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LIMB welcomes new MSc-PhD student!

Mr. Van Aldren T. Cañas

The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) welcomes Mr. Van Aldren T. Cañas as its newest member. Mr. Cañas will be pursuing Combined Masters-PhD degree. Mr. Cañas has a bachelor's degree in Biology (major in Microbiology) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (magna cum laude). Before joining LIMB, Mr. Cañas was working at Integrated Protein Research and Development Center (under Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering) specializing in disease diagnostics and recombinant protein engineering and expression. Mr. Cañas is a member of Philippine Society of Microbiology, Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, and UP Cell Biological Society (Alumni).

At LIMB, Mr. Cañas will work on the effect of probiotics on swine gut microbiome. 

Welcome, Van! 

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LIMB welcomes its new Postdoc!

 

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang (far-right) with Dr. Yadav (far-left) and LIMB members.

Cheonan, South Korea. LIMB welcomes Dr. Manoj Kumar Yadav as the laboratory's post-doctoral fellow. Dr. Yadav is from Uttar Pradesh, India. He obtained his PhD in Genetics at the M.D. University, Rohtak. Dr. Yadav specializes in microbial technology, focusing on the study of lactic acid bacteria-derived bacteriocins. Dr. Yadav will share his expertise with LIMB members and continue to hone his skills at LIMB. Welcome to LIMB!

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Another win for LIMB!

 

2023 July 5-7, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Mr. Jaeseung Lee and the poster he presented at the 2023 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology Conference

LIMB members such as Mr. Ji Hoon Song and Mr. Jaeseung Lee, together with their adviser, Professor Dae-Kyung Kang attended and participated in the recently completed 2023 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology Conference held at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Jeollanam-do. In the conference, Mr. Lee, a combined MS-Ph.D. student presented a poster of one of his works entitled “Isolation and identification of Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains with soy protein-degrading capability. This poster was recognized and given an excellence award by the conference organizing committee. Congratulations Jaeseung! Keep it up!

Back-to-back-to-back! LIMB bags various awards from two international conferences!

 

LIMB members and their Professor, Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang attended and participated in two simultaneous scientific conferences in Bratislava, Slovakia, and in Gyeongju, South Korea where LIMB members as well as Prof. Kang received various awards.

2023 June 20-22: Bratislava, Slovakia

LIMB Representatives in the 16^th International Scientific Conference on Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota, and Health held in Bratislava, Slovakia on June 20-22, 2023. (Left): Mr. Ji Hoon Song (combined MS-Ph.D. student) and (right): Mr. Jae Seung Lee (combined MS-Ph.D. student)

 

Mr. Ji Hoon Song presented a poster on the characterization of an anti-listerial bacteriocin produced by Ligilactobacillus agilis C7 and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and received 2^nd place for the best poster award! Congratulations Ji Hoon! We also acknowledge the work of Mr. Jeong Min Yoo, MSc., our LIMB alumnus who previously worked on the characterization of Agilicin C7. 

Mr. Ji Hoon Song beside the poster he presented entitled: Characterization of an anti-listerial bacteriocin produced by Ligilactobacillus agilis C7 and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. This poster won 2^nd place for the best poster award. 

2023 June 21-23: Gyeongju, South Korea

 

Meanwhile, in Gyeongju, South Korea, Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang led the other LIMB members and attended and participated in the 50^th Anniversary Annual Meeting and International Symposium of the Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB).

 

LIMB present at the 50^th Anniversary Annual Meeting and International Symposium of the Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB) held at Gyeongju, South Korea. In the photo from left to right: Ms. Remilyn Mendoza (Ph.D. student), Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang, Mr. Robie Vasquez (combined Ph.D. student), and Mr. Young Hee Lee (undergraduate intern) 

Mr. Robie Vasquez presenting his study entitled “Non-GMO display in Limosilactobacillus fermentum mediated by a novel anchor from a putative cell surface hydrolase”

Mr. Robie Vasquez presented his study on the Non-GMO display in Limosilactobacillus fermentum mediated by a novel anchor from a putative cell surface hydrolase and was awarded the Academic Student Award under the Lactic Acid Bacteria Division. Great work Robie! Congratulations!

Mr. Robie Vasquez received the award certificate from the KMB2023 officials along with the other awardees. 

