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Environmental Biotechnology

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CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Nov 21, 2014

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Course Instructor : Professor John BARFORD Room 4552 ext 7237 (2358-7237) [email protected] Teaching Assistant: Ms XU Jing Jing Lab 7104 Ext 7149 (2358-7149) [email protected] Mr Kelvin WONG will assist with some tutorials / computations during class times Lab 6114 [email protected]

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• biotechnology
• environmental biotechnology
• green biotechnology
• hazardous wastes
• green biotechnology products
• waste water treatment plants

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Course Instructor : Professor John BARFORD Room 4552 ext 7237 (2358-7237) [email protected] Teaching Assistant: Ms XU Jing Jing Lab 7104 Ext 7149 (2358-7149) [email protected] Mr Kelvin WONG will assist with some tutorials / computations during class times Lab 6114 [email protected] ext 8828 (2358-8828) CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Class Times: Monday and Friday : 4505 (Lift 25/26) 4.30 pm - 5.50 pm Also booked: Monday and Friday: Computer Barn C (Room 4578 – Lift 27/28) 4.30 pm - 5.50 pm (Students will be advised when sessions in the Computer Barn will be held) There are no formal tutorials assigned to this course – some tutorials may replace some lecture time and these will be advised. Thursday 6-7pm is available for additional tutorials, if necessary. Room 3006 (Lift 4) has been reserved for this purpose. CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Conduct in the Classroom Classrooms are for learning. Teachers and students must work together so that the classroom is a good place to learn. You can help by following a few simple rules. These rules are mostly just common sense and common courtesy. By following them, you show respect to your fellow students as well as your teachers. Please try to get to class on time. When you come in late, you disrupt your class. As a general rule, if you are more than 10 minutes late, you should not enter the classroom. If you arrive late, but need to see the instructor or pick up lecture notes, please return at the end of the class period.

Conduct in the Classroom You should not do things during class that disrupt the class or distract your classmates – such as talking while the instructor is lecturing. If you have a pager or cellular phone, turn if off when you are in class. Once in class, you should stay until the class is over. If you know you have to leave early, ask the instructor’s permission before the class starts. And please pay attention to the signs that tell you not to eat or drink in the classrooms.

Conduct in the Classroom Assignments, tests and examinations are an integral part of the learning experience. Students who cheat disrupt this process. The instructor has a responsibility to make cheating difficult, but cheating is wrong even when you can get away with it. Don’t give in to the temptation to cheat, and be critical of those who do. Your instructor has the authority to make other rules that he or she feels are necessary to help you learn. For example, some instructors may require that you attend a minimum number or percentage of their classes. If you do not follow these rules, it may affect your grade.

Conduct in the Classroom You are investing several years of your life in your university education. Learning to accept responsibility is an important part of that education. The classroom is a good place to begin showing that you are ready for the responsibilities of being an adult.

Conduct in the Classroom Class attendance is highly recommend and participation in the classroom discussions are an important aspect of the “learning process”. Lectures are also where the important concepts are presented and the notes on the web “put into perspective” ATTENDANCE RECORDS WILL NOT BE TAKEN It also allows the instructor to monitor whether the major concepts are being understood It is essential that studentsgive feedback to the instructor. An anonymous website will be set up for this purpose - http://www.cbme.ust.hk/course/ceng365/ceng365.htm In addition to identifying problems it is also very helpful to offer practical solutions / alternatives so that these can be considered. Please try to make this process a positive one.

Previous “Student Concerns” and Proposed “Solutions” “Concerns”: Extensive Class Notes (Reading or Printing?) Instructors accent and speaking too fast Use of the white board during lectures – writing too small or hard to read “Solutions”: The major concepts will be clearly identified and stated in the lectures. Any material which may be considered “supplementary” will be identified as such. Material that is examinable will be clearly identified A summary of the main concepts of each lecture will be given. These concepts are the only examinable component of the course Students encouraged to interact in class and to raise concerns during the lecture (e.g. can’t read the material written on the board)

Examinations Examinations will test the understanding of concepts and will not require students to memorise major formulas or large amounts of qualitative information. When marking exams, I will be looking for the student to demonstrate that they understand the concepts both qualitatively and quantitatively. For example, when a short qualitative questions is asked, a direct answer to the question illustrates such an understanding. Writing large quantities of qualitative information, only a small fraction of which actually addresses the question asked, does NOT illustrate such understanding.

Bioremediation: Application of Biological Process Principles To The of Groundwater, Soil and Sludge Contaminated With Hazardous Wastes Bioremediation is defined by the American Academy of Microbiology as "the use of living organisms to reduce or eliminate environmental hazards resulting from accumulations of toxic chemicals and other hazardous wastes" (Gibson and Sayler, 1992). Biotechnology: Biotechnology = The Application of Scientific and Engineering Principles to the Processing of Materials by Biological Agents to Provide Goods and Services Environmental Biotechnology: Application of Biological Process Principles and Engineering Principles For The Treatment of Liquid, Solid and Gaseous Wastes CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Red biotechnology is biotechnology applied to medical processes. Some examples are the designing of organisms to produce antibiotics, and the engineering of genetic cures to cure diseases through genomic manipulation. White biotechnology, also known as Grey biotechnology, is biotechnology applied to industrial processes. An example is the designing of an organism to produce a useful chemical. White biotechnology tends to consume less in resources than traditional processes when used to produce industrial goods. Green biotechnology is biotechnology applied to agricultural processes. An example is the designing of transgenic plants to grow under specific environmental conditions or in the presence (or absence) of certain agricultural chemicals. One hope is that green biotechnology might produce more environmentally friendly solutions than traditional industrial agriculture. An example of this is the engineering of a plant to express a pesticide, thereby eliminating the need for external application of pesticides. An example of this would be Bt com. Whether or not green biotechnology products such as this are ultimately more environmentally friendly is a topic of considerable debate. Blue biotechnology has been used to describe the marine and aquatic applications of biotechnology, but its use is relatively rare. . Biotechnology and the Environment

O.E.C.D. (Organisation For Economic Cooperation and Development) 1994 ‘Biotechnology For a Clean Environment” Estimated the worldwide potential market for environmental biotechnology at: 1990 $40 billion 2000 $75 billion In 2000, USA – there are about 130 biotreatment companies U.S Market for Environmental Biotech Products for Waste Treatment Worth $261.3 million by 2013 http://www.przoom.com/news/34779/ Environmental biotechnology accounts for about 30-40% of all environmental technologies CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Example of Potential: Petroleum contaminated soil and groundwater resulting from leaking underground storage tanks USA About 750,000 exisiting sites Over 50% contain petroleum hydrocarbons Over 1/3 of these are leaking Cost per site for clean-up : $100,000-$250,000 If 10% undergo biological treatment : $ billions CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

HOW BIG IS THE INDUSTRY ?? The water industry mat be compared in size and capital to the pharmaceutical industry and the oil industry In 2005 ,waste water treatment plants in China numbered 2000 with a value of 40 billion Yuan CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

China Wastewater Treatment Market http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Ideas/pdf/machine_02_1.pdf CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

WHY BIOTECHNOLOGY? CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology approaches are replacing / augmenting chemical production due to: Higher specificity Lower temperature , pressure Less energy Less waste products Less harmful end products CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

2001 OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development) asked the following question: What if Industrial Biotechnology were used more widely?? In posing this question, they attempted to undertake an initial, but limited, analysis of potential environmental and resource conservation benefits that might acrue to certain targeted industrial sectors CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Basic Understanding of Microbiology Basic Understanding of Biochemistry Quantitative Understanding of Microbial Growth and Metabolism Quantitative Understanding of Biological Reactions and Reactors Ability to make relevant design calculations (e.g. reactor size etc) Ability to synthesise 1-4 above to quantitatively understand existing and new biological metabolisms and processes What “Basic Skills” are Required?

What are the “Engineering Issues”?? Alternatively – what are chemical engineers interested in ?? Rates – v- Yields (That is HOW FAST a process works and HOW EFFICIENTLY it works) A quantitative understanding of a process or operation , so that relevant design calculations can be made to ensure optimal performance (for example, reactor size, oxygen requirements, heating / cooling requirements, nutrient supplementation requirements The use of computer design packages are now commonplace in environmental biotechnology. The activated sludge models (ASM), mathematical descriptions of flocs and films, computational fluid dynamics etc are some examples of these. CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Rate: What if the maximum rate possible? What factors influence it? Yield: What is the “relevant” yield? What is the maximum “growth associated” and non-growth associated yield? Is there a relationship between rate and yield ? That is, is the a “trade-off”? Is it desirable to achieve the highest yield?? What problems does high yield create? Rates and Yields – Relevant Engineering Questions

Common Organisms for Bioremediation Type of Contaminant (Genus) Petroleum Pseudomonas, Proteus, Bacillus, Penicillum,Cunninghamella Aromatic Rings Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Penicillum, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Phanerocheate Cadmium Staphlococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Rhodococcus Sulfur Thiobacillus Chromium Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas Copper Escherichia, PseudomonasFungi are italicized Microbiology – Why?

Microbiology – Why? Public Health Microbiology (Bacterial Pathogens, Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens, Viral Pathogens, Protozoan Parasites, Blue Green Algae, Exotoxins and Endotoxins)

Biodegradation of Problem Environmental Contaminants Synthetic Detergents Pesticides Hydrocarbons BTEX, MTBE Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) Chlorinated Solvents Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Polychlorinated Biphenyls Explosives

ENZYMES and PATHWAYS The CARBON Cycle The NITROGEN cycle The PHOSPHOROUS Cycle The SULFUR Cycle Biochemistry – Why??

hydrolysis Acidogenisis Organic C (aq) VFA CH4 + CO2 Organic C (s) Biological Carbon Cycle in Wastewater Treatment Aerobic Anaerobic Anoxic

Biological N - Mechanism

Biological P - Mechanism

Sulfur Metabolism

Anaerobic Digestion Process – An Example of Multi -organism and Multi-pathway

Microbial Growth Kinetics Energy Formation Electron Acceptance Degradation Pathways Co-Metabolism Integration of Pathways Integration of Microbiology, Biochemistry

Biological process are very significantly affected by environmental factors such as pH, temperature, presence of sufficient carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous , growth factors, vitamins, salt etc. In addition, actions taken during biotreatment may also have an influence on the biological processes. For example, pH modification using NaOH or NH4Cl may have very different consequences (Na+ inhibition or increased oxygen demand by NH4+). Environmental Factors

