Overview

In the early design phase of our project, we increasingly realized the need to understand the public’s concerns about microplastics in cosmetics and their expectations for sustainable alternatives. Our project focuses on the microbial production of biodegradable PHA microbeads.To validate the public’s demand for such eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients and capture their ideas on performance, safety, and sustainability, we conducted an online survey open to all members of the public. Ultimately, we collected 443 survey responses. Here is our questionnaire details and design logic.

Investigation & Reflection:

• Effects of Marine Pollution

Figure 3 Public Perceptions of Marine Pollution Impacts

In a survey on public perceptions of marine pollution impacts (multiple-choice question), only a small minority (7.9%) chose "no impact," while most respondents felt that marine pollution affects them through daily life, diet, and consumption. Additionally, 53.72% reported increased preference for sustainable consumption and eco-friendly products, reflecting a deep public perception of ocean pollution and potential demand for environmentally friendly products. This provides market support for the environmental value of the project, and this makes us realize that when promoting our project and doing education activities,the association between "PHA microbeads can naturally degrade and reduce the entry of cosmetic microplastics into the ocean" can be strengthened. Through cases such as the harm of traditional microbeads to marine organisms, the environmental benefits can be concretized, stimulating consumers' recognition of our PHA alternative solutions and promoting the implementation of technology.

• Understanding of Microplastics in Cosmetics

Figure 4 Public Understanding of Cosmetics Microplastics

Nearly 70% of the respondents have insufficient knowledge (completely unknown or only heard of) about microplastics in cosmetics, indicating a cognitive gap in the market. These findings reveal a critical need to first bridge this knowledge gap. We will therefore build public acceptance for our project through targeted science communication that explains what cosmetic microplastics are, highlights the advantages of PHA microbeads as a sustainable alternative, and demonstrates how their adjustable particle size meets diverse product needs.

• Factors Influencing Cosmetic Purchases

Figure 5 Factors Influencing Cosmetic Purchases

Surveys reveal that 82.84% of consumers prioritize ingredient safety. To mitigate concerns, first, following advice from SGS expert Ms. Peng, we’ll validate the safety of PHA microbeads through third - party tests like ISO 14855 and ASTM D6400, and emphasize these test results in product promotions. Second, we’ll showcase the safe experimental processes in educational activities to boost public trust, leveraging the public’s awareness of microplastic hazards to position PHA microbeads as an eco - friendly and safe alternative.

• Willingness to accept PHA microbeads

Figure 6 Public Willingness to accept PHA microbeads

Surveys show over 80% of respondents are open to choosing PHA microbeads (including "very willing to support", "willing to try if effective", and "willing to buy at reasonable prices"). Meanwhile, 16.63% care about price rationality, and 14.01% prioritize brand and ingredient safety. Core concerns focus on effectiveness and cost, proving significant market potential but also highlighting the need to balance eco - attributes, product performance, and costs.

To address this, we take two methods to improve:

(1) Enhance Product Value: Following Dr. Li Shiyuan’s advice, optimize PHA microbead particle - size control (e.g., via spider silk protein modification) and expand functions (e.g., adding antioxidants) to boost competitiveness, meeting demands for both performance and safety.

(2) Balance Scale and Customization: Learn from Jiaolanjiaren Group’s feedback during visits—first develop small - batch customized products, then gradually scale up production. This balances cost - efficiency (for consumers) and market adaptability (for business), turning eco - friendly advantages into market - winning strengths.

In short, by aligning technical innovation (performance, safety) with market - driven production (cost, customization), PHA microbeads can capture market share while advancing green consumption.

• Public preference for beauty products

Figure 7 Public preference for beauty products

Cleaning products (80.36%), sunscreen products (66.59%), and skincare products (64.79%) are the key focus categories. This clarifies the priority application scenarios for PHA microbeads, and the project can develop targeted adapted products: prioritizing the development of coarse-grained PHA microbeads for cleaning products, medium particle size for sunscreen carriers to enhance dispersibility, and fine particle size for skincare products to enhance skin feel. By focusing on high-frequency demand categories, technology landing and market validation can be accelerated.

