SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Biotechnology”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Attitudes of the public and scientists to biotechnology in Japan at the start of 2000.

This survey on biotechnology and bioethics was carried out on national random samples of the public and scientists in November 2000-January 2000 [sic]throughout Japan, and attendees at the Novartis Life Science Forum held on 29 September 1999 in Tokyo. The sample size was 297, 370, and 74 respectively. While there is a better awareness of GMOs in 2000 compared to 1991; the trend shows an increase in the perceived risks of GMOs followed by growing resistance in Japan. While a majority of persons believed genetic engineering would make life better over the next twenty years (57%), the proportion of respondents who thought genetic engineering would make life worse over the next twenty years doubled from 1997 to 2000 (from 12% to 25%). Respondents were asked whether they had heard about applications in several areas and the order of familiarity (high-low) was: pest-resistant crops, human genes in bacteria, mouse to develop cancer, food and drinks, pigs with human hearts and pre-implantation diagnosis. A divide of opinion can be seen when the results on benefit, risk and moral acceptability of applications of biotechnology by the public are compared to the forum and scientist samples. A significant change in the acceptance of the public occurred in 2000 where only 22% agreed on the moral acceptability of GM food compared to 41% in 1997. In 2000 fewer people said they are willing (20%) to buy genetically modified fruits that taste better compared to 1997 (36%). The results show less public support for use of gene therapy than 1993 and twice as many scientists rejected gene therapy than they did in 1991. When asked who is best placed to regulate modern biotechnology, the respondents were overwhelmingly in favor of international regulatory bodies, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (72%), rather than national bodies. The comparison between scientists and public is interesting, however the more enthusiastic sample were participants from the Novaritis Life Science Forum with its mixed occupations.

Biotechnology↗

PubMed1991

Biotechnology: its impact on medicine and oncology.

Biotechnology has been fundamental to exploration and manipulation of life structures and processes at the molecular level. Regulation of expression of specific genes has impacted on understanding of cancer development and immunopathologic diseases. An even greater impact has been the production of new therapeutic molecules. Cytokines have been produced by recombinant DNA technology and are established as effective therapeutic modalities for cancer and infectious diseases. High quality pharmaceutical molecules have been produced which can substantially regulate cell function. Interferons typify this progress and are now licensed for both viral and neoplastic disease in more than 43 countries around the world. It seems certain that by the year 2000, the impact of biotechnology on human medicine will even be wider than that of today. Findings of biotechnology will have implications not only for advancement of human health but also will create debate regarding appropriate use.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1990

Utilisation and control of biotechnological procedures in veterinary science.

The author retraces the history of "biotechnology" and the successive stages of its application in veterinary sciences. An inventory is given of potential applications in animal health (diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases), genetics, animal reproduction (direct and indirect contributions) and nutrition (at the levels of fodder plants, fermentation or prefermentation of feed, and animal metabolism). The control of biotechnological procedures is discussed, with reference to categories of risk and ways of averting risk, and control at national and international levels. There is growing interest in the application of biotechnology to animal reproduction and to the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, but developing ways to prevent disease is slow because considerable time is needed to evaluate risks.

Animal Diseases↗

PubMed1990

[Financing research in Chile in biotechnology and other areas related to the productive sector].

This study describes the financial support for research in Chile in different areas related to the productive sector including biotechnology. Four different sources which help research in the country through competitive research grants were analysed. These include: FONDECYT (National Fund for Research and Technology), Fondo de Desarrollo Productivo de CORFO (Fund for Productive Development), Fondo de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (Fund for Research in Agriculture and Livestock) and the IV Program for Technical Cooperation between the Chilean Government and UNDP. Biotechnology appears as one of the areas related to the productive sector having an important number of projects approved with a substantial financial support. Based in a survey, recommendations are made to improve the relationship between the productive and academic sector in biotechnology and other areas.

Biotechnology↗

PubMed1990

[Biotechnology in perspective].

Biotechnology is a collective term for a large number of manipulations of biological material. Fields of importance in stock-keeping include: (1) manipulation of reproductive processes; (2) genetic manipulation of macro-(farm) animals and micro-organisms and (3) manipulation of metabolism. Fitting in biotechnological findings in breeding-stock farming has repercussions in several fields such as the relationship between producers and the ancillary and processing industries, service industries, consumers and society as a whole. The use of biotechnical findings will also require further automation and adaptation of farm management. Biotechnology opens up a new area and new prospects for farm animal husbandry. These can only be regarded as positive when they take a permanent development of the entire section into account.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed1990

Safety aspects in biotechnology. Classifications and safety precautions for handling of biological agents.

The term "biotechnology" is today used much more widely than 10 years ago. According to the modern definition, biotechnology represents the "conveyor belt" which brings advances in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, biochemistry and process engineering, etc., into the areas of application. It is attempted to indicate the development of safety standards concerning biotechnology. This development is in a state of flux, and the finding that the risks in handling r-DNA organisms are not larger than those arising when handling the known pathogens is becoming more accepted. Accordingly, these r-DNA organisms can also be classified into the known risk groups I-IV and handled under the corresponding safety conditions according to this classification: In the laboratory under the laboratory safety measures L1-L4 described in the BMFT-Guidelines or guidelines for occupational health and hygiene (UVV Biotechnologie) and on a process scale under the process safety measures described in the OECD report. The discussion of aspects on waste disposal, education/training and public perception in the field of biological safety completes the report.

