Dr. Nuttawee Niamsiri
 Group : Food Biotechnology
 
Contact Details :
Room BT102
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel : 0-2201-5301 Fax : 0-2354-7160
E-mail : nuttawee.nia@mahidol.ac.th, niamsiri@gmail.com
Current Position :
Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Fields of Research :
• General Food Science, Food Microbiology, Food Fermentation & Food Safety
• Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology & Nanobiotechnology
• Biopolymers, Biomaterials & Polymer Science
• Encapsulation science, nano-/microparticles & drug delivery
Education :

Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, August 2000 – 2007

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

       Thesis: “Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from Bacterial: Aspects of Protein Engineering and Applications in Nanobiotechnology and Biomedicine”

Minors: Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering

Advisors: Prof. Carl A. Batt, Prof. Michael L. Shuler, and Prof. Linda K. Nicholson

Graduate-level coursework in Food Science, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, 2000–2003
B.S. with Cum Laude and distinction in research in Food Science & Technology, 1996 – May 2000
 Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
          Senior Honor Thesis:  “Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs):Bacterial Biodegradable Plastics”
Research Experience :

esearch Experience

 

Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, October 2007 - Present

·         Polyhydroxyalkanoate Nanoparticles as Anti-Cancer Drug Delivers for Photodynamic Therapy

In this study, we produce biodegradable nanoparticles made from PHAs, mainly study on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHB-co-HV), with size less than 200 nm in diameter. We also develop PHA nanoparticles encapsulated cancer drugs or cancer drug-liked compound, including mineral oil, porphyrin-likes compounds, and photosensitizers. The main goal of this work is to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity of each type of PHA nanoparticles and PHA nanoparticles mentioned with various factors testing on general cell lines and cancer cell lines.

·         Fabrication and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Three-dimensional (3D) Scaffolds and In Vitro Biocompatibility Evaluation with Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) and Periodontal Ligament Cells (HPDLFs)

                Various behaviors of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) have been explored on different types of biomaterials, the interaction of HGFs with biodegradable and biocompatible PHAs have not been exclusively investigated. As a result, in this study, 3-dimentional (3D) porous scaffolds from PHB, P(HB-co-5%HV), P(HB-co-12%HV), and P(HB-co-50%HV) were developed, characterized for their physical and mechanical properties, and then examined with HGFs and HPDLFs in order to evaluate their biocompatibility and possible impact of scaffold’s stiffness on their proliferation.

·         Development of Biodegradable Polymeric Membranes Loaded with Antimicrobial Compound from Andrographis paniculata for Adjunctive Treatment of Periodontal Disease

In this study, we successfully developed a novel GTR polymeric membrane from bacterial biodegradable and biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) biopolyester containing antibiotic tetracycline encapsulated in microspheres to provide controlled released system along with a herbal antimicrobial compound from traditional Asian plant; Andrographis paniculata. This GTR membrane may be considered as an alternative to be used as a barrier membrane in the treatment of periodontitis patients by offering low price with good quality biomaterial.

·         Insight into antibacterial property of chitosan nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium and application in vegetables wash disinfection

This study aimed to investigate the influence of chitosan molecular weight and particle size characteristics on the antibacterial properties of chitosan nanoparticle (CN) formulations for application as vegetable wash disinfectants. Formulations prepared from two different molecular weight chitosan produced three different size ranges of CNs; 300-400 nm (i.e. LS and HS), 500-600 nm (i.e. LL) and 700-800 nm (i.e. HL). A time-dependent antibacterial assay against Escherichia coli was used as a model and showed that CNs with smaller size produced from either low or high Mw of chitosan (i.e. LS, HS) were effective antibacterial agents. All CNs were formulated as vegetable wash disinfectants in citric acid and evaluated using an in vitro inactivation assay with E. coli and a pathogenic bacteria (i.e. Salmonella Typhimurium).

·         Development of novel formulation of Pluronic F-127/alginate containing tetracycline as an antibacterial gel for treatment of bovine mastitis via intramammary drug deliver

This study focused on the development of Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel as a drug carrier for treatment of bovine mastitis. To improve certain for intramammary drug delivery, alginate was added into the hydrogel system as an additive to study its effect on gelling properties and performance as a drug carrier in killing bacteria. The selected hydrogel formulations were also characterized for gelation temperature, gel viscosity and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, one of mastitis causing bacteria under contact-surface inhibition assay as well as in vitro growth inhibition assay in both culture broth and milk (i.e. for mimicking udder environment).

·         Screening Bacteria for Production of PHAs from Environmental Soil Samples in Thailand

                  Ecological niches from geographically diverse locates in Thailand were used for screening for PHA-producing bacteria. Different PHA-producing isolates were characterized and genetically identified.The composition of PHAs produced by these natural isolates with different carbon substrates were then characterized by gas chromatography.

