Introduction to Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

GEB-1101
Course Credit-3
Lecture-1 Biotechnology

Al-Hakim
Lecturer
Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Jagannath University, Dhaka-1100

E-mail : al.hakim@geb.jnu.ac.bd

1
 Overview of the course
GEB-1101 Introduction to Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Biotechnology:
Definition, traditional to modern biotechnology timeline, multidisciplinary nature of Biotechnology and genetic engineering, global aspects of
biotechnology.
Role and scopes of biotech in 4th Industrial Revolution
Present and future prospects of genetic engineering and biotechnology in developing countries.
Careers in biotechnology.

Recombinant DNA Technology and its Tools: Gene cloning- concept and basic steps, restriction endonucleases, ligases and other enzymes
useful in gene cloning, application of bacteria and viruses in genetic engineering, uses of plasmids and phages as vectors.

Current Trends in Biotechnology:

Agricultural biotechnology: lmpact and applications of biotechnology in agriculture, list of biotechnological products produced from plant
and agricultural crops and their uses, genetic manipulation of plant, biocontrol of plant pathogens: insects, pests and weeds; GMO and GM
crops: implications & concerns.
Medical biotechnology: Commercial synthesis of hormones, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals etc., gene therapy and disease diagnosis, Forensic
applications: DNA fingerprinting, monoclonal antibodies and their applications.
Microbial biotechnology: Sources of microbes, production of organic chemicals, other microbial products, dairy products, alcoholic
beverages, biofuel, large-scale preparation of organic chemicals.
Food biotechnology: Introduction to Food Biotechnology, Food Biotechnology throughout human history, Products of food biotechnology,
Current applications of food biotechnology, Roles of microorganisms, Scopes and Prospects.
Biosafety and Environmental Biotechnology: Concepts of Biosafety, sources of environmental pollution, bioremediation of soil and water
control, waste management, disposal, and bioenergy gas; Intellectual Property Rights.

Introduction to Plant and Animal Tissue Culture: Basic techniques, totipotency, embryogenesis and organogenesis, micropropagation,
protoplast culture, somatic hybrids, stem cells, hybridoma and animal cell culture. 2
 Recommended Readings:
• Thieman WJ, Palladino MJ. Introduction to Biotechnology. Pearson (3rd edition 2012 or a later
edition).
• John E. Smith, Biotechnology (5th ed.)
• Ratledge C, Kristiansen B. Basic Biotechnology. Cambridge Univ. Press (1st edition 2001 or a
later edition).
• Gupta PK. Biotechnology and Genomics. Rastogi Publications (2005 or a later edition).
• Glick BR, Pasternak JJ. Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of rDNA. ASM
Press (4th edition 2009 or a later edition).
• Glazer AN, Nikaido H. Microbial Biotechnology: Fundamentals of Applied Microbiology.
Cambridge University Press (2007 or a later edition).
• Watson JD, Myers RM, Caudy AA, Witkowski JA. Recombinant DNA: Genes and Genomes- A
Short Course. W. H. Freeman (3rd edition 2006 or a later edition).
• Nicholl DS. An Introduction to Genetic Engineering. Cambridge University Press, (2008 or a
later edition).
• Old RW, Primrose SB. Principles of Gene Manipulation: an Introduction to Genetic
Engineering. Blackwell Scientific (3rd edition 2003 or a later edition).
• Dubey RC, (2013) A Textbook of Biotechnology (M.E.), Revised Edition, ISBN- 9788121926089,
S. Chand & Company Ltd, India.

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 Chapter outline
Definition, traditional to modern biotechnology timeline,
multidisciplinary nature of Biotechnology and genetic engineering,
global aspects of biotechnology.
Role and scopes of biotech in 4th Industrial Revolution
Present and future prospects of genetic engineering and
biotechnology in developing countries.
Careers in biotechnology.

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 What is Biotechnology?
• The term Biotechnology was coined in 1917, by a Hungarian Engineer, Karl Ereky,
as (1) to refer methods and techniques that allow the production of substances from
raw materials with the aid of living organisms and (2) to describe a process for large
scale production of pigs.
• Biotechnology = Bios (life) + tech (tool)+ logos (study of or essence)
• So, Bio- “living system” and Technology- “the use of scientific knowledge and tools to solve
problems or make useful products”
• Literally ‘the study of tools from living things’
• Biotechnology has been defined in many forms, in essence it implies the use of
microbial, animal or plant cells or enzymes to synthesize, break down or transform
materials.
 What is Biotechnology?
• CLASSIC: The word "biotechnology" was first used in 1917 to describe processes
using living organisms to make a product or run a process, such as industrial
fermentations. (Robert Bud, The Uses of Life: A History of Biotechnology)

• LAYMAN: Biotechnology started journey when humans began to plant their own
crops, domesticate animals, ferment juice into wine, make cheese, and leaven
bread.

