Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of the Bio-based Young Scientists Forum as a platform for young researchers to showcase their innovations and connect with industry stakeholders, highlighting the rapid growth of the bio-based materials industry and the need for bridging the gap between academia and industry [2][4][14]. Group 1: Forum Overview - The Bio-based 2026 conference will take place in Shanghai from May 20-22, 2026, featuring the fifth Bio-based Young Scientists Forum [3]. - The mission of the forum is to increase visibility for young bio-based scientists and their research [4]. Group 2: Importance of Participation - The bio-based materials industry is experiencing explosive growth, with a reported increase of 29.8% in the first three quarters of 2025 and a monthly growth of 25.4% in November [9][10]. - Young researchers face challenges in securing funding, with the success rate for National Natural Science Foundation youth projects dropping to 14-16% [11]. - There is a significant gap in the commercialization of academic patents, with only 3.9% of university patents being industrialized compared to nearly 50% for corporate patents [13]. Group 3: Benefits of the Forum - Participants will have a 10-minute platform to present their cutting-edge technologies, allowing for concise communication of their core innovations [15][16]. - Experts will provide real-time feedback and evaluation of presentations, with awards for outstanding reports, including a first prize of 2000 yuan [18][19]. - The forum will facilitate real industry connections, with over 1000 successful matches made in the bio-based sector previously [20]. - Participants will receive promotional opportunities, including tailored posters and social media exposure to over 200,000 individuals across various sectors [22][24]. Group 4: Target Audience - The forum is aimed at young scholars with research in bio-based chemicals, materials, and additives, with only 80 presentation slots available despite high application numbers [28][30]. Group 5: Participation Details - The forum will be held on the afternoon of May 20, 2026, as part of the Bio-based 2026 conference [31]. - Registration is straightforward, requiring participants to select the "Young Scientists Forum" option when signing up [32].

Core Viewpoint - β-Farnesene is an important sesquiterpene compound found in plant essential oils, used as an aphid control agent and has excellent properties as a biofuel. Its wide application significantly expands market demand [1]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team from Shandong University published a study in the Chemical Engineering Journal, achieving a record production of β-farnesene at 82.1 g/L through global metabolic rewiring in Yarrowia lipolytica [2]. - The study introduced a non-oxidative glycolysis (NOG) pathway in Yarrowia lipolytica and blocked the core glycolysis, leading to a strain specifically for β-farnesene production, despite initial growth defects [4]. - Adaptive laboratory evolution and multi-omics analysis revealed that simultaneous inactivation of carbon repression factors Reg1 and glucose kinase Glk1 could activate the Snf1 kinase-mediated carbon signaling pathway, coordinating the NOG pathway with the TCA cycle [4][5]. Group 2: Production Efficiency - The research demonstrated the core role of Snf1 kinase in global metabolic rewiring, achieving a high yield of β-farnesene with a conversion rate of 0.21 g/g substrate, while completely eliminating citrate overflow and significantly reducing byproduct accumulation [5]. - The study highlights the potential of "energy homeostasis reconstruction" to address metabolic rigidity in microbial cell factories, providing important references for the efficient biosynthesis of terpenoid compounds [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights significant advancements in the field of synthetic biology in China, showcasing 18 high-quality research papers published in Nature sub-journals in 2025, reflecting the country's research strength and innovation level in this domain [2]. Group 1: Research Highlights - A study published in Nature Sustainability presents a tandem electro-biosystem that upgrades surplus acetone from the phenol industry into high-value long-chain chemicals, achieving nearly 100% conversion to pure isopropanol (IPA) [3][38]. - Research in Nature Biotechnology introduces a microchip-based massively parallel DNA synthesis system, significantly increasing the concentration of synthetic products and improving assembly success rates by 4-6 orders of magnitude [4][6]. - Another Nature Biotechnology paper discusses a plug-and-play system for producing scalable secondary metabolites in Streptomyces, achieving a titration of 8.4 g/L for a specific antibiotic in industrial fermentation [7]. Group 2: Innovative Techniques - A study in Nature Catalysis reveals a new catalytic route using small molecule reductants for haem peroxygenases, avoiding irreversible enzyme inactivation and demonstrating high production rates of valuable chiral products [10]. - Research in Nature Synthesis introduces an iMECS strategy for the efficient conversion of lignin into various additive-type