Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the sustainable and large-scale production of sandalwood essential oil through synthetic biology, addressing the resource scarcity and high costs associated with natural sandalwood [1][3]. Group 1: Sandalwood Essential Oil Overview - Sandalwood essential oil, derived from sandalwood heartwood, is highly valued for its unique woody fragrance and is used in perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and religious ceremonies [1]. - The slow growth of sandalwood trees, which take decades to mature, along with overharvesting, has led to a significant increase in market prices, approximately $2,500 per kilogram, and unstable supply [1]. Group 2: Synthetic Biology Approach - The research team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has successfully developed a yeast cell factory capable of producing sandalwood alcohol, achieving a record yield of 10.4 g/L, which is the highest reported in literature [3][4]. - The team utilized subcellular compartment engineering to enhance the production process, specifically targeting the peroxisome for enzyme localization, which significantly improved the conversion rates of sandalwood precursors [4]. Group 3: Research and Development Achievements - The study demonstrated a 5.1-fold increase in total yield of sandalwood alcohol and sandalwood olefin, reaching 0.9 g/L, with further innovations leading to a conversion rate increase to 60.6% [4]. - The research has received funding from various national programs and has resulted in multiple patent applications, with findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the transformative potential of synthetic biology in the edible oil industry, particularly through the innovation of "light cloud reduced burden oil," which utilizes biotechnological advancements to create healthier oil options that support metabolic health [1][3][8]. Group 1: Technological Breakthroughs - Traditional edible oil processing often sacrifices nutritional value for purity, leading to high levels of triglycerides (TAG) that can contribute to fat accumulation and insulin resistance [3]. - The innovative biocatalytic process developed by the company allows for the conversion of natural triglycerides into diglycerides (DAG) at low temperatures, resulting in a more metabolically friendly oil that is easier to convert into energy [3][5]. - This technology not only preserves the natural flavor of the oil but also effectively reduces the metabolic burden associated with triglycerides, achieving a balance between nutrition and taste [3][5]. Group 2: Clinical Evidence - A large-scale double-blind clinical trial conducted in collaboration with Peking University Medical School demonstrated significant health improvements over an eight-week period for participants consuming diglyceride oil, including better blood lipid levels, reduced total and visceral fat, and decreased waist circumference [5]. - The results of this clinical study provide robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of "oil replacement" in improving lipid metabolism among the Chinese population, addressing a long-standing gap in domestic research [5]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The product represents a shift in the health oil market, transforming high-barrier health interventions into simple lifestyle changes, such as switching to a different type of oil, without requiring significant dietary changes or additional costs [8]. - The integration of advanced biomanufacturing techniques and intelligent manufacturing controls positions the company to redefine standards in the Chinese health edible oil sector, moving from basic sustenance to precision health [8][10]. - The evolution of oil consumption reflects a broader awakening to health consciousness among Chinese families, indicating a shift from merely eating enough to prioritizing quality and health in dietary choices [10].

Core Viewpoint - The signing of the synthetic biology product R&D and manufacturing base project by KOTAIYA in Qidong Economic Development Zone represents a significant milestone in the company's transition from R&D to large-scale production, highlighting the importance of the local environment and support for the health sector [2][3][5]. Group 1 - The total investment for the project is 1.05 billion yuan, aimed at establishing a base for the production of pharmaceutical excipients and food nutritional additives [3]. - KOTAIYA's chairman emphasized the project's role in the company's industrialization process and expressed confidence in Qidong's supportive business environment and geographical advantages [5]. - Qidong's mayor noted the city's integration into the Shanghai biopharmaceutical industry chain, with nearly a hundred biopharmaceutical companies and several high-level innovation platforms established [6]. Group 2 - The project is expected to inject strong momentum into the local biopharmaceutical industry, with a focus on high investment scale and technological content [6]. - Qidong's government is committed to supporting the project and facilitating its rapid development into a tangible outcome, aiming for KOTAIYA to become a key player in the local biopharmaceutical sector [6].

