Deokyeol Jeong | Advances in Food Microbiology | Innovative Research Award

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Innovative Research Award

Deokyeol Jeong
Kongju National University, South Korea
Deokyeol Jeong
Affiliation Kongju National University
Country South Korea
Scopus ID 57191332457
Documents 34
Citations 631
h-index 12
Subject Area Advances in Food Microbiology
Event International Food Scientists Awards

Deokyeol Jeong is a South Korean food biotechnology researcher specializing in metabolic engineering, microbial fermentation, renewable bioprocessing, and value-added chemical production from agricultural biomass. His research portfolio demonstrates sustained contributions to yeast metabolic engineering, lignocellulosic biomass utilization, probiotic yeast development, and sustainable bioconversion technologies for industrial and food applications.[1] His academic activities span research, innovation, biotechnology development, patent generation, and international scientific dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.[2]

Abstract

Deokyeol Jeong has established a research profile focused on sustainable food biotechnology and microbial engineering. His scientific work primarily investigates engineered yeast systems capable of converting agricultural and food waste into fuels, organic acids, bioplastics, and value-added chemicals.[3] His research integrates molecular biology, metabolic engineering, fermentation optimization, and industrial biotechnology to address challenges related to biomass valorization and renewable bioprocessing. Through collaborative international research activities, patents, and peer-reviewed publications, Jeong has contributed to advancing bio-based production platforms using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-conventional yeast species.

Keywords

Food biotechnology, metabolic engineering, microbial fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, probiotic yeast, biomass valorization, citrus waste bioconversion, lignocellulosic biomass, industrial biotechnology, renewable bioenergy, synthetic biology, yeast engineering, fermentation technology, sustainable food systems, bio-based chemicals.

Introduction

The integration of microbial biotechnology into food and agricultural systems has become an important area of scientific development in response to environmental sustainability challenges and the increasing demand for renewable production technologies. Researchers working in metabolic engineering and microbial fermentation contribute significantly to the development of eco-friendly industrial processes capable of transforming waste biomass into commercially valuable compounds.

Within this context, Deokyeol Jeong has developed a research trajectory centered on engineered yeast systems for sustainable bioconversion processes. His work spans metabolic pathway optimization, adaptive evolutionary engineering, fermentation technology, and probiotic yeast engineering for gut microbiome applications. His interdisciplinary expertise combines food science, biotechnology, molecular biology, and industrial fermentation sciences.

Research Profile

Deokyeol Jeong earned his Ph.D. in Food Science and Biotechnology from Kyungpook National University in 2022 under the supervision of Professor Soo Rin Kim. His doctoral thesis focused on the metabolic engineering of yeast for the utilization of pectin-rich biomass. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed both Bachelor of Science degrees in Food Science and Biotechnology and Mathematica, followed by a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Biotechnology at the same institution.

Following his doctoral training, Jeong served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Purdue University from 2022 to 2026 within the Department of Food Science. In 2026, he joined Kongju National University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology.

His research activities include principal investigator roles in projects related to recombinant probiotic yeast development, anti-obesity microbial platforms, renewable energy-producing microbial systems, and pectin-rich biomass bioconversion technologies.

Research Contributions

Jeong’s research contributions are strongly associated with yeast metabolic engineering and sustainable industrial biotechnology. His studies have explored advanced strategies for converting citrus peel waste, lignocellulosic biomass, and pectin-derived substrates into industrially relevant products.

  • Development of engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains capable of simultaneous fermentation of galacturonic acid and pentose sugars.
  • Research on acetate metabolism and xylose fermentation pathways to improve 3-hydroxypropionic acid production.
  • Bioconversion of citrus waste into mucic acid through engineered microbial platforms.
  • Engineering of probiotic yeast systems for gut microbiota modulation and anti-obesity applications.
  • Optimization of fermentation systems for renewable fuels and bio-based chemical production.
  • Investigation of lignocellulosic biomass utilization for sustainable biorefinery development.

His research also demonstrates translational relevance through multiple Korean patents involving microbial strains, ethanol production technologies, and fermentation-based functional products.

Publications

Jeong has contributed to 38 peer-reviewed publications, including 13 first-author articles and 25 co-authored studies. His work appears in internationally recognized journals including Bioresource Technology, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Green Chemistry, Microbial Cell Factories, and Biomass and Bioenergy.

