Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Group Members ID No
September, 2023
Contents
Part I: Biotechnology .................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Reference .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Part I: Biotechnology
1. Introduction
Biotechnology is the use of technology to use, modify or upgrade the part or whole of biological
system for industrial and human welfare. It is the application of scientific and engineering
principles to the processing of materials by biological agents to provide goods and services.
From its inception, biotechnology has maintained a close relationship with society. Though
currently it is associated with the development of drugs, historically biotechnology has been
principally associated with food, addressing such issues as malnutrition and famine[1].
Health Improvement: Other advantages of biotechnology is that it helps to improve health and
reduce hunger simultaneously. It has resulted in the improvement of the nutritional content of
our food supply. Biotechnology helps to produce necessary minerals and vitamins in the
croplands that reduce health issues. It also helps to improve cropland yield and nutritional
density[1].
Reduce Infectious disease rates: One of the advantages of biotechnology is that it has helped in
the invention of vaccines. Treatments are possible just because of biotechnology. It has reduced
the symptoms of fatal diseases. Moreover, it provided us with knowledge about the transmission
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of deadly diseases. It helps us save numerous lives that are vulnerable to these diseases, gifting
them a happy and healthy life [3].
Helps to minimize and eliminate waste products: One of the advantages of biotechnology is
that it has helped to reduce undegradable wastes and create waste products that have
biodegradable properties. It also helps us in managing the landfills effectively. Biotechnology
can minimize the footprints left for future generations [3].
Creates flexibility in the food chains: One of the advantages of biotechnology is that it has
helped to produce foods that are not possible under normal conditions. This field of study makes
it possible for us to grow crops in the desert. So, it is possible to create crops that are naturally
resistant to pests [2]
Biotechnology can be misused: Other disadvantages of biotechnology is that it can be used for
mass destruction if not checked properly. It can also create a societal class that chiefly produced
for research purposes [1].
It can damage the soil: One other disadvantages of biotechnology is that although it has enabled
more vitamins and minerals to enter our food chain, but it could cost higher. The soil may lose
viability if overloaded by crops. This overuse can reduce the amount of growing time while
extending the recovery time. However, in some situations, croplands are permanently ruined [2].
This field has many unknowns: Some of the disadvantages of biotechnology has expanded in
the last generations, but there are many unknowns that we face. We do not have any idea about
the outcomes of altering the crops to grow in locations that usually do not support crop growth.
All these outcomes are unknown and can have adverse effects in the future [3]
The two important technique which enable development of modern biotechnology are:
1. Genetic Engineering: Alteration of chemistry of DNA &RNA to introduce into host
organism to change phenotype of host.
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2. Maintenance of sterile ambience to enable growth of desired microbe/eukaryotic cell in
large quantities for manufacture of biotechnological products like vaccine, enzymes,
beverages, drugs etc: Chemical Engineering [2].
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's
genome using biotechnology. Genes are the chemical blueprints that determine an organism's
traits. Moving genes from one organism to another transfers those traits. Through genetic
engineering, organisms can be given targeted combinations of new genes. The techniques of
genetic engineering includes creation of recombinant DNA, use of gene cloning, gene transfer
and allows to isolate and introduce only one or a set of desirable genes without introducing
undesirable genes into the target organism. Recombinant DNA/Alien DNA cannot multiply itself
until integrated in host genome. When integrated in host DNA initiates replication. In a
chromosome there is a specific DNA sequence called the origin of replication, which is
responsible for initiating replication. Therefore, for the multiplication of any alien piece of DNA
in an organism it needs to be a part of a chromosomes which has a specific sequence known as
‘origin of replication’. Thus, an alien DNA is linked with the origin of replication, so that, this
alien piece of DNA can replicate and multiply itself in the host organism. This can also be called
as cloning or making multiple identical copies of any template DNA [4].
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Transport: Biotechnology can be applied in the transport industry in various ways. It can be
used to produce biofuels that can be used in transportation and to produce biodegradable
packaging materials that can be used to transport goods which can reduce waste and pollution
associated with traditional packaging materials. Biotechnology can also be used to produce
biodegradable lubricants that can be used in the transport industry which reduces the
environmental impact of conventional lubricants. It is also used in bioremediation purposes to
clean up fuel spills and other environmental hazards associated with transport operations[2].
Telecom: In telecom industry, biotechnology can have potential applications in the development
of new materials and components for devices, environmental monitoring systems, and
communication networks. Biotechnology can also be used to develop innovative sensors that can
monitor air quality, water quality, and other environmental factors impacting telecom networks.
Such sensors can generate real time data, enabling telecom operators to better manage their
networks and improve their resilience[2].
