Core Viewpoint - BASF and IFF have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of IFF's Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials™ (DEB) platform, focusing on high-performance, sustainable enzyme and bio-based polymer solutions for various applications, including fabric care, personal care, and industrial cleaning [2][6]. Group 1: Technological Collaboration - The DEB platform, launched in September, aims to commercialize unique polysaccharides that mimic natural components, replacing non-degradable ingredients in laundry formulations with bio-based solutions [5][6]. - The collaboration will expand the application of DEB technology into personal care, fabric washing, and industrial cleaning sectors [6]. Group 2: Innovation in Raw Materials Driven by Biotechnology - Enzymes are increasingly used in beauty and cleaning products, enhancing performance while reducing reliance on chemical ingredients, aligning with consumer demand for natural and eco-friendly products [6][7]. - In the beauty sector, enzymes facilitate biochemical reactions that improve skin conditions, with applications in exfoliation, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammation, whitening, and enhancing moisture retention [6][7]. Group 3: Market Trends and Growth - The anti-aging cosmetics market in China is projected to reach CNY 307.57 billion in 2024, growing by 17.2% year-on-year, while the whitening cosmetics market is expected to reach CNY 106.92 billion, with a growth rate of 6.0% [7]. - Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the introduction of new bio-based raw materials, such as BASF's Verdessence Maize and Evonik's TEGOSOFT BC MB emulsifier, which significantly reduce carbon footprints compared to traditional chemical processes [9].

Core Insights - The article discusses the recent signing of key projects at the Changzhou Zhonglou Synthetic Biology AI Research Institute, focusing on addressing industry pain points and public health needs through innovative collaborations in synthetic biology and AI [2][4]. Project Progress - The signing ceremony highlighted 11 cutting-edge projects aimed at enhancing the high-quality development of the synthetic biology AI industry, covering platform cooperation, innovation incubation, and smart healthcare [2][4]. - Five platform cooperation projects were initiated to address industry capability gaps, including an "AI + Industry Integration Platform" by iFlytek and a focus on AI-enabled cell therapy for solid tumors by the Changzhou Xitaihu Cell Therapy Research Institute [4]. - Three innovation incubation projects aim to transition research outcomes into industry applications, such as the AI synthetic biology computing platform to reduce anti-tumor drug development costs [4]. Smart Healthcare Initiatives - Three smart healthcare projects were launched to tackle public health issues, including a synthetic biology functional food project and an AI smart rehabilitation therapy project [4]. - The initiatives aim to shift healthcare services from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, enhancing overall health management [4]. Expert Insights - Following the signing ceremony, experts discussed trends in "Biological Intelligent Manufacturing" and the intersection of artificial intelligence with synthetic biology, providing case studies to illustrate these developments [5].

