G STS - Lesson 3.1

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AS3 | G STS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (UV MAIN: BEED1-A1)

LESSON 3: Bio-nanotechnology
Lesson 3.1 Bio-Nanotechnology
Bio-nanotechnology is a science that converges the concepts of Nanotechnology and Biology. Nanobiology and Nanobiotechnology are
other names used with Bio-nanotechnology. This field applies the tools of nanotechnology to biological problems, creating specialized
applications.
Biotechnology uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives to make or modify products or processes for specific use. It
focuses on basic research towards the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic devices. Nanotechnology, on the other hand,
refers to the manipulation of materials from a nanometer (nm) to micrometer (um). Take for instance, the cells of living organisms are
typically around 10 um across meaning the machinery and components of living cells within the nanoscale size range is ideal for
interactions with functional nanoparticles and nanomachines.
Introduction

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms like cells and bacteria to produce various products for the benefit of human beings. This
technology combines various concepts of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering. Its application ranges from
agriculture, industry including pharmaceutical, chemical byproducts, textile, medicine, nutrition, and environmental conservation.
Biotechnology modifies genetic structure in animals and plants to improve them for more beneficial results.
History of Biotechnology

People started using biotechnology techniques thousands of years ago but did not name their field as biotechnology. It was named
biotechnology by Karoly Ereky, a Hungarian engineer in 1919 to describe the process of converting raw materials into a more useful
product with the use of technology.
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The oldest form of biotechnology started during the ancient Egyptians. They made wine using fermentation techniques based on the
concept of microbiological processes that occur in the absence of oxygen. They also applied the same process to make dough rise in
bread-making. They bred geese and cattle to meet people’s nutritional and dietary needs.
Yogurt was also made at homes but the reason of the conversion of milk to yogurt was unknown to people in the past. It has been later
found out by researches that yogurt is made due to the action of yeast added to milk.
People have used selective breeding to improve the production of crops and livestock wherein organisms with desirable characteristics
are mated to produce offspring with the same characteristics.
Modern Biotechnology

The Second World War was a major obstacle in scientific discoveries. After the end of the second world war, important discoveries were
reported that paved the way for modern biotechnology and to its current status.
The discovery of the “Double Helix Model of DNA” was a groundbreaking upgrade in early 1950’s. Scientists were able to synthesize
the DNA in test tube , was able to insert a foreign DNA into another host and was even able to monitor the transfer of a foreign DNA into
the next generation. Some important events in biotechnology:
In 1978, Boyer was able to isolate a gene for insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar from human genome using
biotechnology.
In 1997, Ian Wilmut, an Irish scientist was able to successfully clone a sheep and named the cloned “Dolly”.
In 2003, the Human Genome Project complete sequencing of the human genome.
(Note: Please watch the video below to learn more about Biotechnology.)

DNA Technologies
Modern biotechnology relies mainly on DNA technology. DNA technology involves the sequencing, analysis, and cutting-and-pasting of
DNA. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid contains the genetic information for the development and function of living organisms. Sequences or
strands of DNA is known as genes. Genes are the basic unit of heredity that contains the physical characteristics of the organisms to be
passed on to the next generation.
The manipulation of genes in DNA technology is important as it enables the creation of multiple copies of genes and the insertion of
foreign genes into organisms to give them new traits.
Some examples of DNA technologies include:
DNA Cloning. This involves inserting a target gene into a circular DNA molecule called plasmid. In short, it refers to “clone”-
meaning making many copies of a DNA fragment of interest such as gene. The plasmid can be replicated through the used of
bacteria, making a protein such as insulin used in treating diabetes.
Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR). This is a widely used DNA manipulation technique, produce many copies of a target DNA
sequence starting from a piece of template DNA that is present in trace amounts such as in droplet of blood at a crime scene.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Gel electrophoresis. It is a technique use to visualize DNA fragments. Example, a researcher can analyze the results of a PCR
reaction by examining the DNA fragments it produces on a gel, which based on their size.
DNA Sequencing. This involves determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule.
Products of Biotechnology may include medicines, more-resilient crops, biofuels and biomaterials, and pollution control.
Famous fields of biotechnology

1. Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of direct manipulation of an organism’s genome using biotechnology. It allows scientist to move
desired genes from one plant or animal into another. Genes can also be moved from an animal to plant or vice versa. This process
is also known as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
Otherwise, genetic engineering is also known as “genetic modification”.
Genetic Engineering uses methods such as gene gun, microinjection, and electric shocks.
Genetic modification aims to address the issues on food security, agriculture, drug production, and nutrition. The processes on
genetic modification usually based on Genetics which allow intervention into the genotype of humans, living organism and viral
genomes.
Genetically Modified Organisms

GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are plants, animals, microorganisms whose genetic makeup has been modified using
recombinant DNA methods (also called gene splicing). This processed termed as transgenic technology or recombinant DNA technology.
According to the Institute for responsible Technology, it is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species
are extracted and artificially forces into the genes to an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes inserted may come from bacteria,
viruses, insects, or other plant and animal species. This new organism produced known as “transgenic”.
GMO is different form selective breeding. Selective breeding is also known as artificial selection, in which to develop new organisms with
desirable characteristics. The process takes place in choosing the best offspring with the desired traits and to produce new individuals of
their kind. This involves natural process compared to genetic engineering, which it is performed in the laboratory using direct genes of
organisms.
Advantages of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
Foods have higher nutrient content and enhance flavor.

Crops are disease and drought- resistant that require fewer environmental resources.
Increase supply of food at reduced cost.
Faster growing plants and high yield production
Reduced mechanical weeding which helps prevent the loss of soil.
Lower pesticide residues for consumers.
Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
Impose allergic reactions to some consumers.

Health concerns to some people that contribute in the development of a new illness, like cancer (based on journal of Food and
Chemical Toxicology).
This contributes people to be more resistant to certain antibiotics.
2. GENE THERAPY
Gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent diseases. It is a technique used to correct defective
genes- that are responsible for disease development. According to American Society of Gene and Cell therapy, it is a set of strategies
that modify the expression of an individual’s genes or hat correct abnormal genes with the use of a specific DNA or RNA. Though, this
still consider experimental and only available for clinical trial amidst of documented successful cases of treatment.
Strategies of Gene Therapy
1) Insert the functional version of a gene in hopes of replacing the abnormal form.
2) Insert a gene that encodes for a therapeutic protein that treats a disease.
3) Use gene transfer to down- regulate gene expression in hopes of decreasing the activity of a harmful gene.
Approaches of Gene Therapy
1) Replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene.
2) Inactivating a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.
3) Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight s disease.
Types of Gene Therapy
1. Somatic Gene Therapy
It is the transfer of genes into the somatic cells of the patient, such as cells of the bone marrow, hence, the new DNA does not
enter the eggs or sperm cells. The genes transferred are usually normal alleles that could correct the mutant or the defective alleles
of the recipient.
The technique of somatic gene therapy
This involves inserting a normal gene into the appropriate cells of an individual affected with a genetic disease, thereby
permanently correcting the disorder.
2. Germline Gene Therapy
Germline gene therapy targets the reproductive cells. DNA is transferred into the cells that produce reproductive cells, eggs, or
sperm in the body. This type of therapy allows for the correction of disease-causing gene variants that are certain to be passed
down from generation to generation.
Germline gene therapy is also known as in vitro fertilization-bringing eggs and sperms together outside the prospective mother’s
body. The possibility exists that genes could be altered in eggs or sperm in an early embryo. In this technology, cells are accessible,
so gene delivery is less of a problem. The inserted gene would be present in all the cells of the person treated because it would be
transmitted to progeny cells during growth and development.
One of the applications of germline gene therapy is designer babies. Designer babies is a term used to describe babies that have
enhanced, or designed characters as a result of gene manipulation in a form of IVF (in vitro fertilization), which allows scientist to
bring sperm and eggs together to produce embryo outside of the prospective mother’s body making them accessible to
manipulation by one or two types of technology.

(Note: Please watch the video below to learn more about Gene Therapy.)

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1/15/22, 6:34 AM AS3 | G STS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (UV MAIN: BEED1-A1) - https://access.uv.edu.

AS3 | G STS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (UV MAIN: BEED1-A1)

Lesson 3.1 Bio-Nanotechnology

Some examples of DNA technologies include:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Famous fields of biotechnology

Genetically Modified Organisms

Advantages of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Foods have higher nutrient content and enhance flavor.

Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Impose allergic reactions to some consumers.

Strategies of Gene Therapy

Approaches of Gene Therapy

2) Inactivating a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.

3) Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight s disease.

Types of Gene Therapy

1. Somatic Gene Therapy

2. Germline Gene Therapy

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