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BIOTECHNOLOGY:
DEFINITIONS, TYPES AND MAIN APPLICATIONS
Dr. BENTAHAR Soumia* 1, 2 Dr ABADA Rofia 1, 3, Pr YKHLEF Nadia 2
1
Associate professor at Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Algeria
2
Laboratory of Genetics, Biochemistry and Plant Biotechnology, MENTOURI brothers
university Constantine I, Algeria
3Laboratory of cities and health, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanisme, University Salah
ABSTRACT
1. INTRODUCTION
Biotechnology is multidisciplinary field which has major impact on our lives. The technology
is known since years which involve working with cells or cell-derived molecules for various
applications. It has wide range of uses and is termed “technology of hope” which impact
human health, well being of other life forms and our environment (Gupta et al.2016).
The basic principle of biotechnology is to use living organisms or their components, such as
cells, enzymes, and proteins, to create new products or processes. The techniques and
applications of biotechnology are diverse and have a broad range of applications.
Biotechnology uses science and engineering to process materials with biological agents
(Chekol C. 2018) .Biological agents such as enzymes, plant cells and microorganisms are
used to produce pharmaceuticals, foods and biochemical used for warfare Its application is
held in nanotechnology, cloning, gene therapy, recombinant DNA technology, embryonic
stem cell research, biofuels, biobanks, and in biotechnological industries. Chekol C ( 2018)
emphasizes that Biotechnology and bioindustries are becoming an integral part of the
knowledge-based economy, because they are closely associated with progress in the life
sciences and in applied sciences and technologies linked to them.
In the agricultural sector, biotechnology has helped to increase crop yields and improve
the nutritional content of crops. Biotechnology has also enabled the development of
genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests and can grow in harsh environmental
conditions, such as drought. In addition, Reverse breeding methods are also used to
accelerate breeding and create new cultivars to meet changing climate demands .The
applications of plant biotechnology are responding to the increasing demands for food
security, socio-economic growth, conservation, diversification, and sustainable use of plant
genetic resources as fundamental components of the future agricultural sector (Bentahar S &
Ykhlef N.2023). In industry, biotechnology has led to the development of new products and
materials that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Biotechnology has enabled the
production of biofuels, bioplastics, and enzymes for use in laundry detergents, among other
things. Moreover, in the field of the environment, biotechnology has the potential to address
some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change and pollution.
Biotechnology can be used to create new biodegradable materials, clean up contaminated
sites, and produce sustainable energy sources. Finally, biotechnology is a rapidly evolving
and dynamic field that has the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges
facing society. It has transformed various industries and has led to the development of new
products and processes that have improved human health, increased food security, and
created a more sustainable world.
The purpose of this article is to undertake an in-depth exploration of biotechnology and its
various subfields, with a focus on critically analyzing its most significant applications in
healthcare, agriculture, industry, and the environment. By providing a comprehensive
examination of biotechnology, this study aims to enhance scholarly knowledge and
understanding of its impact on society, while also identifying promising areas for future
research and development.
2. DEFINITIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
The term “biotechnology” was coined by a Hungarian engineer Karl Ereky, in 1919, to
refer to the science and methods that permit products to be produced from raw materials with
the aid of living organisms. Biotechnology is a diverse field which involves either working
with living cells or using molecules derived from them for applications oriented toward
human welfare using varied types of tools and technologies. It is an amalgamation of
biological science with engineering whereby living organisms or cells or parts are used for
production of products and services (Gupta V et al.2016).
There exist a vast variety of definitions of biotechnology. The definition of the OECD
(Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) should be given here. It says
that „Biotechnology is interdisciplinary branch of science and technology dealing with
transformation of living and inanimate matter by the use of living organisms, their parts or
products derived from them, as well as creation of models of biological processes in order to
produce knowledge, goods and services.
