Biopharming

Biopharming

Biopharming, also known as "pharming," is a biotechnological process that involves the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to produce pharmaceutical substances. This innovative approach leverages the natural biological processes of plants and animals to produce complex proteins and other compounds that are used in medicine.

Overview

Biopharming is a subset of biotechnology that focuses on the production of therapeutic proteins and other pharmaceutical products in living organisms. The organisms most commonly used in biopharming include plants, animals, and microorganisms. The primary goal of biopharming is to produce pharmaceuticals in a cost-effective and scalable manner.

History

The concept of using living organisms to produce pharmaceuticals dates back to the early 20th century with the development of insulin production in bacteria. However, the term "biopharming" became more prominent in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with advances in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology.

Methods

Biopharming involves several key steps:

1. Gene Identification and Isolation: The first step is to identify and isolate the gene responsible for the production of the desired pharmaceutical compound.

2. Genetic Modification: The isolated gene is inserted into the genome of a host organism, such as a plant or animal, using techniques like Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or CRISPR-Cas9.

3. Cultivation: The genetically modified organism is cultivated under controlled conditions to express the pharmaceutical compound.

4. Harvesting and Purification: The compound is extracted and purified from the host organism for use in pharmaceuticals.

Applications

Biopharming has a wide range of applications, including:

- Vaccine Production: Plants and animals can be engineered to produce antigens for vaccines, such as the production of hepatitis B vaccine in yeast.

- Therapeutic Proteins: Proteins such as monoclonal antibodies and enzymes can be produced in plants and animals for the treatment of diseases like cancer and hemophilia.

- Nutraceuticals: Biopharming can be used to enhance the nutritional content of food crops, such as rice enriched with vitamin A (Golden Rice).

Advantages

- Cost-Effectiveness: Biopharming can reduce the cost of producing pharmaceuticals by using plants and animals as bioreactors. - Scalability: Large-scale production is possible by cultivating genetically modified crops or breeding animals. - Safety: Plant-based systems reduce the risk of contamination with human pathogens.

Challenges

- Regulatory Hurdles: Biopharming faces strict regulatory scrutiny to ensure safety and efficacy. - Public Perception: There is public concern over the use of GMOs in food and medicine. - Environmental Impact: The potential for cross-contamination with non-GMO crops is a concern.

Ethical Considerations

Biopharming raises ethical questions about the manipulation of living organisms and the potential impact on biodiversity. It is important to balance the benefits of biopharming with ethical considerations and public concerns.

Also see

• Genetic engineering
• Recombinant DNA
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical industry