Gene editing and CRISPR diagnostics
In addition to improving treatments , biotech is also accelerating diagnostic results . CRISPR is a gene editing tool that speeds up the process of getting test results while also making many tests more affordable . One way that CRISPR technology makes diagnostics more affordable is by allowing the tests to be performed in the patient ' s home . CRISPR technology is actually a form of gene editing , and other forms of this technology are also making waves in biotech , especially in treating genetic disorders and other chronic illnesses . Gene editing involves adding , replacing or neutralizing specific genes .
Gene editing and sequencing are also making precision medicine possible . This technique enables doctors to figure out which treatment will work best for a specific patient . Precision medicine also enables doctors to personalize treatments in certain diseases , including various types of cancer . Biotech startups are also utilizing precision medicine for drug discovery , gene therapy development and other drug delivery technologies .
Bioplastics
Environmental and ecological concerns are fast becoming a major area of focus . People are increasingly conscious of the materials they use in their day-to-day lives . One material that has seen the most dramatic shift in the public consciousness is plastic . Estimates state that as much as 12.7million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year . It takes hundreds of years to break down and poses a huge threat to marine life . New strategies are beginning to help reduce our reliance on it . One method to emerge from the biotech industry has been the development of bioplastics .
More and more we ’ re seeing organic materials that will biodegrade over time , or can even be safely eaten , in place of plastic . It ’ s thought that use of bioplastics may increase 20 % a year until 2021 . These materials are far less toxic to the environment , while still maintaining many of the benefits of regular plastics .
Bioenergy
Biofuels will also see an increase in their market share . Energy and heat production using biotech sources will continue to grow steadily at around 7 % a year , while biofuel usage will increase by 7 % until 2021 . As the technology sees more use and becomes more competitive on the markets , its efficiency and production will steadily increase until it ’ s able to compete on par with its chemical counterparts .
Total global biofuel demand expands by 20 % over 2022-2027 in the main-case forecast . Growth in renewable diesel and biojet fuel consumption is almost entirely in advanced economies . Here , policies designed to reduce GHG emissions are driving demand because these fuels can be produced with low GHG emissions , blended at high levels and made from wastes and residues . In fact , nearly 70 % of renewable diesel and biojet fuel came from wastes and residues in 2021 . The United States , Canada , Brazil , Indonesia and India make up 80 % of global expansion in biofuel use , as all five countries have comprehensive policy packages that support growth .
BioTech
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