Research Impact

Jeong’s research profile demonstrates measurable contributions to food biotechnology, industrial fermentation science, and sustainable biomass utilization. His publications have addressed key scientific challenges involving pectin-rich biomass fermentation, lignocellulosic bioconversion, and microbial production systems.

The translational relevance of his work is further supported by multiple patent applications and granted patents involving engineered yeast strains, fermentation technologies, and value-added bio-based product development. His participation in international conferences, oral presentations, and invited seminars indicates active engagement with the global scientific community.

His research themes align closely with current global priorities involving circular bioeconomy systems, sustainable food production, renewable energy integration, and food waste valorization technologies.

Award Suitability

Deokyeol Jeong’s academic and research activities demonstrate strong alignment with the objectives of the Global Food Biotechnology Innovation Award. His work integrates innovative microbial engineering approaches with sustainable food biotechnology applications, particularly in the conversion of agricultural residues and food waste into high-value chemicals and renewable bio-products.

His publication record, patent portfolio, project leadership, and expertise in industrial fermentation systems collectively indicate sustained scientific productivity and interdisciplinary innovation. The combination of laboratory-scale metabolic engineering and practical bioprocess applications supports his recognition within the field of food biotechnology and renewable microbial systems.

Conclusion

Deokyeol Jeong represents an emerging researcher in food biotechnology whose work contributes to the advancement of sustainable microbial engineering, industrial fermentation, and biomass valorization technologies. His interdisciplinary research portfolio demonstrates consistent engagement with innovative yeast engineering systems and renewable bioprocessing methodologies. Through peer-reviewed publications, patents, project leadership, and international scientific participation, he has contributed to expanding the scientific understanding and industrial potential of engineered microbial platforms within food and biotechnology sectors.

References

  1. Jeong, D. et al. (2024). Bioconversion of citrus waste into mucic acid by xylose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bioresource Technology, 393, 130158.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130158
  2. Jeong, D. et al. (2021). Recent advances in the biological valorization of citrus peel waste into fuels and chemicals. Bioresource Technology, 323, 124603.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124603
  3. Jeong, D. et al. (2020). Simultaneous fermentation of galacturonic acid and five-carbon sugars by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bioresource Technology, 295, 122259.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122259

Md Mehedi Iqbal | Food Microbiology | Food Safety Innovation Award

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Dr. Md Mehedi Iqbal | Food Microbiology | Food Safety Innovation Award

Project Researcher at Nagasaki University, Japan

Dr. Md. Mehedi Iqbal Rocky is a marine microbiologist and bioinformatician with multidisciplinary research expertise in microbial ecology, marine science, and environmental bioinformatics. With over a decade of academic training and research experience in Bangladesh and Japan, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of microbial communities in marine ecosystems, particularly eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds. He is also experienced in AI and machine learning applications in environmental science and currently works as a Project Researcher at Nagasaki University.

 Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

  • Ph.D. (2018–2022)
    Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
    Thesis: Microbial Community Composition and Diversity in the Eelgrass Bed
    Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Susumu Yoshizawa

  • M.Sc. (2016–2018)
    Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
    Thesis: Microbial community structure associated with eelgrass along the coast of Japan
    Supervisor: Prof. Kazuhiro Kogure

  • M.Sc. in Marine Science (2013–2015)
    University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
    Thesis: Phytoplankton species assemblages in the Rezu Khal estuary
    CGPA: 3.54/4.00

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Marine Science (2008–2013)
    University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
    Term Paper: Zooplankton biodiversity and environmental dynamics in Rezu Khal estuary
    CGPA: 3.51/4.00

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Dec 2024 – Present: Project Researcher, Institute for East China Sea Research, Nagasaki University, Japan
    Topic: CO₂ logger evaluation in ocean systems

  • Sep 2023 – Nov 2024: Bioinformatician/Data Scientist, Japan AI Consulting, Osaka
    Work: R&D in AI/ML applications for environmental data

  • Apr 2022 – Sep 2023: Project Researcher, AORI, The University of Tokyo
    Research: Seagrass microbiome interactions

  • Oct 2021 – Mar 2022: Research Assistant, AORI, The University of Tokyo
    Research: Microbial succession in eelgrass decomposition

  • 2013 – Present: Ongoing research in microbial ecology, phytoplankton, and estuarine biodiversity through various research and academic roles in Japan and Bangladesh