• Channels for Obtaining Beauty Product Information

Figure 8 Channels for Obtaining Beauty Product Information

Social media (67.27%), friend recommendations (54.85%), and brand promotion (47.18%) stand out as the main channels guiding audience awareness. Given these findings, our team has rolled out targeted promotion efforts tailored to our capabilities:​

First, ramping up social media presence – we’ve prioritized popular platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin that align with youth preferences. On Xiaohongshu, we’ve already published posts about synthetic biology and our project (PHA) to educate the basics of our core technology, using easy-to-understand language and illustrations to break down particle size adjustment principles.

Second, expanding influence through team exchanges – we’ve actively connected with other teams participating , such as those from nearby schools and fellow iGEM participants. In these interactions, we shared our project’s technical highlights like PHA microbead characteristics and testing experiences, while also learning about their promotion methods and audience engagement strategies. These exchanges have not only helped spread our project within the student community but also provided practical insights to optimize how we share technical information with our target audience.

Conclusion &Implementation

From this investigation, several conclusions can be drawn based on the public survey results:

(1) Public concern about marine pollution is significant, driving shifts in dietary habits and sustainable consumption. This growing awareness creates a strong foundation for introducing eco-friendly alternatives like PHA microbeads.

(2) Despite heightened environmental consciousness, most consumers remain poorly informed about microplastics in cosmetics. To bridge this gap, we will prioritize educational campaigns to highlight the risks of microplastics and the advantages of biodegradable substitutes.

(3) While cosmetic safety is a top priority for buyers, environmental impact ranks lower in their considerations. Our solution addresses both concerns by offering PHA microbeads—safe, effective, and ocean-friendly—to align with evolving consumer expectations.

(4) Market receptivity to PHA microbeads is high, but cost and performance are key deciding factors. By refining production efficiency and emphasizing third-party safety certifications, we aim to deliver a competitive and accessible product.

(5) The "adjustable particle size" feature resonates strongly, especially in skincare and sun care. Leveraging this technology allows us to tailor products for diverse applications, meeting specific consumer demands while minimizing waste.

(6) Social media and peer recommendations dominate as trusted information sources. To amplify outreach, we will collaborate with influencers and simplify scientific content into engaging formats for platforms like Xiaohongshu and Bilibili.

(7) The survey underscores widespread support for marine conservation, mirroring our mission to reduce microplastic pollution. Through innovation and education, we aim to turn this sentiment into actionable change, advancing global sustainability goals.

Based on public survey findings, we subsequently employed expert interviews and corporate visits to strategically align stakeholder resources with core issues.: ① For "82.84% of the public concerned about ingredient safety," we engaged Professor Peng from SGS (testing agency) to obtain safety testing standards; ② For "16.63% of the public concerned about price," we partnered with Jiaolanjiaren Group (cosmetics enterprise) to explore mass production cost optimization pathways; ③ Addressing the ‘gap in PHA particle size control technology’: Dr. Li Shiyuan (synthetic biology expert) was selected for technical guidance; ④ Addressing the ‘ambiguity in project sustainability positioning’: Professor Zhang Yifan (SDG expert) was selected to align with global sustainability frameworks. Through interviews and site visits, survey questions were transformed into actionable solutions.

Figure 9 Interview with Dr. Li Shiyuan

Overview

To gain deeper insights into the development and application of biodegradable microplastics, our team invited Dr. Li Shiyuan, a leading expert in synthetic biology and biopolymer materials, for an in-depth discussion. Dr. Li shared cutting-edge perspectives on genetic engineering strategies for microbial synthesis, process optimization for large-scale production, and key challenges in achieving cost efficiency while ensuring product performance.This conversation provided valuable inspiration for our project, reinforcing the importance of combining biotechnology with environmental innovation. It also highlighted practical approaches to balancing degradation efficiency, material stability, and regulatory compliance—guiding us toward a more feasible and scalable solution.

Intercommunication

This interview focused on the technical feasibility, industrialization challenges, and promotion strategies of PHA microbeads. Dr. Shiyuan Li, drawing on his extensive experience in the PHA industry, provided an in-depth analysis of the current technical difficulties in replacing traditional plastic microbeads with PHA microbeads, including particle size stability control, material performance optimization, and degradation process management.

Regarding particle size regulation, Dr. Li acknowledged the innovative approach of using spider silk protein fusion expression and suggested experimental validation with different protein types and fragment lengths to improve heterologous protein solubility and expression efficiency.

