Piamsook Pongsawasdi, Emeritus Professor, Ph.D.

Piamsook Pongsawasdi, Emeritus Professor, Ph.D.

B.Sc., Chulalongkorn University 
M.Sc., Mahidol University 
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Office: 
Phone: 662-218-7166
Fax:      662-218-5418 
Email: piamsook.p@chula.ac.th; piamsook.p@gmail.com

Other current appointments:

2019-present Editor-in-Chief, ScienceAsia

2008-present Advisor BMB Thailand

1994-present Executive Committee Member, Science Society of Thailand

Experience and Activities:

2017-2018 Distinguished Scholar, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (ศาสตราภิชาน เงินทุน ปตท. จำกัด (มหาชน) กองทุนเพื่อการวิจัย คณะวิทยาศาสตร์)

Administrative Positions

2010-2012 Chairperson, Biotechnology Graduate Program, CU

2008-2011 Head, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, CU

2000-2004 Head, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, CU

1995-1999 Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, Faculty of Science, CU

1989-1993 Deputy Director for Administration, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, CU

FAOBMB and BMB Thailand

2014-2019 FAOBMB Treasurer and Executive Committee

2011-2012 Chairperson, Organizing Committee, 13th FAOBMB Congress

2008-2013 Chairperson, FAOBMB Fellowships Committee

2004-2008 Delegate on FAOBMB Council

2004 Co-chairperson of the Organizing Committee, 17th FAOBMB Symposium/2nd IUBMB Special Meeting/7th A-IMBN Conference

2004-2007 Chairperson, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, The Science Society of Thailand

1994 Co-Chairperson of Scientific Program Committee, 11th FAOB Symposium

The Science Society of Thailand

2014-2017 Chairperson, STT40-STT43, Science Society of Thailand

2008-2019 Treasurer, Science Society of Thailand

1996-2003 Vice President, Science Society of Thailand

1994-1995 Secretary-General, Science Society of Thailand

NRCT-JSPS

2015-2019 Committee member, NRCT-JSPS Core Core Program

2009-2013 Committee member, NRCT-JSPS Asian Core Program

2000-2008 Committee Member, NRCT-JSPS on Microbial Resources

2006 Chairperson, Organizing Committee, 5th JSPS-NRCT Joint Seminar on Microbial Resources

Asian Cyclodextrin League

2005-2017 Committee member, Asian and Oceanian Cyclodextrin League

2013 Chairperson, Organizing Committee,7th Asian Cyclodextrin Conference

Research

Enzymes capable of modifying carbohydrates are of importance in changing the molecular size of carbohydrates and producing useful oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides are of special interest for their biological roles and useful applications. Dextrins, cyclodextrins, oligofructose and maltotriose are examples of oligosaccharides widely used in various industries especially food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and toiletries.

We initially focused on cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) which produces cyclodextrins from starch. The small-ring cyclodextrin (CD) product is a unique group of cyclic oligosaccharides, 6-8 glycosyl residues joined by a -1,4 linkages, with several industrial applications. Our work further extends to cyclodextrinase (CDase which degrades cyclodextrin for better understanding of its metabolism), amylomaltase (produces large-ring cyclodextrins which are composed of greater than or equal to CD9), and sugar transferases (e.g. levansucrase) for production of various oligosaccharides. Current projects involve biotechnological approach for enzyme production, biochemical studies of enzymes, enzyme improvement and application of enzymes and enzyme products.

Bacteria are main source for enzyme production in our lab. We lately target on searching for thermotolerant strains efficient in biomaterial production. The benefit of energy saving and diminishing of cooling system during fermentation of thermotolerant microorganisms is a point of significant concern.

