https://raunakms.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/the-importance-of-biotechnology-in-todays-time/

 Biological Engineering uses primarily the rapidly developing body of knowledge known as molecular biology to study and advance applications of organisms and to create biotechnology. Biotechnology is a very important and multi-discipline course in the today's world. It has proved a miracle and has revolutionized particularly the medical world.

Since ancient times, biotechnology has found its space in almost every part of world. However, the first major breakthrough in biotechnology came in 1953, when the structure of DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule was proposed. After then the term genetic engineering came to the surface and several experiments were done in that field.

The major successes came in field of DNA fingerprinting,mapping of drugs and viruses and helping to create more effiecient medicines. The study of antibodies and the concept of DNA fingerprinting has helped the biologists gain useful insights into many fields like pregnancy tests, cancer screening and diagnosis of viral gastro-enteritis, hepatitis B, cystic fibrosis and sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS and helped in eradication of diseases and also improving the judicial system.

Stem cells are perhaps the most interesting and most researched among all the other. This has helped in treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, strokes, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis; malignancies, inborn errors of metabolism and many more.

Biotechnology has a promising future. In future biotechnology will be accredited for some revolutionary technology. Recent advances in bioenergy, bioremediation, synthetic biology, DNA computers, virtual cell, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and bio-nanotechnology have made biotechnology even more powerful.

http://bioeng.berkeley.edu/about-us/what-is-bioengineering

The word biotechnology is a cross between the Greek words 'bios' (everything to do with life) and 'technikos' (involving human knowledge and skills).  The OECD (the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development) defines biotechnology as "the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by biological agents".  More simply, it is using living organisms to make useful products.

Bioelectronics is the application of electrical engineering principles to biology, medicine, behavior, or health. Bioelectronics advances our fundamental concepts, creates knowledge for molecular to organ systems levels, and develops innovative devices or processes for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease in order to rehabilitate patients and improve health.

Bioelectronics is defined as the use of biological materials and biological architectures for information  systems and new devices.

Biosensors are defined as analytical devices incorporating a biological material (e.g. tissue, microorganisms, organelles, cell receptors, enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, natural products etc.), a biologically derived material (e.g. recombinant antibodies, engineered proteins, aptamers etc) or a biomimic (e.g. synthetic receptors, biomimetic catalysts, combinatorial ligands, imprinted polymers etc) intimately associated with or integrated within a physicochemical transducer or transducing microsystem, which may be optical, electrochemical, thermometric, piezoelectric, magnetic or micromechanical. Biosensors usually yield a digital electronic signal which is proportional to the concentration of a specific analyte or group of analytes. While the signal may in principle be continuous, devices can be configured to yield single measurements to meet specific market requirements. Examples of Biosensors include immunosensors, enzyme-based biosensors, organism- and whole cell-based biosensors. They have been applied to a wide variety of analytical problems including uses in medicine, biomedical research, drug discovery, the environment, food, process industries, security and defence. The design and study of molecular and supramolecular structures with molecular biorecognition and biomimetic properties for use in analytical devices is also included within the scope of the topic. Here the focus is on the complementary intersection between molecular recognition, nanotechnology, molecular imprinting and supramolecular chemistry to improve the analytical performance and robustness of devices.

http://www.biomedical-engineering-online.com/content/14/1/71

http://www.biomedical-engineering-online.com/content/14/1/75

What is biological engineering

https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBsQtwIwAGoVChMIifPBkaWpyAIVjhmOCh0Mogl0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSn0bOX5Hau4&usg=AFQjCNHyj3kBaEKoQrUgUR0v4tdfvtQUAg

Biomedical engineers life and their views

https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFEQtwIwCWoVChMIifPBkaWpyAIVjhmOCh0Mogl0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGqX0rSaHxgQ&usg=AFQjCNEj2Rge_SAI40u2JKH4z2j-6XJ9mg&bvm=bv.104317490,d.c2E

A closer look at biomedicals

https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=14&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCwQtwIwAzgKahUKEwjl14vwp6nIAhUDTY4KHeSBCV8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DjryhyzeZibM&usg=AFQjCNGCLMp0ZThyPUG4D_NppcTGwxGZWQ&bvm=bv.104317490,d.c2E

1)probe-Something small used to explore,investigate or measure something by penetrating or being placed in it.

2)monoclonal-genetically engineered through one clone (protein or gene).

3)strain- sort of.

4)mooted- proven.

5)mimic- take on the appearence of other, usually for protection.

6)cadaver- a dead body, especially the corpse of a human to be dissected.

7)sterile- (in this case) germless.

8)natal- of or relating to birth.

9)graft- part of living tissue used in autoplasty.

10)proliferate- spread rapidly.

11)epithelium- a membranous tissue with many layers of cells, found mainly in internal parts of body.

12) elicit-to provoke as a response or answer.

13)umbilic-penetrating to.

14)anatomic- pertaining to dissection.

15)subtle- not obvious.

16)transgenic- genome of one species changed by another.

