8

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Quarter 4
Learning Material 1
Applications of
Biotechnology in
HEALTH
 Target
In this module, you will learn the applications of Biotechnology in Health.

To help you understand the module, you will be doing the following
activities in the lesson:
Lesson 1- Applications of Biotechnology in Health
• Activity 1: Match Me
• Activity 2: Case Study
• Activity 3: Identify Me

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

a. differentiate the application of biotechnology in traditional
medicine from modern medicine; and
b. appreciate the beneficial applications of biotechnology in the
field of medicine.

What I Know (Pre-test)

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer.
1. It is the use of artificial methods to modify the genetic material of living
organisms or cells to produce novel compounds or to perform new
functions.
a. biological engineering c. biotechnology
b. biology d. genetic modification
2. It is the application of computer hardware and software to store,
retrieve and analyze large quantities of biological data.
a. bioinformatics c. biophysics
b. biological engineering d. biotechnology
3. He accidentally discovered the antibiotic penicillin.
a. Alexander Fleming c. Gerhard Domagk
b. Benjamin Duggar d. Giuseppe Brotzu
4. The year when the penicillin was discovered.
a. 1925 c. 1930
b. 1928 d. 1938
5. He pioneered the concept of vaccines.
a. Benjamin Duggar c. Gerhard Domagk
b. Edward Jenner d. Karl Ereky
6. This is a disease that destroys nerve connections in the brain causing
gradual permanent memory loss.
a. Alzheimer’s disease c. Parkinson’s disease
b. Huntington’s disease d. Pick’s disease
7. It is the branch of science that focuses with the causes and effects of
various diseases and serves as bridge for medicine to develop possible
treatment.
a. Cytology c. Hematology
b. Immunology d. Pathology
 8. It is a tool used in genetic engineering, allowing scientists to take a very
small sample of DNA and amplify it to a large enough amount to study
in detail.
a. Cloning c. Molecular Scissor
b. Gel Electrophoresis d. Polymerase Chain Reaction
9. Which of the following is the most challenging issue facing
vaccination?
a. the stability of the vaccine
b. the availability of the vaccine
c. the costs of vaccine production
d. the ethics and safety of using information in the testing of the
vaccine
10. It is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to compensate
for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein.
a. Gene Therapy c. Targeted Cell Therapy
b. Stem Cell Treatment d. Therapeutic Protein

Applications of Biotechnology in Health

LESSON 1

Discover
You may have watched movies about a person with Alzheimer’s disease
who suffers from dementia or loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and
other thinking capabilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.

In the year 2020, a new Biogen Alzheimer’s disease drug was develop
named “Aducanumab” which was sufficiently safe and effective in treating
patients with cognitive impairment due to mild to severe Alzheimer’s disease.

So, what exactly is Biotechnology? Biotechnology is the use of artificial

methods to modify the genetic material of living organisms or cells to produce
novel compounds or to perform new functions. The primary applications of
biotechnology in medicine are the production of vaccines and antibiotics. In the
history, one of biotechnology’s breakthrough was the accidental but successful
discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. He found that the fungus
Penicillium notatum proved extremely effective even at very low concentrations,
preventing Staphylococcus growth even when diluted 800 times, and was less
toxic than the disinfectants used at the time. By the end of World War II,
penicillin was nicknamed “the wonder drug” and had saved many lives.

But what are the other applications of biotechnology in health?

Red Biotechnology and Medicine

Red biotechnology is a process which utilizes organisms to improve health

care and help the body to fight diseases. It is a branch of modern biotechnology
which is utilized in the field of medicine. It is of great value not only to the
pharmaceutical industry but also to the medical profession as it facilitates the
enhancement of the quality of life on one hand and the alleviation of human
suffering on the other.

Furthermore, it became a very important part of the medical field and is

of tremendous use in the field of diagnostics, gene therapy, and clinical research
and trials. Genetic engineering and the development and production of various
new medicines to treat the different life-threatening diseases are also part of the
benefits of red biotechnology.

Medicine is the field of health and healing that includes nurses, doctors,
and various specialists. It covers diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of
disease, medical research, and many other aspects of health. Medicine aims to
promote and maintain health and well-being. In addition, pathology is a branch
of medical science primarily concerning the cause, origin, and nature of the
disease. It involves the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and
autopsies in order to study and diagnose disease.

THE DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH

Here are the applications of biotechnology in health according to (Mahato,

2020):
• Molecular diagnostics draw upon recent advances in biology to diagnose
infectious disease by detecting the presence or absence of pathogen-
associated molecules (nucleic acids or protein) in a patient's blood or
tissues. Molecular diagnostics are simple, rapid, relatively inexpensive
and have high specificity and sensitivity. These include such technologies
as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), monoclonal antibodies, and
recombinant antigens.