Three generations of biotechnology have been proposed, beginning with the use of whole
organisms (initially, unknowingly) in fermentation – for example, in brewing. The second
generation exploited greater microbiological understanding and led to development of culture
and extractive techniques in the first half of the twentieth century (e.g., for the production of
antibiotics from fungi). The third generation, dating from the 1970s, is related to the isolation
and application of restriction enzymes and monoclonal antibodies (e.g., recombinant
production of insulin in bacteria, monoclonal drugs from mammalian cell hybridomas)
(M.M. Hopkins et al.2007).
Modern biotechnology is one tool that can help meet the challenge this growth poses and
also contributed to (a) ecofriendly environment (b) safety and health, (c) reduced water
demand in manufacturing processes, (e) reduced industrial waste and (f) aided in pollution
remediation. (Vigneswaran et al. 2014).
In general, biotechnology uses either living material or biological products to create new
products for their use in various pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural, and environmental
applications, with the ultimate goal to benefit humanity, for example, production of
recombinant proteins, resistant crops, vegetables, higher milk producing animals, and the list
is endless. (Verma A et al 2011).
environment and using molecular biology and microbial ecology in marine organisms to
obtain beneficial advances for humanity (Mayara C et al.2018).
3. HISTORY OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is a field that has been evolving over the past few decades and is based on the
application of biological processes and systems to create useful products and services. The
term biotechnology was coined in 1919 by the Hungarian engineer, Karl Ereky. However, the
history of biotechnology dates back to ancient times when people used fermentation to
produce food and drink, such as beer, wine, and bread (Bud. 1993; Carol Gigliotti .2009).
In modern times, the development of biotechnology can be traced back to the mid-20th
century when scientists began to use genetic engineering to manipulate organisms at the
molecular level. One of the early breakthroughs was the discovery of the structure of DNA in
1953 by Watson and Crick, which laid the foundation for understanding the genetic code
In the 1970s, the first genetically engineered organism was created by Paul Berg, who
combined DNA from a monkey virus with that of a bacterial virus. This breakthrough led to
the development of recombinant DNA technology, which allows scientists to manipulate
genes and create new organisms with specific traits
Since then, biotechnology has continued to advance rapidly, with new techniques such as
gene editing, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics emerging in recent years. Biotechnology
has had a significant impact on a wide range of fields, including medicine, agriculture,
energy, and the environment.
4. IMPORTANCE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field of study that has emerged as a key driver of
progress and innovation in various areas, including agriculture, medicine, and environmental
science. Biotechnology involves the application of scientific and engineering principles to
develop new products and processes based on living organisms, their parts, and their
interactions with the environment.
One of the key areas where biotechnology has made a significant impact is in the
development of new medicines and therapies. Nevertheless, the field has developed greatly
over the past century in ways that interfere with the genetic makeup and biomolecular
functions of living organisms. Molecular biology, bionics, chemistry, genomics, genetic
engineering, informatics, and nanotechnology are just a few of the science and technological
disciplines that are used in modern biotechnology (Roque-Borda, 2022). Consequently,
Biotechnology has enabled the creation of new drugs and treatments for a variety of diseases
that were previously untreatable, such as cancer and genetic disorders. Through the use of
biotechnology techniques, scientists are able to develop targeted treatments that can be
tailored to specific patients, leading to more effective outcomes and improved quality of life.
require less water and fertilizer. This not only benefits the environment, but also helps to
ensure a reliable and sustainable food supply for an ever-growing global population.
5. TYPES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is a diverse and rapidly evolving field that encompasses a wide range of
technologies and applications. At its core, biotechnology involves the use of living
organisms, or their components, to develop new products and processes that can benefit
human health, agriculture, the environment, and many other areas. There are several different
types of biotechnology, including medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology,
industrial biotechnology, and environmental biotechnology. Medical biotechnology involves
the use of biotechnology to develop new drugs, vaccines, and therapies for the treatment of
diseases. Agricultural biotechnology focuses on developing new technologies for crop
improvement and food production, such as genetically modified crops. Industrial
biotechnology involves the use of biotechnology to develop new products and processes for
industrial applications, such as the production of biofuels. Environmental biotechnology
involves the use of biotechnology to address environmental challenges, such as pollution
control and waste management.
