Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformative potential of synthetic biology in traditional industries, particularly in agriculture, through a strategic partnership between GELEXIMCO Group, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and Senrise Biotechnology [1][10]. Group 1: Market Overview - The global synthetic biology market is projected to reach $16 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 27% over the past five years [1]. - Vietnam's agricultural market is substantial, with an estimated total output value of around $50 billion in 2024, showing a rising demand for green agricultural bioproducts [4]. Group 2: Strategic Partnership - The collaboration aims to develop and mass-produce synthetic biological products such as ginsenoside, jasmonate, and astaxanthin, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices [1][4]. - This partnership is expected to enhance cooperation between China and Vietnam in cutting-edge biotechnology, injecting new momentum into the green transformation of agriculture in ASEAN [1][10]. Group 3: Company Profiles - GELEXIMCO Group is a significant player in Vietnam's economy, with annual revenues exceeding 200 trillion VND and total assets reaching 800 trillion VND, aiming to establish a competitive synthetic biology platform [6]. - Vietnam National University of Agriculture is a leading institution in agricultural education and research, providing expertise and local insights for the partnership [7]. - Senrise Biotechnology has developed over 70 patents and utilizes AI algorithms and automated platforms for efficient production, focusing on high-yield chassis cells and precision fermentation [8]. Group 4: Societal Impact - The collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to Vietnam's agricultural green transformation and high-quality development by promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices [10]. - The project will foster talent development in synthetic biology and modern agriculture, establishing a collaborative innovation platform between academia and industry [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the advancements in synthetic biology for the production of functional lipids, showcasing the innovative research led by Professor Huang He from Nanjing Normal University and the Jiangsu Provincial Synthetic Biology Research Center [2][10][14]. Group 1: Importance of Synthetic Biology - Synthetic biology is described as a field that reprograms life, utilizing engineering methods and gene editing to transform microorganisms into efficient production "factories" for useful compounds [11][12]. - The integration of synthetic biology with clean technology offers innovative solutions to global challenges, especially with the advent of CRISPR and other gene editing tools [12]. Group 2: Role of Artificial Intelligence - Artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial in the development of synthetic biology, enabling systematic programming of biological components and significantly reducing the development time of microbial "factories" from years to months [13]. - The combination of machine learning and CRISPR technology optimizes microbial metabolic pathways, revolutionizing industrial biotechnology [13]. Group 3: Focus on Functional Lipids - The shift in dietary patterns, with a decrease in carbohydrate consumption and an increase in fat intake, underscores the importance of lipid metabolism in health and disease, prompting a focus on functional lipids, particularly unsaturated fatty acids [11]. - Traditional extraction methods for functional lipids from fish are limited by high costs and lengthy supply chains, leading to research on engineered lipid production for cost reduction and sustainable practices [11]. Group 4: Achievements and Innovations - The research team has successfully constructed a cell factory using synthetic biology methods, achieving over a twofold increase in fatty acid yield and reducing research and development time significantly [11]. - A high-throughput screening platform was developed, increasing efficiency by over ten times, reducing extraction time from three days to three hours, and cutting costs by 80% [11]. Group 5: Future Plans - Future research will explore the synthesis of functional lipids from purified components, aiming to combine various beneficial ingredients for health management [11]. - The goal includes designing formulations that integrate functional components, such as carotenoids for vision enhancement and other ingredients for brain health [11]. Group 6: Unique Advantages of the Research Center - The Jiangsu Provincial Synthetic Biology Research Center, established in 2023, focuses on industrial biological manufacturing, bridging basic science and applied research [12][14]. - The center promotes interdisciplinary exploration and engineering solutions, providing early-career researchers with autonomy and reducing administrative barriers to collaboration [12]. Group 7: Collaboration and Impact - The center collaborates with major enterprises like the National Development Investment Corporation to connect market demands with scientific breakthroughs and result transformations [14]. - The recent feature in the prestigious journal Nature highlights Professor Huang He's international academic influence in the field [14].

Project Overview - The project is named "Baikaiseng (Jiangsu) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. New Green Biosynthesis Industrialization Project" with a total investment of 120 million yuan, including 6.13 million yuan for environmental protection [2] - The project will be located in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, covering an area of 29,597 square meters (approximately 44.39 acres) [2] - Construction is planned to start in June 2025 and be completed by December 2025 [2] Production Capacity and Products - The project will establish an automated flexible fermentation production line with a total annual production capacity of: - Squalene: 180 tons - Ergothioneine: 10 tons - Rebaudioside M: 50 tons - Valencene: 20 tons - Ectoine: 40 tons [2][3] - The production lines will operate for varying hours annually, with Squalene production running for 4,728 hours and Ergothioneine for 600 hours [3] Product Applications - Squalene: Used as a dietary supplement to improve fatigue and enhance immunity, suitable for high-pressure or hypoxic environments [5] - Ergothioneine: A natural antioxidant used as a dietary supplement with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects [6] - Ectoine: A natural amino acid derivative with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in post-exercise recovery [6] - Rebaudioside M: A natural sweetener derived from stevia, approved as a food additive, suitable for various food and beverage applications [6][7] - Valencene: A food additive used to enhance citrus aroma in food products [7] Company Background - Baikaiseng (Jiangsu) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Baikaiseng (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., established on March 15, 2024 [8] - The company focuses on the research and development of biomanufacturing technologies across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food sectors [8]

Group 1 - The article discusses the concept of information exchange in nature, particularly among plants, highlighting that plants like corn and tomatoes can send signals to warn each other of threats such as insect attacks [1] - Tea trees, as an ancient species with a long history in China, have developed a sophisticated cold wave warning system to survive extreme climate challenges [1][2] - Individual tea trees exhibit differences in cold resistance, and when one tree detects a cold front, it releases specific aromatic compounds to alert neighboring trees, which then activate their own protective mechanisms [2][3] Group 2 - Research indicates that plant communication may not be a one-way signal but rather a form of dialogue, where receiving plants actively respond to the signals they receive [2][3] - The interaction among tea trees involves a mutual support network, where the alerted trees not only receive warnings but also provide assistance back to the signaling tree, enhancing overall resilience [3] - The study of plant communication is evolving, with the potential for humans to decode these interactions, leading to a better understanding of plant needs and fostering a more respectful relationship with nature [3]