CU SACAS

Research Unit on Sustainable Algal Cultivation and Applications
Faculty of Science & Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University
Established 2023

Vision & Mission

Our Aims

To be a research hub for gathering experts from both academic and industry of algal biotechnology in Thailand.

To bridge the gaps between Chula researchers and industry who are both interested in algal biotechnology.

To create excellent research work related to algal biotechnology for making positive impacts on Thai society.

Research Focus Areas

  • Advanced & Practical Algal Technology
  • Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization
  • Food Security
  • Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy

Leadership Team

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kasidit Nootong - Head of RU
Culture optimization, photobioreactor design, aquaculture integration

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanakarn Monshupanee - Deputy Head
Bioplastics, metabolic activities, strain improvement

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pichaya In-na - Coordinator
Algal cultivation systems, carbon capture, bioelectricity

Prof. Dr. Artiwan Shotipruk - Member
Green extraction, bioactive compounds, biorefinery

Prof. Dr. Anongnat Somwangthanaroj - Member
Biopolymers, bioplastics production

Dr. Chonlatep Usaku - Member
Green technology, compound extraction

Research Value Chain

Upstream

Algal cultivation, photobioreactor optimization, strain development, biomass production

Midstream

Biomass harvesting, bioproduct separation, purification processes, biorefinery

Downstream

Bioplastic production, bioactive compound extraction, biofuel development

Applications

Supplements, biofuels, biopolymers, carbon capture technologies

Key Highlights

  • 161 Research Articles (2019-2024)
  • 10 Review Papers
  • 4 Book Chapters
  • 51% PHB Conversion Efficiency

Microalgae Species Utilized

  • Chlorogloea fritschii (Easy-to-harvest)
  • Chlorococcum humicola
  • Chlorella vulgaris
  • Haematococcus pluvialis
  • Dunaliella acuminatus

Contact

Coordinator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Pichaya In-na
Email: pichaya.l@chula.ac.th

Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand