TABLE OF CONTENTS Biotechnology is not just about recombinant DNA technology, cloning, and genetics. But these are some of the techniques that changed the face of biotechnology forever. Whatever may be the techniques used in biotechnology, the ultimate aim is to make use of the ability of cells to produce certain valuable compounds or the genetic improvements of plants and animals for the benefit of mankind. But these cannot be accomplished without the most fundamental technique of biotechnology cell-culture technology. In fact, classical biotechnology or fermentation technology is wholly dependent on cell-culture technology.
Cell-culture technology is the core of any biotechnology-based production process be it vaccines, proteins, alcohol, organic acids, amino acids, vitamins, antibiotics, enzymatic- or cell-mediated biotransformation, biodegradation, bioremediation, or bio-fertilizers. The production process involves the respective cell-culture in a specialized bioreactor or fermentor and the application of the principles of biochemical engineering. The creation of transgenic animals and plants also involves in vitro culturing of the respective types of cells and tissues.
This part of the textbook discusses the various types and techniques of cell cultures and their applications in three chapters Chapter 18, Chapter 19, and Chapter 20. Microbial culture and application is the subject of Chapter 18. It discusses various microbial culture techniques and growth kinetics, industrial application of microbial cultures and isolation of microbial products, strain isolation and improvements, and...