 

Cornell University, Ithaca New York, USA August 2000 – 2007

Graduate Researcher: Professor Carl A. Bat Research Group, Food Science Department

·         Novel In situ Bionanofabrication of PHAs Micro/Nanostructures on Solid Surfaces and Its Applications

               To establish a novel process in nanofabrication using biological macromolecules (i.e. enzyme) for creating 3-D submicron    polymeric structures. This technique can be used to construct polymer structure whose patterns can be controlled by conventional lithographic techniques. Progress in bionanofrbrication will merge a gap between material process and biology.

·         Development of A Novel Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials based on PHAs and Silicone Polymers

                  The aim of our research group was to develop novel hybrid polymers composites based on PHAs that further enhance their applications. To date, we successfully produced a variety of chemically modified PHAs via bacteria fermentations. Covalent crosslinking between the side chain groups of the modified PHAs and silicone rubber was achieved through chemical reactions. This material is the first example of a hybrid PHA-silicone rubber to be reported to dateand potentially biodegradable.

·         Genetic Engineering PHA synthase for Higher Production of PHAs in Bacterial System

                  In the present study, we reported for the first time the attempt of protein engineering class II PHA synthase from Pseudomonas oleovorans (PhaC1Po) for higher activity. We developed an innovative strategy to genetically engineer PHA synthase at a catalytic region of enzyme that contains several key amino acid residues required for proper functions. By adapting viable-colony staining method to detect in vivo PHAs accumulation, we succeeded in obtaining five different chimeric phaC1Pogenes that encode active chimeric synthases with higher PHAs production than native phaC1Powhen heterologously expressed in PHA-negative strain of Ralstonia eutropha, PHB-4 (DSM 541) strain.

 
Research Experiences with Companies :

1) Development of Lab-scale and Pilot-scale Processes for Converting Protein Wastes from Canned Tuna Industry into High-Value Products
Duration of project: 2 year (Year 2016-Present)
Company: Thai Union Group
http://www.thaiunion.com/en/home.ashx

2) Variation of proximate composition, key elements, and functional components in tuna from different regions, species, size and cooking processes
Duration of project: 2.5 year (Year 2015-Present)
Company: Thai Union Group
http://www.thaiunion.com/en/home.ashx

3) Analysis for microbial contamination during herbal drink production and problem solving for quality control and assurance
Duration of project: 6 months (Year 2014)
Company: Tip Ubon International Co., Ltd

4) Effect of different chitosan polymers on fat-binding capacities under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions
Duration of project: 6 months (Year 2014)
Company: Marine Bio Resources Co., Ltd
http://www.mbrthailand.com/

5) Screening and Characterization of Bacteria for Production of PHAs biodegradable bioplastics from Environmental Soil Samples in Thailand
Duration of project: 6 months (Year 2008)
Company: Multibax Co., Ltd
http://www.multibax.com/index.html

 
Other Experience :strong>

Cornell University, Ithaca New York, USA
Undergraduate Research Supervisor, 2005 - Present
Directed a Cornell undergraduate student to conduct and design experiments in molecular biology & nanobiotechnology.
Undergraduate Research Supervisor, Summer 2004
Participated in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program to support active research participation by undergraduate students to conduct and design experiments in microbiology, molecular biology & nanobiotechnology.
Undergraduate Research Supervisor, Summer 2003
Directed an undergraduate student from France to conduct and design experiments in microbiology & molecular biology.
High School Teacher Research Supervisor, Summer 2002
Directed a high school teacher to conduct some basic techniques in molecular biology. Helping with basic experimental design and final oral presentation. Involving in proposal writing for grade 4-6 biology curriculum.

Cornell University, Ithaca New York, USA
Teaching Assistant
Food Analysis Laboratory (FOOD210): Spring 1998
Food Microbiology Laboratory (FOOD 395): Fall 1999 and Fall 2000
Food Microbiology (FOOD 394): Spring 2001
For the laboratory classes of Food Analysis and Food Microbiology (prerun experiment, grader, office hours and short presentations). For Food 394 (general assistance, preparing some class slides and giving a lecture/semester).

Cornell University, Ithaca New York, USA
Undergraduate Research assistance, Summer 1998
Research supervisor: Dr. Riu-hai Lui
Study effect of various antioxidants derived from vegetables and fruits on the decrease of cellular DNA damage sing HPLC and
GC analysis.
 
Related Experience & Skill :
Proficient in bacterial molecular biology techniques.
Familiar with microbial fermentation technology.
Familiar with polymer and surface characterization techniques.
Familiar with Familiar with some molecular biology scientific and protein modeling software (DNA Star, SwissPDBview, etc.).
 
