Biomanufacturing: history and perspective

Area of Science:

• Biomanufacturing
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Biomanufacturing leverages biological systems to produce valuable biomolecules for diverse industries.
• The history of biomanufacturing is marked by three distinct revolutions in product types, production platforms, and technologies.

Observation:

• Biomanufacturing 1.0: Production of primary metabolites (e.g., ethanol) via mono-culture fermentation.
• Biomanufacturing 2.0: Production of secondary metabolites (e.g., penicillin) using mutant strains and aerobic submerged fermentation.
• Biomanufacturing 3.0: Production of large biomolecules (e.g., proteins, enzymes) via recombinant DNA technology and advanced cell culture.

Findings:

• Biomanufacturing 4.0 is poised to introduce novel products like regenerative medicine tissues and synthetic biosystems.
• It will also enhance the production of existing products through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.

Implications:

• Biomanufacturing 4.0 offers potential solutions for critical global issues including food and energy security, water scarcity, and climate change.
• It addresses complex challenges at the nexus of energy, food, and water resources.