Assignment 3: Biotechnology Applications

Assignment 3: Biotechnology Applications

Introduction

Biotechnology could simply be referred to as the use organisms and living system for the development of useful products for the modification of human health and environment. According to the definition proposed by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is a technology that uses living organisms, biological systems, or its derivatives for the development and modification of process of products for specific use (Singh, & Harvey, 2010). Biotechnology harnesses bio-molecular and cellular processes for the development of products and technologies that improve the health and lives of the individuals residing on our planet. Modern biotechnology has provided us with various technologies and products that enable us to combat rare diseases, reduction of environmental footprints, and development of cleaner energy, feeding the hungry, and establishment of a much cleaner, safer and efficient industrial manufacturing processes. .

Discussion

Biotechnology is concerned with application of microorganisms for the development and implementation of technical production processes, such as the production of antibiotics, feed yeasts and enzymes. There are wide ranges of biotech application ranging from medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, agriculture, food production technology and the acquisition of new compounds from renewable resources. Accordingly, the applications can be divided in 4 areas of biotechnology:

Blue Biotechnology

Red Biotechnology

White Biotechnology

Green biotechnology

Blue Biotechnology

This area covers the biotechnology from marine organisms. These include the cultivation of microalgae as animal feed or for the cosmetics industry.

Red Biotechnology

The Red biotechnology covers all areas of biotechnology, medical applications. These include the development of products (drugs, diagnostics, vaccines, etc.), as well as the model organisms from the animal sector that are needed to develop new therapeutics (Liao, & Lee, 2010).

White Biotechnology

The white biotechnology covers all areas essential for environmental protection but is also summarized in bioprocess. The environmental biotechnology is used for soil remediation, ...