A Chemistry Department Faculty Member Publishes a Scientific Article on Biochemistry: The Hidden Engine of Sustainable Development
Assistant Professor Dr. Ziad Tariq Habib from the Chemistry Department published a scientific article titled “Biochemistry: The Hidden Engine of Sustainable Development.”
The article addresses the pivotal role of biochemistry in the pillars of sustainable development through clean energy and advanced biofuels. Biochemistry is behind the development of second- and third-generation biofuels. Instead of relying on food crops (such as corn and sugarcane), hydrolytic enzymes (produced by microorganisms) are now used to break down cellulosic biomass—such as agricultural residues (rice straw, bagasse, and wood waste)—into simple sugars that are fermented to produce bioethanol and other biofuels. This process not only contributes to food security but also converts waste into energy, achieving a dual benefit.
The article also clarifies the relationship between green chemistry and sustainable industries, explaining how biochemistry works to replace polluting traditional chemical processes with environmentally friendly biological alternatives. Some key examples include:
Enzymes in industry: Using enzymes in the detergent, paper, and textile industries instead of harsh chemicals reduces energy and water consumption and produces less toxic waste. Biodegradable bioplastics: Producing polyhydroxyalkanes (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) from plant and bacterial sources. These materials replace traditional petroleum-based plastics and biodegrade naturally, reducing ocean and soil pollution. In addition to the role of sustainable agriculture and food security, Biofertilization: Using nitrogen-fixing bacteria (such as Rhizobium) and helper fungi (Mycorrhizae) to enhance plant nutrient uptake reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers that pollute water and release greenhouse gases.
Biopesticides: Developing insecticides and herbicides derived from or produced by living organisms that are highly specific and rapidly biodegradable, instead of chemical pesticides that are highly toxic and have long environmental persistence. Crop improvement: Understanding plant biological mechanisms at the molecular level helps in developing transpiration crops that are resistant to drought, salinity, and disease, ensuring food production under climatic challenges.