On biosafety and promotion, Dr. Li pointed out that the risk is relatively low in non-food applications such as cosmetics, with strict domestic regulations in place. Key processes such as endotoxin removal ensure product safety. He recommended transparent and scientific public education combined with rigorous approval procedures to enhance public trust and support market acceptance of PHA microbeads.

In terms of industrialization, Dr. Li advised actively collaborating with end customers to understand their performance and pricing requirements, thereby guiding product development and production optimization. Scaling up production and technological improvements can achieve cost reduction and efficiency gains.

Reflection&Implementation

Overall, through this interview with Dr. Li, we have learned that although our products face many challenges, we began to pay attention to the safety risks of using Escherichia coli, customer demands, methods for cost reduction.

When using Escherichia coli for production, we will strictly screen for high-efficiency and stable strains, and enhance target product expression through genetic engineering or fermentation optimization. Following Dr. Li's recommendations, we will employ chromatographic purification, ultrafiltration, or chemical treatment methods to effectively remove endotoxins and ensure the biocompatibility of the final product.

We will conduct in-depth research into customer requirements regarding product purity, dosage forms, and cost through surveys, one-on-one interviews, or product trials. Based on the feedback, our technical team will prioritize optimizing fermentation processes or downstream purification steps. At the same time, we will establish a dynamic feedback mechanism to ensure that each technical iteration precisely aligns with market demands, shortening the product upgrade cycle.

After identifying the sources of high costs, we will solve the problem at the production part. If we want to carry out large-scale production, we will look for places with cheaper sugar, oil, and more energy to reduce costs. Furthermore we can look for opportunities for PHa to enter different markets and incorporate it into different products. We can obtain production resources by using the established production line and building our own factories, which greatly enhances the potential of the products in all aspects.

Conclusion

Dr. Li Shiyuan's insights highlight PHA microbeads' potential as a sustainable alternative despite cost and technical challenges. By merging biotech innovation with industrial scaling, PHA can transition from niche applications to mainstream biodegradable solutions, balancing ecological benefits with economic viability in the post-plastics era.

Figure 10 Interview with Dr. Li Kunpeng

Overview

In our previous interview with Dr. Li Shiyuan, the expert explicitly stated that ‘PHA microbeads must meet cosmetic companies’ formulation standards, cost expectations, and regulatory requirements; otherwise, the technology cannot be implemented.‘ This insight made us realize that our initial focus solely on technical feasibility lacked understanding of the industry's actual needs. To address this, we interviewed Dr. Li Kunpeng, Head of the R&D Center at Zhuhai Zhongyan Cosmetics Co., Ltd.

The core objectives of this interview were: ① To validate the compatibility of PHA microbeads with cosmetic formulations (e.g., whether they affect product stability or skin feel), addressing the consumer demand for "effective results" identified in earlier surveys; ② To understand the market access process for new cosmetic materials, clarifying the direction for subsequent safety testing; ③ Investigate companies' cost acceptance range for PHA microbeads (e.g., price gap compared to existing cellulose alternatives) to provide industry-based insights for future cost optimization. Following the interview, we established a preliminary commercialization pathway of "first customizing small-batch cleansing products," bridging the gap between technology and market readiness identified earlier.

Intercommunication

During the interview, we explored the regulatory landscape for introducing PHA microbeads into the cosmetics market. Dr. Li stressed the need for a rigorous evaluation process and registration with regulatory authorities. The inspection period, typically two years, may vary depending on the type and quantity of microbeads used.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of compatibility and safety assessments to ensure PHA microbeads can be safely incorporated into cosmetic formulations. Dr. Li suggested that capitalizing on the unique shapes of PHA microbeads could serve as a strategic differentiator in the market.

This exchange underscored the necessity of a thorough and strategic approach to the development and application of PHA microbeads. Regulatory compliance, product safety, and market differentiation are key factors that will determine their success in the cosmetics industry. Our future efforts will be guided by these insights to meet both regulatory standards and consumer expectations effectively.

Reflection & Implementation

Through this interview, we identified two main challenges:

1. Cost Reduction: We must find ways to lower the production cost of PHA, as the current price gap between PHA and cellulose is significant. Exploring cheaper equipment or more efficient production methods will be a priority.

2. Marketing Strategy: Cellulose-based cosmetics are easier to market due to their plant-based, eco-friendly image. In contrast, PHA's raw material (E. coli) may raise concerns among consumers. Therefore, we must clearly communicate the distinction between harmful E. coli and the safe, clean strain used in our production to build consumer trust.

