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P. Osseweijer
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1
Adipic Acid Production: Process Modeling of the Benchmark and Two Electrochemical Approaches
A Process Systems Modeling Prospective
Adipic acid (AA), a critical precursor for nylon-6,6 and other industrial applications, is currently produced at over 3 million tons annually, with projected revenues reaching $6 billion by 2030. However, an alternative to the dominant industrial process, accounting for 95% of global production, has been sought due to inefficiency and significant environmental impact. This conventional route relies on petroleum-derived benzene as a feedstock and involves multiple hydrogenation and oxidation steps, notably utilizing nitric acid, which produces stoichiometric amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, the high energy feedstocks like benzene, hydrogen, and nitric acid contribute significantly to Scope 3 emissions.
Given these concerns, there is a strong incentive to develop more energy-efficient and environmentally suitable processes. This thesis addresses the gap in comprehensive techno-economic assessments of emerging alternatives, which often overlook practical implementation challenges such as downstream separation, feedstock pretreatment, and overall carbon footprint.
The overarching research question guiding this study is: "How do various electrochemical based alternatives to current AA production compare on an economic and emissions basis from a process systems modeling prospective?". To this end, two promising alternatives were selected for evaluation through the key performance indicators of; profitability in the form of minimum selling price (MSP), emissions based on kg CO2, and material efficiency based on the excess ratio of theoretical main feedstock to actual main feedstock.
The first modeled process was that of the conventional route. This was done to ensure a consistent feedstock price component in the final adipic acid cost across all assessed production methods, thereby providing valuable validation for modeling assumptions. Furthermore, it serves as a benchmark for comparing the economic and emissions performance of various electrochemical-based alternatives, offering insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses. The results attained were consistent with those of literature, with a minimum selling price of $1.58/kg
The first alternative route employs an electrocatalytic oxidation cell to replace the nitric acid oxidation step of the conventional process. Experimental work of previous researchers was used to create an approximate model of the cell and the electrodialyzer used for the recovery of KOH electrolyte. This was implemented within Apsen Plus along with upstream and downstream processing. The resulting model and subsequent TEA predicted an adipic acid price of $2.33/kg or a 45% increase over the results of the conventional route. However, assuming the use of renewable electricity, the CO2 equivalent emissions dramatically reduced by half when compared to the conventional process.
The second alternative was the use of biomass based fermentation and subsequent electrochemical oxidation to produce a adipic acid alternative of similar value to industry. Once again, the experimental work of previous researchers was used to predict a final minimum selling price of around $3.97/kg; however, these results are highly susceptible to variations in input parameters. Both alternatives showed lower emissions when compared to the conventional process. ...
Given these concerns, there is a strong incentive to develop more energy-efficient and environmentally suitable processes. This thesis addresses the gap in comprehensive techno-economic assessments of emerging alternatives, which often overlook practical implementation challenges such as downstream separation, feedstock pretreatment, and overall carbon footprint.
The overarching research question guiding this study is: "How do various electrochemical based alternatives to current AA production compare on an economic and emissions basis from a process systems modeling prospective?". To this end, two promising alternatives were selected for evaluation through the key performance indicators of; profitability in the form of minimum selling price (MSP), emissions based on kg CO2, and material efficiency based on the excess ratio of theoretical main feedstock to actual main feedstock.
The first modeled process was that of the conventional route. This was done to ensure a consistent feedstock price component in the final adipic acid cost across all assessed production methods, thereby providing valuable validation for modeling assumptions. Furthermore, it serves as a benchmark for comparing the economic and emissions performance of various electrochemical-based alternatives, offering insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses. The results attained were consistent with those of literature, with a minimum selling price of $1.58/kg
The first alternative route employs an electrocatalytic oxidation cell to replace the nitric acid oxidation step of the conventional process. Experimental work of previous researchers was used to create an approximate model of the cell and the electrodialyzer used for the recovery of KOH electrolyte. This was implemented within Apsen Plus along with upstream and downstream processing. The resulting model and subsequent TEA predicted an adipic acid price of $2.33/kg or a 45% increase over the results of the conventional route. However, assuming the use of renewable electricity, the CO2 equivalent emissions dramatically reduced by half when compared to the conventional process.
The second alternative was the use of biomass based fermentation and subsequent electrochemical oxidation to produce a adipic acid alternative of similar value to industry. Once again, the experimental work of previous researchers was used to predict a final minimum selling price of around $3.97/kg; however, these results are highly susceptible to variations in input parameters. Both alternatives showed lower emissions when compared to the conventional process. ...
