Core Insights - The article discusses the innovative use of synthetic biology to produce sandalwood essential oil sustainably, addressing the scarcity and high cost of natural sandalwood resources [2][3][15] Group 1: Research Breakthroughs - The research team developed a P450 enzyme peroxisome surface display technology, overcoming catalytic bottlenecks and achieving a record production yield of 10.4 g/L of sandalwood alcohol [3][5] - Initial attempts to synthesize sandalwood alcohol resulted in low yields, prompting the team to optimize the supply of acetyl-CoA and reducing power by targeting key enzymes to peroxisomes [5][10] - The innovative strategy of displaying P450 enzymes on the peroxisome surface significantly improved the proximity of the enzyme to the substrate, increasing sandalwood alcohol yield to 1.3 g/L and conversion rate to 36.2% [7][10] Group 2: Production Optimization - The team induced the proliferation of peroxisomes in engineered yeast, which increased the number of "factories" for storing acetyl-CoA and expanded the membrane surface area for enzyme anchoring, leading to a 42.6% increase in sandalwood alcohol yield and a conversion rate of 60.6% [10][12] - The optimized strain was scaled up in a 5L fermentation tank, achieving a record yield of 13.1 g/L of sandalwood olefin and 10.4 g/L of sandalwood alcohol, with a conversion rate of 44.2% [12][14] - The cost of producing sandalwood essential oil using this method is projected to be under $100 per kilogram, significantly lower than the market price of $2500 per kilogram [12][15] Group 3: Implications and Future Prospects - The research demonstrates the potential of peroxisome engineering in synthesizing high-value natural products, particularly those involving complex terpenes catalyzed by P450 enzymes [14][15] - The significant reduction in production costs for sandalwood essential oil could transform the traditional supply chain reliant on scarce plant resources, contributing to the conservation of endangered sandalwood species [15]

Core Insights - The article highlights the recent progress of Heilongjiang Xinhecheng in launching multiple fermentation projects, indicating a strategic expansion in biobased energy and materials production [2][3][4]. Group 1: Project Developments - Heilongjiang Xinhecheng is undertaking two major fermentation projects, including the A9, A10, and functional fermentation products project, which aims to establish a production capacity of 5,000 tons/year for A10, 6,000 tons/year for A9, and smaller capacities for other products [3]. - The A18, A20, and isocyanic acid project will utilize existing facilities to produce 1,000 tons/year of A18, 10,000 tons/year of isocyanic acid, and 3,000 tons/year of A20, with an estimated investment of 83.16 million yuan [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Heilongjiang Xinhecheng reported impressive financial results, with revenues reaching 21.6 billion yuan and a net profit of 5.869 billion yuan, showcasing significant growth in its operations [5]. Group 3: Industry Events - The SynBioCon 2025 conference will be held from August 20-22 in Ningbo, focusing on synthetic biology and green manufacturing, highlighting the industry's trends and opportunities [9][10][11].

