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IAVT Department Held a Specific Topic Talk on Chitosan Modification by Dr. Duc-Thang Vo

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The IAVT Department at NPUST recently welcomed Assistant Professor Duc-Thang Vo from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, who delivered an insightful talk on the modification of chitosan and its diverse applications. Dr. Vo’s presentation highlighted the significance of chitosan, a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer derived from chitin, in both biomedical and environmental fields.

Chitosan’s potential in antibacterial applications was a key focus of the talk. Dr. Vo discussed how chemical modifications can enhance chitosan’s solubility and biological activity, making it more effective against bacteria. For instance, modifications such as hydrophobic and carboxymethyl chitosan have shown promising results in improving antimicrobial properties. These modifications involve altering the amino and hydroxyl groups of chitosan to create derivatives with enhanced biological activities, including antitumor and antioxidant properties. The talk also explored the potential of chitosan in animal vaccine development. Chitosan’s ability to serve as an adjuvant or carrier in vaccine formulations could improve vaccine delivery systems by providing sustained antigen release, thereby enhancing vaccine efficacy. This application aligns with Dr. Vo’s broader research interests in leveraging advanced materials for biomedical applications.

In addition to its biomedical applications, Dr. Vo touched upon the environmental uses of modified chitosan. For example, chitosan derivatives have been used in water treatment to remove contaminants, demonstrating their versatility in addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Vo’s presentation was well-received by the audience, who appreciated the depth of information and the potential applications of chitosan modification. His work serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals interested in advancing the use of chitosan in various sectors.

From April 28 to May 2, 2025, the International Degree Program in Animal Vaccine Technology (IAVT) successfully held a specialized lecture series titled “Advanced Avian Vaccine Development”, featuring guest speakers Dr. Oishi Eiji, Representative Director, and Dr. Chia-Chi Liu from Vaxxinova Japan K.K.

The five-day event provided IAVT students with valuable insights into the principles and practices of veterinary vaccine development, with a particular focus on avian species. The lectures began with an overview of avian diseases and the structure of the global poultry industry, highlighting the importance of vaccine innovation in disease prevention and food security. The speakers then delved into various vaccine types, including live attenuated and vector vaccines, explaining their mechanisms, advantages in inducing strong immune responses, and strategic use in preventing major poultry diseases. They further explored the characteristics and practical applications of killed and subunit vaccines, which offer high safety profiles and targeted immunity but require careful formulation and adjuvant support to achieve full efficacy. Emphasis was also placed on key formulation components such as adjuvants, stabilizers, and other excipients, which play a critical role in enhancing immune response, ensuring vaccine stability, and extending shelf life. The discussion extended into the industrial perspective, outlining the process of veterinary vaccine development in the pharmaceutical sector—from early-stage research and antigen design, through preclinical evaluation and regulatory approval, to large-scale production and distribution. Throughout the sessions, students gained a comprehensive view of the technical, scientific, and commercial considerations involved in bringing effective animal vaccines to market. The lecture series concluded with student presentations and an engaging discussion session, providing a platform for participants to apply their knowledge and exchange ideas directly with the visiting experts.