Core Viewpoint - Guangdong Province aims to enhance the bio-manufacturing industry, targeting a total output value of approximately 500 billion yuan by 2027 and reaching a trillion yuan scale by 2035, focusing on key areas such as non-grain utilization, medical beauty raw materials, microbial proteins, and green processes in biopharmaceuticals [2][3][4]. Group 1: Policy Measures and Goals - The action plan specifies the development goals for the bio-manufacturing industry in Guangdong, aiming for a total output value of around 500 billion yuan by 2027 and a trillion yuan scale by 2035 [2][3]. - The measures address key bottlenecks in bio-manufacturing, including the need for improved standards and ecosystem development [4][6]. Group 2: Key Initiatives - The policy outlines detailed initiatives to tackle issues such as an incomplete industrial chain and lagging standard system construction, emphasizing the establishment of a comprehensive bio-manufacturing industry standard system [6]. - It encourages the establishment of innovation platforms and supports the construction of transformation bases for innovative achievements, promoting technology transfer and application [6]. Group 3: Focus Areas for Development - The measures focus on core technology breakthroughs, including strains, enzyme preparations, and reactors, as well as high-end platform construction and targeted R&D mechanisms [7]. - The policy emphasizes the importance of building a robust standard system that includes both domestic and international standards, facilitating market access and internationalization [7]. Group 4: Applications in Bio-Manufacturing - The initiative aims to advance non-grain bio-based materials, medical beauty products, and "new food" categories, promoting the use of microbial proteins and plant-based proteins [8][9]. - In the pharmaceutical sector, the policy encourages the application of bio-manufacturing in green process development for biopharmaceuticals and the synthesis of effective components from traditional Chinese medicine [9]. Group 5: Internationalization Strategies - The policy outlines strategies for internationalization, including aligning with international standards organizations and expanding overseas markets through e-commerce and overseas warehouses [10]. - It emphasizes the importance of attracting key domestic and international enterprises and high-end R&D institutions to build a global resource collaboration network [10]. Group 6: Regional Development and Innovation - Guangdong Province implements a "dual-core drive" strategy, focusing on Guangzhou and Shenzhen to accelerate the development of the bio-manufacturing industry in the Greater Bay Area [11]. - The policy supports the establishment of a comprehensive support system for bio-manufacturing, covering research, pilot testing, and industrialization [11].

Core Viewpoint - Zhuhai Maidefa Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Maidefa") has successfully completed a Series B financing round, which is a recognition of its technological strength and market prospects, as well as an important step in accelerating its industrialization process [2][6]. Group 1: Financing Events - Maidefa completed its angel round financing in March 2021, followed by a Series A financing of tens of millions of RMB in May 2022, and a Series A+ financing of several tens of millions of RMB in December 2023 [5]. - The recent Series B financing was led by China Taiping Innovation and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Capital, with specific amounts undisclosed [2][6]. Group 2: Company Positioning - Maidefa's name "MedPHA" combines "Medicine" and "PHA," indicating its unique positioning as an innovative enterprise in the "medicine + PHA" sector, rather than just a PHA materials company [7]. - The third-largest shareholder, Lijuzhiyuan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., has been involved with Maidefa since its inception, indicating a deep-rooted strategic partnership rather than a mere financial investment [10]. Group 3: Product Lines - Maidefa has three major product lines: industrial-grade PHA, medical-grade PHA, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-hydroxybutyric acid) health-active small molecules, forming a complete PHA value chain [15]. - The industrial-grade PHA includes PHB and P34HB, which are recognized by major companies like Walmart and Costco for applications in biodegradable packaging and utensils [18]. - The medical-grade PHA is a core differentiated product, with Maidefa being the first global supplier to receive regulatory approvals from the National Medical Products Administration and the FDA [19]. - The beta-hydroxybutyric acid product, branded as "Sainao Si," has been launched in Macau and the United States, targeting markets in brain health and anti-aging [20]. Group 4: Milestones - Maidefa achieved significant milestones in 2025, including medical certifications, capacity expansions, and the completion of Series B financing [23]. - The company expanded its industrial-grade PHA production capacity to over 2,000 tons with a new production line in Zhanjiang, which began operations in early 2025 [25]. - Maidefa became the first in China to obtain documentation for medical-grade PHA microspheres, which will serve clinical applications in absorbable medical devices [27]. - The company also received ISO13485:2016 certification for its medical device quality management system, marking a key qualification for entering the medical device market [27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the signing of a straw bioconversion project in Baoying County, highlighting the investment and production capacity of the project, which aims to utilize agricultural waste for sustainable feed production [2][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - The straw bioconversion project has a planned total capacity of 600,000 tons and a total investment of 1 billion yuan, with the first phase covering approximately 60 acres and involving the construction of a 30,000 square meter factory [2]. - The first phase includes an investment of 80 million yuan for a production line capable of converting 150,000 tons of straw into fermented feed, projected to generate annual sales exceeding 300 million yuan and tax contributions over 8 million yuan [2]. - The second phase plans to invest in a production line for 200,000 tons of straw-derived single-cell protein feed [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Zhongke Kangyuan (Tangshan) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was founded by Dr. Zhang Dongyuan, a researcher from the Tianjin Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is recognized as a "National High-tech Enterprise" and a "Specialized and Innovative Enterprise" in Hebei Province [4]. - The company focuses on the research and development of biomass depolymerization molecular chemical processes, having established two provincial R&D platforms and one production base with a capacity of 200,000 tons [4]. - Zhongke Kangyuan has participated in 14 research projects, including one that is part of three national key R&D projects, and holds 36 national intellectual property patents [4]. Group 3: Investment and Financing - Zhongke Kangyuan completed its first round of financing in December 2025, successfully attracting strategic investors including the National Development Investment Group and Wuxi Innovation Investment Group [5].