Core Viewpoint - DSM-Firmenich, a major player in the chemical industry, has shown significant financial growth in the first half of 2025, with total sales reaching €6.51 billion (approximately ¥53.64 billion), a year-on-year increase of 3% [2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The adjusted EBITDA for DSM-Firmenich was €1.26 billion, reflecting a 29% increase year-on-year, with the EBITDA margin rising from 15.5% to 19.4% [2]. - The net profit surged from €50 million in the same period last year to €541 million, marking an almost tenfold increase [2]. Group 2: Business Segments - The Animal Nutrition and Health segment reported sales of €1.751 billion, a 14% increase year-on-year, with adjusted EBITDA soaring by 293% due to improved core business and temporary vitamin price effects [3]. - The Fragrance and Beauty segment saw sales of €1.989 billion, a slight decline of 1%, impacted by weak demand for sun care products and customer inventory destocking [3]. - The Taste, Texture, and Health (TTH) segment achieved sales of €1.686 billion, a 3% increase year-on-year [3]. - The Health, Nutrition, and Care (HNC) segment reported sales of €1.072 billion, down 2%, but organic sales grew by 6% [3]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - DSM has undergone significant transformations since its founding in 1902, evolving from a coal mining company to a leader in specialty chemicals and nutrition [4][5]. - The merger with Firmenich in May 2023 has positioned DSM-Firmenich as a global leader in flavor and fragrance manufacturing and the largest vitamin producer [5]. - The company has strategically divested from capital-intensive sectors to focus on high-margin specialty chemicals and nutrition, aligning with market trends [5]. Group 4: Competitor Landscape - Competitors like Wanhua Chemical and New Hope Liuhe are also expanding their nutrition and flavor businesses, indicating a competitive landscape in the sector [6][7]. - New Hope Liuhe reported a record revenue of ¥21.609 billion in 2024, with a 42.95% year-on-year growth, highlighting the robust performance of its nutrition segment [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of strains as the "chip" of biomass refining, highlighting their role in the new bio-manufacturing industry chain and green low-carbon bio-economy [2] - It discusses the challenges faced by strain cells in bio-manufacturing, such as the accumulation of intermediate metabolites and the inhibition of toxic products, which lead to low reaction efficiency and product concentration [2] - The article outlines key research areas, including the construction of strain cell factories and the enhancement of product synthesis processes [2] Research and Development - The research led by Professor Xue Chuang from Dalian University of Technology focuses on creating artificial organelles using multi-enzyme self-assembled protein cages, which enhance the tunability of organelles through chemical and light induction [2] - A rapid strain construction method called "multi-gun-multi-target" has been developed, revealing new mechanisms for the multidimensional cooperative regulation of strains [2] - The team has also prepared carbon nanotube array composite membranes and developed reaction separation coupling technology, providing breakthroughs in enhancing bio-synthesis of bioenergy-based products [2] Conference Participation - Professor Xue Chuang will present at the SynBioCon 2025 conference, focusing on "Cell Factory Design and Product Synthesis Enhancement" [3] - The conference will take place from August 20-22, 2025, in Ningbo, Zhejiang, and will cover topics related to AI and bio-manufacturing, green chemicals, new materials, future food, and agriculture [14][15]

Core Insights - The article highlights the successful completion of a Pre-A round financing of several million RMB by ZhiNuo Technology, a rising player in the synthetic biology field, which will enhance its production capacity, pipeline expansion, team growth, and commercialization efforts [2][3]. Company Overview - ZhiNuo Technology, established in 2020, is a national high-tech enterprise focused on synthetic biology technology, headquartered in Beijing, with R&D centers and production bases in Suzhou and Dongying, Shandong [3]. - The core team comprises interdisciplinary talents from top institutions like Oxford University and Peking University, led by Dr. Zhu Tianze, who has over a decade of experience in saccharochemistry and metabolic flow optimization [3]. Key Technological Highlights - Precision design of metabolic pathways: The company has built a microbial library covering model and non-model strains, combined with high-throughput screening and AI data analysis, which is expected to release an additional 70% efficiency potential [6]. - Rapid industrialization capability: The transition from laboratory trials to 60-ton fermentation production can be achieved in just 3-6 months, significantly shortening the cycle compared to traditional chemical processes [6]. - Multi-domain pipeline layout: ZhiNuo Technology has developed product lines worth billions to tens of billions, focusing on areas such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), microbial pigments, and food-grade functional ingredients, covering industries like dyeing, daily chemicals, human health, and modern agriculture [6].

