Development Of Bioeconomy Research Articles

Exploration and practice of cultivating innovation ability of postgraduates majoring in biological and medical sciences with the new strategy of "six integration and six optimizations"

The emerging biomedical industry has an increasing demand for the professional talents and puts forward higher requirements for the quality, especially the innovation ability of the talents. Exploring a new model for fostering the innovation ability of postgraduates majoring in biological and medical sciences based on the principle of integrating production, education and research is of practical significance for improving the quality of professional talents and empowering the bio-economic development. Taking the training of innovation ability of postgraduates majoring in biological and medical sciences at Jiangnan University as an example, this paper introduced a new training system of "six integration and six optimizations". This system included ideological guidance, discipline system, training program, faculty, research innovation platform, and communication and cooperation. Satisfactory cultivation results were achieved with this new system. This paper is expected to provide reference for the training of innovative talents in the biological and medical industry.

Glycation of sunnhemp protein with dextran via dry heating: Thermal, micro-structural characterization, and amino acid profiling.

This study aims to obtain sunnhemp protein isolate (SHPI) and dextran conjugates by dry heating method of Maillard conjugation. The effects of different incubation time (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days) on the molecular flexibility, available lysine content, antioxidant properties, molecular structure, and thermal and micro-structural properties of conjugates were compared with SHPI (no conjugation) at 60°C and 79% relative humidity. The results indicated the formation of SHPI-dextran conjugates as confirmed by the change in molecular flexibility, lysine content, antioxidant activities, color, and water activity values. The molecular structure revealed the confirmation of covalent bonding between SHPI and dextran. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermo-gravimetric analysis results exhibited improvement in the thermal stability of SHPI when conjugated with dextran. The microstructural characterization showed that Maillard conjugation changed the surface structure of SHPI. The analysis of amino acid composition displayed that lysine, arginine, and phenylalanine were the dominant Maillard reaction sites of SHPI and dextran. Among all the conjugated samples, 5 days of incubation time was selected as an optimum condition for the development of SHPI-dextran conjugates on the basis of the aforementioned characterization. Overall, it was concluded that Maillard conjugation of sunnhemp protein with dextran via dry-heating technique could modify and improve its various attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The conjugation of plant proteins with polysaccharide through the Maillard reaction under dry heating conditions represents a natural and green technique for improving the techno-functional properties of proteins. The study has the potential to establish framework for the utilization of Sunnhemp protein isolate-dextran conjugates. This approach offers the potential for cost-effective production of emulsifiers and development of effective encapsulating matrices. The investigation expands on an underutilized plant protein source facilitating an alternative to animal-based proteins and contributing to the development of a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Opportunities for the Development of Bioeconomy and Biotechnology Clusters Connected to Brazilian Biomes

Opportunities for the Development of Bioeconomy and Biotechnology Clusters Connected to Brazilian Biomes

"Curriculum-project-supervisor" interactively enhance the innovation capability of postgraduates majoring in bioengineering

According to the Bio-economy Development Plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, biotechnology has become an effective force to promote future development. More than 220 universities and research institutes in China have got the right to confer master's degrees in bioengineering. Great attention has been paid to the cultivation of top innovative talents that can serve the innovation-driven development of the national bio-economy. In the last 15 years, the Research Center of Microbial-Manufacturing Engineering in Jiangnan University has built a diversified education platform, recruited high-level faculty members, and innovated the scientific research management. The new concept and method for cultivating the innovation capabilities of postgraduates in a multi-dimension and whole-process manner have been formed, which involved building a curriculum, focusing on major projects, and establishing a supervisor team. This cultivation mode has comprehensively improved the engineering and academic innovation capabilities of postgraduates majoring in bioengineering.

