10.5 Benefits of Marine Biotechnology

Introduction

Marine biotechnology is the application of biotechnology to marine organisms. It is also known as blue biotechnology. The oceans contain a huge diversity of life, and marine biotechnologists use this biodiversity to develop useful products for human welfare in medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and energy. This topic explains the benefits of marine biotechnology.

Definition

Marine biotechnology is simply the application of biotechnology to marine organisms. It is also known as blue biotechnology.

It involves the study and use of marine organisms, compounds produced by them, and beneficial applications in marine ecosystems.

Main Idea

In marine biotechnology, researchers use huge resources of biodiversity in the oceans to develop useful products for human welfare in the field of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection and energy sources.

Some applications of marine biotechnology include:

• Discovery and development of new pharmaceutical drugs
• Medicinal and cosmetic products from marine life
• Improved aqua-feed formulation
• Marine enzymes with unique properties
• Genetically modified aquaculture and fisheries
• Biofuels from marine algae
• Bioremediation

Core Concept

Benefits of Marine Biotechnology

Detailed Explanation

1. Discovery and Development of New Pharmaceutical Drugs

Marine biotechnologists have highlighted the marine flora and fauna that may be used to treat serious diseases like cancer, hepatitis and leukaemia. Marine sponges, algae and bacteria living in deep sea are rich sources of distinct medicinal compounds. Many of such pharmaceuticals compounds may potentially be used as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anticancer chemotherapy agents.

For example:

• A drug ziconotide derived from the venom of cone snail in Pacific Ocean is used for relieve from chronic severe pain.
• Similarly, Trabecetidin is derived from a marine tunicate, is used to treat cancer.

Simple explanation: The ocean is a rich source of new medicines. Marine organisms produce compounds that can be used to treat cancer, pain, and other diseases.

2. Medicinal and Cosmetic Products from Marine Life

Marine fish and algae produce omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and improved mental functioning. Marine biotechnologists are doing research to optimize the production and processing of high-quality omega-3 supplements.

Marine organisms, particularly seaweed and algae are frequently used to prepare cosmetics and skincare compounds due to their moisturizing, anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Purified products obtained from marine extracts are commercially important in cosmetic industry. They are used in cosmetics due to their ability to minimize wrinkles, hydrate the skin and protection against UV light.

A powerful antioxidant chemical Astaxanthin, obtained from marine micro-algae and shrimp, is used in skin allergy medicine for its anti-inflammatory role.

Simple explanation: Marine organisms provide ingredients for medicines and cosmetics. For example, omega-3 from fish is good for the heart, and Astaxanthin from algae is used in skin medicine.

3. Improved Aqua-feed Formulation

Marine biotechnology has advanced and optimized feed formulations for aquaculture species. Many seaweed and algae are used to develop purified and concentrated feed for fishes, shrimps and octopus farming. Formulated feed is commercially used to optimize growth of delicious seafood and minimize the environmental and disease impacts on them.

Simple explanation: Marine biotechnology helps make better food for farmed fish and shrimp.

4. Marine Enzymes with Unique Properties

Enzymes with unique level of stability needed for the harsh conditions of industrial processes, are extracted from marine organisms found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These enzymes remain functional in extreme temperatures, diverse range of pH and pressures. These thermostable enzymes are used in food processing, preparation of cosmetics and medicines. Some other marine enzymes, due to their environment friendly nature are used in detergents, polishing and in textile industry.

For example:

- Enzymes α-amylase, β-Agarase and Xylanase.

Science Titbits:

• A drug, Trabecetidin is derived from a marine tunicate, is used to treat cancer.
• A powerful antioxidant chemical Astaxanthin, obtained from marine micro-algae and shrimps, is used in skin allergy medicine for its anti-inflammatory role.
• Enzyme α-amylase that breaks down polysaccharides is isolated from the digestive tract of sea urchins.
• Enzyme β-Agarase that breaks down agar in the marine environment is isolated from crustaceans and seaweeds.
• Enzyme Xylanase that breaks down hemicellulose to sugars is isolated from marine algae, bacteria, fungi, and some protozoans.

Simple explanation: Marine organisms produce enzymes that work in extreme conditions. These enzymes are useful in industry.

5. Genetically Modified Aquaculture and Fisheries

Marine biotechnology plays an important role in improving aquaculture and fisheries programs. Innovative breeding experiments involving genetic modification and use of probiotics have improved the health and growth of fish and shellfish. Biotechnology has developed disease resistant and highly nutritious species by modifying wild fishes.

