New Uses of Biotechnology Can Improve Quality of Life

Biotechnology uses existing processes, organisms, cells, or cellular components to improve the quality of life. These technologies are used in research, agriculture, industry, and healthcare settings. 

Have you seen the uses of biotechnology around you? Read on to get a glimpse into the world of biotechnology. 

Uses Of Biotechnology 

Biotechnology’s main aim is to improve our quality of life and keep us healthy. It does this by finding ways to use already-there processes to generate useful products, reactions, or results. 

Virus-Sensing Fabrics

Scientists have produced wearable materials containing synthetic biology circuits able to detect biomolecules such as SARS-CoV-2 RNA. 

This advancement:

• facilitates the noninvasive monitoring of physiological status
• shows the state of diseases
• alerts wearers to pathogen- or toxin-exposure

The goal was to achieve sensitivities rivaling qPCR methods for monitoring the spread and contamination of bacteria and viruses. 

This easily-transportable, wearable sensor doesn’t need a power source, operates autonomously, and provides easy-to-read results in under 2 hours. It is the only SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test that reaches high sensitivity and specificity at ambient temperatures. 

This development combines protection and sensing into one system and allows for increased safety for us all. 

Advisors can help small to medium size healthcare companies like the one that developed these biosensors. This facilitates further development in the biotechnology field; we’ve seen only the beginning of its potential.

Environmental Advances 

Biotechnology innovations often contribute towards helping fight climate change. This includes the ever-increasing CO2 levels in our atmosphere. Researchers looked into how biotic organisms use and consume CO2 and sought ways to take advantage of these existing systems and processes. They’ve since found ways to convert CO2 and C1 molecules into fuel, chemicals, energy, and new materials. 

Other scientists are turning to biotechnology to produce various materials more sustainably. Plastic and fuel are two of the most important pollutants to tackle and make cleaner. Plastic made from plants, fuel like biodiesel or ethanol… The possibilities for improvement are endless. 

Biological Threats

Biological threats are infectious diseases with the potential to spread. Scientists are using biotechnological approaches to identify biological threats to find potential cures. 

Solutions include:

• Messenger therapeutics 
• Targeted immunotherapies 
• Conjugated nanoparticles 
• Structure-based engineering

Food Production and Quality

Advances in GMO (genetically-modified organism) technology have increased food security across the globe. Although a source of some speculation and controversy, GMO crops are useful. They’ve improved yields, cut production costs, and minimized pesticide usage. Scientists can remove allergens from certain foods or make crops resilient to droughts.

Farmers are enjoying their improved quality of life. Consumers enjoy the fruits of biotechnology-driven labor.

3D Bioprinting 

3D bioprinting is three-dimensional printing of biocompatible materials, cells, and supporting components. This approach is ground-breaking for regenerative medicine. It addresses the need for tissues and organs necessary for transplants. 

So far, 3D bioprinting has been used for:

• multilayered skin 
• bones 
• vascular grafts
• tracheal splints 
• heart tissue 
• cartilaginous structures

Biotechnology in Everyday Life

As biotechnology advances, we’ll be able to see its impact around us more frequently. From healthier food to cleaner air, there is no limit to the uses of biotechnology. 

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