Recent Publications

Publications

  • Nimpiboon, P.; Tumhom, S.; Nakapong, S.; Pongsawasdi, P. Amylomaltase from Thermus filiformis: Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its use in starch modification. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2020, 129 (5), 1287-1296.
  • Pongsawasdi, P. ScienceAsia: On the move. ScienceAsia, 2019, 45(1), 1.
  • Tumhom, S.; Krusong, K.; Kidokoro, S.; Katoh, E.; Pongsawasdi, P. Significance of H461 at subsite +1 in substrate binding and transglucosylation activity of amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 2018, 652, 3-8.
  • Hanpaibool, C.; Chakcharoensap, T.; Yuh Hijikata A.; Irle, S.; Wolschann, P.; Kungwan, N.; Pongsawasdi,P.; Ounjai, P.;  Rungrotmongkol, T. Theoretical analysis of orientations and tautomerization of genistein in β- cyclodextrin..Journal of Molecular Liquids 2018, 265, 16-23.
  • Rungrotmongkol T.; Chakcharoensap T.; Pongsawasdi P.; Kungwan N.; Wolschann, P. The inclusion complexation of daidzein with β-cyclodextrin and 2,6-dimethyl–β-cyclodextrin – A theoretical and experimental study. Monatshefte fur Chemie  2018, 149 (10), 1739-1747.
  • Kicuntod, J.; Sangpheak, K.; Mueller, M.; Wolchann, P.; Viernstein, H.; Yanaka, S.; Kato, K.; Chavasiri, W.; Pongsawasdi, P.; Kungwan, N.; Rungrotmongkol, T. Theoretical and experimental studies on inclusion complexes of pinostrobin and β– cyclodextrins. Scientia Pharmaceutica 2018, 86 (1), 5.
  • Tumhom, S.; Krusong, K; Pongsawasdi, P. Y418 in 410s loop is required for high transglucosylation activity and large-ring cyclodextrin production of amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 2017, 488, 516-521.
  • Nimpiboon, P.; Krusong, K.; Kaulpiboon, J.; Kidokoro, S. I.; Pongsawasdi, P.. Roles of N287 in catalysis and product formation of amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 2016, 478 (2), 759-764.
  • Suriyakul Na Ayudhaya, P., Pongsawasdi, P., Laohasongkram, K. and Chaiwanichsiri, S. (2016) “Properties of cassava starch modified by amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum”. Journal of Food Science(doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.13305).
  • Vongpichayapaiboon, T., Pongsawasdi, P. and Krusong, K. (2016). “Optimization of large-ring cyclodextrin production from starch by amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum and effect of organic solvent on product size”. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 120 (4), 912-920.
  • Nimpiboon, P.; Kaulpiboon, J.; Krusong, K.; Nakamura, S.; Kidokoro, S.-I. Pongsawasdi, P.. Mutagenesis for improvement of activity and thermostability of amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2016, 86, 820-828.
  • Khuntawee, W.; Rungrotmongkol, T.; Wolschann, P. ; Pongsawasdi, P.; Kungwan, N.; Okumura, H.; Hannongbua, S.. Conformation study of ε-cyclodextrin: Replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. Carbohydrate Polymers 2016, 141, 99-105.
  • Kicuntod, J.; Khuntawee, W.; Wolschann, P.; Pongsawasdi, P.; Chavasiri, W.; Kungwan, N.; Rungrotmongkol, T..Inclusion complexation of pinostrobin with various cyclodextrin derivatives.  Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling 2016, 63, 91-98.
  • Sangpheak, W., Kicuntod, J., Schuster, R., Rungrotmongkol, T., Wolschann, P., Kungwan, N., Viernstein, H., Mueller, M. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2015) “Physical properties and biological activities of hesperetin and naringenin in complex with methylated β-cyclodextrin” Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 11, 2763-2773.
  • Kuttiyawong, K., Saehu, S., Ito, K. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2015) “Synthesis of large-ring cyclodextrin from tapioca starch by amylomaltase and complex formation with vitamin E acetate for solubility enhancement”. Process Biochemistry, 50, 2168-2176.
  • Kaewpathomsri, P.; Takahashi, Y.; Nakamura, S.; Kaulpiboon, J.; Kidokoro, S.-I.; Murakami, S.; Krusong, K.; Pongsawasdi, P.. Characterization of amylomaltase from Thermus filiformis and the increase in alkaline and thermo-stability by E27R substitution. Process Biochemistry 2015, 50 (11), 5971 – 5983.
  • Naumthong, W.; Ito, K.; Pongsawasdi, P.. Acceptor specificity of amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum and transglucosylation reaction to synthesize palatinose glucosides. Process Biochemistry 2015, 50 (11), 1825-1834.
  • Kaulpiboon, J.; Rudeekulthamrong, P.; Watanasatitarpa, S.;Ito, K.; Pongsawasdi, P.. Synthesis of long-chain isomaltooligosaccharides from tapioca starch and an in vitro investigation of their prebiotic properties. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR CATALYSIS B-ENZYMATIC 2015, 120, 127-135.
  • Rachadech, W., Nimpiboon, P., Naumthong, W., Nakapong, S., Krusong, K., Pongsawasdi, P.. Identification of essential tryptophan in amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2015, 76, 230-235.
  • Nutho, B., Khuntawee, W., Rungnim, C., Pongsawasdi, P., Wolchann, P., Karpfen, A., Kungwan, N. and Rungrotmongkol, T (2014) “Binding mode and free energy prediction of fisetin/β–cyclodextrin inclusion complexes” Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 10, 2789-2799.
