[Preface for special issue on Microbial Chemical Factories]

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and synthetic biology
• Industrial microbiology
• Metabolic engineering

Background:

• Microbial chemical factories leverage engineering principles to redesign natural production pathways.
• This enables precise, quantitative, and efficient synthesis of target chemicals.
• Optimization involves synthetic pathway design, biochemical network reconstruction, and novel component development.

Discussion:

• Microbial factories are crucial for developing renewable raw material pathways.
• This approach supports industrial economic development and sustainable growth.
• It has become a strategic priority for technological advancement and global competitiveness.

Key Insights:

• The special issue highlights advancements in microbial chemical production.
• Research covers synthesis of monomers, pharmaceutical intermediates, and food ingredients.
• Focus includes organic acid biosynthesis and non-food feedstock utilization.

Outlook:

• This field is expanding into pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, and energy sectors.
• The research provides guidance for advancing microbial chemical factory development.
• It promotes the evolution of the bio-manufacturing industry.