Biotechnology for
Human Welfare
Naiyyum Choudhury
Professor, BRAC University &
Secretary, BAS
BIOTECHNOLOGY-DEFINITION!
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology may be defined as a set of modern tools
that utilize living organisms or parts of it cell or tissue or
genes/DNA to make or modify or improve plants or
animals or develop microorganisms for specific use and
their large scale production.
Industrial use of recombinant DNA
Trangenic plant development
Cell fusion
Novel bioprocess technologies and Bioremediation
Traditional and New Biotechnology
 Traditional Biotechnology
 Biotechnology has been employed by
humans for millenia. Examples include
production of beer, cheese ans bread
 New Biotechnology
 Recent development in molecular biology
have given biotechnology a new meaning,
new horizon and new potential through
use of recombinant DNA technology
Gradients 0f Biotechnology
-Traditional
Microbial Fermentation
Biological nitrogen fixation
Plant Tissue Culture
Embryo Transfer Technology
Monoclonal Antibody
Modern Biotechnology
-cost rising!
Recombinant DNA Technology
Genetic Engineering of Microbes
Genetic Engineering of Plants
Genetic Engineering of Animals
Milestones in Biotechnology
1950-1960- DNA Strucure unfolded
1960-1970- Plant Tissue Culture
Plant Protoplast
Reverse transcriptase
1970-1980- Restriction Enzymes
Gene Cloning
Agrobacterium in Plant
transformation
1980-1990- PCR Technology
GM Insulin
1990-2000- Dolly sheep, Animal Cloning, GM
Transgenic Plants
• More than 4000 plants have been
developed with GE methods with new
characteristics
• Tolerant to freeze
• Modification of ripening or softening
• Shel life increase
• Modification of sweetening of fruits
Other Areas of application
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Food ingredients
Starter culture
Peptide growth hormone
Nutritional quality improvement
Trasngennic animals
Heath And diagnostic products
Recombinat dairy products
Hazardous waste treatment
Food ingredients
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Amino acids
Vitamins
Sweetening agents
Organic acids
Antimicrobial agents
Flavouring agent i.e. MSG
Various enzymes
Improvement of Nutritional quality by the
Application of GE
 Nutritional quality of food supply-Golden rice.
Potatoes with 30% higher solid content
Essential amino acids in cereal grain increased
Improvement of taste, texture, colour and processing
charateristics
 of agricultural products
Transgenic Animals
 Transgenic animals for increased milk, meat
and pharmaceutical products
Health and Diagnostics through GE
-Cancer imaging agents
-Recombinant dairy products
- Autoimmune therapeutics
- Diabetes therapy
- Growth/healing proteins
Genetically Engineered Pharmaceuticals
Human insulin
Human growth hormone
Alpha interferon
Hepatitis B vaccine
Interleukin
AIDS treatment
GE bacteria for agriculture
BiotechMedical
Wheels
Agricultural
Drugs &
Feedstocks & Pharmaceuticals Devices &
Chemicals
Equipment
 Industrial
inorganic
chemicals
 Fertilizers
 Other
agricultural
chemicals
 Medicinals
& botanicals
 Pharmaceutical
preparations
 Diagnostic
substances
 Biological
products
 Laboratory
apparatus &
furniture
 Surgical,
medical, dental,
& analytical
instruments &
equipment
 X-ray &
electromedical
equipment
Product-Oriented
Hospitals &
Laboratories
 General
medical &
surgical
hospitals
 Psychiatric
hospitals
 Specialty
hospitals
Medical &
dental
laboratories
Research
& Testing
 Biological
research
 Medical
research
 Food &
seed testing
laboratories
 Veterinary
testing
laboratories
Service-Oriented
Source: Battelle Memorial Institute
The Bioscience Subsectors
• Agricultural
Feedstock &
Chemicals
• Drugs &
Pharmaceuticals
• Medical Devices &
Equipment
• Research & Testing
13%
13%
17%
17%
37%
37%
33%
33%
Agricultural Feedstock & Chemicals
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
Medical Devices & Equipment
Research & Testing
Agri-biotechnology and Healthcare
-GM Crops
-GM Crop based Products
Global GM crop scenario
• Area coverage ~68 million hectare
• Market value ~ US$ 5.0 billion
• Major crops in commerce: soybean, maize,
cotton,canola, tomato, potato, rice
• Major traits of interest: insect resistance, viral
resistance, herbicide tolerance, drought/salinity
tolerance, nutritional quality.
