How biotechnology could power a new generation of sustainable materials – Financial Times

Amid concerns about the impact of chemicals on people and the planet, advances in biotechnology are enabling the use of safer, more sustainable materials. Experts say the innovations could help turn the tide in managing the impact of synthetic materials on the planet.

Innovative science-based companies are expanding the range of bio-based materials that can be used in industries such as food, automotive and cosmetics. The pace of development is accelerating thanks to three trends in biotechnology.

First, gene-editing techniques allow companies to quickly and economically modify microorganisms and tune them to produce target chemicals more selectively and productively. Second, the use of automation and high-throughput screening allows material developers to perform trials hundreds or even thousands of times faster than before. And third, companies can now apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to data analysis to reach conclusions faster.

Thomas Canova, Executive Vice President, Head of the Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Development Platform at Syensqo, describes the impact of these trends: “The way we make chemicals is about to change dramatically. Millions of years of nature’s evolution are now being transformed into breakthroughs in the way chemicals are made. There are three areas of progress that are interdependently accelerating the use of bioscience to enable the development of new chemicals and materials.”

Improving circularity

Together, these innovations enable the creation of bio-based agents and processes that can increase circularity in the production of synthetic products, for example by using waste materials as raw materials. One company following this trend is JinYoung Bio, a South Korea-based cosmetic ingredients supplier that produces biomimetic ceramides for skin and hair care applications, as well as bio-based ingredients for skin care and cosmetics.

These biomimetic compounds—materials inspired by naturally occurring systems—are safe for all skin types and are highly effective at retaining moisture and repairing damaged skin and hair. Unlike traditional oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, they do not require petrochemicals and are fully biodegradable.

JinYoung Bio Ceramides are created through a fermentation process using yeast. They are used as natural barriers that help to moisturize the skin by activating the skin’s natural mechanisms and replenishing its properties. Ceramides are highly dynamic, allowing formulators to develop tailor-made products that meet individual consumer needs.