CHALLENGE 5: THE FUTURE OF

BIOTECHNOLOGY SCENARIO

Biotechnology
BY ADITI GUPTA
XI DP-B
Agenda
Biotechnology at a Glance

Topics of Interest
The Future of Biotechnology and its Societal Impact

Synthetic Biology

Tissue Engineering

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CHALLENGE
Personalized Medicine

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 NEXT

Biotechnology at a Glance
First coined by the Hungarian engineer Karl Ereky in 1919, put simply, biotechnology merges principles
from biology and technology to be able to use living organisms, their living processes and biological
systems to develop technology that improves human health and lifestyle and the health of the planet.
Biotechnology’s earliest known application can be dated back to 6000 BC[1], when yeast was first used
to make beer by the Sumerians and Babylonians.

Key Facets: [3]

Genetic Engineering
-alteration of an organism’s DNA in order to achieve an desired trait or characteristic
Industrial Biotechnology
-application in industrial setting, ex: manufacture of bioplastics
Agricultural Biotechnology
-improving or altering the traits of crop and livestock using gene-editing tools or similar techniques
Medical Biotechnology

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-development of gene therapies, vaccines, diagnostic tools, etc. using biotechnology

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Environmental Biotechnology
-use of technologies for environmental considerations and management such as bioremediation
Techniques and Tools in Biotechnology:

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Genetic Engineering -> this includes recombinant DNA tech as well as gene-editing tools such as

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CRISPR-Cas9.
Cell Culture -> refers to the growth of cells in carefully controlled conditions outside of their natural
environment, for research and development.
Bioinformatics -> use of computational tools and analysis to record and interpret biological
information.
Major applications of biotechnology in
different areas and some of their
important products [4]

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The Future of Biotechnology
and its Societal Impact
Conditional Factors
Investment and Cost of Raw Material and Research Tools
Regulations and Laws around experimentation in the field - unique to
each country and in some cases a hindrance to development
Public and International Support
Consumer Demand
Collaboration

Future Avenues in Biotech[5]

Computer-Human Interfaces -> involves the study and design of the interaction between humans and computers, in order to achieve the
creation of intuitive, efficient, and pleasant to use systems. Ex: graphical user interfaces (GUIs), voice-controlled systems, and brain-computer

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interfaces (BCIs).

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Synthetic Biology -> involves designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems, or redesigning existing natural biological
systems.
Precision Medicine -> medical treatment that considers the individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle of every person. It aims to

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tailor healthcare more precisely to patients, improving the efficiency of treatments and reducing the risk of side effects.

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On-Demand Medicine -> production of pharmaceuticals or medical treatments when needed, rather than in large batches, allowing for rapid and
customized responses to patient needs.
Use of Gene-Editing Tools for Reproductive Engineering -> using technologies like CRISPR to modify the genes of embryos, eggs, or sperm to
eliminate genetic disorders or enhance certain traits before birth, making ‘designer babies’.
Bioprinting of Organs -> a variant of 3D printing using bio-inks made from living cells to ‘print’ tissue-like structures layer by layer. Aims to
produce functional organs for transplantation.
The Future of Biotechnology and
its Societal Impact (CONT’D)
DNA-Based Data Storage -> encodes digital information into synthetic DNA strands. Offering immense data density and long-term stability, this
method is an attractive option for storing vast amounts of data in a very small physical space.
Agricultural Development -> improvement of agricultural practices, technologies, and policies to increase food production and develop more
sustainable farming. This can include genetically modified crops, precision farming, etc.
Cures/Eradication of Diseases -> research and progress aimed at completely eliminating diseases.
Societal Impact
Geopolitical Competition -> biotechnology up until recent years, has been prevalent in a specific group of countries, however more and more
countries have begun considerations to gather and implement talent in this field to augment their domestic industry.
Genetic Privacy -> the ever growing use of gene-therapies, genetic diagnostic tools and genetic testing raises many valid concerns about genetic
privacy, especially the potential record keeping and exploitation of genetic data for nefarious purposes.
Ethical Hurdles -> the use of gene-editing tools on human genes questions the limits of human intervention in nature and its processes and the

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possibility of creating genetically enhanced organisms, leading to genetic inequality.