To address these two challenges, we subsequently visited the cosmetics company - Jiaolanjiaren Group to seek their insights on our project's cost reduction and marketing strategies. Additionally, in response to consumers' safety concerns, we also interviewed the head of the SGS testing agency to further explore how to ensure consumer confidence in the product.

Conclusion

The interview with Dr. Li Kunpeng provided invaluable insights into the commercial feasibility and industrial application of PHA microbeads in the cosmetics industry. Dr. Li helped refine our direction from both scientific and business perspectives. Moving forward, we will focus on addressing the high production costs, safety concern and developing an effective marketing strategy to promote our product.

Figure 11 Interview with Prof. Peng Xinglei

Inspiration

Preliminary public surveys indicate that 2.14% of consumers express explicit concerns about the safety of PHA microbeads. Additionally, in a previous interview, Dr. Li Kunpeng emphasized that the raw material of PHA (E. coli) might raise concerns among consumers, reminding us to focus on building consumer trust. However, we have yet to clarify "how to demonstrate safety through authoritative testing standards" and remain uncertain about differences in testing protocols for bio-based cosmetic materials between domestic and international markets. To address this, we interviewed Professor Peng (Marketing Manager) from SGS China's Guangzhou branch, who possesses expertise in cosmetic testing and commercialization. The core objectives of this interview are: ① To clarify the international testing standards that PHA microbeads must meet, verifying the testing pathways for their biodegradability and safety; ② To understand potential safety risks of bio-based materials in cosmetic applications and supplement safety control points not covered in initial technical designs; ③ To investigate government policy support for bio-based cosmetic materials to reduce barriers for subsequent compliant commercialization.

Intercommunication

During this interview, Ms.Peng discussed three main ideas with our iGEM group.

First, we talked about the global detecting standard and process of new-come cosmetics. There are many ways to test the solubleness of the product. Usually, the testing company will check the factories' certifications, such as the ISO14855(Europe) or ASTMD6400(USA). Then the raw material will be traced to check its primary solubleness. This whole process usually take three months. And if both these conditions have been met, the solubleness can be basically proved. In most of the situation, companies and factories are applying the foreign standard because of the acceptibility, but they are also harder to be attain than domestic standards.

Second, Ms.Peng explained the safety risks of new bio-based materials. According to the SGS's detecting department, microbial metabolic residues (such as toxoids) may cause inflammation and other negative body reaction. In the aspect of material and common engineering, the bio-based materials' risk can be controlled. But in the aspect of the cosemtics, the risk still need to be checked since the cosemtic product is directly used on human's body. So there are more safety problems our team should consider.

Third, Ms.Peng introduced the present government policy to new bio-based material products. In some part of China, the government is sponsoring this new industry, but in most of province, there is a lack of supporting. Furthermore, there is also a lack of production and market standard, so companies are usually abiding the global rules. To ensure the safety of our product, we should cooperate with other universites and factories to improve our skills.

In conclusion, this interview point the direction of our future safety problems and help us understand the recent policy.

Reflection & Implementation

Expert Peng underscored that safety must be the foremost consideration in PHA development, aligning with government priorities. To demonstrate safety compliance, she recommended utilizing third-party certifications from authoritative institutions like SGS to evaluate multiple aspects including raw materials, production processes, and final product biocompatibility. This comprehensive approach helps establish credible safety documentation for market entry.

Regarding downstream adoption, manufacturers universally prioritize safety, though their commitment to sustainability varies significantly between superficial compliance and genuine quality-driven implementation. Our team is specifically targeting the latter group of quality-focused enterprises. Globally, governments are strongly supporting bio-based materials development, particularly in Western markets where sustainability credentials command premium value. These insights inform our strategy for developing competitive, safety-compliant PHA solutions within this evolving regulatory and commercial landscape.

Conclusion

Based on the consultation with Prof. Peng Xinglei, we have established a clear and actionable safety verification pathway for our PHA microbeads. This interview provided critical guidance on international biodegradability standards, highlighted specific safety risks like microbial metabolic residues, and clarified the regulatory landscape for bio-based materials. As a direct result, we will prioritize obtaining authoritative third-party certifications to comprehensively validate product safety from raw materials to final biocompatibility. This strategy not only addresses consumer concerns and builds essential trust but also ensures our project aligns with global regulatory expectations, laying a solid foundation for responsible and successful market entry.