🌱 Research Interests

  • Marine microbial ecology and environmental microbiology

  • Microbial diversity and dynamics in seagrass ecosystems

  • Oceanographic data analysis and hydrological factors

  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) and next-generation sequencing

  • AI and machine learning for ecological data analysis

  • Aquatic pollution, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem modeling

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Best Poster Presentation Award, ISME Microbial Ecology Summit, 2020

  • MEXT Scholarships (2015–2021) for Doctoral, Master’s, and Research Programs in Japan

  • Research Assistant/Project Researcher Awards, University of Tokyo (2021–2023)

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Md. Mehedi Iqbal Rocky has built an impressive research trajectory blending marine science, microbial ecology, and AI-powered data analysis. His scholarly contributions are evident through high-quality journal publications, international conference presentations, and academic collaborations. With strong technical skills in bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and environmental monitoring, he is well-positioned for leadership roles in interdisciplinary research on marine ecosystems, environmental safety, and sustainable resource management.

 Publications 📚

  1. 🧫 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Yuya Tsukamoto, Yoshizawa, S. (2024).
    Changes in microbial community structure related to biodegradation of eelgrass (Zostera marina).
    🔬 Science of the Total Environment, 930, 172798.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172798

  2. 🧪 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Sano, M., Yoshizawa, S. (2024).
    Particle-attached microbes in eelgrass vegetation areas differ in community structure depending on the distance from the eelgrass bed.
    🌱 Microbes and Environment, 38(3): ME23013.

  3. 🌊 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Haider, M. N., Yoshizawa, S. (2023).
    Microbial communities on eelgrass (Zostera marina) thriving in Tokyo Bay and the possible source of leaf-attached microbes.
    🧬 Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 1102013.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1102013

  4. 🎤 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Sano, M., Yoshizawa, S. (2022).
    Diversity and dynamics of particle-associated and free-living bacteria in eelgrass (Zostera marina) bed along the coast of Japan.
    📃 Proceedings of the Microbiology Society Conference.
    https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.ac2021.po0237

  5. 🌍 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Haider, M.N., Sano, M., Ijichi, M., Kogure, K., Yoshizawa, S. (2021).
    Diversity and composition of microbial communities of an eelgrass (Zostera marina) bed in Tokyo Bay, Japan.
    🧫 Microbes and Environment, 36(4): ME21037.

  6. 🐡 Wassel, M.A., Makabe‐Kobayashi, Y., Iqbal, M.M., Takatani, T., Sakakura, Y., Hamasaki, K. (2024).
    The impact of tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the gut microbiome in juvenile tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes).
    📊 Scientific Reports, 14, 16684.
    https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66112-y

  7. 💧 Haider, M.N., Nishimura, M., Iqbal, M.M., Ikemoto, E., Ijichi, M., Kogure, K. (2023).
    Bacterial response to glucose addition – growth and community structure in seawater microcosms.
    🔬 Scientific Reports, 13, 341.

  8. 🧪 Souhardya, S.M., Kumar, U., Iqbal, M.M., et al. (2025).
    Phytoplankton in contrasting ecosystems of the southeastern coast of Bangladesh: effects of seasonality and environmental factors.
    🌿 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 197, 260.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-13699-y

  9. 🐾 Shawon, R.A.R., Rahman, M.M., Dandi, S.O., Agbayiza, B., Iqbal, M.M., et al. (2025).
    Knowledge, perception, and practices of wildlife conservation and biodiversity management in Bangladesh.
    🐘 Animals, 15(3), 296.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030296

  10. 📸 Shawon, R.A.R., Rahman, M.M., Iqbal, M.M., Russel, M.A., Moribe, J. (2024).
    An assessment of the diversity and seasonal dynamics of small- and medium-sized mammals in Pittachhara Forest, Bangladesh, using a camera trap survey.
    🦝 Animals, 14(24), 3568.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243568

  11. ⚗️ Mazed, M.M., Haque, A., Iqbal, M.M., Rana, S., Ahammad, K., et al. (2023).
    Heavy metal (As, Cr, and Pb) contamination and associated human health risks in two commercial fish species in Bangladesh.
    🐟 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195, 1400.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11985-1

  12. 🐣 Nahid, S.A.A., Rana, S., Sultana, N., Mawa, J., Iqbal, M.M., et al. (2023).
    Larval fish assemblages in coastal waters of Bangladesh: Spatial and seasonal dynamics.
    🌐 Conservation, 4, 36–50.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4010003