Since ancient times, humans have manipulated living organisms, as seen in the fermentation of beverages, crop selection, and selective breeding of animals.
However, the true scientific advancement in this field began in 1855, when Louis Pasteur discovered that fermentation was caused by microorganisms, laying the foundations of microbiology.
In 1919, the Hungarian researcher Karl Ereky coined the term "biotechnology" to explain how technological advances could be applied in agriculture to enhance productivity.
The discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 marked another milestone, enabling the understanding and manipulation of genetic inheritance.
In 1973, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer conducted the first gene transfer, and in 1982, insulin was produced for the first time using bacteria, while genetically modified crops began to be developed to resist pests.
With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the advent of CRISPR in 2012, biotechnology has expanded its applications.
Today, it encompasses areas from personalised medicine and agriculture to the production of biofuels and environmental bioremediation, among others.
Innovation and Sustainability
The impact of biotechnology extends to nearly every aspect of our lives, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, such as climate change, food security, and incurable diseases. In healthcare, it has enabled extraordinary advances in the development of drugs and therapies. The ability to manipulate genetic material has driven the creation of personalised treatments, such as biological therapies and gene therapy, designed to tackle complex diseases like cancer and genetic disorders with unprecedented precision. Furthermore, it has significantly improved vaccine production, making it more efficient and rapid, as seen in the accelerated development of vaccines against Covid-19 using messenger RNA technologies.
Another benefit of biotechnology in healthcare is that, by optimising production processes, it has reduced the use of natural resources and hazardous waste, generating a positive impact on the environment. In the food industry, biotechnology has significantly improved both the production and quality of food. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) enable the creation of crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse climatic conditions, contributing to safer and more stable production. Biotechnology techniques allow for the extension of product shelf life without the need for chemical preservatives, which reduces waste and promotes more sustainable practices.
This technology has also made it possible to enhance the nutritional content of certain foods, such as golden rice, which was enriched with vitamin A to combat deficiencies of this nutrient in regions with high rates of malnutrition. Agriculture is another sector benefiting from biotechnology. Transgenic seeds resistant to pests and herbicides reduce the use of chemical pesticides, decreasing environmental impact and costs for farmers. This technology not only improves yields but also contributes to more sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of climate change.
In the biofuels sector, biotechnology has opened new avenues towards cleaner and renewable energy sources. Through the genetic modification of microorganisms, biofuels such as ethanol have been produced from non-food organic materials, such as agricultural waste or algae. This not only represents an alternative to fossil fuels but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Companies that Embraced Digital Transformation
In an increasingly competitive and changing environment, companies developing biotechnological applications face the challenge of adapting to stay at the forefront of innovation. In this context, turning to the best technological solutions available in the market has become a fundamental aspect. Numerous examples exist of organisations that have chosen this path and are now reaping the benefits of modernisation.
Repligen and Bioventus, two North American companies dedicated to the production of biological medicines, implemented SAP ECC & S/4HANA to have a fully integrated system, with improved business process flows and a platform upon which to support their growth and international development.
Both projects received support from Answerthink and CTAC, two technology companies that are members of United VARs, providing their expertise and technical teams to achieve a successful outcome.
Another success story is that of Sirtex, a global biotechnology company specialising in cancer treatment, headquartered in Australia, which underwent a digital transformation process to integrate its overseas operations and manage its business processes efficiently.
The tool it chose was SAP Business All-in-One, an ERP solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring a modern and flexible platform with best market practices. The project was carried out in phases across three countries where the company has a presence: Australia, Germany, and the United States.
Sirtex received invaluable assistance from Seidor and All for One, SAP business partners and members of United VARs, who supported the implementation from start to production.
A New Era of Possibilities
Biotechnology is experiencing a notable phase of expansion. According to a recent report by Value Market Research, the market reached $1.84 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $6.24 billion by 2032, representing a significant increase in less than a decade.
This growth is attributed not only to the advancement of disruptive technologies but also to the increasing demand for innovative solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
However, this rapid growth is not without challenges. Bioethics remains a central issue, with debates surrounding the impact of genetically modified foods and the implications of using advanced tools like CRISPR in genetic editing. These technological advancements, which have the potential to revolutionise medicine and agriculture, also pose ethical and social dilemmas that companies must face with great responsibility. Proper regulation and transparency in processes are essential to ensure that biotechnology develops safely and equitably.
The future is promising. Biotechnology is not only producing changes in key sectors but can also be a fundamental ally in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Biotechnological solutions, such as the creation of more resilient crops or the production of cleaner energy, are essential to address the global challenges that lie ahead. The current challenge is to balance rapid development with a responsible and ethical approach, ensuring that the benefits of biotechnology translate into a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
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