James Michael Matthew calls for new industrial biotechnology revolution to address raw material scarcity

'Superseding the Periodic Table of the Elements' argues that humanity must learn to grow the materials needed to sustain future industries and economies

ALACHUA, Fla., Nov. 11, 2026 — Award-winning author, financial executive and industrialist James Michael Matthew announces the release of "Superseding the Periodic Table of the Elements: The Alchemy of Our Times" (published by Archway Publishing), a book that presents an ambitious vision for moving civilization beyond an industrial economy dependent on extracting finite resources and toward a future in which humanity obtains the materials it needs.

The premise stems from Matthew's concern that the world is running out of raw materials. Rather than continuing to rely primarily on mining, drilling and other extractive processes, he contends that a growing industrial biotechnology revolution could provide the scientific and technological foundation for producing materials in new ways.

"The time has come for humans to grow their raw materials," the author states. "The time has come to stop taking from the planet."

"Superseding the Periodic Table of the Elements" challenges the traditional take-make-dispose industrial model and proposes learning to "manufacture like nature manufactures." Biological systems build complex structures through growth and molecular self-assembly. Matthew argues that industry can increasingly apply similar principles to create materials without depending exclusively on finite natural reserves.

The book proposes expanding the way scientists and industries categorize materials. Matthew explains that the traditional periodic table describes the elements found in nature but does not adequately account for emerging engineered, bioengineered and self-assembling materials. His broader framework advocates systems where resources are grown and engineered, products and byproducts are continuously reused, and waste becomes an input for future production. He calls this approach a full-cycle economy in which outputs become inputs for other processes and valuable resources circulate through interconnected agricultural, biological and industrial systems instead of becoming waste.

Rather than presenting resource scarcity solely as an environmental concern, "Superseding the Periodic Table of the Elements" frames it as an industrial and economic challenge requiring a new approach to how materials are discovered, produced and reused. It encourages business leaders, policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators and readers interested in the future of industry to consider the potential of industrial biotechnology.

For more information, visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/838845-superseding-the-periodic-table-of-the-elements.

"Superseding the Periodic Table of the Elements: The Alchemy of Our Times"
By James Michael Matthew
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 108 pages | ISBN 9781665797641
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 108 pages | ISBN 9781665797658
E-Book | 108 pages | ISBN 9781665797665
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

SOURCE Archway Publishing