Biotechnology

Biotechnology is one of the most interesting fields of science. And in recent years it is developing much more fastly. This field is two way transfer of Biology and Technology. (A. McHughen et al.)The very term 'Biotechnology' elicits a range of emotions, from wonder and awe to downright fear and hostility. This is especially true among non-scientists, particularly in respect of agricultural and food biotechnology. (K. Buchholz et al.) The emergence of biotechnology as a new scientific discipline occurs since 1980s, when it became a major economic force. Significant changes in theoretical perception, research strategies, aims, and experimental methods, mainly in genetic engineering techniques, occurred during this period.

It is the benefit of biotechnology that it enables scientists to work on biofuels. (Durrett, Timothy P. et al.) Triacylglycerols produced by plants are one of the most energy-rich and abundant forms of reduced carbon available from nature. Given their chemical similarities, plant oils represent a logical substitute for conventional diesel, a non-renewable energy source. In this regard, the generation of transgenic soybean lines with high oleic acid content represents one way in which plant biotechnology has already contributed to the improvement of biodiesel.

White biotechnology:
(Munishwar N Gupta et al.)White biotechnology is a fast emerging area that concerns itself with the use of biotechnological approaches in the production of bulk and fine chemicals, biofuels, and agricultural products. (M. Kircher et al.) White biotechnology already produces high volume products such as feed additive amino acids and specialty products like enzymes for enantioselective biocatalysis. It serves large and diverse markets in the nutrition, wellness, pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical industry.

References:
A. McHughen, Public perceptions of biotechnology. Journal of Biotechnology, 2007 Sep;2(9): Pages 1105-11.

K. Buchholz, Science--or not? The status and dynamics of biotechnology. Journal of Biotechnology, 2007 Sep;2(9): Pages 1154-68.

M. Kircher, White biotechnology: ready to partner and invest in. Biotechnology journal, 2006 Jul-Aug;1(7-8):787-94.

Munishwar N Gupta , Smita Raghava, Relevance of chemistry to white biotechnology. Chemistry Central Journal 2007, 1:17

Timothy P. Durrett, Christoph Benning, John Ohlrogge, Plant triacylglycerols as feedstocks for the production of biofuels. The Plant Journal, Volume 54, Number 4, May 2008 , pp. 593-607(15)

Further Reading:
Biotechnology for Beginners by Reinhard Renneberg

Introduction to Biotechnology by William J. Thieman

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Fundamentals and Applications by Daan J. A. Crommelin

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