Biotechnological innovations in the realm of carbon capture, storage and utilization

The global energy transition increasingly relies on biotechnological innovation to meet climate targets. This study aims to evaluate the integration of carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) within a circular bioeconomy, bridging the gap between governance and technological implementation. While previous research often treats CCUS and bioenergy in isolation, this review provides a novel, integrated framework that connects climate governance (from COP26 to COP30) with specific carbon-negative pathways and advanced materials. The objectives are to assess the deployment of biofuels (SAF, biohydrogen), biochar, and bioplastics, specifically highlighting the role of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in enhancing capture efficiency. Unique to this work is the inclusion of a multi-dimensional analysis incorporating Technological Readiness Levels (TRL), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and—crucially—Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to evaluate the impact on industrial scale-up. Main findings indicate that while biotechnological pathways are diversifying, the transition to commercial viability depends on aligning these advances with transparent financial mechanisms, such as blockchain-backed carbon credits. The outcomes serve as a strategic roadmap for industrial stakeholders to optimize investment in carbon-negative assets and provide policymakers with a scientific basis for standardizing sustainability metrics through the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), ultimately facilitating the scalability of commercially viable negative-emission solutions.