Marine organisms have evolved with exceptional adaptation to survive in diverse environments from deep-sea hydrothermal vents to cold polar waters and corals. Genetics studies of such organisms may guide biotechnologists to understand how life can thrive in such extreme conditions. Specific genes responsible for their thermo-stability can be identified for use in biotechnology to improve the stability of organisms in aquaculture.

Simple explanation: Marine biotechnology helps breed healthier and more disease-resistant fish and shellfish.

6. Biofuels from Marine Algae

Marine algae are a great source of environmentally friendly biofuels. Marine microalgae produce large amount of lipids, which are converted to biodiesel. Moreover, marine algae can artificially grow best in salty water which is abundantly present in salinity affected barren land. Growing marine algae in saline water also reduce the competition for freshwater resources. Biofuels obtained from algae may be a potential renewable energy source, and may help to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

Simple explanation: Marine algae can be used to make biodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel.

7. Bioremediation

Marine biotechnologists are identifying the role of multiple microorganisms in cleaning up the pollutants in sea water through bioremediation. Many marine bacteria and fungi, which are naturally involved in bioremediation of pollutants are being further engineered genetically. Microorganisms like Alcanivorax borkumensis (an alkane-degrading marine bacterium) naturally propagates in seawater containing crude oil. Genetically modified marine organisms can be employed to break down oil spills, plastics, polythene, pesticides and heavy metals and help in clean-up of polluted marine environments especially coastal areas.

Simple explanation: Marine microorganisms can be used to clean up pollution in the ocean, like oil spills and plastics.

8. Conclusion

To optimize the use of diverse biological resources of the oceans, biotechnologists and marine industries are continually innovating for human welfare and marine ecosystem conservation.

Simple explanation: Marine biotechnology is continually innovating to benefit humans and protect the marine environment.

Summary Table

Intermediate Level

Marine biotechnology (blue biotechnology) is the application of biotechnology to marine organisms.

Applications:

Key points:

• Marine organisms are a rich source of new drugs.
• Marine enzymes work in extreme conditions.
• Marine algae can produce biofuels.
• Marine microorganisms can clean up pollution.
• Marine biotechnology helps aquaculture and fisheries.

Important Points

• - Marine biotechnology is simply application of biotechnology to marine organisms and is also known as blue biotechnology.
• - It involves the study and use of marine organisms, compounds produced by them and beneficial applications in marine ecosystems.
• - In marine biotechnology researchers use huge resources of biodiversity in the oceans to develop useful products for human welfare in the field of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection and energy sources.
• - Some applications of marine biotechnology include:
• - Discovery and development of new pharmaceutical drugs: Marine biotechnologists have highlighted the marine flora and fauna that may be used to treat serious diseases like cancer, hepatitis and leukaemia. Marine sponges, algae and bacteria living in deep sea are rich sources of distinct medicinal compounds. Many of such pharmaceuticals compounds may potentially be used as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anticancer chemotherapy agents. For example, a drug ziconotide derived from the venom of cone snail in Pacific Ocean is used for relieve from chronic severe pain. Similarly, Trabecetidin is derived from a marine tunicate, is used to treat cancer.
• - Medicinal and Cosmetic Products from marine life: Marine fish and algae produce omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and improved mental functioning. Marine biotechnologists are doing research to optimize the production and processing of high-quality omega-3 supplements. Marine organisms, particularly seaweed and algae are frequently used to prepare cosmetics and skincare compounds due to their moisturizing, anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Purified products obtained from marine extracts are commercially important in cosmetic industry. They are used in cosmetics due to their ability to minimize wrinkles, hydrate the skin and protection against UV light. A powerful antioxidant chemical Astaxanthin, obtained from marine micro-algae and shrimp, is used in skin allergy medicine for its anti-inflammatory role.
• - Improved aqua-feed formulation: Marine biotechnology has advanced and optimize feed formulations for aquaculture species. Many seaweed and Algae are used to develop purified and concentrated feed for fishes, shrimps and octopus farming. Formulated feed is commercially used to optimize growth of delicious see food and minimize the environmental and disease impacts on them.
• - Marine Enzymes with unique properties: Enzymes with unique level of stability needed for the harsh conditions of industrial processes, are extracted from marine organisms found in deep- sea hydrothermal vents. These enzymes remain functional in extreme temperatures, diverse range of pH and pressures. These thermostable enzymes are used in food processing, preparation of cosmetics and medicines. Some other marine enzymes, due to their environment friendly nature are used in detergents, polishing and in textile industry. For example, enzymes α-amylase, β-Agarase and Xylanase.
• - Genetically modified Aquaculture and Fisheries: Marine biotechnology plays an important role in improving aquaculture and fisheries programs. Innovative breeding experiments involving genetic modification and use of probiotics have improved the health and growth of fish and shellfish. Biotechnology has developed disease resistant and highly nutritious species by modifying wild fishes. Marine organisms have evolved with exceptional adaptation to survive in diverse environments from deep- sea hydrothermal vents to cold polar waters and corals. Genetics studies of such organisms may guide biotechnologists to understand how life can thrive in such extreme conditions. Specific- genes responsible for their thermo- stability can be identified for use in biotechnology to improve the stability of organisms in aquaculture.
• - Biofuels from marine Algae: Marine algae are a great source environmentally friendly biofuels. Marine microalgae produce large amount of lipids, which are converted to biodiesel. Moreover, marine algae can artificially grow best in salty water which is abundantly present in salinity affected barren land. Growing marine algae in saline water also reduce the competition for freshwater resources. Biofuels obtained from Algae may be a potential renewable energy source, and may help to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
• - Bioremediation: Marine biotechnologists are identifying the role of multiple microorganisms in cleaning up the pollutants in sea water through bioremediation. Many marine bacteria and fungi, which are naturally involved in bioremediation of pollutants are being further engineered genetically. Microorganisms like Alcanivorax borkumensis (an alkane- degrading marine bacterium) naturally propagates in seawater containing crude oil. Genetically modified marine organisms can be employed to break down oil spills, plastics, polythene, pesticides and heavy metals and help in clean- up of polluted marine environments especially coastal areas.
• - To optimize the use of diverse biological resources of the oceans, biotechnologists and marine industries are continually innovating for human welfare and marine ecosystem conservation.