Core Insights - The fourth Synthetic Biology and Green Bio-Manufacturing Conference (SynBioCon 2025) will be held from August 20-22 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, focusing on the integration of AI with bio-manufacturing, green chemicals, new materials, future food, and agriculture [2][30] - The conference aims to explore the development trends of the bio-manufacturing industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan, innovations driven by AI, and the technologies and products that will sustain the vitality of the bio-manufacturing sector [2][30] Organizational Structure - The conference is organized by Ningbo Detaizhong Research Information Technology Co., Ltd. (DT New Materials) and supported by various academic and industry institutions, including Peking University Ningbo Institute of Ocean Medicine and the Zhejiang Synthetic Biology Industry Technology Alliance [3][4] Conference Agenda - The agenda includes a series of forums and discussions, such as the Bio-Manufacturing Industry Leaders Forum and the closed-door seminar for the "2025 AI Empowering Bio-Manufacturing Industry Innovation Development Blue Book" [7][19] - Key topics will cover AI applications in bio-manufacturing, green chemistry, and new materials, with specific sessions dedicated to future food and agriculture innovations [9][25] Notable Participants - The conference will feature industry leaders and experts from various organizations, including universities and biotech companies, who will present their research and innovations in synthetic biology and bio-manufacturing [10][11][12] Special Activities - Concurrent activities will include a youth forum on bio-manufacturing, technology showcases, and networking opportunities for industry professionals [2][19]

Core Insights - The fourth Synthetic Biology and Green Bio-Manufacturing Conference (SynBioCon 2025) will be held from August 20-22 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, focusing on the integration of AI with bio-manufacturing, green chemicals, new materials, future food, and agriculture [2][3]. Group 1: Conference Overview - The conference aims to explore the development trends of the bio-manufacturing industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan, innovations driven by AI, and the technologies and products that will sustain the vitality of the bio-manufacturing sector [2]. - Various activities will be held concurrently, including a Youth Forum on Bio-Manufacturing, a high-level roundtable discussion, and a closed-door seminar on the "2025 Blue Book for AI Empowering Bio-Manufacturing Innovation" [2][3]. Group 2: Organizing Institutions - The conference is organized by Ningbo Detaizhong Research Information Technology Co., Ltd. (DT New Materials) and supported by several academic and industry institutions, including Peking University Ningbo Institute of Ocean Medicine and the Zhejiang Synthetic Biology Industry Technology Alliance [3][4]. Group 3: Agenda Highlights - The agenda includes a macro forum on the bio-manufacturing industry, thematic forums on green chemicals and new materials, and AI empowerment in bio-manufacturing [7][9]. - Specific sessions will cover topics such as the application of enzyme molecular engineering, the design of cell factories, and the production of bio-based materials [11][19]. Group 4: Industry Participation - Numerous industry leaders and representatives from over 20 companies will participate in the high-level roundtable discussion, including notable firms like Ningbo Enzyme Science Bioengineering Co., Ltd. and Beijing University Ningbo Institute of Ocean Medicine [10]. - The conference will also feature a showcase of synthetic biology innovations and technology transfer opportunities [2][23]. Group 5: Future Developments - The conference will announce the "China Synthetic Biology Industry Distribution Map (2025 Edition)" and the list of 500+ representative enterprises in the bio-manufacturing sector [34][35].

