The History

The History and the Growth of Biotechnology

 From the historical perspective, the biotechnology dates back to the time around 6000 BC when the yeast was first used to produce beer and wine, and bacteria were first used to produce yogurt.

some researchers consider Louis pasteur who identified the role of microorganisms in fermentation between 1857-1876 as the Father of biotechnology.

The development of biotechnology, in the first half of the 20th century is associated with the fields of applied microbiology and industrial fermentation.

(Production of penicillin, organic solvents etc.,)

The development of modern biotechnology is closely linked with the advances made in molecular biology.

The biotechnology revolution began in the 1970s and early 1980s when the scientists understood the genetic constitution of the living organisms. A strong foundation of genetic engineering and modern biotechnology was laid down by Cohen and Boyer when they could successfully introduce the desired genes of one organism into another, and cloned the new genes.

It is an acknowledged fact that all of the scientific development, related recombinant DNA technology triggered the most significant and profound advancements in biotechnology. Thus, rDNA technology laid firm foundations for genetic engineering.

The Growth of Biotechnology

 There is almost no discipline among the science subjects that has not contributed either directly or indirectly for the growth of biotechnology. About a dozen specialized branches of science that have predominantly provided the inputs for biotechnology are shown.

These may be appropriately  regarded as the roots of biotechnology, and include biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemical engineering and bioinformatics. A large number of scientists working in these specialities have contributed to the development of biotechnology.

Several methods, techniques or procedures which may be collectively called as biotechnological tools have been developed for transforming the scientific foundations into biotechnological applications.

These tools include protein engineering, bioprocess/fermentation technology, cell and tissue culture technology, transgenesis and antisense technology.

It is predicted that the 21st century will be dominated by biotechnology driven industries which may be considered as the new money plants.