Marine biotechnology is simply application of biotechnology to marine organisms and is also known as blue biotechnology. It involves the study and use of marine organisms, compounds produced by them and beneficial applications in marine ecosystems. In marine biotechnology researchers use huge resources of biodiversity in the oceans to develop useful products for human welfare in the field of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection and energy sources. Some applications of marine biotechnology include:
Discovery and development of new pharmaceutical drugs
Marine biotechnologists have highlighted the marine flora and fauna that may be used to treat serious diseases like cancer, hepatitis and leukaemia. Marine sponges, algae and bacteria living in deep sea are rich sources of distinct medicinal compounds. Many of such pharmaceuticals compounds may potentially be used as antibiotics, anti- inflammatory and anticancer chemotherapy agents. For example, a drug ziconotide derived from the venom of cone snail in Pacific Ocean is used for relieve from chronic severe pain. Similarly, Trabecetidin is derived from a marine tunicate, is used to treat cancer.
Diagram image pending upload by Admin.
Medicinal and Cosmetic Products from marine life
Marine fish and algae produce omega- 3 fatty acids in their bodies, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and improved mental functioning. Marine biotechnologists are doing research to optimize the production and processing of high- quality omega- 3 supplements. Marine organisms, particularly seaweed and algae are frequently used to prepare cosmetics and skincare compounds due to their moisturizing, anti- aging and antioxidant properties. Purified products obtained from marine extracts are commercially important in cosmetic industry. They are used in cosmetics due to their ability to minimize wrinkles, hydrate the skin and protection against UV light. A powerful antioxidant chemical Astaxanthin, obtained from marine micro- algae and shrimp, is used in skin allergy medicine for its anti- inflammatory role.
Science Titbits
A drug, Trabecetidin is derived from a marine tunicate, is used to treat cancer. A powerful antioxidant chemical Astaxanthin, obtained from marine micro- algae and shrimps, is used in skin allergy medicine for its anti- inflammatory role. Enzyme - amylase that breaks down polysaccharides is isolated from the digestive tract of sea urchins. Enzyme - Agarase that breaks down agar in the marine environment is isolated from crustaceans and seaweeds. Enzyme Xylanase that breaks down hemicellulose to sugars is isolated from marine algae, bacteria, fungi, and some protozoans.
Improved aqua-feed formulation
Marine biotechnology has advanced and optimize feed formulations for aquaculture species. Many seaweed and Algae are used to develop purified and concentrated feed for fishes, shrimps and octopus farming. Formulated feed is commercially used to optimize growth of delicious see food and minimize the environmental and disease impacts on them.