Core Viewpoint - Non-grain biomass pretreatment is an effective way to overcome its degradation barrier and is a key technology for preparing sugar platforms, which is crucial for the efficient production of bio-based materials and energy chemicals [2][3]. Group 1: Technology Development - The development of "clean and efficient" pretreatment technologies and equipment is a core technological bottleneck for the sustainable development of the biomass refining industry [3]. - Research conducted by Professor Ren Junli's team at South China University of Technology focuses on the dissolution kinetics and molecular response behavior of non-grain biomass hemicellulose and lignin in different chemical environments, leading to the development of key technologies for efficient disassembly of hemicellulose and lignin [3]. - The research aims to achieve low energy consumption, cleanliness, and efficiency in pretreatment processes, providing industrially applicable key technologies for the sustainable development of sugar platforms, platform chemicals, bioenergy, and other biomass industries [3]. Group 2: Forum Announcement - The "2025 (Fifth) Non-grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum (NFUCon 2025)" will be held from January 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, where Professor Ren Junli will present a report titled "Clean and Efficient Pretreatment Technology for Non-grain Biomass" [3]. - The forum will feature prominent speakers, including Professor Jin Mingjie discussing the full-chain innovation of non-grain biomass high-value utilization, and researcher Zhu Jin presenting new advances in bio-based polymer materials [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in non-grain biomass utilization, particularly focusing on innovative research outcomes and their commercial viability in the field of bio-based materials, showcased at the fifth Non-Grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang [2]. Summary by Sections Forum Overview - The forum aims to facilitate technology transfer and commercialization in the non-grain biomass sector, having completed over 1500 technology and project matches to date [2]. - The event includes a special activity for showcasing and matching innovative results in biomass utilization, with 50 projects selected for display and precise matching [2]. Innovative Results - **New Sunscreen Agent: Light-colored Camellia Fruit Shell Lignin** [6] - Lignin is recognized for its green safety and superior UV resistance, showing potential as a natural sunscreen agent [7]. - A light-colored nano-lignin was efficiently isolated from camellia fruit shells, achieving a whiteness of 70.90, which significantly enhances the SPF of chemical sunscreens when added [7]. - **Enzymatic Lignin Processing** [8] - Enzymatic lignin, produced through a mild extraction process, retains more native structure but faces challenges like wide molecular weight distribution and color issues [8]. - The application of organic acids for graded processing allows for color control of lignin, resulting in significant color differences between soluble and insoluble lignin [9][10]. - **Modified Lignin for Sunscreen Applications** [8] - Further refinement using organic phosphoric acid catalysis leads to modified lignin that significantly improves SPF performance in sunscreens [11]. Technical Advantages - **Lignin Structure and Performance** [9] - The structure of camellia fruit shell lignin was characterized, revealing a G/S type structure with a significant number of C-C bonds, indicating a strong synergistic relationship with chemical sunscreen agents [9]. - The extraction process was optimized to produce light-colored, efficient UV-resistant lignin without generating additional chromophores [10]. - **Color Control and Yield** [10] - The organic acid grading method offers a broader range of color control compared to conventional solvent grading methods, achieving significant color variations in both soluble and insoluble lignin [10]. - **Industrial Application Potential** [11] - The modified lignin derived from enzymatic processing shows promise for broader industrial applications, enhancing the value of industrial lignin [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the progress of Dongxiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in the synthetic biology manufacturing sector, focusing on its diverse corn deep processing capabilities and its upcoming listing on the New Third Board [2][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - Dongxiao Biotechnology specializes in synthetic biology manufacturing and fermentation technology, primarily engaged in the deep processing of corn to produce animal nutrition products, solid beverages, food additives, organic acids, and health sweeteners [2][4]. - The company has an annual corn deep processing capacity of 1.6 million tons, producing various products such as L-lysine hydrochloride, erythritol, and glucose [4]. Group 2: Market Position and Innovation - Dongxiao is positioned as a leader in the corn deep processing industry, transforming traditional agricultural raw materials into high-value products through technological innovation [4]. - The company utilizes renewable resources like corn and green energy sources such as wind and solar power to achieve sustainable product transformation across multiple sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - For the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, Dongxiao's projected revenues are 7.993 billion yuan and 7.840 billion yuan, respectively, with main business revenues contributing significantly at 7.845 billion yuan and 7.630 billion yuan, accounting for 98.15% and 97.33% of total revenues [5]. - The net profits for the same periods are expected to be 298 million yuan and 578 million yuan, with a slight decline in revenue attributed to lower procurement prices for corn and energy [5]. - The overall gross profit margin is projected to improve to 10.33% and 13.91%, driven by reduced raw material costs despite limited price declines in the market [5].

Core Insights - The article discusses the first batch of bio-manufacturing landmark products announced by Hubei Province's Economic and Information Technology Department on October 9, highlighting significant advancements in the bio-manufacturing sector [2]. Group 1: Landmark Products - The first batch of landmark bio-manufacturing products includes: - Dongyang Sunshine: Thiocyanate Erythromycin - Tianji Bioenergy: Ultra-clean biodiesel - Bafeng Pharmaceutical: Amino acid raw materials - Xinhua Yang: Feed enzyme preparations - Guangji Pharmaceutical: High-quality riboflavin - China National Pharmaceutical Group: Inactivated vaccine for Porcine Circovirus Type 2 - Aibotai Bio: Research antibodies - Huisheng Biotechnology: Tylosin tartrate - Hite Bio-pharmaceutical: Injectable Epinephrine - Fuxing Biotechnology: Arachidonic acid (ARA) powder [2][3]. Group 2: Product Categories - The products are categorized into different types: - Scale Replacement Type: Thiocyanate Erythromycin, Ultra-clean biodiesel, Research antibodies, Tylosin tartrate - Key Improvement Type: Amino acid raw materials, Feed enzyme preparations, High-quality riboflavin, Arachidonic acid powder - Major Innovation Type: Inactivated vaccine for Porcine Circovirus Type 2, Injectable Epinephrine [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in non-grain biomass utilization, highlighting innovative research outcomes and their commercial viability in the bio-based sector, particularly focusing on the development of bio-based dicarboxylic acids [2][3]. Summary by Sections Event Overview - The fifth Non-Grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum will be held from November 27-29 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, focusing on innovative research results and commercial feasibility in the non-grain bio-based field, with over 1500 technology and project connections completed to date [2]. Innovation Achievements - The article presents the innovative development of bio-based medium-chain dicarboxylic acids (C5-C8), which include glutaric acid, adipic acid, heptanedioic acid, and octanedioic acid, with a global market size exceeding 20 billion and continuing to expand [5]. Technical Advantages - The project utilizes biomass-derived platform compounds (such as glycerol, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) to create a renewable supply chain for producing bio-based dicarboxylic acids, significantly reducing reliance on petroleum and lowering carbon emissions compared to petrochemical routes [7][8]. Production Process - The innovative one-step dicarbonylation synthesis technology achieves product selectivity of ≥85% and catalyst recovery rate of ≥99.99%, shortening production cycles and reducing overall costs, addressing high energy consumption and cost challenges [7][8]. Market Compliance - Bio-based products are certified for carbon footprint, overcoming international green barriers and filling the gap in high-end applications for domestic bio-based C5-C8 dicarboxylic acids, creating a competitive advantage through "cost reduction - green compliance - market adaptation" [8]. Intellectual Property and Collaboration - The project has published five domestic patents and is open to collaborative development, result transformation, or intellectual property transfer [9].