natural products, achieving a conversion rate exceeding 90% without external cofactors [12][17]. - A dual-channel energy pathway combining energy molecule supply and electron transfer in an E. coli-thylakoid hybrid system is reported, significantly enhancing hydrogen production rates [15]. Group 3: Applications and Implications - The development of an artificial ocean carbon cycling system is presented in Nature Catalysis, which captures CO2 from seawater and converts it into bioplastic monomers, contributing to sustainable material production [11]. - A study in Nature Chemical Biology outlines a programmable biological communication system between distinct membraneless compartments, providing insights into cellular interactions and potential applications in synthetic biology [23][26]. - Research on engineered spores for producing biodegradable living plastics demonstrates a novel approach to sustainable material development, with potential applications in environmental conservation [31][35].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a breakthrough in biodegradable materials using CO₂ as a raw material, potentially reducing costs and improving performance compared to traditional plastics [2][3][6]. Group 1: Market Potential and Cost Structure - The biodegradable materials market is expected to exceed 48 billion yuan by 2025, but current prices are 1.5 to 3 times higher than traditional plastics [2][5]. - The production cost of the developed aliphatic polycarbonate (PPC) material is estimated to be below 8,000 yuan/ton, comparable to petroleum-based polyethylene at approximately 7,400 yuan/ton [6][18]. - The cost structure includes raw material costs of approximately 6,224 yuan, with CO₂ sourced from industrial waste at 200-400 yuan/ton, and other costs adding up to around 1,600 yuan [18][19][20]. Group 2: Innovative Approach to Low-Carbon Polymers - The research proposes a novel approach to redefine low-carbon polymers by replacing some carbon atoms with oxygen, aiming for a carbon-oxygen ratio of 4:3 in the polymer structure [7][14]. - This method allows CO₂ to be directly involved in the polymerization process, creating a closed carbon cycle by utilizing waste CO₂ instead of sequestering it [14][15]. Group 3: Performance Advantages of PPC - PPC exhibits superior barrier properties, with oxygen barrier performance being six times better than PLA and 24 times better than PBAT, making it suitable for high-demand applications like food packaging [31][32]. - The material has a high elongation at break of 400-650%, excellent water resistance, and a controlled degradation rate, addressing limitations of existing biodegradable materials [34][39][42]. Group 4: Pathway to Industrialization - The team is following a three-step pathway for industrialization: first, validating the technology at a pilot scale of 200 tons/year; second, scaling up to a 10,000-ton production line; and finally, achieving large-scale production of millions of tons [46][48][50]. - Achieving a production scale of 1 million tons per year could sequester 420,000 tons of CO₂, equivalent to planting 230 million trees [50]. Group 5: Policy and Market Support - The development aligns with China's dual carbon strategy and is supported by policies encouraging the use of biodegradable materials in packaging [51][54]. - The demand for biodegradable materials is rapidly increasing, with potential market space of 4.8 billion yuan if PPC captures 10% of the market [56][58].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of "non-grain" raw materials in the future of the bio-manufacturing industry, highlighting the recent funding round of nearly 300 million yuan for Weiyuan Synthesis to accelerate the development of methanol-based bio-manufactured products [2][3]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The bio-manufacturing sector is positioned as a key driver for future industrial transformation, with McKinsey predicting that 60% of global material production could be synthesized biologically [2]. - The current reliance on starch sugars for bio-based products poses a risk of "competing with food" due to the high demand for agricultural resources, which contradicts the goals of sustainable development [2][3]. Group 2: Methanol Production and Capacity - China's methanol production capacity has rapidly expanded, exceeding 100 million tons, with an additional 100 million tons planned, primarily from coal, which accounts for 80% of production [4][5]. - The development of green methanol production using renewable energy sources is gaining traction, with plans for 6 million tons of green methanol capacity by mid-2025, which could support the bio-manufacturing sector and contribute to carbon neutrality goals [5]. Group 3: Weiyuan Synthesis Developments - Weiyuan Synthesis has successfully developed high-efficiency strains for assimilating methanol and is advancing its pipeline for bio-manufactured products, including bulk amino acids and bio-based materials [7]. - This innovation addresses the raw material challenges in bio-manufacturing and helps mitigate the domestic surplus of methanol, while also reducing reliance on imported soybean meal, thereby enhancing food security [7].