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Cloning and Human Dignity -> biotechnology opens the possibility of cloning, including ethical challenges of individuality and human dignity.
Genetic Discrimination -> people are at risk of facing discrimination based on their genetic composition, forgoing genetic equity.
Changing Perceptions of Health and Identity -> unrestricted access to genetic data and evaluations can change how a person views their health

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and identity, and new societal norms and behaviors may arise.
Cultural Shifts -> change in certain beliefs and traditions, particularly in areas related to reproduction and the modification of living organisms can
be expected.
Public View -> there will most likely be resistance to advancements in the field of biotechnology due to safety concerns, ethics, the notion of
intervening in natural processes, and the general fear of change.
Religious and Ethical Concerns -> varying views on the ethical implications of biotechnology are to be expected, resulting in social debate and
conflict.
(Woese 2004)[5]

“If they are not machines, then what are organisms? A metaphor far more to my
liking is this. Imagine a child playing in a woodland stream, poking a stick
into an eddy in the flowing current, thereby disrupting it. But the eddy
quickly reforms. The child disperses it again. Again it reforms, and the
fascinating game goes on. There you have it! Organisms are resilient patterns
in a turbulent flow—patterns in an energy flow. A simple flow metaphor, of
course, fails to capture much of what the organism is. None of our
representations of organism capture it in its entirety. But the flow metaphor

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does begin to show us the organism’s (and biology’s) essence. And it is

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becoming increasingly clear that to understand living systems in any deep
sense, we must come to see them not materialistically, as machines, but as
(stable) complex, dynamic organization.”

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CARL WOESE
 Synthetic Biology
Synthetic Biology is an field that harnesses principles from biology, computer science and engineering to ideate and develop biological components, technology, and systems, or re-design existing biological systems. While genetic
engineering refers to modifying existing organisms or systems, synthetic biology is a means to create inherently new forms of life or synthetic components that perform specific functions. It is because of the abundant progress in the
field of DNA sequencing and synthesis that this process is possible now.
APPLICATIONS:
1. Healthcare and Medicine
Custom Therapeutics: the design of microorganisms that can produce complex pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, vaccines, and personalized treatments that cater to the individuality in genes, and reduce the risk of
immunotoxicity.
Gene Therapy: creation of viral vectors to administer therapeutic genes to patients with genetic disorders, as a possible cure to diseases.
Diagnostic Tools: biosensors can be engineered to detect diseases at their early stages by targeting specific biomarkers in body fluids, for a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
2. Agriculture and Food Production
Crop Improvement: development of crops with greater nutritional content, disease and pest resistance, resilience to external stress, such as drought or salinity.
Synthetic Foods: synthetic organisms capable of producing food components, proteins and vitamins
3. Environmental Applications
Bioremediation: microorganisms can be synthesized to degrade and decompose pollutants.
Bioenergy: microorganisms can also be created to produce biofuels, such as ethanol or biodiesel.
4. Industrial Biotechnology
Biomanufacturing: optimize microorganisms to produce chemicals, materials, and biofuels more efficiently and sustainably.
Bioplastics: produce biodegradable plastics using synthetic microbes.
5. Information Technology
DNA Data Storage: synthetic biology techniques enable the encoding of digital information into DNA sequences, offering a highly dense and long-term data storage solution.
Biosensors for Data Collection: biological sensors can be developed to monitor environmental conditions, providing real-time data for applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and healthcare.

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ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS

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1. Creating new life forms or altering existing organisms opens discourse on the extent of humans’ manipulation of life. Many are of the belief that synthetic biology challenges the natural order and may carry unintended
consequences.
2. Technologies responsible for beneficial applications can be exploited for malicious purposes, such as creation of biological weapons or the unintentional exposure of dangerous organisms to the general populace.
3. The patenting of synthetic organisms and genetic components complicates and confuses ownership, access, and control over biological resources, potentially leading to paywalls and restricting access to scientific knowledge.