Business: Biotechnology has various applications in businesses. It firms use the processes of
living organisms to solve problems with new products. The use of DNA has helped to create
pest-resistant crops, biofuels like ethanol, and gene cloning. It is used to develop new products
and processes for various industries including food, textile and chemical industries. Enzymes
produces through biotechnology are widely used in the textile and detergent industries to
improve fabric quality and cleaning efficiency [2].
Education: Biotechnology is used in education to teach students about various biological
concepts such as genetic engineering, bioremediation and biopharmaceuticals. Biotechnology
education helps students develop critical thinking, problem solving, and scientific skills, which
are essential for success in the biotechnology field [1].
Entertainment: Biotechnology can be used to create special effects in movies, video games, and
other forms of entertainment. Bioluminescent proteins found in jellyfish and fireflies can be used
to create visual effects in movies and TV shows. Biotechnology can also be used to create new
toys and games. For example, scientists have developed robotic pets that interact with humans,
providing companionship and entertainment. Biotechnology is being used to develop new,
ecofriendly materials that can be used in the production of customs, makeup and special effects
in movies and television. It also led to the development of new animation techniques, such as
facial recognition and motion capture, which can be used to create realistic and lifelike
animations and characters [2].
Health: Biotechnology has a variety of applications in the field of medicine. Some includes the
genetically engineered Insulin, Gene therapy through which gene defects in the embryo or child
can be corrected after diagnosis, Enzymes, Vitamins, Toxoids, etc. It is also used for the
diagnosis of genetic diseases. Biotechnology is being used to develop new and more effective
vaccines against infectious diseases. Biotechnology is being used to develop new diagnostic
techniques that use molecular biology to detect diseases like HIV, cancer and genetic disorder[2].
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Part II: Nanotechnology
2.1 Introduction
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures,
materials and devices. It refers to engineered structures, devices and systems. This technology
promises scientific advancement in many sectors such as medicine, consumer products, energy,
materials, and manufacturing. The prefix nano means something very small and depicts one
thousand millionth of a meter (10−9 m) [5].
During the annual meeting of the American Physical Society, Feynman presented a lecture
entitled “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” at the California Institute of Technology
(Caltech). After Feynman had discovered this new field of research catching the interest of many
scientists, two approaches have been developed describing the different possibilities for the
synthesis of nanostructures. These manufacturing approaches fall under two categories: top-
down (the breaking down of bulk material to get nano-sized particles.) and bottom-up (build-up
of nanostructures from the bottom: atom by atom or molecule by molecule by physical and
chemical methods) which differ in degrees of quality, speed and cost. The emergence of
nanotechnology in the 1980s was caused by the convergence of experimental advances such as
the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 and the discovery of fullerenes in
1985, with the elucidation and popularization of a conceptual framework for the goals of
nanotechnology [6].
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2.4 Drawbacks of Nanotechnology
Development of Nanotechnology is the possible loss of jobs in the traditional farming and
manufacturing industry. It can also bring about the crash of certain markets due to the lowering
of the value of oil and diamonds due to the possibility of developing alternative sources of
energy that are more efficient and won’t require the use of fossil fuels. Atomic weapons can now
be more accessible and made to be more powerful and more destructive. Since these particles are
very small, problems can actually arise from the inhalation of these minute particles. It is also
very expensive and developing it can cost you a lot of money. It is also pretty difficult to
manufacture, which is probably why products made with nanotechnology are more expensive [5].
Telecom: Nanotechnology can enable the development of miniaturized and more efficient
electronic components, leading to smaller and more powerful devices. This can enhance
telecommunications infrastructure, improve signal processing capabilities, and enable faster and
more reliable data transmission [6].
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Business: Nanotechnology can drive innovation and product development in various business
sectors. For example, nanomaterials can be used to enhance the performance of consumer
electronics, develop more efficient batteries, or create advanced sensors for quality control in
manufacturing processes [6].
Health: Nanotechnology has vast potential in healthcare. Nanomedicine can revolutionize drug
delivery by enhancing the targeting and efficiency of therapeutics. Nanoscale sensors can enable
real-time monitoring of health parameters, early disease detection, and precise diagnostics.
Nanomaterials can also be used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Nanotechnology can contribute to various other areas in Ethiopia, such as water purification
through nanofiltration systems, the development of solar cells for renewable energy, and the
creation of lightweight and durable construction materials for infrastructure projects [7].
3.1 Introduction
3D printing is the action or process of making a physical object from a three dimensional digital
model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession. 3D printing is also
known as additive manufacturing, which means an object is created by laying down successive
layers of material until the object is created [8].
