Core Viewpoint - The "5th SynBio China Conference on Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing" will be held in Hangzhou from March 31 to April 1, 2026, focusing on advancements in synthetic biology and biomanufacturing [2][8]. Group 1: Conference Details - The conference will feature a special session on bio-based chemicals and materials, with Professor Chen Xiulai from Jiangnan University presenting on "Key Technologies and Applications for Microbial Cell Factory Construction" [2][8]. - The event is expected to attract around 1,000 participants and is organized by SynBio Deep Wave in collaboration with Jiangnan University [8]. - Various sessions will cover topics such as biomanufacturing industry ecology, functional food and nutrition science, and applications of biomanufacturing technology [9]. Group 2: Research Contributions - Professor Chen Xiulai's research addresses critical issues in microbial chemical synthesis, including low flux, high dispersion, and slow rates, by developing new strategies for enhancing metabolic flow and controlling cell lifespan [4][5]. - The research has led to significant economic and social benefits by improving the production of organic acids, amino acids, and other multi-carbon chemicals, addressing industry challenges such as low yields and long fermentation cycles [5]. Group 3: Agenda Highlights - The agenda includes presentations on various topics, such as the construction of microbial cell factories, low-cost production of high-performance PHA, and the development of bio-based materials [13]. - Notable speakers include Zhang Kechun from Westlake University and other industry leaders, discussing innovations in synthetic biology and biomanufacturing [13]. Group 4: Participation and Collaboration - The conference offers opportunities for exhibitors from synthetic biology and modern biotechnology sectors, providing a platform for showcasing technologies and products [16]. - Free registration is available for attendees, with limited spots, emphasizing the importance of early registration [19].

Core Viewpoint - Amino acid derivatives are gaining popularity in the cosmetics raw material market due to their excellent effects in anti-aging, moisturizing, repairing, and whitening, but traditional production methods face significant limitations [1][3] Group 1: Advantages of Amino Acid Derivatives - Amino acid derivatives exhibit diverse physiological activities and superior application performance compared to single amino acids, making them key ingredients in cosmetics [1][2] - Specific examples include glutamic acid derivatives known for their outstanding moisturizing ability and aromatic amino acid derivatives that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [2] Group 2: Limitations of Traditional Production Methods - Traditional production methods for amino acid derivatives include extraction from natural resources and chemical synthesis, both of which have significant drawbacks [3] - Natural extraction is resource-dependent, yielding low quantities at high costs, while chemical synthesis consumes fossil resources and generates toxic waste, compromising safety and environmental sustainability [3] Group 3: Synthetic Biology Technology - The emergence of synthetic biology technology allows for the creation of "microbial cell factories" that can efficiently produce amino acid derivatives [4][6] - This technology involves designing synthetic pathways, utilizing gene editing tools, and optimizing fermentation conditions to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs [4][6] Group 4: Breakthroughs in Production Efficiency - Synthetic biology has enabled significant improvements in production rates, exemplified by the fermentation yield of ergothioneine increasing from milligrams to grams per liter, drastically lowering costs [6] - The technology also aligns with the cosmetics industry's demand for natural, safe, and sustainable ingredients, as it utilizes biomass and operates under mild conditions with minimal pollution [6] Group 5: Market Trends and Applications - Amino acid derivatives produced through synthetic biology are rapidly transitioning from laboratory samples to consumer products, with ergothioneine and recombinant collagen becoming popular in high-end anti-aging lines [7] - Other derivatives like γ-aminobutyric acid and γ-polyglutamic acid are also being mass-produced, indicating a growing market for these innovative ingredients [7] Group 6: Challenges in Scaling Production - Despite the promising advancements, challenges remain in optimizing microbial strains, enhancing enzyme performance, and ensuring consistent production at scale [8][9] - The transition from laboratory to industrial-scale production presents difficulties in maintaining metabolic stability and yield, necessitating further research and development [8][9] Group 7: Future Outlook - Experts remain optimistic about the future of synthetic biology in producing amino acid derivatives, believing that advancements in gene editing and fermentation processes will overcome existing challenges [9][10] - The integration of synthetic biology technology is expected to drive the cosmetics industry towards greener and more sustainable practices, enhancing the safety and efficacy of skincare products [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state and future potential of bioplastics, highlighting the advancements in microbial production of plastic monomers and the challenges faced in achieving industrial-scale production [1][2]. Group 1: Bioplastics Market Overview - The representative bioplastics in the market include PBAT, PLA, PBS, PA, PTT, and PET, which together account for approximately 65% of the total bioplastics market share [1]. - It is projected that by 2025, the annual market share of bioplastics will increase to 18% of the total plastics market [1]. Group 2: Challenges in Microbial Production - The economic feasibility of certain monomers remains low, posing challenges for industrial-scale microbial production [2]. - Key challenges include low raw material utilization efficiency, poor monomer synthesis efficiency due to complex microbial metabolic networks, and weak environmental tolerance of microorganisms during fermentation [2]. Group 3: Technological Developments - A research team led by Professor Liu Liming and Associate Researcher Gao Cong from Jiangnan University has developed key technologies for the high-yield production of plastic monomers such as 1,3-propanediol, succinic acid, and pentamethylenediamine [3]. Group 4: Upcoming Events - The SynBioCon 2025 conference will be held from August 20-22 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, focusing on the integration of AI and biomanufacturing, as well as advancements in green chemistry and new materials [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Vitamin A is essential for human health, supporting vision, immune regulation, and serving as a key ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics. Traditional chemical synthesis methods for Vitamin A are complex and costly, leading to a shift towards green biomanufacturing using synthetic biology techniques [1][6]. Group 1: Research Findings - A recent study by Zhejiang University has engineered yeast to enhance Vitamin A production by modifying transporter systems, energy metabolism, and precursor supply networks, achieving unprecedented yields [1][6]. - The hydrophobic nature of Vitamin A leads to accumulation within cells, increasing metabolic burden and affecting synthesis efficiency. Approximately 17-20% of retinol remains unextracted during high-density fermentation, limiting production [2]. - The research team introduced transporter engineering strategies, identifying key transport proteins that facilitate the synthesis and secretion of retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid [2]. Group 2: Engineering Strategies - The team optimized the yeast's energy metabolism by overexpressing FZO1 and MGM1 to enhance mitochondrial fusion and introducing Vgb to improve oxygen uptake, thereby increasing ATP levels and energy supply [3]. - A multi-faceted engineering approach, combining transporter engineering, energy metabolism enhancement, and precursor supply optimization, led to significant breakthroughs in yeast strains for Vitamin A production [3][4]. Group 3: Production Results - Post-engineering, the yeast strain achieved a retinal yield of 638.12 mg/L with an extracellular ratio of 98.7%, and a retinoic acid yield of 106.75 mg/L, both representing the highest reported shake flask yields to date [4]. - The engineered yeast strain produced 727.30 mg/L of retinol with a carbon conversion rate of 7.62% using 20 g/L glucose, surpassing previous best strains [4]. Group 4: Implications for Industry - This research provides new insights for the efficient biomanufacturing of Vitamin A and serves as a reference for the green production of other high-value lipophilic products [6]. - As synthetic biology technologies advance, microbial cell factories are expected to play a crucial role in future biomanufacturing, contributing to human health and sustainable development [6].

近年来，合成生物学技术迭代更新迅猛，与生物医药产业深度融合，在 药物研发、疾病诊疗和绿色可 持续生产 等关键领域展现出巨大潜力与广阔市场空间。在疾病诊断方面，合成生物学为早期、精确诊 断提供了创新思路与技术支撑；在疾病治疗方面，基于合成生物学原理的细胞疗法、细菌疗法、新型疫 苗和生物医学材料等前沿成果不断涌现，为患者带来新希望。据相关数据显示，2023年全球合成生物学 市场规模已突破 170亿美元 ，其中医疗健康领域约 64亿美元 ，占比近 40% 。未来合成生物学在医疗健 康领域的应用规模有望持续攀升，预计到2028年将达到 133亿美元 。随着基因编辑、高通量测序、生物 信息学和人工智能等技术的不断进步，合成生物学在医药领域的应用场景将不断拓展，为医药产业的转 型升级提供强大动力。 2025第二届合成生物制造创新发展大会 将于 2025年5月22-23日 在 上海浦东喜来登由由大酒店 盛大启 幕。本次大会以" 合成新'基'遇，智造赢未来 "为主题，邀请全球生物制造领域的专家、企业家和科研 机构，聚焦合成生物技术在 医药、食品、化妆品、新材料、AI方向 的应用，共同探讨生物制造技术的 发展趋势、市场机遇与挑 ...