Biotechnology↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Current practices in endotoxin and pyrogen testing in biotechnology. The Quality Assurance/Quality Control Task Group. Parenteral Drug Association.

This article presents the results of a nationwide survey of the biotechnology industry regarding endotoxin and pyrogen testing and control. It identifies procedures and methods being used by biotechnology companies, and firms working with biotechnology products, in the testing for and detection of endotoxin and other pyrogenic substances. The review attempts to identify areas of commonality and standardization within the industry and includes topics for discussion at the end of the survey results.

Biotechnology↗

PubMed1986

New biotechnology as a logical outgrowth of molecular biology.

Since the dawn of civilization biotechnical methods have been used to improve lifestyle by increasing the variety of food products and enriching their taste or preserving their quality. As these empirical methods advanced, biotechnology began more closely to resemble what it is today. The biosynthesis of vitamins, amino acids, alkaloids, steroids and antibiotics by specific microorganisms were the greatest medical achievements in the first half of the twentieth century. By this means, diseases which were often previously fatal could be prevented from befalling mankind. Despite this advantage in medical treatment the benefits from conventional biotechnology were achieved only through empirical, time-consuming and painstaking screening programs. The new biotechnology, while continuing to use many of the techniques of the conventional discipline, is now based on the understanding of product synthesis on a molecular level. This was derived from the benefit of three main perceptions of basic research which became available in this decade: Proteins, which promote the health of the entire human organism mainly through their regulatory functions, and consequently as a result of functional defects or their total absence cause illness or even death. The colinearity between nucleic acid sequence in the gene and amino acid sequence in the corresponding protein. The capabilities of genetic engineering to isolate a specific nucleic acid sequence of human origin which is responsible for the production of a distinct human protein and to transfer this into a microorganism or cell culture system for economic production of the desired protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[World trends in the development of biotechnology].

The role of biotechnology in the solution of the production problem and creation of new energy source is discussed. Certain operations of biotechnological processes are considered. A system approach to train specialists in the field of biotechnology is suggested.

Biochemistry↗

PubMed1989

Strategic considerations for the biotechnology business to the year 2000.

Biotechnology is multidisciplinary in nature and affects a variety of industry sectors. Often, the success of biotechnology ventures depends on strategic alliances. However, up to now, with few exceptions, the only major products based on modern biotechnology that have been commercialized have been pharmaceutical ones, and that trend is likely to continue. Although some of the early promises of the bioindustry have been fulfilled, many more have yet to be substantiated.

Biotechnology↗

PubMed1993

Biotechnology: an introduction to recombinant DNA technology and product availability.

Exciting advances in biotechnology have led to the development of innovative biological products to improve health care. In this review article, the major techniques of product development and manufacturing in biotechnology are discussed, with a focus on recombinant DNA technology. In addition, monoclonal antibody, nucleotide blockade, polymerase chain reaction, antisense, and gene therapy technologies will be defined briefly. For recombinant-DNA technology, the issues of gene isolation, gene cloning, protein expression, scale-up (manufacturing), and quality assurance are addressed. The 16 approved products and the research pipeline are characterized. In addition, major usage issues for biological products are noted. This review serves as an introduction to the science and applications of biotechnology present and future.

Biotechnology↗

PubMed1996

Basic science is the fuel that drives the engine of biotechnology: a personal science transfer vision for the 21st century.

In the span of just a few decades, the advent of recombinant DNA technology as well as other tools of biotechnology have revolutionized the health sciences-dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy. The original federal investment in basic science research, primarily through the creation of the National Institutes of Health and several other federal agencies, has delivered truly incredible dividends. Currently, this nation has 1,200 biotechnology companies which contribute over $11 billion a year to the nation's economy. These sales are expected to reach approximately $50 billion in the next decade. In addition to the creation of nearly 100,000 highly skilled jobs and contribution to the nation's economy, biotechnology provides the promise and some uncertainty to vastly improve the quality of life throughout the world. Yet do we have a strategy which encompasses federal, state and private sector policies and an infrastructure sufficient to sustain a substantial basic science investment to fuel the engine of technology and a process that enhances the quality of life for all Americans?

Biotechnology↗

PubMed1997

Capillary electrophoresis of biotechnology-derived proteins.

Applications of capillary electrophoretic techniques for the analysis of biotechnology-derived proteins continue at a steady pace. This review summarizes the analyses of these proteins achieved using capillary isoelectric focusing, micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography, capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry and capillary gel electrophoresis. A very brief summary of each technique is included. Application of capillary isoelectric focusing to the analysis of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in quality control type applications is examined in some detail. Analyses of dosage forms of biotechnology derived proteins of pharmaceutical importance as well as the identification and examination of the peptides, obtained after enzymatic cleavage of proteins, by capillary electrophoresis have been included. Examples of capillary gel electrophoresis as a substitute sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of biotechnology-derived proteins are also reviewed.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

Artificial cells in medicine and biotechnology.

