产业大咖谈-合成生物-已来

Summary of Conference Call on Synthetic Biology in the Food Industry Industry Overview - The conference focuses on the synthetic biology sector, particularly its applications in the food industry. The discussion highlights advancements in technology, product innovation, and cost reduction. Key Points Synthetic Biology Advancements - Significant progress has been made in synthetic biology applications within the food industry, especially in cost reduction and product innovation. For instance, Jiangnan University has reduced the production cost of hyaluronic acid from tens of thousands of yuan per kilogram to several hundred yuan per kilogram, facilitating broader applications of the product [1][2]. Future Food Concept - The concept of future food is defined as food that represents new production methods and lifestyles, aimed at addressing issues related to food supply, quality, safety, nutrition, and enjoyment. The development path includes the integration of biotechnology, information technology, and food technology to achieve high-tech industrialization [3][4]. Alternative Proteins - The rapid development of alternative proteins includes various sources such as animal cell proteins, plant proteins, microbial proteins, algae proteins, and insect proteins. Plant-based foods, as a significant branch of alternative proteins, can be processed to mimic the flavor, shape, and nutritional characteristics of animal products [5]. Health and Environmental Benefits - The development of alternative proteins is driven by two main motivations: enhancing human health and promoting environmental protection. Plant-based foods are shown to have better nutritional properties compared to animal products, and their production can significantly reduce carbon emissions and deforestation [6]. Food Security Context - In light of international changes and food supply security issues, the development of alternative proteins is crucial. Improving protein production and conversion efficiency is seen as a vital pathway to address food supply security challenges [7]. Role of Synthetic Biology - Synthetic biology plays a key role in food bio-manufacturing by utilizing engineered design principles to enhance the efficiency of biological systems. Applications include fermentation foods, enzyme applications under extreme conditions, microbial protein production, and the creation of artificial dairy and meat products [8][9]. Market Competition and Policy Support - The international market for synthetic biology is competitive, with countries like the United States leading in the development of food manufacturing through synthetic biology. The U.S. government has initiated policies to promote biomanufacturing, while China has made significant strides in microbial protein and alternative protein research, supported by government policies aimed at advancing biotechnology [10][11]. Technological Progress and Commercialization - Recent technological advancements in synthetic biology include the transition from enzyme methods to semi-fermentation methods for producing compounds like NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide). The commercialization of plant-based meat and other products has also seen significant progress [12][13]. Regulatory Environment - The application of synthetic biology in the food sector is influenced by regulatory policies, particularly concerning genetically modified foods. There is a trend towards loosening regulations to facilitate the development of biomanufacturing industries [14][15]. Microbial Protein Development - Companies like Fuxiang Pharmaceutical and Angel Yeast are making progress in the microbial protein sector, although market acceptance is still developing. The production costs of microbial proteins remain high, presenting challenges for large-scale adoption [16][17]. Future Directions - The future of synthetic biology in food manufacturing is promising, with potential growth in sectors like food and feed, especially if regulatory policies continue to evolve favorably. The focus on sustainable production methods and the integration of advanced technologies will likely drive further innovation [18][19]. Additional Insights - The conference also touched on the importance of continuous R&D investment in the biomanufacturing sector to maintain competitive advantages, as well as the challenges posed by intellectual property issues in the rapidly evolving landscape of synthetic biology [20][21].