Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of industrial biotechnology in supporting China's sustainable development and innovation in the bio-economy, focusing on key technologies and research areas that can replace fossil resources with renewable carbon resources and enhance industrial processes through modern biotechnology [5][20]. Group 1: Research Focus - The research institute focuses on three strategic themes: replacing fossil resources with renewable carbon resources, using clean biological processing instead of traditional chemical methods, and enhancing industrial levels through modern biotechnology [5]. - Key research areas include industrial protein science and biocatalysis engineering, synthetic biology and microbial manufacturing engineering, and biological systems and bioprocess engineering [5]. Group 2: Team Introduction - Zhang Yiheng, a prominent researcher and doctoral supervisor, leads the Low Carbon Synthesis Engineering Biology National Key Laboratory and has made significant contributions to the field, including the establishment of the in vitro BioTransformation (ivBT) engineering technology system [6]. - Zhang Yuzhen, another researcher, has developed microfluidic technologies for quantitative studies of microbial populations and is working on high-throughput identification techniques for important industrial enzymes [7][8]. Group 3: Recruitment Information - The institute is seeking to hire 2-3 postdoctoral research assistants and 1-2 assistant researchers, with a focus on candidates holding doctoral degrees in microbiology, molecular biology, or enzyme engineering [9][10]. - Competitive salaries and benefits are offered, including social insurance, housing funds, and opportunities for professional development and overseas visits [11][12]. Group 4: Career Development - Postdoctoral researchers can apply for permanent positions with competitive salaries and development opportunities, including potential advancement to senior technical roles based on their research achievements [13][14]. Group 5: Upcoming Events - The article mentions an upcoming forum on non-grain biomass high-value utilization, scheduled for January 27-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, focusing on clean pretreatment of biomass and commercialization of bio-based materials and fuels [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent advancements in starch modification through the research conducted by the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, focusing on the enzyme Amylomaltase (AM) and its potential applications in addressing food security and carbon neutrality [5][6]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team utilized large-scale molecular simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to reveal the complete catalytic cycle of AM, identifying the rate-limiting steps in cycloamyloses (CA) synthesis [6][7]. - The study demonstrated that by strategically adjusting the polysaccharide chain transfer steps, several active mutant variants were obtained, enhancing enzyme performance primarily through reduced substrate transfer affinity [6][7]. - Mass spectrometry confirmed the generation of cycloamyloses with degrees of polymerization ranging from 22 to 61, validating theoretical predictions [6][7]. Group 2: Industrial Implications - The research provides a systematic molecular-level understanding of the biosynthesis process of CA, offering a clear engineering blueprint for the AM family, which could lead to more efficient and specific glycosyltransferases [6][7]. - The findings are significant for the industrial application of starch modification, contributing to the development of biobased materials and energy systems utilizing non-grain resources [9][11]. Group 3: Support and Collaboration - The research was supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' strategic pilot technology projects and the Tianjin Synthetic Biology Technology Innovation Capability Enhancement Action [7]. - Collaborations included contributions from various institutions, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the research [7].

