iSEE Congress

Abstract: Microbial protein (MP) is the protein-rich biomass derived from bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and microalgae. It offers several advantages over plant- or animal-derived proteins, complementing food supply without requiring dedicated arable land as it can be grown in fermenters using using carbon such as CO₂, methane, or organics. The cells can have high protein content and a diverse protein profile. MP can also contribute to a circular society via integration with waste valorization and carbon capture technologies, enhancing circular economy applications. In the past decade, we have produced MP from multiple organic building blocks derived from CO2 or CO, such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid and formic acid and depending on the substrate, different types of MP can be obtained. In the case of ethanol as substrate, we have scaled up the process and were able to demonstrate with salmon and prawn trials that MP is equivalent to fishmeal. The key hurdles for seeing MP come into daily life are not technological, they are economical and legal. Obtaining approval for novel production chains is highly complicated and lengthy, and overall cost of MP is typically higher than the corresponding feed inputs making the current market mainly for food. An overlooked application of protein is its use as plastics – indeed, today already proteins are used for many packaging applications such as food packaging. Interestingly, even the whole MP (hence the biomass containing protein) can be used for e.g. the production of films. Depending on the type of microorganism, the properties of the plastics (e.g. Young’s modulus) differ indicating that based on the tremendous diversity of the microbial realm a wide array of different plastics could be produced to replace fossil analogues.

Abstract: Microbial fermentation offers a robust platform for the sustainable production of food ingredients, addressing critical global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and malnutrition. However, the high cost of microbial fermentation remains a barrier to large-scale adoption. Because substrate costs and fermentation duration significantly influence production economics, the rapid and efficient utilization of abundant, low-cost feedstocks—such as lignocellulosic biomass and dairy-derived waste—is essential. To this end, we have employed metabolic engineering strategies to convert lignocellulosic hydrolysates and dairy waste streams into high-value food ingredients. Specifically, we broadened the substrate utilization capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by introducing metabolic pathways for xylose and lactose assimilation. Additional genetic modifications were implemented to enhance the biosynthesis of value-added food ingredients, including L-malic acid, vitamin A, human milk oligosaccharides, and tagatose. These efforts highlight the promise of precision fermentation in transforming underutilized feedstocks into high-value food ingredients, supporting the transition to a more sustainable, economically viable, and resilient food system.

Abstract: California implemented its Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383), mandating residents to separate food waste and other organic materials from household trash to facilitate organics recycling. This study estimates the spillover effect of SB 1383 on household food waste generation. After implementing SB 1383, households in California generated 32% more food waste (an additional 117 grams per person per week). Furthermore, California households spent 36% more time (an additional 2.8 minutes per person per day) on food and kitchen cleaning due to SB 1383. We discuss the policy implications of this negative spillover effect in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and provide evidence suggesting that household time constraints are a key pathway driving this outcome.

Abstract: The presentation will explore the economic aspects of a circular bioeconomy in food and agriculture, focusing on two key areas: the conversion of food waste into energy and fertilizers, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems. Traditional linear models are often inefficient and lead to resource depletion, while a circular bioeconomy emphasizes regeneration and value creation.
The first area of focus addresses the transformation of food waste into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. We will discuss economic incentives, policies, and technologies aimed at scaling these processes. This approach has the potential to reduce landfill waste, mitigate emissions, and enhance agricultural productivity, all while generating new revenue streams.
The second area highlights IMTA systems, which integrate diverse species to recapture waste nutrients. This reduces effluent and diversifies products. Our economic analysis will illustrate how IMTA can enhance profitability through diversified outputs, reduced input costs, and increased market resilience. Additionally, the ecological benefits, such as decreased eutrophication, contribute to long-term sustainability.
This presentation synthesizes the economic rationale behind these strategies, demonstrating their ability to foster sustainable growth, enhance resource security, and create new economic opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of systemic thinking and supportive policies for building a resilient bioeconomy.

Abstract: Food waste accounts for about 24% of municipal solid waste disposal and is the largest contributor to landfill methane emissions, responsible for an estimated 58% of fugitive methane from U.S. landfills (Environmental Protection Agency, 2023). Most landfilled food waste comes from non-industrial sources, and over two-thirds of discarded food could have been edible. Food Recovery Programs (FRPs), which redirect surplus edible food for human consumption, can help reduce waste, mitigate emissions, and address food insecurity. However, FRPs also introduce logistical and economic complexities. Unlike centralized regional landfill disposal, FRPs rely on local, time-sensitive transport and require special handling—particularly due to the low value, high moisture content, and perishability of surplus food. While widely promoted, FRPs often lack clear, measurable metrics to guide local planning and assess performance. This presentation examines the trade-offs between environmental outcomes and economic feasibility. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative analyses, the research highlights the need for systems-level planning and multi-criteria decision-making to effectively integrate FRPs into broader urban food system strategies.

