Sustainable Materials and Chemicals for the Next Generation

to, and progression towards, the development of sustainable chemicals and materials. At this point, it is hypothetical, but, I will sprinkle through it highlights of our work on bioprocess synthesis of 1,3-propanediol, to suggest that this is feasible, that it is being done and that it will be commercialized. How might biotechnology interact with the chemical industry? The global economy today is a $50 trillion enterprise; biotechnology is having major impact on at least two sectors. In health care, it is revolutionizing the development of new drugs and therapies, and in agriculture it is affecting crop choices and farming practices. While these effects sometimes cause verbal and intellectual fireworks, no one can doubt that actual change is going on.