Core Viewpoint - Lifebio has recently completed a multi-billion B2 round financing led by the listed company Xin Fengming, with participation from GGV Capital and several existing shareholders [2][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Lifebio is a leading global company in bio-based aromatic materials, having developed a unique "biomass-glucose-HMF-FDCA" process over more than a decade, which allows for the production of furan-based bio-materials without relying on food-sourced fructose [3][10]. - The company has established the world's first FDCA production line with a capacity of 1,000 tons and has initiated the construction of a 10,000-ton production line in Tongling, Anhui, in September 2024 [10][11]. Group 2: Investment and Partnerships - Xin Fengming, the lead investor in the recent financing round, is a major player in the polyester industry, with over 15% of global polyester filament capacity [4][7]. - GGV Capital, another significant investor, is a top-tier venture capital firm with over $9 billion in assets under management and a history of investing in over 500 companies, including Alibaba and Airbnb [7][8]. - Lifebio's previous investors include Lan Chuang Capital, which is associated with the listed company Zhongkong Technology, and Chengkai Fund, linked to Wankai New Materials, which has completed trial production of bio-based furan polyester [7][8]. Group 3: Industry Development - Lifebio has achieved the industry's first large-scale production of 100% bio-based polyester PEF filament through collaboration with leading companies [6][16]. - The company is focusing on non-food biomass sources such as corn cobs and straw to produce bio-based PEF, which can be applied in packaging materials, textiles, and electronics [13][19]. - Lifebio has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Moutai to accelerate the application of bio-based materials in bottle caps and containers [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Micro Yuan Synthetic and Cargill aims to promote the application of Allulose in the Chinese market, focusing on healthier, lower-calorie, and flavorful product innovations [2][3]. Group 1: Partnership and Market Expansion - Micro Yuan Synthetic has signed a partnership agreement with Cargill, the largest food and ingredient company globally, to distribute Allulose in China [2]. - Cargill will leverage its extensive B2B platform and diverse customer network to expand the application scenarios of Allulose in the Chinese market [7]. Group 2: Product Innovation and Approval - Allulose has been approved by relevant national authorities as a new food ingredient in China, marking a significant step for its market introduction [3]. - As a natural, low-calorie rare sugar, Allulose offers a taste experience similar to sucrose while demonstrating advantages in blood sugar response and energy intake control [3]. Group 3: Production Capabilities - Micro Yuan Synthetic is the only company globally that produces Allulose using fermentation technology and has obtained the first administrative license for its production in China [4]. - The company has established an efficient production chain from biological fermentation to purification, resulting in high purity, good sensory properties, and wide applicability across various food categories such as functional beverages, dairy, candies, and baked goods [6]. Group 4: Industry Events - The 2025 Synthetic Biology and Green Bio-Manufacturing Conference will be held from August 20-22 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, focusing on the industrialization progress and opportunities in synthetic biology and green manufacturing [13]. - The conference will include various activities such as a youth forum, high-level discussions, and a showcase of synthetic biology technology achievements [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that biomanufacturing is becoming a key engine for the transformation and upgrading of the chemical industry, driven by the global green transition and "dual carbon" goals [2]. Group 1: Biomanufacturing and Chemical Industry Transformation - Biobased materials, derived from renewable biomass such as starch, cellulose, and fats, are fundamentally changing the linear economic model of "mass production, mass consumption, and mass waste" through a circular economy approach [2]. - Synthetic biology and biomanufacturing utilize biomass as raw materials, leveraging the metabolic functions of microorganisms, cells, and enzymes to achieve large-scale production of target products [3]. - Key pathways for the green transformation of the chemical industry include the development of non-food biobased synthetic products, green biomanufacturing of plastic monomers like dicarboxylic acids and diols, utilization and conversion of one-carbon resources like CO2, and enzymatic recycling of waste plastics [3]. Group 2: Upcoming Conference and Expert Participation - The Fourth Synthetic Biology and Green Biomanufacturing Conference will be held from August 20-22 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, featuring a session on green chemicals and new materials with participation from prominent experts and representatives from biomanufacturing companies [4]. - Notable speakers include Professor Wang Dan from Chongqing University, Professor Xue Chuang from Dalian University of Technology, and Yang Shihui, founder of Wuhan Ruijia Kang, who will discuss various aspects of biomanufacturing and its applications [6][7]. Group 3: Conference Agenda Highlights - The conference will include discussions on cell factory design, microbial cell factories for plastic monomers, and green separation and purification technologies in synthetic biology [30][35]. - A special focus will be on the application of non-food biomass sugars in synthetic biology and green biomanufacturing, showcasing flexible production platforms [7]. - The agenda also features a series of forums on AI empowerment in biomanufacturing and future food and agriculture innovations [14][43]. Group 4: Industry Collaboration and Research - The conference is organized by DT New Materials in collaboration with various academic and research institutions, highlighting the importance of industry-academia partnerships in advancing biomanufacturing technologies [10][16]. - The event aims to promote the sharing of innovative research and practical applications in the field of biomanufacturing, contributing to the overall growth of the industry [39].