Not only LIMB members received awards but so was their professor, Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang who was acknowledged and awarded in the KMB 2023 with the Leading Scientist Award. Congratulations Prof. Kang! LIMB is so proud of you!

Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang receiving his Leading Scientist Award from Dr. Kyu-Ho Lee president of KMB board.

Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang and Mr. Robie Vasquez were recipients of the Leading Scientist Award and Academic Student Award, respectively at the recently held KMB 2023 at Gyeongju, South Korea.

It was indeed a triumphant week for LIMB! Again, congratulations Ji Hoon, Robie, and Prof. Kang for your awards! You bring pride and joy to LIMB! Cheers~

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LIMB congratulates Dr. Chung Hoo Yoon!

 

2023 February 15, Cheonan, South Korea

 

Congratulations Dr. Chung Hoo Yoon for successfully completing your Ph.D. Degree!!

Dr. Chung Hoo Yoon is joining the roster of LIMB graduates as he has also successfully completed his Ph.D. degree and is included in Dankook University’s graduate class of 2023. During his Ph.D., Dr. Yoon was also working as the Fermented Milk Team Leader at the Research and Development Center of Maeil Dairy Co. Under the supervision of Dr. Dae Kyung Kang, Dr. Yoon worked on his Ph.D. dissertation entitled “Screening and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Derived from Traditional Fermented Foods for Development of Cognitive Function-improving Probiotics”. Dr. Yoon’s perseverance and hard work are inspirations to current LIMB members.

 

Again, congratulations Dr. Chung Hoo Yoon! And cheers to your future undertakings.

 

Job well done! LIMB celebrates its members’ graduation

 Congratulations to LIMB 2023 graduates Dr. In-Chan Hwang and Mr. Jeong Min Yoo, M.Sc.!!

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang and LIMB members were all present to congratulate Dr. In-Chan Hwang and Mr. Jeong Min Yoo, M.Sc. on their graduation. From left to right: Young Hee Lee (undergraduate intern), Dr. In-Chan Hwang, Remilyn Mendoza (Ph.D. student), Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang, Song Ji Hoon (combined MS-Ph.D student), Mr. Jeong Min Yoo, M.Sc., Jaeseung Lee (combined MS-Ph.D student), and Robie Vasquez (combined MS-Ph.D student). 

2023 February 15, Cheonan, South Korea.

Two LIMB members finally completed their graduate studies, In-Chan Hwang Ph.D., and Jeong Min Yoo, M.Sc. For his Ph.D. dissertation, Dr. In-Chan Hwang worked on the development of a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-based vector expressing SARS-CoV2 antigen that elicited an immune response in immune cells and mice. This study opens a possibility on the use of lactic acid bacteria in the development of mucosal vaccines. Meanwhile, Mr. Jeong Min Yoo worked on the characterization of an anti-listerial bacteriocin, agilicin C7, from Ligilactobacillus agilis C7. Both added valuable contributions to the pool of knowledge on lactic acid bacteria.  Dr. Hwang is currently preparing for his post-doctoral application while Mr. Yoo has started working as a Research Scientist in a private company. 

(Left ) Dr. In-Chan Hwang and Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang     (Right) Dr. Dae-Kyung Kang and Mr. Jeong Min Yoo, M.Sc. 

LIMB 2023 graduates (left) Dr. In-Chan Hwang and (right) Mr. JeongMin Yoo, M.Sc.

 

Again, congratulations to our 2023 graduates! Cheers to new beginnings and good luck with your future endeavors!

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Professor D-K Kang Appointed as the new Vice-President of KoSFA

Professor Dae-Kyung-Kang and Jeong Min Yoo attended the 2022 Fall Symposium Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources (KoSFA) held at Konkuk University, Korea on November 4, 2022.

Before the symposium, the 2022 Regular General Meeting of the Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources was held. At this annual general meeting, Professor Kang was appointed as Vice President of the said society.

The symposium, with the theme “Food-Tech Revolution in Livestock Food Industry” aims to strengthen and develop domestic and foreign livestock food industries. The symposium also aims to communicate useful information amongst its esteemed members.

Professor Kang was also invited to present during the symposium. His presentation was titled “Multiomic Analysis for the Characterization of Probiotic Properties".

