Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent advancements in starch modification through the research conducted by the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, focusing on the enzyme Amylomaltase (AM) and its potential applications in addressing food security and carbon neutrality [5][6]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team utilized large-scale molecular simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to reveal the complete catalytic cycle of AM, identifying the rate-limiting steps in cycloamyloses (CA) synthesis [6][7]. - The study demonstrated that by strategically adjusting the polysaccharide chain transfer steps, several active mutant variants were obtained, enhancing enzyme performance primarily through reduced substrate transfer affinity [6][7]. - Mass spectrometry confirmed the generation of cycloamyloses with degrees of polymerization ranging from 22 to 61, validating theoretical predictions [6][7]. Group 2: Industrial Implications - The research provides a systematic molecular-level understanding of the biosynthesis process of CA, offering a clear engineering blueprint for the AM family, which could lead to more efficient and specific glycosyltransferases [6][7]. - The findings are significant for the industrial application of starch modification, contributing to the development of biobased materials and energy systems utilizing non-grain resources [9][11]. Group 3: Support and Collaboration - The research was supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' strategic pilot technology projects and the Tianjin Synthetic Biology Technology Innovation Capability Enhancement Action [7]. - Collaborations included contributions from various institutions, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the research [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the launch of the "Natural Hall Fermentation Factory," which utilizes fifth-generation intelligent fermentation technology to enhance the production of core cosmetic ingredients, marking a significant advancement in the company's R&D capabilities [2][4]. Group 1: Fifth-Generation Fermentation Technology - The fifth-generation fermentation technology integrates microbiology, synthetic biology, data science, and AI, leading to improved strain construction, verification, and industrial efficiency [4][7]. - This technology allows for high-throughput screening of optimal strains and process combinations, significantly enhancing the stability and purity of raw materials while achieving precise enrichment of active ingredients [4][7]. - The factory features two parallel production lines, with a single batch capable of producing 20 tons, resulting in an annual capacity of 1,000 tons, which is a fivefold increase compared to traditional processing methods [4][5]. Group 2: Product Development and Applications - The company has successfully developed key active ingredients such as "Polar Yeast Ximoin®," which promotes basal cell regeneration by 5.91 times and collagen growth by 67.68%, demonstrating clear efficacy and market leadership [4][5]. - The ingredient has been incorporated into several products, including the "Natural Hall Little Purple Bottle" series and "Extreme Essence" [5]. - The fermentation team has identified 622 strains of unique Himalayan microorganisms, leading to the development of five types of polar yeast and lactic acid bacteria ingredients, which are used in nearly 20 popular products [5]. Group 3: Industry Context and Future Directions - The article mentions national initiatives aimed at promoting the innovation and development of non-grain bio-based materials, focusing on utilizing resources like straw and bamboo [9]. - An upcoming forum in 2025 will gather industry representatives and experts to discuss advancements in biomass clean pretreatment, non-grain sugars, and biofuels, contributing to the dual carbon goals [9].