Course Aims: Understand the role of microorganisms in the treatment of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes Understand the range of bioremediation technologies available and the practical benefits and limitations of bioremediation Apply the knowledge of (1) and (2) above, to address a series of “real life” environmental problems by class problems, homeworks ad supervised project work Undertake quantitative calculations using Excel and PolyMath Modern computer design packages will be demonstrated since they are either not available or are beyond the scope of this course. In addition, specific programs developed in Excel, Excel VBA and PolyMath will be developed and/or demonstrated. Understand how molecular biology is impacting on environmental biotechnology processes CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Topic 1 : Introduction (Engineering Design Using Biological Systems, What are the Engineering Issues?) Topic 2: Waste Characteristics / Standard Methods Topic 3: Microbiology (Types of microorganisms) Topic 4: Biochemistry (Structure of the Cell) Topic 5: Metabolism (Major Metabolic Pathways), Topic 6: Metabolism (Degradation of Aliphatic, Aromatic, Halogenated Compounds, Genetic Manipulation) CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Topic 7: Reactor Systems (Liquid, Gas and Solid) including reactors specific to waste treatment (Trickling Filter, RDC, Biofilms etc) Topics 8-12: Bioremediation Technologies (Anaerobic Digestion, Aerobic Treatment Processes, Biological Nutrient Removal, Composting, Landfill, Large Scale Municipal Soild Waste Treatment Systems, Biofiltration, Artificial Wetlands) Topic 13: Introduction to Molecular Biology and its application to Environmental Biotechnology (selection of microbes for treatment of particular “target” chemicals; gene probes; fluorescent markers etc) Topic 14: Other Industrial Applications (Bioleaching / Sulfate Reducing Bacteria, Biominerals, Sediments, Biomonitoring, Biosensors, Biopesticides, Biodiesel etc) CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Textbook: Extensive Lecture Notes will be provided. These will be posted on Teaching Web http://www.ust.hk/intranet/ then Teaching and Research then Teaching then Course List on Teaching Web then CENG365 These may be supplemented by the following reference books. Environmental Biotechnology Principles and Applications B.E.Rittman and P.L.McCarty McGraw-Hill,2001 Bioremediation Principles J.B.Eweis, S.J.Ergas, D.P.Y.Chang and E.D. Schroeder McGraw-Hill, 1998 Environmental Engineering G.Kiely McGraw-Hill, 1997 Wastewater Engineering – Treatment ,Disposal, Reuse Metcalf and Eddy 3rd Edition McGraw-Hill, 1991 CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Major Reviews etc 1, New Biotech Tools For a Cleaner Environment 2. Microbial Degradation 3. OECD The Application of Biotechnology To Industrial Sustainability 4. Maximum Biodegradation Rate and Half saturation Constant 5. Bacterial metabolism in Waste Water Treatment Systems These reviews/notes will be posted on the web and are put there to further stimulate your interest in the topis – they will NOT be examinable CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Web Resources: Biochemistry: bich122 (webpage to be advised) Microbiology: esce500 (available on LMES through HKUST webpage) https://access.ust.hk/cas/login?service=http%3A%2F%2Flmes2.ust.hk%3A80%2Flmes-login-tool%2Fcontainer CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Other web resources: University Of Minnesota: Biocatalysis / Biodegradation Database: http://umbbd.ahc.umn.edu/ Useful Internet Resources For Microbial Biotechnolgy:http://umbbd.ahc.umn.edu/resources.html#pathways Molecular Biology: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/BIOS/molebio.html Databanks: http://www.brenda-enzymes.info/ Pathways :http://www.genome.ad.jp/kegg/pathway.html EPA Reach It: http://www.epareachit.org/ Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable: http://www.frtr.gov CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Course Assessment Homework 15% Classwork 7% Project 20% (Report / Powerpoint Submission) (Biodegradation Pathways) (Bioremediation Technologies) Mid-Term Exam 25% Final Exam33% CENG 365 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Homework and Classwork will be due TWO WEEKS from the date of issue and should be handed to the Course Instructor in the Classroom or left in the Course Instructor’s mailbox in the CENG Administrative Office (Room Lift 27/28). They should NOT be left under the Course Instructors office door. All homeworks will be marked and count towards the course assessment. A selected number of classworks will be marked and contribute to the course assessment. Solutions will be posted on Teaching Web after the due date and no further submissions will be possible once the solutions have been posted. Assessment

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Overview of Biotechnology Research

Table of Contents

Biotechnology, at its core, involves the application of biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop technologies and products for the benefit of humanity. 

The scope of biotechnology research is broad, covering areas such as genetic engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology. Its interdisciplinary nature makes it a melting pot of ideas and innovations, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

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• Identify Your Interests

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• Stay Informed About Current Trends

Keep up with the latest developments and trends in biotechnology. Subscribe to scientific journals, attend conferences, and follow reputable websites to stay informed about cutting-edge research. This will help you identify gaps in knowledge or areas where advancements are needed.

• Consider Societal Impact

Evaluate the potential societal impact of your chosen research topic. How does it contribute to solving real-world problems? Biotechnology has applications in healthcare, agriculture, environmental conservation, and more. Choose a topic that aligns with the broader goal of improving quality of life or addressing global challenges.

• Assess Feasibility and Resources

Evaluate the feasibility of your research topic. Consider the availability of resources, including laboratory equipment, funding, and expertise. A well-defined and achievable research plan will increase the likelihood of successful outcomes.

