Biotechnology for Materials - Advanced Research

The Biotechnology for Materials - Advanced Research program is dedicated to advancing innovative biotechnological methods to enhance the resilience of the military supply chain. Managed by the Army, this initiative supports efforts to leverage bio-industrial manufacturing for domestic production of critical raw materials and products necessary for defense. The program collaborates with sister services and allied partners to create a robust pipeline for biotechnology-related manufacturing, optimizing and rapidly demonstrating novel biotechnologies that offer disruptive capabilities.

A key objective is to develop bio-engineered and biosynthetic materials that can be sourced domestically, ensuring a secure supply chain for defense applications. The focus is on maturing rapid prototyping methods for testing bio-derived materials and optimizing models for designing bio-engineered materials with enhanced security features. This effort is coordinated with related programs to ensure alignment with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's priorities and the Army Modernization Strategy.

The Biotechnology Demonstration and Evaluation project within this program works closely with Joint Service partners to mature and demonstrate high-throughput screening, small-scale prototyping, and material performance enhancements. It explores biotechnologies that provide drop-in replacements and materials with improved properties, focusing on areas like high-performance fuels, bio-based propellants, optical materials, and systems that detect contaminants. This project complements other initiatives to ensure comprehensive development across various stages.

Planned activities include utilizing robotics for semi-autonomous capabilities in developing new biomanufacturing platform strains, scaling up biomolecule production for hypersonic systems, and improving biotechnology product performance in high-hazard operations. The program also aims to demonstrate bio-manufactured aviation materials from waste streams, reduce logistics through biocementation technology, and develop non-hazardous solvents for cleaning applications. These efforts are designed to support enhanced weapon systems' range, speed, reusability, and supply security while maintaining sustainability in contested environments.