How Sensors Enhance Biotechnology Processes

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology uses biological systems, organisms, or their derivatives to create products that benefit health, agriculture, and the environment. It includes advancements in biomedical science like life-saving pharmaceuticals, gene therapies, and diagnostic tools, as well as applications such as GMOs, biofuels, and biodegradable materials.

Applications in Different Fields

An innovation part of biomedical science, biotechnology enhances quality of life by manipulating organisms for innovative solutions. Coined by Károly Ereky in 1919, biotechnology now encompasses a wide range of transformative technologies.

One of the greatest strengths of biotechnology lies in its diverse applications, such as the following:

Medicine

Biotechnology has transformed medicine with life-saving treatments and vaccines, such as:

• Recombinant insulin for treating diabetes

• Gene therapy

• Molecular diagnosis

• Vaccinology

• Pharmacogenomics

Agriculture

Biotechnology has improved crop yields, sustainability, and food safety in agriculture with:

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Plants or animals changed to resist pests or be more nutritious.

• Crop Improvement: Genome editing and marker-assisted selection for developing new crop varieties with improved characteristics.

• Reduced Chemical Use: Herbicide-tolerant crops allow farmers to use less harmful herbicides that break down more quickly in the environment.

Industrial Biotechnology

Biotechnology is used in various industries to create eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions, including:

• Biofuels: Derived from renewable resources such as algae and plant-based biomass.

• Bioremediation: Use of microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment.

Environmental BiotechnologyBiotechnology plays a critical role in managing waste and preserving the environment through:

• Waste Management: Biological treatment methods for industrial, organic, and hazardous waste.

• Pollution Control: Biodegradation of pollutants and monitoring of environmental and air changes using biosensors.

• Bioremediation: Using microorganisms to restore contaminated environments, such as cleaning up oil spills.

Processes

Biotechnology processes involve using biological systems, organisms, or their parts to develop practical solutions. These processes are at the core of biotechnology and drive innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Here are some key examples and their importance:

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering involves directly manipulating an organism’s DNA to alter its characteristics. This process, often performed using tools like CRISPR, allows scientists to add, remove, or edit specific genes.

Fermentation

Fermentation is a process where microorganisms break down substances like sugars to create products. Traditionally, it’s been used to make things like yogurt, bread, and alcohol.  However, modern biotechnology has expanded its scope to create biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and industrial enzymes. For instance, fermentation is essential in manufacturing antibiotics, including penicillin, and producing bioethanol.

Bioreactor Operations

Bioreactors are specialized containers or systems that grow and sustain microorganisms, cells, or tissues under controlled conditions. These systems are crucial in scaling up the production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biotechnological products. For example, bioreactors are widely used to produce monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatments or in large-scale fermentation processes for enzyme production.

Tissue Culture

Tissue culture is a process in which plant or animal cells are grown in a controlled, sterile environment to produce clones or regenerate tissues. This technique has significant applications in agriculture, such as propagating disease-resistant or high-yield crops. Tissue culture is also used in medical research, including regenerative medicine, where scientists grow tissues that can be used for transplants or as models for drug testing.

Tools in Biotechnology Applications

Biotechnology uses various tools to help researchers and industries innovate, solve problems, and improve processes. These tools support genetic analysis, monitoring, and bioprocess optimization, among many other functions. Below is an overview of key categories of tools and their significance in biotechnology applications:

1. Genetic Analysis Tools: Analyzes and manipulates DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand genetic information. Examples include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Machines, DNA sequencers, and CRISPR-Cas9.

2. Analytical Instruments: Provides critical insights into the properties and behaviors of biological samples. Examples include mass spectrometers, chromatography systems, and flow cytometers.

3. Bioprocessing Equipment: Ensures that biological materials are handled efficiently and in controlled conditions. Examples include bioreactors, Gel Electrophoresis Systems, and centrifuges.

4. Detection and Monitoring Devices: Ensures that biotechnological processes occur under ideal conditions. Examples include:

   • Biosensors: Identify biological molecules for diagnostics and monitoring.

   • pH Sensors: Check pH to support enzyme and microbial activity

   • Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sensors: Monitor oxygen and CO2 for cell growth

   • Pressure Sensors: Avoid overpressure in bioreactors and fermenters

   • Temperature Sensors: Keep lab temperatures stable for reliable samples and reactions.

Key Regulatory Frameworks

The techniques above use living organisms or biological systems, so they must follow regulations to ensure safety and ethics. Here are some key rules that govern biotechnology:

Coordinated Framework

• Established in 1986, the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology outlines how biotechnology products are evaluated for safety. It primarily involves three American federal agencies: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Specific US Laws

There are also specific laws and regulations governing certain aspects of biotechnology. For example:

• The Plant Protection Actprovides USDA with the authority to regulate genetically modified plants.

• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) is a set of laws that gives authority to the FDA to oversee the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics in the United States.

• The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) gives the EPA authority to regulate pesticides to protect health and the environment.

International Regulations

Globally, biotechnology is also subject to various international agreements and national laws. For instance:

• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: An international agreement to ensure the safe use, transport, and handling of Living-Modified Organisms (LMOs) created through biotechnology.

• GMO Legislation: In the European Union, strict regulations require that GMOs be assessed for safety and properly labeled before being marketed.

Best Practices in Biotechnology Processes

The successful implementation of biotechnology processes requires adherence to good laboratory practices. Below are some key principles that drive successful biotechnology operations:

• Maintaining Sterile Environments: Contamination can ruin cell cultures and affect results. To prevent this:

  • sterilize equipment and facilities properly;

  • use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

  • follow biosafety rules; and

  • regularly test air and surfaces for cleanliness.

• Monitoring of Process Parameters: Biotechnology processes work best under the right environmental and chemical conditions. Key factors to monitor include temperature, pH levels, and oxygen and CO2 levels.

• Adhering to Regulatory Standards: Compliance is crucial in biotechnology to ensure product safety. In addition to following the rules and standards set by agencies such as the FDA or EPA, they must perform regularly quality testing throughout development and production, and keep detailed records for transparency.

• Leveraging Automation and Advanced Sensors: Automation reduces human error, increases scalability, and optimizes resource utilization. Examples include:

  • Automated bioreactors with integrated monitoring systems for precise control of process parameters.

  • Biosensors for real-time detection of metabolites, pathogens, or product quality markers.

  • Machine learning to analyze data, predict results, and improve process efficiency.