Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has announced a collaboration between its Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing Research Centre (BBRC) and biotechnology company, PNT Research.

The collaboration between the two is set to enhance the efficacy of functional ingredients to contribute towards a society with healthy ageing. It will delve into the huge potential microalgae bring in preventing oxidative stress that has been linked to many chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetics, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Oxidative stress leads to premature ageing and is increasingly common due to many factors including ageing, lifestyle changes, stress, and pollution.

BBRC head Professor Dr. Arbakariya Ariff will be leading his team to study marine microalgae TetraSOD® in order to help find a solution, which is touted as the most potent antioxidant and nutritious marine microalgae functional ingredient.

“We are excited to work with PNT Research, starting by enhancing the efficacy of TetraSOD® (Tetraselmis chuii) and followed by other functional ingredients. It will minimise the damage of time and let people achieve healthy ageing, so that they may recover from illness more quickly and reduce the risk of getting a chronic disease,” said Dr. Arbakariya.

Lee Bin Hao, PNT Research managing director, stated that the partnership with UPM builds on a simple yet powerful goal, which is to make quality and affordable functional ingredient products accessible for people. He mentioned that as patriotic citizens, they want to contribute and give back to the community,  starting with starting with TetraSOD®.

“Our work will be built on a foundation of serious science, with the best interest of academia, industry and consumers in mind,” he highlighted.