• Biotechnology is broadly defined as using living organisms, or the products of

living organisms, for human benefit to make useful product or solve a problem

• Biotechnology is used in fields such as agriculture, medicines and vaccines, and

alternative fuels.
 Selected Definition of Biotechnology
• Biotechnology is ‘the application of biological organisms systems or process to manufacturing and service
industries’ (British Biotechnologists).
• Biotechnology is the ‘integrated use of biochemistry, microbiology and engineering sciences in order to
achieve technological (industrial) application capabilities of microorganisms, cultured cells and parts
there of (EFB: European Federation of Biotechnology).
• Biotechnology is the controlled use of biological agents, such as microorganism or cellular components, for
beneficial use (U.S. National science foundation).
• Biotechnology can be defined as the application of indigenous and/ or scientific knowledge to the management of
(parts of) microorganisms, or of cells and tissues of higher organisms, so that these supply goods and services of
use to human beings.
• In proposing a common definition for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Member
countries, it is important to distinguish between biotechnology itself and those activities upon which it has an
impact. Technology, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is the “scientific study of the practical or industrial arts” or
the “terminology of a particular art or subject”. It is not an industry but a scientific activity. Thus it seems
reasonable to define biotechnology as: “the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of
materials by biological agents to provide goods and services.”
 Aims of European Federation of Biotechnology
The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) considers
biotechnology as ‘the integration of natural sciences and organisms,
cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services’.

The aims of this federation are:

(1) to advance biotechnology for the public benefit
(2) to promote awareness, communication and collaboration in all
fields of biotechnology
(3) to provide governmental and supranational bodies with information
and informed opinions on biotechnology
(4) to promote public understanding of biotechnology.
 History of Biotechnology
• Development of biotechnology can be studied considering its growth that occurred in
two phases:
– (i) Traditional (old) biotechnology and
– (ii) New (Modern) biotechnology

• The EFB definition is applicable to both ‘traditional or old’ and ‘new or modern’
biotechnology.
– Traditional biotechnology refers to the conventional techniques that have been used for many
centuries to produce beer, wine, cheese and many other foods. Thus the traditional
biotechnology includes the process that are based on the natural capabilities of
microorganisms.
• Examples: Bread, Yogurt, Cheese, Wine and Beer

– While ‘new’ biotechnology embraces all methods of genetic modification by recombinant

DNA and cell fusion techniques together with the modern developments of ‘traditional’
biotechnological processes.
– Examples: Gene cloning, Human Genome project
 Examples of biotechnology
• Historical Examples
– Fermentation
– Selective breeding
– Use of antibiotics
• Modern Examples
– Gene cloning
– Genetic engineering
– Recombinant DNA technology started modern biotech as an industry
– Human Genome Project
• Examples of modern biotechnological applications
– development of disease-resistant plants
– food crops that produce greater yields
– "golden rice" engineered to be more nutritious
– genetically engineered bacteria that can degrade environmental pollutants
 What are the stages of biotechnology?
• Ancient Biotechnology
• early history as related to food and shelter, including domestication

• Classical Biotechnology
• built on ancient biotechnology
• fermentation promoted food production
• medicine

• Modern Biotechnology
• manipulates genetic information in organism
• genetic engineering
 Ancient biotechnology

History of domestication and agriculture

• Paleolithic society – Hunter-gatherers  Nomadic lifestyle due to migratory

animals and edible plant distribution (wild wheat and barley) (~2 x 106 yrs.)
• Followed by domestication of plants and animals (artificial selection) 
People settled, sedentary lifestyles evolved (~10,000 yrs. ago)
• Cultivation of wheat, barley and rye (seed collections)
• Sheep and goats  milk, cheese, button and meat
• Grinding stones for food preparation
• New technology  Origins of Biotechnology  Agrarian Societies
 History of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is not something new but represents a developing and
expanding series of technologies dating back (in many cases) thousands of
years, when
• humans first began unwittingly to use microbes to produce foods and
beverages, such as bread and beer,
• and to modify or improve crops and livestock through selective breeding as
way of progressive selection for desired traits.

Biotechnology encompasses many traditional processes, such as brewing, baking,

winemaking, cheese production, oriental foods (e.g. soy sauce and tempeh) and
sewage treatment, where the use of microorganisms has been developed
somewhat empirically over countless years (Table 1.2).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPToC2_tjxo
History of Biotechnology: Pre-historic Biotechnology

Ancient Egyptians (Evidence found up to 4000 BC)

• Used crushed dates for longer time to prepare vinegar
• Used Yeast to brew wine and make breads.
• The Egyptian art of mummification used the technique of dehydration
using a mixture of salts.

People of Indus Valley (Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa)

• prepared and used various types of fermented foods, beverages, and
medicines

Greek civilization
• Used crop rotation techniques to exploit bacteria living in the soil to
increase crop yield

Mesopotamian and Palestine civilization (1500 BC)

• Prepared wine from crushed grapes and beer from germinated cereals
(malt) using a bread leaven (a mass of yeast)
 History of Biotechnology:
Understanding the role of microorganism in Fermentation

Antonie Van Nicolas Appert Peter Durand

Leeuwenhoek (1749-1841) (1766-1822)
(1632-1723) Described the widely credited
method of food with receiving
Discovered preservation
microorganisms the first patent
using his for the idea of
microscope preserving food
using tin cans.
 History of Biotechnology:
Understanding the role of microorganism in Fermentation