Core Viewpoint - The seminar on efficient utilization of non-grain biomass resources was held in Harbin, focusing on the innovative development of the entire industrial chain of non-grain bio-based materials, emphasizing key technological innovations, application scenario expansion, and the cultivation of characteristic bases [1] Group 1: Industry Insights - Heilongjiang Province has abundant biomass resources, with crop straw production estimated at approximately 90 million tons and livestock manure generation around 110 million tons [1] - Notable examples of innovation in the non-grain bio-based materials industry include Heilongjiang Bioneng Green Energy Technology Group Co., Ltd., which produces green methanol from agricultural waste to generate biogas, and Daqing Shengquan Green Technology Co., Ltd., which develops and applies biochar products using biological solvent methods [1] Group 2: Event Objectives - The event aimed to gather the latest achievements and perspectives in the non-grain bio-based materials industry, outlining a blueprint for a comprehensive, multi-field, and deep-level technological and industrial cooperation system [1] - It provided a platform for face-to-face exchanges between Heilongjiang bio-based material companies and leading enterprises from outside the province, enhancing the coupling of bio-chemicals with traditional chemicals and the integration of industry and agriculture [1] - The goal is to effectively improve the collaborative innovation, scale production, and market penetration capabilities of the bio-based materials industry, accelerating its innovative development [1]

Core Insights - Bioethanol is a renewable energy produced from biomass, playing a significant role in transportation and industry due to its environmental benefits, diverse raw materials, policy support, and continuous technological innovation [1][3][7] - The industry is transitioning from food-based to non-food raw materials, focusing on carbon neutrality and high-end applications, supported by a series of national policies [1][7][19] Industry Overview - Bioethanol is produced through fermentation and distillation, primarily used as a gasoline additive or alternative fuel [2][3] - The core advantages of bioethanol include its environmental benefits, diverse raw materials, policy support, and ongoing technological innovations [3][5] Policy Analysis - The Chinese government has introduced several policies to support the bioethanol industry, emphasizing its role in energy transition and carbon reduction [7][9] - Key policies include the "14th Five-Year Plan for Bioeconomic Development" and the "14th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development," which provide strong support for high-quality development in the bioethanol sector [7][9] Industry Chain - The bioethanol industry chain in China includes upstream raw materials (corn, cassava, straw), midstream production processes, and downstream applications [10][12] - Fuel ethanol accounts for over 70% of downstream demand, primarily used in transportation, while industrial and medical ethanol also contribute to the market [10][12] Current Development Status - China is the fifth-largest bioethanol producer globally, with a projected production of 10.41 million tons in 2024 [17] - The industry faces challenges from the promotion of E10 gasoline and the increasing market share of coal-based ethanol, which may limit growth in traditional bioethanol production [17][19] Competitive Landscape - The bioethanol industry in China is characterized by an "oligopoly with coexistence of small and medium enterprises" [19] - Leading companies include Guotou Bio, COFCO Technology, and Hongzhan Distillery, with Guotou Bio holding approximately 29% market share [19] Development Trends - The industry is moving towards non-food raw materials, high-end applications, and integrated layouts, with cellulose ethanol technology breakthroughs driving down costs [21][23] - The demand for aviation biofuels and bio-based materials is expected to grow significantly, with annual growth rates exceeding 30% in high-end markets [21][23]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent notification issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs regarding the promotion of innovative development in the non-grain bio-based materials industry, emphasizing the importance of key technologies, application scenarios, and the cultivation of specialized industrial bases [2][3]. Summary by Sections Notification Overview - The notification aims to implement the "Three-Year Action Plan for Accelerating the Innovative Development of Non-Grain Bio-Based Materials" by addressing key issues in the collection, storage, and transportation of non-grain biomass, promoting key technologies and quality products, and fostering advanced industrial clusters [3]. Target Audience - Non-grain bio-based material companies: Those utilizing non-grain biomass for producing products such as sugars, fermentation substitutes, and basic chemicals [3]. - Enzyme and microbial companies: Focused on the separation and fermentation processes of non-grain biomass [3]. - Equipment manufacturers: Companies producing separation and purification equipment for biomass [3]. - End-user companies: Businesses applying non-grain bio-based materials in various sectors like logistics, hospitality, and healthcare [3]. - Industrial bases: Established parks focusing on the comprehensive utilization of non-grain biomass [3]. Recommended Case Areas - Key technology innovation: Emphasizing disruptive and efficiency-enhancing technologies in areas like enzyme development, biomass fermentation, and chemical production [5]. - Application scenario expansion: Highlighting commercial applications of bio-based materials in products like household plastics and medical materials across various industries [6]. - Specialized base cultivation: Focusing on industrial bases that effectively address biomass collection and utilization challenges, contributing to regional economic development [7]. Benefits of Case Application - Official endorsement: Increased publicity through various media channels for selected typical cases [8]. - Policy support: Financial backing for technology transfer and product application through various governmental initiatives [10]. - Evaluation advantages: Priority support in green factory and industrial park evaluations for recommended units [9]. - Financial support: Encouragement for financial institutions to provide green financing for relevant enterprises [10]. Application Submission Details - Submission deadline: Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025 [11]. - Eligible applicants: Production enterprises, research institutions, and industrial parks with independent legal status [11]. - Key requirements: Technologies must have independent intellectual property rights, and cases should demonstrate promotional value [12].