Figure 2: Molecular diagnostics examine the molecules in the cell, i.e. the dna, rna or
proteins, and how their role in human biology and disease.
Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y4x6l7jb
• Recombinant vaccines are possibly the most important medical advance
of the last hundred years. Going back in the history, on May 14, 1796,
Edward Jenner took fluid from a cowpox blister and scratched it into the
skin of James Phipps, an eight-year-old boy. A single blister rose up on
the spot, but James soon recovered. On July 1, Jenner inoculated the boy
 again, this time with smallpox matter, and no disease developed.
Vaccination has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, the imminent
eradication of polio, and a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of many
other infectious diseases. Advances in vaccine research are expected to
impact not only communicable diseases but also non-communicable
ones such as cancer.

Much progress is being made in recombinant vaccine development but

there continue to be challenges such as, for example, correct presentation
of recombinant antigens to the immune system and lengthening the
lifetime of the engineered protein in the body.

Figure 3: Production of Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y6dgshkx

• Bioremediation influences the natural biochemical processes of plants

or micro-organisms to clean up the environment. Bioremediation has
direct significance to any development activity related to the environment,
including water, soil, and air. For instance, the use of bioremediation to
clean contaminated soil or water can promote food production and can
prevent the spread of infectious water-borne diseases.

Two main types of pollution threaten the health and well-being of human
populations: organic waste and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and
cadmium. Bacteria can detoxify both. Plants can break down most forms
of organic waste, and can store harmful metals in their tissues, therefore
making it easier to collect, harvest, and even recycle metal waste. Water
contaminated by human waste harbors large populations of pathogenic
organisms and has been implicated in the transmission of cholera,
typhoid, hepatitis A, and other waterborne diseases. The incidence of
these diseases can be dramatically reduced through sewage treatment.
Conventional chemical sewage treatment can be augmented by the use of
beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms to kill pathogens
.
 Figure 4: Microbial Remediation of Pollutants via Synthetic Biology
Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y3x49848

• Bioinformatics is the of computer hardware and software to store,

retrieve and analyze large quantities of biological data. The use of high
throughput technologies (DNA sequencing machines, DNA and RNA
microarrays, combinatorial chemistry, 2D gel electrophoresis, and mass
spectrometry) produces large quantities of biological data which can also
play an important role in the development of medicinal drugs.

Figure 5: Statistical Bioinformatics

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/yxdvhj5f

• Sequencing pathogen genomes, together with bio-informatics can

rapidly accelerate the process of medicinal drug discovery and are
important tools in
 fight against infectious diseases. Perhaps, in a comparison of disease-
causing and benign strains of the same organism, genes unique to the
virulent strain are likely to play an important role in pathogenesis, and
the proteins for which they code may be useful drug targets.

Figure 6: Pathogen Sequencing During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/yyvtfurv

• Enriched genetically modified crops

Malnutrition impaired cognitive and physical development, and is
associated with multiple illnesses attributed to specific nutrient
deficiencies, such as anemia, caused by iron deficiency which one of the
leading causes of maternal mortality. Furthermore, malnutrition
adversely affects the immune system and amplifies the effects of
infectious diseases. But with genetic modification, it became possible to
introduce new genes and new traits into crops that developed more
rapidly and more precisely than traditional breeding and also enable the
introduction of new genes from different species producing crops fortified

with nutritional values vital for good health.

Figure 7: Iron Biofortification of Rice Using Different Transgenic Approaches
Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y4o63ly9
• Recombinant therapeutic proteins are used to treat many non-
communicable diseases, and the recombinant technology makes it
possible to insert a gene or genes for the therapeutic protein into a
suitable organism.
 Transgenic mammals are currently the most attractive source of
recombinant therapeutic proteins. These animals secrete recombinant
protein in easily-harvested body fluid, such as milk or urine.

Table 1: Therapeutic Proteins From Recombinant Bacteria

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y3ctzzum

• Tissue nanotransfection
Tissue nanotransfection works by injecting genetic code into skin cells,
which turns those skin cells into the other types of cells required for
treating diseases. In some lab tests, it completely repaired the injured legs
of mice over a period of a few weeks by turning skin cells into vascular
cells.

Figure 8: Neurogenic tissue nanotransfection in the management of cutaneous diabetic polyneuropathy

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y59dbb6d
• CRISPR/Cas9
CRISPR technology or CRISPR-Cas9 utilizes a protein called Cas9, which
acts like a pair of molecular scissors and can cut DNA. Specialized in
stretches of DNA and are used in medical biotechnology as a tool to edit
genomes. It allows scientists to alter DNA and modify gene functions. In
addition, there are many applications of CRISPR such as correcting
genetic defects, treating diseases, preventing the spread of diseases, and
improving crops .

