Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes: Over the last few decades, the introduction of new bio-based chemicals and enzymes have addressed the increasing need for alternative options. The further transition of various industries towards more sustainable practices has also enabled these biomolecules to become useful tools in the reduction of emissions, help in the closing of the resource loop, and provide substitutes of energy derived from fossil fuels. Biobased chemicals are defined as substances derived from a biological resource that is renewable, for instance, from plants and animal and microorganisms. These are the chemicals strategically developed in three plant-based industrial applications ranging from agriculture and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and plastics to substitute conventional petrochemical-based products. One such bio-based chemicals has very low carbon emissions as they are made using renewable materials which helps in combating global warming. Typical examples of these chemicals are bioethanol widely used in fuels and other industrial processes. Other examples include polylactic acid (PLA), is a synthetic biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polymer which is produced from fermented plant starch. These products are not only environmentally friendly but also cut the usage of irreplaceable resources. The Role of Enzymes in Bio-based Production As biological catalysts, enzymes are directed towards order-disrupting molecular adaptation processes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that have an influence on the production of bio-based chemicals. These catalysts come from living organisms and make chemical reactions easier under mild conditions, which makes them perfect for industrial use. Many sectors, including food production, textiles, detergents, and biofuels, use enzymes. Biofuel production is one of the most important ways to use enzymes. For example, cellulose enzymes break cellulose down into glucose, which then turns into bioethanol through fermentation. This process is key to change agricultural leftovers and other biomass into sustainable energy sources. The pharmaceutical industry uses enzymes to make drugs with high accuracy. This ensures fewer side products and more efficient production. Also, enzymes in detergents boost cleaning power while allowing for lower temperatures and less energy use making them cost-effective and good for the environment.Bio-based chemicals and enzymes offer several perks for the environment and economy. One main benefit is that they cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Because bio-based chemicals come from renewable sources, they have a smaller carbon footprint overall compared to traditional chemicals from fossil fuels. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions is a key advantage. Bio-based chemicals come from renewable sources so they leave a smaller carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuel-derived chemicals. Also, enzyme-based production often needs less energy lower heat, and fewer dangerous chemicals. This green approach helps cut waste too, since many bio-based products break down or can be recycled. On the money side developing bio-based chemicals and enzymes boosts rural economies by creating demand for biomass and farm products. It drives new ideas in biotech opening up fresh business chances and cutting reliance on imported oil-based chemicals. Hurdles and Future Outlook Even with their potential bio-based chemicals and enzymes struggle to ramp up production and go toe-to-toe with well-established oil-based products. The price of raw materials, like biomass, and the tricky production steps can make bio-based chemicals pricier. The production of bio-based materials continues to evolve. Industries keep looking for sustainable options, and this will lead to more money going into bio-based chemicals and enzyme technologies. This investment might make these solutions cheaper and more common. They can replace regular petrochemical products with options that are renewable and break down , which helps reduce harm to the environment. This shift will help create a greener and more sustainable world economy.

SHIVAM KUMAR

University/College name : Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar