Over the last years, a tremendous amount of research has been and still is being poured into mRNA technology on the wake of COVID-19. As we approach the coming year, some may be wondering—what’s the next big thing in biotechnology?
The Essence of Modern Biotechnology
One of the prominent fields of biology is biotechnology. It involves the use of living organisms, bioprocesses, and other significant applications in many industrial sectors such as engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. The applications of biotechnology are wide-ranging that eventually almost every industry is using this technology.
Biotech in conservation field like bioremediation which engineer’s microbes to clean waterways, PTAse which is an enzyme that can breakdown plastics, genetic engineering and cloning, to name a few of the groundbreaking innovations in biotechnology.
As far as the global pandemic is concerned, it has indeed accelerated both the development and adoption of biotech, with the hope that it will lead to new solutions for major global challenges, including illness, food shortages, and damage to the environment.
Figure 1. The three primary areas for modern biotechnology
Throughout the years, these primary sectors played significant roles in the advancements of the world today. As the demand for biotech applications continues to expand and new innovations arise every day, the industry will continually grow as mankind seeks to surpass biological challenges with specific research-based solutions.
How Biotechnology Trends are Shaping the Future
Biotechnology holds significant promises for the future, but it must be carefully regulated to ensure that the benefits are maximized while risks are minimized. This article will provide an explorative journey through biotechnology by shedding light to leading biotech trends focusing on various biotechnological techniques and applications which are potentially beneficial to the future of research and humanity.
Figure 2. Illustration of the top 10 trends in biotechnology for 2022
Given that the benefits of this technology usually become apparent in the future, it is crucial to understand which trends have produced the most favorable results in order to emphasize the development and advancement of the technology. Below are some of the top 5 core trends that will propel breakthroughs and innovation in biotechnology:
The Top 5 Biotech Trends for 2023
1. Gene Editing
This technique in biotechnology inserts, removes, changes, or replaces specific pieces of a person’s existing DNA. To treat diseases, scientists are exploring ways to edit pieces of DNA at precise spots along the gene. The goal of gene editing is to change the existing gene and correct mutations where they occur. CRISPR is the most common type of editing.
With this innovation, scientists can now modify genes or replace faulty genes with healthy ones to potentially treat, cure, or prevent a disease or medical condition.
2. Precision Medicine
The approach to precision medicine allows researchers and doctors alike to predict more accurate treatment and preventive strategies for a particular disease, usually in groups of people.
The goal of this trend is to reduce the risk of human complications in the healthcare industry. Professionals in the field of science are holding on to the promise of precision medicine as it expands in the future.
3. Biomanufacturing
This trend relies on naturally occurring processes and reactions to produce outputs such as chemicals, material, etc. that are normally produced through a synthetic process. The most common biological process of biomanufacturing is fermentation.
The goal of this application in biomanufacturing is to search for ways to boost sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and increase innovation and productivity. This trend is truly poised to continue advancing.
4. Synthetic Biology
The principle of this trend is to engineer new biological systems or re-design existing ones for useful purposes. It involves manipulation of biological compounds which are then integrated into cells which are chosen to provide suitable experimental strategy.
Although there are hurdles to overcome in this trend, its potential still outweighs the challenges. It is capable of delivering new solutions to agriculture, global healthcare, manufacturing, and many more.
5. Bioprinting
The relatively new technology is an additive manufacturing process like 3D printing. The only difference is that bioprinters print with cells or biomaterials to create organ-like structures that is beneficial to the healthcare industry. The grandiose potential of this trend benefits several industries including drug discovery, regenerative and personalized medicine.
As more researchers gauge the latest bioprinting technology, the developments will surely breakthrough in the coming years.
As the world slowly recovers and adjusts from the setbacks caused by COVID-19, it is essential to still study possible aftershocks that may happen. Biotech research on post-pandemic must spare no effort.
Safety should be the utmost priority in biotechnology and proper equipment should be used to yield positive research outcomes and prevent accidents in the laboratory. The facility should be equipped with top-notch products and that is indeed Esco Lifesciences’ expertise—designing high-quality, ergonomic, efficient, and sustainable life science tools.
-min.png)
References:
[1] Five Biotechnology Trends and Innovations to Watch in 2022. (n.d.). Mass Challenge. https://masschallenge.org/article/trends-in-biotechnology
[2] StartUs Insights. (2022, September 7). Top 10 BioTech Industry Trends & Innovations 2022. https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/top-10-biotech-industry-trends-innovations-in-2021/
[3] Current Uses of Synthetic Biology. (n.d.). BIO. https://archive.bio.org/articles/current-uses-synthetic-biology
Contact us:
Esco Technologies, Inc.
Scientific Division
903 Sheehy Drive, Suite F, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
Toll-Free USA and Canada: 1-877-479-3726
215-441-9661
484-698-7757
eti.admin@escolifesciences.com