Biotechnology

• Bioprocess technology -- Historically, the most important area of biotechnology, namely brewing, antibiotics, mammalian cell culture, etc.; extensive development in progress with new products envisaged, namely 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 penicillin, starch and cellulose hydrolysis, etc. Enzyme probes for bioassays
• 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
  • Waste technology -- Long historical importance but more emphasis now being made to couple these processes with the conservation and recycling of resources; foods and fertilisers, biological fuels
• Renewable resources technology -- The use of renewable energy sources, in particular, lignocelluloses to generate new sources of chemical raw materials and energy ethanol, methane and hydrogen. Total utilisation of plant and animal material.
• Plant and animal agriculture -- Genetically engineered plants to improve nutrition, disease resistance, keeping quality, improved 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

Application -- Elaboration on Enzyme Technology