Theodor Schwann Gay-Lussac Louis Pasteur

(1778-1850)
(1810-1882) (1822-1895)
Reported O2 is
In 1837, required for Started the study of
Demonstrated the initiation of microbiology in 1857.
development of alcoholic Reported different
fungus on fruit fermentation types of Fermentation
juice causes (Gas, Acid and Alcohol)
fermentation
Pasteur suggested high percentage of microbial production is killed by heating the juice at
62.80c (1450F which is now called Pasteurization
 History of Biotechnology

Robert Koch Eduard Buchner

Edward Jenner
(1843-1910) (1860-1917)
(1749-1823)
In 1881,
Developed concept Developed
established the
relationship of
of enzyme and concept of
pathogen with a demonstrated vaccine in 1798
disease known enzymatically
as Koch’ mediated
postulates’. fermentation
 History of Biotechnology
Biotechnology and warfare
Biotechnology played an important role
during World War I
Fermentation techniques were
used to produce Glycerine which
was a component of explosive
nitroglycerine

Scientists used bacteria that

converts corn or molasses into
acetone for making the explosive
cordite
What are two major features of technology that differentiates
the modern and classical biotechnology?
The two major features of technology differentiates the modern
biotechnology from the classical biotechnology:
• (i) capability of science to change genetic material for getting new
products for specific requirement through recombinant DNA technology,
and
• (ii) ownership of technology and its socio-political impact.

Now the conventional industries: pharmaceutical industries, agro-

industries etc. are focusing their attention to produce biotechnology-
based product.
 Emergence of Modern Biotechnology
• The new or modern biotechnology embraces all methods of genetic
modification by recombinant DNA and cell fusion technologies.
• It also includes the modern developments of traditional biotechnological
processes.
• The new aspects of biotechnology founded in recent advancement of modern
biology, genetic engineering and fermentation process technology are now
increasingly found wide industrial application.
• But the rate of application will depend on: (i) adequate investment by the
industries, (ii) improved system of biological patenting, (iii) marketing skill,
(iv) economics of the new methods, and (v) public perception about the
biotechnology products
 Modern biotechnology timeline
• In 1920, for the first time, the Leeds City Council (U. K.)
established the Institute of Biotechnology
• In 20th century, biotechnology brought industries and
agriculture.
• During world war I fermentation processes were developed
which produced the acetone from starch and paint solvent from
automobile industries.
 Modern biotechnology timeline
• Sir Alexander Fleming in the year 1928 where
he observed that the mold Penicillium inhibited
the growth of human skin disease-causing
bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.
• Antibiotics are substances produced by
microorganisms that will inhibit the growth of
other microorganisms.
• In 1940, penicillin became widely available for
medicinal use to treat bacterial infections in
humans.
Penicillin, the first antibiotic, proved
highly successful in treating wounded
soldiers during world war II.
• The discovery by Sir Alexander Fleming lead to the making of antibiotics that
we use today.
• These antibiotics are highly recommended and extensively used medicinally for
bacterial infections. These antibiotics are basically substances produced by
microorganisms that normally inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.
 Modern biotechnology timeline
Industrialization of Biotechnology
• Today, industry exploits early discoveries of the fermentation process for production of huge
numbers of products.

🕞 Discovery of antibiotics in 1929 and their subsequent large-scale production in the l940s (world
war II) that created the greatest advances in fermentation technology. Resulting bioreactor is (using
different microorganisms) developed for large scale production of Antibiotics (e.g.
Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Bacitracin, Neomycin, Tetracycline etc.
• Penicillium  fermentation penicillin

