Bio-based chemicals
In recent times, there has been ample demand of bio-based chemicals, secondary metabolites and enzymes. This sector of biotehnology is getting exploited at exponential rate. The major factor driving it’s success is economical feasibility and environmental compatibility of processes and products.Moreover extensive applications of bio-based products and enzymes has immensely contributed to economic growth of the country. The wide spectrum of bio-derived chemicals include enzymes, vitamins, antibiotics, essential oils, proteins, hormones etc derived from plants, animals, fungi and microbes.
The field has been serving health industry since a century with it’s organic therapeutics and antibiotics. The Penicillin was miraculous during WW 2 treating septicemia and controlling the death troll. Another great application being green agriculture with organic fertilizers and pesticides. FMCGs have been excelling in the business with the use of this products. The fermentation yields have found their way into beverage and dairy industry. The food industry has been gifted with the enzymes, stabilizers, preservatives, emulsifiers and thickening agents obtained from plant, animal and algal sources. Vitamin extracts essential oils, derived proteins are Components of nutrient supplements and modern cosmetics. Biofuels and bioplastics I transforming our world with renewable energy and eco friendly environment. Biosensors made with suitable enzymes o Are used to check atmospheric pollution and health monitoring.
According to investindia, Bat technology industry is currently valued at $137 billion and it is about to increase up to $ 150 billion by 2025.Bio-based chemicals have played major role in boosting biotech economy over the years. The industry generate $12 billion in revenue. Furthuremore, 2500 companies and firms associated with it has provided scope of development through intense competition an research. Over 6000 startups have brought a wave of ideas and innovation with them. This field has been pivotal in uplifting employment in the country. Each and every step – preproduction, production, purification and characterization employs skilled researchers, operators and technicians. The biotech workforce of our country is around 1million and will increase in future.
Bio-based chemicals and enzymes have been revolutionizing the modern world with their tremendous contribution in agriculture, pharmacology, food industry, public health. Yet there is need for significant improvement in infrastructure and public awareness. There should be also increase in support to the biotech startups and entrepreneurs. Lastly, there should accretion in the research fundings to grow bio-derived products sector in India.
Vishwam Ghelani
University/College name : Christ College, Rajkot