Adipic acid (AA), a critical precursor for nylon-6,6 and other industrial applications, is currently produced at over 3 million tons annually, with projected revenues reaching $6 billion by 2030. However, an alternative to the dominant industrial process, accounting for 95% of global production, has been sought due to inefficiency and significant environmental impact. This conventional route relies on petroleum-derived benzene as a feedstock and involves multiple hydrogenation and oxidation steps, notably utilizing nitric acid, which produces stoichiometric amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, the high energy feedstocks like benzene, hydrogen, and nitric acid contribute significantly to Scope 3 emissions.
Given these concerns, there is a strong incentive to develop more energy-efficient and environmentally suitable processes. This thesis addresses the gap in comprehensive techno-economic assessments of emerging alternatives, which often overlook practical implementation challenges such as downstream separation, feedstock pretreatment, and overall carbon footprint.
The overarching research question guiding this study is: "How do various electrochemical based alternatives to current AA production compare on an economic and emissions basis from a process systems modeling prospective?". To this end, two promising alternatives were selected for evaluation through the key performance indicators of; profitability in the form of minimum selling price (MSP), emissions based on kg CO2, and material efficiency based on the excess ratio of theoretical main feedstock to actual main feedstock.
The first modeled process was that of the conventional route. This was done to ensure a consistent feedstock price component in the final adipic acid cost across all assessed production methods, thereby providing valuable validation for modeling assumptions. Furthermore, it serves as a benchmark for comparing the economic and emissions performance of various electrochemical-based alternatives, offering insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses. The results attained were consistent with those of literature, with a minimum selling price of $1.58/kg
The first alternative route employs an electrocatalytic oxidation cell to replace the nitric acid oxidation step of the conventional process. Experimental work of previous researchers was used to create an approximate model of the cell and the electrodialyzer used for the recovery of KOH electrolyte. This was implemented within Apsen Plus along with upstream and downstream processing. The resulting model and subsequent TEA predicted an adipic acid price of $2.33/kg or a 45% increase over the results of the conventional route. However, assuming the use of renewable electricity, the CO2 equivalent emissions dramatically reduced by half when compared to the conventional process.
The second alternative was the use of biomass based fermentation and subsequent electrochemical oxidation to produce a adipic acid alternative of similar value to industry. Once again, the experimental work of previous researchers was used to predict a final minimum selling price of around $3.97/kg; however, these results are highly susceptible to variations in input parameters. Both alternatives showed lower emissions when compared to the conventional process.
Given these concerns, there is a strong incentive to develop more energy-efficient and environmentally suitable processes. This thesis addresses the gap in comprehensive techno-economic assessments of emerging alternatives, which often overlook practical implementation challenges such as downstream separation, feedstock pretreatment, and overall carbon footprint.
The overarching research question guiding this study is: "How do various electrochemical based alternatives to current AA production compare on an economic and emissions basis from a process systems modeling prospective?". To this end, two promising alternatives were selected for evaluation through the key performance indicators of; profitability in the form of minimum selling price (MSP), emissions based on kg CO2, and material efficiency based on the excess ratio of theoretical main feedstock to actual main feedstock.
The first modeled process was that of the conventional route. This was done to ensure a consistent feedstock price component in the final adipic acid cost across all assessed production methods, thereby providing valuable validation for modeling assumptions. Furthermore, it serves as a benchmark for comparing the economic and emissions performance of various electrochemical-based alternatives, offering insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses. The results attained were consistent with those of literature, with a minimum selling price of $1.58/kg
The first alternative route employs an electrocatalytic oxidation cell to replace the nitric acid oxidation step of the conventional process. Experimental work of previous researchers was used to create an approximate model of the cell and the electrodialyzer used for the recovery of KOH electrolyte. This was implemented within Apsen Plus along with upstream and downstream processing. The resulting model and subsequent TEA predicted an adipic acid price of $2.33/kg or a 45% increase over the results of the conventional route. However, assuming the use of renewable electricity, the CO2 equivalent emissions dramatically reduced by half when compared to the conventional process.
The second alternative was the use of biomass based fermentation and subsequent electrochemical oxidation to produce a adipic acid alternative of similar value to industry. Once again, the experimental work of previous researchers was used to predict a final minimum selling price of around $3.97/kg; however, these results are highly susceptible to variations in input parameters. Both alternatives showed lower emissions when compared to the conventional process.