Purpose

At the South China Exchange Conference, our objective was to share our microplastic solution and to receive feedback and suggestions from other iGEM teams regarding our project, as well as to learn about unique ideas from different iGEM projects and to find new inspirations for our own project.

Figure 12-13 Attend South China Exchange Conference

Gains and Implementation

After our team introduced our project, we received valuable feedback from other iGEM teams, which deepened our understanding of key technical and safety concerns:

1. Chassis Organism Selection

Some teams questioned why we chose E. coli over yeast for PHA production. This feedback made us realize that while our rationale (higher PHA gene expression efficiency, ease of genetic modification, and cost-effectiveness) is scientifically sound, we should better communicate these advantages in public outreach to avoid misconceptions about microbial safety.

2. Safety of PHA Synthesis

Participants raised concerns about potential toxicity from bio-based vs. chemically synthesized PHA. Although we clarified that PHA is inherently low-risk (supported by cytotoxicity and skin-contact tests), the discussion highlighted the need for stronger public education on biodegradability and safety validation methods .

3. Metabolic Burden of Genetic Modifications

The question about phaAB genes increasing E. coli’s metabolic load revealed a knowledge gap among non-specialists. While we explained the recyclability of PHA precursors, this interaction underscored the importance of simplifying synthetic biology concepts for broader audiences.

Implementation Based on Feedback

To address these insights, we refined our project’s communication and safety strategies:

1. Enhanced Public Education
• We will emphasize E. coli’s advantages (e.g., genetic stability, scalability) in social media content and workshops, comparing it to alternative hosts like yeast.
• To demystify PHA safety, we’ll create infographics explaining biodegradability and lab-testing protocols, linking them to real-world applications like cosmetics.
2. Strengthened Safety Messaging
• Given concerns about GM organisms, we will highlight our strain’s non-pathogenicity in all promotional materials.
• We plan to collaborate with third-party labs to publish toxicity data, reinforcing consumer trust.
3. Simplified Technical Narratives
• For general audiences, we’ll replace jargon like "metabolic burden" with analogies (e.g., "efficient recycling system in cells") during school outreach programs.

By proactively addressing these questions, we aim to bridge the gap between synthetic biology innovation and public acceptance, ensuring our project’s environmental and social impact is fully realized.

Conclusion

We recognized that increased participation in academic conferences offers significant benefits for our projects. Not only do these events facilitate valuable academic exchanges, but they also provide platforms for teams to share project information, gather feedback, and reflect on our progress. These interactions represent excellent opportunities for project improvement.

Given these advantages, we have decided to actively engage in such exchange conferences going forward. As an initial step, we attended the IGBA Synthetic Biology Forum in July to connect with relevant companies and iGEMers.

On July 15th and July 16th, we attended two days of iGBA activities, our goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how synthetic biology research translates into practical applications, explore government policies supporting technological innovation and industrialization, and examine how biotech companies operate and manage their businesses. In addition, this activity can also interact with other iGEM teams, which is very helpful to improve and promote our project.

On the first day of the event, we visited Shenzhen’s major synthetic biology research infrastructure, experiencing highly automated and modular biosynthesis systems. This gave us a profound appreciation of how cutting-edge technologies enhance experimental efficiency and precision. Later, at the Guangming Project Biological Industry Innovation Center, we learned how the park facilitates enterprise clustering and promotes collaborative innovation by providing strong R&D platforms.

Figure 14 -15 Visit Biological Industry Innovation Center

In the afternoon, at Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, we witnessed a complete ecosystem from research to industry. Their "central-layer innovation model" fosters cross-laboratory collaboration and offers startups comprehensive support in research, capital, and policies. This visit helped us truly understand the full process of translating synthetic biology from theory to practice and inspired our future research direction and entrepreneurial thinking.

Figure 16- 17 Visit Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology

During the second day，we went to Southern University of Science and Technology to participate in the "iGEMer Future Planning" roundtable meeting. The purpose was to seek expert advice on project development strategies, enhance our team’s capabilities in project execution, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social impact, and to exchange insights with other university iGEM teams. For example, during the roundtable, experts offered practical guidance on team structure, dry and wet lab cooperation, and Human Practice strategies, emphasizing the critical role of interdisciplinary integration and team communication in iGEM projects. We realized that Human Practice goes beyond social feedback to deeply understanding the long-term impact of projects on the environment, and industry development. Experts also highlighted that iGEM is not just a research competition but a platform for scientific translation, entrepreneurial spirit, and international exchange.