• Explore Innovation Opportunities

Look for opportunities to contribute to innovation within the field. Consider topics that push the boundaries of current knowledge, introduce novel methodologies, or explore interdisciplinary approaches. Innovation often leads to groundbreaking discoveries.

• Consult with Mentors and Peers

Seek guidance from mentors, professors, or colleagues who have expertise in biotechnology. Discuss your research interests with them and gather insights. They can provide valuable advice on the feasibility and significance of your chosen topic.

• Balance Specificity and Breadth

Strike a balance between biotechnology research topics that are specific enough to address a particular aspect of biotechnology and broad enough to allow for meaningful research. A topic that is too narrow may limit your research scope, while one that is too broad may lack focus.

• Consider Ethical Implications

Be mindful of the ethical implications of your research. Biotechnology, especially areas like genetic engineering, can raise ethical concerns. Ensure that your chosen topic aligns with ethical standards and consider how your research may impact society.

• Evaluate Industry Relevance

Consider the relevance of your research topic to the biotechnology industry. Industry-relevant research has the potential for practical applications and may attract funding and collaboration opportunities.

• Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

Be open to refining or adjusting your research topic as you delve deeper into the literature and gather more information. Flexibility is key to adapting to new insights and developments in the field.

200+ Biotechnology Research Topics: Category-Wise

Genetic engineering.

• CRISPR-Cas9: Recent Advances and Applications
• Gene Editing for Therapeutic Purposes: Opportunities and Challenges
• Precision Medicine and Personalized Genomic Therapies
• Genome Sequencing Technologies: Current State and Future Prospects
• Synthetic Biology: Engineering New Life Forms
• Genetic Modification of Crops for Improved Yield and Resistance
• Ethical Considerations in Human Genetic Engineering
• Gene Therapy for Neurological Disorders
• Epigenetics: Understanding the Role of Gene Regulation
• CRISPR in Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Traits

Biomedical Engineering

• Tissue Engineering: Creating Organs in the Lab
• 3D Printing in Biomedical Applications
• Advances in Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: Theranostic Approaches
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in Biomedicine
• Wearable Biomedical Devices for Health Monitoring
• Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine
• Precision Oncology: Tailoring Cancer Treatments
• Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications
• Biomechanics in Biomedical Engineering

Environmental Biotechnology

• Bioremediation of Polluted Environments
• Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Turning Trash into Power
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices Using Biotechnology
• Bioaugmentation in Wastewater Treatment
• Microbial Fuel Cells: Harnessing Microorganisms for Energy
• Biotechnology in Conservation Biology
• Phytoremediation: Plants as Environmental Cleanup Agents
• Aquaponics: Integration of Aquaculture and Hydroponics
• Biodiversity Monitoring Using DNA Barcoding
• Algal Biofuels: A Sustainable Energy Source

Industrial Biotechnology

• Enzyme Engineering for Industrial Applications
• Bioprocessing and Bio-manufacturing Innovations
• Industrial Applications of Microbial Biotechnology
• Bio-based Materials: Eco-friendly Alternatives
• Synthetic Biology for Industrial Processes
• Metabolic Engineering for Chemical Production
• Industrial Fermentation: Optimization and Scale-up
• Biocatalysis in Pharmaceutical Industry
• Advanced Bioprocess Monitoring and Control
• Green Chemistry: Sustainable Practices in Industry

Emerging Trends in Biotechnology

• CRISPR-Based Diagnostics: A New Era in Disease Detection
• Neurobiotechnology: Advancements in Brain-Computer Interfaces
• Advances in Nanotechnology for Healthcare
• Computational Biology: Modeling Biological Systems
• Organoids: Miniature Organs for Drug Testing
• Genome Editing in Non-Human Organisms
• Biotechnology and the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Exosome-based Therapeutics: Potential Applications
• Biohybrid Systems: Integrating Living and Artificial Components
• Metagenomics: Exploring Microbial Communities

Ethical and Social Implications

• Ethical Considerations in CRISPR-Based Gene Editing
• Privacy Concerns in Personal Genomic Data Sharing
• Biotechnology and Social Equity: Bridging the Gap
• Dual-Use Dilemmas in Biotechnological Research
• Informed Consent in Genetic Testing and Research
• Accessibility of Biotechnological Therapies: Global Perspectives
• Human Enhancement Technologies: Ethical Perspectives
• Biotechnology and Cultural Perspectives on Genetic Modification
• Social Impact Assessment of Biotechnological Interventions
• Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology

Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

• Machine Learning in Biomedical Data Analysis
• Network Biology: Understanding Biological Systems
• Structural Bioinformatics: Predicting Protein Structures
• Data Mining in Genomics and Proteomics
• Systems Biology Approaches in Biotechnology
• Comparative Genomics: Evolutionary Insights
• Bioinformatics Tools for Drug Discovery
• Cloud Computing in Biomedical Research
• Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics and Treatment
• Computational Approaches to Vaccine Design

Health and Medicine

• Vaccines and Immunotherapy: Advancements in Disease Prevention
• CRISPR-Based Therapies for Genetic Disorders
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics Using Biotechnology
• Telemedicine and Biotechnology Integration
• Biotechnology in Rare Disease Research
• Gut Microbiome and Human Health
• Precision Nutrition: Personalized Diets Using Biotechnology
• Biotechnology Approaches to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Global Health
• Biotechnology in Aging Research and Longevity

Agricultural Biotechnology

• CRISPR and Gene Editing in Crop Improvement
• Precision Agriculture: Integrating Technology for Crop Management
• Biotechnology Solutions for Food Security
• RNA Interference in Pest Control
• Vertical Farming and Biotechnology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture
• Biofortification: Enhancing Nutritional Content in Crops
• Smart Farming Technologies and Biotechnology
• Precision Livestock Farming Using Biotechnological Tools
• Drought-Tolerant Crops: Biotechnological Approaches

Biotechnology and Education

• Integrating Biotechnology into STEM Education
• Virtual Labs in Biotechnology Teaching
• Biotechnology Outreach Programs for Schools
• Online Courses in Biotechnology: Accessibility and Quality
• Hands-on Biotechnology Experiments for Students
• Bioethics Education in Biotechnology Programs
• Role of Internships in Biotechnology Education
• Collaborative Learning in Biotechnology Classrooms
• Biotechnology Education for Non-Science Majors
• Addressing Gender Disparities in Biotechnology Education

Funding and Policy

• Government Funding Initiatives for Biotechnology Research
• Private Sector Investment in Biotechnology Ventures
• Impact of Intellectual Property Policies on Biotechnology
• Ethical Guidelines for Biotechnological Research
• Public-Private Partnerships in Biotechnology
• Regulatory Frameworks for Gene Editing Technologies
• Biotechnology and Global Health Policy
• Biotechnology Diplomacy: International Collaboration
• Funding Challenges in Biotechnology Startups
• Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Biotechnological Research

Biotechnology and the Environment

• Biotechnology for Air Pollution Control
• Microbial Sensors for Environmental Monitoring
• Remote Sensing in Environmental Biotechnology
• Climate Change Mitigation Using Biotechnology
• Circular Economy and Biotechnological Innovations
• Marine Biotechnology for Ocean Conservation
• Bio-inspired Design for Environmental Solutions
• Ecological Restoration Using Biotechnological Approaches
• Impact of Biotechnology on Biodiversity
• Biotechnology and Sustainable Urban Development

Biosecurity and Biosafety

• Biosecurity Measures in Biotechnology Laboratories
• Dual-Use Research and Ethical Considerations
• Global Collaboration for Biosafety in Biotechnology
• Security Risks in Gene Editing Technologies
• Surveillance Technologies in Biotechnological Research
• Biosecurity Education for Biotechnology Professionals
• Risk Assessment in Biotechnology Research
• Bioethics in Biodefense Research
• Biotechnology and National Security
• Public Awareness and Biosecurity in Biotechnology

Industry Applications

• Biotechnology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
• Bioprocessing Innovations for Drug Production
• Industrial Enzymes and Their Applications
• Biotechnology in Food and Beverage Production
• Applications of Synthetic Biology in Industry
• Biotechnology in Textile Manufacturing
• Cosmetic and Personal Care Biotechnology
• Biotechnological Approaches in Renewable Energy
• Advanced Materials Production Using Biotechnology
• Biotechnology in the Automotive Industry

Miscellaneous Topics

• DNA Barcoding in Species Identification
• Bioart: The Intersection of Biology and Art
• Biotechnology in Forensic Science
• Using Biotechnology to Preserve Cultural Heritage
• Biohacking: DIY Biology and Citizen Science
• Microbiome Engineering for Human Health
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) for Biodiversity Monitoring
• Biotechnology and Astrobiology: Searching for Life Beyond Earth
• Biotechnology and Sports Science
• Biotechnology and the Future of Space Exploration

Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Biotechnology Research

As biotechnology continues to advance, it brings forth a set of challenges and ethical considerations. Biosecurity concerns, especially in the context of gene editing technologies, raise questions about the responsible use of powerful tools like CRISPR. 

Ethical implications of genetic manipulation, such as the creation of designer babies, demand careful consideration and international collaboration to establish guidelines and regulations. 

Moreover, the environmental and social impact of biotechnological interventions must be thoroughly assessed to ensure responsible and sustainable practices.

Funding and Resources for Biotechnology Research

The pursuit of biotechnology research topics requires substantial funding and resources. Government grants and funding agencies play a pivotal role in supporting research initiatives. 

Simultaneously, the private sector, including biotechnology companies and venture capitalists, invest in promising projects. Collaboration and partnerships between academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations further amplify the impact of biotechnological research.

Future Prospects of Biotechnology Research

As we look to the future, the integration of biotechnology with other scientific disciplines holds immense potential. Collaborations with fields like artificial intelligence, materials science, and robotics may lead to unprecedented breakthroughs. 

The development of innovative technologies and their application to global health and sustainability challenges will likely shape the future of biotechnology.

In conclusion, biotechnology research is a dynamic and transformative force with the potential to revolutionize multiple facets of our lives. The exploration of diverse biotechnology research topics, from genetic engineering to emerging trends like synthetic biology and nanobiotechnology, highlights the breadth of possibilities within this field. 

However, researchers must navigate challenges and ethical considerations to ensure that biotechnological advancements are used responsibly for the betterment of society. 

With continued funding, collaboration, and a commitment to ethical practices, the future of biotechnology research holds exciting promise, propelling us towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced world.

