China’s Breakthrough: Turning CO2 Into Starch With 10x Productivity

In a landmark achievement, researchers at the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have unveiled a new enzymatic process that converts carbon dioxide into starch with unprecedented efficiency. This innovation bypasses conventional farming methods, offering a sustainable alternative to corn-based starch production, which requires vast amounts of land and water.  

The process involves a chemoenzymatic system with 11 core reactions, enabling starch synthesis at a rate nearly 10 times higher than natural biosynthesis in maize. Scientists believe this breakthrough could pave the way for industrial-scale starch production, reduce agricultural pressures, and open new avenues for carbon utilization.  

Key Highlights  

• Developed by Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences  
• Chemoenzymatic process converts CO2 into starch using 11 core reactions  
• Productivity is more than 10 times higher than maize biosynthesis  
• Potential to reduce reliance on land- and water-intensive corn farming  
• Could reshape industrial starch production and carbon utilization strategies  

Future Outlook  
This breakthrough represents a major step toward sustainable food and industrial practices. By turning greenhouse gas into a valuable resource, China’s innovation may inspire global efforts to combat climate change while ensuring food security and advancing biotechnology.  

Sources: South China Morning Post, Innovation News, Chinese Academy of Sciences