Biotechnology is a technology that is used to manipulate living organisms and biological systems to produce products by modifying them according to human purposes.
Biotechnology uses organisms in the manufacturing process to create products or to solve different problems faced by humans Biotechnology is described as “Janus-faced” meaning there are two sides, on one side it is a positive change-making tremendous improvement in human comfort, and on the other side it is negative because in many issues we are going against nature, which is not good ethically and morally. We have to use this tool very cautiously as the feature is unpredictable.
Biotechnology plays an essential role in various fields. Biotechnology has enormous potential for human welfare in different areas. The scope and importance of Biotechnology is given in brief.
Role of Biotechnology in Medicine
The use of biotechnology in the field of medicine is also known as “Red biotechnology”.
- In medical biotechnology, some of the most recent uses of biological tech is work in genetic testing, drug treatments, and artificial tissue growth.
- Biotechnology is commonly used in making medicines. With the help of biotechnology, drug discovery is improved.
- Today we have different types of therapeutic protein-based drugs to cure dreadful human diseases.
- Biotechnology is curing many genetic diseases.
- With the help of biotechnology, the most risky diseases like Cancer and AIDS are cured.
- DNA fingerprinting has become very successful in cases of disputed parents and criminal identification.
- Medicines are made more efficient and cost-effective with the aid of biotechnology.
- Gene therapy is possible only due to biotechnology.
| *In the Covid-19 pandemic biotechnology has played a vital role in the development of vaccines. Pharmaceutical industries have grown during a pandemic and demanding manpower. * |
Know more about the Role of Biotechnology in Medicine
USA:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – NCBI offers a wealth of information on biotechnology’s role in medicine, including research articles, databases, and tools.
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) – BIO is a prominent trade association representing biotechnology companies, providing insights into the latest developments in biotechnology and its impact on medicine.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – NIH conducts and supports medical research, including biotechnology applications, and offers valuable resources and publications.
- American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) – ASGCT’s website contains resources and information related to gene and cell therapy, essential areas of biotechnology in medicine.
Europe:
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) -EMBL-EBI is a leading research center in Europe that specializes in bioinformatics and provides valuable resources and databases related to biotechnology and medicine.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) – EMBL is a premier European research institution focusing on molecular biology, including biotechnology’s role in medicine.
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) – BBSRC provides information on research funding and initiatives related to biotechnology and its applications, including in medicine.
- BioMed Central (BMC) – BMC Biotechnology – BMC’s Biotechnology journal publishes research articles on various biotechnological applications in medicine.
Latin America:
- Latin American Association of Biotechnology (ALAB) – ALAB promotes biotechnology in Latin America and provides resources on biotechnological advancements in medicine within the region.
- Red de Biotecnología de Chile (BIOTEC) – BIOTEC is a network of biotechnology researchers and professionals in Chile, focusing on applications in various fields, including medicine.
India:
- Department of Biotechnology, Government of India – This government department oversees biotechnology research and development in India, and its website offers information on the role of biotechnology in medicine.
- Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) – IJMR publishes research articles and reviews related to medical biotechnology and its applications in India.
Russia:
- Russian Academy of Sciences – Institute of Biomedical Chemistry (IBMC) – IBMC is a renowned research institute in Russia specializing in biomedical chemistry and biotechnology applications in medicine.
- Russian Society for Biotechnology (RSB) – RSB promotes biotechnology in Russia and provides resources on research and applications in medicine.
China:
- Chinese Academy of Sciences – Institute of Biophysics (CASIB) – CASIB conducts research in biophysics and biotechnology, focusing on its applications in medicine and healthcare.
- National Center for Biotechnology Development (NCBD) – NCBD in China focuses on the development and application of biotechnology in various fields, including medicine.
Role of Biotechnology in Industry
Industrial biotechnology is also known as white biotechnology and is often used interchangeably to describe the same field. Both terms refer to the application of biotechnology principles and techniques in industrial processes to produce chemicals, materials, and energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
These processes typically involve the use of microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeast, or algae) or enzymes to convert renewable raw materials into valuable products. The term “white biotechnology” is sometimes used to emphasize the environmentally friendly and sustainable nature of these processes, as they often result in cleaner and more sustainable industrial practices compared to traditional chemical manufacturing.
