By: Frances Kueper and Devika Rao
Red Biotechnology, a branch of biotech that emphasizes therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications of biotechnology, is crucial in countless medical developments including COVID-19 testing and vaccines. Applications of Red Biotechnology include genetic engineering, cancer research, production of biochips, vaccine development, and gene therapy. In this way, Red biotech moves beyond the pharmaceutical industry and continues to the medical sector as it facilitates the alleviation of human suffering while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life.
Below, five breakthroughs in Red Biotechnology are outlined. All were developed within the past year.
1. Synthetic DNA
DNA synthesis often serves as a cornerstone in medical research. During COVID-19 research, synthetic DNA is used in genomic investigations of the virus that causes COVID-19. Recently, a distinct way to produce the volatile building blocks of DNA instantly has been devised, thereby making DNA production more efficient. In a collaboration, Professors Troels Skrydstrup and Kurt Gothelf created a simple but operative technology that eliminated the need for manual synthesis, which can take up to 12 hours.
2. Development of COVID-19 Vaccines
The coronavirus was once regarded as a mild infection similar to the common cold, but three of the variants, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2 are now linked to severe illnesses and high mortality rates in those affected. To combat this issue, many scientists have used biotechnology to develop vaccines. Dr. Katalin Karikó, who was awarded the "2022 Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Biotechnology," made a significant contribution to the creation of COVID-19 vaccines by showing that altering nucleosides (the building blocks of messenger RNA) makes mRNA usable in vaccines. Such methods have shown 94 percent effectiveness, and are being implemented throughout the United States.
3. 4D Printing and Tissue Engineering
Recently, 4D printing has been gaining popularity through the creation of self-healing materials for tissue engineering. When exposed to certain environmental factors, 4D materials change shape. A research team, which was led by Eben Alsberg, was able to develop new 4D materials based on gelatin-like hydrogels—these hydrogels can change shape after exposure to water and are both cell-compatible and recyclable, making them suitable for tissue engineering. Such hydrogels also retain extremely high cell densities, enabling dense cell seeding. This discovery of using these hydrogel-like materials was a monumental step in the field of bioengineering.
4. Gene Editing
For the first time, scientists have been able to demonstrate how the activation of specific human endogenous retroviruses (also known as HERVs), which are distributed throughout our genome, has been shown to positively affect brain development. Biotechnology has aided scientists immensely in gaining a better understanding of the HERV processes. Through the use of CRISPR technology*, neurons from a particular group of human endogenous retroviruses were created. These components were then able to activate specific genes involved in brain development.
5. The Quantum Microscope
Another major discovery in biotechnology was the development of the quantum microscope, which has widened our range of visibility tremendously. "This innovation will stimulate all sorts of new technologies," says Professor Bowen of the Quantum Optics Lab, "From better navigation systems to better MRI equipment, you name it." This invention is also considered the first entanglement-based device to outperform the most advanced technology currently available. It not only increases clarity by 35% without destroying cells but has also enhanced sensing. This revolutionary breakthrough will unleash a never-ending wave of biotechnology changes.
CRISPR technology*: A family of DNA sequences found in prokaryotic genomes that are used to attack and destroy DNA from similar bacteriophages during infections.
Sources:
Minchin, Steve. “Everything You Need to Know about Red Biotechnology.” Explore Biotech, 22 Jan. 2020, https://explorebiotech.com/everything-need-know-red-biotechnology/.
McMillen, Daniel. “10 Biotechnology Breakthroughs in 2021.” Explore Biotech, 16 June 2021, https://explorebiotech.com/biotechnology-breakthroughs-2021/.
Comments