Research progress in bioconversion of C1 gases into oleochemicals

The utilization of C1 gases (CH4, CO2, and CO) for the production of oleochemicals applied in the energy and platform chemicals through microbial engineering has emerged as a promising approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuel. C1 gas-utilizing microorganisms, such as methanotrophs, microalgae, and acetogens, are capable of converting C1 gases as the sole substrates for cell growth and oleochemical synthesis with different carbon-chain lengths, garnering considerable attention from both scientific community and industry field for sustainable biomanufacturing. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advancements in the development of engineered cell factories utilizing C1 gases for the production of oleochemicals, elucidating the key metabolic pathways of biosynthesis. Furthermore, this paper highlights the research progress and prospects in optimizing gene expression, metabolic pathway reconstruction, and fermentation conditions for efficient oleochemical production from C1 gases. This review provides valuable insights and guidance for the efficient utilization of C1 gases and the development of carbon cycling-based bioeconomy.

Nudging towards sustainability: Exploring the role of behavioral interventions in circular bio‐economy development for the fashion industry

AbstractThe fashion and food industries are major contributors to waste generation, making sustainability management a priority for both practitioners and scholars. This study examines how nudging can promote the development of a circular bioeconomy within the fashion industry, specifically investigating whether nudging techniques can facilitate the market adoption of fashion products made from sustainable textiles derived from food waste. Using a dataset of 2112 participants from four European countries, we employ regression and clustering analyses to identify consumer profiles based on psychological and behavioral characteristics. Our econometric analysis reveals that gender, education, and psychological factors such as environmental responsibility and awareness significantly impact sustainable behaviors. Additionally, a left‐leaning political orientation is positively associated with engagement in sustainable practices and willingness to pay for eco‐friendly products. Clustering analysis identifies distinct consumer profiles: “enthusiastic” individuals demonstrate high commitment to sustainability, while “skeptics” shows low engagement and responsiveness to environmental issues. The study offers key policy implications on the effectiveness of nudging interventions in enhancing the sustainability of the fashion industry.

Effect of mowing versus abandonment of mesic grasslands in Central Europe on biomass use for biogas production: Implications for semi-natural ecosystem conservation

The economic management of lignocellulosic biomass from semi-natural grasslands is now a challenge across Europe. The abandonment of mowing these grasslands leads to the gradual degradation of these ecosystems. This study investigates how chemical and biological factors affect the suitability of biomass from abandoned grasslands for biogas production. We sampled 30 mown and 30 abandoned grassland sites in the Sudetes Mountains (Poland and Czechia). The cover contribution of short herbs was found to be significantly higher in mown grasslands (p < 0.001), while that of tall herbs was more prevalent in abandoned grasslands (p < 0.01). The specific biogas yield (SBY, NL kg−1 volatile solids) is negatively affected by an increased percentage of herbs in the biomass of mown and abandoned grasslands. This is due to the inhibitory effect of herbs on biodegradation, the increase in lignin content and the decrease in cellulose. This study highlights the importance of individual plant species in assessing grassland biomass for area biogas yield (ABY, m3 ha−1) and provides new insights into a field that has not yet been extensively investigated. In mown grasslands, ABY was most positively correlated with grass species (Arrhenatherum elatius, Trisetum flavescens and Festuca pratensis). In abandoned grasslands, the ABY was most correlated with herbaceous species (Galium aparine, Urtica dioica and Chaerophyllum aromaticum) and grasses (A. elatius and Elymus repens). Mown grasslands had significantly higher species richness (p < 0.001) compared to abandoned grasslands, but the number of species sampled did not correlate with SBY and ABY. This study contributes to the development of a sustainable bio-economy by highlighting the need for efficient use of grassland biomass. This approach helps protect semi-natural ecosystems and facilitates sustainable management of renewable resources.

