Industries
Industrial and Agricultural Biotech
There are a variety of developments in Industrial And Agricultural Biotech product markets. These include the increasing use of Microbial fermentations and the rise of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology is allowing us to create new and more efficient methods for obtaining certain compounds. We are also seeing an increased ability to produce many of these compounds in whole cells. However, the range of products that whole cells can produce is still relatively limited.
Synthetic biology is increasing the range of products that whole cells can economically produce
Synthetic biology is an exciting new field that is gaining a lot of attention. It can be a game changer in many areas. In particular, it can produce new crops and food choices. As well, it can help address challenges such as increasing trade and environmental change.
Agricultural industries have been an early adopter of transformative innovations, and they are expected to reap the benefits of a rapidly growing bioeconomy. However, they face significant challenges when it comes to applying synthetic biology to their industries.
Whole genome-based strategies are becoming an important part of the disruptive technologies that are helping to transform agriculture. These strategies can create novel genomes with new functions. They can also improve pest and disease management. Some of these strategies are being commercialized.
For example, a new process called SCRaMbLE is demonstrating the ability to engineer a new synthetic microbe. This process has produced violacein mutants, and it holds potential for other uses.
Biosensors are another area of interest. These technologies are able to detect biological and non-biological stimuli.
Algae, for example, are aquatic photoautotrophs that have the potential to produce a variety of compounds. They can be grown at a much faster rate than plants. While they are often used as food for fish, they are also an important source of high value metabolites.
A wide range of other products are being developed. Among these are nanostructures built from proteins, and spider silk using recombinant cells.
The next decade will see more and more products with engineered biology. The primary industries of agriculture are expected to benefit greatly from this revolution.
Although these projects are still in the early stages of development, they can be a game changer in agriculture. Eventually, they may be able to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. At the same time, they can provide consumers with increased nutrition and a more diverse range of foods.
High-income countries dominate the biotech sector
The industrial and agricultural biotechnology industry is dominated by high-income nations. These countries have been able to benefit from strong scientific research, free market forces, and a deregulated financial sector. While these nations have established classical biotechnology industries, their regulatory environment posed some obstacles.
The Netherlands, despite being a late arrival in the field of biotechnology, has developed a strong record of prosperity. Their policy of cooperative entrepreneurship and immigration has encouraged skilled entrepreneurs to relocate to the country. Its regulatory environment has also fostered a sense of public recognition of the high-tech value of biotechnology.
Brazil’s policy of economic policy reform, introduced in 1990, includes a program to redouble its science and technology funding and to liberalize its patent law. It also provides tax incentives to investment in licensed venture capital companies.
Canada, meanwhile, has a mixed economy. A significant role in the development of its high-technology industries is played by the Federal Government. Although federal government funding is used to support biotechnology, it primarily targets basic research.
Sweden, on the other hand, does not have a government department to coordinate biotechnology R&D. Instead, the industry has risen from a small group of private firms to more than 100. Most of these companies have annual sales below US$ 1 million.
Australia, on the other hand, is closer to the West Coast of the United States. However, it is more closely related to Japan and Korea.
Germany is the European hot spot for biotechnology. Its chemical industry ranks among the most profitable in the world. In addition, the country is home to major multinational corporations. One of these is Bayer, which is responsible for 65 percent of the agrochemicals market.
Microbial fermentations are widely used in biotech products
Microbial fermentations are widely used in the agricultural and industrial biotech industry to produce a variety of products. Among these are pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and food ingredients. They are also used in the production of enzymes and biofuels.
Microbial fermentations are characterized by a complex ecosystem in which bacterial and fungal microorganisms participate. The metabolic activity of these organisms is responsible for the production of carbohydrates, proteins, and enzymes. These products are beneficial to consumers and can improve the taste, aroma, and shelf life of foods.
Moreover, the microbial fermentations are highly eco-friendly and can be applied to a number of different industries. As a result, these processes are becoming increasingly attractive. It is expected that the use of these types of processes will help advance the production of sustainable chemicals and natural products.