• [estimated global bio-pharma market ~US$ 15 b]
Emerging plant-based new ventures
other than GM crops
• Plant based: r-therapeutics & diagnostics
(human & veterinary applications)
• Metabolically engineered phytomedicines
• Value-added herbal products (new products from
known herbs: target new disease/ more
knowledge rich)
Important Biotech Healthcare
products for molecular farming
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1986: Human growth hormone in tobacco
1989: IgG in tobacco
1992: Hepatitis B surface antigen in tobacco
1992: Alpha amylase in tobacco
1995: IgA in tobacco
1997: Avidin in maize
2001: Vaccine in potato
2003: Functional antibody in algae
2005: Human anthrax antibodies in tobacco
• It is estimated that by 2010 the market for this segment will
touch US$ 100 billion
Commercial Scope: healthcare
Biotech
products
• R-therapeutics & diagnostics: US$ 50b (2005);
US$ 200b (2015);
• Phytomedicine, nutraceuticals & beauticeuticals:
US$ 30b (2005); US$ 60b (2015);
• Dietetics food & enzymes: US$ 90b (2005); US$
250b (2015);
• Bioinformatics & embeded systems: US$ 02b
(2005); US$ 06b (2015).
Mass propagation industry: Major
problems
•
•
•
•
•
•
EOU vs domestic market
High volume low value
High risk on quality control & quarantine aspect
Highly competitive
Secured market based on IP is not possible
Automated production for minimizing cost of
production needs huge capital investment
Biotech and Electronics- A Double
Helix
• The multidisplinary approach to Biotechnology has
resulted in new and unique interdisciplinary area in
which molecular biology, different branches of
engineering, electronics etc have played pivotal role in
making products, processes and services of the modern
biotechnology within reach. of common man.
• From application point of view, like twin strands of a
double helix, biotechnology and electronics are joining
forces in a technological explosion that will dwarf what
will be possible by either one of them. These aspects
will be highlighted in the paper
GM Crops 2011
• This is a historical landmark in that it is the
first time for more than 160 million hectares of
biotech crops to be grown in any one year. In
order to appropriately account for the use of
two or three "stacked traits", that confer
multiple benefits in a single biotech variety, is
15% higher than the estimate of 160 million
hectares.
Biotechnology and Developing
Countries
-Interseted but directly not involved in Modern
Biotechnology
-Have National policy on Biotechnology and
research programme; little in-country modern
biotechnology
-Have national policy, research programme
and international collaboration
-Have national policy, modern biotech research
programme; storng overseas linkage in public
and private sectors
Key Points
•
•
•
•
•
Biology is in a fundamental revolution as
knowledge acquisition is exponential
Post genomic pharmaceutical (targeted drugs) are
based on
Human genome at the chromosomal level
Advent of computer power
Robotics
New automated models
Nano technologies
Key Points
•
•
•
•
The biotechnology promise
Increase agricultural productivity
Increase pharmaceutical specificity
Reduce hunger
Improve Healthcare
This technology will move therapeutic from
symptomatic treatment to diseasemodifying new medicine
Key Points
Gene - environment interaction
Through knowledge of genomics
and proteomics targeted drugs (not
based on Symptoms) can be
created.
Key Points
The activation of research groups in the
south promoted by major research
institute based in developed countries by
providing stable funding for these
groups. This approach could make
possible the development of new
therapeutic drugs and vaccines designed
specifically for LDCs related
Key Points
Technology transfer which seems to
be a gateway to a new and promising
economic development in those
countries where a good level of
entrepreneurship is already able to
promote and produce innovations
Key Points
Public awareness has to be promoted to
balance fears and opportunities. Each
country should be able to sort out the
benefits from the hazards of
biotechnology; recognizing ethical
concern and helping the public make
more informed choices. This could help
foster international cooperation in
biotechnology research
• Government initiatives for
Biotechnology in Bangladesh
R&D Priorities for Biotechnology gineering in
Bangladesh
 Agriculture sector
 Health sector
 Industry sector
Energy sector
 Environment sector
National Committee on Biotechnology Product
Development
In September 1993, a National Committee on Biotechnology
Product Development was formed and finally the following
products were selected :
 Rhizobial inoculants for use as biofertilizers
 Yeasts as protein supplement of poultry feed
 Tissue culture derived post exposure anti-rabies vaccine
 Tissue culture based foot and mouth disease vaccine
 Bamboo saplings by ex-vitro and in-vitro methods
 Biogas technology for fuel, fertilizer and environmental
Pollution control
Production of high quality potato seeds by using tissue
culture
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Concept initiated : 1984
 NCST approval : 1993
 Feasibility study : 1993
 PCP approval : 1995
 ECNEC approval : 1999
 Project work initiated : July 2000
 Estimated cost : 2768.24 Lakh Taka (Revised)
Project completed in 2008
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Located in Ganobari, Savarin the campus of Atomic
Energy Research Establishment
 Total Floor space of the laboratories : 2250 sq. m.