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Environmental sustainability and biotechnology: opportunities and challenges

• Published: 14 June 2024
• Volume 7 , pages 115–119, ( 2024 )

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• Naveen Kumar Arora 1 &
• Tahmish Fatima 1  

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The history of life on earth dates back to 3.7 billion years old. For over 80% of Earth’s history the atmosphere and the supracrustal sections have shown changes, re-circulations and maintenances for the inception of life. Changes in terrestrial ecosystems have always been associated with atmospheric compositions, for instance, plant evolution after mid-Paleozoic (Ordovician–Devonian) modulated climate during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age and Cretaceous period giving rise to angiosperms (Dahl and Arens 2020 ). The fossils of rocks spanning 3 billion years ago, evinced drastic changes in carbon cycle about 400 million years ago, when plants started colonizing the Earth. Major changes were also reported in the chemistry of seawater indicating shift in global formation of clay- from oceans to lands Footnote 1 . Ever since then the climate system of earth has changed several times and played key role in the evolution of ecosystems. At present the ecosystems are at the brink of their capacity to fulfil the needs of the increasing population, escalating the threats of climate change, pollution, land degradation, social inequalities and global hunger. Due to uncontrolled human activities and demands, the over-consumption of natural resources is expected to be tripled by the end of 2050 Footnote 2 . The world has already lost ~ 40% of global land area in terms of productivity and quality with climate change acting as the main threat ( UNCCD 2022 ). Whilst the world is targeting the goals set by United Nations, popularly known as the sustainable development goals (SDGs), now is the time for everyone, be it a nation, society or individual, to understand their part in reducing the environmental risks by development of sustainable solutions and their implementation at grass root level.

Ever since the onset of industrialization and urbanization, humans have used chemicals for synthesis of various products for their daily comfort and use. However, the process correspondingly polluted the environment with these unwanted entities, some of which are recalcitrant and persist for long durations in the ecosystems. Plastics are the classical example of such man-made entities, which are highly persistent and are playing havoc in the ecosystems around the globe. Modernization of human civilization began with chemicals, but to avoid the end of our existence on planet Earth we need to switch to ecofriendly approaches and circular economy in order to utilize the huge amount of waste generated and reduce the burden on ecosystems both in terms of over-exploitation and pollution.

Biotechnological tools involve eco-friendly processes that integrate the chemistry of living organisms in order to develop sustainable products or methods for industrial production (in various sectors), energy sector (like biofuels), agriculture, biodegradation and ecosystem restoration, benefitting our day to day life without adding chemicals to the environment. The use of biotechnology in the production processes is gaining attention, as climate change and global warming have knocked the doors of each nation and the world is not in a position to further add chemicals to the environment. Environmental biotechnology is not a new term, it has been around for decades, however, newer technologies arising from modern microbiology and molecular biology utilizing latest omic-based or genetic engineering techniques has advanced the field with better solutions. The sector of synthetic biology, integrating engineering principles and computational approaches with advanced biological techniques, has resulted in various sustainable solutions including production of biofuels, enzymes, pharmaceuticals, biofertilizers, biopesticides, bioremediation of soil and water bodies, replacing non-renewable sources like fossil fuels with replenishable items and so on. Using the mechanisms of microbes, plants or other living entities, biotechnological processes address serious concerns of cleaning up the pollutants, specially bioremediation of spills, industrial wastes and other forms of pollution in soil, water and air.

In today’s era the focus of the industrial sector is to meet the demand of people even if it is at the expense of environmental sustainability. Therefore, innovations are required which are greener growth models and also foster development without compromising the quality and quantity of production. Biotechnology is the solution, which can underpin green growth and to a limit can reverse the harm done to various ecosystems by anthropogenic activities. Biotechnology is used for centuries, specially in fermentation processes even at domestic levels like processing of breads, yoghurts, cheese, wine and so on. However, in the present scenario, improvements have to be made through innovations as we are dealing with much serious issues of climate change, pollution, global warming, biodiversity threats and even survival of human race. There are two major regimes to promote the utility of biotechnology viz. environmental and industrial biotechnology. Environmental biotechnology involves the integration of biological entities, as such, modified/ engineered or processed, to protect and restore the quality of environment/ ecosystems. These processes are largely involved in remediation of land, air and water bodies, plus tackling harmful chemicals or provide green alternatives. For full-scale application of biotechnological process, it has to be first proven with organisms used, the chemical reactions taking place and mechanisms involved, which helps in designing prototype and scale up. Environmental biotechnological processes mainly involve application of specific microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, may be along with insects, plants, and enzymes to bio-chemically transform the products or intermediates, which are synthesized during industrial or other anthropogenic activities, in order to abate their toxicity in environment. Over the time of evolution, microorganisms have developed tremendous survival strategies through modification in their genetic make-up or advanced biochemical capabilities, aiding their survival under unfavorable conditions and inhabit the ecosystems where neither plants or animals can survive. This ability of microbes has to be exploited efficiently to restore the ecosystems which have become degraded to extreme levels. Bioremediation through microbes involves various mechanisms such as enzymatic oxidation, enzymatic reduction, bioaugementation, biostimuation, bioleaching, biosorption, bioaccumulation and precipitation. The global bioremediation market was estimated around $26.66 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach a value of approximately $56.55 billion by the end of 2028, with a CAGR of 7.72% during the period Footnote 3 . The practical application of bioremediation treating spills and anthropogenic compounds began few decades ago with biotreatment of petroleum hydrocarbons; the technique was reported much effective and budget friendly in comparison to physical and chemical methods. The success story of bioremediation increased its application for treatment of gas station and refinery spills. Plants/ microalgae and their biomasses are being used as sorbants for heavy metals by the involvement of of proteins like metallothioneins and metallothionein-like proteins (Balzano et al. 2020 ). Development of ‘superbugs’ has been a major achievement of genetic engineering, having the capability to degrade wide range of pollutants (Arora et al. 2018 ). In 1989, there was a huge oil spill of 11 million gallons near the Alaska coast, where 3.19 million barrels of oil spilled off in the Gulf of Mexico, popularly known as the “Alaska Oil Spill”. The spill was successfully managed by the process of bioremediation by involving two methods, bioaugmention and biostimulation utilizing oil degrading microbes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency demonstrated that biodegradation by indigenous microflora along with addition of fertilizers led to changes in hydrocarbon composition and bulk oil weight per unit of beach material, and the rate was two-fold higher as compared to untreated control Footnote 4 . It is considered as one of the biggest initial success stories of bioremediation and paved the way for further commercialization of this low input biotechnology.