As mentioned in Table (1), and based on frequent uses and applications, biotechnology is
divided into sub disciplines that are color-coded .Thus, this color-coded system serves as an
efficient tool for classifying and understanding the different areas of biotechnology
(Kafarski, 2012).
10. Gray biotechnology: Any biotechnology utilized for environmental goals is referred to as
"gray biotechnology." The practice of "bioremediation," which uses anaerobic bacteria to
break down and remove harmful contaminants, is one typical example (Mayara, et al.2018).
Biotechnology has become an essential tool in the field of medicine and has led to significant
advancements in healthcare. Here are some potential topics for a scientific paper on the
application of biotechnology in medicine:
➢ Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is a technique that involves the insertion of genes into cells to
treat or prevent disease. This can be achieved using a variety of methods, including viral
vectors or non-viral methods such as electroporation. Some of the diseases that have been
targeted using gene therapy include cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and some types of
cancer. (Ginn, S et al. 2018) and (Raper, S et al.2019).
➢ Recombinant Protein Production: Biotechnology has enabled the large-scale production of
recombinant proteins, which can be used as therapeutics. Recombinant proteins are produced
by genetically modifying bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells to express a specific protein.
Examples of recombinant protein-based therapeutics include insulin for diabetes, growth
hormone for growth disorders, and clotting factors for hemophilia. (Walsh, G 2018) ;
(Langer, E. S., et al. 2018 ).
➢ Genome Editing: The ability to manipulate the genetic code has revolutionized medicine.
Genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to modify genes in cells or
organisms, with potential applications in treating genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious
diseases. (Zhang, Yet al 2018 ; Slaymaker et al. 2019).
➢ Personalized Medicine: Advances in biotechnology have paved the way for personalized
medicine, which tailors treatment to an individual's unique genetic makeup. This can be
achieved using techniques such as genetic testing and pharmacogenomics, which involves
studying how an individual's genes affect their response to drugs.( Hasin, Y.et al.2017;
Delaney, S. K., & Haas, M. J. 2019).
➢ Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the
body, making them a valuable tool for treating diseases and injuries. Biotechnology has
enabled the large-scale production of stem cells, as well as the ability to manipulate their
properties for specific applications (Trounson, A., & McDonald, C. 2015; Baghbaderani et
al.2018).
➢ Genetically modified crops: Genetically modified crops are plants that have been
engineered to possess specific traits, such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides. This
technology has been widely adopted by farmers worldwide, and has been shown to have
significant economic and environmental benefits. Some studies have found that GM crops
can increase crop yields by up to 25%, reduce pesticide use by up to 37%, and decrease
greenhouse gas emissions by up to 22% (Klümper, W., & Qaim, M. 2014).
➢ Molecular breeding: Molecular breeding involves using molecular markers to select for
desirable traits in plants, such as disease resistance or drought tolerance. This technology has
enabled breeders to develop new crop varieties more efficiently, with higher precision and
greater speed ( Gupta, P et al.2005; Varshney, et al.2019).
➢ Precision agriculture: Precision agriculture involves using technologies such as GPS,
sensors, and drones to monitor crop growth and optimize farming practices. This approach
can lead to more efficient use of resources such as water and fertilizers, as well as higher
yields and improved soil health (Mueller, et al.2019 and Valdivia et al.2020).
➢ Plant biotechnology for stress tolerance: Plant biotechnology can be used to develop crops
that are more resistant to abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and salinity. This can lead to
improved crop yields in areas that are affected by these stressors ( Hasanuzzaman et al.2013
).
➢ The use of microbial inoculants: Microbial inoculants are living microorganisms that are
added to soil or seeds to enhance plant growth and health. These microorganisms can
promote nutrient uptake, increase resistance to diseases and pests, and improve soil fertility (
Compant et al.2020 and Gouda, et al 2018).
significant, and the continued development of biotechnology could hold the key to improving
the quality of life for people around the world.
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