Core Viewpoint - The New Leaf Award is a prestigious global award focused on innovation in the bio-based industry, aimed at recognizing and showcasing outstanding products and companies in this sector [2][17]. Group 1: Award Overview - The New Leaf Award, organized by DT New Materials, is recognized as the "Oscar of the bio-based industry" and has awarded over 100 innovative bio-based products through a professional evaluation team [2][17]. - The award features four categories: Innovation Material Award, Innovation Application Award, Innovation Industry Solution Award, and Most Commercially Valuable Award [6][2]. Group 2: Application Timeline and Process - The application for the 2026 New Leaf Award has started, with key dates including: - Application period: December 1, 2025, to March 13, 2026 [11]. - Online voting (pre-selection): March 16 to March 22, 2026 [11]. - Online competition and expert review (final selection): March 23 to March 27, 2026 [11]. - Award ceremony: May 21, 2026, during the Bio-based 2026 Conference [3][11]. Group 3: Evaluation Criteria - The evaluation criteria for the awards include: - Innovation in technology and application, functionality, commercial value, and sustainability, with varying weightings for each award category [9]. - For the Innovation Material Award, the criteria weightings are: 30% technical innovation, 10% application innovation, 25% functionality, 20% commercial value, and 15% sustainability [9]. Group 4: Benefits of Participation - Participating companies can benefit from free publicity, leveraging DT New Materials' extensive network of over 100,000 industry followers and 100+ communication groups [10]. - Award-winning companies will receive a high-end trophy and certificate at the award ceremony, providing significant visibility and recognition in the industry [13].

Core Viewpoint - The National Venture Capital Guidance Fund aims to systematically promote China's biomanufacturing industry from a follower to a leader in key areas, establishing it as a core pillar of new productive forces [2]. Group 1: Fund Structure and Scale - The National Venture Capital Guidance Fund will utilize long-term special treasury bond funds, with a total fiscal contribution of 100 billion yuan at the national level, encouraging social capital participation to form a fund scale of one trillion yuan [5]. - The fund will attract participation from local governments, central enterprises, financial institutions, and private capital, focusing on strategic emerging industries and future industries [5][6]. - The fund will be structured in a three-tier architecture: "Fund Company - Regional Fund - Sub-Fund" [7]. Group 2: Investment Focus and Strategy - The fund will prioritize early-stage investments, focusing on seed, startup, and early-mid stage enterprises, with a long-term investment horizon of 20 years [8][16]. - It will adopt a "4 investment" approach: investing early, investing small, investing long-term, and investing in hard technology [10][16]. - The fund will not directly manage daily operations, ensuring market-oriented management through competitive selection of experienced fund management institutions [9]. Group 3: Regional Funds and Projects - The first three regional funds (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) are expected to exceed 50 billion yuan each and have already signed investment intentions with 49 sub-funds and 27 direct investment projects [11][12]. - The regional funds will focus on early projects and seed enterprises in fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, aerospace, low-altitude economy, biomanufacturing, and future energy [6][12]. Group 4: Long-term Vision and Goals - The fund aims to cultivate "small giants" and "unicorns" across various industries by providing patient capital and supporting original and disruptive technological breakthroughs [8][16]. - It will address the long-term capital shortage in the venture capital industry and promote reform and innovation in the industry through a comprehensive service platform [9].

