Biotechnology for Health /Agriculture and Industries

• One of the biggest uses in biotechnology is for medicinal purposes. Modern applications of biotechnology continue to find promising new uses in the medicinal and health care fields. Some of the biggest areas of application in the medicinal field include pharmacogenomics, drug production, genetic testing and genetic therapy. These main four applications of biotechnology bring a whole new approach and chance for improvement in the world of medicinal applications

Pharmacogenomics - is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a person’s genetic makeup.

Genetic testing - is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Applications of biotechnology in genetic testing make it possible to determine sex, carrier screening, prenatal diagnostic screening, newborn screening and even forensic and identity testing.

Several methods can be used for genetic testing:

Molecular genetic tests (or gene tests) Chromosomal genetic tests Biochemical genetic testsTypes of Genetic Testing:

Carrier Identification Prenatal Diagnosis Newborn Screening Late-onset Disorders

Anticipated benefits of Pharmacogenomics:More powerful medicines. Better, safer drugs the first time. More accurate methods of determining appropriate drug dosages.

What is gene therapy?is the insertion of genes into an individual's cells and tissues to treat a disease, such as a hereditary disease in which

a deleterious mutant allele is replaced with a functional one. Biotechnology is used in gene therapy for treating and possibly curing acquired and genetic diseases such as AIDS, cancer, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia and diabetes.

2 Types of Gene therapy1. Somatic Gene Therapy

-The therapeutic genes are transferred into the somatic cell (non-sex cell) of the patient.

-Any modification and effects will be restricted to the individual patients only, and will not inherited by the patients offspring or later generation3 Routes of Somatic Cell Therapy Ex Vivo

- (latin: “out of the living thing) meaning that takes place outside an oragnism. - refers to the experimentation or measurements done in or on tissue from a n oragnism in an external

environment with the minimum alternation of natural condition.-invovles surgically removing cells from the affected tissue area, injecting or splicing the new DNA (the DNA that will

correct the disease) into the cells and letting them divide in cultures.

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In Vivo- (latin: “within the living”). - vector with the gene of interest is administered directly into the body.- the therapeutic DNA is injected directly into the body cells, via viruses.

In situ- (latin: “in position”) - vector with the gene of interest is placed directly into the affective tissue.

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Germ Line Gene Therapy- germ line gene therapy is a specific kind of therapy where genes are inserted into the reproductive cells/tissues of

the organism- This therapy can heritable and passed on to later generations

Vectors in Gene TherapyWhat is Vector?- Is a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated. Viral Vectors (Virus)

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-All viruses bind to their hosts and introduce their genetic material into the host cell as part of their replication cycle.There are two main types of virus infection:

Lytic - shortly after inserting its DNA, viruses quickly produce more viruses, burst from the cell and infect more cells. Lysogenic - viruses integrate their DNA into the DNA of the host cell and may live in the body for many years before responding to a trigger.

Commonly used viral vectors: Retrovirus

- are RNA viruses that infect only dividing cells and can insert into the host genome randomly.- retrovirus infects a host cell, it will introduce its RNA together with some enzymes, namely reverse transcriptase and integrase, into the cell.

Adenovirus - infect both dividing and non-dividing cells and doesn’t integrate into the host genome are viruses that carry their

genetic material in the form of double-stranded DNA. They cause respiratory, intestinal, and eye infections in humans (especially the common cold).- infect a host cell, they introduce their DNA molecule into the host.

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Non-viral Method - methods that can present a certain advantages over viral methods such as a large scale production of low host

immunogenicity.Example Method:Naked Plasmid DNA Injection

- injection of free DNA into certain tissue particularly muscle, has been shown to produce surprisingly high level of gene expression and simplicity.Disadvantage of Gene Therapy

Short Lived Hard to rapidly integrate therapeutic DNA into genome and rapidly dividing nature of cells prevent gene therapy from long timeWould have to have multiple rounds of therapy Immune Responsenew things introduced leads to immune responseincreased response when a repeat offender enters

Viral Vectorspatient could have toxic, immune, inflammatory responsealso may cause disease once insideMultigene DisordersHeart disease, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and diabetes are hard to treat because you need to introduce more than one gene

Drug products/ pharmaceutical productsMost traditional pharmaceutical drugs are relatively small molecules that bind to particular molecular targets and either activate or deactivate biological processes. Small molecules are typically manufactured through traditional organic synthesis, and many can be taken orally. Biopharmaceuticals refer to large molecules of protein that typically target the hiding mechanisms of diseases. Biotechnology has improved the way drugs and medications are developed and used, and has opened the door to a whole new method of developing treatments by studying genetic traits.

