Core Viewpoint - The NFUCon 2025 forum will focus on the innovative research achievements 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: Organizing Institutions - The forum is organized by Ningbo Detai Zhongyan Information Technology Co., Ltd. and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based 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 2: Guest Highlights - Zhu Jin has achieved multiple industrialization results in heat-resistant polylactic acid foaming materials and other bio-based materials [4]. - Li Zhenglong focuses on the conversion and utilization of low-carbon resources, particularly in renewable aviation fuel and C1 catalysis [5]. - Zhang Xinghong is involved in polymer synthesis research and CO2-based polycarbonate technology [6]. Group 3: Forum Agenda - The forum will feature various activities, including a youth forum and discussions on sustainable aviation fuel [16]. - The main sessions will cover topics such as biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, bio-based chemicals, and materials [16]. - A technology achievement display area will be set up to showcase 50 innovative projects with commercial potential [17]. Group 4: Laboratory Overview - The National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuel Technology focuses on four core areas: fiber ethanol technology, bio-aviation fuel technology, CO2-based polycarbonate technology, and biofuel evaluation standards [22].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in glycosyltransferase engineering for the efficient glycosylation of flavonoids, highlighting the potential applications in health and wellness products, as well as in the fields of agriculture and biomedicine [5][11]. Summary by Sections Glycosylation of Flavonoids - Flavonoids are important plant secondary metabolites with significant biological activities used in disease prevention and treatment [3]. - The glycosylation of flavonoids is catalyzed by plant UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), which is a green and economical method compared to traditional chemical synthesis [3][4]. Research Findings - The study identified a rare glycosyltransferase, UGT75AJ2, capable of catalyzing the glycosylation at C-3' and C-7 hydroxyl positions of flavonoids, leading to the directed synthesis of bioactive flavonoid glycosides [5][6]. - The research demonstrated that glycosylation at these positions enhances antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering activities [4]. Engineering Strategies - A custom FRISM strategy was developed for the rational design of UGTs, resulting in a quadruple mutant (Mut4-1) of UGT75AJ2 with 128 times the catalytic activity of the wild type [7]. - The strategy was also successfully applied to other glycosyltransferases, validating its effectiveness and versatility [7][8]. Implications and Applications - The study provides a new paradigm for enhancing the activity, donor promiscuity, and regioselectivity of plant glycosyltransferases, which is crucial for the biosynthesis of high-value flavonoid glycosides [11]. - This research integrates multiple disciplines, including food science, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and pharmacology, contributing to the development of health products with medicinal value [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent policy developments in Shanghai aimed at promoting agricultural technology innovation, particularly in the fields of agricultural biotechnology and modern facility agriculture, to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of urban agriculture [2][3]. Summary by Sections Policy Framework - The Shanghai Municipal Agricultural and Rural Committee, in collaboration with the Finance Bureau, has established guidelines for managing agricultural science and technology innovation projects and funding [2][3]. Funding Support - The policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring project funding safety while stimulating technological innovation, with dedicated funding for various projects [4]. - Key technology projects can receive up to 4 million yuan over a 3 to 5-year period, while important innovation projects can receive up to 2 million yuan over 2 to 3 years, with flexibility for longer projects [5]. Application and Industry Enhancement - Application scenario projects aim to create a comprehensive agricultural technology application ecosystem, with funding up to 3 million yuan for a 2 to 3-year implementation period [5]. - Industry enhancement projects focus on promoting advanced agricultural varieties, technologies, and models, with funding up to 8 million yuan for a maximum of 3 years [5]. Collaborative Breeding and Talent Development - Joint breeding projects support collaboration between seed companies and research institutions, with annual funding up to 500,000 yuan for a maximum of 5 years [6]. - The policy also includes support for cultivating young agricultural technology talents, with funding up to 20,000 yuan per project [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: Organizing Institutions - The forum is organized by Ningbo Detai Zhongyan Information Technology Co., Ltd. and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based 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 2: Guest Highlights - Zhu Jin has achieved multiple industrialization results in heat-resistant polylactic acid foaming materials and other bio-based materials [4]. - Li Zhenglong focuses on the conversion of low-carbon resources and has made advancements in renewable aviation fuel and C1 catalysis [5]. - Zhang Xinghong is involved in polymer synthesis research and CO2-based polycarbonate technology [6]. Group 3: Forum Agenda - The forum will feature various activities including a youth forum, discussions on bio-based chemicals and materials, and a sustainable aviation fuel industry exchange [15][16]. - The agenda includes specialized topics on biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, and bio-based energy sources such as methanol and sustainable aviation fuel [15]. Group 4: Technology Showcase - The forum will host a technology showcase to connect 50 innovative projects in biomass utilization with commercial potential [17]. - This initiative aims to facilitate industry-academia-research collaboration and promote the transfer of quality results [17]. Group 5: Laboratory Overview - The National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuel Technology focuses on four core areas: fiber ethanol technology, bio-aviation fuel development, CO2-based polycarbonate technology, and biofuel evaluation standards [22].