Ereky coined the word "biotechnology" in Hungary during 1919 in a book he published in Berlin called Biotechnologie der Fleisch-, Fett- und Milcherzeugung im landwirtschaftlichen Grossbetriebe (Biotechnology of Meat, Fat and Milk Production in an Agricultural Large-Scale Farm) where he described a technology based on converting raw materials into a more useful product.

http://www.whatisbiotechnology.org/

rehabilitate

-restore (someone) to health or normal life by training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.

robustness

-the ability of an algorithm to continue operating despite abnormalities in input, calculations, etc.

encompassing-surround and have or hold within.

debilitating

-(of a disease or condition) making someone very weak and infirm.

harness

-a set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draught animal is fastened to a cart, plough, etc. and is controlled by its driver.

https://www.bio.org/articles/what-biotechnology

Main Article-FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 2004

http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5160e/y5160e00.HTM

Other References

http://www.nist.gov/pml/div683/upload/bioelectronics_report.pdf

Definition of Biotechnology

https://www.bio.org/articles/what-biotechnology

Applications of Biotechnology

https://www.bio.org/articles/healing-fueling-feeding-how-biotechnology-enriching-your-life

Bio gas Technology

-by Puja Mondal

http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/biotechnology/biogas-technology-sources-alternate-sources-of-energy-and-significance/36100/

Development of Biotechnology Industry

http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/biotechnology/guidelines-and-regulations-for-development-of-biotechnology-industry/33952/

Video-BioByte

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm6_BBS_KE4

The Importance of Biotechnology.

Bringing biotechnology into the home: 

Cathal Garvey at TEDxDublin

Biotech is helping to heal the world by harnessing nature's own toolbox and using our own genetic makeup to heal and guide lines of research by:

• Reducing rates of infectious disease;
• Saving millions of children's lives;
• Changing the odds of serious, life-threatening conditions affecting millions around the world;
• Tailoring treatments to individuals to minimize health risks and side effects;
• Creating more precise tools for disease detection; and
• Combating serious illnesses and everyday threats confronting the developing world.

Fuel the World

Biotech uses biological processes such as fermentation and harnesses biocatalysts such as enzymes, yeast, and other microbes to become microscopic manufacturing plants. Biotech is helping to fuel the world by:

• Streamlining the steps in chemical manufacturing processes by 80% or more;
• Lowering the temperature for cleaning clothes and potentially saving $4.1 billion annually;
• Improving manufacturing process efficiency to save 50% or more on operating costs;
• Reducing use of and reliance on petrochemicals;
• Using biofuels to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 52% or more;
• Decreasing water usage and waste generation; and
• Tapping into the full potential of traditional biomass waste products.

Feed the World

Biotech improves crop insect resistance, enhances crop herbicide tolerance and facilitates the use of more environmentally sustainable farming practices. Biotech is helping to feed the world by:

• Generating higher crop yields with fewer inputs;
• Lowering volumes of agricultural chemicals required by crops-limiting the run-off of these products into the environment;
• Using biotech crops that need fewer applications of pesticides and that allow farmers to reduce tilling farmland;
• Developing crops with enhanced nutrition profiles that solve vitamin and nutrient deficiencies;
• Producing foods free of allergens and toxins such as mycotoxin; and
• Improving food and crop oil content to help improve cardiovascular health.

In field of medicines- Better and cheaper medicines have come to the surface.

2) In food processing:- With population growing at an alarming rate, especially in India, biomedicines are used to increase yield and protect the crops from weed or insects.

3)In improving the environment- Toxic and pollutants are harmful for the earth. Biomedical engineering is working on sustainable medical growth so as to reduce the effects of medicines which have poisonous substances in it.

4) Reducing the death rate and increasing the lifetime of an individual.

5) Helps in growth of crops.

6) Treatment gets better both cost wise and efficiency wise.

7) Researches are being carried out in biomedical to check the effects of biowarfare.

8) Gene mutation is being used to control various diseases and also for controlling function of protiens.

https://www.asm.org/index.php/membership/71-membership/archives/8215-articles-related-to-biological-warfare

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/7/6/01-0636_article

Biological warfare is the intentional use of disease causing organisms and/or toxins to injure, kill, and/or weaken enemy's resistance to attack and reduce the will to wage war.  Biological agents that may be employed on the modern battlefield pose an immediate threat to personnel exposed to them.  Our survival and success in combat involving these weapons requires a thorough understanding of how they can be used and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Offensive biological warfare, including mass production, stockpiling and use of biological weapons, was outlawed by the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The rationale behind this treaty, which has been ratified or acceded to by 170 countries as of April 2013, is to prevent a biological attack which could conceivably result in large numbers of civilian casualties and cause severe disruption to economic and societal infrastructure. Many countries, including signatories of the BWC, currently pursue research into the defense or protection against BW, which is not prohibited by the BWC.

A nation or group that can pose a credible threat of mass casualty has the ability to alter the terms on which other nations or groups interact with it. Biological weapons allow for the potential to create a level of destruction and loss of life far in excess of nuclear, chemical or conventional weapons, relative to their mass and cost of development and storage. Therefore, biological agents may be useful as strategic deterrents in addition to their utility as offensive weapons on the battlefield.

