Project Background and Significance
Energy, resource, and environmental issues are of paramount importance to countries worldwide. As economic and social development progresses, there is a growing emphasis on the protection and utilization of ecological environments and natural resources. Utilizing biotechnology to produce bioenergy and chemicals can help replace fossil resources, reduce carbon emissions, decrease smog formation, promote the use of biological resources, and integrate with waste reduction and harmless treatment. This enables the efficient production of clean, renewable bioenergy and the protective use of resources, maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Therefore, governments both domestically and internationally place great importance on the efficient utilization of renewable biomass resources.
Agriculture is one of Thailand's three pillar industries, and Thailand is also internationally recognized for its rich biodiversity. Consequently, Thailand's national strategic development focuses on developing a bioeconomy, circular economy, and green economy, with particular emphasis on achieving high-value utilization of renewable agricultural resources through biorefining. Thailand's rich microbial diversity further provides a strong foundation for the development and utilization of these microbial resources to achieve efficient use of biological resources.
Biorefining involves using agricultural waste, plant-based starch, and other bio-based materials to produce fuels, chemicals, and bio-based materials. This process is increasingly recognized both domestically and internationally. Producing liquid fuels and chemicals from straw biomass through biorefining is a crucial alternative to petroleum resources. It does not result in a net increase in atmospheric CO2, thus contributing to carbon reduction and mitigating greenhouse gas-induced climate warming. It also has positive environmental and ecological effects. Therefore, the efficient conversion of lignocellulosic resources is essential for economic and social sustainable development.
Moreover, problematic grains such as expired or moldy grains and starch-based agricultural processing waste are also excellent materials for biorefining. Transforming waste into valuable products increases the utilization value of raw materials and promotes the development of a circular economy.
Project Objectives
Leveraging the resources of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Kasetsart University, and the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University aim to apply their knowledge to practical challenges. By conducting surveys on the biotransformation and utilization of agricultural and forestry waste, the students will identify key issues related to sustainable development. Under the guidance of their instructors, they will optimize and innovate new biotransformation technologies for agricultural waste. The project seeks to provide intelligent solutions for the conversion of local agricultural and forestry waste and for ecological environment construction, thereby enhancing the international influence of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The project also aims to instill in young students a sense of responsibility towards the "community with a shared future for mankind" and a commitment to their country, while broadening their international perspectives. Additionally, during the project, students will gain an understanding of local conditions, integrate into diverse cultures, and assess the current state of bioutilization and conversion technologies for agricultural and forestry waste in Thailand. They will also propose goals and prospects for further development.