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LIMB Attends IPC 2022 in Slovakia!

 

LIMB members, Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Yoo at the IPC 2022 conference. 

Bratislava, Slovakia. LIMB members, Robie Vasquez and Jeong Min Yoo attended the 15th INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON PROBIOTICS, PREBIOTICS, GUT MICROBIOTA AND HEALTH (IPC) last June 27-30, 2022 at the Carlton Hotel, Bratislava, Slovakia. IPC is the premier conference for probiotics and prebiotics attended by scientists, young researchers, and businesses all around the world. It is held yearly, but due to the pandemic, this is the first time face-to-face conference has been held since 2019. Top scientists from different institutions attended the conference to share knowledge and connect with other scientists in the field. 

Mr. Vasquez during his oral presentation at the IPC 2022 conference. 

In addition to attending, LIMB member, Robie Vasquez, presented an oral presentation entitled "Supplementation of Novel Probiotics, Limosilactobacillus mucosae LM1, Increased Fecal SCFA in Growing Pigs Through Gut Microbiome Modulation". The presentation was under the Young Scientist Oral Presentation. 

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LIMB at the 49th Annual Meeting and International Symposium

 

Gyeongju, South Korea. Prof Dae-Kyung Kang and several LIMB members attended the 49th KMB Annual Meeting & International Symposium, held at HICO, Gyeongju, South Korea last June 22-24, 2021. The symposium was organized under the auspice of The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB). KMB 2022 is one of the largest symposium in South Korea for microbiology and biotechnology. LIMB members present at the symposium were Jae Seung Lee, Jeong Min Yoo, In-Chan Hwang, and Remilyn Mendoza. 

Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang (center) and LIMB members.

Aside from attending plenary lectures, LIMB member, Mr. In-Chan Hwang (PhD candidate) also joined the poster presentation. His poster entitled "Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens on the Surface of Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Development of Oral Vaccine" is part of his PhD thesis dissertation. 

LIMB PhD candidate I-C Hwang beside his poster presentation. 

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LIMB Welcomes New PhD Student

LIMB welcomes its newest member, Ms. Remilyn M. Mendoza. Remilyn obtained both her BS degree in Biology and MS degree in Microbiology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She worked for three years as a Senior Science Research Specialist under the Career Incentive Program of the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology. She was deployed at the University of the Philippines’ Philippine Genome Center where she worked with genome sequence analysis of shrimp pathogens. Remilyn started her Ph.D. studies this spring semester, 2022. 

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Congratulations, Dr. Sang-Hoon Kim! 2022 LIMB Graduate

 

LIMB PhD graduate, Sang Hoon Kim (center), with Professor Dae-Kyung Kang (front left) and the rest of the LIMB members.

Cheonan, South Korea. The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) congratulates Sang Hoon Kim for successfully defending his thesis and attaining his Doctor of Science degree. During his time with LIMB, Dr. Kim did several multi-omics studies, both in vitro and in vivo. For his PhD thesis, Dr. Kim studied the hydrogen sulfide-reducing ability of a newly characterized Bacillus megaterium S188 using multi-omics approach.

In addition to being an exemplary graduate student, Dr. Kim also acted as the LIMB laboratory leader. As a leader, he handled administrative duties while also guiding fellow laboratory members in their academic tasks. 

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang (right) and Sang Hoon Kim (left).

With his vast experience and knowledge he gained as an LIMB student, Dr. Kim will further his academic career as a Post-doctoral associate at the Florida A&M University, USA, focusing on neurobiology. He will join Dr. Edward Pajarillo, another LIMB alumnus.

Professor Kang, together with the rest of the LIMB members, congratulates Dr. Kim on his graduation and on his acceptance in Florida A&M University. Prof. Kang wishes Dr. Kim success on his future endeavors. LIMB is proud of you!

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LIMB Goes Skiing!

    LIMB members at the Konjiam Ski Resort.

LIMB members went skiing and snowboarding at the Konjiam Ski Resort, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea last January 24-25, 2022. It's part of the annual LIMB laboratory trip, which serves as break from the hustle of everyday research life. Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang understands that proper rest is needed in order to become a productive scientist. He also hopes that this trip will build strong relationship and comradery among laboratory members.

   LIMB as they enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Konjiam Ski Resort.

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