Core Insights - The discussion at the 2025 Pujiang Innovation Forum highlighted the core challenges and breakthrough strategies in the field of synthetic biology, which is seen as a disruptive field with a broad future [2][3] Challenges and Breakthroughs - The main challenge in synthetic biology is the complexity and uncertainty of biological systems, which requires an engineering approach to design life [3] - Key issues include stability during scaling processes, energy consumption of cell factories, and the lack of predictive design tools [3] - Current advancements in biological development processes, such as using engineered yeast in traditional industrial platforms, face fundamental challenges in strain engineering and construction models [3] - The need to address stability issues during strain expansion immediately rather than waiting until scaling is crucial for successful engineering [3] Perspectives on Scaling - The perception that scaling challenges in synthetic biology are exaggerated is noted, with emphasis on the high costs associated with scaling processes [4] - Solutions should focus on optimizing laboratory conditions to ensure that microbial performance in lab settings translates to scaled production [4] - The comparison of costs between synthetic biology and chemical products should be made on a fair basis, considering sustainability and environmental benefits [4] Global Collaboration and Market Entry - Collaboration between global synthetic biology technologies and Chinese factories is essential for achieving scalable progress [5] - China's stable policy environment, reliable competition, and the technical background of policymakers contribute to a favorable landscape for synthetic biology projects [5] - Scientists must have a long-term vision when commercializing disruptive technologies, considering distribution and sales alongside product development [6] Future Outlook - Synthetic biology is expected to make specialty chemicals more accessible and competitively priced, with localized production becoming more feasible [6][7] - The potential of synthetic biology in regenerative medicine is significant, offering solutions for chronic diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles through preventive measures [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the growing interest in the development of new carbon sources and biotechnological conversion, particularly in the context of industrial carbon-rich gas fermentation for fuel ethanol production. Group 1: Industrial Carbon-Rich Gas Fermentation Technology - The anaerobic microorganisms utilize the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway to absorb and fix CO and CO2 from industrial carbon-rich gases, synthesizing products like acetic acid and ethanol. The main advantages of this technology include low energy consumption, high safety, strong substrate specificity of enzymes, and high adaptability to raw material gas composition [3][4]. - The overall efficient conversion process is identified as a core challenge for scaling up industrial applications, closely related to stable gas supply, efficient strain development, fermentation process optimization, and market prospects [3][4]. Group 2: Progress of Industrial Carbon-Rich Gas Biomanufacturing Enterprises - Companies like LanzaTech and Jupeng Bio have established multiple industrial fermentation facilities. LanzaTech, a leader in gas fermentation, has formed a joint venture with Shougang Group, operating four production bases in China with an annual capacity of 210,000 tons of fuel ethanol and 23,200 tons of microbial protein by 2025 [4][6]. - Jupeng Bio is noted for its unique full-chain technology from biomass gasification to gas fermentation, with a demonstration plant completed in 2021 and a large-scale commercial facility under construction in Inner Mongolia [6][8]. - Other companies such as Synata Bio and Jitai Laibo Bio are rapidly developing in this field, with Synata Bio's 10-ton gas fermentation facility already completed [7][8]. Group 3: Challenges in Industrialization - The technology faces four main challenges: 1. **Gas Source Stability**: Variability in gas composition and quantity from upstream industries can affect the growth and metabolism of acetic acid-producing bacteria, potentially leading to fermentation system failure [9]. 2. **Process Control Precision**: There is a need for precise control technologies for gas inflow and product composition, as current methods for monitoring CO levels are inadequate [10][11]. 3. **Reactor Design**: Existing reactors often have low capacity and high production costs, necessitating the development of larger reactors while considering efficiency and operational costs [16][17]. 4. **Separation and Purification**: The low concentration of ethanol in fermentation necessitates the development of new separation technologies to reduce energy consumption during purification [20][22]. Group 4: Upcoming Industry Events - The Fourth Synthetic Biology and Green Bio-Manufacturing Conference will be held from August 20-22, 2025, in Ningbo, Zhejiang, focusing on new carbon source exploration and bioconversion opportunities [23][28].