SECRETed spoke to Dr. Paul Christakopoulos, chaired professor at the Biochemical Process Engineering Group at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden, about the importance and the obstacles of research aimed at replacing fossil-based products with eco-friendly alternatives. Dr. Christakopoulos shed light on the advantages, challenges, and societal implications of promoting bio-based products.
One of the most compelling advantages of bio-based compounds lies in their sustainability and potential to reduce environmental harm. Dr. Christakopoulos emphasized that these innovations are not merely scientific milestones but real-world solutions with tangible impacts. “The sustainability of our processes and products is very important,” he explained. “We are designing environmentally friendly processes to produce compounds with minimal ecological impact.” Products like biosurfactants—which are biodegradable and less harmful to aquatic ecosystems—offer promising replacements for synthetic surfactants used in cleaning agents and detergents. Their development showcases the methodological excellence of biotechnology. “The good thing is that what SECRETed is working on is a product that you can use as a precursor for some other products, but it’s finally a product that you can directly use in the industry,” Dr. Christakopoulos added, highlighting the versatility of these compounds. Additionally, the conversation also went into the advantage of bio-based technology for cross-sector collaboration: by leveraging expertise from various disciplines, researchers can create innovative products that address pressing environmental concerns. This interdisciplinary approach has the potential to transform industries ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals, demonstrating the wide applicability of bio-based solutions.
Despite their numerous benefits, the road to mainstream adoption of bio-based compounds is fraught with challenges, particularly economic ones. “The limitation is mainly the economics,” Dr. Christakopoulos admitted. “For sure, in the beginning, the cost of the production of this sustainable technology is higher than that of the fossil-based one.” While the maturity of the technology allows for optimisation and cost reduction, achieving price parity with traditional products remains a critical hurdle. Another challenge lies in societal acceptance and awareness. Many consumers are unaware of the presence of bio-based compounds in everyday products, which can lead to misconceptions. Dr. Christakopoulos pointed out that industries sometimes avoid highlighting the use of bio-based ingredients due to fears of misinterpretation. “Information is very important, not only at the academic level but also for the general public. One way is to use social media to explain the products and let people understand what we mean when we say something is green” he suggested.
On the other hand, policy and regulation also play a pivotal role in promoting bio-based products. “We need to support discussions at the highest levels of the European Union,” said Dr. Christakopoulos. He stressed that aligning policies with sustainability goals can encourage industries to adopt green technologies. Incentives for green innovation, coupled with stricter regulations on carbon emissions, are key to fostering a favorable environment for bio-based solutions. Nevertheless, the journey toward widespread adoption of bio-based compounds is already yielding success stories. Dr. Christakopoulos highlighted the use of enzymes in industries as a game-changer. “Big industries involved in the production of enzymes have totally changed the environment in green production by investing in more scientific research,” he noted. Similarly, advancements in CO2 capture technology—transitioning from traditional solvents to enzyme-based solutions—have significantly improved efficiency and environmental outcomes.
Looking ahead, projects like SECRETed, which focus on developing biosurfactants and siderophores, promise to make a substantial impact. The development and promotion of bio-based compounds represent a critical step toward a sustainable future. While economic and societal challenges remain, the benefits of these technologies far outweigh the obstacles. Through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supportive policies, bio-based products have the potential to revolutionise industries and significantly reduce our environmental footprint. As Dr. Christakopoulos sharply put it, “The outcomes could be used in different applications such as fertilizers, medicines, etc. I think it’s very good that it will have a real impact through not only the replacement of fossil-based compounds but also for specific applications that are related to different important fields”.
