Biotechnology can help malnourished children from low-income families'

Prof. Lee Sang-yup poses for the picture in his office at KAIST in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, in this 2019 file photo. / Courtesy of Lee Sang-yup

By Kim Jae-heun

Lee Sang-yup, a distinguished professor at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is one of Korea' most notable scientists today.

A 56-year-old scholar spent most of his life studying chemical engineering and obtained his doctoral degree at Northwestern University. After graduating from the top-tier school in the United States, Lee found new interest in metabolic engineering and he has been focusing his studies in the field until now.

Metabolic engineering is “the practice of optimizing genetic and regulatory processes within cells to increase the cells' production of a certain substance,” according to the definition by Wikipedia.

In the last decade, Lee has recorded a number of remarkable accomplishments, particularly those related to developing new energy sources that can replace fossil resources.

“Climate change has now turned into climate crisis. One of the major causes is our heavy and careless use of fossil resources such as coal, fossil oil and gas,” Prof. Lee told The Korea Times via email. “I've been working on metabolic engineering or microorganisms for the bio-based production of chemicals, fuels and materials from renewable non-food biomass. “

“Through metabolic engineering, I developed many new and best bioprocesses for the production of gasoline, biodiesel, bulk chemicals, engineering plastics, biodegradable plastics and more various natural products,” the scientist added.

The professor is not only interested in protecting the environment but also helping to give a better chance at good health to children from underprivileged backgrounds.

Lee is currently working as an advisor at an environmental organization called Action for Clean Environment.

He points out four top priority agendas that must be solved in order to improve children's health conditions.

First, protect children from pathogen infections with early diagnostics and better treatments. Second feed them well to prevent children from suffering malnutrition. Third, provide shelter with sanitary living conditions. Fourth, educate them about the importance of health maintenance.

“Children from low-income families suffer various health problems. They neither eat nor drink properly and they are exposed to infectious disease. Biotechnology can improve the situation by lowering the price of diagnostic kits and drugs to prevent and treat illness. Also, other health-promoting and natural nutrition products can be produced to help the kids stay healthy.

“Moreover, if we can improve our logistics system with advanced information and communication technology, we can save half of the food going wasted in the world and they can be supplied to the children in need,” Lee said.

The professor added the environmental group has to keep public focus on the issue of malnourished children in the world while collaborating with other organizations to consistently aid in providing these children with the necessary resources for staying healthy.