项目进展 | 湖 北 微琪 【SynBioCon】 获 悉， 近日，关于 湖北微琪 年产3万吨合成生物PHA可降解材料绿色智能制造项目 （一期）竣工验收公示。 年产3万吨合成生物PHA可降解材料绿色智能制造项目，其产品为生物基可降解材料——聚羟基脂肪 酸酯类聚合物（即PHA），项目分两期建设， 一期建设年产10000吨PHA生产装置，二期建设年产 20000吨PHA生产装置。 建设性质：新建 一期项目实际总投资：34000万元 建设内容：项目位于宜昌市猇亭区安琪生物科技园，属于新建项目，占地约200.86亩，总建筑面积约 34516平方米，环评规划主要建设发酵及提取车间、干燥车间、原材料及成品仓库等，配套建设公用 工程及研发办公综合体。 项目于2023年7月开始建设，目前项目已建成一期建设年产10000吨PHA生产装置，配套建设干燥车 间、发酵及提取车间等生产车间各1栋，内设10000t/aPHA生产装置1套；建设供电、给排水、消防等 公用工程，储罐区及危化品库等储运工程及环保工程。 一期项目生产的产品包括 PHB 和 P34HB 两个小类，且每期产品中聚-3.羟基丁酸酯(PHB)和聚-3-羟 基丁酸-4-羟 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of biomanufacturing, highlighting various case studies and innovations presented at the SynBioCon 2025 conference [1][44]. Group 1: AI Empowerment in Biomanufacturing - The conference featured a series of activities promoting typical application cases of AI in biomanufacturing, including forums on AI-driven innovations [1][3]. - Shanghai Zhiyu Biotechnology introduced the "ZCloud Biocomputing Platform" and "ZBot Experimental Verification Platform," achieving the production of vanillin through enzyme methods at a scale of hundreds of tons [6]. - Baidu Biotechnology has emerged as a global leader in foundational models for life sciences, showcasing their xTrimoDNA and xTrimoProtein models and applications [7]. Group 2: Innovative Technologies and Applications - Dibil Biotechnology developed an intelligent dynamic and optimization system for microbial culture, enabling real-time prediction of intracellular metabolic flux [10]. - The roundtable discussion emphasized the importance of technology empowerment, scenario innovation, and ecological collaboration to drive high-quality industrial development [13]. - A high-throughput protein engineering platform was established, leading to the discovery of a new gene editing tool with a 40% efficiency increase and the identification of two new industrial enzymes with over ten times the catalytic activity of competitors [16]. Group 3: Future Food and Agriculture - The conference included discussions on the rapid growth of the global functional sugar market and the challenges in obtaining new functional sugars due to unclear biosynthesis pathways [28]. - The research center of Yili Group focused on developing a self-controlled probiotic R&D technology system tailored to the gut microbiome characteristics of the Chinese population [30]. - The report from Henglu Biotechnology highlighted the development of human milk oligosaccharides and their potential applications, with a focus on safety assessments for production strains [32]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Innovations - The article mentions the establishment of China's first enzymatic production line for vitamin A palmitate by Xinhai Biotechnology, which has entered into strategic cooperation for product development [33]. - The report from Zhejiang University discussed the development and application of biotechnology in fine chemical production [34]. - The potential of microalgae as a sustainable food source was emphasized, showcasing advancements in microalgae protein cultivation and its nutritional benefits [43].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformative potential of synthetic biology in traditional industries, particularly in agriculture, through a strategic partnership between GELEXIMCO Group, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and Senrise Biotechnology [1][10]. Group 1: Market Overview - The global synthetic biology market is projected to reach $16 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 27% over the past five years [1]. - Vietnam's agricultural market is substantial, with an estimated total output value of around $50 billion in 2024, showing a rising demand for green agricultural bioproducts [4]. Group 2: Strategic Partnership - The collaboration aims to develop and mass-produce synthetic biological products such as ginsenoside, jasmonate, and astaxanthin, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices [1][4]. - This partnership is expected to enhance cooperation between China and Vietnam in cutting-edge biotechnology, injecting new momentum into the green transformation of agriculture in ASEAN [1][10]. Group 3: Company Profiles - GELEXIMCO Group is a significant player in Vietnam's economy, with annual revenues exceeding 200 trillion VND and total assets reaching 800 trillion VND, aiming to establish a competitive synthetic biology platform [6]. - Vietnam National University of Agriculture is a leading institution in agricultural education and research, providing expertise and local insights for the partnership [7]. - Senrise Biotechnology has developed over 70 patents and utilizes AI algorithms and automated platforms for efficient production, focusing on high-yield chassis cells and precision fermentation [8]. Group 4: Societal Impact - The collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to Vietnam's agricultural green transformation and high-quality development by promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices [10]. - The project will foster talent development in synthetic biology and modern agriculture, establishing a collaborative innovation platform between academia and industry [10].

