Next-Generation Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB) for Sustainable Biomanufacturing

Industrial biotechnology is focused on the bioprocessing of sustainable and cost-effective substrates, such as starch sugar, lignocellulose, and C1 feedstocks, to produce high-value compounds and bulk chemicals. However, traditional bioprocesses necessitate the use of stainless steel bioreactors, intricate sterilization protocols, burdensome and expensive posttreatment procedures, as well as skilled engineers to execute bioprocessing under aseptic conditions. These factors undermine the competitiveness of bioproducts. In contrast, next-generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB) harnesses extreme microorganisms, including halophiles, thermophiles, psychrophiles, acidophiles, and alkaliphiles, as its chassis. These microorganisms can proliferate rapidly in extreme environments while effectively resisting contamination from other microorganisms. NGIB facilitates continuous fermentations in open non-sterile environments using bioreactors crafted from ceramic, cement, or plastic materials. This approach offers numerous advantages, including energy and freshwater savings, material conversion efficiency, and streamlined operational procedures. The advancement of NGIB holds tremendous potential for sustainable biosynthesis of bioproducts.