Figure 9: CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y3jp5cv5

• Stem Cell Research

Stem cells can keep dividing infinitely and have the capacity to
differentiate into different types of body cells during the early
development of an organism. Imagine an individual with a degenerative
spinal disorder that severely impacts their quality-of- life. With the help
of stem cell research, it might be possible to grow these stem cells in vitro,
in a lab setting, and then implanted them back into the affected
individual’s body. This would help restore their cognitive acuity, vision,
hearing, and other physical features. This may sound far-fetched and
like a plot from a
sci-fi movie, but the preliminary results have been promising.
• Gene Therapy is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to
compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein. If a
mutated gene causes a necessary protein to be faulty or missing, gene
therapy may be able to introduce a normal copy of the gene to restore
the function of the protein.

Figure 11: The Principle of Gene Therapy

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/yytpt7qf

• Human Genome Project was an international scientific research project

coordinated by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department
of Energy and considered as one of the greatest accomplishments of
exploration in human history. It was officially launched in 1990 with the
goal of detrmining the sequence of nucleotide base pairs that make up
human DNA. In April 2003, the researchers announced that they had
completed a preliminary sequencing of the entire human genome. This
work of the HGP has allowed researchers to begin to understand the
blueprint for building a person. As researchers learn more about the
functions of genes and proteins, it has aided them in identifying genes
that cause diseases.

Figure 12: The Diversity of Genomic Applications to Society.

Figure 13: From Genes to Proteins.
Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y2nyvwqh
• Targeted Cancer Therapies
Targeted cancer therapies are drugs that work either by interfering with the
function of specific molecules or by only targeting known cancerous cells, in
order to minimize damage to healthy cells.

Figure 14: Schematic Diagram of An AIC Targeting A Cell.

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y56uycdy

• 3D visualization and augmented reality for surgery

Surgery is brutal on the human body, and medical breakthroughs that make
the surgical and healing process more efficient is always welcomed.
Biotechnology has now made it possible for doctors to view an entire 3D
image of the inside of a patient’s body through the use of MRI and CT scans.
This allows each organ to be precisely projected so that the surgeon can
make small, targeted incisions to minimize bodily trauma to the patient.
Furthermore, augmented reality would allow pertinent information to be
displayed directly overlaid over the relevant body parts.

Figure 15: Augmented reality image overlay utilizing AR connected goggles.

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/yypfk9eg
 • 3D Printed Organs
Artificial limbs have been in use
for centuries, and there has been
a steady improvement in the
mobility and versatility of bionic
limbs. Now new advances in
bionic technology and 3D printing
have taken it even further. It has
made it possible to artificially
construct internal organs like the
heart, kidney, and liver. Doctors
have been able to implant these
into individuals that need them
successfully.
Figure 16: 3D bioprinters deposit different types of
cells the way a color 3D printer deposits different types of polymer. Image By: Wake Forest. Image
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yy6xhx66

Explore
Activity 1: Match Me!

Directions: Identify what is asked for in each item by choosing the letter of
the correct answer in the box.

1. It is a disease that destroys nerve connections in the brain causing gradual

permanent memory loss.
2. It is the branch of science that focuses with the causes and effects of various
diseases and serves as a bridge for the medicine to develop a possible
treatment.
3. He is the one responsible for the discovery of penicillin.
4. It is the use of microbes and bacteria to remove contaminants, pollutants, and
toxins from soil, water, and another environment.
5. It is a technique used to multiply the DNA exponentially for each of the 25 to
75 cycles.
6. He is a pioneer of the concept of vaccines.
7. It is the utilization of therapeutic proteins to replace a protein that is deficient
in a particular disease.
8. It is the application of computer programs in collecting and analyzing complex
biological data such as genetic codes.
 9. These are vaccines produced through rDNA technology.
10. It is the branch of biotechnology focused on designing organisms to produce
antibiotics, and vaccines; and genetic engineering, where cures are found
through manipulating an organism’s genetic material.

Deepen
Activity 2: Case Study

Direction: Read the case of Reema Sandhu and answer the questions.

THE CASE OF REEMA SANDHU WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Reema Sandhu’s stem cell success story started in 2014 when she was
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The condition affects the brain and spinal
cord, resulting in a wide range of life-altering symptoms such as visual
impairments, muscle spasms, and memory problems. Despite receiving high
dose drugs for her condition, Reema did not see any improvement and suffered
from several side- effects.

After years of frustration, she decided to choose private treatment and

following a dose of chemotherapy to destroy her immune system, began to
receive stem cell treatments in January. She then received an autologous stem
cell transplant, where her stem cells were collected from her blood and returned
to her body via intravenous infusion.

