Industrial biotechnology uses sustainable biomass from crops and waste products instead of non-renewable resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. It is also called white biotechnology, promoting energy security and using low temperature enzymes for production. Ongoing research focuses on refining and improving the technology, including the conversion of biomass to energy and products. Industrial biotechnology is one of three fields of biotechnology, alongside green biotechnology and red biotechnology.
Industrial biotechnology represents a departure from industry’s heavy reliance on non-renewable resources, towards instead the use of sustainable biomass as a resource. Instead of using fossil fuels and minerals, industrial biotechnology uses biomass from crops and waste products. Municipal, agricultural and forestry waste, as well as specialized crops, are inputs in the production of everything from plastics to fuel. Along with this shift in raw materials, biotechnology is using biological rather than exclusively chemical processes in the manufacturing and energy sectors. By relying on sustainable resources, industrial biotechnology reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the negative impact of manufacturing on the environment.
Symbolizing the move towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact, industrial biotechnology is also called white biotechnology. It is promoted as a method of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, thereby increasing energy security. The use of low temperature enzymes instead of high temperature chemical catalysts during production has environmental, energy and human health benefits. These methods are used in chemical manufacturing, textile and paper manufacturing, and bioenergy production. Industrial biotechnology is suitable for regions with abundant biomass resources.
As a relatively new and expanding technology, there is ongoing research to refine and improve it in all aspects. Regionally available crops and waste products are being studied to assess their suitability as resources. The integration of engineering, biochemistry, microbiology and other fields has led to advances in biotechnology manufacturing. Some regional factors, such as the suitability of the area for the production of biomass for industrial use and adequate transport systems, influence the development potential of industrial biotechnologies. Conflicts involving land use competition with food crops are shifting some of the emphasis from specialized biomass crops to various residues and wastes.
Research on the conversion of biomass to energy and products focuses on efficiency, possible multiple outputs and commercial viability. Methods include biological, thermal and chemical conversion. The use of fermentation to break down biomass into usable components is one of the earliest forms of biological conversion. The thermal conversion of biomass to energy is also an ancient technology. Research in modern combustion technology focuses on increased efficiency, reduced emissions and new biomass fuel sources.
Industrial biotechnology is one of three, sometimes overlapping, fields of biotechnology research, development and application. Green biotechnology involves developing agricultural products using this science. Medical and pharmaceutical uses are defined as red biotechnology, which employs microorganisms and cellular materials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The industrial use of biotechnology is referred to as white biotechnology. Research and advances in one area often lead to new developments in other areas of biotechnology.
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