Microalgae are among the most valuable treasures of nature. Due to their ability to efficiently capture atmospheric carbon dioxide and their wide range of potential applications, microalgae have drawn increasing attention in recent years. With advantages such as high growth rates and excellent CO₂ fixation efficiency, microalgae not only serve as an effective means of reducing anthropogenic carbon emissions but also possess remarkably high lipid content in many species. These lipids are suitable for the production of biodiesel (e.g., saturated fatty acids) as well as the development of health-related products (e.g., unsaturated fatty acids, pigments, proteins, etc.). Taiwan, located in the subtropical region, provides an ideal environment for cultivating microalgae. However, the lack of extensive research and industrial development in this field has limited the full utilization of such natural advantages. To address this gap, the Core Laboratory of the Center for Microalgal Biotechnology and Bioengineering was established at the Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University in 2010. The center is dedicated to developing microalgae-related industries, including bioenergy, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
With the vision of integrating Taiwan’s microalgal resources and enhancing the value of the domestic microalgae industry, the center aims to provide services to industry, government, academia, and research institutes. Its goals include establishing an internationally recognized microalgal preservation laboratory in the Asia-Pacific region, supplying novel algal strains and technologies with high application potential, and supporting the development of innovative products that can drive industrial transformation in Taiwan in both the short and long term.