  • Watanasatitarpa, S.; Rudeekulthamrong, P.; Krusong, K.; Srisimarat, W.; Zimmermann, W.; Pongsawasdi, P.; Kaulpiboon, J.. Molecular Mutagenesis at Tyr-101 of the Amylomaltase Transcribed from a Gene Isolated from Soil DNA, APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY 2014,  50( 3), 243-252.
  • Sangpheak, W.; Khuntawee, W.; Wolschann, P.; Pongsawasdi, P.; Rungrotmongkol, T.. Enhanced stability of a naringenin/2,6-dimethyl beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Molecular dynamics and free energy calculations based on MM- and QM-PBSA/GBSA. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR GRAPHICS & MODELLING 2014, 50,  10-15.
  • Sawasdee, K.; Rudeekulthamrong, P. ;Zimmermann, W.; Murakami, S.; Pongsawasdi, P.; Kaulpiboon, J.. Direct cloning of gene encoding a novel amylomaltase from soil bacterial DNA for large-ring cyclodextrin production. APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY 2014, 50 (1), 17-24.
  • Srisimarat, W.; Murakami, S.; Pongsawasdi, P.; Krusong, K. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Acta Crystallographica Section F-Structural Biology and Crystallization Communications 2013, 69, 1004-1006.
  • Saehu, S., Srisimarat, W., Prousoontorn, M.H., Pongsawasdi, P. Transglucosylation reaction of amylomaltase for the synthesis of anticariogenic oligosaccharides. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic 2013, 88, 77- 83.
  • Nakapong, S.; Pichyangkura, R.; Ito, K.; Iizuka, M.; Pongsawasdi, P. High expression level of levansucrase from Bacillus licheniformis RN-01 and synthesis of levan nanoparticles.International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2013, 54(1), 30-36.
  • Srisimarat, W.; Kaulpiboon, J.; Krusong, K.; Zimmermann, W.; Pongsawasdi, P. Altered Large-Ring Cyclodextrin Product Profile Due to a Mutation at Tyr-172 in the Amylomaltase of Corynebacterium glutamicum. APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY 2012, 78(20), 7223-7228.
  • Thongchuang, M., Pongsawasdi, P., Chisti, Yusuf, Packdibamrung, K . (2012) Design of a recombinant Escherichia coli for producing L-phenylalanine from glycerol, WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, 28(10), 2937-2943.
  • Aramsangtienchai, P., Chavasiri, W., Ito, K., Pongsawasdi, P. (2011) “Synthesis of epicatechin glucosides by a β-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase” Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 73 (1-4), 27-34.
  • Srisimarat, W., Powviriyakul, A., Kaulpiboon, J., Krusong, K., Zimmermann, W., Pongsawasdi, P. (2011) “A novel amylomaltase from Corynebacterium glutamicum and analysis of the large-ring cyclodextrin products” Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry, 70 (3-4), 369-375.
  • Yenpetch, Y., Packdibumrung, K., Zimmermann, W. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2011) “ Biochemical Properties and cyclodextrin production profiles of isoforms of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase”, Journal of Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry, 70 (3-4), 377-383
  • Yenpetch, Y., Packdibumrung, K., Zimmermann, W. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2011) “Evidence of the involvement of  asparagine deamidation in the formation of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase isoforms in Paenibacillus sp.RB01”,Mol Biotechnol, 47 (3), 234-242
  • Nimpiboon, P., Nakapong, S., Pichyangura, R., Ito, K. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2011) “Synthesis of a novel prebiotic trisaccharide by a type I a-glucosidase from B. licheniformis strain TH4-2”, Process Biochem, 46, 448-457.
  • Kaulpiboon, J., Pongsawasdi, P. and Zimmermann, W. (2010) “Altered product specificity of a cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase by molecular imprinting with cyclomaltododecaose”, Journal of Molecular Recognition, 23, 480-485.
  • Kaulpiboon, J., Prasong, W., Rimphanitchayakit, V., Murakami, S., Aoki, K. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2010) “Expression and characterization of a fusion protein-containing cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Paenibacillus sp.A11”, J Basic Microbiology, 50, 1-9.
  • Wongsaengwattana, W., Kaulpiboon, J., Ito, K. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2010) “Synthesis of cellobiose-containing oligosaccharides by intermolecular transglucosylation of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Paenibacillus sp. A11”, Process Biochemistry, 45, 947-953.
  • Hamaguchi, T., Ito, T., Inoue, Y., Limpaseni, T., Pongsawasdi, P. and Ito, K. (2010) “Purification, characterization, and molecular cloning of a novel Endo-b-N-acetylglucosaminidase from the Basidiomycete Flammulina velutypes”, Glycobiology, 20(4), 420-432.
  • Promden, W., Vangnai, A.S., Toyama, H., Matsushita, K. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2009) “Analysis of the Promoter Activities of the Genes Encoding Three Quinoprotein Alcohol Dehydrogenases in Pseudomonas putida HK5”,Microbiology 155, 594-603.
  • Srisimarat, W., and Pongsawasdi, P. (2008) “Enhancement of Oligosaccharide Synthetic Activity of b – Galactosidase in Organic Solvents by Cyclodextrin”, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 43(6), 436-441.
  • Murakami, S., Nagasaki, K., Nishimoto, H., Shigematu, R., Umesaki, J., Takenaka, S., Kaulpiboon, J., Prousoontorn, M., Limpaseni, T., Pongsawasdi, P . and Aoki, K. (2008) “Purification and Characterization of Five Alkaline, Thermotolerant, and Maltotetraose-Producing α-Amylases from Bacillus halodurans MS-2-5, and Production of Recombinant Enzymes in Escherichia coli”, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 43(4-5), 321-328.
