Core Viewpoint - The research led by Zhang Yiheng's team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has achieved a breakthrough in converting cellulose into starch with a conversion rate of 93.3%, significantly improving the previous theoretical limit of 50% and addressing food security issues in China [4][11][12]. Group 1: Food Security Challenges - China faces a food security dilemma with 1.58 billion tons of imported grain in 2024, including 26.4 million tons of starch-based grains and approximately 100 million tons of soybeans, while 600 million tons of straw are wasted annually [9][10]. - The annual production of terrestrial plants generates about 2 billion tons of lignocellulose, which is 26 times the current grain production, indicating a potential to create a new agricultural scale by utilizing just 4% of this resource [10]. Group 2: Technological Breakthroughs - The new "multi-enzyme molecular machine" technology allows for the conversion of cellulose to starch with a theoretical yield of nearly 100%, overcoming the limitations of traditional microbial metabolism [4][11]. - The innovative design includes a "recycling system" for glucose, which was previously wasted, and employs a seven-enzyme system to achieve the conversion [11][12]. Group 3: Industrial Applications - The first application target is in the chiral drug separation market, where the newly synthesized starch can meet high precision separation needs, previously dominated by Japanese companies [14][19]. - The team has established a collaboration with Suzhou Nano Micro Technology to utilize their expertise in surface modification, enhancing the performance of the new starch for drug separation [14][19]. Group 4: Commercialization Strategy - Zhang Yiheng emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with market needs, introducing the concept of "PC value" (Product Cost ratio) to guide the commercialization of biomanufactured products [15][18]. - The strategy includes a three-step approach to maximize the value of lignocellulosic resources, starting with the extraction of hemicellulose for high-value products before processing cellulose into starch [17][18]. Group 5: Future Directions - The team aims to reduce enzyme costs and scale up the production process while exploring applications in plant-based capsules and biodegradable materials [18][19]. - Zhang Yiheng's vision includes transforming agricultural waste into valuable food sources, contributing to China's food security and economic growth [18][22].