Issues and context

Synthetic biological macromolecules owe their development to biotechnology processes. These include techniques for using living materials to synthesize or modify molecules. They can be found in all major fields of application: agri-food, health, marine biodiversity and the environment.

Traditional biotechnologies have been used empirically since antiquity in aerobic fermentation processes (acetic fermentation for vinegar production) or anaerobic fermentation processes (alcoholic fermentation, lactic fermentation, etc.), but without understanding or controlling the processes.

Since the 1970s, new biotechnologies on an industrial scale have been developing steadily in all areas of the chemical industry. All sectors have invested considerable sums in the research, development and large-scale industrial production of new biotechnological products,...