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration among Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical aims to establish a limited liability partnership, Setouchi Ethylene LLP, focusing on carbon reduction technologies and capacity optimization in ethylene production facilities in western Japan, with a goal of achieving a green transition by 2030 [2][5]. Group 1: Ethylene Production and Carbon Emissions - Ethylene is one of the largest chemical products globally, with its production process accounting for 1.8% of global industrial emissions, primarily due to high-temperature energy consumption in steam cracking furnaces [5]. - Japan, as the third-largest ethylene producer, has an annual capacity of approximately 10 million tons, but its carbon intensity is 20%-30% higher than that of Europe and the U.S. [5]. - The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) plans to achieve a 40% reduction in emissions from the chemical industry by 2030, making the stability, greening, and efficiency optimization of ethylene production crucial for the development of downstream engineering plastics [5]. Group 2: Strategies for Green Transition - The three companies have been discussing specific measures to promote carbon neutrality in ethylene production facilities since last year, focusing on transitioning raw materials from traditional petroleum resources to biomass-based materials and introducing low-carbon fuels [6]. - They plan to optimize production frameworks, including potential capacity reductions for more efficient resource utilization, and have agreed that forming the LLP is the best way to deepen cooperation and accelerate their goals [6]. - Asahi Kasei has developed a "lignin cracking technology" that can convert paper waste and other biomass into ethylene feedstock, which can replace some petroleum-based raw materials. Pilot data shows that with a biomass ratio of 20%, carbon emissions can be reduced by 35%, and costs are 15% lower than traditional bioethanol routes [6]. Group 3: Differences Between Bio-based Olefins and Traditional Ethylene - Bio-based ethylene opens a new pathway for ethylene production, sourced from renewable biomass resources such as agricultural and forestry waste, through a series of biological and chemical conversion processes [7]. - The carbon emissions from bio-based ethylene production are significantly lower, with CO2 emissions ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 kg CO2 per kg of product, representing a 60% reduction compared to petrochemical routes [7]. - However, challenges remain in terms of cost competitiveness, with raw material costs accounting for 60%-70% of total costs, and higher energy consumption compared to petrochemical processes [7]. Group 4: Industry Movements and Innovations - Major companies like Braskem, BASF, and New Energy Blue are pursuing bio-based ethylene as a key focus area in the context of low-carbon sustainability [7]. - Braskem, the sixth-largest petrochemical company globally, has been producing bio-based polyethylene since 2010 and is expanding its bio-based ethylene production capacity in Brazil [8]. - In China, Sinopec has made significant strides in bio-based polyethylene, successfully launching its first bio-based product in September 2024, with an initial production of 2,500 tons [10].

Core Points - The article discusses the recent release of two group standards related to biofuels: T/CITS 506-2025 for biofuel ethanol and T/CIET 1606-2025 for straw saccharification and fermentation technology [2][5]. Group 1: Biofuel Ethanol Standard - The standard T/CITS 506-2025 outlines the technical requirements, testing methods, inspection rules, labeling, packaging, transportation, and storage for biofuel ethanol [3][5]. - It is applicable to ethanol produced from biomass and carbon-containing industrial waste gases through fermentation [3][5]. - Key drafting organizations include Sinopec (Dalian) Petrochemical Research Institute, Wuhan Ruijia Kang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shandong University, and others [2][3]. Group 2: Straw Saccharification and Fermentation Standard - The standard T/CIET 1606-2025 specifies the basic requirements, process flow, process control and monitoring, quality control, and safety and environmental requirements for straw saccharification and fermentation for biofuel preparation [5]. - This standard is intended for the production of alcohol-based biofuels from straw [5]. - Major drafting units include Wuhan Ruijia Kang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shandong University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The article highlights the national initiatives aimed at promoting the innovative development of non-grain bio-based materials, focusing on the utilization of agricultural residues like straw and bamboo [6]. - An upcoming forum, NFUCon 2025, will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, from January 27-29, 2025, focusing on the clean pretreatment of biomass, non-grain sugars, chemicals, materials, bio-methanol, fuel ethanol, and SAF [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative research on L-methionine synthesis through engineered enzymes, highlighting advancements in enzyme stability and activity, which are crucial for industrial applications in various sectors such as feed, pharmaceuticals, and food [3][4][10]. Group 1: Enzyme Engineering and Research Findings - L-methionine is an essential amino acid with significant applications in feed, pharmaceuticals, and food industries, making its efficient biosynthesis a research focus in biotechnology [3]. - The research team developed a fermentation-enzyme synthesis route for L-methionine, utilizing a high-efficiency cell factory to produce the precursor O-succinyl-L-homoserine (OSH) [3][4]. - A novel strategy called "dynamic network rigidification-local flexibility regulation" was proposed to enhance enzyme activity and stability, addressing the long-standing "activity-stability trade-off" in protein engineering [3][4]. Group 2: Key Experimental Results - The study identified 20 potential mutation sites in the enzyme O-succinyl-L-homoserine mercaptotransferase (CvMetZ) through consensus sequence analysis, leading to beneficial mutations such as T59I and A241T, which improved half-life and enzyme activity significantly [4][5]. - The half-life of the T59I mutant increased from 3.3 hours to 9.8 hours, with a 28% increase in enzyme activity, while A241T achieved a half-life of 11.2 hours and a 25% activity increase [4][9]. - The combination of multiple mutations resulted in a triple mutant (T59I/T119Y/A241T) that exhibited a half-life of 20.6 hours and a 36% increase in enzyme activity, demonstrating the effectiveness of the engineered design [8][9]. Group 3: Industrial Application and Cost Efficiency - The modified enzymes were subjected to immobilization studies, achieving high immobilization efficiency and activity recovery, with over 90% activity retained after the first 10 batches and over 60% after 30 batches [10]. - The fermentation enzyme method for L-methionine synthesis demonstrated a yield of 92.8% using over 100 g/L of O-succinyl-L-homoserine as a substrate, providing critical data for large-scale production [10].