 Number of Laboratory : 6
 Total number of scientists to work : 100 at the moment less
than 10 scientists
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Bangladesh has adopted the National Biotechnology
Policy in July 2006 to accelerate multidimensional
biotechnological research for augmenting human welfare
in all respects such as food security, health and a sound
environment in particular.
The NIB is intended for the application of biotechnologybased technologies as per guidelines of National
Biotechnology Policy.
The tools of biotechnology are currently being applied
across the biological sciences to address problems in
agricultural crop improvement, marine sciences and
aquaculture, environment, pharmacy, forensics and public
health.
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OFBIOTECHNOLOGY
National Institute of Biotechnology is situated at
Ganakbari beside Shreepur Kasampur road, at a total
area of 11.5 acre of land. NIB will act as a National
focal point to co-ordinate biotechnological activities
in the country. The institute deserves its contribution
for upgrading the socioeconomic development of the
country through developing of high yielding varieties
of crops, generation of employment, poverty
alleviation, women empowerment, human resource
development and awareness creation about the
importance of application of biotechnology in
agriculture, environment, health and industrial
sectors.Research Divisions of NIB
Research Divisions of National
Institute of BiotechnologyIB
1. Plant Biotechnology Division
Plant tissue culture for large-scale multiplication of
rare, endangered, flower and fruit plant. Development
of pathogen free, insect-pest and environment stress
resistant plant through tissue culture and genetic
transformation. Molecular characterization of local
plant species
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plant Tissue Culture
Plant GeneticTransformation
Plant Breeding
DNA fingerprinting of plants
Marker aided selection of plants
Management of crops pest and
pathogens
2. Microbial biotechnology Division
• Genetic improvement of industrial
microorganisms
• Production of enzymes, chemicals and
other biotech products of industrial
importance
• Development of biotech pharmaceutical
products
• Protein Engineering
3. Animal Biotechnology Division
• Characterization, selection, conservation and genetic
improvement of animal through modern
biotechnological methods
• Production of biotech-derived therapeutics /
diagnostic kits, antibiotics and vaccines
• >Improvement of feed quality through
biotechnological approaches
•
Preservation technique of animal products.
4. Fisheries Biotechnology Division
• Gene library construction of critically endangered,
endangered and vulnerable fishes of Bangladesh
• Pure Gene line (Inbreeding) preparation for carp and
other fishes.
• Development of improved strains of fish through
selective Breeding
• Production of Sustainable variety (out breeding) of
Critically Endangered Fish
• Production of transgenic fish through gene
manipulation
• Selective production of Monosex fish populations (all
male or all female)
• Storage of fish sperms and embryos by freezing
• Characterization of fish using molecular markers
• Production of Biotech improved fish feed
Environmental Biotechnology Division
• Development of biopesticides, biofertilizer and
bioremediation agents
• Development of appropriate waste management
programme
• Evaluation of ecological impacts of transgenic organisms
• Preservation, development and long term conservation of
bioresources
• Alternative energy from renewable bioresources
• Biofertilizer for different crops
• Alternative energy from renewable bioresources
• bio-remediation agents
• Bio-mineralization process
• bio-indicators and bio-pesticides
Molecular Biology Division
•
•
•
•
•
Vector preparation
Cloning
Gene expression study
DNA fingerprinting and profiling
cDNA library, genomic DNA library
and gene bank construction
• Sequencing of genes and DNA of
interest
• NIB will play a very important role in the filed
of biotechnological research for agricultural,
environmental, medical, food and industrial
development of the country.
• The Institute is intended for the application of
biotechnology-based technologies as per
guidelines of National Biotechnology Policy.
• The tools of biotechnology are currently being
applied across the biological sciences to address
problems in agricultural crop improvement,
marine sciences and aquaculture, environment,
pharmacy, forensics and public health.