Awards, Scholarships & Academic Recognitions :

Graduate Research Assistantships, Nanobiotechnology Center of Cornell University, 2004-present
Graduate Research Assistantships, Department of Food Science & Technology, Cornell University, 2002-2004
Thai Government Scholarships, Ministry of Science and Technology, Thailand, 1996-2002
Ruth Herzog and Albert Flegenheimer Memorial Research Fund in Food Science, Spring 2003
The Ruth and Henry Herzog Graduate Research Award in Food Science, Spring 2001
General Mill /Food Science Undergraduate Award, Spring 1999
Kraft/Food Science Undergraduate Award, Spring 1998
Thai National Swimmer, 1992-1996
 

Publications :
(Recent Articles from Scopus at MUSC Expertise: please click)

1) Insight into antibacterial property of chitosan nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium and application in vegetables wash disinfection, Paomephan, P., Assavanig, A., Chaturongakul, C., Cady, N., Bergkvist, M. &N. Niamsiri (Manuscript submitted to journal Food Control)

2) Effect of mechanical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates three dimensional scaffolds on proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts Phuegyod, S., Wattanavichean, N., Pramual, S., Assawajarunwan, S., Amornsakchai, T., Larsen, M., Bergkvist, M., Svasti, J., Surarit, R. &N. Niamsiri (Manuscript submitted to Journal of Material Science: Material in Medicine)

3) Polymer-lipid-PEG hybrid nanoparticles as photosensitizer carrier for photodynamic therapy. Pramual, S., Lirdprapamongkola, K., Svasti, J., Bergkvist, M., Jouan-Hureaux, V., Arnoux, P., Frochot, C., Barberi-Heyob, M. &N. Niamsiri, Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology, B: Biology,2017,173: 12–22

4) Application of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as starter cultures for reduced-salt soy sauce (moromi) fermentation.Singracha, P., Niamsiri, N., Visessanguan, W., Lertsiri, S. & A. Assavanig, LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2017, (78);181-188

5) Development of tunable biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates microspheres for controlled delivery of tetracycline for treating periodontal disease. Panith, N., Assavanig, A., Lertsiri, S., Bergkvist, M., Surarit R. &N. Niamsiri, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2016

6) Effect of physical and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan on fat-binding capacities under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Panith, N., Wichaphon, J., Lertsiri, S., N. Niamsiri, LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2016, (71);25–32

7) Development and characterization of bio-derived polyhydroxyalkanoate nanoparticles as a delivery system for hydrophobic photodynamic therapy agents. Pramual, S., Assavanig, A., Sunintaboon, P., Berkgvist, M., Batt, C. A., Lirdprapamongkola, K., Svasti, J., N. Niamsiri,Journal of Material Science: Material in Medicine,2016, 27(2):1-11

8) A Sacrificial Process for Fabrication of Biodegradable Polymer Membranes with Sub-Micron Thickness. Beardslee, L., Stolwijk, J., Khaladj, D. A., Trebak, M., Niamsiri, N., M. Bergkvist, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B - Applied Biomaterials, 2016,104(6):1192-1201

9) Glutaminase-producing Meyerozyma (Pichia) guilliermondii isolated from Thai soy sauce fermentation.Aryuman, A., Lertsiri, S., Visessanguan, W., Niamsiri, N., Bhumiratana, A., A. Assavanig, International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2015,192:7-12

10) Co-culturing of Pichia guilliermondii enhanced volatile flavor compound formation by Zygosaccharomyces rouxii in the model system of Thai soy sauce fermentation, Wah, T., Walaisri, S., Assavanig, A., Niamsiri, N., S. Lertsiri, International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2012, 160(3); 282-289

11) In vitro Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticle-Coated Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Granules Exhibiting Plasmon-Induced Thermo-Optical Enhancements, Rey, D, Strickland, A. D., Kirui, D. Niamsiri, N., C. A. Batt, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2010, 2(7):1804–1810

12) Bionanofabrication of Nanostructures and Functional Materials, Sierra-Sastre Y., Mark, S. S., Niamsiri, N., Mathew, E., Bergkvist, M., & C. A. Batt, In: Encyclopedia of Industrial Biotechnology: Bioprocess, Bioseparation and Cell Technology. M. C. Flickinger, Ed., 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York.