- Industrial biotechnology is established for the large-scale production of ethanol, antibiotics, etc. by microorganisms.
- In a sector such as chemicals, food ingredients, detergents, paper, textiles, and biofuels industrial biotechnology plays an essential role in making bio-based products by using enzymes and microorganisms.
- Currently, pharmaceutical drugs, and chemicals such as lactic acid, and glycerine are produced by genetic engineering.
- Industrial biotechnology helps to improve the efficiency of products.
- Biotechnology is helping to produce different kinds of immobilized enzymes.
- Industrial biotechnology and the petrochemical industry both can produce the same results, the only difference is that industrial biotechnology uses biological catalysts instead.
Biotechnology is used in many industries due to its environmental advantages. Some of them are:
- Pharmaceuticals and Medicine:
- Biotechnology plays a big role in medicine. It helps produce biopharmaceuticals like insulin, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies using genetically engineered cells and microorganisms.
- Personalized medicine tailors treatments to an individual’s genetic makeup, increasing efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Genetic engineering and gene therapy offer potential cures for genetic diseases.
- Agriculture and Food:
- In farming, biotech creates crops that resist pests and diseases, increasing crop yields and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Biotech improves food safety through methods like DNA testing and pathogen detection.
- Enzymes and microorganisms in food processing enhance product quality and reduce waste.
- Energy and Biofuels:
- Biotechnology contributes to the production of biofuels from renewable sources like algae, switchgrass, and waste materials, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Microbial fuel cells and bioprocesses provide sustainable alternatives in the energy sector.
- Environmental Protection:
- Bioremediation employs microorganisms and enzymes to clean up contaminated environments, reducing the impact of industrial pollution.
- Biotechnology-driven wastewater treatment and air pollution control processes offer eco-friendly solutions.
- Materials and Textiles:
- Biotechnology enables the development of bio-based materials, such as biodegradable plastics, textiles, and composites, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Biofabrication techniques create sustainable alternatives to leather and other materials.
- Chemicals and Manufacturing:
- Industrial biotechnology produces bio-based chemicals, enzymes, and bioplastics, reducing the environmental footprint of chemical manufacturing.
- Biocatalysis accelerates chemical reactions and reduces the need for harsh chemicals in industrial processes.
- Waste Management:
- Biotechnology converts organic waste into valuable products like biogas and compost, minimizing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Enzymes in detergents and cleaning products enhance the breakdown of organic matter, making cleaning processes more effective.
- Mining and Bioleaching:
- Biotechnology is used in bioleaching to extract valuable metals from ores, reducing the environmental impact of traditional mining methods.
- Textile and Fashion Industry:
- Biotechnology is employed to create sustainable and eco-friendly dyes, textiles, and fabrics, reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
- Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing:
- Biotechnology facilitates the scalable production of bio-based products, enabling cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing.
There may be some overlapping fields like medicine, agriculture, environment, etc.
| *The field of Industrial Biotechnology is gaining a lot of support from the Government. It is also funding to allow the companies to develop the processes involved in the change.*|
Know more about the Role of Biotechnology in Industry
International:
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) – BIO is a global organization that focuses on biotechnology in various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
USA
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – NCBI provides resources and research related to biotechnology in the United States.
Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) – IBioIC supports industrial biotechnology advancements in the USA.
Europe
European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) – EFB promotes biotechnology research and development in Europe, including industrial applications.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO Europe) – BIO Europe represents the biotechnology industry in Europe, covering various sectors, including industrial applications.
Latin America
Latin American Association of Biotechnology (ALAB) – ALAB fosters collaboration and research in biotechnology across Latin American countries, including industrial applications.
India
Department of Biotechnology, India – The Indian Department of Biotechnology supports various biotechnology initiatives, including industrial applications.
Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) – ABLE represents the biotechnology industry in India, covering industrial biotechnology.
Russia:
Russia
Russian Biotechnology Society (RBO) – RBO promotes biotechnology research and education in Russia, including industrial biotechnology.
China
China National Center for Biotechnology Development (CNCBD) – Website – CNCBD is a Chinese government organization that coordinates and supports biotechnology research and development, including industrial applications.
These organizations may cover a wide range of topics within biotechnology, including its role in industry. Please visit their websites for more specific information about their industrial biotechnology initiatives.
Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture
Biotechnology in agriculture involves scientific techniques such as Genetically Modified Organisms, Bt.cotton, Pest Resistant Plants, Golden rice, Bt-brinjal transgenic tomatoes, and potatoes which have revolutionized agriculture.
- Biotechnology has played a key role in agriculture.
- It is helping in genetic virus-free genetic stock and planting materials.
- It helps in modifying plants, animals, and microorganisms and improving their agricultural productivity.
- The technique of plant tissue culture(PTC) is utilized for rapid and economic micropropagation of fruits, vegetables, ornaments, sugarcane, forest trees, etc.
- Enhancement in the nutritional quality of various crops is possible through genetic emergence.
- Production of biofertilizers, biological control, and biopesticides are additional benefits of biotechnology.
- Tissue culture now has become a new agro-industry.
- DNA fingerprinting is an advanced tool of biotechnology.
Know more about the Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture
International Resources:
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations – FAO provides comprehensive information on biotechnology applications in agriculture, including reports, publications, and guidelines
- Biotechnology for Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security (BAFS) – BAFS is a global initiative aimed at promoting biotechnology solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security.
USA:
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Biotechnology – The USDA’s website offers information on biotechnology in agriculture, including regulatory updates, research, and resources.
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) – NIFA supports biotechnology research and provides funding opportunities for projects related to biotechnology in agriculture.
Europe
- European Commission – Agriculture and Biotechnology – The European Commission provides information on the use of biotechnology in agriculture and its regulatory framework in Europe.
- European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) – Plant Biotechnology Section – EFB’s Plant Biotechnology Section focuses on promoting and advancing biotechnology in plant agriculture.
India
- Department of Biotechnology, Government of India – Agricultural Biotechnology – This department oversees agricultural biotechnology research and development in India and provides relevant information.
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – ICAR conducts research in various agricultural biotechnology fields and offers resources for farmers and researchers.
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) – NIPGR conducts research in plant genomics and biotechnology, contributing to advancements in crop improvement and agriculture.
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) – IARI is a premier agricultural research institute in India, with a focus on biotechnological applications in crop science and agriculture.
- National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC) – NSC plays a crucial role in the supply of quality seeds for agriculture, and they often integrate biotechnology in seed development.
- Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR) – ISPGR promotes the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, including biotechnological approaches.
China
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) – CAAS is a leading research institution in China, focusing on agricultural biotechnology and its applications.
- National Research Center for Engineering and Technology on Agricultural and Medicinal Materials (NRCAMM) – NRCAMM conducts research on biotechnological solutions for agricultural and medicinal materials.
Role of Biotechnology in Environment
Environmental biotechnology is called “Green biotechnology”.
It helps in pollution control, depletion of natural resources, renewable/ green energy, conservation of biodiversity, etc.
The progress and development of humankind have come at a cost. We are many times better than our earlier generations were, but we have had to pay a huge price for the modern-day benefits. Increased population, increase in automobiles, setting up of large and small factories, air travel, excessive use of groundwater and many other issues are taking a toll on the environment, and we can easily see the degradation and reduction of natural resources.
As climate change looms over our future, many industries are turning to biotechnology for solutions to make all aspects of our lives more sustainable for the environment.
Replacing chemical materials and processes with biological technologies can reduce environmental damage.
Biotechnology can help us in slowing down the damage to the environment. Essentially, it works WITH the environment TO save the environment. The role of biotechnology in the environment is very important. Here is a brief overview of how biotechnology works in reducing the environmental damage
- Bioremediation: At the forefront of environmental cleanup efforts, biotechnology helps in developing specialized microbes and enzymes. These microbes and enzymes are capable of breaking down pollutants in both soil and water facilitating the restoration of contaminated areas and mitigating the adverse effects of industrial pollution.
