Decisional tool development and application for techno-economic analysis of fungal laccase production.

Textile and medical effluents causing bioaccumulation and biomagnification have been successfully biodegraded by fungal laccases. Here, a decision-making tool was developed and applied to evaluate 45 different laccase production strategies which determined the best potential source from a techno-economical perspective. Laccase production cost was calculated with a fixed output of 109 enzymatic units per batch (USD$per109U) and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Results indicate that optimization of enzymatic kinetics for each organism is essential to avoid exceeding the fermentation time point at which production titer reaches its peak and, therefore, higher production costs. Overall, the most cost-effective laccase-producing strategy was obtained when using Pseudolagarobasidium acaciicola with base production cost of USD $42.46 per 109 U. This works serves as platform for decision-making to find the optimal laccase production strategy based on techno-economic parameters.

Turning waste into treasure: A new direction for low-cost production of lipid chemicals from Thraustochytrids.

Thraustochytrids are marine microorganisms known for their fast growth and ability to store lipids, making them useful for producing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), biodiesel, squalene, and carotenoids. However, the high cost of production, mainly due to expensive fermentation components, limits their wider use. A significant challenge in this context is the need to balance production costs with the value of the end products. This review focuses on integrating the efficient utilization of waste with Thraustochytrids fermentation, including the economic substitution of carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and fermentation water. This approach aligns with the 3Rs principles (reduction, recycling, and reuse). Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of Thraustochytrids in converting waste into lipid chemicals and promoting sustainable circular production models. The aim of this review is to emphasize the value of Thraustochytrids in converting waste into treasure, providing precise cost reduction strategies for future commercial production.

Integrating safety, security, sustainability, and social responsibility principles into the U.S. bioeconomy.

Bioindustrial manufacturing is undergoing rapid expansion and investment and is seen as integral to nations' economic progress. Ensuring that bioindustrial manufacturing benefits society as the field expands is of critical, urgent importance. To better understand the industry's ethical trajectory and to shape policy, we explored the views of biotechnology leaders on four aspects of ethical and social responsibility-safety, security, social responsibility, and sustainability-what we have termed "4S principles." We identified policy actions governments and other stakeholders may take to maximize societal benefits in industrial biotechnology. IMPORTANCE: We analyzed biotech leaders' views on safety, security, social responsibility, and sustainability to recommend policies to maximize benefits and economic growth.

From biomass-derived fructose to γ-valerolactone: Process design and techno-economic assessment.

This work proposes a process design and techno-economic assessment for the production of γ-valerolactone from lignocellulosic derived fructose at industrial scale, with the aim of exploring its feasibility, identifying potential obstacles, and suggesting improvements in the context of France. First, the conceptual process design is developed, the process modelled and optimized. Second, different potential scenarios for the energy supply to the process are analyzed by means of a set of economic key performance indicators, aimed at highlighting the best potential profitability scenario for the sustainable exploitation of waste biomass in the context analyzed. The lowest Minimum Selling Price for GVL is obtained at 10 kt/y plant fueled by biomass, i.e. 1.89 €/kg, along with the highest end-of-live revenue, i.e. 113 M€. Finally, a sensitivity and uncertainties analysis, based on Monte Carlo simulations, are carried out on the results in order to test their robustness with respect to key input parameters.

Cell and gene therapy investment: evolution and future outlook on investor perspectives.

BACKGROUND AIMS: To better understand the attitudes and behaviors of investors involved in funding cell and gene therapy (CGT) businesses, the Business Development and Finance) subcommittee of International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, in collaboration with Truist Securities, conducted a broad survey of the investment community in late 2021. METHODS: This survey follows a similar study that this group executed in 2018, and the longitudinal comparisons between the two time periods provide insights into how investor behavior in the CGT field has evolved. RESULTS: The vast majority of investor respondents are specialist biotech investors who are primarily active in deploying capital in North America and Europe. There was a notable increase in the proportion of investors actively deploying capital in China and Japan between 2018 and 2021. The percentage of respondents' portfolios dedicated to CGT companies has also increased in this period, reflecting a noteworthy trend in the therapeutic landscape. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant data remain the dominant force behind investment decisions, whereas competition from other drug modalities has now emerged as the most-cited barrier to making a CGT investment, eclipsing safety concerns as the most significant barrier to investment in 2018. Concerns around manufacturing and scale-up have also increased in prominence amongst the investment community. Gene-editing technologies are attracting investors as the most compelling new CGT technology. This survey also revealed that most investors expect to increase their level of investment in allogeneic technologies relative to autologous products in the coming years.