Several benefits of microbial fermentations include their cost effectiveness. In addition, the process is safe for the product. Fermentation processes have also been found to improve the nutritional and antimicrobial properties of foods. This is because microbial fermentations remove non-digestible plant material and unwanted ingredients from the raw materials.
Furthermore, fermentation produces an acidic environment that enhances the flavor, aroma, and shelf life of foods. Moreover, it provides an antioxidant capacity. Food fermentation can also provide antimicrobial activity and reduce anti-nutrients.
Research into the field of bioproducts is a rapidly growing area. Currently, there are several large companies that are increasing their capacities in the biomanufacturing of various chemicals. Also, there are new start-ups using microbial fermentation to produce a range of chemical products.
One of the most important aspects of fermentation is optimization of process parameters. Various optimization techniques are used to obtain the optimal values of these parameters.
R&D alliances and clusters for biotech products
R&D alliances and clusters for industrial and agricultural biotech products provide companies with the tools to develop faster, more effective, and more sustainable innovations. These relationships promote cooperation and innovation, increase productivity, and facilitate new business formation. But these alliances and clusters require a substantial local presence, ongoing relationships with other entities, and active participation.
Clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, industries, institutions, and suppliers. These groups are often associated with specialized infrastructure, trade associations, think tanks, and vocational training providers. They can also extend downstream to manufacturers and consumers of complementary products.
Clusters challenge conventional wisdom about company configuration and the contributions of the public sector. They foster vertical cooperation, stimulate innovation, and promote competition. In some cases, clusters are located across national borders. However, most clusters are formed independently of government action.
Clusters help companies to source specialized inputs and personnel more efficiently, which increases their ability to respond rapidly to market needs. However, some inputs and resources are less likely to be available at cluster locations because of competition.
The degree of clusters can be calculated using the industry quotient (IQ) and the cluster quotient (CQ) indexes. The CQ index is a more accurate measure of clusters than the LQ index.
For example, the medical devices cluster in Massachusetts is a significant economic force. It includes more than 400 companies that represent at least 39,000 high-paying jobs.
Several large firms have integrated their biopharmaceutical businesses with their broader R&D efforts. These larger companies supplement their in-house R&D by acquiring innovative technologies from smaller firms. This type of strategic technology partnership is a common form of collaboration in the biotechnology field.
The team at PatentPC is well-versed in plant and microorganism genes; molecular biology; cellular biology and gene engineering; plant growth & development; chemistry and biochemistry; as well as bioreactor fermentation and bioprocessing technology. Many team members have extensive industry experience, making them uniquely qualified to assist clients with agricultural and industrial biotech innovations.
Industrial biotechnology (white biotechnology) and agricultural technology (green biotechnology), are key to ensuring that plants and microorganisms play an integral part in society’s ability to address the challenges it faces — supporting and feeding the rapidly growing population and reducing the environmental footprint. Innovation in agricultural and industrial biotechnology is crucial to solving some of the greatest challenges of the 21st Century. These include developing sustainable energy sources, reducing greenhouse emissions, and improving crop tolerance to adverse environmental stressors. It also helps to increase agricultural yields, productivity and nutritive values. Industrial biotechnology innovations can help reduce the loss of vital resources through the production of biobased products and materials using renewable feedstocks.
Years of experience have produced results
Our experience spans more than 30 years in helping companies to plan, create and enforce global biotechnology-driven intellectual properties portfolios. Our team has prepared and prosecuted many landmark patents in this industry.
We advise a variety of companies, including those with products, processes, and services that are directed at, among other things:
- Platforms for plant and microorganism genetics and metabolic engineering
- Genetically modified plants and microorganisms
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Biofuels
- Industrial enzymes
- Biopolymers
- Biobased chemicals, materials, intermediates and products
- Bioreactors and fermentation technology
- Processing downstream
- Bioprocessing
- Biocatalysts
- Biorefining
- Nutraceuticals
- Food processing