Assessing the environmental footprint of alternative green biorefinery protein extraction techniques from grasses and legumes

The significant grasslands of Europe and its member states represents a significant feedstock opportunity for circular bioeconomy development. The development of green biorefineries (GBR), to supply protein for the feed industry from grass, could help many European member states to address significant deficits in protein availability and reduce imports. The current study assesses the environmental footprint of alternative GBR protein extraction techniques from grasses and legumes using life cycle assessment. The focus is on comparing feedstock and technology pathways that could displace soya bean imports. The study finds that leaf protein concentrate (LPC) produced from grass had an improved environmental performance when compared to soya bean meal (SBM), across the assessed feedstock (perennial ryegrass or grass-clover mixtures) and technology pathways (one-stage maceration versus multi-stage maceration). For example, in the case of Climate Change the emission intensity for LPC was 57–85 % lower per tonne of crude protein (CP) compared with SBM. Acidification burdens were 54–88 % lower, and Eutrophication: Freshwater burdens were 74–89 % lower. Some scenarios of GBR produced LPC with a larger Energy Resources: Non-Renewable burden than SBM, though this could be mitigated with higher renewable energy (biogas and wind energy) integration within the scenario. Grass-clover scenarios generally achieved a lower intensity of emissions compared to ryegrass scenarios, particularly in the category of Climate Change, where feedstock cultivation represented a significant contributor to impacts. Overall, GBR can produce high quality protein with a lower environmental burden than SBM, but choice of feedstock and system design are critical factors for overall environmental performance.

Biological Upcycling of Plastics Waste.

Plastic wastes accumulate in the environment, impacting wildlife and human health and representing a significant pool of inexpensive waste carbon that could form feedstock for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals, monomers, and specialty chemicals. Current mechanical recycling technologies are not economically attractive due to the lower-quality plastics that are produced in each iteration. Thus, the development of a plastics economy requires a solution that can deconstruct plastics and generate value from the deconstruction products. Biological systems can provide such value by allowing for the processing of mixed plastics waste streams via enzymatic specificity and using engineered metabolic pathways to produce upcycling targets. We focus on the use of biological systems for waste plastics deconstruction and upcycling. We highlight documented and predicted mechanisms through which plastics are biologically deconstructed and assimilated and provide examples of upcycled products from biological systems. Additionally, we detail current challenges in the field, including the discovery and development of microorganisms and enzymes for deconstructing non-polyethylene terephthalate plastics, the selection of appropriate target molecules to incentivize development of a plastic bioeconomy, and the selection of microbial chassis for the valorization of deconstruction products.

Integrating solar-driven biomass gasification and PV-electrolysis for sustainable fuel production: Thermodynamic performance, economic assessment, and CO2 emission analysis

Biomass gasification provides a promising pathway for sustainable fuel production. Nevertheless, its development is hindered by lower efficiencies in biomass–to–fuel energy conversion and carbon utilization, along with restricted scale due to economic collection radius. To tackle these challenges, a solar–biomass hybrid gasification system is proposed for sustainable fuel production. The system employs parabolic trough and tower concentrators to generate solar heat, driving the biomass pyrolysis and pyrolysis products gasification reactions to produce bio–solar syngas. The high–density bio–oil and char produced in distributed pyrolysis units can be economically transported to the centralized gasification plant. Moreover, PV–electrolysis water is utilized to generate H2 and O2, which are used to adjust syngas composition and substitute for air separation O2, respectively. Consequently, the energy consumption for water–gas shift, CO2 separation, and air separation units can be reduced. Thermodynamic, economic, and CO2 emission performance are analyzed for a typical case of methanol production using corn residue. The total energy conversion efficiency of the hybrid system can reach 65.01 %, representing an improvement of 6.57 % compared to the conventional biomass gasification system. The fuel production cost is estimated to be $354.1 per ton, falling within the market price range. Additionally, the greenhouse gas emissions to produce unit kg methanol can be reduced by 0.63 kg CO2eq. Furthermore, we analyzed the performance of six representative fuel production scenarios involving different types of biomass feedstocks. Finally, the limitations of this work and the feasibility of its practical applications are discussed. This study offers an innovative approach to bio-solar fuel production, promoting the development of circular bio-economy and the application of sustainable fuel.

