BIOTECHNOLOGY - Inshyna N.M. - 2009

CHAPTER 7. PROSPECTS FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

The advancement of biotechnology is closely linked to solving global human challenges, such as eliminating food, energy, and mineral shortages, as well as improving public health and environmental quality.

The industrial application of biotechnological achievements is grounded in Recombinant DNA technology. Introduction/32.html">Genetic Engineering Methods open up entirely new horizons:

- generation of transgenic organisms;

- creation of novel Proteins through the design of new genes by combining both known and newly synthesized artificial nucleotide sequences;

- utilization of isolated genes within engineered genetic constructs to produce Food Products and biologically active protein substances;

- Structure/175.html">Implementation of Gene Therapy via the artificial replacement of mutant alleles.

Many traditional Industrial processes are being replaced by technologies utilizing Enzymes and microorganisms, including biotechnological methods for agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste Processing, wastewater Treatment, and biogas production. A central focus of biotechnology is the intensification of bioprocesses, achieved both by enhancing the potential of biological agents and their systems, and by improving equipment and applying biocatalysts in industry, medicine, and chemical engineering.

Fields of application of biotechnological methods:

- analytical chemistry instruments;

- Biosynthesis and biodegradation processes;

- renewable raw Materials for the chemical industry;

- household chemicals (adhesives, detergents, Dyes, fibers, Gums, food additives, flavorings, pigments, plastics, etc.);

- food and beverages (agro-industrial production and processing);

- development of high-yielding crops and high-performing livestock;

- Prevention and control of PLANT AND ANIMAL diseases;

- healthcare (Diagnostics, treatment);

- Pharmaceuticals (Antibiotics, Vaccines, enzymes) and diagnostic tools;

- environmental monitoring (air, Water, soil);

- treatment and remediation of environmental pollutants;

- alternative Energy Sources;

- terrestrial and marine mineral extraction.

Priority areas of biotechnology

1. Technology of microbial synthesis of substances beneficial to humans.

2. Investigation of The Role of microorganisms in biosphere processes and the directed regulation of their metabolic activity to solve environmental problems caused by industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollution. This domain encompasses research into microbial contributions to soil fertility (Humus formation and nitrogen replenishment), pest and disease control in crops, and the degradation of pesticides and other chemical compounds in the soil.

3. Landscape restoration: shifting human economic strategies from chemical-intensive to biological farming practices is advantageous not only from an environmental perspective, but also economically.

4. Development of polymers capable of replacing conventional plastics. These polymers offer a significant advantage over traditional materials as they are non-toxic and biodegradable.

5. Development of technologies for generating clean, eco-friendly energy.

The global leaders in biotechnology are the United States, the European Union member states, and China. A distinctive feature of the EU's approach to biotechnology development is its strong environmental focus. By 2020, up to 20% of the chemical industry in EU countries was projected to operate using renewable biological raw materials. Over the next 10-12 years, Sweden plans to completely phase out petroleum products and transition entirely to biofuels.

In China, biotechnology has been officially recognized at the state level as a strategic priority for the coming years. Annual growth rates of biotechnology in China range from 6% to 18%. China currently ranks 4th globally in Plant Genetic Engineering.

The advancement of biotechnology provides a country with the following advantages:

- reducing dependence on imported pharmaceutical drugs;

- providing the population with high-quality food products;

- addressing pressing environmental challenges;

- producing alternative energy sources and raw materials from renewable resources;

- stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs;

- establishing a system to counter bioterrorism and ensure biosecurity.

Further human progress is inextricably linked to The Development of biotechnology. At the same time, it must be borne in mind that the uncontrolled release of genetically engineered organisms and products can disrupt the natural biological balance and pose a threat to human health.