Biotechnology for sustainable materials: innovating today for a greener tomorrow

Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials, positioned at the forefront of environmentally conscious practices, is pivotal in realizing the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Sustainable materials are essential components in the quest for environmentally responsible practices. These materials, derived from renewable sources or recycled content, aim to minimize adverse environmental impacts throughout their life cycle. They contribute to the circular economy by prioritizing reuse, recycling, and closed-loop systems. Sustainable materials are characterized by low carbon footprints, biodegradability, and the ability to be recycled without compromising integrity. Biotechnological innovations play a pivotal role in developing materials derived from renewable sources or repurposed waste, aligning with the principles of sustainability. Biotechnology facilitates the production of plant- and microbe-based biopolymers, bioplastics, and other biomaterials with enhanced environmental credentials. This critical intersection of sustainable materials and biotechnology not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also shapes a circular economy, promoting efficient resource use and waste reduction.

BMC, part of Springer Nature, symbolizes a commitment to excellence in scientific publishing. As a renowned publisher, Springer Nature brings a wealth of experience and a global network of researchers. The decision to launch a new journal Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials was a collaborative approach after an extensive discussion among scientists from diverse backgrounds and the publisher team. Comprising experts from various facets of biotechnology and sustainable materials, our team is committed to ensuring the journal's relevance and impact. Each editorial member has played an important role in shaping the multidimensional scope, ensuring that it encompasses the breadth and depth of the rapidly advancing field. The aim and scope of Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials were meticulously crafted to reflect the dynamic nature of biotechnology's role in sustainable material production. The editorial team and BMC collaborated closely to outline a vision that not only captures the current state of the field but also anticipates future trends and challenges. As stewards of scientific communication, we aspire to foster innovation that not only meets the needs of the present but also contributes to a sustainable and resilient future.

Biotechnology for sustainable materials nurtures and encourages discussion on rigorous fundamental research and innovative/cutting-edge biotechnological development. which are expected to be updated over time.

1. 1. Role of biotechnology in the production and fabrication of materials.
2. 2. Application of sustainable materials:
   • Biomedical applications
   • Packaging industry
   • Pharmaceuticals & cosmetics
   • Fashion and clothing
   • Construction
   • CO₂ capture & energy storage
3. 3. Novel materials production, degradation, and composting.
4. 4. Recycling and upcycling of sustainable materials.
5. 5. Safety assessment and techno-economic analysis.
6. 6. Policy issues, life cycle assessments, and debates.

We extend a warm invitation to researchers, scientists, academicians, clinicians, and industry experts to consider Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials as the premier platform for disseminating their cutting-edge work in the dynamic intersection of biotechnology and sustainable materials. The last decades have witnessed immense growth in sustainable material areas about applications of biomaterials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, energy storage, sustainable packaging, and environment-related applications [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. This journal is committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge in the area of sustainable material, providing an open-access, peer-reviewed space for impactful research. You are invited to contribute to catalyzing positive change and forging a path toward a more sustainable and responsible future. We encourage submissions that contribute to the development of sustainable solutions, from plant- and microbe-based biopolymers to innovative biomaterials for diverse applications. As a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging trends, we also invite you to propose special issue topics that reflect current research trends in biotechnology for sustainable materials. We welcome your contributions to shape the discourse and drive innovation in this vital realm. Your work has the power to inspire positive change and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and resilient world.

References

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2. Lokwani R, Josyula A, Ngo TB, DeStefano S, Fertil D, Faust M, et al. Pro-regenerative biomaterials recruit immunoregulatory dendritic cells after traumatic injury. Nat Mater. 2023;23(1):147–57. ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
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4. Wen C, Liu T, Wang D, Wang Y, Chen H, Luo G, et al. Biochar as the effective adsorbent to combustion gaseous pollutants: Preparation, activation, functionalization and the adsorption mechanisms. Prog Energy Combust Sci. 2023;99:101098. ArticleGoogle Scholar
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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea Shashi Kant Bhatia
2. Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman Saurabh Bhatia
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb
4. Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK Konstantina Kourmentza
5. Moonshot Bio, Inc, 73 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA, 01845, USA Tae Seok Moon
6. Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, 382715, India Vijai Singh
7. University Institute of BioTechnology-University Centre of Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India Vishal Ahuja
8. Ginkgo Bioworks Inc, Boston, USA Jingbo Li
9. Center for Sustainable Development, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar Sanjeet Mehariya
10. CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India Abhishek Walia
11. Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA Jinjin Diao
12. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea Taehee Han
13. Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea J. Vinoth Kumar
14. Joint BioEnergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA Chenyi Li
15. Oxford University, Oxford, UK, USA Omer Duhan Toparlak
16. J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, USA Feilun Wu
17. School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, USA Jikai Zhao

1. Shashi Kant Bhatia