Leveraging marine biotechnology for an All-Atlantic sustainable blue economy.

Despite the lack of research, development, and innovation funds, especially in South Atlantic countries, the Atlantic is suited to supporting a sustainable marine bioeconomy. Novel low-carbon mariculture systems can provide food security, new drugs, and climate mitigation. We suggest how to develop this sustainable marine bioeconomy across the entire Atlantic.

Shaping the future US bioeconomy through safety, security, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Biomanufacturing practitioners and researchers describe the norms that should govern the growing, global field, to include safety, security, sustainability, and social responsibility. These '4S Principles' should be broadly adopted so that the future of the field may provide the greatest benefits to society.

Bioenergetics potential of RR2 PRO transgenic soybean subjected to application of herbicides isolated and in combination

ABSTRACT In Brazil, there are several crops producing oil for biofuel production, such as canola, sunflower, peanut, cotton, castor bean, soybean, among others. There are parameters that indicate the energetic and economic viability for the production of biofuels, and that can be applied, for example, in transgenic soybeans. The present study aimed to evaluate the energetic viability of Intacta RR2 PROTM soybean for biofuel production.Experiments were conducted in the municipalities of Palotina and Marechal Cândido Rondon, both in the State of Paraná. Energy balance calculations were carried out from the production system, estimating energy expenditure, including the agricultural and industrial stages. The inputs used were considered as input of energy, while grain production, as output of energy. The energy balance of soybean biofuel showed positive values in the treatments with lower doses up to the recommended doses, highlighting the treatment glyphosate at 720 g.e.a. per hectare, which reached a positive energy balance (1: 1.11) for both municipalities. However, the Intacta RR2 PRO TM soybean was sensitive to treatments with high doses of glyphosate, which impaired productivity and consequently generated low economic returns.

Biotecnologias, subjetivação e psicologias: mercado de células-tronco do cordão umbilical / Biotecnologías, subjetividad y psicologías: mercado de células madre del cordón umbilical / Biotechnology, subjectivity and psychologies: umbilical cord stem cell market

Resumo Esse artigo visa a analisar as práticas de produção da subjetividade engendradas pelo mercado de células-tronco do cordão umbilical, que se constitui por meio da gestão de riscos e precauções do futuro biopolítico, no âmbito da família e da relação pais e filhos. O interesse da psicologia pela inovação biotecnológica pode ser visualizado tanto na problematização crítica realizada pelo campo científico sobre os modos de subjetivações que emergem do acoplamento entre biotécnicas e corpo quanto em seu campo de atuação profissional, por meio de psicoterapias de aconselhamento genético. Nas estratégias biopolíticas de controle e de manipulação das células-tronco do cordão umbilical, evidenciam-se subjetivações que emergem em uma rede complexa de produção tecnobiológica.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las prácticas de producción de bio-social subjetividad a través del mercado de células madre realizado a través de medidas de gestión de riesgos y la biopolítica futuras, dentro de la familia y la relación padre-hijo. El interés de la psicología de la innovación biotecnológica se puede ver tanto en cuestionamiento crítico efectuado por campo científico sobre las formas de subjetividades que emergen del acoplamiento entre la biotecnología y el cuerpo, y en su campo profesional, a través de la psicoterapia asesoramiento genético. En las estrategias biopolíticas de control y la manipulación de las células madre del cordón umbilical, mostrará subjetividades que emergen en una compleja red de tecnobiológica producción.

