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Featured journal articles in biotechnology and cell and molecular biology
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Exploring biotechnological advancements in the exogenous biological production of industrial small molecules and pharmaceuticals
Using biological systems as a template to produce energy, pharmaceuticals and chemicals has long been the standard for emerging biotech industries [1]. A major hurdle to overcoming industrial production limitations of small molecules is the rapid optimization of exogenous enzymes from novel genetic sources. This pipeline can be characterized by several important steps that will be outlined here. Through the development of this pathway, disruptive technological advances can be made in cell-based biotechnological production of industrial and pharmaceutical products.
First, genetic information needs to be deposited into open source or proprietary databases. There is a vast amount of raw transcriptomic data available online through NCBI, most of which was used for a specific purpose, leaving a trove of undiscovered genetic information ready for use. Building novel databases from new genetic material represents a significant business opportunity and can be leveraged as intellectual property during asset valuation. With a combination of open-source and proprietary database mining, novel coding sequences and biosynthetic intermediates can be identified for use in biotechnological applications.
As we approach the middle of the 20's, molecular biology is entering a golden age defined by both vertical and horizontal technical development. Vertically, novel technologies are allowing for real-time monitoring of biological processes at the atomic level. Molecular biologists today have access to increasingly affordable sequencing data at increasingly higher depths, facilitating the development of novel genetic manipulation methods in new non-model organisms. Likewise, synthetic molecular biologists will drive the industrial production of small and macro molecules through the introduction of exogenous metabolic pathways in various prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell lines.
Horizontally, sequencing data is becoming more affordable and utilized in many different scientific fields. This will drive the development of industries in developing nations and increase accessibility to individual researchers. Likewise, CRISPR/Cas gene editing experiments can now be conceived and implemented by individuals for under $10,000 in novel organisms, which will drive the development of industrial and medical applications.