Figure 18-19 Visit Southern University of Science and Technology

Conclusion

Based on our participation in the iGBA Synthetic Biology Industry-Academia Forum, we gained invaluable insights into the complete pathway from laboratory research to real-world application. Through visits to advanced research facilities and innovation centers, we witnessed firsthand how automated systems and collaborative ecosystems accelerate synthetic biology translation. The forum's roundtable discussions further enlightened us that successful iGEM projects require not only technical excellence but also strategic team coordination and deeply integrated Human Practices. Most significantly, we came to understand that iGEM serves as a vital platform for cultivating entrepreneurial mindset and assessing projects' long-term industry impact. These experiences have fundamentally shaped our approach to project development, emphasizing the importance of building bridges between scientific innovation and practical implementation.

Through a series of expert interviews and field visits conducted earlier, we have realized that for the project to be successfully implemented, there are many considerations to keep in mind, including cost control, commercialization pathways, compliance reviews, and more. Therefore, engaging in in-depth communication with relevant enterprises will help us optimize our project based on their experiences and suggestions. On July 18th, our team visited the Jiaolanjiaren Group research institute located in Guangzhou. As a leading cosmetics company in China, Jialanjiaoren has established advanced R&D facilities in collaboration with universities, focusing on product safety, efficacy, and innovation in skincare.

The First Session: Visiting the Labs

During the tour, we firstly explored their labs where numerous cosmetic projects are under development. We visited the material culture laboratory, observed various experimental environments, and participated in the production of cosmetics in the formula workshop.This visit has further deepened our understanding of the cosmetics production process and process, and provided us with a deeper understanding of how scientific research supports the development of safe and effective cosmetic products.

Figure 20-21 Visit Jiaolanjiaren Group

The Second Session: Discussion with Experts

After the visit, we interacted with two product engineers. Through our interview with Jiaolanjiaren Group, we confirmed the strong demand for microplastic alternatives in the cosmetics industry amid sustainability trends and identified key factors for new material adoption. The discussion revealed real market pain points, including regulatory pressure, consumer experience expectations, and brand concerns over quality, cost, and compliance.

Figure 22-23 Interview with product engineers

Intercommunication

The expert team provided professional recommendations for our PHA-based microplastic alternative project, primarily focusing on three aspects: technical optimization, commercialization pathways, and market access.

Regarding technical optimization, the experts highlighted the need to improve the particle size, hardness, and stability of PHA materials to meet the requirements of cosmetic applications (e.g., exfoliating products) for abrasiveness, insolubility, and user experience. They suggested enhancing performance through process adjustments or composite formulations.

For commercialization, the experts recommended adopting a "narrow-to-broad" market entry strategy—first targeting high-end eco-friendly personal care markets with lower cost sensitivity before expanding into mass-market daily chemical products—to reduce market risks.

Additionally, the experts emphasized the importance of simultaneously enhancing product competitiveness, including optimizing production costs, batch stability, and exploring PHA’s added functionalities (e.g., controlled release of active ingredients) to strengthen premium pricing potential.

On market access, they advised completing necessary biosafety tests (e.g., skin irritation, long-term stability) in advance to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in key markets such as the EU. Furthermore, to address concerns in some markets about genetically modified technology, transparent communication (e.g., clear labeling, public education) was recommended to mitigate potential resistance.

Reflection & Implementation

To ensure the successful commercialization of our PHA-based microplastic alternative, we will adopt a multi-pronged strategy focusing on product enhancement, cost optimization, and phased market entry:

Functional Expansion & Value Addition

• Augment PHA microbeads' core functionality by integrating antioxidants, moisturizing agents, and skin-repair actives to create multifunctional formulations (e.g., exfoliation + hydration).
• Explore secondary applications (e.g., emulsifiers/thickeners) to broaden market potential beyond scrubs.

Quality & Performance Optimization:

• Prioritize uniform particle size distribution and batch-to-batch consistency through rigorous process control.
• Ensure long-term stability (2–3 years) in formulations while maintaining insolubility during use.
• Minimize impurities to meet cosmetic-grade safety standards.