Core Viewpoint - The research team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has made significant advancements in the bioconversion of lignin into microbial oils and proteins, addressing the challenges of lignin degradation and high-value utilization [5][7]. Summary by Sections Research Breakthroughs - The team successfully developed a genetically engineered strain, Curvularia clavata M6, which efficiently degrades lignin and simultaneously synthesizes oils and proteins. This was achieved by combining genome editing technology with high-throughput screening methods [5][6]. - The engineered strain M6 exhibited a 75% increase in laccase activity, reaching 228.58 U/L, and achieved an oil accumulation of 49% of the cell dry weight while maintaining a stable protein content of 33% [6]. Industrial Application Potential - In a 5-liter fermentation scale-up, the laccase activity further increased to 240.43 U/L, with oil content rising to 51%, indicating strong stability and potential for industrial applications [6][7]. - The research highlights the effective conversion of lignin into valuable microbial oils and proteins, providing a feasible pathway for high-value utilization of lignin resources [7][9]. Future Directions - The research is supported by national strategic technology initiatives, and the team has filed for two patents related to their findings. They will present their latest research at the upcoming NFUCon 2025 forum, focusing on biomass utilization strategies [8][9].

Core Insights - The article discusses the development of an AI-driven digital cloning selection platform (Digital Colony Picker, DCP) for high-throughput single-cell screening, which addresses the challenges in microbial strain selection and industrial application [2][4]. Group 1: Technology Development - The DCP system utilizes three major technological innovations: micro-chamber separation culture, AI-assisted image recognition, and non-contact laser single-clone picking, enabling precise high-throughput screening of microbial multi-dimensional phenotypes [4][5]. - The DCP platform can independently culture individual microbial cells using a microfluidic chip with thousands of micro-chambers, allowing real-time monitoring of cell growth dynamics, metabolic activity, and morphological characteristics [5][6]. Group 2: Application and Results - In application validation, researchers successfully isolated a "super strain" of Zymomonas mobilis, which showed a 19.6% increase in lactic acid production and a 75.9% improvement in growth rate under 30 g/L lactic acid stress conditions [5]. - The superior phenotype of the isolated strain is linked to mutations and overexpression of the outer membrane transporter gene ZMOp39x027, enhancing lactic acid transmembrane transport capacity [5]. Group 3: Future Prospects - The DCP platform is expected to significantly accelerate the discovery of superior strains, providing strong technical support for metabolic engineering, environmental microbial resource exploration, and industrial strain optimization [5]. - The DCP platform works synergistically with the FlowRACS system, which excels in instantaneous snapshot/sorting capabilities, creating a comprehensive solution for functional strain discovery [6].

Core Viewpoint - The NFUCon 2025 forum will focus on the innovative research and commercial feasibility in the non-grain biomass sector, aiming to promote large-scale applications of non-grain biomass and support carbon neutrality goals [2]. Group 1: Event Overview - The NFUCon 2025 will be held from November 27 to 29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, under the theme "Top-notch Intelligence, Industrial Symbiosis" [2]. - The forum will invite representatives from government, enterprises, and experts to discuss key strategic directions such as biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, biomass-based chemicals and materials, and biomass energy [2]. Group 2: Organizing Institutions - The forum is organized by Ningbo Detai Zhongyan Information Technology Co., Ltd. (DT New Materials) and the National Key Laboratory of Biomass Transportation Fuel Technology [3]. - Key figures include Zhu Jin, Li Zhenglong, and Zhang Xinghong, who hold significant positions in relevant research institutions and laboratories [3][4][5]. Group 3: Guest Speakers - Notable speakers include Zhu Jin, who has achieved multiple industrialization results in heat-resistant polylactic acid foaming materials and other biomass materials [4]. - Li Zhenglong focuses on the conversion and utilization of low-carbon resources, particularly in renewable aviation fuel and biomass high-value utilization [5]. - Zhang Xinghong is involved in polymer synthesis research and CO2-based polycarbonate technology [6]. Group 4: Forum Agenda - The forum will feature various activities, including a youth forum on non-grain biomass, a sustainable aviation fuel industry exchange, and thematic discussions on biomass chemicals and energy [15][16]. - A technology achievement display area will be set up to showcase 50 innovative results and projects with commercial potential in biomass utilization [17]. Group 5: Laboratory Focus - The National Key Laboratory of Biomass Transportation Fuel Technology focuses on four core areas: fiber ethanol technology, bio-aviation fuel technology, CO2-based polycarbonate technology, and biofuel evaluation standards [22].