🕞 Linking the fermentation with biochemistry, bioprocess, chemical engineering, and instrument
designing helped substantially in the progress of industries. Since then we have witnessed a
phenomenal development in this technology, not only in the production of antibiotics but in
many other useful, simple or complex biochemical products. e.g. organic acids, polysaccharides,
enzymes, vaccines, hormones, etc.
 Modern biotechnology timeline
🕞 After unraveling the DNA double helix by Watson & Crick (1953), Marshall Nirenberg and
Heinrich J. Matthaei cracking the nature genetic code in 1961.
🕞 Werner Arber (1971) discovered restriction enzymes which cut the DNA strand and generate
fragments.
🕞 The cut ends of two single fragments are sticky end and can rejoin due to identical base
pairs.
🕞 Cohen and Boyer (1973) discovered recombinant DNA technology by which insertion of a new
gene in to a bacterium from another using restriction enzymes
🕞 Fred Sanger and his colleagues (1975-77), and Maxam and Gilbert developed rapid DNA
sequencing methods.
🕞 David Baltimore (1976) successfully transferred human growth hormone gene into a rabbit.
🕞 In 1978, U.S company ‘Genetech’ used genetic engineering to produce human insulin in E. coli
and its trials were conducted in USA, France, Japan and UK
🕞 Genentech also developed in 1981 the first recombinant human GH (rhGH), somatotropin by a
biosynthetic process called protein secretion technology in E. coli on industrial scale.
 Modern biotechnology timeline
🕞 Kary Mullis discovered PCR in 1978 where single copy of DNA stands is amplified to
millions copied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
🕞 In 1986 1st GE Vaccine-Hepatitis B was administered and 1st GE Anti-Cancer Drug-Interferon
was introduced
🕞 In 1990
• The use of first gene therapy to treat adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, a genetic disease
which leaves defenseless against infections.
• Human genome project was also started and
• First product of recombinant DNA technology introduced into US food chain
🕞 In 1993, FDA announces that transgenic food is safe
• BIO formed=Biotechnology Industry Organization
• Bovine Somatotropin approved to increase milk production
🕞 In 1994, The FLAVRSAVR tomato - first genetically engineered whole food were sold in market.
🕞 In1996, Dolly the 1st cloned lamb was born successfully by the Scotish scientists Keith Campbell,
Ian Wilmut and colleagues.
 Modern biotechnology timeline
🕞 Human artificial chromosome HACs were first constructed de novo in 1997 by adding
alpha-satellite DNA to telomeric and genomic DNA in human HT1080 cells
🕞 In 1998, James Thomson first grown embryonic stem cells (ES cells) by in vitro
technique
🕞 In 1999, Celera announces completion of Drosophilia genome sequence
🕞 In 2000, “Golden Rice” was produced for developing countries to biosynthesize beta-
carotene (a precursor of vitamin A). In areas with a shortage of dietary vitamin A, a
deficiency which is estimated to kill 670,000 children under the age of 5 each year.
🕞 First complete map of genome-Rice published in 2001
🕞 In 2001, Human genome sequence map was published in Nature and Science
journals.
🕞 In 2005 Korean Scientists developed therapeutic cloning for stem cell line production
for genetic disease research.
 Summary of Historical development of biotechnology
Biotechnological production of foods and beverages
• Sumarians and Babylonians were drinking beer by 6000 BC, they were the first to apply direct fermentation
to product development; Egyptians were baking leavened bread by 4000 BC; wine was known in the Near
East by the time of the book of Genesis. Microorganisms were first seen in the seventeenth century by Anton
van Leeuwenhoek who developed the simple microscope; the fermentative ability of microorganisms was
demonstrated between 1857 and 1876 by Pasteur – the father of biotechnology; cheese production has
ancient origins, as does mushroom cultivation.
Biotechnological processes initially developed under non-sterile conditions
• Ethanol, acetic acid, butanol and acetone were produced by the end of the nineteenth century by open
microbial fermentation processes. Waste-water treatment and municipal composting of solid wastes
represents the largest fermentation capacity practised throughout the world.
Introduction of sterility to biotechnological processes
• In the l940s complicated engineering techniques were introduced to the mass production of microorganisms
to exclude contaminating microorganisms. Examples include the production of antibiotics, amino acids,
organic acids, enzymes, steroids, polysaccharides, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
Applied genetics and recombinant DNA technology
• Traditional strain improvement of important industrial organisms has long been practised; recombinant DNA
techniques together with protoplast fusion allow new programming of the biological properties of organisms.
 Multidisciplinary nature of Biotechnology
• Biotechnology is a priori an interdisciplinary pursuit. It is not a sudden
discovery but rather a coming of age of a technology that was initiated
several decades ago.
• The term multidisciplinary describes a quantitative extension of
approaches to problems that commonly occur within a given area.
Multidisciplinary strategies were also made for the solution of various
problem.
• It involves the marshalling of concepts and methodologies from a number of
separate disciplines and applying them to a specific problem in another area.
• A novel spectrum or investigation occurred through the true
interdisciplinary synthesis. This led to the evolution of biotechnology which
is an outcome of integrated effort or biology with technology, the root of
which lies in biological science (Fig).
Multidisciplinary nature of Biotechnology
 Multidisciplinary nature of Biotechnology
• Unlike a single scientific discipline, biotechnology can draw upon a wide
array of relevant fields, such as microbiology, biochemistry, molecular
biology, cell biology, immunology, protein engineering, enzymology,
biophysics, chemistry, embryology, ecology, genetics, immunology,
pharmacology, virology, classified breeding techniques, and the full range
of bioprocess technologies.
• A biotechnologist can utilise techniques derived from chemistry,
microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering and computer science.
• The main objectives will be the innovation, development and optimal
operation of processes in which biochemical catalysis has a fundamental
and irreplaceable role.
 Business
applications

Healthcare/ Food
pharmaceuticals innovations/
food processing
Plant
agriculture/crop Fermentation
improvement technology
Animal
agriculture
Diagnostics
Energy
and environment/
management

The biotechnology tree Genetic engineering

through molecular
biology and analysis
through
Human, Bioinformatics
animal/plant Chemical
physiology engineering
Genetics
Molecular and cell
biology Biochemistry
Immunology Microbiology
The Biotechnology Tree: Different Disciplines Contribute to Biotechnology

