Core Points - The "2025 (5th) Non-Grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum (NFUCon 2025)" will be held from November 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, focusing on the theme "Top-notch Intelligence, Industrial Symbiosis" [1][8] - The forum aims to gather representatives from various industries to discuss 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 [8] Group 1: Event Details - NFUCon 2025 is co-hosted by DT New Materials and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuel Technology [1][9] - The forum will feature a series of specialized sessions on topics including biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [10] Group 2: Key Personnel - Li Zhenglong, a distinguished professor at Zhejiang University and a national-level high-level talent, serves as one of the conference chairs [5][9] - The National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuel Technology, established in April 2023, focuses on the development of bio-liquid energy applications and the comprehensive utilization of biomass materials [6][9] Group 3: Laboratory Overview - The laboratory has 158 fixed members and aims to become a significant international innovation hub in the field of bio-based transportation fuels [6] - Key tasks include advancing fiber ethanol technology and promoting the industrialization of fiber ethanol, as well as enhancing the quality of by-product utilization [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in the production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) using engineered strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlighting significant improvements in yield and efficiency through metabolic engineering and strain evolution [2][20][23]. Summary by Sections 1. Production Methodology - 1,3-PDO is a high-value fine chemical used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, traditionally produced through chemical synthesis, which involves toxic substances and high pressure. Microbial fermentation has emerged as a more economical and environmentally friendly production method [2]. - The research team led by Professor Liu Liming achieved a production yield of 138.6 g/L of 1,3-PDO using the engineered strain FMME-51, with a conversion rate of 0.52 g/g, without the need for additional VB12 [2][20]. 2. Strain Optimization - Initial strain FMME-01 produced 67.2 g/L of 1,3-PDO but generated multiple by-products that reduced yield. Subsequent modifications led to strain FMME-14, which showed improved production performance [6]. - Further optimization of the cell membrane composition in strain FMME-38 resulted in a 62.5% increase in tolerance to high 1,3-PDO concentrations and a 41.2% reduction in cell death [9][10]. 3. Enhancements in Co-Factor Synthesis - The production process relies on VB12 and NADH. The integration of genes responsible for VB12 synthesis into the genome of strain FMME-48 resulted in a VB12 concentration of 50.8 μg/L and a 1,3-PDO yield of 118.3 g/L [14]. - The dynamic regulation of NADH levels was achieved through the construction of a biosensor-based system, enhancing the NADH/NAD⁺ ratio by 31.3% in strain FMME-51, leading to a 12.3% increase in 1,3-PDO yield [18][14]. 4. Process Optimization - The optimization of glycerol feeding rates and pH levels significantly improved the production performance of strain FMME-51, achieving a 1,3-PDO yield of 135.9 g/L at a pH of 6.8 [19]. - The final optimized strain FMME-51 demonstrated a production capacity of 122.7 g/L of 1,3-PDO using low-cost crude glycerol as a substrate, showcasing its industrial potential [20][23]. 5. Industrial Implications - The research indicates a significant advancement in the bioproduction of 1,3-PDO, achieving unprecedented yields and efficiencies while eliminating the need for expensive co-factors, thus reducing production costs [20][23]. - The ability of engineered strain FMME-51 to efficiently utilize crude glycerol highlights its potential for large-scale industrial applications in the production of high-value chemicals [23].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the development of non-grain biomass resources for energy and bio-based materials, highlighting the upcoming NFUCon 2025 forum aimed at discussing commercialization paths and technological advancements in this sector [2]. Group 1: Forum Overview - The NFUCon 2025 will be held from November 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, organized by DT New Materials and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuels [2][3]. - The forum will gather industry representatives and experts to explore key areas such as green pretreatment of biomass, non-grain sugars, bio-based chemicals and materials, and biomass energy [2][4]. Group 2: Forum Agenda - The forum will feature a series of specialized sessions, including: - Session 1: Green pretreatment technologies and equipment [6]. - Session 2: Development and industrialization of non-grain sugars [10]. - Session 3: Bio-based chemicals and their applications [10]. - Session 4: Non-grain bio-based materials [10]. - Session 5: Biomass energy, including methanol, fuel ethanol, and biogas [10]. Group 3: Supporting Organizations - The forum is supported by various institutions, including Zhejiang University and several key laboratories focused on bio-based materials and chemical engineering [3][4]. - It aims to facilitate collaboration among production enterprises, research institutions, and solution providers in the biomass sector [14]. Group 4: Special Activities - A special activity will be held for showcasing and connecting innovative projects in the biomass utilization field, with a goal to select and display 50 commercially viable innovations [9].

