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Since the concept of the first DNA biochip, biotechnologies have soared, deeply
changing the world of biology. In fact, they have already had direct implications on
each of us. Since the very beginning of this science in the 1980s, spectacular
advances have been made, such as the analysis of the human DNA genome
sequence, while dramatic changes have broken out in the field of proteomics, and
more are still expected in the domain of cellular analysis.
The field of investigations of biotechnology is constantly increasing, from the
first biochips built to analyze sequences of DNA and investigate its mutations, to
protein analysis and the study of the role of proteins in human life, and toward the
comprehension of the complex mechanisms that take place inside the cells.
Biotechnology is a science that is not only dedicated to assisting biologists in
their desire to understand the complexity of life, but also has very practical applications,
especially in bioanalysis and biodetection. For example, progress in the rapidity
of detection of viruses has been spectacular, and it is expected that soon direct
analysis of viruses may be performed in a few minutes at the doctor’s office.
Biotechnology is not only dedicated to in vitro analysis, it is transforming in
vivo medical treatments. Concerning the in vivo domain, the impact of the new
technologies is manifold. First, monitoring of the correct functioning of vital
organs in patients at risk is going to be possible. Second, miniaturization techniques—
brought about by biotechnology—will greatly reduce the invasiveness
of external interventions inside human body. Third, new biotechnological
devices—such as functional micro- and nanoparticles—will help internal drug guidance
to find their targets inside the human body. All of these advances will likely
results in drastic changes in medical treatment of such deadly diseases as cancer and
diabetes, and will transform our everyday lives in the years to come with the emergence
of automated medical help and monitoring right at home.
Biotechnological microsystems are known by different names that have more or
less the same physical meaning, like biochips, or bio-MEMS (for micro-electromagnetic-
systems, or lab-on-a-chip—meaning that many of the different operations
performed in a lab are done on a single microdevice) and sometimes μTAS (for
micro-total-analysis-systems).
It is surprising how the concept and development of the first DNA biochip
opened the way to a whole new domain of technology. Very soon, it appeared that
many other concepts could be imagined and that miniaturization had many advantages
in biochemical science. The advantages of biotechnological microsystems concern
industry as well as research. |