Cost effective: 3D printing cuts cost but reducing the time to design, produce a product and also
buy minimizing wastage [9].
Print on Demand: Product is printed by the customer order which saves space and costs as
there is no need to print in bulk unless required [9].
Accessibility: Especially now day’s 3D printing machines have widened their reach. Affordable
desktop 3D printers can be utilized at home and even for small businesses [8].
Environmental friendly: 3D printing machines minimize the amount of raw material needed to
produce an object due to their efficient use and also have less waste material, which contributes
for the environmental wellbeing [8].
Post Processing: most 3D printed parts need some kind of cleaning up to smoothen the surface
of the object produced to achieve the required finish. Post processing methods include water
jetting, sanding, air or heat drying, assembly and others. This involves additional spending of
money and time.[9].
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Structure of objects produced: Since 3D printing uses a method of additive manufacturing,
layers in the object might get demolished under certain amount of strain or orientation [8].
Decline in manufacturing jobs: People who base their income by doing jobs involving low skill
levels might get in trouble due to 3D printing machines taking over their jobs[9].
Copyright Issues: Manufacturer’s products can be copied with high perfection by unauthorized
bodies without the will of the owner of the patent, which violates copyright rules [9].
Transport: 3D printing is used to print designs of new vehicles on a complex and intricate level.
This helps to diagnose any future design problems as the model is to scale. Manufacturers can
tailor the parts to specific vehicles, making them bespoke and lightweight. Spare parts can be
replicated and replaced quickly with the assistance of 3D printing, in a variety of materials. 3D
printing can also be used to develop molds and thermoforming tools, as well as contributing to
the rapid manufacturing of grips, jigs, and fixtures[9].
Telecom: 3D printing can be used to create better quality phone cases, chargers, and other
accessories. This technology can also be used to create prototypes for new telecom products and
services [8].
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Agriculture: 3D Printed tools are regularly used to plant crops as they can improve the process
exponentially by increasing efficiency and customizations. These tools are produced quickly,
efficiently and remotely to offer benefits from all sides, including energy and money savings [8].
Business: 3D printing can be used to manufacture products for customers, reducing the need for
mass production. This technology can also be used to develop prototypes, create low volume or
limited edition products, expand product design possibilities, reproduce parts of business
equipment and speed up your manufacturing process [9].
Education: 3D printing offers a way for students to truly connect to the subject matter by
physically manipulating ready printed teaching aids or by designing tools themselves. It can be
used to create models for science experiments and other educational materials and customized
educational tools [8].
Entertainment: 3D printing can be used to create toys, games, and other entertainment products.
3D printing is being used in the film and entertainment industry for creating intricate and
detailed objects for movies and television shows as props and sets, creating unique and
customizable wardrobe pieces, and creating realistic and lifelike creatures and characters for
special effects [9].
Conclusion
Overall Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and 3D Printing are technologies that are rapidly
advancing and have the potential to revolutionize various fields and industries. Nanotechnology
refers to the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular and supramolecular scale while
biotechnology involves the use of living organisms, cells and biological systems to develop and
improve products and processes.3D printing also refers to the process of creating three
dimensional objects by layering material on top of itself until desired shape is achieved.
Reference
[1] L. A.B. de Castro, “Biotechnology and its Applications in Brazil,” Opportunities And
Limitations For Biotechnology Innovation in Brazil, pp. 3–28, 2013.
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[2] D. F. Betsch, “Course 05 Free Biotechnology Information Series,” no. Iowa State
University Office of Biotechnology., pp. 1–6, 1998.
[3] T. World, N. Carolina, and G. R. Conservation, “a Pplications of B Iotechnology To C
Rops :,” pp. 1–8, 1999.
[4] Z. Naz, “ ) ا ر ت ا اIntroduction to Biotechnology ا ت اود او داو ا ط و ر ا ر و و و ت ن ا سرد ا ا,”
no. November, pp. 30–42, 2015.
[5] J. J. Ramsden, “What is nanotechnology?,” Nanotechnology Perceptions, vol. 1, no. 1, pp.
3–17, 2005.
[6] A. Moosa, “Nanotechnology : Principles and Applications,” no. January 2009, 2021.
[7] S. Logothetidis, “Nanostructured Materials and Their Applications,” NanoScience and
Technology, vol. 59, pp. 1–23, 2012.
[8] M. Shamaas, “Introduction to 3D Printer,” no. August, pp. 0–10, 2022.
[9] 3DPI, “The Free Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing,” 3D Printing Industry, p. 77, 2014.
[10] G. B. Kim et al., “Three-dimensional printing: Basic principles and applications in
medicine and radiology,” Korean Journal of Radiology, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 182–197, 2016.
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