Core Viewpoint - Hefei High-tech Zone aims to become a significant hub for the synthetic biology industry, focusing on innovation in four key areas: biomaterials, biomedicine, bio-agriculture, and bio-foods [2][3]. Group 1: Development Plan - The "Implementation Plan for Synthetic Biology Industry Development" was officially released, emphasizing the importance of resource aggregation and promoting high-end, green development in the industry [2]. - A special fund of no less than 3 billion yuan will be established to support the industrialization of major achievements, alongside collaboration with financial institutions to innovate financial products [2]. Group 2: Industry Foundation - The synthetic biology industry in Hefei High-tech Zone has established a solid foundation, featuring a dual-driven model of "enterprises + platforms" [2]. - Over 30 core enterprises have been cultivated, including Anke Bio, Zhifei Longkema, and Zhaoke Pharmaceutical, covering critical areas such as antibody drugs and new vaccines [2]. Group 3: Future Goals - By 2027, the plan aims to nurture more than 10 enterprises with a production value exceeding 100 million yuan, at least 3 enterprises with over 500 million yuan, and 1 enterprise surpassing 1 billion yuan [3]. - The goal is to gather no less than 50 enterprises in the synthetic biology industry chain, with a total production value exceeding 10 billion yuan [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the recent funding success of Beijing SynBio Technology Co., Ltd., which aims to advance the development of enzyme-based PET recycling technology in response to the growing global plastic pollution crisis [2][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - Beijing SynBio Technology has completed pre-A and pre-A+ financing rounds totaling several tens of millions of RMB, which will be used to build a large-scale enzyme-based PET recycling production line [2][4]. - The company focuses on the efficient degradation and recycling of high polymer materials, particularly in the PET regeneration sector, addressing the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional recycling methods [4][5]. Group 2: Technology and Innovation - SynBio Technology has developed an AI-enhanced enzyme design platform and a modular enzyme library, achieving breakthroughs in acid resistance, stability, and catalytic efficiency, which significantly reduce industrial production difficulties and overall costs [5]. - The company has successfully operated a pilot production line with a capacity of one thousand tons, with plans to achieve a production line capacity of ten thousand tons by the end of 2025 [5]. Group 3: Market Potential and Financial Outlook - The company aims to reduce the cost of enzyme-based recycled PET to levels comparable to virgin PET within three to five years, potentially even lower in the long term, facilitating a green supply chain transformation in industries such as textiles, packaging, and automotive [5]. - SynBio Technology has already provided sample products to leading companies in the automotive polyester yarn sector and expects to achieve monthly supply of one thousand tons within six months, with projected annual revenue exceeding 100 million RMB by 2026 [5]. Group 4: Environmental Impact - The recent funding round reflects the confidence of the capital market in enzyme-based recycling technology and offers a new industrial path for plastic pollution management, showcasing significant environmental benefits and commercial value [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing trend of biomanufacturing in various industries, particularly in the automotive and food sectors, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable and animal-free products [7][12][27]. Industry Ecosystem Trends - Mercedes has introduced a new electric GLC model featuring an animal-free interior, marking a significant step in the adoption of biomanufactured materials in mainstream consumer products [7][10]. - The collaboration with AMSilk and Modern Meadow showcases the potential of spider silk protein and plant-based leather alternatives in automotive applications [8][9]. - AMSilk has scaled its spider silk protein production from kilograms to tons, emphasizing its environmental benefits and versatility in textiles [9]. - Modern Meadow's materials, made from plant proteins and biopolymers, have over 80% renewable carbon content, making them more sustainable than traditional materials [9]. - The Canadian government is investing CAD 32.5 million to develop plant-based proteins, enhancing local value chains and food supply resilience [12][13]. Potential Markets and Products - AMSilk has secured €52 million in funding to expand its production capacity for silk-based biopolymers, which are biodegradable and free from microplastics [17][18]. - Bellroy has launched a new line of tech accessories made from INNOVERA, a sustainable material that mimics leather while being animal-free [20]. - Xampla has raised $14 million to develop Morro materials, a plant protein-based alternative to single-use plastics, aiming to replace highly polluting plastic types [22][24]. - Greenitio is developing mushroom shell chitosan-based cosmetics, offering a cost-effective and high-performance alternative to traditional natural products [25][26]. - Aleph Farms is establishing a cultured meat facility in Switzerland, part of its global expansion strategy, with significant investment backing [36]. R&D Efficiency Acceleration - Arzeda has received nearly $6.3 million from the NSF to advance cell-free manufacturing through AI-designed enzymes, aiming to enhance production efficiency and expand product ranges [39][40].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the trend of intelligent, automated, and green development in microbial fermentation technology, highlighting the integration of advanced technologies for efficient fermentation process control and optimization [4]. Group 1: Intelligent Fermentation Equipment - The current trend in intelligent research-grade microbial fermentation tanks is towards automation and real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature, pressure, pH, and dissolved oxygen, enabling remote monitoring and operation [4]. - The fermentation tanks are equipped with features like automatic feeding, pH adjustment, and data recording and analysis, providing a comprehensive solution for fermentation processes [4]. - IoT technology is utilized for remote data transmission and cloud storage analysis, while machine learning and big data analytics are employed to predict potential issues during fermentation [4]. Group 2: Features of Xierman Research-grade Fermentation Systems - The systems integrate sterile automatic sampling pathways for online biochemical detection and intelligent closed-loop control [8]. - New optical technology is used for online optical density (OD) detection, allowing dynamic adjustment of feeding strategies [8]. - High-performance ARM chip design enables precise cultivation control [8]. - Wireless mobile platforms allow for flexible spatial control [8]. - Self-developed digital sensors work in deep intelligent collaboration with the reactor [8]. - The systems feature a flexible PID intelligent control algorithm, customizable parameters, and the ability to save configuration templates for easy operation [8]. - Data curves can be selected for multiple parameters and batch comparisons, with export capabilities [8]. - The systems support four-level user management and audit tracking, compliant with FDA 21CFR Part11 [8]. - Connectivity to mobile apps and Xierman software platform facilitates remote control and experimental design [8]. - The equipment is domestically produced, ensuring quick after-sales service and comes with all necessary components for immediate use [8]. Group 3: Xierman Technology's Commitment - Xierman is dedicated to providing high-quality biological cultivation solutions for the life sciences sector, aiming to accelerate research progress and product market entry [7]. - The company focuses on understanding the importance of biological cultivation and strives to offer stable and reliable biological cultivation instruments and equipment [7].

