Though biotechnology is often viewed as a set of agricultural or health-care tools based on living cells and their molecules, it’s also used to create products and solve problems in many other industries.
For example, companies use biological molecules in industrial processes to conserve energy and reduce toxic waste emissions, thereby lessening the environmental impact of manufacturing.
Some firms modify vegetable oils to meet industrial needs for coatings, plastics, cosmetics, lubricants and inks. That brings environmental and economic benefits while reducing American dependence on foreign oil.
From Enzymes to Textiles
Enzymes discovered and produced through biotechnology methods are used as detergents and detergent additives. Proteases, amylases and lipases are used to dissolve protein, starch, and fatty stains on clothing, while other enzymes are used to prevent dye leaching and fraying of fabric.
The state’s textile producers use biotechnology tools to quickly make large quantities of strong and flexible natural and synthetic fibers in factories requiring 20 to 50 percent less water than mills of yore.
Biotechnology is also being used to help improve dye uptake and retention in textiles and to enhance their moisture absorbency and their wrinkle and shrink resistance.
Producing Enzymes and Polymers
Cotton plants can be genetically modified to produce longer and stronger fibers and a wider array of natural colors.
Plants can also be genetically adapted to act as factories to produce high quantities of enzymes and polymers. Tobacco has a number of qualities that make it potentially ideal for this purpose.