Examples of Biopharmaceuticals:

Infliximab

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EtanerceptRituximabInsulinHerceptinInterferonInterleukinHuman Growth Hormone

Application of Biotechnology in Industry

Industrial Biotechnology: Known as White Technology application of biotechnology for industrial purposes Use living cells, to generate industrial

Products - biomass-based materials Processes - treatment of waste water and energy efficiency measures.

Is based on renewable resources, can save energy in production process and can reduce CO2 emissions. This type of biotechnology is used to decrease the costs for producing industrial supplies that occur when

traditional process are used. Chemicals raw materials are transformed by an enzyme and cells into refined products Most established application of industrial biotechnology is in the food and beverage sector.

For example, using microbes (yeast) or enzymes to produce beer and wine as well as dairy goods such as cheese. Fermentation in Food process

Can be used to:1. Create new products, such as plant – based biodegradable plastics

2. Modify and develop new industrial processes, such as by using enzymes to reduce the amount of harsh chemicals used the pulp and paper industry.

To reduce production cost and improved quality.

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3. Provide energy savings by adding enzymes in detergents, allowing clothes to be washed in lower temperatures and provide water savings through more efficient processes such as using enzymes to break down chemicals and reduce subsequent washing steps in the textile industry.

Enzymes used in detergents are protein catalysts that consist of long chains of amino acids. Unlike other detergent components, enzymes do not have a negative impact on sewage treatment processes. They are totally and rapidly biodegraded to leave no harmful residues. Consequently, they are environmentally safe and are no risk to aquatic life. A product containing a bacterial protease, which replaced the animal trypsin that had previously been incorporated into these detergent products. Proteases are not the only enzymes used in detergents; since the late 1980s, amylases and lipases have been available for incorporation.

Enzymes are used to treat and modify fibers, particularly during textile processing and in caring for textiles afterwards. Enzymes in textile manufacture Enzymes are being increasingly used in textile processing for the finishing of fabrics and garments, especially in desizing, biopolishing and denim washing. Mostly Cellulases are also employed in bio-polishing cotton and other cellulose fibres to produce fabrics with a smoother and glossier appearance.4. Reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing; for example by treating industrial wastewater

onsite using biological mediums such as microbes. Activated sludge process

Activated sludge is a biochemical process for treating sewage and industrial wastewater that uses air (or oxygen) and microorganisms to biologically oxidize organic pollutants, producing a waste sludge (or floc) containing the oxidized material. In general, an activated sludge process includes:

An aeration tank where air (or oxygen) is injected and thoroughly mixed into the wastewater.

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A generalized, diagram of an activated sludge process.

A settling tank (usually referred to as a "clarifier" or "settler") to allow the waste sludge to settle. Part of the waste sludge is recycled to the aeration tank and the remaining waste sludge is removed for further treatment and ultimate disposal.

5. Replace petroleum-based feedstocks by processing biomass using biorefineries to generate electricity, transport fuels or chemicals

biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, heat, and value-added chemicals from biomass. maximizing the value derived from the biomass feedstock

Industrial Process: Fermentation in food processing typically is the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohols and carbon dioxide or

organic acids using yeasts, bacteria, or a combination thereof, under anaerobic conditions. Fermentation in simple terms is the chemical conversion of sugars into ethanol. Fermentation usually implies that the action of microorganisms is desirable, and the process is used to produce alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and cider. Fermentation also is employed in the leavening of bread (CO2 produced by yeast activity); in preservation techniques to produce lactic acid in sour foods such as sauerkraut, dry sausages, kimchi, and yogurt; and in pickling of foods with vinegar (acetic acid). Industrial Products:

Bio-fuels and bio-energy:. A biotechnological process to use cellulosic waste materials such as straw and corn cobs as a fermentation source for bio-ethanol would be an enormous step forward, as would a biological process to produce bio-diesel. Biomass can already be used to generate methane, and could also be a source of hydrogen in future.

Enzymes: Commercial microbial enzymes are increasingly replacing conventional chemical catalysts in many industrial processes.

Industries That Benefit

n chemical industry: using biocatalysts to produce novel compounds, reduce waste byproducts and improve chemical purity.

n plastics industry: decreasing the use of petroleum for plastic production by making “green plastics”from renewable crops such as corn or soybeans.

paper industry : improving manufacturing processes, including the use of enzymes to lower toxic byproducts from pulp processes.

ntextiles industry: lessening toxic byproducts of fabric dying and finishing processes. Fabric detergents are becoming more effective with the addition of enzymes to their active ingredients.

n food industry: improving baking processes, fermentation-derived preservatives and analysis techniques for food safety.

n energy industry: using enzymes to manufacture cleaner biofuels from agricultural wastes.