This thesis explores how perceptions within Global North–South research collaborations can inform strategies to promote equity in open science (OS) integration at TU Delft. While the university has positioned itself as a leader in open science, there remains a gap between institutional policy and the lived experiences of researchers. Many researchers, even those aligned with the values of open science, lack a clear framework to meaningfully engage with its principles, particularly in relation to equity. Through a framework combining Sabina Leonelli's Philosophy of Open Science and UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Science, along with semi-structured interviews with scientists associated with the TU Delft Global Initiative, this research highlights how multidirectional dialogue and reflection can reshape perceptions and practices. The research revealed a shared desire for spaces that promote critical engagement, capacity-building, and mutual learning, as seen in initiatives like Global Initiative Luncheons and GROW PhD events. However, while TU Delft has made progress in accessibility, there is a significant gap in addressing the dominance of the Global North in scientific knowledge production. Many researchers remain unaware of the broader implications of open science, and the university's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan lacks clear initiatives to support inclusive, multidirectional exchanges, particularly with marginalized communities. The findings emphasize the need for the continuation of current efforts and the fostering of more communities to amplify the contributions of Global South researchers and promote equitable collaborations. By centering the voices of participating scientists, this thesis argues that the process of research—how we listen, reflect, and collaborate—can itself be an act of open science. In doing so, it invites a broader understanding of what it means to do science in service of equity.
...
This thesis explores how perceptions within Global North–South research collaborations can inform strategies to promote equity in open science (OS) integration at TU Delft. While the university has positioned itself as a leader in open science, there remains a gap between institutional policy and the lived experiences of researchers. Many researchers, even those aligned with the values of open science, lack a clear framework to meaningfully engage with its principles, particularly in relation to equity. Through a framework combining Sabina Leonelli's Philosophy of Open Science and UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Science, along with semi-structured interviews with scientists associated with the TU Delft Global Initiative, this research highlights how multidirectional dialogue and reflection can reshape perceptions and practices. The research revealed a shared desire for spaces that promote critical engagement, capacity-building, and mutual learning, as seen in initiatives like Global Initiative Luncheons and GROW PhD events. However, while TU Delft has made progress in accessibility, there is a significant gap in addressing the dominance of the Global North in scientific knowledge production. Many researchers remain unaware of the broader implications of open science, and the university's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan lacks clear initiatives to support inclusive, multidirectional exchanges, particularly with marginalized communities. The findings emphasize the need for the continuation of current efforts and the fostering of more communities to amplify the contributions of Global South researchers and promote equitable collaborations. By centering the voices of participating scientists, this thesis argues that the process of research—how we listen, reflect, and collaborate—can itself be an act of open science. In doing so, it invites a broader understanding of what it means to do science in service of equity.
Kaumera is a material made from wastewater treatment and has shown promising characteristic as a flame retardant. In this research report we aimed to bridge the gap between academia and commerce by analysing the potential of Kaumera using a generalised framework of Sustainable Business Model Innovation and the Lean Startup Methodology. The named models were researched through the method of research through design. Using the SBMI framework of Bocken (2019) a startup was proposed and compared to the Lean Startup Methodology. As defined by the SBMI framework, the symbiotic dependencies were identified to be the producers of Kaumera, the clients of the company, the IP owners, academics involved and potential partners. The neutral dependency is related to legislation and legislative bodies, and the competitive dependency are competitors. Furthermore, it was analysed how the assumptions could be validated by the company for the early-stage, scaling and diversification and internationalisation phases of the company.
The results found that Kaumera is a feasible flame retardant both in a commercial and sustainability perspective. It was found that the SMBI framework focusses too much on the sustainability aspect to be truly a viable Business Model approach for startups and does not allow for flexible and adjustable business strategies. For this reason, a combination with the Lean methodology can be applied to overcome the shortcomings of the SBMI framework. This research report shows that the Lean methodology complements the aspects of SBMI which are not suited for startups. This research report therefore suggests the use of a framework based on Lean incorporating generalised aspects of SBMI as an effective and flexible sustainable business model for startups.
...
