Biotechnology: an introduction to recombinant DNA technology and product availability

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Biotechnology has rapidly advanced, leading to innovative biological products that significantly improve healthcare outcomes.
• The development and manufacturing of these products involve complex scientific and engineering principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major techniques in biotechnology product development and manufacturing.
• To provide an introduction to the science and applications of biotechnology, covering current and future prospects.

Main Methods:

• Focus on recombinant DNA technology, detailing gene isolation, cloning, protein expression, scale-up, and quality assurance.
• Briefly define other key technologies: monoclonal antibody, nucleotide blockade, polymerase chain reaction, antisense, and gene therapy.

Main Results:

• Characterization of 16 approved biological products and the ongoing research pipeline.
• Identification of major usage issues associated with biological products.

Conclusions:

• Recombinant DNA technology is central to modern biotechnology product development.
• The review offers a foundational understanding of biotechnology's scientific basis and diverse applications in healthcare.