  • Promden, W., Vangnai, A. S., Pongsawasdi, P., Matsushita, K., and Toyama, H. (2008) “Disruption of Quinoprotein Ethanol Dehydrogenase gene and adjacent genes in Pseudomonas putida HK”, FEMS microbiology letter 280, 203-209.
  • Murakami,S., Nishimoto,S., Toyama,Y., Shimamoto,E., Takenaka,S., Kaulpiboon,J., Prousoontorn,M., Limpaseni,T., Pongsawasdi,P. and Aoki,K. (2007) “Purification and Characterization of Two Alkaline, Thermotolerant a- Amylase from Bacillus halodurans 38C-2-1 and Expression of the Cloned Gene in Escherichia coli, Bioscience,Biotechnology,and Biochemistry  71 , 2393-2401.
  • Chittiteeranon, P., Soontaros, S. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2007) “Preparation and Characterization of   Inclusion Complexes Containing Fixolide, a Synthetic Musk Fragrance and Cyclodextrins”, Journal of Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry 57, 69-71.
  • Kaulpiboon, J., Pongsawasdi, P. and Zimmermann,W. (2007) ”Molecular Imprinting of Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase from Paenibacillus. sp. A11 and Bacillus macerans  with  g- cyclodextrin”, FEBS. J. 274, 1001-1010.
  • Kaulpiboon, J. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2005) “Purification and Characterization of Cyclodextrinase from Paenibacillus sp. A11”, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 36, 168-175.
  • Kaulpiboon, J., Rimphanitchayakit, V. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2004) “Identification of an Alkaline-tolerant Cyclodextrin-metabolizing Bacterium and Characterization of its Cyclodextrinase Gene”, Journal of Basic Microbiology 44, 374-382.
  • Kaulpiboon, J. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2004)  “Expression of Cyclodextrinase Gene from Paenibacillus sp. A11 in Escherichia coli and Characterization of the Purified Cyclodextrinase”, Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 37, 408-415.
  • Kaulpiboon, J. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2003)  “Identification of Essential Histidines in Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase Isoform 1 from Paenibacillus sp. A11”,  Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 36, 409-416.
  • Saikosin, R., Limpaseni, T. and Pongsawasdi, P. (2002) “Formation of Inclusion Complexes between Cyclodextrins and Carbaryl and Properties Determination”, Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry  44, 191-196.
  • Ammar, Y.B., Matsubara, T., Ito, K., Iizuka, M., Limpaseni, T., Pongsawasdi, P. and Minamiura, N. (2002) “New Action Pattern of a Maltose – forming a-Amylase from Streptomyces sp. and its Possible Application in Bakery”, Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 35(6), 568-578.
  • Ammar, Y.B., Matsubara, T., Ito, K., Iizuka, M., Limpaseni, T., Pongsawasdi, P., and Minamiura, N. (2002) “Characterization of a Thermostable Levansucrase from Bacillus sp. TH 4-2 Capable of Producing High Molecular Weight Levan at High Temperature”, Journal of Biotechnology 99, 111-119.
  • Rojtinnakorn, J., Kim, P., Laloknam, S., Tongsima, A., Kamolsiripichaiporn, S., Limpaseni, T. and Pongsawasdi, P.  (2001), “Immunoaffinity Purification and Characterization of Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase from Bacillus  circulans  A11” Science Asia, 27(2), 105-112.
  • Pongsawasdi, P. and Anderson, B.M. (1998), “Interaction of Methyl-b-Cyclodextrin with Adenine and Pyridine/Nicotinamide Derivatives as Determined by Competitive Fluorescence Methods”, Journal of the Science Society of Thailand 24, 37-44.
  • Boonjawat, J., Chaisiri, P., Limpananont, J., Soontaros, S., Pongsawasdi, P., Chaopongpang, S., Pornpattkul, S., Wongwaitayakul, B., and Saengduan, L. (1991) “Biology of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobacteria”, Plant  and Soil 137, 119-125.
  • Pongsawasdi, P.  and Yagisawa, M. (1988), “Purification and Some Properties of Cyclomaltodextrin Glucanotransferase from Bacillus circulans ”, Agric. Biol. Chem. 52(5), 1099-1103.
  • Pongsawasdi, P. and Yagisawa, M. (1987), “Screening and Identification of Cyclomaltodextrin Glucanotransferase Producing Bacteria”, Ferment. Technol. 65(4), 463-467.
  • Pongsawasdi, P.  and Anderson, B.M. (1985), “Studies of the Coenzyme Binding Site of Rat Overian 20a – Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase”, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. , 238 (1), 280-289.
  • Pongsawasdi, P.  and Anderson, B.M. (1984), “Inactivation of Rat Ovarian 20a – Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase by N-Alkylmaleimides”, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 233 (2), 481-488.
  • Pongsawasdi, P.  and Anderson, B.M. (1984), “Kinetic Studies of Rat Ovarian 20a – Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase”, Biochim.  Biophys. Acta, 799, 51-57.
  • Karlsson, E. and Pongsawasdi, P. (1980), “Purification of Two Phospholipase A lsoenzymes with Anticoagulant Activity from the Venom of the Cobra Naja Naja Siamensis”, Toxicon 18, 409-419.
  • Pongsawasdi, P. and Svasti, J. (1976), “The Heterogeneity of the Protamines from Human Spermatozoa”, Biochim. Biophys.  Acta 434, 462-473.