The results found that Kaumera is a feasible flame retardant both in a commercial and sustainability perspective. It was found that the SMBI framework focusses too much on the sustainability aspect to be truly a viable Business Model approach for startups and does not allow for flexible and adjustable business strategies. For this reason, a combination with the Lean methodology can be applied to overcome the shortcomings of the SBMI framework. This research report shows that the Lean methodology complements the aspects of SBMI which are not suited for startups. This research report therefore suggests the use of a framework based on Lean incorporating generalised aspects of SBMI as an effective and flexible sustainable business model for startups.
...
Kaumera is a material made from wastewater treatment and has shown promising characteristic as a flame retardant. In this research report we aimed to bridge the gap between academia and commerce by analysing the potential of Kaumera using a generalised framework of Sustainable Business Model Innovation and the Lean Startup Methodology. The named models were researched through the method of research through design. Using the SBMI framework of Bocken (2019) a startup was proposed and compared to the Lean Startup Methodology. As defined by the SBMI framework, the symbiotic dependencies were identified to be the producers of Kaumera, the clients of the company, the IP owners, academics involved and potential partners. The neutral dependency is related to legislation and legislative bodies, and the competitive dependency are competitors. Furthermore, it was analysed how the assumptions could be validated by the company for the early-stage, scaling and diversification and internationalisation phases of the company.
The results found that Kaumera is a feasible flame retardant both in a commercial and sustainability perspective. It was found that the SMBI framework focusses too much on the sustainability aspect to be truly a viable Business Model approach for startups and does not allow for flexible and adjustable business strategies. For this reason, a combination with the Lean methodology can be applied to overcome the shortcomings of the SBMI framework. This research report shows that the Lean methodology complements the aspects of SBMI which are not suited for startups. This research report therefore suggests the use of a framework based on Lean incorporating generalised aspects of SBMI as an effective and flexible sustainable business model for startups.
The results found that Kaumera is a feasible flame retardant both in a commercial and sustainability perspective. It was found that the SMBI framework focusses too much on the sustainability aspect to be truly a viable Business Model approach for startups and does not allow for flexible and adjustable business strategies. For this reason, a combination with the Lean methodology can be applied to overcome the shortcomings of the SBMI framework. This research report shows that the Lean methodology complements the aspects of SBMI which are not suited for startups. This research report therefore suggests the use of a framework based on Lean incorporating generalised aspects of SBMI as an effective and flexible sustainable business model for startups.
Hydrogen is an interesting and promising alternative for fuels. Currently, most hydrogen is produced via a process called steam reforming, where a reaction between methane and water occurs, with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide as waste products and released in the atmosphere. This work presents a study on the sustainable production of hydrogen. A pool of six hydrogen processes were chosen; three based on electrolysis, two based on fermentation and one based on electrolysis combined with a microbial community. On these six methods an early stage analysis was applied, screening for economics, environmental impacts and processrelated costs and impacts. Two electrolysis methods were selected for a conceptual design; alkaline electrolysis (AE) and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis, both for an annual production of 1 million kg hydrogen. The fixed capital was established $86.8M for AE and $62.3M for PEM. After the design, a techno-economic analysis was performed, providing the total production cost (TPC) and the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP). For the AE, the MFSP resulted in being $21.46/kg hydrogen and an TPC of $17.16/kg hydrogen. The biggest contribution to the MFSP was the depreciation, being $10.19/kg hydrogen. The PEM electrolysis had a MFSP of $17.56/kg hydrogen and an TPC of $14.05/kg hydrogen. Also for PEM electrolysis, the biggest contribution to the MFSP was the depreciation, which was $7.32/kg. A sensitivity analysis was performed and showed the biggest uncertainty in the equipment cost and the interest rate. The MFSP for AE changes ± $3.79/kg hydrogen by a change in equipment cost of 30% and ± $3.27 - $3.72 by a 5 percentage point change of the interest rate. The MFSP for PEM changes ± $2.73/kg hydrogen by a change in equipment cost of 30% and ± $2.36 - $2.73 by a 5 percentage point change of the interest rate. Based on the results from the techno-economic analysis and sensitivity analysis, PEM electrolysis was identified as the superior method.
...
