# Microbes as the foundation of the circular economy and security of supply

> Adj.Prof Hakalehto told students how sustainable industry is built by combining biotechnology and mechanical engineering.

## Introduction to Microbiological Biorefineries
In April 2024, Adjunct Professor Elias Hakalehto (University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, Finnoflag Oy) lectured mechanical engineering students at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. The lecture focused on the principles of a microbiological biorefinery, covering topics such as substance circulation, the circular economy, and renewable energy sources like biogas, hydrogen, and biofuels.

## The Role of Microbes in Industry
Microbes are essential to natural nutrient cycles and food chains. While often invisible, their impact is profound. Beyond their natural roles, they can be utilized to produce valuable commodities, including:
*   Biochemicals for food and pharmaceutical industries
*   Recycling industry materials
*   Organic fertilizers for agriculture
*   Energy gases and fractions
*   Polymers
*   Environmental cleanup services
*   Food and feed production
*   Enzymes and fine chemicals

These production lines can serve as critical infrastructure during crises to supplement or replace traditional production methods.

## Holistic Circular Economy
In a holistic circular economy, industrial side streams are converted into useful chemicals, energy gases, and soil conditioners. This approach increases raw material availability and enhances national security of supply. Historically, this concept was utilized during the First World War, when Winston Churchill repurposed whisky distilleries to produce essential industrial chemicals via microbial processes.

## Historical Context and Scientific Foundations
Microbial processes have long been used for food production (e.g., yogurt, blue cheese, fermented vegetables) and medicine. The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1929, and its subsequent industrial production, saved millions of lives during World War II. 

Elias Hakalehto’s own research includes the world’s first transfer of an antibiotic gene (clavulanic acid) from *Streptomyces* sp. to *E. coli* in 1985, building on foundational work in antibiotic research.

## Biomimicry: Learning from Nature
Nature provides a blueprint for human industry. Ruminants, such as the American bison, utilize rumen microbes to break down macromolecules like hay into energy and body mass. By mimicking these natural decomposition processes—using enzymes to break down materials followed by microbial conversion—industry can produce goods more efficiently.

## Bioreactor Technology and Integration
To harness microbial metabolism, mechanical engineering is required to design effective bioreactors (e.g., stirred tanks, basins, or air-lift reactors). A successful bioprocess requires precise control over:
*   Temperature
*   pH
*   Redox potential
*   Energy sources
*   Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur sources
*   Trace elements and vitamins

Finnoflag’s approach utilizes mixed cultures—diverse ecosystems of natural and industrial microbial strains—to achieve high productivity and stability.

## Pilot Projects and Practical Applications
Several projects have demonstrated the viability of these technologies:
*   **ABOWE Project:** An EU-funded project led by Savonia, involving partners from Finland, Poland, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, and Sweden. Trials at the Mondi (formerly Savon Sellu) factory in Kuopio demonstrated the potential for hydrogen and product recovery from wastewater and sludge.
*   **Hiedanranta "Zero Fiber" Project:** Research into utilizing 1.5 million cubic meters of fiber sludge in Tampere. Biorefining this material produced lactate and mannitol, providing a sustainable alternative to burning the waste and creating high-quality fertilizer.
*   **Nitrogen Fixation:** Greenhouse trials at the University of Helsinki showed that adding nitrogen-fixing bacteria to Chinese cabbage cultivation increased growth by 50%.

## Future Outlook: Industry Like Nature®
Finnoflag Oy operates under the trademark **Industry Like Nature®**, advocating for an industrial model that mirrors natural cycles. By integrating Industry 4.0 concepts, such as remote control of biotechnological facilities, and scaling processes incrementally, the industry can move toward a more sustainable and secure future.

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**Author:** Senior Lecturer Ari Jääskeläinen, M.Sc. (Tech.), B.Soc.Sc., Savonia University of Applied Sciences