Core Viewpoint - The company Jia Bi You announced the termination of its acquisition of 63.21% equity in Ou Yi Biological after nearly 10 months of planning, citing changes in the external market environment as the reason for this cautious decision [2][6]. Summary by Sections Termination Reasons - Jia Bi You's latest announcement indicated that the termination of the acquisition was due to the failure to reach an agreement on core transaction terms, and the company has withdrawn its application documents [4][6]. Background of the Acquisition - Since October 29 of the previous year, Jia Bi You had been planning a major asset restructuring, initially aiming to acquire 65% of Ou Yi Biological's equity. This was later adjusted to 63.21% and involved a reduction in the number of transaction parties from 14 to 13 [7][8]. - The adjusted proposal included issuing 29.77 million shares at a price of 19.29 yuan per share, totaling a transaction price of 830.6 million yuan, which would have resulted in a significant goodwill addition of 721 million yuan, accounting for 43.3% of total assets and 47.21% of net assets as of September 30, 2024 [7][8]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Jia Bi You reported a revenue of 307 million yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.6%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 108 million yuan, reflecting a growth of 59.01% [8].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Ordos Synthetic Biology Technology Co., Ltd. marks a significant step in the synthetic biology sector in Inner Mongolia, aiming to create a leading domestic and globally competitive synthetic biology industry base through collaboration between Hangzhou Enhe Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Ordos Electric Metallurgy Group [2][4]. Group 1: Project Development - The first synthetic biology project in Ordos, with an investment of 230 million yuan, aims to produce 4,000 tons of bio-based calcium propionate annually after the completion of the first phase [4]. - The project focuses on "efficient, green, and low-carbon" industrial biological manufacturing technology, transitioning from "laboratory research and development to large-scale production" [4]. - Upon completion, the project will become the largest producer of clean label products globally, securing a significant position in the international market [4]. Group 2: Strategic Collaborations - In May, Enhe Biotechnology signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Proya Cosmetics, marking Proya's first collaboration with a synthetic biology company to integrate synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and bio-manufacturing technologies [5]. - The collaboration aims to innovate functional raw materials, develop medical beauty materials, and construct a green intelligent manufacturing system [5]. - In July, Hefei Yien Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established with a registered capital of 10 million yuan, focusing on the manufacturing and research of bio-based materials, co-owned by Yili Group and Enhe Biotechnology [6].

Core Viewpoint - Despite facing overall performance pressure in the first half of 2025, Huaxi Biological's strategic adjustments have begun to yield results, indicating a potential turning point in profitability [2][3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Huaxi Biological achieved operating revenue of 2.261 billion yuan, with a net profit attributable to shareholders of 221 million yuan, and a net profit excluding non-recurring gains and losses of 174 million yuan. The overall performance did not show growth [2]. - In Q2 2025, the company reported operating revenue of 1.183 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 18.44%. However, the net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 20.89% to 119 million yuan, marking the first year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter increase in net profit margin since Q1 2024 [2]. Strategic Transformation - The return of the General Manager to the front line has driven significant changes, shifting the company's strategy from "scale expansion" to a "benefit-oriented development model" centered on scientific research and innovation [3]. - Huaxi Biological aims to continue focusing on technological innovation to expand the application of synthetic biology and optimize its business structure for high-quality development [3]. R&D Investment - R&D expenses increased by 15.25%, focusing on three key areas: synthetic biology technology, industrialization of recombinant collagen, and microecological preparations, with a 30% improvement in strain modification efficiency [4]. - The company is actively developing new bioactive substances using cutting-edge synthetic biology technologies and has initiated 34 skin science innovation R&D projects and 17 nutrition science innovation R&D projects during the reporting period [4]. Industrial Application and Future Growth - Huaxi Biological is applying its leading synthetic biology manufacturing capabilities across three major sectors, establishing a complete R&D chain from basic research to technology transfer and industrial application [6]. - The company has completed process validation for its sterile HA production line and is advancing the national synthetic biology technology innovation center in Tianjin, aiming to overcome the "scaling up" bottleneck in biomanufacturing [6]. - The establishment of Huaxi Tang'an Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is noteworthy, as it utilizes synthetic biology technology for the precise synthesis of heparin polysaccharides, positioning the company to transition the heparin industry from "animal resource dependence" to "green biomanufacturing" [6].

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Inner Mongolia and Anhui Fengyuan Group aims to establish a green zero-carbon bio-manufacturing industrial base, aligning with national carbon neutrality goals and enhancing regional competitiveness in green manufacturing and bio-economy [2][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - The total investment for the Fengyuan (Northern) green zero-carbon bio-manufacturing industrial base project is 15.5 billion yuan, covering amino acid products, bio-materials, and bio-energy sectors [2]. - Upon full operation, the project is expected to generate annual sales revenue of approximately 26 billion yuan, tax revenue of about 3 billion yuan, and create around 3,500 jobs [2]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - Fengyuan Group has developed first and second-generation bio-manufacturing technologies using starch sugar and straw for sugar production, respectively [4]. - The company has established four major innovative technology platforms, including: 1. Technology for producing plant-based humic acid from agricultural and forestry waste [4]. 2. Three bio-based material platform technologies (PLA, bio-based polyurethane, bio-based polycarbonate) [4]. 3. Three bio-energy manufacturing technologies (cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, bio-jet fuel) [4]. 4. Downstream application technologies for bio-based materials, including bio-fibers, bio-plastics, and bio-based construction materials [4]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - This project is a key part of Tongliao City's efforts to implement the autonomous region's strategy for high-quality development of emerging industries and modern industrial systems [4]. - The collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Kailu County in the green manufacturing and bio-economy sectors, positioning it as an important growth pole for high-quality development in eastern Inner Mongolia [4].

Core Viewpoint - The financial performance of Chuaning Bio for the first half of 2025 shows significant declines in revenue and net profit, indicating challenges in the current market environment [2][3]. Financial Performance Summary - The company reported a revenue of 2.35 billion yuan, a decrease of 26.50% compared to the same period last year [3]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders was 455 million yuan, down 40.64% year-on-year [3]. - The net profit after deducting non-recurring gains and losses was 456 million yuan, reflecting a 40.38% decline [3]. - Basic earnings per share were 0.20 yuan, a decrease of 41.18% from the previous year [3]. - Cash flow from operating activities decreased by 49.32%, amounting to 391 million yuan [3]. - Total assets at the end of the reporting period were 10.16 billion yuan, down 3.74% from the previous year [3]. Strategic Focus and Future Directions - The company plans to enhance its core competitiveness through four strategic directions: 1. Reforming traditional antibiotic intermediates and Q10 through synthetic biology, utilizing gene editing and metabolic engineering to improve product efficacy and reduce production costs [4]. 2. Enhancing and cost-reducing existing products like red myrtle alcohol and squalene through optimization of strains and fermentation processes [4]. 3. Efficient biological utilization of C1/C2 resources, focusing on sustainable production of single-cell proteins and specialty chemicals [4]. 4. Developing larger-scale amino acids and vitamins [5]. Main Business and Product Overview - Chuaning Bio operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, focusing on "biological fermentation" and "synthetic biology" as dual driving strategies [5]. - The company has invested over 8 billion yuan in its fermentation projects, with a total production capacity of approximately 16,000 tons per year [6]. - Key products include thiocyanate erythromycin, cephalosporin intermediates, penicillin intermediates, and coenzyme Q10 [6]. - The synthetic biology project, with an investment of 1 billion yuan, has multiple products in production, making the company one of the few in the industry to complete the entire process from selection to large-scale production [6].