Dr. Lan is a leading figure in the field of advanced membrane technology, with a proven ability to translate complex scientific innovations into real-world industrial applications. One of the most impactful areas of his work is the application of membrane technology in fermentation-based processes. His research has significantly enhanced critical aspects of fermentation, such as product recovery, purity improvement, and wastewater treatment, addressing key challenges in both efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Lan’s work has been instrumental in the recovery and purification of a wide array of fermentation-derived compounds. These include antimicrobials such as erythromycin, bacitracin, 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA), and cephalosporin C; essential amino acids like lysine and glycine; vital vitamins including vitamin C and B12; and sugars such as glucose, stevioside, and D-ribose. His innovative use of membrane technology in these processes has led to increased yield, reduced processing costs, and minimized environmental impact.
Dr. Lan’s significant contributions to this field are reflected in his scholarly and intellectual output, with at least 16 publications and 26 patents related to fermentation-based applications. These achievements underscore his pioneering role in integrating membrane technology with biochemical and biotechnological engineering.
Building on his successes in downstream processing, Dr. Lan has shifted his focus toward upstream fermentation processes, with a particular emphasis on strain development and fermentation optimisation. His current research highlights synthetic biology as a transformative tool for enhancing microbial production efficiency and driving process innovation. By combining membrane technology with advanced genetic and metabolic engineering techniques, Dr. Lan aims to achieve highly efficient and environmentally sustainable production of bio-based chemicals.
To further this line of research, Dr. Lan played a key role in establishing the Suntar-CAMS Sustainability Laboratory in partnership with the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences at Xiamen University Malaysia. This initiative reinforces the integration of membrane innovation, synthetic biology, and sustainability. The laboratory focuses on producing value-added chemicals via bio-based pathways, driven by strain development and metabolic engineering, with the overarching aim of advancing the circular bioeconomy and fostering environmental sustainability.
Dr. Lan’s research exemplifies the deep integration of engineering, life sciences, and sustainability principles. Through his pioneering contributions to membrane technology and fermentation processes, alongside his forward-looking work in synthetic biology, he is laying a solid foundation for the development of a more efficient, sustainable, and circular bioeconomy.