Genetic engineering in Industry

• Gene transfers also have been applied in the management of industrial wastes.
• Genetically altered bacteria can be used to decompose many forms of garbage and to break down petroleum products.
• Recombinant DNA technology also can be used to monitor the breakdown of pollutants. For example, naphthalene, an environmental pollutant present in artificially manufactured soils, can be broken down by the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens.
• A significant growth during the year 1994-95
• Biopesticides based on the formulations of Bacillus sphaericus and E.ringiensis have been introduced for the first time for large scale application.
• Fifty-two R & D products have been pursued for the development of industrially useful products and processes. Immunodiagnostic kits for early detection of malaria, filariasis and leishmaniasis have been evaluated in lab. The development of immuno diagnostic kit for the detection of HIV-land II and western blot using whole cell virally sate for confirming HIV-I infection are ready for evaluation GnRH extracted from mural hypothalamu has been tested on carps for better fish spawning inducing ingent. Methods for testing of tea germplasm to local fungal diseases have been standarised. Sugarcane selections suitable for growing in alkaline soils obtained as somaclonal variants in tissue culture have been field planted for mill trials.
• In the area of Food Biotechnology, projects for standardization of large scale production of food colourant betalains by hairy root cultures of Beta vulgaris, microbial production of food flavour diacetyl using waste potato starch, and utilizing area wastes for oyster, & mushroom production are undergoing.

Environmental Biotechnology utilizes the biochemical potential of microorganisms and plants for the preservation and restoration of the environment. It promotes sustainable and efficient use of natural resources like fungi, plants, algae, and bacteria in the industrial processes. Our biological systems have the capability to absorb and control pollutants like free carbon sources from our environment and keep our surroundings clean and green. Integrated with the industrial processes, it helps in forming a balanced industrial framework that has better efficiency, makes better use of natural resources, and also keeps our environment green. Green manufacturing technologies and sustainable development are the key issues that environmental biotechnology addresses.

By using techniques and methods of biotechnology applications, scientists are able to help improve and slow down the degradation process as well as work to preserve the environment and work towards more suitable conservation methods.

Applications of Environmental Biotechnology

• Environmental biotechnology finds use in various fields and industries. In this section we have listed certain most popular and commonly practiced applications of environmental biotechnology around us.
• Bio-composting involves combining organic materials under certain controlled conditions that decomposes them at a faster rate than they would decompose under natural conditions in free surroundings.
• Bioenergy – We hear about fuels like biogas, biomass, and hydrogen being used for industrial, domestic, and space exploration purposes. All these fuels belong to the category of Bioenergy. Of late, need of the hour has become finding alternate resources of energy that are clean and equally efficient. Energy generation from organic waste or biomass is the finest example of green energy. These are all ecofriendly solutions to our pollution woes. Biomass energy supply demand balances have become a component of energy sector analysis and planning and assumed greater importance in countries.
• Bioremediation is a clean-up technology that uses naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic compounds.
• Bio-Transformation is a process of Biological changes of complex compound to simpler toxic to non-toxic or vice-versa. It is used in manufacturing industries where toxic substances are released as bi-products.
• Biomarker is a biological response to a chemical that gives a measure of exposure and, of toxic effect. Biological markers can provide molecular evidence of the correlation among oils and their sources.

Advantage India

• Human resources: large English speaking skill base: 700,000 postgraduates & 1500 PhDs qualify in biosciences and engineering each year. Currently 60 Biotech companies engaged in Modern Biology employ 5000 scientists & qualified personnel. Thirty per cent of these are employed in R&D. There is also access to intellectual resources of the Indian diaspora, which is also making rapid advancements in biotechnology enterprises, especially in the US.
• Extensive clinical trials and research: Access to vast & diverse disease populations. Indian companies, hospitals & clinics are beginning to comply with GCP guidelines.
• Bio-diversity: India’s human gene pools offer an exciting opportunity for genomic research. Unique anddiverse plant, animal and microbial bio-diversity also provides exciting research opportunities.
• Strong Bio-processing skills: Indian pharma sector is globally competitive in fermentation derived pharmaceuticals – can be leveraged for the production of biogenetics