Using miscanthus and biochar as sustainable substrates in horticulture: An economic and carbon footprint assessment of their primary and cascading value chains

Conventional substrates like peat, stone wool and coconut coir are responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions in the horticultural sector, necessitating low-emission and cost-efficient alternatives. Herein, using miscanthus and biochar as substrate components as well as in cascading substrate application can be alternative practices in a sustainable bioeconomy. However, the carbon footprint and economic impacts of these practices in relation to crop yields have not yet been investigated. Hence, we combined life cycle carbon footprint assessment and costing to analyze the Global Warming Potential and value chain costs of horticultural substrates in tomato cultivation in North-Rhine Westphalia. We conducted a comparison between conventional substrates (peat, stone wool, and coconut coir) and single use and cascading miscanthus-based substrates with and without 1–2 % biochar addition of the miscanthus mass. Also, a subsequent scenario analysis was carried out to examine alterations in inputs and costs.Our results demonstrate that miscanthus-based substrates are climate-friendly and low-cost alternatives to the conventional practices. Switching to miscanthus-based substrates results in more emission savings than other input scenarios investigated. Additionally, incorporating biochar and adopting cascading methods contribute to lower emissions. Notably, biochar has the most significant impact, as its amount correlates with higher emission reductions. Additionally, costs for cascading miscanthus-based substrates are lower compared to conventional substrates. Overall, there is only a slight variance in costs between conventional and miscanthus-based substrates. However, with the introduction of carbon emission pricing and carbon removal certificates, miscanthus-based and biochar-containing substrates may emerge as more cost-efficient alternatives. Thus, by advancing financial instruments on carbon emissions and removal, introducing cascade use within and beyond the horticulture sector, and supporting cultivation of sustainable biomasses, miscanthus and biochar can effectively contribute to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

Environmental, social, and economic challenges to forest-based micro-entrepreneurship: a comparative case study in Finland

Countries worldwide, especially Nordic countries, have proposed a forest-based bioeconomy to halt systemic risks, such as climate change, and to create socioeconomic welfare. Entrepreneurs operating in various business sectors and regions face several complex challenges in this regard. However, the challenges faced by forest-based micro-entrepreneurs have not been addressed across various regions using systems thinking. This comparative case study aimed to identify the environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by forest-based micro-entrepreneurs and the spatial features of these challenges—their scale, interactions, and prevalence—in two different regions in Finland: Lapland and South Karelia. These regions’ economies rely heavily on the recreational value of nature and on the large-scale pulp and paper industries, respectively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with micro-entrepreneurs from various sectors, such as forestry, logging, tourism, and natural products. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The framework used enabled a deeper spatial understanding of the challenges experienced by forest-based micro-entrepreneurs. The micro-entrepreneurs in the two case regions had great similarities in terms of themes related to trust, workload, and labor shortage. This may hinder the implementation of new practices in regional forest-based bioeconomy development. Future quantitative studies could validate the identified challenges for further policy development.

Governance Strategies for Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy Development in Europe: Insights and Typologies

This study examines governance strategies that facilitate sustainable regional circular bioeconomy development, culminating in a typology which enables the classification of regional government good practices supporting circular bioeconomy deployment in diverse regions within Europe. Data on regional circular bioeconomy governance models were collected through desk research and a survey, resulting in a compilation of 61 circular bioeconomy governance models. From this compilation, 20 case studies were identified and further explored to develop a typology of regional circular bioeconomy governance strategies in the EU-27. Findings reveal a strong regional commitment to expanding bioeconomies; however, managing conflicting sustainability goals remains a challenge. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of successful governance models and practices, offering valuable insights for policymakers to support the co-development and replication of effective circular bioeconomy strategies across diverse European regions.

