From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia
Industrial biotechnology
(also known as white
biotechnology) is the practice
of using
cells or components of cells
like enzymes to generate
industrially-useful
products.
The Economist speculated
(as cited in the Economist
article listed in the "References"
section) industrial biotechnology
might significantly impact the
chemical industry. The
Economist also suggested it
might enable
economies to become less
dependent on
fossil fuels.
An example would be that of
industries growing fungus to
produce anitbiotics, e.g.
penicillin from the penicillium
fungi.
Diversa is an example of a
company that specializes in
industrial biotechnology.
A significant problem in
industrial biotechnology
is waste production. A cell may be
used to generate desirable
carbon dioxide, other cells,
and other molecules. It will use
energy to accomplish its
industrial purpose. Yet it will
also use some energy to generate
waste (like
acetic acid) instead of the
desired product or products.
Decreasing waste production is a
significant goal in industrial
biotechnology.
Metabolic engineering may help
reach that goal.
Publications
Industrial Biotechnology,
published by Mary Ann Liebert,
Inc., is a multidisciplinary,
international peer-reviewed
research and industry-news journal
that is the premier forum for the
emerging field of industrial
biotechnology. This growing field
fosters sustainable, eco- and
cost-efficient production of
chemicals, materials, consumer
goods, and alternative energy
sources. The Journal publishes the
latest developments in new tools
and applications of biotechnology
for all industrial applications,
including biofuels, chemical and
pharmaceutical biosynthesis,
nanobiotechnology, food and feed
processing, textiles, pulp and
paper, bioplastics and
biomaterials, and biodefense.
References
- "Sea of Dreams: Genetically
Modified Microbes will lead to a
Revolution in Industrial
Biotechnology", an article on
page eighty-one of the
1 May
2004 issue of The
Economist (Vol. 371, Iss.
8373)
