BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA — Khon Kaen University (KKU) demonstrated its international research standing as faculty members and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, International College, National Phenome Institute, and Graduate School presented their work at the 22nd Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society (Metabolomics 2026). Described as the world’s largest metabolomics conference, the event was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and brought together researchers from across the globe to exchange knowledge and developments in medical and health sciences.       

A notable outcome for Khon Kaen University was the selection of Asst. Prof. Jutarop Petcherburanin, Ph.D., a faculty member of the Programme in Systems Biology and Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Director of the National Phenome Institute, and Associate Dean for Research and Integrated Graduate Studies, Graduate School, KKU, to give an oral presentation on “Plasma-Based Biomonitoring of Environmental PAH Exposure: A Targeted GC-MS/MS Exposomics Platform for Ensuring Blood Donor Safety.” This research was one of only 21 studies worldwide chosen for oral presentation at the conference.           This research focuses on developing a platform for detecting Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in plasma using highly sensitive and precise Targeted GC-MS/MS Exposomics technology. This platform can measure environmental pollutants accumulated in the human body at low concentrations. The study found that PAHs were detectable in the plasma of healthy blood donors, reflecting daily exposure to environmental pollutants such as air pollution, cooking fumes, and cigarette smoke.   

Beyond its academic contribution, the research is being developed for practical application. The National Phenome Institute, in collaboration with the Blood Bank of Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, KKU, plans to offer PAH analysis services for donated blood. This will serve as a tool for monitoring blood safety and assessing pollutant exposure risk in the Thai population, and represents a further step for Thailand in applying exposomics to its public health system and the advancement of precision medicine.

The research team includes Prof. Kriangsak Jenwithisuk, Ph.D.; Dr. Ronnarit Boonrat; Dr. Jakrapong Kluabsungneon; Ms. Peeraya Suksurathin; Mr. Teerayut Bubpamala; and Dr. Vassana Jamnongkan. This multidisciplinary collaboration integrates knowledge from medicine, systems biology, and advanced analytical technology.

 

Additionally, Lecturer Dr. Mom Luang Manida Sukchavalit, a faculty member of the International College, Assistant Dean for Research and Academic Services, and Deputy Director for High-Capability Human Resource Development at the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, was also honored to present a poster on the topic: “Optimizing Plasma Extraction Protocols on Metabolite Quantification.”

This research compared different plasma sample preparation methods before analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, with the aim of identifying the optimal method for analysing metabolites in blood. The study found that preparation methods directly affect the accuracy of metabolomics data, and also demonstrated a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and changes in certain metabolites — providing foundational data for future research into obesity, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and precision medicine.

The research team includes Ms. Priyakarn Malikrong, Assistant Professor Dr. Jutarop Petcherburanin, Ms. Narumon Mahaamnat, Ms. Thanaporn Kulthawatsiri, Dr. Vassana Jamnongkan, Dr. Marisa Attapong, Dr. Premkamon Chaipanichkul, Ms. Chotika Chatkasem, and Ms. Peeraya Suksurathin. Both research projects received funding support from the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC).  

Being selected to present at Metabolomics 2026, the most highly regarded academic platform in the Metabolomics field, not only reflects the potential of Khon Kaen University researchers but also demonstrates Thailand’s readiness to generate knowledge in Metabolomics, Exposomics, Phenomics, and Precision Medicine. This knowledge can be further developed for practical applications in disease diagnosis, risk screening, public health surveillance, and the development of more precise medical services.     

Khon Kaen University remains committed to driving research and innovation that addresses the country’s health challenges, while fostering international collaborations to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and create a sustainable positive impact on society, all under its vision of becoming “A World-Leading Research and Innovation University.”   

 

News: Benjamaporn Mamook

Data/Images: National Phenome Institute, Natthawut Jaruwong