34
 Fig. The Biotechnology Tree: Different Disciplines Contribute
Biotechnology
• Notice that the “roots” are primarily formed by work in the basic sciences research into
fundamental processes of living organisms at the biochemical, molecular, and genetic
levels.
• The basic sciences are the foundation or "roots" of all aspects of biotechnology.
• The central focus or "trunk" for most biotechnological applications is genetic engineering.
• Branches of the tree represent different organisms, technologies, and applications that
"stem" from genetic engineering and bioinformatics, central aspects of most
biotechnological approaches.
• When pieced together basic science research from many areas, with the help of computer
science, can lead to genetic engineering approaches.
• At the top of the tree, applications of genetic engineering can be put to work to create a
product or process to help humans or living environment.
Types of companies involved in biotechnology
1. Therapeutics Pharmaceutical products for the cure or control of
human diseases, including antibiotics, vaccines, gene
therapy.
2. Diagnostics Clinical testing and diagnosis, food, environment,
agriculture.
3. Agriculture/Forestry/ Novel crops or animal varieties, pesticides.
Horticulture
4. Food Wide range of food products, fertilisers, beverages,
ingredients.
5. Environment Waste treatment, bioremediation, energy production.
6. Chemical Reagents including enzymes, DNA/RNA, speciality
intermediates chemicals
7. Equipment Hardware, bioreactors, software and consumables
supporting biotechnology.
 The main areas of application of biotechnology
Bioprocess technology
• Historically, the most important area of biotechnology (brewing, antibiotics, mammalian cell
culture, etc.), extensive development in progress with new products envisaged
(polysaccharides, medically important drugs, solvents, protein-enhanced foods).
• Novel fermenter designs to optimise productivity.
Enzyme technology
• Used for the catalysis of extremely specific chemical reactions; immobilisation of
enzymes; to create specific molecular converters (bioreactors).
• Products formed include L-amino acids, high fructose syrup, semi-synthetic penicillins, starch
and cellulose hydrolysis, etc. Enzyme probes for bioassays.
Waste technology
• Long historical importance but more emphasis is now being placed on coupling these
processes with the conservation and recycling of resources; foods and fertilizers, biological
fuels.
 The main areas of application of biotechnology
Environmental technology
• Great scope exists for the application of biotechnological concepts for solving many environmental
problems (pollution control, removing toxic wastes); recovery of metals from mining wastes and low-
grade ores.
Renewable resources technology
• The use of renewable energy sources, in particular lignocellulose, to generate new sources of chemical raw
materials and energy – ethanol, methane and hydrogen. Total utilisation of plant and animal material.
Clean technology, sustainable technology.
Plant and animal agriculture
• Genetically engineered plants to improve nutrition, disease resistance, maintain quality, and improve yields
and stress tolerance will become increasingly commercially available. Improved productivity etc. for animal
farming. Improved food quality, flavour, taste and microbial safety.
Healthcare
• New drugs and better treatment for delivering medicines to diseased parts. Improved disease diagnosis,
understanding of the human genome – genomics and proteomics, information technology.
 Application of biotechnology
• In recent years, biotechnology has touched almost every aspect of human life.
Biotechnology has helped in the area of medical sciences, industries, environment,
agriculture, forensic sciences, etc. directly touching the lives of human being and is
making a significant contribution.
• The use of microorganisms to replace certain existing procedures could make many
industries more efficient and environmentally friendly and greatly contribute towards
industrial sustainability.
• Thus, waste will be reduced, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will
be lowered, and greater use of renewable raw materials will be made.
• Based on these activities, in the European Union (EU) has been termed ‘white
biotechnology’, while healthcare and agricultural- related biotechnologies have
respectively been termed ‘red’ and ‘green’ biotechnologies.
 Potential areas of Biotechnology: Color codes
GOLD RED
WHITE
Bioinformatics Health, medical
Industrial
Nanobiotechnology and diagnostic
biotechnology
, In ons biotechnology
PURPLE
Patents, GREEN
Publications, Agricultural
Inventions Areas of
Biotechnology
DARK GRAY
Bioterrorism, Environmental
Biowarfare
BLUE
Aquaculture,
BROWN YELLOW
coastal and
Desert Food
marine
biotechnology biotechnology,
biotechnology
Nutrition science
Branches of Biotechnology

41
 Application of Biotechnology

• In medicine: (RED biotechnology)

– Monoclonal Antibodies
– Bioprocessing (Production of medicinally
important proteins and vaccines etc.)**
– Stem Cell Technology
– Tissue Engineering

** Often Industrial biotechnology is called WHITE

biotechnology)
 Application of Biotechnology
• In forensic science (RED Biotechnology)-
– DNA Finger printing
– Parental identification tests (DNA Paternity
testing)
– Forensic toxicology
 Application of Biotechnology
• There are many application of
Biotechnology in Food and agriculture
(GREEN biotechnology)
– Conventional plant breeding
– Tissue culture and micropropagation
– Molecular breeding or marker assisted
selection
– Genetic engineering and GM crops
– Plant disease diagnostics
– Microbial fermentation
 Application of Biotechnology
• In Environment: (GREY biotechnology)

