A critical aspect of biotechnology is modifying living organisms to study complex conditions and create new products. It is a field that can improve the standard of living through its application in numerous areas, including agriculture, medicine, and environmental sciences.
From DNA sequencing to genetic modification, common biotech processes are facing hindrances. Luckily, in the last decade, the field of biotechnology has been revolutionized to tackle rising challenges.
Here’s a comprehensive explanation of the five latest biotechnology breakthroughs that are not only facilitating scientists but also building the future of humanity.
1. Genome Sequencing
Genome sequencing, also known as whole-genome sequencing (WGS), is the process of determining the entire genetic makeup of an organism at a given time. It is a laboratory procedure that determines the order of all the nucleotides in the genome of an organism.
Scientists use genome sequencing to gain insights into an organism’s inheritance, evolution, and the development of a disease. Other application areas for genome sequencing include:
- Identification of genetic variations and mutations
- Diagnosing genetic diseases
- Understanding the function of genes and identifying therapies
- Identification and classification of microorganisms
With the latest advancements in biotech research, the process of genome sequencing is simple. Here are the crucial steps:
- DNA extraction. Strands of DNA or RNA are extracted from the bacteria, virus, or other pathogen.
- Library prep. The DNA samples must be fully prepared before being put in specialized sequencing machines. For example, single-stranded DNA must be converted into double-stranded DNA.
- Sequencing. The prepared DNA samples will be loaded into a sequencer to identify the nucleotide bases.
- Analysis. Millions of long strings of data are then assembled and analyzed.
In addition to WGS, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is another sequencing technology that can process a large quantity of genetic material at a time.
2. DNA Cloning
DNA cloning is the process of making multiple copies of a particular gene or DNA. During this process, the selected DNA fragment is inserted into a plasmid using enzymes. With the help of restriction enzymes and ligase, the DNA sample is cut at specific sequences. The recombinant DNA is introduced into bacteria, which produce exact copies of the plasmid, known as clones.
DNA cloning offers numerous benefits, including:
- Production of proteins, like insulin, growth hormone, and vaccines.
- Exploring the functions of genes and DNA fragments in larger quantities.
- Production of genetically modified organisms.
- Understanding diseases, especially using stem cell cloning.
DNA cloning faces several challenges, such as technical difficulties and low success rates. Enter clonal DNA, offered by companies specializing in biotechnologies. You can get quotes for clonal DNA or DNA fragments, eliminating the need for complex assembly.
3. Gene Editing
The development of CRISPR–-Cas9 gene editing technology is one of the most advanced biotechnology developments in recent years. CRISPR, which is short for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, can alter an organism’s DNA for precision medicine.
This technique can open avenues for understanding and treating diseases. So far, it has been widely used to study single-gene disorders, such as:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hemophilia
- Sickle cell disease
Scientists have seen some results with more complex diseases, such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Genome editing can be used to change the DNA of many organisms, including humans, plants, and animals. For example, a research group might use gene editing to improve some characteristics of a crop or plant.
4. Autonomous Therapeutic Systems
Autonomous therapeutic systems are making waves in biotechnology, especially in the healthcare sector. These systems take over patient care by analyzing and autonomously controlling treatment.
One of the most beneficial features of autonomous therapeutic systems is precise testing. Therapeutic agents are delivered to precise locations, such as tumor sites. These systems can prove to be life-saving. Other examples include:
- Self-propelling nanorobots, which can navigate through the bloodstream and target cells and tissues
- Bacteria-based drug delivery systems to respond to and tackle specific signals
- RNA-based therapies that are highly precise and impactful
Autonomous therapeutic systems have minimal side effects and can reduce the need for frequent treatment.
5. Microbiome Manipulation
The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, that live in a particular environment. In humans, microbiomes are microorganisms that live in the gut or skin. Recent studies show that the role of microbes within the human body extends beyond digestion.
Microbiome manipulation, therefore, involves altering the composition or activity of these microorganisms. It can open pathways for creating personalized treatment plans for specific conditions, such as:
- Dysbiosis
- C. difficile infection
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Obesity
Microbiome manipulation can be achieved through various means, including:
- Dietary interventions
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Bacteriophages
- Antibiotics
When therapies and interventions fail to address the extent of a complex human condition, microbiome manipulation can step in and ensure precision disease management.