As a tactical weapon for military use, a significant problem with a BW attack is that it would take days to be effective, and therefore might not immediately stop an opposing force. Some biological agents (smallpox, pneumonic plague) have the capability of person-to-person transmission via aerosolized respiratory droplets. This feature can be undesirable, as the agent(s) may be transmitted by this mechanism to unintended populations, including neutral or even friendly forces. While containment of BW is less of a concern for certain criminal or terrorist organizations, it remains a significant concern for the military and civilian populations of virtually all nations.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5160e/y5160e00.HTM

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1326439/

(1)  Bacteria-are small free-living organisms

(2)  Viruses-are organisms which require living cells in which to replicate

(3)  Rickettsiae-are microorganisms which have characteristics common to both bacteria and viruses carried by parasites

(4)  Chlamydia-are obligatory intracellular parasites incapable of generating their own energy source

(5)  Fungi- are primitive plants, which do not utilize photosynthesis, are capable of anaerobic growth, and draw nutrition from decaying vegetable matter

(6)  Toxins- are poisonous substances produced and derived from living plants, animals, or microorganisms; some toxins may also be produced or altered by chemical means

Characteristics of biological agents

Intrinsic features of biological agents that influence their potential for use as weapons include-

(1)  Infectivity -Reflects the relative ease with which microorganisms establish themselves in a host species

(2)  Virulence -Reflects the relative severity of disease produced by the agent

(3)  Toxicity -Reflects the relative severity of illness or incapacitation produced by a toxin

(4)  Pathogenicity -Reflects the capability of an infectious agent to cause disease in a susceptible host

(5)  Incubation period -Reflects the time between exposure to an agent or toxin and the appearance of symptoms

(6)  Transmissibility -Reflects the relative ease in which an agent is passed from person to person

(7)  Lethality -Reflects the relative ease in which an agent causes death in a susceptible population

(8)  Stability -Reflects an agents ability to remain viable when exposed to environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pollution, and sunlight

(9)  Additional factors - Suitability of a microorganism or toxin for use as a weapon may be influenced by factors such as ease of production; stability when stored or transported; and ease of dissemination

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1200679/

Categories and Definitions of Biological Agents

Pathogens

Are disease producing microorganisms, such as bacteria, mycoplasma, rickettsia, fungi, or viruses.  Carried by arthropods, rodents, monkeys, or man

Toxins

Are poisons naturally produced through the activities of living organisms.  Produced by plants, microorganisms and animals

Other agents of biological origin

(1)  The human body has a very small quantity of biological agents

(2)  For example: bioregulators/modulators (BRM) can be small molecules or peptides that act as neurotransmitters and/or modifiers of neural responses

(3)  If introduced in large quantities, will cause severe adverse effects or death 

Pre-attack

(1)  Ensure all soldiers have updated routine immunizations and immunize them against the specific anticipated biological threat, if an immunization exists for the particular agent(s).  Medical intelligence agencies will provide warnings as needed

(2)  Maintain personal hygiene and physical fitness

(3)  Maintain field sanitation guidelines

During attack

(1)  Reduce respiratory exposure by donning the M40 series protective mask

(2)  Wear the battle dress overgarment, chemical protective boots, and gloves

(3)  Utilize a protective shelter that has a filtered air supply

Post-attack - decontamination

(1)  Personnel - decontaminate exposed skin with the M291 decontamination kit or use warm soapy water to remove the agent

(2)  Equipment - use M295 individual equipment decontamination kit or the M11, M13 portable decon apparatus

(3)  Food and water - seal or box foodstuffs and boil water for 15 minutes

Actions after a Biological Agent Attack

Continue mission only if it will not spread the contamination to non-exposed personnel

Identify the agent

(1)  To institute a specific treatment

(2)  To institute measures to control the exposure

(3)  To confirm that an attack occurred

(4)  To estimate time of exposure

(5)  To estimate number of possible casualties

(6)  To get intelligence as to the enemy's biological capability

Administer medical treatment

(1)  Monitor and support both cardiac and respiratory functions

(2)  Treat for shock

(3)  Administer appropriate therapy and/or medication if the specific agent is known and the medication is available

(4)  Protect patient from further biological agent exposure

(5)  Complete the field medical card

(6)  Evacuate the patient

(a)  Notify the evacuation personnel at the battalion aid station (BAS) of the biological casualty

(b)  Ensure that both the patient and evacuation personnel are in protective clothing

(c)  The patient will be treated and held at the BAS to prevent further spreading of the contamination

Chun-Hua Dai¹, Jian Li^2*, Ping Chen², He-Guo Jiang², Ming Wu³ and Yong-Chang Chen³

Yujie Chen^1†, Huahua Xiong^2†, Dan Wu^567†, Sandeep Pirbhulal⁵⁶⁷, Xiaohong Tian³,Ruiqin Zhang⁴, Minhua Lu⁴, Wanqing Wu^567* and Wenhua Huang^1*