• Genetic analysis of the species present in ecosystem

Biodiversity • Cloning to preserve
maintenance endangered species

• Using mutant microorganism

to remove waste materials.
Contamination • Using bi-products to solve
removal different environmental
issues.
Application of Biotechnology
• In Plant genetics
– Transgenic plants to increase crop yield, resistance
against infectious disease.
– Bio-fuel plants (Biomass)
 Biotechnology and the developing world
• Successful agriculture holds the answer to the poverty gap between the rich and poor
nations.
• In the developed world agricultural sciences are well developed, producing an
abundance of high-quality products.
• Although, worldwide there will be enough food for all, but it will be continue always
disproportionately distributed. Therefore, biotechnology developments need high
inputs in terms of finance and a skilled workforce – both of which are in short supply
in most developing nations.
• Sadly, there is a growing gap between biotechnology in highly industrialised countries
and the biotechnology-based needs of developing countries.
• While many developing nations have successfully collaborated in the past with
Western biotechnology companies, it is salutary to note that between 1986 and 1991
the percentage of arrangements implemented by US biotechnology companies with
developing countries dropped from 20% to 3%.
 Biotechnology and the developing world
• The ability of developing nations to avail themselves of the many promises of
new biotechnology will to a large extent depend on their capacity to integrate
modern developments of biotechnology within their own research and
innovation systems, in accordance with their own needs and priorities.
• However, it must be appreciated that biotechnological development will not
only depend on scientific and technological advances, but will also be subject
to considerable political, economic and, above all, public acceptance.
• Finally, it has been said that most scientific disciplines pass through golden
ages when new approaches open the door to rapid and fundamental
expansion. Biotechnology is just now entering this golden period. A spectacular
future lies ahead.
 Commercialisation of Biotechnology and the developing world
Looking to the future, the Economist, when reporting on this new technology, stated
that it may launch ‘an industry as characteristic of the twenty-first century as those
based on physics and chemistry have been of the twentieth century’. The main
areas of biotechnology that can contribute to these aims are listed in Table.

Table: Top eight biotechnologies to improve health in developing countries

• Molecular diagnostics
• Recombinant vaccines
• Sequencing pathogen genomes
• Female-controlled protection against sexually transmitted diseases
• Bioremediation
• Bioinformatics
• Nutritionally enhanced genetically modified crops
• Recombinant therapeutic protein

Source: Acharya et al. (2003) Nature Biotechnology, 21, 1434–6.

 Present Status of Biotechnology in Bangladesh
Initiatives have been taken by the Government to promote biotechnological research and infrastructure
development to enhance productivity, quality and value of products, and environmental conservation leading
to sustained food security, poverty alleviation and livelihood security. With an aim to accelerate the research
activities in this field government has established NIB as a specialized institute. Different governing bodies,
policies and guidelines are in shape to address, manage and co-ordinate biotechnological research and issues
under relevant ministries.

Agriculture Biotechnology
-Plant Biotechnology
- Animal Biotechnology
- Fisheries Biotechnology

Health Biotechnology

Industrial Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
Manpower Development
Follow in details from the Reference paper:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338526915_Innovation_in_Agricult
ure_and_Industrial_sectors_of_Bangladesh_through_application_of_Biotechn
ology_to_achieve_SDGs_Opportunities_and_Challenges
51
 Breakthrough of Biotechnology in Bangladesh

Jute genome

Fungus genome

Buffalo genome

Bt-Brinjal

Follow in details from the Reference paper:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338526915_Innovation_in_Agricult
ure_and_Industrial_sectors_of_Bangladesh_through_application_of_Biotechn
ology_to_achieve_SDGs_Opportunities_and_Challenges

52
 Career in Biotechnology

Organizational Structure of a Typical Medium-Size Biotechnology Company

 Career in Biotechnology
• Research and development-The majority of positions in R&D usually require a bachelor’s or
associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry
• Laboratory technicians are responsible for duties such as cleaning and maintaining equipment used
by scientists and keeping labs stocked with supplies. Technician positions usually require a B.A. in
science or a B.S in biology or chemistry.
• Research assistants or research associates carry out experiments under the direct supervision of
established and experienced scientists. These positions require a B.S. or M.S. degree in biology or
chemistry. Research assistants and associates are considered “bench” scientists, carrying out
research experiments under the direction of one or more principal or senior scientists.
• Principal or senior scientists usually have a PhD and considerable practical experience in research
and management skills for directing other scientists. These individuals are considered the scientific
leaders of a company. Responsibilities include planning and executing research priorities of the
company, acting as spokespeople on company research and development at conferences,
participating in patent applications, writing progress reports, applying for grants, and serving as
advisers to the top financial managers of the company.
• The rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics, the use of computers to analyze and store DNA and
protein data, requires an understanding of computer programming, statistics, and biology. In
addition, specific programs in bioinformatics have been developed at four-year colleges and
universities, technical colleges, and community colleges to train people to become
bioinformaticists .

54
Minimal Level of Education Required of Entry-Level Technicians

The Resource Group performed a survey of

entry-level education requirements for 69
biotechnology companies in the three-
county area of central coast California.
Results are comparable with other areas of
the United States and indicate that R&D
generally requires a greater amount of
training than other job areas.