A Novel GE-Mackinsey Market Approach: Investment Opportunity for the Biopolymer Packaging Materials

Sustainable development in agriculture seeks to implement a robust bioeconomy strategy by valorizing agricultural resources into value-added products. Compared to primary biomass use, using agriculture residues and wastes can achieve higher reductions in GHG emissions and lower feedstock costs. Bioeconomy has substantial potential for high-value products such as biopolymers, pharmaceuticals, and food and feed additives. Low-value applications like bioenergy, biofuels, and bulk chemicals have a weak potential for bioeconomy development. However, high value-added products, including biopolymers, require an equal focus as other products in the bioeconomy value pyramid that can lift the market to elevate sustainable bioeconomy development. A successful transition through radical innovations must be justifiable, with economic, environmental, and social benefits primarily promoted by stakeholders, businesses, or government organizations. One of the core options would be to know the market potential of the biopolymer products. Here, a methodology for decision-making to evaluate four existing biopolymer packaging materials (Cellulose, PHA, PLA, and starch) in the EU market has been developed using the GE-McKinsey Nine-Box Matrix, considering market attractiveness and product competitive advantage. Market innovations can be fostered by integrating the resource availability and technology advancement indicators to the methodology steps. The methodology considers sustainability advantages for the agriculture sector and promotes the strategic commercialization of biopolymer packaging materials. Product-specific indicators are used to evaluate the market attractiveness and product competitive advantage. The research findings show that PLA biopolymer packaging material has the highest potential for commercialization. The application of this methodology and its results provide a justifiable way of determining the investments in value-added products and allow investors to make the right decision-making choice for bioplastic packaging materials, ensuring their sustainability and profitability in the market.

Experimental and feasibility study of bio-waste valorization through pyrolysis for energy and materials production in the concept of circular economy

The pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis characteristics of large abundant bio-wastes, namely date pits (DP), peanut shells (PS), coffee grounds (CG), and tea waste (TW) were investigated in detail. The TG/DTG and pyrolysis procedures were used to examine the thermal pyrolysis behavior of these agro-wastes and their blends (50%CG/50%DP, 50%CG/50%PS, 50%DP/50%PS, 50%TW/50% DP,50%TW/50%PS and 50%CG/50% TW by weight). The characterization of these feedstock has shown their suitability for energy and material valorization. Experiments were carried out in a batch pyrolysis at a medium heating rate of 10 °C/min. The goal was to identify the best combination aiming to produce either char or hydrogen-rich gas, which can contribute to the development of the circular bio-economy. It was demonstrated that pyrolysis favored the liquid product, fluctuating from 34.31% (TW) to 50.92% (DP), while the co-pyrolysis greatly increased the gaseous product, which ranged between 42.02% (TW-DP) and 55.17% (PS-TW). The blending of CG and PS resulted in heightened reactivity, leading to an enhanced generation of H2 (34.44%). The optimal mixture was found to be CG-TW, showcasing superior performance in terms of gas quality (38.39% H2) and yield (53.74%). This outcome underscores the potential of CG and TW as a synergistic blend for efficient hydrogen-rich gas production. The FTIR findings revealed that the recovered biochars have the potential to serve as solid fuels, biofertilizers, or carbon materials. Additionally, they could be used as eco-friendly precursors for chemical and related industries. By analyzing various waste mixtures and their respective pyrolysis properties, this research aims to contribute to the development of sustainable waste management practices as well as efficient energy and material production methods.

The Role of Biotechnologies in Russian Regions Growth Poles Development

Existing technological structure transformation taking place in Russia and many other countries includes, in particular, bioeconomy development, which is based on the widespread modern biotechnologies using necessary to ensure national technological sovereignty. In order to analyze bioeconomy introduction and development prospects in Russian regions, which differ significantly in economic activity specifics, this article studied the relevant growth poles, considering qualified personnel availability, as well as organizational solutions used to optimize scientific and pedagogical work. The research was carried out using a quantitative analysis of regional location specially formed in Russia scientific, technical, educational and production facilities (as centers of concentration of scientific research and technology transfer), as well as leading specialized universities. The data obtained are compared with the students` from a number of universities survey on the biotechnologies creation and using.