Cost-Effective Production & Pricing Strategy

• Implement small-batch pilot production to refine techniques before scaling, reducing initial costs.
• Target competitive pricing by optimizing microbial fermentation yields and downstream processing.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance

• Conduct full-spectrum safety testing (cytotoxicity, skin irritation, stability) and assess degradation byproduct risks.
• Avoid "E. coli" terminology in marketing, using "microbial fermentation" or branded strain names to align with consumer preferences.

Phased Commercialization

• Stage 1: Introduce finished PHA-enhanced products (e.g., premium exfoliators) to niche eco-conscious markets.
• Stage 2: License technology to manufacturers once demand scales, reducing their adoption barriers.

By combining technical refinement with strategic market positioning, we aim to deliver a high-performance, sustainable alternative that meets both industry needs and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

This interview was highly insightful for our team. It not only enhanced our understanding of the product's core advantages—such as its environmental benefits and innovative nature—and affirmed our project's value, but also yielded practical recommendations for optimization, including exploring alternative protein tests and cost-reduction strategies. Beyond these immediate benefits, the discussion highlighted the project's broader significance: it contributes to society by offering a green and executable solution for the entire cosmetics industry, thereby helping to transition synthetic biology from a laboratory concept to a commercially viable force in the market. This has significantly boosted the product's profile and market potential.

Figure 24 Interview with Prof. Zhang Yifan

Inspiration

Preliminary public surveys indicate that 53.72% of consumers prioritize sustainable consumption. However, we can only broadly mention that ‘PHA microbeads reduce microplastic pollution’ without clearly defining the project's specific positioning within the UN SDG framework. Additionally, Dr. Li Shiyuan and Dr. Li Kunpeng separately highlighted that "scaling up requires policy support" and "sustainability must balance cost considerations," yet we lack a systematic approach for "translating environmental benefits into policy advantages and commercial value." To address this, we invited Professor Zhang Yifan, Director of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center, for an interview.

The core objectives of this interview were: ① To clarify the core SDG targets for the PHA microbead project, establishing the project's connection to the global sustainability framework; ② To learn methods for quantifying environmental benefit, providing data support for subsequent policy applications; ③ Explore pathways to balance sustainability and commercial viability, resolving the initial tension between environmental attributes and cost control.

Intercommunication

During the interview, Professor Zhang highlighted our project’s dual potential: reducing microplastic pollution and contributing to carbon neutrality through biodegradable alternatives. He stressed the importance of lifecycle assessments to quantify PHA’s carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics, a critical step for securing policy incentives. The discussion also delved into balancing sustainability with commercial viability, where tools like Cambridge’s SVAT framework were recommended to optimize value distribution among stakeholders—from suppliers to end-users. Notably, the expert advised focusing on core objectives (e.g., production innovation) while leveraging platforms like Xiaohongshu to educate female consumers, a key demographic for cosmetics, on PHA’s environmental benefits.

Reflection &Implementation

The interview reshaped our approach to sustainability integration. We prioritized three actions: (1) Initiating lifecycle assessments study to benchmark PHA’s carbon reduction potential, ensuring alignment with China’s carbon neutralitypolicies; (2) Streamlining stakeholder collaboration by designing incentive models to close the loop on plastic waste; and (3) Narrowing our SDG focus to SDG 12(Responsible Production and Consumption) as the primary driver, directly linking our PHA microbeads to sustainable consumption patterns and cleaner production technologies, while maintaining SDG 14 (Life Below Water) as a key secondary focus through our commitment to reducing marine microplastic pollution. To address SME adoption barriers, we will adopt Professor Zhang’s "shared-value" proposal, piloting small-batch production with cosmetic partners to demonstrate ROI. These steps not only strengthened our project’s sustainability credentials but also provided a roadmap for policy engagement and market penetration.

Impact

By anchoring PHA microbeads within the SDG framework, we transformed our narrative from a technical solution to a holistic sustainability initiative. The expert’s insights enabled us to draft a targeted advocacy campaign, combining social media outreach with industry workshops to align producers and regulators. This alignment was critical in positioning our project as both an environmental and economic opportunity, echoing the expert’s mantra: "Sustainability thrives when ecology and profitability co-evolve.