Green Chemistry

Chemicals are essential in modern society, used widely in food, medicine, fabrics, plastics, fuels, and various industrial products. Many of these products originate from the petrochemical industry, which relies on fossil resources like natural gas and crude oil. However, this reliance has led to significant contributions to climate change and environmental pollution. Typical chemical production processes often involve environmentally harmful conditions and energy-intensive methods with metal catalysts.

Introduced in the 1990s, green chemistry addresses these issues by promoting sustainable practices in the chemical industry based on 12 principles. Microorganisms, with their diverse metabolisms developed over evolutionary history in various habitats, play a pivotal role. Through metabolic engineering, researchers utilize microorganisms to produce a wide range of compounds from renewable resources.

Looking forward, biorefineries are poised to replace traditional petroleum refineries, adhering closely to the principles of green chemistry. Biorefineries not only aim to reduce environmental impact but also contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.