Landfarming is a form of bioremediation which involves application of indigenous soil microbes and beneficial soil microorganisms commonly addressed as plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) to rejuvenate the degraded soil. At the beginning of Second World War, numerous pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers were synthesized and applied to increase agricultural yields. This led to severe degradation of lands, however, the trend did not end and the world witnessed increased amount of pesticides application. Globally, the average quantity of pesticides increased from 1.55 kg·ha − 1 in 1990 to 2.63 kg·ha − 1 in 2018 (Raffa and Chiampo 2021 ) and resulted in degradation of agricultural lands. Biotechnological processes serve as an easy, budget friendly, less time taking, and permanent solutions to remediate and re-fertilize marginal lands without generation of secondary pollutants. Microbes belonging to genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Streptomyces, Staphylococcus, Daedaleadickinsii, Gloeophyllumtrabeum and many others are associated with more than 30% removal of pesticides (including DDT, chlorpyrifos and carbofuran) from soil and water (Giri et al. 2021 ). Apart from chemical stresses, lands are also degrading due to climate change induced heat and water stresses and soil salinization. In this context, bioengineering of rhizosphere using biotechnological processes and application of potent halophilic or thermophilic PGPM help in re-designing the rhizosphere for stress mitigation and increased crop yield (Arora et al. 2020 ). Klümper and Qaim ( 2014 ) reported that use of genetic engineering reduced the use of pesticides by 37% while increased the crop yield by 22% from 1995 to 2014. With the advancement of omic- based technologies, along with advancement in gene editing, several bio-agrochemicals including biofertilizers, biopesticides, bioinsecticides are being synthesized and applied to fields for bioremediation and increase of agriculture productivity in a sustainable manner. The market of biopesticides and biofertilizers was valued at $6,906.7 million in 2023, and is expected to reach $22,463.3 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 12.52% Footnote 5 .

Biotechnology has resulted in reduced use of pesticides by £790 million globally Footnote 6 . Newer techniques of RNA silencing in plant pathogens along with application of double stranded ribonucleic acids (dsRNAs)/ small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) or spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), technology termed as non-transformative RNAi technology are promising approaches that can be applied to increase agricultural productivity through protection against diseases (Székács et al. 2021 ). Further advances in the field of genetic engineering can be the future of agricultural sustainability.

Industrial biotechnology was recognized as a field only after growing interest in production of biofuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources, their production processes environmentally unsafe and their use leads to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial biotechnology holds promising future in a bio-based economy society. Energy sectors focus on conversion of biomass mainly from plants, algae, by-products from agricultural processing, and municipal or domestic wastes by using bacteria or fungi, to green energy. Biofuels include alcohols, synfuel, biogas and bio-diesel. The choice of substrate for biofuel production decides the GHGs emission and production rate. For example, biomass energy from corn can increase carbon emission by 20%, while high cellulosic material can reduce the emission by 120% (Sims et al. 2010 ). In 2018, the world’s energy demand was 14 billion tons of oil equivalent (TOE), 80% of which were fulfilled by fossil fuels (Tropea 2022 ). This serious gap in the use of biofuels needs to be addressed and scientists are advancing the biofuel technology through optimum utilization of lignocellulosic biomass, which also does not compete with food and feed sector. Diversification of biomass to ensure ecological and economic stability of biofuel production; increase in the biochemical conversion through introduction of ‘designer molecules’ that can improve the economy of fuel and reduce the carbon emissions, are also ways to promote biofuel production (Liu et al. 2021 ). Second generation biofuels using non-edible biomass as substrate, such as agro or municipal wastes, are arising as sustainable solutions, which are more economical and less toxic. Advances are being made to optimize the fermentation process and improve the production of third generation biofuels from algal biomass and fourth generation from engineered cyanobacteria using modern molecular techniques (Malode et al. 2021 ). With recent developments the biofuel market reached ~ 120 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is expected to be ~ 175 billion U.S. dollars in 2030 Footnote 7 .

