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21-08-2023
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Answer :
Applied biotechnology refers to the use of biological systems, organisms, or their derivatives to develop products, processes, or technologies that have practical applications in various fields.
· It involves applying principles of biology, genetics, molecular biology, and other related disciplines to solve real-world problems and improve human life.
· India is among the top 12 destinations for biotechnology globally and 3rd largest biotechnology destination in the Asia Pacific Region.
Significant progress in applied biotechnology through R & D:
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:
Ø Development of Recombinant Insulin: Recombinant DNA technology transformed diabetes treatment by using genetically engineered microorganisms to produce insulin, ensuring a more dependable and abundant supply.
Ø Gene Therapy: Gene therapy advancements offer promising treatments for genetic disorders like spinal muscular atrophy and hemophilia, with potential for long-term and curative effects.
Agriculture and Crop Improvement:
Ø Genetic Modification of Crops: Genetic engineering has produced GM crops like Bt cotton, GM maize, and GM papaya with enhanced traits, yielding higher productivity and reduced pesticide dependence.
Ø Molecular Breeding: Biotechnological tools like marker-assisted selection and genomic selection expedite crop improvement, leading to the development of improved varieties with higher yields, nutrition, and environmental resilience.
Industrial Biotechnology:
Ø Enzyme Production: Biotechnology enables large-scale production of enzymes for industries like textile, detergent, and food processing, offering environmentally friendly and efficient alternatives to traditional chemical processes.
Ø Biofuel Production: Biotechnological advancements enable the production of biofuels like bioethanol and biodiesel, derived from renewable sources through biomass conversion, reducing fossil fuel dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Sustainability:
Ø Bioremediation: Biotechnological methods utilize microorganisms to remediate contaminated environments by degrading pollutants like hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides in soil, water, and air.
Ø Waste Management: Biotechnology is vital in waste management, employing microorganisms to decompose organic waste through composting and anaerobic digestion, reducing waste volume and producing renewable biogas.
Personalized Medicine:
Ø Pharmacogenomics: Pharmacogenomics utilizes genetic information to personalize drug therapies, tailoring treatments and dosages based on an individual’s genetic makeup to optimize efficacy and minimize side effects.
Biotechnology enhances the welfare of Society:
Farmers:
Ø Bt Cotton: Bt cotton adoption in India has positively impacted vulnerable communities, enhancing income and livelihoods of farmers in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Women:
Ø Low-cost Sanitary Napkins: The “FLOH (For Life on Earth) Tampons” project, developed by an Indian startup, utilizes biotechnology to produce low-cost and biodegradable sanitary napkins made from bamboo fiber.
Ø Biotechnology-based Nutritional Supplements: Biotech-based Horlicks Pro-Height Protein Plus by GSK Consumer Healthcare supports growth and development with essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Children:
Ø Rotavirus Vaccine: Indigenous rotavirus vaccines, Rotavac and Rotasiil, developed using biotechnology, have transformed child health by providing affordable protection in India.
Youth:
Ø Biotechnology-based Skill Development: For instance, the Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Program (BiSEP) in Karnataka provides training to disadvantaged individuals especially in rural youth, enhancing skills for biotech industries and promoting empowerment.
Entrepreneurs:
Ø Biotechnology Business Incubators: For instance, the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) aims to support and mentor innovative ideas from startups and entrepreneurs.
Ø Bio-entrepreneurship: For example, the development of low-cost biofertilizers using microbial biotechnology has allowed small-scale farmers, particularly those from marginalized sections, to reduce their dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers.
Thus, the Biotech Start-up Expo (2022), LOTUS-HR, and WETLAB are dedicated to enhancing the biotechnology sector through flagship programs like Make in India and Start-up India. Their efforts aim to stimulate growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the biotech industry.