The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)defines biotechnology as "the use of the cellular and molecular processes to solve problems or make products." The companies included in this industry are those that use cells and biological molecules for applications in medicine, agriculture and environmental management. Conventional techniques of producing biotechnology products, using traditional microbiological fermentation, have evolved, with the development of modern technologies. Modern biotechnology entails use of cell fusion techniques, bio-informatics (use of information technology for documenting bio-diversity and study DNA structures), genetic engineering; structure based molecular design and recombinant DNA technology (insertion of foreign gene) and hybridoma technology (fusing and multiplying cells).

Today, cells and biological molecules are extraordinarily specific in their interactions. Therefore, the tools and techniques of biotechnology are precise and are tailored to operate in known, predictable ways. As a result, the products of biotechnology will be better targeted to solving specific problems, generating gentler or fewer side effects and having fewer unintended consequences.

The present public involvement in biotechnology, especially in recent exploitations in recombinant DNA technology, inclines to emphasize the future value of biotechnology to society. Nevertheless, the existent importance of biotechnology to active industries should not be undervalued. A great deal of the international activity has centered, on the development of advantageous biotechnology for developing countries. It should be noticed that research and development in industrialized countries could be practiced in developing countries to face the major strategic problems of energy, food, fertilizer and health.

This report, Global Biotechnology Markets Trends, focuses on the various developments going on in the field of biotechnology worldwide today. A major focus area of the report is on the use of microorganisms, genetics, and of course, biotech processes to create new and hi-tech methods to help developing countries prosper. Process descriptions, requirements, economics, challenges, regulatory frameworks, etc., are all covered in the report.

A section also focuses on the development of biotechnology in the developing regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This particular section also takes a look at what the governments in these regions are doing to help the growth of this industry.

Various industrial uses of biotechnology have been mentioned in this report, with detailed description on how these processes can benefit countries and people in general. One such example is how to utilize the benefits of biotechnology to a waste management system. Many such innovative applications are included in this report, along with many more emerging trends in the biotechnology markets of the world today.


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122 pages

Publication Date : January 2008