Textbooks:

  1. รศ.ดร.เปี่ยมสุข พงษ์สวัสดิ์ (2551) เอนไซม์ดัดแปรคาร์โบไฮเดรตในอุุตสาหกรรม โรงพิมพ์จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย กรุงเทพฯ 392 หน้า, ISBN 978-974-03-2269-6.
  2. ศ.ดร. เปี่ยมสุข พงษ์สวัสดิ์ (2557) ความรู้พื้นฐานสำหรับศาสตร์ชีวเคมี ใน ชีวเคมี โดย คณาจารย์ภาควิชาชีวเคมี คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย (ศ.ดร. เปี่ยมสุข พงษ์สวัสดิ์ รศ.ดร. ศิริพร สิทธิประณีต และ รศ.ดร. ธีรพงษ์ บัวบูชา, บรรณาธิการ) บทที่1, หน้า 1-33, โรงพิมพ์จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย กรุงเทพฯ, ISBN 978-616-551-809-3.

Books:

  1. Pongsawasdi, P. and Murakami, S. (2010) Carbohydrases in Detergents. In Detergents: Types, Components, and Uses.  (Hagen, E.T., ed.) Series: Biochemistry Research Trends, Chapter 3, pp. 71-95,  Nova Science Publishers, NY, ISBN978-1-61668-986-5. Open Access Entry at http://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=17809.
  2. Pongsawasdi, P. and Ito, K. (2011) Enzymatic Synthesis of Linear, Cyclic and Complex Oligosaccharides. In Oligosaccharides: Sources, Properties and Applications.  (Gordon, N.S., ed.) Series: Biochemistry Research Trends, Chapter 4, pp. 109-134, Nova Science Publishers, NY, ISBN 978-1-61122-193-0.