The application of industrial biotechnology has been proven to make quite significant contributions towards mitigating the impacts of climate change in these and other sectors. In addition to environmental benefits, biotechnology can improve industry performance and product value and, as the technology develops and matures, white biotechnology will yield more viable solutions for our environment. These innovative solutions bring added benefits for both our climate and our economy.

Industrial biotechnology is also a key enabling technology to realise a Bioeconomy.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTUREAlso known as “Green Biotechnology”Agricultural biotechnology is the area of biotechnology involving applications to agriculture. Such technology is applied on crops thus calling them Genetically Modified Crops

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These Genetically Modified Crops possess traits which is much more special than ordinary crops.These technology is done through insertion, deletion and alteration of genes in a certain crop/food.Agrobacterium TumaficiensBacteria used in genetically modifying crops since it has properties which could resist environmental factors that affects growth of crops like drought.The next picture shows the application of Agrobacterium Tumefaciens on the plant crop.

Canola OilOne of the most popular Genetically Modified CropHerbicide ResistantThese crop produces biofuel Despite having disadvantages, it is said that this crop is very highly processed and undergoes intensive manufacturing steps like being refined with hexane and then bleached.TAKE NOTE!

Hexane is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H14; that is, an alkane with six carbon atoms. In industry, hexanes are used in the formulation of glues for shoes, leather products, and roofingGolden RiceProfessors Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer created the Golden Rice.The rice was a result of utilizing genetic modification with genetic material from corn and a soil microorganism that when put together it produced beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A. This proved to be unique as to why the rice turned a golden color due to the content of beta carotene.BT CornBT (Bacillus thuringiensis) Corn is produced to be a insect resistant crop.Resistant to Corn BorerBacillus thuringiensis is a bacteria that attacks pests like Corn Borer but doesn’t affect mammals and any other untargeted organisms.

GM PeasThis GM Peas is resistant to herbicidesGM CottonseedAlso has Bacillus thuringiensis which kills susceptible insect pests.GM PapayaThis GM Papaya is virus tolerant.Resistant to PRV (Papaya Ringspot Virus), a virus which causes the ringspots or dots around the papaya.Also delays the ripening of papaya.GM Tomato

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This GM Tomato is invented to delay the ripening of tomato for which results to good condition of tomatoes even when transported to different places.Importance of Biotechnology on Agriculture.Improved shelf life

The first genetically modified crop approved for sale in the U.S. was the Flavr Savr tomato, which had a longer shelf life. It is no longer on the market.Improved nutrition

The GM oilseed crops on the market today offer improved oil profiles for processing or healthier edible oils. The GM crops in development offer a wider array of environmental and consumer benefits such as nutritional enhancement and drought and stress tolerance.

GM plants are being developed by both private companies and public research institutions such as CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre. Other examples include a genetically modified cassava with lower cyanogen glucosides and enhanced with protein and other nutrients, while golden rice, developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has been discussed as a possible cure for Vitamin A deficiency. An international group of academics has generated a vitamin-enriched corn derived from South African white corn variety M37W with 169x increase in beta carotene, 6x the vitamin C and 2x folate – it is not in production anywhere, but proves that this can be done.Stress resistance

Plants engineered to tolerate non-biological stresses like drought, frost and nitrogen starvation or with increased nutritional valuewere in development in 2011.Herbicide resistance

Tobacco plants have been engineered to be resistant to the herbicide bromoxynil. And many crops have created that are resistant to the herbicide glyphosate. As weeds have grown resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides used in concert with resistant GM crops, companies are developing crops engineered to become resistant to multiple herbicides to allow farmers to use a mixed group of two, three, or four different chemicals.Pathogen resistance – insects or viruses

Tobacco, and may other crops, have been generated that express genes encoding for insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Papaya, potatoes, and squash have been engineered to resist viral pathogens, such as cucumber mosaic virus which despite its name infects a wide variety of plants.Production of biofuels

Algae, both hybrid and GM, is under development by several companies for the production of biofuels. Jatropha has also been modified to improve its qualities for fuel product. Swiss-based Syngenta has received USDA approAnimal biotechnology is the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing or production of materials by animals or aquatic species to provide goods and services val to market a maize seed trademarked Enogen, which has been genetically modified to convert its own starch to sugar to speed the process of making ethanol for biofuel.Animal Biotechnology*Transgenics*Gene Knockout Technology*Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer*Cloning

Transgeniccontaining a gene or genes transferred from another species

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Gene Knockout TechnologyIn biotechnology a knockout refers to an organism which has been genetically altered in such a way that one of its genes is missing or inactive due to a mutation, or its complete deletion.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfersomatic-cell nuclear transfer is a laboratory technique for creating a clone embryo with a donor somatic nucleus.

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