Diagnosing at the Molecular Frontier
The center’s expertise extends into molecular diagnostics, where they are trailblazers in detecting diseases with unparalleled sensitivity and speed. Leveraging lateral flow assays and ELISA, the team has developed portable diagnostic tools that provide early detection of Alpha Thalassemia carrier, HIV-1, and other tropical diseases.
Their innovation lies not only in detection but also in accessibility. By integrating nanotechnology with point-of-care platforms, they have transformed bulky laboratory equipment into portable devices that can be used in remote villages. This empowers frontline healthcare workers to diagnose diseases in real-time. These technologies have been further developed to enable simplified screening of compounds with HIV-1 protease inhibitor (PI) activity. Currently, this approach is being applied to the discovery of novel PI compounds from mushrooms.
Masters of Structural Biology
Precision lies at the heart of the team’s philosophy, with their expertise in structural biology driving every breakthrough. Leveraging cutting-edge X-ray crystallography (XRC) in collaboration with the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC, Taiwan) and cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) in partnership with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN, Indonesia), they explore the molecular landscape to reveal the structures of scaffold proteins, antibodies, and antigens in their native states.
They have also mastered molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which allow them to predict how proteins fold, interact, and respond under different conditions.
The Immunological Innovators
Immunology forms the backbone of the center’s research. They explore how immune checkpoints like CD147 and CD99 modulate the body’s defenses, and design interventions to tip the scales in favor of health. From studying macrophage polarization to deciphering cytokine networks, the team’s findings are redefining how diseases like cancer and inflammation are understood.
Their skill in multi-color flow cytometry, cell sorting, and immune profiling has made them indispensable collaborators for global pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions.
Bridging Science and Society
The strength of this team lies not only in their technical expertise but in their ability to collaborate across disciplines. Working with clinicians, biotechnologists, and computational scientists, they transform laboratory discoveries into real-world applications.
The Legacy of Discovery
As the sun sets over Chiang Mai, the labs at the Center of Biomolecular Therapy and Diagnostics hum with activity. The team’s work is more than research—it is a commitment to improving lives through science. Each antibody they engineer, every diagnostic they develop, and every structure they resolve brings humanity closer to a healthier future.
From the tiniest proteins to the grandest collaborations, the story of this team is one of innovation, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. They are not just researchers—they are molecular pioneers shaping the future of medicine.
The Techniques We Master
- Therapeutic Antibody Engineering: scFv humanization, and computational affinity optimization.
- Molecular Scaffolds: Intracellular targeting HIV components using ankyrin and zinc finger
- Molecular Diagnostics: point-of-care diagnostics, and biosensor development.
- Structural Biology: Cryo-EM, MD simulations, and protein docking.
- Protein Bioinformatics: Immunoinformatic
- Immunology Expertise: Immune checkpoint analysis, flow cytometry, and cytokine profiling.
Contact
Prof. Chatchai Tayapiwatana
Email: chatchai.t@cmu.ac.th
LINE 