Abstract: Biofuels influence agriculture, energy markets, land use, and climate policy. While early optimism presented them as quick solutions for energy independence, emissions reduction, and rural prosperity, real-world outcomes have been more nuanced. Experience in both road transport and aviation shows complex land-use effects, uneven welfare impacts, and slower-than-expected technology rollout. Importantly, biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), should be seen as complements to solar and wind, not competitors.

Abstract: The Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) has recently achieved breakthrough developments in biotechnology and sustainability science that are laying the foundation for emergence of a bioeconomy that can deliver economic growth while acting as a clean, domestic source of fuels and biobased products. This has been achieved by transdisciplinary R&D teams working across academia and industry to make cutting-edge science discoveries spanning genomics, artificial intelligence, crop science, microbial metabolic engineering, chemistry, biogeochemistry, economics and environmental engineering. The resulting technologies are beginning to alleviate biophysical constraints upon the bioeconomy and are projected to support economic growth across diverse regions of the world while also enhancing sustainability and resilience under global change.

Abstract: Precision fermentation, driven by precision biology, is an emerging technology focusing on the sustainable and affordable production of bioproducts. With recent advancements in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, traditional microbial fermentation has evolved into precision fermentation, which utilizes high-performing microorganisms, precise genome editing, and state-of-the-art bioprocessing to produce conventional agricultural or industrial products with efficiency and low environmental footprints. Many companies are adopting precision fermentation as a biomanufacturing method to make food and industrial products. The Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) is a pilot-scale translational research facility at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, designed to help industry and academic research move from the bench scale through larger, commercial-readiness scale. In the six years since opening, IBRL has completed more than 1500 projects with companies and grant-funded research, catalyzing innovation and bringing bioprocessing technologies closer to commercialization. Pilot-scale capabilities include accepting and processing different raw materials, preprocessing/pretreatment facilities, and precision fermentation capacity ranging from 20-L to 1500-L, followed by matching downstream processing and analytics. Recent successes in producing industrially relevant, cost-effective products such as Succinic Acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, food proteins, and lipids have been achieved very rapidly.

Abstract: Aether Fuels is developing next-generation sustainable liquid fuels to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and ocean shipping, which account for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Its proprietary Aurora™ technology integrates novel catalysts and electrified syngas generation to achieve high yields, broad feedstock flexibility, and significantly reduced capital costs. Capable of converting diverse carbon sources—including CO₂, biogas, municipal waste, and industrial off-gases—into sustainable aviation fuel, diesel, and naphtha, Aurora™ offers scalable, cost-competitive solutions aligned with evolving climate policies. With pilot and demo plants underway and partnerships with JetBlue and Singapore Airlines, Aether is positioned to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Abstract: Across the country, there is growing political will to regulate plastic in consumer items, especially items deemed to be single-use and disposable. Policy options vary widely in both their approach and scope. Some policies directly regulate what single-use products consumers can and cannot use, such as state and local bans on foam food containers and bans on plastic straws unless requested. Other policies indirectly alter consumer behavior by changing the prices that consumers face, such as fees and taxes for plastic grocery bags, recycling subsidies for plastic beverage bottles, and extended producer responsibility laws for plastic packaging. In this talk, Dr. Taylor will unpack the empirical evidence on how these policies compare and contrast in shifting consumer behavior away from single-use plastics—and how these policies can lead to surprising ripple effects in our shopping and disposal choices.

Abstract: In this study, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) pathway was implemented for the conversion of food waste to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), consisting of pilot-scale HTL, biocrude pretreatment, and catalytic hydrotreating. As a result, a drop-in SAF precursor was produced with characterization following FAA Tier alpha/beta tests. It also achieved key jet fuel properties within ASTM specification limits, including surface tension, viscosity, heating value, density, cetane numbers, flash point, and freeze point. This approach not only advances carbon circularity of the transportation sector, but also helps mitigate waste and reduces consumption of fossil fuels. This pilot-scale study demonstrated that the HTL pathway for SAF production is feasible for scale-up and commercial applications.