Core Viewpoint - Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health challenge in China, with a high mortality rate and increasing prevalence among younger populations. The study highlights the importance of exploring fat control solutions that align with Chinese cooking habits, particularly focusing on the use of diacylglycerol (DAG) oil as a healthier alternative to traditional triglyceride (TAG) oil [3][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - A recent study published in the journal "Food & Function" by a team from Peking University Medical School demonstrated that replacing traditional TAG oil with DAG oil in daily diets significantly improves lipid metabolism in the Chinese population [4][6]. - The study involved 120 Chinese adults with a BMI of 25.93±2.92 kg/m², who were randomly assigned to either the DAG group or the TAG group for an 8-week dietary intervention. Results showed that the DAG group had significantly lower serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) levels compared to the TAG group [6][9]. - Notably, the DAG group experienced a significant reduction in visceral fat area (VFA) and improvements in liver fat degeneration, indicating potential benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [6][9]. Group 2: Clinical Significance - The study is the first to systematically validate the effects of DAG oil on key lipid indicators in the Chinese population, particularly its ability to lower sdLDL-C, which is a strong predictor of atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke [7][9]. - The research emphasizes the multi-mechanism benefits of DAG, highlighting its role in reducing visceral fat, which is a core risk factor for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [9][14]. - Lipidomic analysis revealed that DAG intervention led to significant increases in triglycerides and phosphatidylethanolamine rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are associated with the activation of fat breakdown and thermogenesis pathways [11][14]. Group 3: Implications for Public Health - The findings fill an important evidence gap regarding the health effects of DAG oil in the Chinese population, aligning with the dietary habits of "no oil, no dish" prevalent in Chinese cooking [14]. - Promoting the use of DAG oil represents a practical health choice that does not require changes in cooking habits, potentially improving metabolic health and reducing cardiovascular risks simply by switching oils [14].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant potential of bacterial cellulose (BC) as a natural material produced through microbial fermentation, showcasing its applications in next-generation energy storage devices and various high-growth sectors [2][3]. Company Overview - Yuan Dong Biotechnology Co., Ltd., established in January 2024, has rapidly gained attention from several renowned institutions and focuses on the synthesis of bacterial nanocellulose (BC/BNC) materials [3]. - The company has developed a globally leading production system for bacterial nanocellulose by integrating synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, reducing the production cycle from 10 days to 48 hours [3]. Product and Market Strategy - Yuan Dong is achieving industrial-scale production of high-purity nanocellulose, which meets international standards, particularly in the display materials sector, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing the security of the national display industry chain [5]. - The company has introduced a revolutionary "biological nanocrystalline gel" for the cosmetics industry, which addresses the long-standing reliance on chemical additives and offers natural preservation capabilities, significantly reducing allergenic risks [5]. - This innovative material has entered the supply chains of several well-known cosmetic companies, aiming to make safe and effective biobased products accessible to the general public at more affordable prices [5]. Industry Trends - The article notes that by 2030, it is expected that at least 20% of petroleum-based products will be replaced by biobased products, driven by companies like Yuan Dong that leverage technology to enhance quality of life and promote sustainable practices [6]. Upcoming Events - The 11th Bio-based Industry Conference & Exhibition will take place from May 20-22, 2026, in Shanghai, featuring 11 thematic forums and 7 concurrent activities aimed at exploring innovation and collaboration in the biobased industry [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - 恒碳科技 is participating in the 2026 DT New Leaf Award, showcasing its innovative biobased products and technologies, particularly in the production of biobased 1,3-propanediol (PDO) [2][18]. Group 1: Company Overview - 恒碳科技 focuses on "carbon science and carbon balance," producing high-value chemicals and high-performance materials, with its Biebl® biobased PDO achieving a purity of 99.98% and near-zero carbon emissions [3]. - The company has successfully crossed the "valley of death" in pilot testing and has commenced production at its PDO manufacturing base, which has an annual capacity of 15,000 tons [9][10]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - 恒碳科技 employs a revolutionary "three non-four no" technology developed by a team led by Professor Zeng Anping, significantly reducing production costs and enhancing efficiency and stability [5]. - The PDO production process achieves a glycerol conversion rate of over 0.52 g/g, with theoretical carbon emissions of only 0.015 kg CO2/kg, resulting in a reduction of 1.2 kg CO2 per kilogram of PDO, totaling an annual carbon reduction of 18,000 tons [11]. Group 3: Market Expansion and Applications - The company is expanding its biobased PDO applications, having launched BIODEX® non-grain biobased PTT fibers and a fully biodegradable plastic made from biobased PDO, addressing plastic pollution in the fashion industry [12]. - 恒碳科技 is actively promoting its biobased PDO internationally, establishing strategic partnerships, such as with DEEWIG GmbH in Germany, to enhance its market presence in Europe [12]. Group 4: Awards and Recognition - 恒碳科技's production technology has been recognized as world-leading in Guangdong Province, and the company has received multiple international certifications, including USDA and REACH [13]. - The company won the "Most Commercially Valuable Award" at the third New Leaf Award, highlighting its innovative leadership in the biobased sector [18].

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].