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the investment in Sichuan Yingjia Hesheng Technology Co., Ltd., a major producer of steviol glycosides, emphasizing its role in the synthetic biology sector and its potential for growth in various markets, particularly in the U.S. and Southeast Asia [2][5]. Company Overview - Yingjia Hesheng, established in 2015, focuses on using synthetic biology to manufacture natural products, with applications in pharmaceuticals, health care, and food and beverage industries [4]. - It is the largest supplier of steviol glycosides in China and one of only three companies globally to receive GRAS certification for its rare steviol glycoside, Rebaudioside I [3][5]. Market Position - Since 2019, Yingjia Hesheng has successfully entered the U.S. market and is part of the supply chains of several international food and beverage companies, with increasing sales in the UK and Southeast Asia [5]. - The company is also planning to expand into emerging markets such as Japan and South Korea [5]. Product Line - In addition to steviol glycosides, Yingjia Hesheng's product portfolio includes Coenzyme Q10, new types of steviol glycosides, β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), and vanillin, covering multiple sectors including pharmaceuticals and health supplements [5]. Industry Development - Chengdu is positioning itself as a significant hub for synthetic biology and biomanufacturing, with over 300 biopharmaceutical projects introduced by the end of 2024, and a total industry scale exceeding 350 billion yuan [9][10]. - The local government has implemented policies to support the development of synthetic biology, recognizing its potential to replace traditional chemical processes and enhance the local economy [10][11].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rapid development and investment in the biomanufacturing sector in China, highlighting various projects and initiatives aimed at establishing mid-test platforms across multiple regions [5][6][12]. Investment and Project Developments - In Chongqing, a total of 32 projects with an investment of 14.53 billion yuan were signed, focusing on biomanufacturing, biomedicine, and other high-tech industries [5]. - The Chongqing Biomanufacturing Industry Pilot Platform aims to create a national-level mid-test platform for biomanufacturing, emphasizing intelligent biological fermentation and related technologies [6]. - The platform is part of a broader initiative that includes 1,252 key projects with a total investment of approximately 3.2 trillion yuan planned for 2025 [6]. Regional Initiatives - Changde Economic Development Zone is also advancing its synthetic biomanufacturing mid-test conversion platform, with significant construction progress reported [7][8]. - The Changde platform has a total investment of 169 million yuan and will feature multiple mid-test production lines to cater to various scales and types of biomanufacturing [8]. National Support and Policy Framework - Multiple provinces, including Guangdong, Shanghai, and Sichuan, are actively supporting the establishment of mid-test platforms, with specific funding and policy frameworks in place [10][11][12]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission have set a goal to cultivate over 20 mid-test capability construction platforms by 2027, aiming to serve more than 200 enterprises [12].

Core Insights - The article discusses the upcoming "2025 Non-Grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum" scheduled for November 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, focusing on the commercialization and technological advancements in non-grain biomass resources [2][3] - The forum aims to explore key areas such as biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, biomass-based chemicals and materials, and biomass energy, contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality goals [2][4] Forum Organization - The forum is organized by Ningbo Detaizhong Research Information Technology Co., Ltd. (DT New Materials) and the National Key Laboratory of Biomass Transport Fuel Technology, with prominent figures from academia leading the event [3][4] - Key figures include Zhu Jin, Li Zhenglong, and Zhang Xinghong, who are experts in biomass materials and biofuels [3][4] Forum Agenda - The forum will feature various specialized sessions, including topics on biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, biomass-based chemicals, and biomass energy [5][6] - Specific sessions will cover technologies such as steam explosion, industrial fermentation strains, and the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [6][10] Special Activities - A special activity titled "Technology Achievement Display and Docking" will be held to promote the commercialization of innovative projects in the biomass utilization field, with 50 selected projects to be showcased [9][10] Industry Participation - The forum will attract a diverse range of participants, including biomass energy and chemical developers, academic researchers, and solution providers in biomass processing technologies [14][17] - The event aims to facilitate collaboration between industry, academia, and government organizations to advance the biomass sector [14][17]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of an "artificial ocean carbon cycling system" that integrates electrocatalysis and biocatalysis to capture CO₂ from seawater and convert it into valuable chemical products, addressing both climate change and the need for sustainable materials [2][4][5]. Group 1: Research