Remember

• - Marine biotechnology = blue biotechnology
• - Uses marine organisms for human welfare
• - Applications = medicine, cosmetics, aquaculture, enzymes, biofuels, bioremediation
• - Medicine = ziconotide (pain), Trabecetidin (cancer)
• - Cosmetics = omega-3, Astaxanthin
• - Aqua-feed = seaweed and algae
• - Enzymes = α-amylase, β-Agarase, Xylanase
• - Biofuels = marine microalgae
• - Bioremediation = Alcanivorax borkumensis (oil spills)
• - Marine organisms = rich source of new drugs
• - Marine enzymes = thermostable

Common Mistakes

• 1. Thinking marine biotechnology only involves medicine.
• - Marine biotechnology also includes cosmetics, aquaculture, enzymes, biofuels, and bioremediation.
• 2. Confusing marine biotechnology with marine biology.
• - Marine biology = study of marine life.
• - Marine biotechnology = use of marine organisms for human welfare.
• 3. Forgetting the role of marine algae in biofuels.
• - Marine microalgae produce lipids for biodiesel.
• 4. Mixing up the examples of marine drugs.
• - Ziconotide = pain.
• - Trabecetidin = cancer.
• 5. Believing marine enzymes are not useful.
• - Marine enzymes are thermostable and used in industry.
• 6. Thinking bioremediation only uses bacteria.
• - Bioremediation uses bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
• 7. Ignoring the importance of marine ecosystem conservation.
• - Marine biotechnology must be sustainable and conserve marine ecosystems.

Quick Revision

60-Second Revision

• Marine biotechnology = blue biotechnology
• Uses marine organisms for human welfare
• Applications = medicine, cosmetics, aquaculture, enzymes, biofuels, bioremediation
• Medicine = ziconotide (pain), Trabecetidin (cancer)
• Cosmetics = omega-3, Astaxanthin
• Aqua-feed = seaweed and algae
• Enzymes = α-amylase, β-Agarase, Xylanase
• Biofuels = marine microalgae
• Bioremediation = Alcanivorax borkumensis (oil spills)
• Marine organisms = rich source of new drugs
• Marine enzymes = thermostable
• Warning: Do not confuse ziconotide (pain) with Trabecetidin (cancer). Marine biotechnology is not just about medicine; it also includes cosmetics, biofuels, and bioremediation.