MicroStar BioTech Inc.
CEO
Dr. Daniel (Shun Chung) Yang is a Biochemistry professor at McMaster University since 1988. He is a protein crystallographer best known for his work on ice-binding proteins (antifreeze/ice-structuring protein) from fish and plant as well as the bone-binding protein osteocalcin. At MSB, Dr. Yang applied his years of experience in the over-expression of antifreeze proteins and osteocalcin to the production of cellulases and other industrial enzymes.
CSO
Dr. Trent (Chunzhong) Yang received his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Toronto, Canada and worked at the National Research Council Canada as a Research Officer until 2023. He has expertise in biocatalysis and bioprocessing. He has developed novel technologies for identification of new enzyme and microbial strains and their industrial applications. He also developed novel processes for biomass transformation and high value product production. Highlights of his major scientific achievements include:
a) Established a high-throughput screening strategy for identification of novel microorganisms and novel enzymes.
b) Identified and characterized novel ligninolytic microbial strains and enzymes.
c) Developed new strains for solid-state fermentation (SSF) and optimized SSF processes for maximum enzyme expressions.
d) Engineered enzymes and developed processes for improved biomass hydrolysis and biofuel production.
e) Developed and optimized enzymatic reaction process for protein extraction and starch valorization from grain waste.
Since 2023, he has been working with Microstar Biotechnology Inc. as the Chief Scientific Officer for business development particularly for the large scale production, applications, and sales promotion of industrial enzymes.
The seven important technology assets of MSB are:
1) A highly efficient transformation technique that can place genetic materials at any chromosomal locations in Trichoderma reesei as well as an efficient mutagenesis protocol for generating mutants of Trichoderma reesei..
2) A strain of Trichoderma reesei (T.reesei MSB-12593) that has the growth phenotype of a typical wildtype Trichoderma reesei (e.g. CBS999.97) but with protein excretion capacity far superior to that of a typical industrial strain (e.g. Rut-C30). This is the result of years of research using molecular techniques such as genetic transformation, mutagenesis and sexual crossing.
3) An automated solid-state fermentation setup for the production of proteins using filamentous fungi.
4) Various enzyme immobilization techniques.
5) A reaction chamber for continuous application of immobilized enzymes, e.g.
5a) production of lactose free dairy products;
5b) debittering of juices;
5c) conversion of oil to fatty acids;
5d) conversion of oil to biodiesel.
6) Various treatment/pretreatment protocols for the conversion of cellulosic materials to fermentable sugars.
7) Various anaerobic digestor configurations for the production of hydrogen and methane.