Core Insights - The research team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has made significant advancements in the field of cellulose-derived starch synthesis, achieving a theoretical yield increase from 50% to 100% through innovative energy cycle reconstruction and enzyme stability improvements [1][2]. Group 1: Research Achievements - The team has successfully restructured the synthetic pathway for cellulose to starch conversion, addressing carbon loss issues and enhancing the overall yield [1]. - By innovatively designing glucose recovery and activation mechanisms, the team has fundamentally improved the efficiency of starch production [1]. - The real conversion rate of cellulose to starch has been enhanced to 93.3% through systematic optimization of reaction factors [1]. Group 2: Product Characteristics - The starch produced is pure linear starch with highly controllable polymerization degrees and a narrow molecular weight distribution, offering superior structural uniformity compared to naturally extracted starch [2]. - This newly synthesized starch has unique application potential in food, pharmaceuticals, and materials, particularly in chiral separation technologies [2].

Core Insights - The research team at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has made significant advancements in the field of cellulose-to-starch conversion, achieving a theoretical starch yield increase from 50% to 100% through innovative energy cycle reconstruction and enzyme stability improvements [1][2]. Group 1: Research Achievements - The team has successfully restructured the synthetic pathway for cellulose utilization, addressing the carbon loss issue and enhancing the theoretical yield of starch [1]. - By innovating glucose recovery and activation mechanisms, the team has fundamentally improved the efficiency of the conversion process [1]. - The actual conversion rate from cellulose to starch has been raised to 93.3% through systematic optimization of various factors in the reaction system [1]. Group 2: Product Characteristics and Applications - The starch produced is pure linear starch with highly controllable polymerization degrees, narrow molecular weight distribution, and superior structural uniformity compared to naturally extracted starch [2]. - This new starch has unique application potential in food, pharmaceuticals, and materials, having already been successfully applied in chiral separation fillers for efficient separation of chiral drug molecules [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant breakthrough in the synthesis of starch from cellulose, which is crucial for food security and industrial applications. The new method achieves a theoretical starch yield of 100%, addressing carbon loss issues and enhancing the potential for industrial-scale production [2][3]. Summary by Sections Breakthrough in Starch Synthesis - The research team led by Zhang Yiheng at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology has restructured the synthesis pathway to achieve full carbon utilization in starch production from cellulose [3]. - A new glucose recovery and activation mechanism has been designed, increasing the theoretical starch yield from 50% to 100% [3]. - The stability of enzyme components has been improved, allowing the reaction temperature to rise to 50°C, which enhances enzyme activity and reduces the amount of enzyme needed per unit output [3]. Efficiency and Application - The actual conversion rate of cellulose to starch has been raised to 93.3%, producing ultra-pure amylose with a highly controllable polymerization degree and narrow molecular weight distribution [3]. - This ultra-pure amylose has unique applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and materials sectors, including its use as a chiral separation filler for efficiently separating chiral drug molecules like thalidomide [3]. Expert Opinions - Academics have praised the research as a new breakthrough in synthetic biology, highlighting its potential to address food security and non-grain biomass manufacturing [4]. - The work has received support from national key research and development programs and has been published in the National Science Review [4]. Future Events - The article mentions the upcoming NFUCon 2025 forum, which will focus on the high-value utilization of non-grain biomass, featuring discussions on various strategic directions in biomass technology [5][7].