Alfredo Aguilar

Extremophile microorganisms as cell factories: support from the European Union

Very few research topics in the area of life sciences have shown, in just one decade, such an explosion of knowledge and offered such a vast array of possibilities for biotechnological applications as extremophiles. Only 30 years ago, there was no evidence of the existence of a new kingdom of living beings around us. The first extreme thermophile, Thermus aquaticus, was described in 1969 by Brock and Freeze (1969). The discovery of a large number of new extremophile microorganisms with unique properties, particularly in the last 10 years, has been compared to the discovery, exploration, and colonization of a new continent (Aguilar 1995). Extremophilic microorganisms have extended our knowledge and understanding of fundamental questions such as the origins of life. They have added a new dimension to biodiversity and have encouraged additional efforts and interest to explore what is considered the last frontier of life. These “exotic” microorganisms find their optimal growth conditions in habitats such as hot springs, shallow submarine hydrothermal systems, or abyssal hot-vent systems where microorganisms can be found at temperatures above 100°C (hyperthermophiles). Others, the halophiles, are found in highly saline lakes or salterns. The acidophiles and alkalophiles find their natural habitats in environments with extreme pH values, either acidic (acidic sulfatara fields and acidic sulfur pyrite areas), or alkaline (freshwater alkaline hot springs, carbonate springs, alkaline soil, and soda lakes). The habitats of psychrophilic microorganisms include cold polar seas and soils and glaciers as well as deepsea sediments, which are not only permanently cold but also at high pressure. However, extremophiles are also found in more common places. Thus, Thermus aquaticus, originally isolated at Yellowstone Hot Springs, was also found to be present in laundry and domestic hot-water heaters (Brock and Boylen 1973). Usually, extremophilic microorganisms are adapted to biotopes combining several stress factors of those mentioned, which indicate the richness of biological diversity and the possibilities of life to adapt to extreme habitats and to colonize unique ecological niches. A review on the ecology and habitats of extremophiles has been recently published (Kristjánsson and Hreggvidsson 1995). The unique characteristics of extremophiles provide virtually unlimited potential for biotechnological applications.

Biotechnology as the engine for the Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy.

Abstract The European Commission has defined the Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) as the process of transforming life science knowledge into new, sustainable, eco-efficient and competitive products. The term “Bio-Economy” encompasses all industries and economic sectors that produce, manage and otherwise exploit biological resources and related services. Over the last decades biotechnologies have led to innovations in many agricultural, industrial, medical sectors and societal activities. Biotechnology will continue to be a major contributor to the Bio-Economy, playing an essential role in support of economic growth, employment, energy supply and a new generation FP7 provides the research community with funding certainty over the next few years. One of the FP7 thematic priorities is dedicated to the strengthening the European knowledge-based bio-economy bringing together science, industry and relevant stakeholders from Europe and the rest of the world. The conditions are, therefore, favourable towards the sustainable development and deployment of biotechnologies as an engine for the knowledge-based bio-economy.

Thirty years of European biotechnology programmes: from biomolecular engineering to the bioeconomy

This article traces back thirty years of biotechnology research sponsored by the European Union (EU). It outlines the crucial role played by De Nettancourt, Goffeau and Van Hoeck to promote and prepare the first European programme on biotechnology (1982–1986) run by the European Commission. Following this first biotechnology programme, others followed until the current one, part of the seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (2007–2013) (FP7). Particular attention is given to the statutory role of the European institutions in the design and orientation of the successive biotechnology programmes, compared to the more informal–yet visionary–role of key individuals upstream to any legislative decision. Examples of success stories and of the role of the biotechnology programmes in addressing societal issues and industrial competitiveness are also presented. Finally, an outline of Horizon 2020, the successor of FP7, is described, together with the role of biotechnology in building the bioeconomy.

Biotechnology and sustainability: the role of transatlantic cooperation in research and innovation

Life sciences and biotechnology are increasingly providing sustainable solutions in a wide range of areas from medicine to industry, agriculture and the environment. The United States and Europe are the two largest regions in which the revolution in life sciences and biotechnology has been taking place. Established in 1990, the EC-US Task Force on Biotechnology Research has provided a fruitful forum for the exchange of information, for the discussion of ideas and for the joint sponsoring of research activities between the US and the European Union.

