Chosun University Establishes Korea's First 'Seaweed Bioefficacy Verification Center' in Wando

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Chosun University is establishing the ‘Seaweed Bio-Efficacy Demonstration Center’ to develop and commercialize seaweed-based biohealthcare materials in Wando, Jeonnam.

According to Chosun University on the 26th, recently Professor Kim Chun-sung’s research team (Department of Dentistry) at Chosun University was finally selected in the project competition for ‘Seaweed-Based Biohealthcare Efficacy Material Demonstration Support’ organized by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

This project aims to build a ‘research-based demonstration support system’ that supports the efficacy and standardization processes required during certification procedures by agencies such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, to help companies without research evaluation systems commercialize their products.

Led by the Chosun University Marine Biology Research and Education Center and supported by Jeonnam Province and Wando County, a total of 12 research institutions nationwide are participating in the project.

They will promote the establishment of efficacy material demonstration equipment along with the development of seaweed-derived biohealthcare materials and commercialization product development.

From this year until 2024, 16 billion KRW (10 billion KRW national funds, 5 billion KRW local funds, and 1 billion KRW from the leading institution and companies) will be invested to build the ‘Seaweed Bio-Efficacy Demonstration Center’ at the Chosun University Marine Biology Research and Education Center located in Sinji-myeon, Wando County.

Through the nation’s first seaweed-based standardized database and efficacy demonstration support, it is expected to create a foundation for high value-added seaweed products and foster various bio-companies in the region.

Additionally, it is expected to become a mecca of the domestic marine bioindustry by closely linking with the Marine Bio Joint Cooperation Research Institute and the Seaweed Bio Active Material Production Facility promoted by Jeonnam Province and Wando County.

Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, said, “With this project selection, essential research infrastructure for marine bio companies has been established,” and added, “Together with Chosun University, we will nurture the marine bioindustry specialized in seaweed as a future representative industry, striving to revitalize the local economy through high value-added seaweed products and good job creation.”

Joo Soon-seon, Director of the Strategic Industry Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, “As the government’s basic plan for activating the marine bioindustry (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries) includes developing Jeonnam Province as a supply base for materials through clinical trial support and mass production facility construction, we will actively support Wando to create a marine bioindustry ecosystem and become a leading domestic material production base.”

Kim Chun-sung, Director of the Chosun University Marine Biology Research and Education Center and overall project manager, said, “To utilize seaweed as a high value-added functional material, it is essential to set material standards through raw material standardization, functionality, safety, and clinical support,” and added, “Through this project, we will establish a platform for seaweed efficacy evaluation and material development necessary for companies’ commercialization.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.