Industrial biotechnology is not only about changing how we manufacture products, but also about providing us with new products, reducing waste, improving people's overall health, and offering medical advancements.
The application of biotechnology in various industries is as follows:
Food Industry:
Biotechnology is being used to improve the nutritive value of food, improving its flavor, texture, and shelf life. The food developed using biotechnology is used to increase the levels of nutrients to address health concerns. Foods such as canola (oil) have an increased amount of nutritionally essential fatty acids.
Recombinant protein vaccines:
When a pathogen attacks a host body, it produces a protein or toxin in order to elicit an immune response. The gene encoding protein is isolated and used to develop R-DNA. The vaccinated person produces antibodies against the protein antigen to fight the disease. Recombinant vaccines are safer than conventional vaccines and can be given to people with weak immune systems.
Single cell protein production:
SCP is a refined protein obtained from Aspergillus niger (fungi), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), spirulina (algae), and lactobacillus (bacteria), which is used as animal feed or human feed. The single cell protein is produced in sterile conditions like any other microbial culture. Due to SCP's high protein content, it can be used as a food supplement that also provides instant energy.
Enzyme Production:
Enzymes are industrially manufactured in closed and contained fermentation tanks. The enzymes are used in brewing beer, making cheese, tanning leather, and have also been used in biofuels and biopolymers. Enzymes are used in various industrial activities due to their low processing time, low energy input, non-toxic nature and eco-friendly characteristics.
Accelerating progress in the industrialization of biology benefits all nations. The combination of chemicals and biology benefits the economy in terms of social, financial, and environmental benefits, as well as improving citizens' lives.