Biomanufacturing is a green production that applies such bio-organisms as plants, animals, microorganisms, enzymes as well as in vitro synthetic enzymatic biosystems, to process and/or synthesize numerous value-added compounds, which would change the world′s future of industrial manufacturing in the energy, agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The competition of biomanufacturing is a key part of the battlefield of science and technology. Here we attempt to apply the ancient Chinese philosophy to provide enlightenment to the future development of industrial biomanufacturing. The ancient Chinese philosophy of “Tao-Fa-Shu-Qi” encompasses four key elements: “Tao is a way or direction, Fa is rules, Shu is techniques, and Qi is tools for accomplishing goals”. First, we define and explain the “Tao and Fa” of industrial biomanufacturing analyzes. Second, we analyze the limits and restriction set by Fa. Third, we expound this philosophy of “Tao and Fa” and how it guides way or choice of biomanufacturing type for the desired products. Based on “Tao-Fa-Shu-Qi”, we also present some predictions that a few hot products cannot be manufactured economically by seemingly-promising new techniques based on the limits and restriction of Fa. We take Amyris, a pioneering American company in synthetic biology as an example to analyze and discuss the important roles of “Tao and Fa” in the selection of biomanufactured products, far more important than “Shu and Qi”. Amyris’ failure was destined at its beginning because it went a wrong way (Tao) and ignored basic laws (Fa), although it exhibited advanced abilities of technologies and tools (“Shu and Qi”). Also, we briefly discuss opportunities and challenges of ensuring food security of China by using two disruptive technologies-making synthetic starch from lignocellulosic biomass and carbon dioxide catalyzed by in vitro synthetic enzymatic biosystems. In a word, the ancient Chinese philosophy “the way is simple, from top to down, the way guides techniques and tools” would provide top-level design methodology, identify the future research and development priorities in industrial biomanufacturing, and help effectively solve the major challenges, such as food security, dual carbon goals, and sustainable development.

biomanufacturing  /  bioeconomy  /  cultural confidence  /  Tao-Fa-Shu-Qi  /  food security