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SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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1. The benefits of synthetic biology may not be equally accessible, leading to inequality and disparity among developed and developing countries. Access to advanced medical treatments and sustainable technologies could be
restricted by economic and political factors.
2. There can be skepticism and fear directed towards synthetic biology, particularly concerning the safety and moral aspects of genetically modified organisms and synthetic life.
3. The rise of synthetic biology could be seen as threat to traditional industries, leading to job displacement. However, it also has potential to create new industries and employment opportunities.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
1. The release of synthetic organisms into the environment increases risks of unintended ecological impacts, such as the disruption of ecosystems or the spread of engineered traits to wild populations.
2. Synthetic organisms could replace natural species, leading to reduced biodiversity and the potential loss of unique and inherently natural genetic resources.
3. While synthetic biology has the potential to create more sustainable production processes, it also raises concerns about the ethical use of resources, such as the exploitation of biological materials and the impact on natural
ecosystems.
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Overview of synthetic biology [11]
 Tissue Engineering
Tissue Engineering, similar to synthetic biology, is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes biology and engineering to develop biological substitutes to repair, maintain, or improve tissue function. Using cells, scaffolds, and
biologically active molecules it is a techniques able to develop functional tissue that can replace those damaged or diseased in the body.
APPLICATIONS:
1. Regenerative Medicine
Organ and Tissue Replacement: lab-grown organs and tissues, such as skin, cartilage, and blood vessels, that can be used for transplantation.
Wound Healing: engineered skin tissue to treat burns, ulcers, etc. promoting faster healing and reducing scarring.
2. Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
In Vitro Models: create realistic models of human tissues and organs, which can be used for studying disease mechanisms and testing new drugs. Reduces the need for animal testing.
Personalized Medicine: models can be created using a patient’s own cells, for personalized drug screening and treatment plans specific for individual responses.
3. Cancer Research
Tumor Models: 3D tissue models of tumors can be engineered to study cancer biology and test potential treatments.
Understanding Metastasis: models that mimic the microenvironments where cancer progression occurs, aiding in the understanding and development of anti-metastatic therapies.
4. Orthopedics
Bone and Cartilage Repair: engineered bone and cartilage tissues can be used to repair or replace damaged skeletal structures.
Spinal Cord Injuries: tissue engineering approaches are being explored for treating spinal cord injuries, for restoring lost function and mobility.
5. Cardiovascular Applications
Heart Tissue Repair: engineered cardiac tissues to repair damaged heart tissue following a heart attack, potentially improving heart function and reducing the need for heart transplants.
Blood Vessel Engineering: bioengineered blood vessels can be used in vascular grafts and bypass surgeries, as alternatives to synthetic or donor grafts.
ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
1. The use of human cells, stem cells in specific, raise ethical concerns regarding the source of these cells. Embryonic stem cells, in particular, are controversial due to the moral discourse surrounding the destruction of

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embryos.

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2. Issues of informed consent and the ownership of biological materials, especially when cells are taken from donors or patients. There are questions about the ownership of the engineered tissues and whether donors should
have rights to profit from their use.
3. The high cost and complexity of tissue engineering procedures limit access to wealthy individuals or countries, giving rise to problems regarding equity and fairness in healthcare.
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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1. The development of engineered tissues and organs could reduce the need for donor organs, possibly alleviating certain issues associated with organ donation. However, it could also impact donor programs and societal

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views on donation.
2. Tissue engineering has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions or severe injuries by providing new treatment options that restore function and aesthetics.
3. The success of tissue engineering technologies relies on public acceptance. Misconceptions and fears surrounding bioengineered tissues and organs could hinder their adoption. Effective communication and education are
necessary to build trust and understanding.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
1. The production of scaffolds and other biomaterials involves resource use and waste generation. There is a need to develop sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to minimize environmental impact.
2. The disposal of biomedical waste from tissue engineering research and clinical applications must be managed carefully to prevent environmental contamination and ensure biosafety.
3. The sourcing of biological materials from natural environments, such as marine organisms or plants, for tissue engineering applications may impact biodiversity and ecosystems if not managed responsibly.
A mini bioengineered human liver that

