Biotechnology: Exploring the infinite possibilities of life sciences

Biotechnology, a field that applies biological principles and technologies to product production, is quietly changing our lives. The wide range of applications of biotechnology, from vaccines, seasonings to fuels, is astonishing. It is very different from traditional manufacturing methods, no longer relying on mechanical, electronic and other technologies and means, but utilizing the metabolic, transformation and other abilities of organisms to produce various required products.

A notable example in biotechnology is the production of lutein. Lutein is an essential pigment in the macular area of the human retina, without which the human eye cannot see light. Traditionally, lutein is extracted from marigolds, which requires a lot of land and time. However, now through synthetic biotechnology and the use of bacterial fermentation, using starch sugar as raw material, a one cubic meter fermentation tank can ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the yield of 250 acres of farmland. This efficient and sustainable production method not only greatly reduces costs, but also reduces pressure on the environment.

In addition to lutein, biotechnology has also shown great potential in the production of nylon materials. Traditional petrochemical processes not only consume high energy but also generate significant pollution when producing materials such as nylon. Biological fermentation synthesis technology not only has high efficiency, but also greatly reduces energy consumption and pollution. Compared with traditional petrochemical processes, the average energy saving and emission reduction of bio manufactured products can reach 30% to 50%.

The high efficiency and environmental friendliness of biotechnology are attributed to the precise control of processes such as biological reactions, biotransformation, and biological metabolism. In the production process of biological products, monitoring and controlling these processes can ensure the stability of the production process and the consistency of product quality. There are many control parameters in biotechnology processes, mainly divided into physical parameters and chemical parameters. Physical parameters include temperature, stirring speed, ventilation flow rate, tank pressure, etc; Chemical parameters include pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, etc. These parameters interact and influence each other, together forming a complex system of biotechnology processes.

Monitoring and controlling key process parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc. are crucial in biotechnology processes. For example, for most bacteria, the optimal pH value for growth is 6.3-7.5; The suitable pH value for yeast growth is 3-6. The appropriate pH range for animal cell culture is 7.2-7.4. In addition, the optimal pH values for microorganisms during their growth and proliferation stages and product formation stages are often different. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the pH value in real-time according to the stage of cultivation.

In addition to pH value, temperature is also one of the important factors affecting the biological process. During the fermentation process, a large amount of heat is generated due to cellular metabolism, stirring and evaporation in the bioreactor. Excessive temperature can affect the reaction rate of enzymes, thereby affecting cellular metabolism and the synthesis of target products. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and effectively regulate the temperature of the cultivation system in real time.

An effective oxygen supply system is equally crucial in biotechnology processes. Insufficient oxygen supply can lead to abnormal cellular metabolism, and the synthesis rate and quality of the target product cannot be guaranteed. Especially in high-density bacterial fermentation culture, the degree of oxygen consumption in the culture system is strong, and the oxygen supply efficiency of the system is particularly important. Effective stirring methods also help improve oxygen supply efficiency, allowing nutrients, gases, and cells to be evenly distributed throughout the entire culture medium.

With the advancement of technology and the continuous development of biotechnology, biomanufacturing will become increasingly important in the future. It can not only provide us with more and better products, but also help us solve global problems such as energy and environment. The application prospects of biotechnology are broad and worthy of our joint anticipation and exploration.

In summary, biotechnology is a discipline full of challenges and opportunities. It utilizes the principles and techniques of biology to produce various required products, which not only improves production efficiency but also reduces its impact on the environment. With the continuous advancement of technology and the continuous development of biotechnology, we have reason to believe that biotechnology will play an increasingly important role in future social development.