Biotechnology
Use of biological processes for healthcare applications, like genetic engineering and stem cell therapy
Here are some key healthcare applications in biotechnology:
- Gene Therapy
- Directly modifies genes to treat or prevent diseases, particularly genetic disorders, by inserting, removing, or altering DNA within cells.
- Pharmacogenomics
- Personalizes medicine by studying how genes affect a person’s response to drugs, optimizing medication choices and dosages.
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Uses stem cells to repair or replace damaged cells and tissues, with applications in regenerative medicine for injuries, organ failure, and degenerative diseases.
- CRISPR and Genome Editing
- Allows precise editing of DNA, enabling the correction of genetic mutations that cause diseases, and has applications in cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Develops complex proteins, antibodies, and vaccines through biological processes, leading to advanced treatments for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
- Biomarker Discovery
- Identifies biological markers that can diagnose diseases, track disease progression, and predict patient response to treatment.
- 3D Bioprinting
- Creates tissues and organs by layering cells in specific patterns, with the potential for organ replacement and drug testing.
- Regenerative Medicine
- Uses tissue engineering and cellular therapies to repair damaged tissues and organs, advancing treatment for injuries and degenerative conditions.
- Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
- Utilizes nanoparticles to deliver drugs precisely to target cells, reducing side effects and improving efficacy.
- Synthetic Biology
- Designs and constructs new biological parts and systems for applications like advanced antibiotics, diagnostics, and therapeutic delivery systems.
- Cancer Immunotherapy
- Boosts the immune system to target cancer cells, including CAR-T cell therapy, which modifies a patient’s immune cells to better attack tumors.
- Vaccinology and Infectious Disease Control
- Uses biotechnological advancements to develop effective vaccines, including mRNA vaccines and vector-based vaccines for infectious diseases.
These applications leverage advances in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics to develop treatments, diagnostics, and preventive solutions.