Core Viewpoint - The New Leaf Award is a prestigious global award focused on innovation in the bio-based industry, aimed at recognizing and showcasing outstanding products and companies in this sector, often referred to as the "Oscar of the bio-based industry" [2][17]. Group 1: Award Structure - The New Leaf Award features four main categories: Innovation Material Award, Innovation Application Award, Innovation Industry Solution Award, and Most Commercially Valuable Award [6][2]. - Over 100 innovative bio-based products have been recognized through this award, highlighting its significance in the industry [2]. Group 2: Application Timeline and Process - The application process for the 2026 New Leaf Award has commenced, with key dates including: - Application period: December 1, 2025, to March 13, 2026 [11]. - Online voting (pre-selection): March 16 to March 22, 2026 [11]. - Online competition and expert review (final selection): March 23 to March 27, 2026 [11]. - Award ceremony: May 21, 2026, during the Bio-based 2026 conference [3][11]. Group 3: Evaluation Criteria - The evaluation criteria for the awards include: - Innovation in technology and application, functionality, commercial value, and sustainability, with varying weightings for each category [9]. - For the Innovation Material Award, the criteria weightings are: 30% technical innovation, 10% application innovation, 25% functionality, 20% commercial value, and 15% sustainability [9]. Group 4: Benefits of Participation - Participating companies can benefit from free publicity, leveraging a platform with over 100,000 industry followers and 100+ communication groups [10]. - Award-winning companies will receive a high-end trophy and certificate, along with the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at a grand award ceremony attended by industry leaders [13].

Core Viewpoint - Yinuo Biotech, a company focused on converting agricultural waste into high-value bio-based materials, has recently been listed on the New Third Board and is preparing for a listing on the Beijing Stock Exchange, highlighting its active engagement in the capital market [2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Yinuo Biotech was founded in 2015 and is led by Liu Zhanjie, who focuses on transforming corn cobs into valuable bio-based compounds such as furfural and its derivatives [4]. - The company's traditional product, furfural, has accounted for over 50% of its revenue in recent years, while 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-pentanediol are significant contributors to its gross profit [4]. Group 2: Industry Recognition - Yinuo Biotech has achieved "national and provincial dual champion" status, with its core product 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran recognized as a manufacturing champion at both levels, following the earlier recognition of furfural [5]. - The company’s 1,2-pentanediol product was awarded the title of "Innovative Product of the Year" by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation in 2024, underscoring its technological innovation and industrial value [4]. Group 3: Environmental Impact and Sustainability - Yinuo Biotech's production of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, derived from corn cobs, contributes to significant reductions in carbon footprints for downstream clients, aligning with the green and low-carbon goals of the high-end chemical industry in Shandong Province [5]. - The company has established a circular economy system by fully utilizing corn cobs and optimizing production processes, providing a sustainable development model for the bio-based materials industry [5]. Group 4: Research and Development - Yinuo Biotech emphasizes technological innovation and project development, collaborating closely with research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to advance its product offerings [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant transformation in the global color market, driven by the shift from synthetic petroleum-based dyes to safer, more sustainable bio-based natural pigments, which is expected to reshape industries such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals [8][10]. Group 1: Market Transformation - The traditional era of petroleum-based synthetic dyes is coming to an end, with a projected market shift from approximately $2 billion in 2025 to over $4 billion by 2030 for natural food colorants [8]. - This transformation is fueled by increasing consumer health awareness, accumulating scientific evidence, and stricter regulations, leading to a substantial market gap left by the ban on synthetic dyes in regions like the US and EU [8][30]. - Major food companies, including Nestlé and Kraft Heinz, are committing to eliminating artificial colors from their products by 2026 and 2027, respectively, indicating a broader industry shift towards "clean label" products [30]. Group 2: Historical Context and Current Trends - The rise of synthetic dyes began in the mid-19th century with the accidental discovery of mauveine by William Henry Perkin, which led to the commercialization of synthetic dyes [18][20]. - Despite their popularity, synthetic dyes have been linked to health concerns, including potential associations with behavioral issues in children, prompting regulatory scrutiny and consumer demand for safer alternatives [27][28]. - The FDA is set to phase out six major petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the industry [29]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - Advances in synthetic biology are enabling the production of high-purity, stable natural colorants through precision fermentation, overcoming limitations of traditional natural pigments [31]. - Companies like Michroma, Chromologics, and Phytolon are leading the way in commercializing bio-based colorants, with significant funding and partnerships to scale production [31][32]. - The focus on reducing carbon footprints aligns with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements, making bio-based colorants a strategic choice for the future [32]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The transition from petroleum-based to bio-based colors represents not just a material change but a systemic reconfiguration of safety, sustainability, and aesthetic expression in the industry [38]. - The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to innovate and develop comprehensive solutions for natural colorants [35][36]. - The ongoing shift is seen as an unprecedented opportunity for companies that can adapt quickly to the new standards and consumer preferences [40][41].