Abstract This article aims to analyze production practices of bio-social subjectivity through the stem cell market made through risk management and biopolitics future precautions, within the family and the parent-child relationship. The interest of psychology from biotechnological innovation can be viewed both in critical questioning conducted by scientific field on ways of subjectivities that emerge from the coupling between biotech and body, and in your professional field, through genetic counseling psychotherapy. In biopolitical strategies of control and manipulation of umbilical cord stem cells show up subjectivities that emerge in a complex network of tecnobiológica production.

A dinâmica do sistema produtivo da saúde: inovação e complexo economico-industrial

Para que, no futuro desejado, conforme-se no Brasil um sistema de saúde universal, integral e equânime, o Estado deve ter um papel decisivo na articulação das duas dimensões da saúde: a social e a econômica. É o que defendem os autores deste livro. Um Complexo Econômico-Industrial da Saúde (CEIS) frágil não atende às exigências de elevação da competitividade brasileira no cenário internacional. Mas não é só isso: essa fragilidade afeta sobremaneira a capacidade de resposta às necessidades sanitárias da população. “Gostaríamos que esta publicação se configurasse, sobretudo, como um convite para o debate e para o fortalecimento deste campo científico, com um padrão de desenvolvimento que articule, ao mesmo tempo, o dinamismo econômico com os direitos sociais e a conformação de um Estado de bem-estar no Brasil”, diz o secretário de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos do Ministério da Saúde, Carlos Gadelha, coordenador do livro. A publicação apresenta a dinâmica dos investimentos no complexo produtivo da saúde, no mundo e no Brasil, analisando seus diferentes subsistemas: de base química e biotecnológica; de base mecânica, eletrônica e de materiais; e de serviços de saúde. Ao final, traz uma síntese analítica e discute políticas para o desenvolvimento do CEIS

A dinâmica do sistema produtivo da saúde: inovação e complexo economico-industrial / The dynamics of the productive system of health: innovation and economic-industrial complex

Para que, no futuro desejado, conforme-se no Brasil um sistema de saúde universal, integral e equânime, o Estado deve ter um papel decisivo na articulação das duas dimensões da saúde: a social e a econômica. É o que defendem os autores deste livro. Um Complexo Econômico-Industrial da Saúde (CEIS) frágil não atende às exigências de elevação da competitividade brasileira no cenário internacional. Mas não é só isso: essa fragilidade afeta sobremaneira a capacidade de resposta às necessidades sanitárias da população. “Gostaríamos que esta publicação se configurasse, sobretudo, como um convite para o debate e para o fortalecimento deste campo científico, com um padrão de desenvolvimento que articule, ao mesmo tempo, o dinamismo econômico com os direitos sociais e a conformação de um Estado de bem-estar no Brasil”, diz o secretário de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos do Ministério da Saúde, Carlos Gadelha, coordenador do livro. A publicação apresenta a dinâmica dos investimentos no complexo produtivo da saúde, no mundo e no Brasil, analisando seus diferentes subsistemas: de base química e biotecnológica; de base mecânica, eletrônica e de materiais; e de serviços de saúde. Ao final, traz uma síntese analítica e discute políticas para o desenvolvimento do CEIS.

El impacto macroeconómico de la biotecnología / Biotechnology¿s macroeconomic impact

Objetivos: Establecer una valoración económica general de la actividad biotecnológica en España determinando tanto su aportación a la producción total como al empleo y diferenciando la aportación directa y la derivada de las interrelaciones de las actividades biotecnológicas con el resto del sistema económico. Material y Método: Para el cumplimiento de los objetivos establecidos se han utilizado tanto datos económicos oficiales elaborados por el INE (cuentas nacionales, tablas input-ouput, estadísticas de innovación) como datos directos derivados de los estados contables de las empresas y recopilaciones específicas de proyectos de investigación realizadas por la Fundación Genoma España. El núcleo básico de la metodología utilizada es la estimación de una tabla input-output con consideración específica de la actividad biotecnológica, sobre la que se calcula tanto la aportación directa de estas actividades como los efectos inducidos en el resto del sistema económico. Resultados: De acuerdo con los últimos datos disponibles, las actividades de biotecnología en España habrían generado de forma directa una producción ligeramente superior a 1.600 millones de euros en el año 2005 y habrían dado empleo a unas 9.000 personas. Considerando todas las interrelaciones con el resto del sistema económico, la aportación macroeconómica de la biotecnología ascendería a unos 5.000 millones de euros (en torno al 0,6% del PIB nacional) y habría originado, directa e indirectamente, más de 44.000 empleos (AU)