Core Viewpoint - The "2025 (5th) Non-Grain Biomass High-Value Utilization Forum (NFUCon 2025)" will be held from November 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, focusing on the theme "Top-notch Intelligence, Industrial Symbiosis" [2][11]. Group 1: Event Details - The forum is co-hosted by DT New Materials and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuel Technology [2][12]. - Professor Zhang Xinghong from Zhejiang University will serve as one of the conference chairs [3][12]. - The forum aims to invite representatives from upstream and downstream industries and experts to discuss key areas such as biomass green pretreatment, non-grain sugars, bio-based chemicals and materials, and biomass energy [11]. Group 2: Laboratory Overview - The National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuel Technology was established in April 2023, with a focus on developing bio-liquid energy applications and expanding the comprehensive utilization of bio-materials [10]. - The laboratory has 158 fixed members and is led by Researcher Wang Linfeng, with academicians serving in various advisory roles [10]. - The laboratory aims to become a significant international innovation hub in the field of bio-based transportation fuels, emphasizing applied research and industrialization [10]. Group 3: Forum Framework - The forum will feature various sessions, including a youth forum, thematic discussions on bio-based chemicals and materials, and biomass energy [13]. - Specific sessions will cover topics such as biomass methanol, fuel ethanol, biogas, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [13]. - There will also be a technology achievement exhibition and matchmaking event during the forum [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the development of non-grain biomass resources for energy and bio-based materials, highlighting the upcoming NFUCon 2025 forum aimed at discussing commercialization paths and technological advancements in this sector [2]. Group 1: Forum Overview - The NFUCon 2025 will be held from November 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, organized by DT New Materials and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuels [2][3]. - The forum will gather industry representatives and experts to explore key areas such as green pretreatment of biomass, non-grain sugars, bio-based chemicals and materials, and biomass energy [2][4]. Group 2: Forum Agenda - The forum will feature a series of specialized sessions, including: - Session 1: Green pretreatment technologies and equipment [6]. - Session 2: Development and industrialization of non-grain sugars [10]. - Session 3: Bio-based chemicals and their applications [10]. - Session 4: Non-grain bio-based materials [10]. - A special focus will be on biomass energy, including methanol, fuel ethanol, biogas, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) [9][10]. Group 3: Supporting Organizations - The forum is supported by various academic institutions and research laboratories, including Zhejiang University and the National Key Laboratory of Bio-based Transportation Fuels [3][4]. - It aims to facilitate collaboration between production enterprises, research institutions, and solution providers in the biomass sector [14]. Group 4: Innovation and Commercialization - The forum will include a special event for showcasing and connecting 50 innovative projects in the biomass utilization field, aimed at promoting commercialization [9][10]. - The focus will be on practical applications and standardization in the development of cellulose glucose, fructose, and other bio-based products [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in the biosynthesis of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) through engineered Escherichia coli, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in creating a sustainable production method without antibiotics or inducers [2][3][7]. Group 1: BDO Production Challenges - BDO biosynthesis faces three main challenges: lack of natural BDO-producing microorganisms, significant carbon loss during synthesis, and high dependency on antibiotics and inducers, leading to increased costs [3]. Group 2: Engineering Breakthroughs - Researchers at Zhejiang University have developed a high-efficiency BDO synthesis strain by systematically engineering E. coli, resulting in a production of 0.1 g/L of BDO initially, which was later optimized to 0.82 g/L [6]. - The optimal enzyme combination for BDO production was identified, including enzymes from various bacteria, and a mutant enzyme variant was created that increased BDO yield by 11.19 times [6]. - By knocking out the pdhR gene, the researchers enhanced the conversion efficiency of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, significantly reducing pyruvate accumulation and increasing BDO yield by 44% to 1.83 g/L [6]. Group 3: Antibiotic-Free Fermentation System - A significant advancement was the development of an antibiotic-free fermentation system, where the researchers utilized E. coli's native transcriptional regulatory elements to drive BDO synthesis without external inducers [7]. - The engineered strain B21-pT19 achieved a remarkable BDO production of 34.63 g/L in a 5 L reactor over 72 hours, maintaining stable yields across multiple fermentation batches without the need for antibiotics or inducers, marking the highest reported level of BDO production to date [7].