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can be implanted into mice. Source:

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A biomaterial made from pigs intestine which
Sangeeta Bhatia, MIT [14]
can be used to heal wounds in humans. When
moistened, the material, which is called SIS, is

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flexible and easy to handle.
Source: Stephen Badylak, University of
Pittsburgh. [14]
 Personalized Medicine
Personalized medicine, or precision medicine, is a medical approach that customizes healthcare treatments to individual patients based on their genetic variability, environment, and lifestyle factors. Unlike the over-generalized
approach of traditional medicine, personalized medicine aims to make treatments adhere to each person's unique characteristics, to achieve more effective and targeted treatments.
APPLICATIONS:
1. Disease Prevention and Risk Assessment
Predictive Genetic Testing: can identify individuals at high risk for certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, allowing for early intervention and preventive measures.
Personalized Screening Programs: screening schedules and diagnostic tools can be tailored based on an individual’s genetic risk factors and family history.
2. Targeted Therapy for Cancer (Gene Therapies)
Precision Oncology: personalized medicine is commonly used in oncology to select therapies that are more likely to be effective based on the genetic data of a patient’s tumor.
Companion Diagnostics: diagnostic tools are developed to sort patients who are most likely to benefit from specific targeted therapies, for more effective cancer treatment plans.
3. Pharmacogenomics
Drug Response Optimization: by analyzing genetic variations that affect drug metabolism and response, personalized medicine can help determine the most effective medications and dosages for individual patients,
minimizing adverse effects and improving treatment success rate.
Avoiding Adverse Drug Reactions: genetic testing can identify individuals who are at risk for adverse reactions to certain drugs, allowing for alternative treatments to be prescribed.
4. Chronic Disease Management
Personalized Treatment Plans: for chronic diseases, personalized medicine allows for the development of individualized treatment plans that consider genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and patient preferences.
Lifestyle Interventions: genetic information can guide personalized lifestyle recommendations, such as diet and exercise plans, that are tailored to an individual’s genetic predispositions and health goals.
5. Rare and Genetic Disorders
Diagnosis and Treatment: personalized medicine can improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders by identifying specific genetic mutations and developing targeted therapies that address the underlying
genetic causes.

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Gene Therapy: advances in personalized medicine enable the development of gene therapies that can correct or replace defective genes responsible for genetic disorders, offering potential cures for conditions previously

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considered untreatable.
ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
1. The collection and use of genetic data raises significant privacy concerns. There is risk of unwanted access to genetic information, which could lead to genetic discrimination by employers, insurers, or other entities.
2. Patients must be adequately informed about the implications of genetic testing and the potential risks and benefits of personalized treatments.
3. Personalized medicine may worsen existing health inequalities if access to genetic testing and personalized treatments is restricted to those who can afford it.

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SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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1. The implementation of personalized medicine requires many changes in healthcare infrastructure, including the integration of genetic testing, data management, and personalized treatment planning.
2. Public acceptance of personalized medicine depends on their trust in the healthcare system and the protection of their genetic information.
3. Personalized medicine emphasizes a more collaborative and informed approach to healthcare, potentially shifting the traditional dynamics between patients and healthcare providers.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
1. More efficient drug development processes by targeting specific patient populations and reducing the need for broad-spectrum drugs. This can decrease the environmental impact of pharmaceutical production.
2. The increasing use of genetic testing and the production of related medical devices and technologies may have environmental impacts due to rapid resource consumption and waste generation.
3. Advances in personalized medicine, particularly in the context of genetic manipulation and gene therapy, may raise concerns about the long-term impacts on human genetic diversity.
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Colored bands on a computer screen

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representing the various building blocks

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of DNA that make up just a small portion
of the human genome. [18]
LASTLY

Citations
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[Link]

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[11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

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health/personalized-medicine

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 Thank You!

BIOTECHNOLOGY | CHALLENGE 5