Significant improvements were immediately noticeable, particularly with

Reema’s brain function. Two months after the transplant, her vision was
restored and she returned to work. These positive outcomes suggest that
Reema’s Multiple Sclerosis has stopped progressing as a result of her stem cell
transplant.
Source: https://cells4life.com/2019/12/5-stem-cell-success-stories/

Guide Questions

1. What is stem cell treatment?

2. How can stem cell treatment help in the case of Reema Sandhu? Explain your
answer.
3. Do you agree that stem cell treatment is a great application of biotechnology
in medicine? Why? Explain your answer.
 THE CASE OF SCARLET ANNE TAYLOR DEATH

Rebecca Hendricks lost her daughter to the flu on December 19, 2014.
Five- year-old Scarlet Taylor was gone in less than 48 hours after her first flu
symptom. It all began when Scarlet was sent home from school with a fever
on a Wednesday. Tylenol helped to lower Scarlet’s fever and the following day
she ran errands with her mom. On Friday morning, Rebecca took her daughter
to the hospital because of her raspy breathing. Less than four hours after
walking into the hospital, Scarlet was gone.

Weeks later, doctors told Rebecca that Scarlet’s cause of death was the
H3N2 flu. Rebecca didn’t even know flu killed people, and Scarlet had never
been vaccinated for flu. Rebecca is now a strong advocate for flu vaccination.
She says that even if the flu shot was only 10 percent effective that it might’ve
helped. “I’d take 10 percent if it meant that much of a difference between life
and death. Her symptoms could’ve been less, her little body could’ve handled it
better if she had gotten that vaccine.”

After her daughter’s tragic death, Rebecca has dedicated her life to raising
awareness about the flu and the vaccine that can prevent it by creating a
nonprofit called The End-Fluenza Project. She wants to make sure no other
family will have to live through what she did. The End-Fluenza Project’s
mission is to increase vaccination rates among children by empowering families
with the knowledge to make informed decisions about vaccination, preventative
lifestyle changes, as well as keeping those lives lost by flu, alive through their
awareness campaigns.
Source: (The End-FLUenza Project, Scarlet Taylor)
https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineStories

Guide Questions
1. How did vaccine become useful in medicine?
2. Based on the case of Scarlet Anne Taylor, why is it important to be
vaccinated? Explain.
3. You were offered to be immunized with a vaccine, are you going to take the
vaccine? Why? Explain your answer.

Gauge
Activity 3: Identify Me
Let’s sum up what you have learned. Read each item carefully. Complete its
meaning by supplying the correct term.

1. It is used to diagnose infectious disease by detecting the presence or absence

of pathogen-associated molecules (nucleic acids or protein) in a patient's
blood or tissues.
2. These are proteins that fast-acting and potent medicines and have proved
very successful in the treatment of a wide range of indications.
 3. It is a treatment executed to replace lost or damaged cells that our bodies
cannot replace naturally.
4. He is the pioneer of the concept of vaccines.
5. It is a disease that destroys nerve connections in the brain causing gradual
permanent memory loss.
6. It is a branch of modern biotechnology that is utilized in the field of medicine.
7. It is the branch of medical science primarily concerning the cause, origin,
and nature of disease called as .
8. It is the computer hardware and software that is used to store, retrieve and
analyze large quantities of biological data used in genetic engineering.
9. It used to be precisely projected so that the surgeon can make small,
targeted incisions to minimize bodily trauma to the patient.
10. It is a product of a genetically modified crop that offers an inexpensive
and sustainable solution to mitigate iron deficiency using Oryza sativa.

What I Have Learned (Post-test)

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. This is a disease that destroys nerve connections in the brain causing gradual
permanent memory loss.
a. Alzheimer’s disease c. Parkinson’s disease
b. Huntington’s disease d. Pick’s disease
2. What do we call the branch of science that focuses with the causes and effects
of various diseases and serves as bridge for medicine to develop possible
treatment?
a. Cytology c. Hematology
b. Immunology d. Pathology
3. Which of the following is the most challenging issue facing vaccination?
a. the stability of the vaccine
b. the availability of the vaccine
c. the costs of vaccine production
d. the ethics and safety of using information in the testing of the vaccine
4. Which is not a benefit of genetically modified crops?
a. tastier food c. can prolong shelf life
b. more nutritious food d. can cause an allergic reaction
5. When was penicillin discovered?
a. 1925 c. 1930
b. 1928 d. 1938

True or False. Write the word “True” if the statement is correct and write “False” if
the statement is incorrect.

1. Biotechnology is described as the technology that operates biological systems,

living entities as well as portions of this to expand or create diverse products.
2. Generally, adult stem cells are only found in adults.
3. Vaccines are drawn from genetically modified microbes.
4. Interferon is used to treat cancer.
5. Gene therapy is a medical technique to treat or prevent disease.