LIMB Alumni Shine at 12th PhilProFF Biennial Convention

 

Left to Right: Dr. Robie Vasquez, Dr. Valerie Diane Valeriano, Dr. Bernadette Bagon, and Ms. Mia Amoranto

Ilocos Norte, Philippines — The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) proudly celebrates the achievements of its alumni, as Dr. Robie Vasquez and Dr. Valerie Diane Valeriano took center stage during the 12th Biennial Convention of the Philippine Society for Probiotics and Functional Foods, Inc. (PhilProFF), held on October 16, 2025, at the Teatro Ilocandia, Mariano Marcos State University.

Dr. Vasquez receiving his certificate for his paper presentation.

During the afternoon technical sessions, Dr. Vasquez presented a research paper titled “Non-GMO Surface Display of β-Xylosidase on Probiotic-Derived Bacteria-Like Particles for Efficient Degradation of Xylan Hemicellulosic Material.” The study highlights a novel, non-genetically modified approach to enzyme display using bacteria-like particles derived from probiotic sources. This innovative platform demonstrates significant potential for sustainable biomass conversion, particularly in enhancing the breakdown of xylan-rich hemicellulosic materials—an important step toward efficient lignocellulosic bioprocessing.

Dr. Vasquez’s work reflects LIMB’s strong foundation in applied microbiology and biotechnology, particularly in advancing enzyme technologies and functional microbial systems for industrial and environmental applications.

Dr. Valeriano presenting her plenary lecture during the convention.

Earlier in the day, fellow LIMB alumna Dr. Valeriano delivered a plenary lecture titled “From Probiotics to Live Biotherapeutics — Definitions and Regulatory Frameworks.” Representing the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, she provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of probiotics and the regulatory considerations surrounding next-generation biotherapeutics, emphasizing the need for standardized definitions and global frameworks.

In addition to the featured presenters, other LIMB alumni were also present at the convention, demonstrating continued engagement with the scientific community. Among them were Dr. Bernadette Bagon and Mia Amoranto, who attended the event and participated in the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among researchers and industry professionals.

The Day 2 program of the convention featured a series of plenary talks and technical presentations addressing cutting-edge developments in probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and functional food innovation. Researchers from various institutions showcased molecular approaches, precision fermentation strategies, and applications of beneficial microbes in health and nutrition.

The strong presence and contributions of LIMB alumni at this international gathering underscore the institution’s continued impact in shaping leaders and innovators in microbiology, probiotics, and functional food research.

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Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Robie Vasquez Completes MS–PhD in Animal Biotechnology

 

Dr. Robie Vasquez (left) with Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang (right)

The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) at Dankook University proudly congratulates Dr. Robie Vasquez from the Philippines on the successful completion of his integrated MS–PhD program in Animal Biotechnology.

Throughout his academic journey at Dankook University, Dr. Vasquez made remarkable contributions to microbiome and probiotic research. His dedication and innovative work led to the publication of 16 scientific papers in internationally recognized SCI journals, with a particular focus on enhancing the functional properties of probiotics and advancing microbiome studies.

In recognition of his outstanding research achievements, Dr. Vasquez was awarded the distinguished Beomeun Academic Award during the Fall 2025 commencement ceremony held on August 21. This honor reflects his significant academic excellence and contributions to the field.

 Dr. Robie Vasquez with Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang and LIMB members.

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang, head of LIMB, expressed his deep gratitude and joy for having mentored Dr. Vasquez, emphasizing that his success also highlights the collaborative spirit and hard work of all LIMB members and alumni. Prof. Kang noted that Robie’s journey serves as an inspiration for both current and future researchers in the laboratory.

LIMB celebrates this milestone with pride and extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Vasquez for his exceptional accomplishments. His next chapter promises to further expand his impact in the global scientific community.

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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 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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Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang wins the NH Academic Award during the 2024 KSAST Conference

 

Mr. Ji Hoon Song accepting the NH Academic Award for Professor Dae-Kyung Kang.

Gyeongju, South Korea. Professor Dae-Kyung Kang and LIMB members Mr. Ji Hoon Song and Jae Seung Lee attended the 2024 Korean Society for Animal Science and Technology (KSAST) Conference held in HICO, Gyeongju, South Korea last June 26 to 28, 2024. The conference has a theme "Sustainable Livestock Production: Carbon Neutrality, ESG and Livestock Policy". 

At the conference, Prof. Kang was awarded with the NH Academic Award. LIMB leader JH Song accepted the award for Prof. Kang. The award was presented by Prof. In Ho Kim, chairman of the KSAST. 

LIMB congratulates Prof. Kang for this exceptional achievement!

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Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang presents in 2024 KMB International Symposium held in Busan

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang during one of his lectures during the 51st KMB in Busan.

Busan, South Korea. Professor Dae-Kyung Kang, along with the LIMB members attended the 51st Annual Meeting and International Symposium of The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB) held last June 19-21 at BEXCO, Busan, South Korea. The symposium was themed "Half-century excellence navigating towards a century of impact". Topics such as probiotics, postbiotics, alternative protein food R&D, functional fermented foods, and cutting-edge biotechnology applications were presented during the symposium. There were also plenary sessions about microbial interactions, bioinformatics, and the development of new antibiotics and therapeutic strategies. 

Professor Kang with LIMB members (JH Song, R Vasquez, and JS Lee) and Dr. Manoj Yadav (Postdoc Researcher). 

During the conference, Prof. Kang presented two lectures entitled "Genomic Analysis, Safety, and Health Functional Properties of Microbiome-Targeted Probiotics" and "Application of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Mucosal Vaccine Carrier". At the end of the symposium, Prof. Kang was awarded with Acebiome Probiotics Academic Award for his contribution in the field of probiotics.

Mr. Vasquez with his poster presentation for KMB 2024.

In addition, LIMB member Robie Vasquez presented his posted with the title "Oral Immunization with Non-GMO Surface Displayed SARS-CoV-2 Spike Epitopes on Bacteria-Like Particles Enhances Immune Response in Mice". 

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LIMB Attends KoSFA; Jae Seung Lee Wins Encouragement Award!

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang with LIMB members (JH Song and JS Lee) and LIMB alumnus JM Yoo.

Daejeon, South Korea. Prof. Kang and LIMB members Ji Hoon Song and Jae Seung lee attended the International Conference of Korean Society for Food Science and Animal Resources 56th Annual Meeting last May 29-31 at the Daejon Convention Center (DCC). The meeting was themed: New Strategies for the Food Science and Industry of Animal Resources in the Digital Age: Balancing Tradition and innovation. 

 

LIMB Member JS Lee receiving his Encouragement Award for Poster Presentation.

During the conference, LIMB member Jae Seung Lee presented his poster entitled: Isolation and Identification of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains with Milk Protein-Degrading Capability. At the end of the meeting, he was awarded the Encouragement Award for Poster Presentation. 

Good job, 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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Professor Dae-Kyung Kang receives Research Excellence Award

 

Professor DK Kang (right) accepting his award at the KSDSB Symposium.

Yeosu, South Korea. Professor Dae-Kyung Kang received the Excellence in Research  Award During the Korean Society of Dairy Science and Biotechnology Symposium last June 23, 2022. The award was given to Prof. Kang to celebrate his contributions and achievements in the field of probiotics.  Prof. Kang has been a long standing member of the society. 

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