Industrial biotechnology, involves the use of microorganisms, enzymes and plants to produce products for different industries. It is a sustainable and eco- friendly so also called white biotechnology. It connects the capabilities of biological systems and processes for the production of chemicals, materials, energy and other valuable products.
Industrial biotechnology use renewable raw materials and environment friendly biological processes. Whereas, traditional chemical industry that mainly depends on fossil fuels and are is major cause of environmental pollution.
Major Components of Industrial Biotechnology:
Applications of Industrial Biotechnology
1. Food and Beverage Industry
Industrial biotechnology is carried out to increase productivity, reduction in cost and synthesis of unique food products. Enzymes are used to enhance food production, for example, Rennet enzyme (found in the stomach of cattle to curdle milk for easier digestion) act on the proteins in milk to coagulation to produce cheese. Similarly, amylase enzyme is used to break down starch in brewing and the production of corn syrup with high fructose contents. Whole baking industry is based on fermentation.
2. Biopharmaceuticals
For efficient and large scale production of complex biological drugs for example, insulin, vaccines, vitamins and antibodies by using microorganisms such as E. coli or yeast.