Plastic pollution is a major concern of present times, where production has drastically increased from 15 million metric tonnes in 1964 to 359 million metric tonnes in 2018, and is projected to increase by 2-folds in next 20 years (Narancic et al. 2020 ). Over 90% of plastics are produced from fossil fuels and the production consumes 4–8% of oil currently, which is expected to reach 20% by 2050 Footnote 8 . Bio-based and biodegradable plastics are coming up as sustainable solutions to replace non-biodegradable polymers. Monomers extracted or synthesized from biomass can be polymerized to biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), cellulose, and starch. Currently, bioplastics account for 1% of the total plastics manufactured yearly, however, the market size is expected to increase from 96.6 billion U.S. dollars as of 2023, to 1,353.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2033 Footnote 9 . Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a PHA polymer, is the most commonly used bioplastic with brittle and highly crystalline characteristic similar to that of polypropylene (synthetic plastic). Other bioplastics include polysaccharides developed using potatoes, corn, and rice for starch production; polypeptides using plant and animal proteins such as collagens; cellulose from trees and cotton; or PHA using genetically modified microorganisms (Rosenboom et al. 2022 ). Along with the replacement of non-biodegradable plastics in food and packaging industries, bioplastics can also be used in medical arena specifically for drug delivery systems, wound healing products and surgical implant devices. Biodegradable polymers can also be applied to aid several human body functions, such as embracing cells to create tissues, cell signaling, moderate the skin’s hydration and elasticity, lubrication of gastrointestinal tracts and protection from pathogens (Pattanashetti et al. 2017 ).

Climate change along with population explosion require fundamental changes in chemical and energy sectors to accelerate the production rate and reduce carbon footprint. One technology adopted by major chemical companies is biocatalysis, using natural or engineered microbial enzymes to ensure environmental sustainability. These microbial or natural enzymes addressed as bio-enzyme/ trash enzyme/ fruit enzymes aid in replacing the usage of chemical compounds in an affordable, healthy and sustainable manner. Bio-enzymes can be synthesized through fermentation by utilizing agri-wastes rich in sugars. Bio-enzymes include proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases and many more. Microbes are the factories of enzymes including cellulases, hemicellulases, amylases, lipases, proteases, pectinases, inulinases, chitinases, laccases, glucose isomerases, each having industrial significance. Microbial enzymes have proved to be potential candidates in industrial sectors of food, feed, pharmaceutical, alcohol, biofuel, agriculture, textile, leather, sweeteners, flavors, bioremediation, solid waste management and even in medicinal field as bioenzyme based nanomedicides Footnote 10 . Cytochrome P450 are class of novel enzymes that are used to convert plant waste into sustainable and value-added products such as nylon, plastics, chemicals, and fuels, along with their role in bioremediation against various pollutants (Arora et al. 2018 ). Modern genetic tools and omic techniques are further increasing the spectrum of novel enzymes from both cultural and non-culturable microbes.

The field of environmental biotechnology is a large ‘black box’ that advances each day to fill the gaps and challenges posed by climate change. Biotechnology has paved its way in reducing environmental pollution and water wastage by growing meat without animals. This technology also reduces the usage of antibiotics and chemicals, which are otherwise rampantly used in rearing of cattle and poultry Footnote 11 . In order to mimic the natural flavors and replace chemicals in food industry, engineered microbes are now being used to synthesize flavoring agents. Methods are also being developed to replace construction materials, such as concrete with organic wastes or mushrooms to lower carbon footprint. Microbial fuel cells, microbial electrolysis cells, bioelectric wells and microbial desalination cells are future sustainable approaches for the remediation of contaminants. Several other such approaches will be utilized in near future to improve the efficiency and develop novel biotechnological technologies.

Although biotechnological processes have paved their way in various industrial sectors, yet there is a huge gap in their application as compared to synthetic/chemical regimes. For example, the negative reaction to genetically modified organisms by the public in some regions and lack of proper regulation policies have hindered the use of this green technology. Further, biotechnological processes are often human-controlled and in some cases they can affect the genetic diversity of plants, animals and microbes, such as in case of applying GMOs. Another environmental issue is that mass production of bioplastics and biofuels from plant sources can compete with feed and food sector. Biofuel production can lead to deforestation and soaring food prices. Therefore, before the application of technology there has to be an intensive study about its long term effect on biodiversity, food security and human health or environment as whole.

The concept of circular economy is gaining attention in various sectors including academic, policy, and industry and has been linked with attaining targets of SDGs. Biotechnological processes are essential to achieve the circular economy by maximizing the utilization of ever-increasing wastes generated by humans and simultaneously control over-exploitation. Bio-economy has to be a major component of circular economy which results in low carbon footprints, and promote environmental sustainability. It is important to replace “Gross Domestic Product (GDP)” with “Gross Sustainable Product (GSP)” and biotechnology dominated circular economy can play a very important role to achieve this (Arora and Mishra 2019 ).

The SDGs outline 17 inter-related targets that require immediate action to protect the habitability of earth and it’s biodiversity. Biotechnology can have important role in achieving targets of SDGs, including zero hunger, good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable and green industry, innovation and infrastructure, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land and partnerships for the goals. The remaining goals will of course be indirectly impacted in a positive manner. Thus, the future and sustainability of human race on earth is very much dependent on further use and refinement of green biotechnological approaches.

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Arora, N.K., Fatima, T. Environmental sustainability and biotechnology: opportunities and challenges. Environmental Sustainability 7 , 115–119 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42398-024-00317-9

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