Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Terms

Biocatalysts Enzymes used in manufacturing processes Enzymes are proteins produced by living organisms that break down other proteins, cellulose, fat and starch

Biomaterials Products made using bioprocessing Developments in biomaterials have led to products that reduce their environmental impact. Recyclable bags made from potatoes using new biomaterials

Bioprocessing Using complete living cells or their counterparts to create desired physical or chemical changes.

Bioremediation The use of living microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants.

Bioremediation A famous example of this was the cleaning of the beaches along the Prince William Sound after the Exxon Valdez disaster that occurred in the 1990s. Workers noticed that petroleum was removed more quickly from beaches that received an application of fertilizer than from beaches that were steam-cleaned.

Bioreporters Living microbial cells that have been genetically engineered to produce a measurable signal in response to specific chemical or physical agent in the environment.

Biosensors Detecting devices that can detect specific substances in cells. Biosensors can locate and measure environmental pollutants.

Composting The earliest example of environmental biotechnology, the process of using bacteria, fungi, and other organisms to break down organic matter and return nutrients to the soil.

Microbe (microorganism) The “life” forms used in industrial biotechnology, usually yeasts, bacteria and fungi.