- Biological Pest Control: Pest control is probably the sector where it’s power shines. It helps in creating genetically modified (GM) crops. These crops are fortified to resist pests, significantly reducing the necessity for chemical pesticides. Consequently, this approach minimizes the environmental repercussions typically associated with pesticide use. As anybody related to farming would know, using pests in the field has become an essential part of the farming process due to the increased resistance developed by the pests. They also have evolved with time. Pretty smart!
- Biofuels: One of the biggest damages to the environment is by fuels; automotive, agriculture, military equipment, airplanes etc. are the biggest consumers of fuel. Biotechnology contributes to the production of biofuels derived from renewable sources such as algae, switchgrass, and various waste materials. By doing so, it curtails greenhouse gas emissions, offering a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Jatropha cultivation is increased in many countries as Jatropha oil can be used in making biodiesel for use in diesel engines.
- Waste Management: Biotechnology-driven processes can transform organic waste into valuable resources, including biogas and compost. This not only reduces the strain on landfills but also curbs greenhouse gas emissions, and develops a greener approach to waste management.
- Conservation Genetics: Biotechnology can also help in preserving endangered species. Cloning and in vitro fertilization techniques are used, which help in the conservation of biodiversity.
- Environmental Monitoring: Tools like DNA sequencing are crucial in monitoring and evaluating ecosystems. Scientists are able to track shifts in biodiversity and gauge the overall health of the environment.
- Phytoremediation: Scientists can engineer plants designed to absorb and accumulate heavy metals or other contaminants present in soil. This helps in environmental cleanup.
- Microbial Ecology: Biotechnology has the capability to go deep into the world of microbial communities within different environments and can bolster soil fertility, reduce pollution, and enhance water quality.
- Aquaculture: Biotechnology plays an important role in fish farming. It helps the development of disease-resistant fish strains and increases feed efficiency, and reduces the environmental impact of seafood production.
- Climate Change Mitigation: As the world grapples with climate change, biotechnology offers solutions through the engineering of plants and microbes. These engineered organisms can capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to carbon sequestration.
In short, biotechnology can be our friend to fight environmental challenges. It can help develop sustainable practices, and safeguard our precious ecosystems. However, it is important to understand and appreciate the ethical and safety aspects of these developments. It is a delicate field and can mess up all our efforts if handled with a myopic approach. It should always be seen from a holistic view that helps mankind. It should never be used for pecuniary gains which may help a few but may have damaging repercussions for mankind.
Know more about the Role of Biotechnology in Environment
International Resources
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Biotechnology and the Environment – UNEP provides information on the use of biotechnology in environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
- Biotechnology for Sustainable Development Resource Center (BSDRC) – BSDRC offers resources and case studies highlighting biotechnological solutions for environmental sustainability.
USA
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Biotechnology Program – EPA’s Biotechnology Program focuses on biotechnological applications for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) – Environmental Health and Biotechnology – NIEHS conducts research on how biotechnology can impact environmental health and provides related resources.
Europe
- European Environment Agency (EEA) – Biotechnology and the Environment – EEA offers information on biotechnology’s role in environmental protection and sustainability in Europe.
- European Biotechnology Network (EBN) – EBN focuses on promoting biotechnology for environmental and sustainable applications across Europe.
India
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay – Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering (CESE) – CESE conducts research in environmental biotechnology and offers resources on the subject.
- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) – NEERI is a prominent research institute in India that works on biotechnological solutions for environmental management.
China
- Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences (CAES) – CAES conducts research on environmental biotechnology and offers insights into biotechnological approaches for environmental protection.
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences – RCEES focuses on biotechnological solutions for eco-environmental protection and sustainability.
” The potential for synthetic biology and biotechnology is vast; we all have an opportunity to create the future together.” –Ryan Bethencourt