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Advances in Biotechnology in the Circular Economy: A Path to the Sustainable Use of Resources

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  • Pedro Carmona Marques

    (RCM2+, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
    DEM-ISEL, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro 1, 1959-007 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Pedro C. B. Fernandes

    (BioRG-Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-019 Lisbon, Portugal
    iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
    Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Pedro Sampaio

    (BioRG-Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-019 Lisbon, Portugal
    COPELABS—Computação e Cognição Centrada nas Pessoas, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-019 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Joaquim Silva

    (BioRG-Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-019 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of biotechnologies in supporting the circular economy in various productive sectors. It highlights innovative approaches that contribute to sustainability, resource regeneration, waste recovery, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The text brings together relevant examples of biotechnological applications aimed at the production of bioplastics, bioenergy, bioproducts, and bioremediation solutions, among others of interest. In addition, it highlights the potential of using agro-industrial waste as raw material in biotechnological processes, promoting more efficient production chains with less environmental impact. The methodology was based on a comprehensive review of recent advances in industrial biotechnology. The main results reveal successful applications in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from food waste, in the microbial bioleaching of metals from electronic waste, and in the bioconversion of agricultural byproducts into functional materials, among others. The article also discusses the regulatory and social factors that influence the integration of these solutions into circular value chains. It concludes that biotechnology is a key element for the circular bioeconomy, offering scalable and environmentally efficient alternatives to conventional linear models, although its large-scale adoption depends on overcoming technological and market challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Carmona Marques & Pedro C. B. Fernandes & Pedro Sampaio & Joaquim Silva, 2025. "Advances in Biotechnology in the Circular Economy: A Path to the Sustainable Use of Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-31, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6391-:d:1700185
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    References listed on IDEAS

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