First of all, a brief introduction to the world of biotechnology; it is no longer confined to the realms of science-fiction and fantasy – biotechnology is a reality today and its development is progressing quickly. To begin with, mankind has been utilising the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years in order to make food products, such as bread and cheese. Now, with the rise of technology in the last century, they are now coming together to create breakthrough products and exciting new processes for everyday use.
Simply put, biotechnology is the effective combination of organic ‘living systems’ and technology to create useful products for society. It has been used successfully in industries such as agriculture, engineering and medicine to create new and alternative methods of production. One of the most common uses for biotechnology is in the creation of custom polymer tailored to your needs or the needs of your business. From electronics and diagnostic equipment, to custom plastics for the use in engineering or manufacturing, biotechnology allows its users to custom-build the items they need to succeed.
While the more sensational aspects of biotechnology usually make it into the papers with stories centred on topics such as cloning, weapons development and medical breakthroughs, biotechnology actually has a much bigger impact on our daily lives than we realise. For example, the world of agriculture has been vastly expanded due to the advent of new technologies and biotechnology is leading the way. Known as ‘green biotechnology’, this form of progression centres around making food production more efficient and more cost effective – for example, creating a plant that emits its own form of pesticide, eliminates the costly and time-consuming need for external pesticides. The need for expensive pest control equipment such as sprayers is therefore minimised as well, reducing your technological spend in favour of a biotechnological one.
Biotechnology is also prevalent in the manufacturing industry. The creation of more efficient tools and machinery gives the developers of new engineering technologies more scope to work within, offering new designs and models based on the benefits of biotechnology. With greater emphasis placed upon making the manufacturing industries greener, biotechnology is being advocated as a way forward over dated methods used in the past. Lightweight, composite materials developed via biotechnology are more cost-effective and making a move from hydrocarbon materials to carbohydrate based raw materials could promote your business both economically and environmentally.
Producing more effective fuels, better diagnostic equipment and reliable food sources are all benefits of the development of biotechnology, and many businesses and international organisations are making their mark in this progressive market. The materials that we have worked with for centuries are now opening up new possibilities with the combination of biotechnology, meaning that new creations and advances are being made every year. And, as these steps forward become bigger and bolder, it is time to throw your hat in the ring if you wish to keep up.