NECB
• National Executive Committee on
Biotechnology with Proncipal Secretary
to the Prime Minister as Chair
• 12 Members including two expert
members
• Secretary, S&T is the member Secretary,
NECB
Ploicy Directions, Monitoring and
Implementation Mechanism
• National Task Force on Biotechnology Development
formed with Hon’ble Prime Minister as the
Chairperson
• State Minister for Science and Technology- Vice
Chairman
• 25 Members including Secretaries of relevant
mninistries, Chairman, BCSIR,BAEC and BARC
and one expert member on Biotechnology by name
• Secretary, S&T is member Secretary of the NTBB
National Technical Committee
NBT Policy 2006
•
•
•
•
•
NTC for Biodiversity
NTC for Biosafety
NTC for Crop Biotechnology
NTC for Livestock and Fisheries
NTC for Medical Biotechnology
NTC as per National
Biotechnology Policy 2012
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1. NTC Agricultural Biotechnology
2. NTC Animal Biotechnology
3. NTC on Fisheries Biotechnoology
4. NTC on Env. Biotechnology
5. NTC on Medical Biotechnology
6. NTC on Industrial Biotechnology
7. NTC on Human Resource Development
• 8. NTC on Biosafety
Coordination and Management
Committee as per NBT Policy 2012
• 18 Member Coordination and
Management Committee with Secretary,
S&T as Chair and
• DG NIB as member Secretary
• Experts from relevant disciplines and
representatives from relevant ministries
Ministry of Science and
Information & Communication
Technology
• Focal Ministry for coordinating activities of all
the National Technical Committees
• Secretary, MOSICT is the Member Secretary
of the National Task Force and also the
National Executive Committee
Conclusion
• It is encouraging to note that Biotechnology has
been take as a thrust area like ICT by the
present government.
• The initiatives at the highest level of the Policy
makers may result in some fruitful
biotechnology work at all levels
• Promotion of appropriate Biotechnology will
play a significant role in Poverty alleviation,
Food security, improved health and
environment and overall socioeconomic
development of the country
Draft National Biotechnology
2012
• National Biotechnology Policy updated
and a draft National Biotechnology
Policy 2012 is in the process of approval
by the government.
Strategic Roadmap
• Strategic Roadmap to implement
National Biotechnology Policy has been
drafted containing strategic goals, policy
support, human development and
research and innovations in some selected
areas of biotechnology with short,
medium and long term activities by the
relevant agencies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Research and Innovation
Plant biotechnology
Animal biotechnology
Fisheres biotechnology
Medical biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology
Environmental biotechnology
Nano biotechnology
Bioinformatics and IT enabled
biotechnology
Strategic Roadmap
In each of these areas action plans for short,
medium and long term implementation have
been developed with strategy actions like
• regulatory measures
• institutional capacity building and
strengthening and
• Priority research programmes for the
implementing agencies
Strategic Roadmap
• Also includes biotech entrepreneurship
development, awareness creation
programme
Recent initiatives by the NIB
Establishment of Gene Bank at the NIB
Campus
• To conserve existing plants, animals, fish and
microbial genetic resources
• To make available gentic resources and relevant
information to different organizations for
research and development purposes
• Human resource development awarenesws
creation and formulate necessary guidelines for
conservation of genetic resources
Biotechnology Incubator
• Objective;
• Establishment of internationally
acceptable GMO testing and certifying
centre
• Establishment of an analytical facilities
and providing necessary assistance for
commercialization of biotechnology
resarch
.
National
Biotechnology
Policy 2006 and
Draft National
Biotech Policy
2012
Time frame set for the draft
• National Biotechnology Policy Formulation Committee formed on
• May 17, 2004
• First Meeting of the Committee held on May 22, 2004
• Decisions: A Working Group formed to prepare a draft of the NBP
• National Technical Committees will send respective Committee’s
input to the Working Group by June 05, 2004
• Working Group will submit the first draft by June 12, 2004
• Next Meeting of the Committee will be held on June 19, 2004(today)
• Second draft will be submitted by the Working Group on May 26,
2004
• 3rd Meeting of the Committee to consider the 2nd draft will be held on
• July 01, 2004
• Final draft will be submitted by the Working Group based on
comments received on July10, 2004
Working Committee for
preparation of the Draft National
Biotechnology Policy
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dr. Naiyyum Choudhury, BAS
Dr. Md Abdur Razzaque, BARC
Dr. M.S. Islam, NIB
Dr. Kh. Md. Nasiruddin, BAU
Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, D.U.
Dr. Haseena Khan, D.U.
Dr. Md. Mokbul Hosain, BAEC.
