Introduction
The 17 goals of United Nations[1] have been the main objectives that every nation works on. The goals cover the aspects of economics, politics, environment and social welfare.
Our project, improving productivity of butyl butyrate by modifying bacteria Clostridium tyrobutyricum, respond to call of the United Nations, aims at goal 7,goal 9 and goal 12.
Figure1 17 Sustainable Development Goals
（https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment）
Goal 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
First, energy markets began to tighten in 2021 due to a number of factors, including a soaring economic rebound after the epidemic. Natural gas prices, electricity prices in some markets are at record highs, and oil prices have reached their highest levels since 2008[4].New environmentally friendly and economical energy sources have become the new direction.
Butyl butyrate has low viscosity and low carbon emission, making it an ideal new biofuel. Especially, Butyl butyrate has flash point of 49.4 ℃,fire point 53 ℃, while fire point of gasoline can reach 427 ℃, is a potential and reliable aviation fuel.[2]
Secondly, the fermentation of butyl butyrate using microbial fermentation also reduces the high pollution of chemical synthesis method and other methods.
Finally, the current price of butyl butyrate is 145 Yuan/kg, which is high. We can utilize cheap substrates such as cellulose to produce butyric acid and butanol, the synthetic precursor of butyl butyrate, by using Clostridium tyrobutyricum, and enhance the production of butyl butyrate, which can effectively reduce the price of butyl butyrate and make it affordable biofuel.
Butyl butyrate has low viscosity and low carbon emission, making it an ideal new biofuel. Especially, Butyl butyrate has flash point of 49.4 ℃,fire point 53 ℃, while fire point of gasoline can reach 427 ℃, is a potential and reliable aviation fuel.[2]
Secondly, the fermentation of butyl butyrate using microbial fermentation also reduces the high pollution of chemical synthesis method and other methods.
Finally, the current price of butyl butyrate is 145 Yuan/kg, which is high. We can utilize cheap substrates such as cellulose to produce butyric acid and butanol, the synthetic precursor of butyl butyrate, by using Clostridium tyrobutyricum, and enhance the production of butyl butyrate, which can effectively reduce the price of butyl butyrate and make it affordable biofuel.
7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Due to energy shortages, environmental pollution and other reasons, the demand for renewable energy is gradually rising. Many countries and regions, including the United States,India[4],China[5], have provided financial or policy support for the development of biofuels. However, the current popularity of bioenergy is still not high in terms of type and range of use. Therefore, vigorously developing and promoting biofuels is future trends.To this end, we are committed to the development of a new type of bioenergy - butyl butyrate, which not only has low carbon emissions, but also uses the method of biological fermentation, which can use shrimp and crab shells, straw and other wastes as raw materials to produce, which is a very valuable clean energy.
In addition, in order to let more people understand and support the use of renewable and clean energy, we raise people's awareness through various publicity activities.
For more information, see "The practice and promotion of the project".
7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
Butyl butyrate is of low carbon emission nature, improve the generation efficiency and reduce the production cost of butyl butyrate, provide an additional choice for clean energy, and help to promote the low-carbon transition in industrial energy use, and integrate the energy use structure of traditional and new fuels.[3]Goal 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.
Our team has been seeking possible appliance in different fields, including aero-fuel，industrial production, electricity generating and agriculture. As new biofuel, butal butyrate can minimize pollution and guarantee clean procedure.Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
China, the representative of developing countries, has contributed to the research of renewable biofuel. Our project follow the trend of development of fuel, taking action to fulfill the goal of improving production capabilities.12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
C.tyrobutyricum has a natural butyrate synthesis pathway, and if the butanol synthesis pathway is added so that butyl butyrate can be produced right in the fermenter.And Clostridium tyrobutyricum can use wastes such as shrimp and crab shells, straw and other wastes or non-food crops as substrates，then going from waste to butyl butyrate is an efficient use of natural resources.12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
We can look at the process from production to use of butyl butyrate to see if it meets target 12.4.First, Clostridium tyrobutyricum can utilize waste, such as food waste, as a raw material for butyl butyrate production, both as an efficient use of natural resources and as a means of environmentally sound disposal.
Secondly, during the production process, as the conditions required for the bio-fermentation method are mild, it will not cause any additional negative impact on the environment as long as the required safety measures are taken.
Finally, the combustion of the product, butyl butyrate, is a clean energy source with low carbon dioxide emissions and no harmful gases compared to conventional fuels.
Therefore, the production and use of butyl butyrate in the Project is consistent with Target 12.4
Figure 3 Biofuel and Power Station
（https://pixabay.com）
The practice and promotion of the project
The development of clean energy is the responsibility of not only states and governments, but also every one of us.
Traditional fossil fuel resources such as coal, oil and natural gas are limited, and with the growth of energy demand, we are facing a shortage of energy supply.And it is an effective solution to the problem of energy shortage that is the development of clean energy.Besides，choosing clean energy as an alternative to traditional energy sources can reduce air, water and soil pollution, improve environmental quality and protect ecosystems.
By choosing clean energy products and advocating environmentally friendly actions, each of us can make a contribution in our own lives. Only by working together can we achieve the goal of sustainable development, protect our common home, and enable the next generation to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. That is why we have launched a series of activities to promote the concept of sustainable development and clean energy.
Below are some of the activities we have undertaken. For more information, please visit our Education and Human Practices website:
Education
（https://2023.igem.wiki/nanjing-sdg/education）
Human Practice
（https://2023.igem.wiki/nanjing-sdg/human-practices）
1. "Sustainability" Theme Live (Education 2.2)
2. Production and promotion of "Sustainable Development" and "Clean Energy" thematic brochures and school promotion (Education 3.1, 3.2)
3. Carry out thematic meetup discussion activities (Education 1.5, 2.1)
4. Promotion activities (Education 1.2, 1.3, 1.4)
5. Set up a self-media platform for publicity (Education 4)
6. Publish a questionnaire on bioenergy and clean energy perception (Human Practices)
Figure Brochures and Some of Education Activities
REFERENCE
[1] 17 goals of the UN,https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment
[2]Catalytic production and application of bio-renewable butyl butyrate as jet fuel blend- A review Nidhi Kushwaha, et, al. 2022
[3]https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2022-06/29/content_5698412.htm?eqid=a8a601df0011cbca00000002648ffb25
[4]https://www.iea.org/energy-system/low-emission-fuels/biofuels
[5]https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2021-10/24/content_5644613.htm