55
 Role and scopes of biotech in 4th Industrial Revolution
• Industrial revolutions lead to economic, political, and societal changes over a few
centuries by developing and introducing new technologies.
• These technological changes also represent the three major phases of revolutions.
• The first industrial revolution refers to mechanical production, which emerged in
the United Kingdom in the late 18th century (Frey & Osborne, 2017). At that time,
the workplace culture was dominated by men, and women were forced out of
production positions (Philbeck& Davis, 2018). Macpherson (1962) stated that this
revolution has rapidly increased capacity in production, which leads to
urbanisation, the development of local and global market economies, the
importance of democratic governments, and an increasing middle income in the
western hemisphere.
• The second industrial revolution was known as a technological revolution that
emerged from the late 19th century to the early 20th century due to natural
resources, firm government policy, and abundant labor supply.
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• Although the Third Industrial Revolution emerged in 1960, it had started in
earnest after the Second World War (Frey & Osborne, 2017).
• This revolution had introduced and developed the personal computer, and
the internet led to the democratisation of information, price reduction, and
rapid quality improvement, presented as a new era of capitalism; reform the
economic structure for a war-torn world, making calculation easier for
business and governments.
• Moving on in the work environment of the world is often portrayed as the FIR
or 4.0, which is defined by introducing new technologies like genetics,
artificial intelligence, wireless technologies advancement, cyber-physical
system, cloud computing, internet of thing, nanotechnology, biotechnology,
and 3-D printing.

57
Periods of industrial revolutions

Source: By Christoph Roser at

AllAboutLean.com under the free CC-BY-
SA 4.0 license. 58
 Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
• The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a term coined in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, Founder
and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• It is characterized by the convergence and complementarity of emerging technology
domains, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, new materials and advanced digital
production (ADP) technologies.
• The latter includes 3D printing, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and artificial intelligence,
and is already transforming the global industrial landscape.
• Incorporating ADP technologies into industrial production processes has given rise to the
concept of Industry 4.0, also known as the Smart Factory – one that learns as it works,
continuously adapting and optimizing its own processes accordingly.

https://iap.unido.org/articles/what-fourth-industrial-revolution
59
60
 Understanding industry 4.0
• Industry 4.0 is the union of technologies applied to the production environment. Among
them are internet of things (IoT), cyber-physical systems (CPS), 3D printing, big data,
autonomous vehicles, automated systems, artificial intelligence and new materials.
• The fourth industrial generation presents as main characteristics: data interconnection,
integration and innovation. Among the set of technologies are:
• Cloud computing: The delivery of faster and more flexible innovation services for data
storage, including servers, software, database, analytics and intelligence over the internet
(“the cloud”).
• Virtualization or digital twins (asset virtualization): Provides simulation of the process
environment according to business requirements.
• Internet of things (IoT): Makes possible to connect objects, transfer data without human
intervention and interconnection between equipment through the internet in convergence
with wireless technology;
• Big data analytics: Due to the high volume, variety and speed of data generated by sensors
and control systems, there is a need to collect, integrate, store, process and analyze data for
Industry 4.0.
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• Cyber-physical systems (CPS): Complex systems that require specifications for the
chronological control of processes, security modeling, rationalization of continuous events
for mapping and sequencing in discrete events.
• Internet of services (IoS): Characterized by a large number of services supported by
software distributed over the internet, requiring new standards and integration
architectures, as well as flexible and dynamic mechanisms of data security.
• Autonomous robots: Robots with autonomous capacity used in production lines to perform
complex activities.
• Vertical and horizontal integration: Key concepts for the implementation of the Industry
4.0.24 It integrates internal and intercompany activities in order to add value to the entire
value chain.
• Cybersecurity: Consists of methods used to detect and prevent intruders. It represents the
need to protect management systems and production lines with increasing connectivity.
• Additive manufacturing or 3D printing: A manufacturing method that adds layer-by-layer
material to produce an object. Industry 4.0 will enable the production of small custom
batch volumes with the assistance of additive manufacturing.
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 Advances in biotechnology
 The use of Biotechnology began long before the beginning of the Christian era, with the
fermentative processes obtained from microorganisms.
 By using this approach, it is possible to manufacture alcoholic beverages from cereal grains;
the Egyptians also used the fermentation process for the production of bread.
 In 1876, Louis Pasteur proved that fermentation is caused by microorganisms.
 With the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, it made the production of
antibiotics a major industrial milestone. During the Second World War, antibiotics became
part of biotechnological industrial processes.
 Biotechnology in the first half of the 20th century was based on enzymes, with the main
objective of improving the quality of food. Another landmark of modern Biotechnology was
the chemical synthesis of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) performed by Kornberg in 1967, a
fact he called “genetic revolution”. Modern biotechnology applications in various segments
of activities, such as: mining, health, fermentation, agriculture and livestock.
 In mining, the Biotechnology professional works with the improvement of metal
concentration processes for the use of ores, biolixiviation mineral bacterial,
hydrometallurgy and others. 63
https://journalamb.com/index.php/jamb/article/view/39/98
 In the area of health, the Biotechnology professional works in the production of metabolic
regulating proteins, interferon, human insulin, growth hormones, neuroactive, peptides,
and others. Still in the health area, we work in the production of vaccines with the objective
of preventing several diseases.
 In agriculture, the Biotechnology professional develops research with genes, which have
allowed the improvement of several cultures, such as coffee, sugar cane, soy, cotton,
tomato, potato and many others. Other developments include the production of products
for pest control, seed production, genetically modified foods.
 In livestock, the Biotechnology professional is present in the development of animal
feeding, and in the control of reproduction that are available in embryo transfer
techniques, such as artificial insemination, in vitro experiments, cloning, genetic mapping
and molecular markers.
 Biotechnology is a powerful tool that can replace a large number of current processes in the near future and
create innovative and sophisticated solutions to a wide range of problems.

