Bioengineers have and will continue to make important contributions to sustainability, resilience and climate adaptation. For example, bioengineers are using AI/ML to understand how plants resist stresses aggravated by climate change such as drought, flood, and diseases. Bioengineers also use the tools of systems and synthetic biology to develop more sustainable methods of manufacturing and processing natural fibers for consumer and industrial products, and sustainable food production. Examples of synthetic biology companies active in sustainability with direct links to UCB BioE include Bolt Threads (synthetic biology manufacturing of textiles and mycellium), Prime Roots (sustainable meat alternatives through synthetic biology), Zest Bio (biological process to upgrade agricultural wastes into specialty chemicals) and Huue Bio (sustainable indigo dye derived by synthetic biology). Finally, bioengineers are working on developing more sustainable and recyclable materials for use in consumer packaging and in healthcare delivery.