13) Substrate Selective Patterning on Lithography Defined Gold on Silica: Effect of End-group Functionality on Intermolecular Layer Formation. Bergkvist, M., Niamsiri, N., Strickland, A. D., C. A. Batt, Surface Science, 2008, 602(12): 2121-2127

14) Insight in the Role of Bovine Serum Albumin for Promoting the In Situ Surface Growth of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) on Patterned Surfaces via Enzymatic Surface-Initiated Polymerization. Niamsiri, N., Bergkvist, M., Delamarre, S. Cady, N. C., Coates, G. W., Ober, C. K., & C. A. Batt, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2007, 60(1: 68-79

15) Engineering of Chimeric Class II Polyhydroxyalkanoate PHA synthases, Niamsiri, N., Delamarre, S., Kim, Y-R., & C. A. Batt, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2004, 70(11): 6789-6799

 

Book Chapters :

 

1) Dairy Products. Niamsiri, N. and C. A. Batt, In a book “Encyclopedia of Microbiology (Third Edition)”, 2009, Pages 34-44

2) Bionanofabrication of nanostructures and functional materials. Sierra-Sastre, Y., Mark, S. S., Niamsiri, N., Mathew, E., Bergkvist, M. and C. A. Batt. In: Encyclopedia of Industrial Biotechnology: Bioprocess, Bioseparation and Cell Technology. M. C. Flickinger, Ed., 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York

3) Integration of Microfabrication and Surface Functionalization Strategies for Analysis of Cell-Surface Interactions. Niamsiri, N., Bergkvist, M. & C. A. Batt, In a book “Biomaterial and Biomedical Engineering", Editors: Öchsner, A., Ahmed, W., and Ali, N., In: Biomaterial and Biomedical Engineering. A. Öchsner, W. Ahmed, and N. Ali., Ed., 2008. Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.

4) Bionanofabrication: a Tool for Creating Unique Structures through In Vitro Polymer Synthesis, Delamarre, S., Niamsiri, N., & C. A. Batt, In a book "Microbial Bionanotechnology: Biological Self-Assembly Systems and Biopolymer-Based Nanostructures " Editor: Rehm, B. H. A., Horizon Scientific Press, Norwich, U.K., 2006

 

Proceeding & Presentations :

 

1) Fabrication and characterization of tetracycline-loaded polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microspheres incorporated into 3D porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold for tissue engineering of periodontal tissues, Phuegyod, S., Amornsakchai, T., Surarit, R., N, Niamsiri, The International Polymer Conference of Thailand (PCT) 2017,Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, 1st-2ndJune 2017(Received Best of the Best Poster Award)

2) The effect of mechanical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds on proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), Phuegyod, S., Surarit, R., N, Niamsiri, Global Conference on Life Science & Biological Engineering (GLSBE 2016), Kyoto, Japan, 29th-31th March 2016

3) Applications of Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in Biomedicine and Nanobiotechnology. Nuttawee Niamsiri, Invited Speaker at The 27th Annual Meeting of the Thai Society for Biotechnology and International Conference, Mandarin Hotel Bangkok managed by Centre Point, Bankok, Thailand, 17th-22ndNov, 2015

4) Development of polyhydroxyalkanoate nanaoparticles for anti-cancer drug delivers in photodynamic therapy, Pramual, S., A. Assavanig, P. Sunintaboon, M. Berkvist, C. A. Batt, K. Lirdprapamongkola, J. Svasti &N. Niamsiri, Poster Presentation at 2013 Material Research Society Fall Meeting & Exhibit, Boston, USA, 1-6 Dec, 2013(Nominated for the top 10th best poster awards)

5) Development of polyhydroxyalkanoate nanaoparticles for anti-cancer drug delivers in photodynamic therapy, Pramual, S., A. Assavanig, P. Sunintaboon, M. Berkvist, C. A. Batt, K. Lirdprapamongkola, J. Svasti &N. Niamsiri, Poster Presentation at12th International Conference of Polymers in Advanced Technologies (PAT), Berlin, Germany, 29thSept -2ndOct, 2013

6) Statistical media optimization for growth and polyhydroxybutyrate production from cassava starch by Bacillus megaterium S0-1, Channate, P., Leesumlanm P., Potinoun, P., Assvanig, A., N. Niamsiri, Proceeding in The 22nd Annual Meeting of the Thai Society of Biotechnology, Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus, Thailand, 20th-22nd Oct, 2010

7) Bionanofabrication of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Micro/Nanostructures on Solid Surfaces and Its Applications in Nanobiotechnology, Niamsiri, N.,Bergkvist, M., Delamarre, S. Cady, N. C., Coates, G. W., Ober, C. K., & C. A. Batt Oral presentation at 2nd ASM-IEEE EMBS Conference on Bio, Micro and Nanosystems in San Francisco, USA, 15th – 18th Jan, 2006

8) A Novel Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Polymers Nanocomposite for Biosensor Applications, Niamsiri, N.,Schmidt D., Shah, D., Wilson, T., Giannelis, E., & C. A. Batt,Poster presentation at Silicon Symposium, University of Pennsylvania, PA, May 20th - 22nd, 2004andPoster presentation at Material Research Society Fall 2003 Meeting, Boston, MA, December 1st -5th, 2003



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