Core Insights - The Fourth Synthetic Biology and Green Bio-Manufacturing Conference (SynBioCon 2025) was held in Ningbo, featuring over 60 experts and executives sharing more than 40 presentations on various topics related to bio-manufacturing and green chemistry [2][4]. Group 1: Conference Overview - The conference included four main sessions: macro forum on bio-manufacturing, green chemistry and new materials, AI applications in bio-manufacturing, and future food & agriculture [2]. - Additional activities included a youth forum, high-level discussions on bio-manufacturing, and a closed-door seminar on the "2025 AI Empowering Bio-Manufacturing Industry Innovation Development Blue Book" [2]. Group 2: Keynote Highlights - Zhang Xian'en, Dean of the Synthetic Biology Institute at Shenzhen University, emphasized the rapid development of synthetic biology over the past decade, highlighting AI's role in overcoming the complexity of biological systems [10][11]. - Chen Luoping, Director of the Electronic Information Research Institute, noted that AI in bio-manufacturing presents opportunities for significant advancements, particularly in enzyme design and strain construction, despite existing challenges such as data scarcity and algorithm limitations [12][13]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Chen Haibin, Vice President of Ningbo Enzyme Bioengineering Co., discussed the company's transition from technological innovation to product innovation, achieving industrial-scale production of small organic acids and bio-based nylon [15]. - Feng Yan, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, presented breakthroughs in enzyme molecular design and gene editing, which enhance the bio-synthesis of high-value compounds [19]. Group 4: Green Chemistry and New Materials - Wang Dan from Chongqing University addressed the bottlenecks in bio-synthesis of polyamide materials and shared advancements in developing key monomers for industrial applications [23]. - Li Zhen, co-founder of Suzhou Polygen Biotech, highlighted the company's use of straw as a raw material for producing bio-based succinic acid at a scale that is cost-competitive with petrochemical products [28]. Group 5: Industry Collaboration and Future Directions - The conference featured a signing ceremony for a joint laboratory between Shenzhen University and Ningbo Enzyme Bioengineering Co., aimed at fostering collaboration in synthetic biology research [6]. - The high-level discussions focused on the future trends of bio-manufacturing, technological innovation, and industry chain collaboration, aiming for high-quality development in the synthetic biology sector [56].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "Shenzhen University-Ningbo Enzyme Bioengineering Co., Ltd. Joint Laboratory for Computational Protein" marks a significant collaboration aimed at advancing AI-driven synthetic biology research and its industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, energy, and agriculture [1][4][6]. Group 1: Joint Laboratory Focus - The joint laboratory will focus on AI-driven synthetic biology research, emphasizing protein design and optimization, high-performance industrial enzyme development, and the application of these technologies in various industries [4][5]. - Key research directions include computational protein design, computer simulation and intelligent optimization of biosynthetic pathways, and talent cultivation in AI-integrated enzyme engineering [5][6]. Group 2: Industry Impact - The introduction of AI technology is expected to revolutionize traditional research methods in protein design, metabolic engineering, and biosynthesis, aiming to create a programmable and scalable intelligent bio-manufacturing platform [6]. - The collaboration is seen as a model for industry-academia cooperation, leveraging the research strengths of Shenzhen University and the industrial capabilities of Ningbo Enzyme Bioengineering to promote practical applications of synthetic biology [6][7]. Group 3: Company Background - Shenzhen University, established as a new research-oriented institution in 2024, focuses on foundational and cutting-edge scientific research and the cultivation of innovative talents [6][7]. - Ningbo Enzyme Bioengineering Co., Ltd. is a leading synthetic biology company in China, possessing proprietary technologies in protein design and enzyme engineering, with capabilities spanning from laboratory research to industrial production [7]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The collaboration signifies a new phase in AI-driven bio-manufacturing, contributing to the high-quality development of China's bio-economy [8].

