Core Insights - The article discusses the potential of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a resource for biomanufacturing, highlighting its transformation into biodegradable plastics and other organic materials [1][4][12] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes the need for breakthroughs in key technologies across various sectors, including biomanufacturing, with CO2 conversion being a significant focus [1][4] Group 1: CO2 as a Resource - CO2 is not only a greenhouse gas but also a crucial raw material for biomanufacturing, participating actively in the global carbon cycle [4][10] - Through biotechnological processes, CO2 can be converted into starch, proteins, fuels, and biodegradable plastics, showcasing its versatility [4][10][11] Group 2: Advances in CO2 Conversion - Recent advancements include the artificial synthesis of starch from CO2 without relying on photosynthesis, achieving higher efficiency than traditional agricultural methods [10] - The development of new carbon fixation pathways, such as the CETCH and POAP cycles, marks a significant step towards efficient CO2 utilization [9][10] Group 3: Industrial Applications - The industrialization of microbial protein production from CO2 is gaining traction, with companies successfully converting CO2 into feed protein using gas fermentation technology [11] - Research is ongoing to create biodegradable plastics from seawater CO2, indicating a potential solution for marine acidification and sustainable material production [12] Group 4: Future Implications - The exploration of CO2 bioconversion mechanisms is recognized as a major scientific challenge, with implications for achieving carbon neutrality goals [12] - Innovations in this field are expected to reshape material production models and contribute to a more sustainable carbon cycle [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a resource for biomanufacturing, highlighting advancements in converting CO2 into valuable products such as starch, proteins, and biodegradable plastics, which can contribute to sustainable development and carbon neutrality [10][11][12]. Group 1: CO2 as a Resource - CO2 is not only a greenhouse gas but also a crucial raw material for biomanufacturing, participating in the global carbon cycle and supporting the food chain [11][12]. - The international community is increasingly focusing on how to convert CO2 into useful resources, shifting from passive emission reduction to active utilization [11][12]. Group 2: Advances in CO2 Conversion - Researchers have made significant progress in developing new pathways for CO2 conversion, including the design of artificial carbon fixation pathways that outperform natural processes [13][14]. - The first artificial synthesis of starch from CO2, achieved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, demonstrates a method that does not rely on photosynthesis, utilizing chemical catalysis and enzymatic reactions [15][16]. Group 3: Industrial Applications - Microbial proteins are emerging as a sustainable protein source, with companies successfully converting CO2 or industrial waste gases into microbial protein, thus not competing with food resources [16]. - The development of biodegradable plastics from CO2 captured from seawater showcases the potential for large-scale production and addresses marine acidification [17]. Group 4: Future Implications - The exploration of CO2 bioconversion mechanisms and the development of efficient carbon fixation systems are recognized as significant scientific challenges, with the potential to reshape material production and contribute to carbon neutrality goals [17][18].

Core Insights - The first International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Fixation and Bioconversion was held in Tianjin, where the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched an international scientific program focused on carbon dioxide bioconversion [1] - The initiative aims to promote global sustainable development through the "Tianjin Initiative" on carbon dioxide bioconversion, highlighting the importance of CO2 as a greenhouse gas and a valuable carbon resource [1] Group 1 - The international scientific program on carbon dioxide bioconversion is led by the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences [1] - The program leverages the institute's strengths in major scientific tasks related to artificial synthesis of starch from CO2, as well as its advanced infrastructure and talent team [1] - The initiative aims to achieve significant breakthroughs in the theory and technology of CO2 bioconversion, addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security [1] Group 2 - The program will focus on enhancing international scientific cooperation through branding international conferences, promoting high-level talent exchanges, and establishing a global open research fund [1] - It seeks to create a new collaborative innovation research paradigm to accelerate breakthroughs in fundamental scientific challenges and technological bottlenecks in CO2 fixation and bioconversion [1]

Core Viewpoint - The first International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Fixation and Biological Conversion was held in Tianjin, where the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched an international scientific program focused on carbon dioxide biological conversion and released the "Tianjin Initiative for Promoting Global Sustainable Development through Carbon Dioxide Biological Conversion" [1] Group 1 - Carbon dioxide is identified as the primary greenhouse gas and a valuable carbon resource, with efficient and large-scale biological conversion becoming a global scientific focus [1] - The international scientific program on carbon dioxide biological conversion is led by the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, leveraging its strengths in major scientific tasks related to artificial synthesis of starch from carbon dioxide and advanced engineering biotechnology infrastructure [1] - The program aims to analyze the mechanisms of carbon dioxide fixation and conversion through interdisciplinary collaboration, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs in the theory and technology of carbon dioxide biological conversion [1] Group 2 - The program will focus on enhancing international scientific cooperation in this field by organizing high-profile international conferences, promoting talent exchange, and establishing a global open research fund [1] - The goal is to create a new collaborative innovation research paradigm to accelerate breakthroughs in fundamental scientific challenges and technological bottlenecks in carbon dioxide fixation and biological conversion [1]