News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

　　"Plant Compound Extraction Technology Team" consists of faculty from the Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National National Chiayi University, including Prof. Chen Cheng-Nan, Prof. Ruey-Shyang Chen, Prof. Hsin-I Chang, Prof. Liao Hui-Fen, Prof. Yun-Wei Lin, Assistant Prof. Chen Yi-Yuan, and Assistant Prof. Han-Ju Chien. After winning the 18th National Innovation Award for their innovative green extraction process equipment last year, the team won the 19th National Innovation Award for the second year in a row with their groundbreaking application of green chemical technology in plant extraction. Their research results, honored with the award for two consecutive years, have been highly recognized.

　　The National Innovation Award is a benchmark competition for R&D capabilities and innovation in biotechnology among academic research institutions, biotechnology companies and hospitals in Taiwan. With over 1,500 innovative participants each year, it is the largest platform for Taiwan’s innovations to attract global capital. According to NCYU Vice President Ruey-Shyang Chen, utilization of green chemical technology in modern industrial processing is no longer optional, but necessary for industrial development. The plant-extracted green solvent developed by the team fully complies with the core principles of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While meeting the needs of environmental protection, it helps reduce the use of harmful substances and energy consumption, and encourage the use of more renewable resources.

　　Prof. Chen Cheng-Nan indicated that the green extraction method of Chinese medicinal herbs and other plant materials plays a pivotal role in the global industry. The green solvent formula is completely natural, developed by the R&D team in response to the polarity, solubility and extractability of wide-ranging herbal plant ingredients. Solvent toxicity is reduced when producing safer and higher-quality Chinese herbal plant extracts. Compared with the conventional technology, the team’s innovative green solvent can be applied to all kinds of Chinese medicinal herbal materials, which greatly encourages the application of the green chemical technology in industrial mass production. It is expected to inspire new developments and products in the industry, and opportunities for further understanding and in-depth research and development on disease treatment, health care and dietary supplementation, anti-aging and other issues.

　　Due to impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an increasing recognition of the benefits of “natural organic ingredients” and “green consumption,” with a special focus on functional plant extracts. As major raw materials for food, health supplements, cosmetic and herbal medicine products, plant extracts have become popular in the market of natural medicine and health care, demonstrating growth potential at home and abroad. As the research and development of Chinese medicinal herbs, nutritional supplements and new botanical drugs has come to the fore, the application of green chemical technology in plant extraction developed by the team of the NCYU Department of Biochemical Science and Technology makes it possible for an academic institution to establish mass production process based on research results. At present, they collaborate with a number of domestic companies in production, and engage in technical cooperation with agricultural enterprises from, for example, Japan, New Zealand and Europe on new product research and development.