Biotech Introduction

Biotechnology may be defined as “The use of living organisms in systems or processes for the manufacture of useful products; it may involve algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, cells of higher plants and animals or subsystems of any of these or isolated components from living matter.” The term Biotechnology is derived from a fusion of Biology and Technology.

In its purest form, the term “Biotechnology” refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the human environment. Prehistoric biotechnologist did this as they used yeast cells to raise bread dough and to ferment alcoholic beverages, and bacterial cells to make cheeses and yogurts and as they bred their strong, productive animals to make even stronger and more productive offspring.

Biotechnology is an innovative discipline which interests people from many different sectors like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Veterinary, Medicine, Bioengineering and Bionics. It has relevance for many sectors of tomorrow’s life and industrial activities.

Modern Biotechnology is often associated with the use of genetically altered micro-organisms such as E.coli or yeast for the production of substances like insulin or antibiotics. It can also refer to transgenic animals or transgenic plants, such as BT corn. Genetically altered mammalian cells, such as Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, are also widely used to manufacture pharmaceuticals. Another promising new biotechnology application is the development of plant-made pharmaceuticals.

The commercial implications are that a large number of proteins, existing only intiny quantities in nature, can now be mass-produced if needed. Also, the yields of (bio) chemicals to be produced can be increased much faster than was possible with classical fermentation. These modern biotechnology techniques started with the expression of human genes such as that coding for insulin, but have since been extended to mammalian,microbial, and plant genes. Also, the spectrum of “Bioreactors”(organisms used for production) recently has been broadened to include a variety of animals and plants. As we will see,perceived needs and marketability, the researchers’ imagination, ethics, and governmental regulations essentially are the major factors in setting the stage and boundaries for developments in biotechnology.

Biotechnology is also commonly associated with landmark breakthroughs in new medical therapies to treat Diabetes, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C,Cancers, Arthritis, Haemophilia, Bone fractures, Multiple Sclerosis,Cardiovascular as well as molecular diagnostic devices than can be used to define the patient population.
The Indian biotechnology sector is one of the fastest growing knowledge-based sectors in India and is expected to play a key role in shaping India’s rapidly developing economy. Currently, India holds two per cent share of global market.With numerous comparative advantages interms of R&D facilities, knowledge,skills, and cost effectiveness,the biotechnology industry in India has immense potential to emerge as a global key player.