64
Several developments that happened with the advances in
Biotechnology can be cited:
• New biological therapies;
• Discovery of new energy sources based on biotechnological research;
• Structuring of analytical tools;
• Expansion of nanobiotechnology;
• Proliferation of transgenic technology;
• Development of tools in bioinformatics;
• Expansion of biomass to biofuel conversion technologies;
• Development of research based on sustainability
• Biotechnology law, intellectual property, patents and biotechnological ethics;
• The development of business models, processes and management of Biotechnology
companies.

65
 Biotechnology and industry 4.0
• What is understood by the integration of Biotechnology and the Industry 4.0 is the
incorporation of digital systems and technologies (big data, IoT, cloud computing, advanced
robotics, virtual simulation, artificial intelligence, 3D printing) to Biotechnology activities, in
order to allow the integration of physical systems with virtual systems (cyber-physical
systems).
• It has been used by large Biotechnology companies, and partly also by academic laboratories.
• But compared to manufacturing and service industries, Biotechnology needs to evolve in the
automation of research laboratories for productivity and quality to improve exponentially.
• A fully-automated laboratory uses robots or other networked computer devices to monitor
experiments and gather more accurate data. This would increase productivity, reproducibility
and research accuracy.
• According to STEQ the German national innovation network aims to facilitate the integration
between intelligent laboratories and Industry 4.0. The goal is to drive the development and
standardization of innovative technologies, and the intended results “include simplified
process flows, better quality, greater efficiency and greater process reliability”

66
According to the Brazilian Association of Bioinnovation (ABBI), innovative
Biotechnology solutions also provide a vital contribution to the transition from current
unsustainable economic practices to renewable industrial systems - the circular and
bio-based economy - combining innovation and sustainability to solve major global
challenges. The main benefits of these innovative solutions are:

• Improved productivity and industrial competitiveness by 40%, reducing the use of

natural resources, fossil raw materials, and the number of processes;
• Accelerates the transition from a nonrenewable base industry to a circular,
restorative and regenerative economy, avoiding emissions of up to 2.5 billion tons
of CO per year;
2

• It contributes significantly to a food-secure and low-carbon future by reducing the

amount of land needed to replace 10% of the world’s gasoline with advanced
biofuels by 60%;
• It replaces traditional chemicals in food and beverage production, causing less
impact on natural flavors and colors.

67
 The future of work in Biotechnology

• The study developed by the World Economic Forum presents Biotechnology as one of the
main technologies driving the future of work, i.e., professionals in the field need to observe
the changes and professionalize.
• The power of digitalization has enabled Biotechnology to develop new Biotechnology
products and processes from the processing and understanding of genetic information of
microorganisms. With the use of Industry 4.0 practices, the convergence of innovations will
be intensified.
• Rasquilha also presents current and future possibilities of professions in the field of
Biotechnology:

• Quality control and material analysis: Use of the automated laboratories for high efficiency analysis, but for
this it is necessary to build these laboratories needing professionals from Industry 4.0 and also from
Biotechnology to support the new research;
• Regulatory affairs: Biotechnology also lacks professionals who can deal with documents, bureaucracy,
deadlines from regulatory agencies, read and interpret legislation. Regulation of new transgenics and
biopharmaceuticals. To operate in the application of the main regulatory laws in new biotechnological
products or services in food, chemical, veterinary or pharmaceutical industries;
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• Scientific consultant: To conduct consultancies for companies interested in performing or
optimizing processes, for example DNA cloning and fermentation, or interested in interpreting
genetic data. Their role is to transfer scientific knowledge about a particular medicine to
physicians for everyday use;
• Waste management: The production of waste by industry in line with government policies
generates demand for this type of service. The correct direction of waste and the
transformation of waste into a source of income are the primary activities of professionals in
this area.
• Environmental engineering: The concern with the impact on the environment, both in the
civil construction sector and in the industrial sector makes professionals with knowledge in
the environmental area necessary, since sustainability and the environment are pressing
issues today and in the future.
• Bioinformation: It is a scientific area that works with genetic information bridging clinical
techniques and drug development. It is a profession linked to innovation and also to the aging
macro trend of the population.

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• Telemedicine: The search for innovation and increased life expectancy of the
population will highlight telemedicine professionals. It is a person who is part
of a team that offers diagnosis and treatment for the inhabitants of more
remote areas. An alternative to the lack of health professionals in more remote
areas of Brazil, telemedicine allows people to have access to diagnosis without
being in the same place as the medical team.

• Uranium recycling: Through sustainable techniques it converts uranium waste

into energy that can be used for cities and infrastructures.

• Geomicrobiology: Bacteria and microorganisms have characteristics that can

help in research in areas such as medicine, food or health and well-being,
incorporating these microcharacteristics into everyday industry and research.

70