and Development - The research team from Shenzhen Advanced Institute of Technology and University of Electronic Science and Technology has developed a system that captures CO₂ from seawater and converts it into intermediates for biomanufacturing [2][4]. - The system aims to provide a new pathway for utilizing ocean carbon sinks, contributing to the national "dual carbon" goals and the development of a green low-carbon materials industry [4][5]. Group 2: Technical Innovations - The "artificial ocean carbon cycling system" creates a complete chain from "seawater CO₂ capture" to "material and molecular output," utilizing a collaborative approach of electrocatalysis and synthetic biology [5]. - A new electrolysis device was designed to operate continuously in natural seawater for over 500 hours, achieving a CO₂ capture efficiency of over 70% at a cost of approximately $229.9 per ton [8]. Group 3: Biochemical Processes - The research includes the development of a "supercell" that efficiently utilizes formic acid, derived from captured CO₂, to produce biodegradable plastic monomers [10]. - The engineered bacteria can convert formic acid into succinic acid and lactic acid, which are core monomers for biodegradable plastics [10]. Group 4: Industrial Applications - The research team has successfully synthesized fully biodegradable PBS and PLA from the produced monomers, demonstrating the potential for industrial applications [11]. - Future plans include establishing integrated "green factories" along coastal areas to continuously capture CO₂ and convert it into green plastic materials, contributing to a sustainable production model [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent approval of the arginine technology transformation project by Ningxia Yipin Biotechnology Co., Ltd., highlighting its significance in enhancing production capacity and efficiency in the amino acid manufacturing sector [2][3]. Project Overview - Project Name: Arginine Technology Transformation Project of Ningxia Yipin Biotechnology Co., Ltd. [3] - Construction Unit: Ningxia Yipin Biotechnology Co., Ltd. [3] - Nature of Construction: Technology transformation [3] - Industry Category: C1495 Food and Feed Additive Manufacturing [3] - Location: Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region [3] - Scale: The project aims to upgrade the existing L-arginine production line to produce feed-grade L-arginine, with an annual output of 10,000 tons post-transformation [3][4]. - Total Investment: 65.5157 million yuan, with 900,000 yuan allocated for environmental protection, accounting for 1.37% of the total investment [3]. - Construction Timeline: Expected to commence in June 2025 and complete trial production by September 2025, with a construction period of approximately 3 months [3]. Construction Details - The project will utilize the existing production facilities and fermentation equipment to enhance the production of arginine [4]. - New equipment to be acquired includes ceramic membranes, triple-effect crystallizers, fluidized beds, automatic packaging machines, and palletizers [4]. Product Capacity - Current Production Capacity: 4,000 tons of feed-grade L-arginine [5]. - Post-Transformation Capacity: 10,000 tons of feed-grade L-arginine, an increase of 6,000 tons [5]. - The new strain used in the project (Arg25-01) has an acid production rate approximately 2.5 times higher than the existing strain (Arg004-13), facilitating the increased capacity [5]. Existing Product Portfolio - The company is a leading player in the global bio-amino acid sector, with products including animal nutrition, food additives, and plant nutrition complex fertilizers [7]. - Key products include lysine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and arginine, among other amino acid feed additives [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the economic feasibility of converting non-grain biomass waste, such as straw, into high-value products through comprehensive innovation across the entire supply chain [2][4]. Group 1: Research and Development - Professor Jin Mingjie’s team at Nanjing University of Science and Technology has addressed key challenges in the biorefining process of lignocellulosic biomass, including high raw material collection and transportation costs, stringent pretreatment conditions, toxic byproducts, low bioconversion efficiency, and difficulties in lignin degradation [2]. - A novel pretreatment technology and biorefining system have been developed to solve critical issues in the biorefining process [2]. - The team has developed a high-solid enzymatic hydrolysis technology that achieves a fermentable sugar concentration exceeding 200 g/L, allowing for efficient fermentation of hydrolysate into products like cellulose ethanol, lactic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, and lipids without the need for washing or detoxification [2]. Group 2: Lignin Utilization - The research includes the analysis of lignin biodegradation pathways and the discovery of new lignin-degrading enzymes, employing a "biological funnel" strategy to construct multiple engineered strains for the efficient conversion of lignin into high-value products such as muconic acid and gallic acid [2]. Group 3: Company Formation and Impact - In 2024, Professor Jin Mingjie founded Suzhou Limi Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in Suzhou High-tech Zone, which has developed globally leading complete technologies with independent intellectual property rights, breaking through the industrialization bottleneck of converting non-grain biomass waste into high-value biochemical products [4]. - The establishment of this company is considered epoch-making in the field of biomass utilization [4]. Group 4: Industry Engagement - Professor Jin Mingjie is scheduled to present a report titled "Biorefining of Lignocellulosic Biomass Based on 'Sugar' Platform" at the 2025 Non-Grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum (NFUCon 2025) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, from January 27 to 29, 2025, inviting industry participation for exchange [5].