Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of technology to modify or manipulate living systems or parts of living systems for the generation of useful products, biological processing to treat disease or to acquire knowledge. Products manufactured or processed using biotechnology are found in agricultural, pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and biofuel industries. Biotechnology is also used in waste treatment.

Biotechnology is used to modify living systems or parts of living systems based on knowledge about essential parts or processes which allow living things to grow, reproduce, use resources and respond to their environment.

Biotechnology is based on genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, embryology and cell biology, as well as applied disciplines - chemical and information technology and robotics.

Biotechnology tools have been developed in research areas such as molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, microbiology, cell biology and agriculture.

Biomaterials interact with biological systems. They can be natural or synthetic, alive or lifeless and are made of multiple components. Biomaterials are often used in medical applications.

• Hyaluronic acid
• Graphene-based biomaterials
• Biopolymer

Biomolecules, also called biological molecules, are molecules produced by cells of living organisms. DNA, RNA and enzymes are examples of biomolecules. The following are biomolecules with uses in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics or textiles.

• Hyaluronic acid
• spider silk, recombinant spider silk is produced by Kraig Biocraft Laboratories
• Mycotech

Mapping projects serve as reference manuals to living systems by showing the organization of components within living organisms. Mapping projects promote the sharing of biological information and more.

The following companies are using biotechnology in disease research and in development and production of medicine or therapies for a range of injuries or illnesses.

Biotechnology is used by IVD companies to develop tests that detect diseases in vitro, meaning outside the body, from human samples like blood, urine and tissue. Molecular diagnostics are a subset of tests within IVD which detect DNA and RNA in order to assess health. Examples are detection of disease-causing gene mutations or presence of viral DNA or RNA. Detection of proteins using antibodies is considered separate from molecular diagnostics but falls under IVD. In addition to molecular diagnostics and immunoassays, the IVD market also includes clinical chemistry, hematology analyzers and microbiology culture.

• Cas12a based DETECTR system to detect viruses

• Cas12a based HOMES system to detect viruses and small nucleotide polymorphism sites in human DNA related to health and personal characteristics

• Cas13a based SHERLOCK to detect pathogenic viruses and bacteria

• Cas12- and Cas13- based molecular diagnostics by Mammoth Biosciences

• CRISPR-on-a-chip for cancer diagnostics

• CRISPR-Chip

The following companies that produce instruments, kits, reagents and computer software for basic and applied biological research.

First generation biofuels include ethanol and plant oil produced from sugar and starch. Second generation biofuels are produced from non-food biomass called lignocellulose and are called cellulosic biofuels. Third generation biofuels are derived from algae and produce feedstock as well as fuel. Fourth generation biofuels are electrofuels or photobiological solar fuels.

The ability of blockchain to facilitate transparency, control and sharing of information, while keeping data secure, is being applied to biotechnology. Blockchain technology in data storage and online platforms can improve sharing and access to information and also provide quicker ways for tracking and managing various steps in drug development.

 For immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy, blockchain can provide ways to store, maintain, track and secure information about cells derived from a donor patient like editing performed, storage conditions and transport from donor to recipient. Information must be accessible to patients, physicians, laboratory scientists, logistics companies, supply chains and infusion centers.

Some companies at this intersection include:

• Nebula Genomics (genome sequencing company)
• Genexi (blockchain and cryptocurrency marketplace)
• Orvium (scientific publishing)

Companies worth noting - Entropica Labs and GTN Ltd

• Transtech Conference
• International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
• Discovery On Target
• BIO-Europe
• Biotech Showcase
• Cell Series USA
• The American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting
• The American Society for Cell Biology annual meeting