Abstract: The UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII), a partnership between the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, builds on more than 75 years of collaborative research. Established to accelerate convergent science and train future scientific leaders, UT-ORII fosters innovation across five core research areas, including Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS). The CBS initiative brings together a multidisciplinary network of researchers—spanning plant biology, chemistry, materials science, engineering, economics, and sociology—to develop sustainable, recyclable-by-design biomaterials from regionally adapted biomass crops. Anchored in the southeastern United States, with its rich agricultural and industrial assets, the UT-ORII CBS initiative functions as a testbed for applying and validating circular bioeconomy principles at scale. The initiative is organized around three integrated research themes. One theme focuses on designing integrated feedstock systems that accommodate the variability of regional biomass crops while enabling the development of high-performance materials. Another theme centers on creating sustainable, multifunctional products with enhanced properties and well-defined end-of-service strategies. A third theme is dedicated to developing robust, data-driven models that evaluate and forecast CBS outcomes across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Together, these research teams support the advancement of scalable, regionally tailored circular bioeconomy models that promote resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

Abstract: Societies have prospered using a linear “take-make-use-dispose” approach, extracting natural resources to make products, using them, and ultimately discarding them or their residues. This unsustainable approach has exploited natural resources at a rate that has caused excessive pollution and loss of biodiversity, and is leading to a global climate crisis. In response to this challenge, industries are seeking technological solutions that will meet societal needs in a way that is financially viable while supporting the pursuit of broader goals for sustainability (e.g., resource circularity, carbon neutrality, equity). This transition has become a catalyst for research and development, but a critical challenge to achieving rapid and transformative innovations has been the expansive landscape of technology development pathways and the lack of a transparent and consistent framework to target investment.
This presentation will focus on the prioritization of research and development (R&D) pathways for the conversion of renewable resources into bio-based products, including plastics precursors. Using a structured sustainable design methodology, we develop models to elucidate drivers of system sustainability, identify performance gaps, and assess context-specific implications of technology advancement and deployment. In addition to demonstrating specific potential pathways to advance the circular bioeconomy, this presentation will introduce an established approach and computational tools to guide the prioritization of R&D for novel technologies.

Abstract: Plants are the single most effective tool available to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Agriculture is the single most effective way to manage large areas of plants. High yielding biomass crops are therefore the most effective way to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and they simultaneously can provide numerous “trade-ons” to the environment and economy. The presentation will explore the magnitude and mechanisms of carbon dioxide removal from perennial grasses. It will also discuss additional environmental and economic benefits resultant from strategically integrating these grasses into croplands and using them for bioenergy and bioproducts.

Abstract: LanzaTech is the carbon recycling company transforming waste carbon into everyday products. Using itsrevolutionary bio-recycling technology, LanzaTech captures carbon generated by energy-intensive industries at the source, preventing it from being emitted into the air. The process can handle a diverse range of high-volume, low-cost feedstocks including industrial emissions (e.g., steel mills, processing plants or refineries) or syngas generated from any biomass resource (e.g., unsorted, and non-recyclable municipal solid waste (MSW), agricultural waste, or organic industrial waste), as well as CO2 with green hydrogen. LanzaTech gives the captured carbon a new life as a clean replacement for virgin fossil carbon in everything from fuels to household cleaners, clothing fibers and packaging. By partnering with companies across the global supply chain like LanzaTech is paving the way for a circular carbon economy.
At the heart of the technology are LanzaTech’s biocatalysts, highly evolved autotrophic bacteria. Building a technology platform around non-model organisms was always going to be an ambitious project: a theoretical description of the biological system was incomplete, genetic tools did not exist and working with gases added further complexity. Several innovations were necessary to unlock this biology for industrial use. Starting from the basics, LanzaTech has created a state-of-the-art synthetic biology platform with an anaerobic biofoundry, developed scalable bioreactor systems with high gas mass-transfer capabilities, and a range of predictive models based on billions of data points.
Today, LanzaTech’s technology is globally licensed with six commercial facilities in operation that have an annual capacity to abate 500,000 tons CO2 and bio-manufacture 300,000 tons of products. Commercialization started with ethanol, but the company developed solutions for a variety of markets including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), chemicals and nutritional protein through process and Synthetic Biology innovations.

Abstract: The aviation industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has led to the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Ensuring SAF’s sustainability necessitates robust certification systems, notably the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). This review synthesizes existing literature and critically analyzes and compares the sustainability criteria of RSB and ISCC within the framework of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Our comparative thematic analysis reveals that RSB emphasizes comprehensive lifecycle GHG accounting and innovative feedstock management, dedicating approximately 48.6% of its criteria to GHG emissions management. In contrast, ISCC focuses on good agricultural practices and social responsibility, with 33.7% of its criteria addressing agricultural practices and 28.4% dedicated to social responsibility. Both systems share common ground in areas such as biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. However, they differ in their approaches to feedstock management and lifecycle GHG assessments. These differences can lead to increased compliance costs and complexities for SAF producers. Harmonizing RSB and ISCC standards could streamline certification processes, reduce redundancies, and enhance the scalability of SAF production. Such alignment would support the aviation sector’s decarbonization efforts and contribute to global climate change mitigation. Implications for policy, stakeholder engagement, and future SAF certification frameworks are discussed to underline the broader significance of harmonization efforts.