Preamble
• Biotechnology includes Any
technological application that
uses biological system, living
organisms or derivatives thereof
to make or modify products or
processes for specific use
• Has helped increase productivity
in crops, livestock, fisheries and
forestry
• Spectacular development has
taken place in medical
biotechnology, environmental
biotechnology and fermentation
technology
World Scenario
• Last 20-25 years have been the golden age of
Biotechnology
• DNA technology has strongly captured the
market in pharmaceutical field with hitherto
unknown genetically engineered drugs,
• In agriculture, animal health, fermentation
and environment protection significant
achievement has taken place globally
Status of
Biotechnology in Bangladesh
• Bangladesh has made some
strides in traditional
Biotechnology like tissue
culture ,traditional
fermentation
• Yet to start in real earnestness
new Biotechnology for
improvement of plants, animals
industrial microorganisms etc.
.
Vision
• Sustained food ,health and livelihood and health
security through environment friendly
biotechnology research and development
• Establishing research-extension-end user
linkage and public-private-partnership
• Meet millennium Development Goals through
promotion of conventional and modern
Biotechnologies for socio-economic development
Goal
The main goal of the NAIONAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY would be to
ensure sustainable development of
agriculture-food, nutrition, health,
environment and livelihood of people
through strengthening national capacity in
conventional as well as modern
biotechnology, biosafety, bioethics, IPR and
biosurveillance
Objectives
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bio-resources Inventory
Infrastructure development
Human resource development
Bioinformatics
Bio-safety, Bioethics,
IPR
Entrepreurship development
Public –Private -Partnership
Opportunity Areas of
Biotechnology
• Agriculture-Food
• Animal and Fish
• Medical/ Human and
Animal Health care
• Environment
• Biotech Products and
Processes
• Biodiversity
Conservation
Policy Statements
• Infrastructure Development
• Human Resource Development
• Identification of priority areas
of Biotechnology Research and
Development
• Funding Mechanisms for
Biotechnology Research
Policy Statement(contd)
Infrastructure Development
• Optimum utilization of existing facilities
• Strengthening of existing biotechnology
laboratories in R&D organizations and
academic institutions
• Creation of Centre(s) of Excellence
Policy Statement-contd.
Human Resource Development
• Academic Programme
• Short Term Training for biotech
Researchers
• Training of Policy Makers
• Training on IPR
• Training on Risk Analysis and Risk
Management in biotech Research and
Applications
Policy StatementIdentification of Priority Areas
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plant Biotechnology
Animal Biotechnology
Aquaculture
Medical Biotechnology
Industrial Biotechnology
Environmental Biotechnology
Biodiversity Conservation
Human Genetics and Genomics
Bioinformatics
Biosafety and Bioethics
IPR related Issues
•
•
•
•
•
•
Policy StatementFunding Mechanisms for
Biotechnology
Government Funding
Self Reliance and Sustainability
Contract Research
Innovation incentives for Researchers
Public-Private Sector Partnership
International Funding
Policy Statements (Cont.)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Creation of Enabling Environment for
Biotechnology Enterprise
Commercialization
Management of Intellectual Property
Indigenous Community Knowledge and IPR
Bio-safety, Bio-surveillance and Bio-ethics
Regional and International Collaboration
Public Awareness measures For Transparency
in Biotechnology Work
Creation of Enabling Environment
for Biotechnology Enterprise
• Establishment of Biotechnology
Enterprise (Bio-Valley)
• Biotech Incubators
Policy Statements(contd.)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Commercialization
Management of Intellectual Property
Indigenous Community Knowledge and IPR
Bio-safety, Bio-surveillance and Bio-ethics
Regional and International Collaboration
Public Awareness measures For Transparency
in Biotechnology Work
Implementation and Monitoring
• Immediate Action Programme
• Formation of National Task Force
• National Executive Committee on
Biotechnology National Authority on
Biotechnology)
• Priority Plan for different Areas of
Biotechnology (Twenty Year Perspective Plan for Priority
Programme), Funding for Human Resource
Development, Institutional development,
Centre(s) of Excellence
Organizational Arrangement for
the Policy Document
Ministry Of Science and Information &
Communication Technology being the
focal Ministry for promoting
Biotechnology will review the National
Policy from time to time for updating,
harmonizing and standardizing the
Policy document in the light of global
development in this field keeping in view
our national needs and interest.
National Taskforce Meeting,
July 19, 2006
The TF Meeting chaired by Ho’ble
Prime Minister approved the
National Biotechnology Policy for
Bangladesh
National Biosafety Guidelines
Guidelines for programmes on
Crop Biotechnology; Medical
Biotechnology and Livestock and
Fisheries Biotechnology
Biosafety Aspects
• Ministry of Environment and Forest is the
Focal Ministry for dealing with all aspects
related to biosafety
• The Biosafety Guidelines has been re-examined
and updated
• Work in progress on Biosafety Framework
• Biosafety Act formulation may take some time