Industrial biomanufacturing has existed for some time as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical manufacturing, and is becoming increasingly necessary in establishing strong, sustainable supply chains for a number of industries. IDTechEx's portfolio of Sustainability Research Reports and Subscriptions covers a variety of technologies and applications.
Biomanufacturing and synthetic biology
Renewable feedstocks including biomass or waste gases can be turned into biofuels and bioplastics with the use of microorganisms and enzymes at an industrial scale. Once the microorganisms have fed on the feedstocks, a product is secreted inside or outside the cells. This can then be extracted or refined to produce the final product. Fermentation is the most well-known biomanufacturing process, as it occurs naturally as a metabolic process where microorganisms break down sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol without the presence of oxygen. Industrial fermentation, however, does not always occur without oxygen, as many microorganisms will need oxygen to expand into a larger number for production to take place efficiently.
Synthetic biology is necessary for industrial biomanufacturing, as it can design biological systems for the purpose of being used in industry, to programme cells and improve their characteristics. Synthetic biology can offer a number of tools specifically targeting processes like DNA synthesis, gene editing, enzyme engineering, and more, while new biocatalysts can also be discovered. New materials or materials that perform better can therefore be created, such as mycelium for vegan leather, and processes like DNA editing can create new metabolic pathways in microorganisms. This can result in the production of new chemicals and enhance cell tolerance, according to IDTechEx's report, "Industrial Biomanufacturing 2027-2037: Technologies, Markets, Players, Forecasts".
Key drivers, challenges, and trends of biomanufacturing
Developments in synthetic biology are allowing it to become a key technology enabler, with advancements in AI and machine learning playing a role in optimization and acceleration. Additionally, growing interest from large players within the industry will act as a driver for industrial biomanufacturing developments, while government initiatives and increased regulation surrounding sustainability will also contribute. Bans on single use plastics in some areas is one example of how governments are pushing for more sustainable alternatives, with bioplastics, which can be biodegradable and contribute to a circular economy, being one example of how biomanufacturing can be successful in helping to reduce harmful waste. Some of the main challenges in industrial biomanufacturing outlined by IDTechEx include higher costs and feedstock availability, detailed further in the report.
As innovation continues within the market, production processes are likely to improve, while the introduction of new biocatalysts and alternative feedstocks can expand scope for products.
Applications and products of biomanufacturing
IDTechEx draws a distinction between commodity chemicals and speciality chemicals, describing commodity chemicals as high volume types such as fuels, plastics, and textiles. Commodity chemicals are typically derived from petrochemical feedstocks, with biomanufacturing offering a more sustainable manufacturing route with the use of renewable materials. Speciality chemicals, covered in IDTechEx's report, "Biomanufacturing Specialty Chemicals 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, Players, Forecasts", are produced in lower volumes with much higher margins and include examples such as food additives, cosmetics, enzymes, and pigments.
For more information on industrial biomanufacturing and sustainability advancements across many markets, visit IDTechEx's portfolio of Sustainability Research Reports and Subscriptions for the latest developments.
