Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative production and application of spermidine, a natural polyamine with significant potential in anti-aging and cardiovascular disease prevention, through synthetic biology techniques developed by a research team at Sichuan University [1][2]. Group 1: Spermidine Production Challenges - Spermidine is recognized as a promising bioactive molecule, but its high production costs have hindered large-scale industrial application [1][2]. - Traditional extraction methods yield low purity (only 1% from wheat germ) and are inefficient, while chemical synthesis is costly, leading to market domination by foreign companies [2][3]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The research team employs machine learning algorithms to simulate yeast metabolic networks, significantly enhancing spermidine synthesis efficiency [3]. - A breakthrough in the discovery of an extracellular secretion mechanism allows spermidine to be actively expelled from cells, reducing energy consumption and improving purity during extraction [4]. Group 3: Industry Collaboration and Education - The collaboration between academia and industry enables students to engage in practical applications, bridging the gap between laboratory research and market needs [4][8]. - The establishment of a project-based learning model in universities aims to cultivate versatile talents for the industry [4][9]. Group 4: Market Potential and Policy Support - Spermidine is positioned to drive multiple billion-dollar industries, with ongoing clinical trials in the pharmaceutical sector and product development in the food industry [6][7]. - Chengdu is emerging as a hub for synthetic biology, with supportive policies from various provinces to facilitate technology transfer and commercialization [7][8]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The global economic impact of synthetic biology is projected to yield $2-4 trillion annually between 2030 and 2040, indicating a significant opportunity for industries leveraging these technologies [6]. - The integration of academic research, industry needs, and supportive policies is expected to enhance the domestic production of critical bioactive substances like spermidine, contributing to public health initiatives [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The research team at Sichuan University is leveraging synthetic biology to develop a cost-effective production method for spermidine, a natural polyamine with significant applications in anti-aging and cardiovascular disease prevention, which is projected to become a billion-dollar bioactive molecule [2][3]. Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The production of spermidine has been hampered by high costs and technical bottlenecks, with traditional extraction methods yielding only 1% purity and chemical synthesis being prohibitively expensive [3][4]. - The team has utilized machine learning algorithms to simulate yeast metabolic networks, significantly enhancing spermidine synthesis efficiency [4]. - A breakthrough was achieved by discovering an extracellular secretion mechanism that allows spermidine to be actively expelled from cells, improving purity and reducing energy consumption during extraction [5]. Group 2: Market and Application - Spermidine is positioned to drive multiple billion-dollar industries, with products in the food sector entering trial production and clinical trials for cardiovascular disease prevention underway in the pharmaceutical sector [7]. - A report from McKinsey Global Institute indicates that 60% of industrial products could be manufactured using biotechnology, with synthetic biology expected to generate $2-4 trillion in direct economic benefits annually between 2030 and 2040 [7]. Group 3: Policy and Industry Collaboration - Chengdu has emerged as a hub for synthetic biology, with various local governments implementing supportive policies, facilitating the transition from technology to market applications [8]. - The collaboration between universities and enterprises is crucial for addressing real market needs, ensuring that research is aligned with practical applications [9].