Hydrogen is an interesting and promising alternative for fuels. Currently, most hydrogen is produced via a process called steam reforming, where a reaction between methane and water occurs, with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide as waste products and released in the atmosphere. This work presents a study on the sustainable production of hydrogen. A pool of six hydrogen processes were chosen; three based on electrolysis, two based on fermentation and one based on electrolysis combined with a microbial community. On these six methods an early stage analysis was applied, screening for economics, environmental impacts and processrelated costs and impacts. Two electrolysis methods were selected for a conceptual design; alkaline electrolysis (AE) and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis, both for an annual production of 1 million kg hydrogen. The fixed capital was established $86.8M for AE and $62.3M for PEM. After the design, a techno-economic analysis was performed, providing the total production cost (TPC) and the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP). For the AE, the MFSP resulted in being $21.46/kg hydrogen and an TPC of $17.16/kg hydrogen. The biggest contribution to the MFSP was the depreciation, being $10.19/kg hydrogen. The PEM electrolysis had a MFSP of $17.56/kg hydrogen and an TPC of $14.05/kg hydrogen. Also for PEM electrolysis, the biggest contribution to the MFSP was the depreciation, which was $7.32/kg. A sensitivity analysis was performed and showed the biggest uncertainty in the equipment cost and the interest rate. The MFSP for AE changes ± $3.79/kg hydrogen by a change in equipment cost of 30% and ± $3.27 - $3.72 by a 5 percentage point change of the interest rate. The MFSP for PEM changes ± $2.73/kg hydrogen by a change in equipment cost of 30% and ± $2.36 - $2.73 by a 5 percentage point change of the interest rate. Based on the results from the techno-economic analysis and sensitivity analysis, PEM electrolysis was identified as the superior method.
The demand for meat is estimated to reach 470 million by 2050. This demand forms a challenge for conventional meat production. Conventional meat production has come under pressure from the negative externalities it brings forth. Cultured meat is seen as a potential solution to meet the demand while avoiding these externalities. The biggest challenge for cultured meat is consumer acceptance. Consumer acceptance is crucial for a successful market integration. Literature shows that several factors within consumer acceptance rely on the level of information. This paper seeks to identify the influence of information on the willingness to try and buy cultured meat in the Netherlands. The effect of information was investigated by interviewing Dutch students. During the interviews, they were given information in the hope of increasing their awareness and knowledge about cultured meat. From these interviews can be observed that several factors were actively influenced by the information consumers have. At the same time, they showed that dependency on information differs per the content of the information. Information on product properties could show a more distinctive effect on consumers' willingness to buy cultured meat than information on the production process and the regulatory framework.
...
The demand for meat is estimated to reach 470 million by 2050. This demand forms a challenge for conventional meat production. Conventional meat production has come under pressure from the negative externalities it brings forth. Cultured meat is seen as a potential solution to meet the demand while avoiding these externalities. The biggest challenge for cultured meat is consumer acceptance. Consumer acceptance is crucial for a successful market integration. Literature shows that several factors within consumer acceptance rely on the level of information. This paper seeks to identify the influence of information on the willingness to try and buy cultured meat in the Netherlands. The effect of information was investigated by interviewing Dutch students. During the interviews, they were given information in the hope of increasing their awareness and knowledge about cultured meat. From these interviews can be observed that several factors were actively influenced by the information consumers have. At the same time, they showed that dependency on information differs per the content of the information. Information on product properties could show a more distinctive effect on consumers' willingness to buy cultured meat than information on the production process and the regulatory framework.
A radical change of the energy system is required in light of the dramatic effects of human-induced climate change. In this perspective, a future renewable hydrogen energy system was proposed, where biogenic resources are ascribed relevant potential as source of biogenic hydrogen and biogenic carbon dioxide. In this light, the research brings forward the concept of third-generation upgrading as the highest valorisation potential of biogas. This alters the perspective on biogas as source of renewable electricity, heat or fuel to biogas as platform molecule able to couple the renewable hydrogen and bio-economy domain. The research shows that concept of third-generation upgrading relies on a technologically feasible, environmentally benign and economically sound production process. In this respect, the adoption of the concept of third-generation upgrading is supported via the valuation of the bio-carbon dioxide as scarce renewable carbon-containing molecule and valuable carbon sink. Therefore, the concept of third- generation upgrading should be supported via regulatory commitment, market creation, policy mechanisms and infrastructural changes. In this way, biogas can act as an invaluable source of bio-hydrogen and bio-carbon dioxide, spark system integration and stimulate energy security. Ultimately, this research proposes to change the way biogas is seen.
...
