These are some of the Bioresearches which have the basis of biotechnology and would be implemented in the future.

LIFE SAVING DRUG DEVELOPED FROM FISH OIL.

A substance called squalene is found in liver oil of some species of marine sharks.
Species : centrophorus scalpratus is found in abundance in the Indian ocean ,especially in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It has a natural combatant for virus, bacterial and fungal infection. It is also an highly unsaturated hydrocarbon found in the liver oil.
Scientists have developed a technology for the separation of squalene liver oil which can be used as a life saving drug. The separation techniques facilities the isolation of squalene from liver oils and its purification to achieve 99.5 % purity level.

REPORTED FUNCTIONS

• Prevent the formation of cancer cells.
• suppress the formation of tumor cells.
• Strengthens the human immune system.
• When this used as a supplement, the drug helps normalize cholesterol level even in individuals who consume excess of fatty foods.

BIOSHIP TO SERVE AS ARTIFICIAL RETINA

• Biochip serves as a prosthetic retina for people who suffer from age related muscular degeneration.
• It can serve as a drug delivery system that could treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
This was developed by ,Harvery A Fishman ( director of stand ford ophthalmic tissue engineering laboratory and few colleagues.

As implantable chips release some chemicals the stimulate the nerves, normally nerve cells communicate with each other by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. The chip has four tiny opening that is used to control the environment of neuron like cells. The chip releases chemicals using electro osmosis. The cells responses are known using fluorescent dye

ADVANTAGES

• It withdraws fluid when needed, which could prevent the toxic buildup of the chemicals.
• Chip can draw droplets of fluid in as well as out; it could enable researches to take sample in real time. Giving them a chemical picture of what goes on in the living tissue in certain processes.
• It could deliver some amount of drug precisely where they are needed, such as dopamine in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease.
• It would be more effective way for treating very delicate tissues, such as those in the brain and the eyes.
However this not clinically implemented since the scientists need to look into the important aspects as to how these chip interact with the body, its bio-compatibility, clogging of micro channels etc.

SPECIFIC RECOMBINANT ANTIBODY DEVELOPED AGAINST BREAST CANCER CELLS.

Brest cancer is the major cause of death among women world wide. Although significant options have been made in the management of breast cancer, yet the treatment option available for cancer is not specific. As a result a normal and healthy cell gets killed .Hence the challenge was to create a target specific .Hence Dr Dilip from medicine of Tata memorial center Identified target specific molecules that penetrate the tumor and effectively kill the lesion only. He has identified and studied target specific epitope on the breast cancer antigen MUC1 which is over expressed and hypoglycosylated in breast cancer.

He developed single chain antibody from (SCFV) from mRNA of MUC1 - peptide immunized spleen cells forming a recombinant antibody called MUC1- SCFV.The antibody formed is a breast cancer specific .It is a small molecule and hence can penetrate easily. It is also suitable for tumor imaging and for targeted therapy. It has been reported that it has high commercial importance for the targeted cancer therapy.

TECHNOLOGY FOR BANANA JUICE EXTRACTION DEVELOPED BY BARC

The scientists at the nuclear agriculture and biotechnology division of Bhaba atomic research center, India have developed a technology that enables the exaction of over 80% of moisture as juice from the fruit.

IMPORTANT FEATURES.

• Gives good yield.
• No external enzymes like pectolytic enzymes or water is added during the exaction process.
• Banana juice can be used as excellent beverage like wine or carbonated juice after appropriate dilution.
• The left over pulp has an excellent aroma and can be dried and powdered. It has the taste of the fruit.
• The powder can be used to make banana biscuits, cake, milk shakes and as additive in confectioneries.
• The left over peel of the fruit can be developed as a commercially important enzyme called amylase by subjecting it to solid state fermentation.

About Author / Additional Info: