Tianjin, China, has become a hub for groundbreaking research in synthetic biology, a field that is revolutionizing the way we approach biological systems and develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
At the forefront of this revolution is Sun Yuanxia, a researcher at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. With over two decades of experience in the field, Sun has led her team in developing a special platform for rare sugar biosynthesis.
Her achievement in 2023 has marked a significant milestone in the history of sugar manufacturing, as it has introduced a new method for producing sugar that dramatically reduces reliance on land and water resources. This innovative approach is a testament to the power of synthetic biology in transforming traditional industries.
“Compared to traditional sugar production through crops like sugarcane, our carbon dioxide-to-sugar method is a game-changer,” said Sun. “It not only reduces our carbon footprint but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable production.”
Synthetic biology is an emerging field that involves the use of genetic engineering and other biotechnological techniques to create new biological systems or modify existing ones. By assembling genetic components, researchers can design and build new biological pathways, which can be used to produce a wide range of products, from biofuels to pharmaceuticals.
China has been at the forefront of synthetic biology research, with a number of institutions and researchers making significant contributions to the field. In 2024, the country officially recognized “bioengineering technicians” as a new profession, highlighting the growing importance of this field.
Biomedicine and genetic research were also highlighted in national plans, with a bioeconomy development plan released in 2022 specifically encouraging synthetic biology innovation. The plan recognized the potential of synthetic biology to address global challenges in medicine, food production, and environmental sustainability.
In March, researchers at Tianjin University employed synthetic biology strategies like gene editing and organelle engineering to develop a microbial and plant cell “factory” for producing rare ginsenosides – a compound hailed as “plant gold.”
Rare ginsenosides exhibit high bioactivity and excellent bioavailability, with proven anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. However, their extremely low natural abundance – less than 0.1 percent in plants – and complex extraction process make them very expensive.
“The research provides a novel approach for the efficient production of rare ginsenosides,” said Mei Kunrong, an associate professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology of the university. “With advances in synthetic biology, production costs could be significantly reduced, making this ‘plant gold’ more accessible to the general public.”
The university’s synthetic biology and biomanufacturing school, established in April, aims to address the challenges of biotech revolution and cultivate talent in these cutting-edge fields. The school’s mission is to develop innovative solutions to global challenges through the use of synthetic biology and biotechnology.
“Bioengineering technology is revolutionizing production and resource utilization paradigms,” said Sun. “The transition from experience-driven to intelligent manufacturing has dramatically improved efficiency, with boundless prospects for the future.”
The impact of synthetic biology is being felt across various industries, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.