A radical change of the energy system is required in light of the dramatic effects of human-induced climate change. In this perspective, a future renewable hydrogen energy system was proposed, where biogenic resources are ascribed relevant potential as source of biogenic hydrogen and biogenic carbon dioxide. In this light, the research brings forward the concept of third-generation upgrading as the highest valorisation potential of biogas. This alters the perspective on biogas as source of renewable electricity, heat or fuel to biogas as platform molecule able to couple the renewable hydrogen and bio-economy domain. The research shows that concept of third-generation upgrading relies on a technologically feasible, environmentally benign and economically sound production process. In this respect, the adoption of the concept of third-generation upgrading is supported via the valuation of the bio-carbon dioxide as scarce renewable carbon-containing molecule and valuable carbon sink. Therefore, the concept of third- generation upgrading should be supported via regulatory commitment, market creation, policy mechanisms and infrastructural changes. In this way, biogas can act as an invaluable source of bio-hydrogen and bio-carbon dioxide, spark system integration and stimulate energy security. Ultimately, this research proposes to change the way biogas is seen.
Bacteriophages as agents against locust swarming
A Safe-by-Design study on the application of gene and microbiome therapies
The rapid advancements in synthetic biology have allowed for the development of revolutionary technologies such as bacteriophage-mediated gene and microbiome therapies. These technologies create the need for management of the upcoming risks and uncertainties. Safe-by-Design is a strategy to build in safety measures in an effort to mitigate and anticipate risks in synthetic biology applications. This study aims to portray a nuanced review of the opportunities and challenges posed by Safe-by-Design through a case study on this year’s iGEM project, the application of gene and microbiome therapy principles to mitigate the issue of Desert Locust swarms. To gather an all-round perspective on the current state of synthetic biology, bacteriophage-based therapies, and Safe-by-Design, these aspects are assessed in terms of governance. Synthetic biology regulations have long ensured safe research practices, but the lack of adequate regulations for novel phage-based technologies hampers the development of this field of research. In further detail is discussed how the use of the precautionary principle guarantees biosafety but also limits the discovery of risks and uncertainties. Downstream Safe-by-Design is proposed as a method to facilitate policy-making and to tackle concerning issues such as transnational regulations and public perception of biosafety. In this report, the risks associated with the application of bacteriophages for non-therapeutic purposes are determined and multiple Safe-by-Design approaches are analyzed to mitigate these risks and uncertainties. This resulted in the collection of quorum sensing, kill switches, encapsulation, anti-CRISPRs, and auxotrophy as suitable Safe-by-Design measures for this project. Furthermore, the challenges and limitations regarding the application of Safe-by-Design are reviewed. This analysis concludes that uncertainty and a lack of knowledge of the intricate synthetic biology systems are the main constrains on Safe-by-Design for synthetic biology. Lastly, it is concluded that Safe-by-Design is a promising strategy to ensure biosafety because of its dynamic and proactive character, and recommendations are made to stimulate future progress in this area of research.
...
The rapid advancements in synthetic biology have allowed for the development of revolutionary technologies such as bacteriophage-mediated gene and microbiome therapies. These technologies create the need for management of the upcoming risks and uncertainties. Safe-by-Design is a strategy to build in safety measures in an effort to mitigate and anticipate risks in synthetic biology applications. This study aims to portray a nuanced review of the opportunities and challenges posed by Safe-by-Design through a case study on this year’s iGEM project, the application of gene and microbiome therapy principles to mitigate the issue of Desert Locust swarms. To gather an all-round perspective on the current state of synthetic biology, bacteriophage-based therapies, and Safe-by-Design, these aspects are assessed in terms of governance. Synthetic biology regulations have long ensured safe research practices, but the lack of adequate regulations for novel phage-based technologies hampers the development of this field of research. In further detail is discussed how the use of the precautionary principle guarantees biosafety but also limits the discovery of risks and uncertainties. Downstream Safe-by-Design is proposed as a method to facilitate policy-making and to tackle concerning issues such as transnational regulations and public perception of biosafety. In this report, the risks associated with the application of bacteriophages for non-therapeutic purposes are determined and multiple Safe-by-Design approaches are analyzed to mitigate these risks and uncertainties. This resulted in the collection of quorum sensing, kill switches, encapsulation, anti-CRISPRs, and auxotrophy as suitable Safe-by-Design measures for this project. Furthermore, the challenges and limitations regarding the application of Safe-by-Design are reviewed. This analysis concludes that uncertainty and a lack of knowledge of the intricate synthetic biology systems are the main constrains on Safe-by-Design for synthetic biology. Lastly, it is concluded that Safe-by-Design is a promising strategy to ensure biosafety because of its dynamic and proactive character, and recommendations are made to stimulate future progress in this area of research.