Institutional quality and bioeconomy performance in European countries: Unveiling the evidence

The bioeconomy, emerging as a beacon of sustainable development and global competitiveness, relies on renewable biological resources. This study investigates the interplay between institutional quality and bioeconomy performance in 28 European countries. By employing a Fixed Effect Regression and different sensitivity analyses, we unveil a robust, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the institutional quality and the socio-economic indicator for bioeconomy. The six institutional quality pillars - political stability, control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and voice and accountability - positively impact the bioeconomy in Europe. These findings underscore the pivotal role of institutions in shaping bioeconomy performance, emphasizing the profound impact of political stability, regulatory standards, and anti-corruption measures. As a result, our research provides valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the significance of enhancing institutional quality as a means to advance sustainability and stimulate economic growth through bioeconomy development.

Brazilian Northern biotech startups: an examination of supporting factors for web portal modeling

The purpose of this research project is to determine the elements that would facilitate the establishment of a biotechnology startup help site in the northern part of Brazil. As part of the research, data on startups was gathered, obstacles to growth were identified, and issues faced by the companies were noted. Based on the responses to the questionnaire, conclusions were made on the major difficulties these businesses encountered. The main barrier is found to be the difficulty in acquiring finance; other challenging elements include revenue generation and equipment availability. It is acknowledged that regional concerns, such input availability, and logistics, have a significant impact on the difficulties that local businesses encounter. Recommendations are made based on the challenges found to improve the startup growth environment, hence promoting sustainable innovation and the bioeconomy's development.

Global trends in the development of a sustainable bioeconomy for rural growth in Ukraine

Growing global environmental problems are forcing humanity to think about transforming the basic principles of doing business, as the traditional economic order leads to an increase in the volume of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, excessive depletion of the main types of fossil fuels, and considerable accumulation of industrial and household waste. In these circumstances, the alternative is to use low-carbon energy sources, which will minimise destructive environmental impacts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to substantiate the theoretical and methodological foundations of bioeconomic activity and practical recommendations for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in Ukraine. To fulfil this purpose, the study employed general scientific and special methods of theoretical and empirical research, specifically, at the theoretical level, the methods of theoretical generalisation, abstract-logical, hypothetical, historical, methods of ascent from the abstract to the concrete, etc. The empirical level includes comparative, descriptive, SWOT strategic analysis, graphs, and tables. Using the methods outlined in the historical retrospective study, the study monitored the volume of greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions into the atmosphere due to the considerable use of fossil fuels, which provokes an increase in global environmental problems in society. Under these conditions, sustainable economic activity is gaining popularity, allowing for the production of renewable energy from renewable resources, agricultural, forestry and fishery residues, as well as organic industrial and household waste. The study outlined foreign practices and Ukrainian initiatives to promote bioeconomic activity, considering the country’s natural resource and intellectual potential, as well as financial national support for the bioindustry. Considering the findings of the study, the strengths and weaknesses of the sustainable bioeconomy were systematised using SWOT analysis, key threats to its formation in Ukraine were foreseen, and constructive opportunities for its development were identified. The practical value of this study lies in the scientific substantiation of proposals for promising strategic guidelines for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy with strengthening its capabilities and finding ways to minimise the destructive impact of key threats

Smart Tissue Carriers for Innovative Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals

The present review was conducted to investigate the possibilities in realizing novel nanostructured tissues containing functional molecules that can be commercialized as solid products (without using emulsifiers and preservatives) for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications. After considering the principal concepts regarding skin and mucous features and physiologies, the possibilities in using bio-based, biodegradable and biocompatible materials was explored by investigating the correlations between their structures and morphologies with respect to the characteristics of the skin extracellular matrix (ECM). Regarding the new smart type of biodegradable tissues, their possible composition was reviewed in relation to the skin aging process and to the current contest for novel, innovative cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals that consider the “beauty from within” concept. The barriers to the development of these new tissues were mainly identified due the necessity in defining the claim regarding green products. Moreover, the market growth data regarding these novel products were highlighted to support the idea that the diffusion of smart tissue-based cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals is an opportunity for new sustainable industrial chains in the development of bioeconomies.