Group 1 - The meeting, hosted by Dr. Zhang Lisheng, CEO of DT New Materials, gathered government representatives, research institution leaders, corporate executives, and investment experts to discuss the development trends of biomanufacturing during the 14th Five-Year Plan, technology innovation implementation, and industry chain collaboration [2][5] - Wuhan, as a central city in China, has a strong industrial foundation and innovation ecosystem, with over 92 universities and 1.35 million students, producing more than 300,000 graduates annually who stay for employment and entrepreneurship [4] - The city has gathered over 20 academicians in the biomanufacturing field and has several national-level innovation platforms, showcasing cutting-edge achievements such as "algal imaging" and "rice blood production" [4] Group 2 - The Qing Shan District is focusing on building a modern industrial system and upgrading traditional industries while promoting emerging sectors like hydrogen energy, new materials, and biomedicine [7] - The district has the only new materials industrial park in Wuhan, covering an area of 5.05 square kilometers, and is planning to create a "bio-based materials innovation island" to support synthetic biology enterprises [7] - The East Lake High-tech Zone, known as Optics Valley, has a planned area of 30 square kilometers and an annual industrial revenue exceeding 200 billion yuan, housing over 4,200 companies and 484 high-tech enterprises [9] Group 3 - During the thematic discussion, representatives from 18 companies emphasized the importance of technology innovation, supply chain resilience, and ecological value chains in the biomanufacturing sector [11] - The president of Ningbo Enzyme Science highlighted the critical nature of the pilot testing phase in the long industrial chain of synthetic biology products [13] - The founder of Wuhan Ruijia Kang called for closer integration between biomanufacturing and the chemical industry, urging the government to lead the establishment of an industry chain collaborative ecosystem [13] Group 4 - The meeting served as an efficient platform for synthetic biology enterprises and local governments to connect, showcasing Wuhan's strategic determination and attractiveness in the biomanufacturing field [14] - Wuhan aims to accelerate the gathering of new productive forces in synthetic biology through an open policy environment, a complete industrial ecosystem, and high-quality service guarantees [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Health Commission to promote innovative biomanufacturing technologies in the food processing sector, aiming to enhance the industrialization and marketization of research outcomes [2][3]. Group 1: Policy and Application Directions - The initiative focuses on collecting innovative biomanufacturing technology applications in areas such as food raw materials, food additives, and food and beverage processing [3]. - The application directions should align with the goal of building a diversified food supply system and have significant promotional value for industry development [3][4]. - Relevant products must be domestically developed, have completed small-scale pilot production or be in large-scale production, and demonstrate safety through research or prior approvals in other regions [4]. Group 2: Submission and Evaluation Process - Entities eligible for recommendation include registered companies, universities, research institutions, and industry associations with good biomanufacturing capabilities and no major safety or environmental incidents in the past three years [5]. - Recommended units must submit a detailed application form along with supporting materials by September 15, 2025, to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology [6][7]. - The Ministry will organize experts to evaluate the submissions and identify key application directions that are strategically significant, technologically advanced, and have broad application prospects [8]. Group 3: SynBioCon 2025 Conference - The fourth Synthetic Biology and Green Biomanufacturing Conference (SynBioCon 2025) will be held from August 20-22, 2025, in Ningbo, Zhejiang, focusing on AI and biomanufacturing, green chemicals and new materials, future food, and future agriculture [9][10]. - The conference will include various activities such as a youth forum, high-level discussions, and a closed-door seminar on AI-enabled biomanufacturing innovation [9][10]. - The event aims to explore the development trends and growth points of biomanufacturing during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [22].