Since the feasibility of artificial cells was first demonstrated in 1957 [Chang (1, 2)], an increasing number of approaches to their preparation and use have become available. Thus artificial cell membranes can now be formed using a variety of synthetic or biological materials to produce desired variations in their permeability, surface properties, and blood compatibility. Almost any material can be included within artificial cells. These include enzyme systems, cell extracts, biological cells, magnetic materials, isotopes, antigens, antibodies, vaccines, hormones, adsorbents, and others. Since cells are the fundamental units of living organisms, it is not surprising that artificial cells can have a number of possible applications. This is especially so since artificial cells can be "tailor-made" to have very specialized functions. A number of potential applications suggested earlier have now reached a developmental stage appropriate for clinical trial or application. These clinical applications include the use of such cells as a red blood cell substitute, in hemoperfusion, in an artificial kidney or artificial liver, as detoxifiers, in an artificial pancreas, and so on. Artificial red blood cells based on lipid-coated fluorocarbon or crosslinked hemoglobin are being investigated in a number of centers. The principle of the artificial cells is also being used in biotechnology to immobilize enzymes and cells. Developments in biotechnology have also resulted in the use of the principle underlying the artificial cell to help produce interferons and monoclonal antibodies; to create immunosorbents; to develop an artificial pancreas; and to bring enzyme technology usefully into biotechnology and biomedical applications. Artificial cells are also being used as drug delivery systems based on slow release, on magnetic target delivery, on biodegradability, on liposomes, or other approaches. The present status and recent advances will be emphasized in this paper.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Controlling the bugs. The first decade in the regulation of biotechnology.

In late 1984, the Reagan administration proposed a Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology. Its proposed regulatory approach appears less constraining than the deep concerns of the 1970s concerning the risk of biotechnology would have suggested. Several distinctive characteristics of the early period of biotechnology, particularly the role of the research community in developing the initial regulatory system and the extent of federal funding, explain this development. The administration's proposal may attract substantial support. However, implementation may lead to conflicts and problems, especially concerning human germ-line gene therapy and environmental release of viable genetically engineered organisms.

DNA, Recombinant↗

PubMed2004

Acinetobacter lipases: molecular biology, biochemical properties and biotechnological potential.

Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) have received increased attention recently, evidenced by the increasing amount of information about lipases in the current literature. The renewed interest in this enzyme class is due primarily to investigations of their role in pathogenesis and their increasing use in biotechnological applications. Also, many microbial lipases are available as commercial products, the majority of which are used in detergents, cosmetic production, food flavoring, and organic synthesis. Lipases are valued biocatalysts because they act under mild conditions, are highly stable in organic solvents, show broad substrate specificity, and usually show high regio- and/or stereo-selectivity in catalysis. A number of lipolytic strains of Acinetobacter have been isolated from a variety of sources and their lipases possess many biochemical properties similar to those that have been developed for biotechnological applications. This review discusses the biology of lipase expression in Acinetobacter, with emphasis on those aspects relevant to potential biotechnology applications.

Acinetobacter↗

PubMed1996

Patentable invention in biotechnology.

Biotechnology is a rapidly advancing field of technology which offers many benefits to society. It is perceived that an important part of maintaining the momentum, and stimulating further advances, is to protect inventions in biotechnology, where appropriate, with a patent. Here, from the perspective of invention in biotechnology, we examine in brief, the critical elements of proper subject-matter, novelty, utility, non-obviousness and sufficiency of disclosure, as requirements of patentable invention for both the United States and Canada. Topical issues which have arisen in respect of these elements are also canvassed briefly. As will be seen, Canadian Patent Law, while still unresolved with respect to the patenting of higher life forms, is in other respects in step with the pro-patent model of the United States.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Behavioral and physiological effects of biotechnology procedures used for gene targeting in mice.

The effects of gene-targeting procedures on the behavior and physiological development of (chimeric) mice have been investigated. We used six groups of mice, each of them undergoing specific aspects of the biotechnological procedure, including electroporation, microinjection, and/or blastocyst culture. Changes in behavior and physiological development of the progeny (age 4-30 weeks) were investigated. Besides increased body weights, no significant difference between the six treatment groups and untreated C57BL/6 controls could be attributed to the biotechnology procedures. Therefore, we conclude that these procedures per se do not induce significant discomfort for the offspring. Differences in behavior, observed for the two groups of chimeric mice [one derived from electroporated embryonic stem (ES) cells and the other from nonelectroporated ES cells] when compared to the other (nonchimeric) groups, are, at least partly, due to the genetic background of the 129/Ola strain from which the ES cells are derived rather than to the biotechnological manipulations of the ES cells and/or blastocysts. The occurrence of hermaphrodites (8%) and some other gross pathologies observed in both groups of chimeric animals seem to indicate that developmental problems may occur when cells from different origin are simultaneously contributing to the development of one individual. This implies that during the production of gene-targeted mice, health and welfare of chimeric animals must be carefully monitored.

Age Factors↗