Objective: This paper tries to yield an economic valuation of biotechnological activities in terms of aggregated production and employment. This valuation goes beyond direct estimation and includes the indirect effects derived from sectorial linkages between biotechnological activities and the rest of economic system. Material and methods: To deal with the proposed target several sources of data have been used, including official data from National Statistical Office (INE) such us national accounts, input-output tables, and innovation surveys, as well as, firms’ level balance sheets and income statements and also specific information about research projects compiled by Genoma Spain Foundation. Methodological approach is based on the estimation of a new input-output table which includes the biotechnological activities as a specific branch. This table offers both the direct impact of these activities and the main parameters to obtain the induced effects over the rest of the economic system. Results: According to the most updated available figures, biotechnological activities would have directly generated almost 1,600 millions of euros in 2005, and they would be employed more than 9,000 workers. But if we take into account the full linkages with the rest of the system, the macroeconomic impact of Biotechnological activities would reach around 5,000 millions euros in production terms (0.6% of total GDP) and would be responsible, directly or indirectly, of more than 44,000 employments (AU)

O desenvolvimento biológico em conexão com a guerra / The Biological development in connection with the war

O século XX foi cenário da construção de um sistema para a operacionalização da ciência estratégica das grandes potências, chamada Big Science. Este sistema é constituído por uma vasta rede institucional integrada, o "complexo militar-industrial-acadêmico", que desenvolve pesquisas estratégicas e direciona a ciência de ponta. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a lógica desta construção sob a ótica do poder, fazendo um contraponto entre os desenvolvimentos tecnológicos da Física e da Biologia. Os movimentos de poder identificam algumas características que, em tese, refletem o incentivo para indução do desenvolvimento científico da modernidade, potencializado na era atômica com a fabricação de armas de destruição em massa, as armas de alta tecnologia. Nesta perspectiva, buscamos a relevância do desenvolvimento biológico de interesse político-militar, tomando por base a fabricação de três gerações de armas ao longo do século XX, com crescente posicionamento na corrida armamentista. Esta análise envolve as décadas de 1940 até 1980, na busca de demonstrar uma convergência técnico-política nas trajetórias do desenvolvimento biológico e da guerra biológica, que culminou numa conexão científico-militar no início da era biotecnológica.

The XX Century was the scenario for the construction of a system devoted to operationalizing the strategic science of the great potentials named the Big Science. This system comprehends a vast institutional and integrated network, the "military-industrial-academic complex", which carries out strategic research and guides high quality science. The objective of this study was to investigate the logics of such construction under the perspective of power, highlighting a counterpoint between the technological development of Physics and Biology. The power movement points to some characteristics, that theoretically reflect the incentive to the induction of the scientific development of modern times, potentialized during the atomic age by the manufacturing of high technology weapons. In this perspective one can search the relevance of the biological development of political-military interest in the three-generation manufacturing of weapons throughout the XX Century, and the participation in the armaments race. This historiographic analysis encompasses the decades of 1940 through 1980, in an attempt to show the ethnical-political convergence in the paths taken by the biological development and the biological war which eventually led to a scientific and military connection at the beginning of the biotechnological era.

Spinning-off and joining ventures in microbiology / Desarrollo de empresas en microbiología

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Extraction and evaluation of crude glucan obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisae cells

Células de uma cepa de Saccharomyces cerevisae muito comuns na produçäo de álcool no Brasil foram usadas para a obtençäo de glucano bruto. O produto tem características muito similares a outras preparaçöes já descritas e demonstrou-se útil como um espessante. O rendimento (glucano bruto seco/células secas de leveduras) foi de cerca de 12 por cento)