Pictured: Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723).
Leeuwenhoek - Father of Microbiology
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, the father of microbiology, first discovered microorganisms in the early 17th century, which not only opened the door to the study of microbiology, but also contributed to the discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century, protecting humans from infectious diseases and significantly increasing the average human life expectancy.
The company is named after Leeuwenhoek, which not only pays tribute to his discovery of microorganisms, but also represents that the company will give a new definition and mission to human microorganisms to help people achieve optimal health.
About Leeuwenhoek
A Spin-off from NTU and NTUH
Leeuwenhoek Laboratories Co., Ltd. is a start-up company jointly spun off from National Taiwan University (NTU) and National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). When it was founded in August 2011, three core R&D laboratories were established: Metabolomics Laboratory, Culturomics Laboratory, and BioMedicine Laboratory.
The research and development strategy is based on scientific evidence and supported by experimental results. The goal is to develop next-generation probiotic therapies. It has mass spectrometry analysis and related biotechnologies such as intestinal bacteria as the basis, and conducts complete intestinal bacteria culture (culturomics), germ-free mice breeding and specific bacteria colonization mice (gnotobiotic mice) experimental technology to biomarker detection and non-target metabolite analysis (metabolomics). It focuses on the development of precision medicine and is committed to exploring the interaction and biological mechanisms between microorganisms and hosts.
The company established the Product Development and Design Laboratory in 2013 to further develop products that improve host health by regulating the intestinal microecology, and to implement scientific research results into solutions with application value.
About Leeuwenhoek
Who We Are
Leeuwenhoek Laboratories Co., Ltd., a spin-off from National Taiwan University, was founded in August 2011. Since its inception, the company has established three core laboratories: the Metabolomics and Precision Health Laboratory, the Next-Generation Probiotics Laboratory, and the Bacterial Therapy Laboratory. Driven by scientific evidence and robust experimental data, our R&D strategy aims to develop next-generation probiotic therapies. Leveraging advanced mass spectrometry and a suite of biotechnology platforms—including gut microbiota analysis, comprehensive culturomics, germ-free mouse models, and gnotobiotic mouse colonization techniques—we specialize in biomarker discovery and non-targeted metabolomic profiling. Our mission is to advance the field of precision medicine by uncovering the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts, and to improve human health through targeted modulation of the gut microecosystem.
Founder Introduction
Dr. Xu Chengzhi
- Leeuwenhoek CEO
- Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University
- PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Stanford University
- Leeuwenhoek CEO
- Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University
- University of California, San Diego
PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry - Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Stanford University
Award-winning record
- National Science Council Wu Ta-you Memorial Award
- Ministry of Science and Technology Future Technology Award
- NIH Young Scholar Research Development Award
- Taiwan Chemical Society Young Scholar Award
- Taiwan Mass Spectrometry Society Young Scholar Medal
- Ministry of Science and Technology Young Scholars Research Award (Columbus Project)
- Five-time National Taiwan University Excellent Teaching Teacher
- 40 under 40 selected by Analytical Scientist magazine
Areas of Expertise
- Gut bacterial metabolites
- Food and Drug Analysis
- Cancer Detection
What We Believe
Our Vision
Leeuwenhoek Laboratories is dedicated to advancing precision health through cutting-edge analysis of gut microbial metabolites and key biomarkers—offering insights into current health and potential risks. By focusing on microbiome-based, personalized interventions, we aim to prevent disease, slow aging, and support early, targeted health optimization.
Leeuwenhoek Chronicle