Spanish strategy on bioeconomy: Towards a knowledge based sustainable innovation

Spain launched its own strategy on bioeconomy in January 2016 aiming at boosting a bioeconomy based on the sustainable and efficient production and use of biological resources. It highlights global societal challenges related with agricultural and biotechnological sciences in Spain and the great dynamism of the private sectors involved, particularly the agri-food, biotech and biomass sectors. The targeted sectors are food, agriculture and forestry, conditioned by water availability. It also includes the production of those industrial bioproducts and bioenergy obtained from the use and valorisation of wastes and residues and other non-conventional sources of biomass, in a circular economy. The strategy also puts a focus on rural and coastal development through several uses and services linked to ecosystems. The capacity to generate know-how in this area and the promotion of public and private collaboration are important pillars in order to enhance existing value chains and to create new ones. The strategy is led by R&I and Agriculture, Food and Environment policy managers and largely supported at regional level too. The strategic objective is the maintenance of the bioeconomy as an essential part of Spanish economy to contribute to the economic growth by creating new jobs and fostering investments.

Industrial platforms—a unique feature of the European Commission's biotechnology R&D programme

The European Commissions research, technological development and demonstration programmes aim to strengthen European research and technological development, and to increase the competitiveness of European industries. The creation and development of Industrial Platforms play an important role in these processes by improving the transition from research to commercial application. Industrial Platforms are technology-based industrial groupings established by industry with the aims of enabling the exploitation or dissemination of research results, encouraging academic-industrial collaborations and providing their members with a means of voicing their opinion on present and future research policies.

Perspectives on bioeconomy

The insight provided by the authors of this special issue on bioeconomy give a reassuring sign of optimism, vitality and strong will to make bioeconomy a success story. Key to these advances will be inventing and shaping our future and the cooperation of people who will create new scientific and technological discoveries, developments and their implementation into industrial practice. The vibrant global megatrend bioeconomy is developing along various dimensions depending on natural and social conditions, economic development and political objectives. As value chains from producer countries and regions to their corresponding customers are interconnected globally and bioeconomies are diverse, constructive dialogues and agreed social consensus are therefore relevant worldwide. Mapping and engineering the uncharted territories of the molecular transformations, which are key to the bioeconomy, represents a great opportunity for the molecular and engineering sciences to bring in their important contributions. The development of smart bioeconomies needs excellence in science-based concepts, long-term support of innovative and mission-oriented research and a subtle equilibrium between science push and market and social pull. On the policy front, coherent and science-based policy decisions embracing bioeconomy and being consistent with each other are needed. From a global perspective, bioeconomy topics should be included in the international and national agendas on sustainable development goals.

Preface to the special issue bioeconomy

The security of food, feed and energy supply, resource efficiency and the creation of sustainable economic value and jobs for a growing population represent interlinked global challenges demanding new approaches and paradigms. One of them is bioeconomy, which ranks very high on national and international agendas, strategies and blueprints. This special issue brings together a series of unique contributions by some of the leading experts on bioeconomy with a special focus on biotechnology as the pillar of bioeconomy. The articles cover different aspects and are structured into sections on global perspectives, regional dimensions, examples of national initiatives, examples of regional and local case studies, transnational clusters and technology platforms, intellectual property rights, bio-industry associations and new scientific and technological trends in bioeconomy. A final article discussing perspectives on bioeconomy concludes this series of publications. We hope that readers will enjoy the first comprehensive insight into bioeconomy at the global level.

An efficient agro-industrial complex in Almería (Spain): towards an integrated and sustainable bioeconomy model.

In the last ten years, bioeconomy strategies and policy-related bioeconomy initiatives have been developed all over the world. Some of them are currently in the process of translation into specific actions. In most cases, the approaches followed have been top-down policy-related initiatives, triggered by the public sector originating a dynamic which can bring together different bioeconomy stakeholders i.e. industry, academia, financial operators and farmers. This article describes a bottom-up situation with unique bioeconomy-related features that deserve specific attention. Over the last 40 years, Almería, in the south east of Spain, has developed one of the most efficient agro-industrial complexes in the world, evolving from a traditional and subsistence agriculture, to becoming the major vegetable exporter in the European Union (EU). This growth set aside issues such as sustainability, long-term perspectives on water resources or agricultural waste. However, societal concerns about a circular economy, as well as policy initiatives in the EU and in Spain on bioeconomy are changing the situation towards an integrated, efficient and sustainable bioeconomy system. Currently, the production chain demands innovations related to the use of biomass as source of bioproducts and bioenergy in order to remain competitive. Some positive aspects are the relatively small size of the agro-industrial area, making transport and communications rapid and easy, and the existence of strong and dedicated academic and financial institutions. This article outlines the current efforts and initiatives to couple the existing successful agro-industrial complex with that of a fully sustainable bioeconomy model.