Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Shandong New Hope Liuhe Amino Acid Co., Zhejiang University, and Tianjin University has successfully developed a key technology for the green synthesis of high-quality D,L-methionine, breaking the long-standing foreign monopoly in the methionine market [1][4]. Group 1: Technology Development - D,L-methionine is a critical limiting amino acid essential for animal feed, promoting growth and immune function in livestock [2]. - The production technology for methionine has been dominated by foreign companies, characterized by complex processes and high technical barriers [2]. - The research team, led by Professor Chen Zhirong, has spent nearly 15 years optimizing the traditional methods for synthesizing methionine [2][3]. Group 2: Production System - The main production methods for D,L-methionine include the hydrolysis method, which has significant environmental challenges and inefficiencies [3]. - The research team has developed a complete production technology system with independent intellectual property rights, focusing on green processes, continuous production, automation, and high-quality output [3][4]. - Key breakthroughs include the development of a full-cycle technology for efficient recycling of by-products, stabilization of product crystallization, and reduction of energy consumption [3]. Group 3: Market Impact - The company has established a production line with an annual capacity of 300,000 tons, significantly impacting the domestic methionine market [1][5]. - The price of methionine in China soared to 110 yuan per kilogram in 2014 due to supply shortages, but after the introduction of New Hope's product, it dropped to around 25 yuan by 2016, providing substantial cost savings for the livestock industry [5]. - The company aims to expand the application fields of methionine, creating new market opportunities for the industry [5][6].
探求蛋氨酸产业自主突围之路——记山东省科技进步一等奖高品质D,L-蛋氨酸绿色合成关键技术开发及产业化