INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY: DESCRIPTION

Industrial biotechnology is the application of modern molecular biology techniques in order to improve and update industrial processes in the manufacturing of chemicals, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. Advancements in genetic engineering to modify or transfer specific genes from one organism to another allows biotechnology to become more efficient and applicable to a wide range of commercial markets.

In the near future, industrial biotechnology will play a vital role in efforts to address global warming and climate change. For example, by using renewable feedstocks instead of fossil fuels to convert to energy fuels, the emission of green house gases effecting climate change may be reduced. In addition, environmental biotechnology will promote “green” processes for bioremediation and biodegradation of wastes and other harmful contaminants to our increasingly fragile environment.

Biofuels

Biofuels have become central to discussions concerning the enhancement of long-term U.S. strategies for energy, economic and national security by reducing reliance on foreign oil. This comprehensive strategy also includes increasing energy efficiency and the use of alternative clean-energy resources. As a result of these concerns, energy related mandates and incentives have been instigated in the U.S. and abroad, such as in the EU and South America, to spur the biofuels market.

Mandates in the U.S. such as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, set higher fuel economy standards for automobiles and mandatory requirements for biofuels usage by producers. It also offers opportunities in an emerging market for the application of industrial biotechnology. To realize the President’s goal of reducing U.S. gasoline consumption by 20 percent in 10 years (20 in 10 Initiative), DOE has initiated a Biomass Program to work with industry and academia to conduct research and develop biomass feedstocks implementing necessary conversion technologies. In 2007, DOE awarded over $1 billion for multi-year biofuels related projects. In addition to funding the research area of biofuels connected to climate change, the appropriations will generate future opportunities through additional federal and state legislation.

Pending legislation creates exciting opportunities, with biofuels as the best example of one important investment in our future. Application of biotechnology for biofuels centers on two areas:

• Transgenic crops for higher yields; and  
• Biomass conversion to biofuels.

To make biofuels more economic, higher yields of crops used for biofuels are required, regardless of whether the source is corn, cellulosic or lignin biomass. Increasing the agricultural industry’s innovative technologies is crucial for the advancement of biofuels as the debate of net greenhouse gas emissions continues. Opportunities for efficient and economically feasible bioconversion of bio-based materials into sugars and subsequent fermentation into biofuels will soon be available as a result of pending legislation.

Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology is the utilization of biological systems for the remediation of contaminated areas and for environment-friendly processes, such as the use of microbes for waste treatment or the efficient clean-up of petroleum spills. Also commonly referred to as bioremediation, the use of microbes to break down or digest waste chemicals into harmless byproducts has a distinct advantage over traditional methods of decontamination. Bioremediation can be employed for degradation of other hydrocarbons, polymers and plastics, pharmaceuticals, radio nuclides and other toxic metals. The identification of certain plants and microbes that absorb mercury, lead, and arsenic can also be used to treat industrial waste.

Environmental biotechnology offers an opportunity to provide better treatments for solid waste and wastewater. Biotechnology-based treatment systems, from backyard septic tanks to large animal farms, can now be optimized for maximum results while reducing environmental concerns.

Our Life Sciences and Public Health Preparedness Practice team of scientists and policy authorities offers premier service to companies involved in industrial biotechnology. Our experience in government affairs and science gives us the tools to support clients looking to break into the competitive industrial biotechnology arena and cooperate with the federal government’s interest in these novel technologies.