Biotechnology involves the use of biological systems, organisms, or their components (e.g., cells, enzymes) to make biological processes specifically applicable for industrial, medical, or technical purposes. Various scientific fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, process engineering, and increasingly bioinformatics, form the foundation of biotechnological methods. It is often abbreviated as “Biotech.”
To make the multitude of application fields more tangible, an informal color classification has become established among experts. To categorize the diverse areas of application, an informal “color theory” is often used: red (medical), green (agricultural), and white (industrial) biotechnology. Additional color terms such as blue biotechnology(marine organisms) or grey biotechnology (waste and recycling processes) are also used, although less frequently. This classification is merely for orientation and is not officially standardized.
In which industries is Biotech used?
Pharmaceuticals: Biotechnological processes are central to modern drug development, especially for biopharmaceutical products such as vaccines, antibodies, and recombinant proteins. These are mostly produced efficiently and on a large scale using biotechnological methods. Diseases such as diabetes can be effectively treated with biotechnologically produced medicines — for example, insulin — enabling reliable patient care.
Food industry: To produce, preserve, or optimize the sensory properties of foods, the food industry uses biotechnological processes. They enable economic production of many foods in consistent quality and large volumes. Biotechnological methods increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality in many food production processes.
Cosmetics: The cosmetics industry uses biotechnology to design and mass-produce ingredients with specific properties for various requirements. Biotechnologically produced ingredients such as peptides, enzymes, and vitamins can be used. These are applied, for example, in skin and hair care products.
Chemical industry: The chemical sector increasingly establishes more sustainable and efficient production pathways using biotechnological processes, complementing classical chemical and physical technologies. Companies use microorganisms and/or enzymes to synthesize fine chemicals, biofuels, and bioplastics, reducing the consumption of fossil resources and enabling more environmentally friendly processes.
Environmental technology: In environmental engineering, biotechnology helps address ecological challenges. It enables biological wastewater treatment and the remediation of contaminated soils and waters through bioremediation. Biocatalysts are used to convert or reduce specific pollutants, which can lower emissions.
Everyday use cases: Where do we encounter Biotech?
Biotechnology is not limited to laboratories or specific production facilities. Instead, it surrounds everyone daily — often unnoticed. Many applications are already integrated into everyday routines and influence various aspects of life. Below are three everyday cases:
How can clothing have antibacterial properties? The answer: Biotech! Textile fibers can be treated with enzymes or bio-based coatings to achieve antibacterial or odor-inhibiting effects. For this, fibers are treated with enzymes, bio-based coatings, and — depending on the product — also chemical-synthetic additives; biotechnological processes can help reduce the use of conventional biocides.
Optimized fertilizers, more resilient plants, and biological crop protection products are based on biotechnological processes. These products benefit agriculture first and ultimately consumers. Biotechnology contributes significantly to the availability and sustainability of food.
Toothpastes and mouthwashes may contain biotechnologically derived components, such as special enzymes or probiotic bacteria. Such formulations use biological mechanisms to break down harmful germs, dissolve plaque, and specifically influence the oral microbiome.
These examples reflect only a small part of the applications. It is nearly impossible to provide a complete overview — the fields in which biotechnology has become an integral part of daily life are too diverse.
Key methods at a glance
Genetic engineering: Techniques for the targeted modification of an organism’s genetic material. Researchers can insert, remove, or alter genes to create or eliminate specific traits.
Fermentation: Microbial or enzymatic conversion of organic substances in bioreactors, e.g., to produce antibiotics, enzymes, or alcohol.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A method used to amplify specific DNA segments within short time periods. Forms the foundation of many diagnostic and analytical procedures.
CRISPR/Cas9: A tool that allows researchers to precisely edit the genome of organisms. It revolutionizes research and opens new possibilities for therapies. The first CRISPR/genetic therapies are already approved, while many more approaches remain under clinical evaluation.
Cell and tissue cultures: Cultivation of cells outside an organism under laboratory conditions. A key technique in medicine and basic research.
Cloning: Creation of identical copies of DNA segments or cells. Particularly important in basic research and in the genetic engineering-based production of active substances. In animal breeding, cloning is mainly used in specialized breeding programs and niche applications; high costs, technical complexity, and regulatory and ethical considerations currently limit broader use, especially in food production.
Bioreactor: A closed system for cultivating microorganisms or animal/plant cells on an industrial scale. These systems produce enzymes, proteins, or other biotechnological active substances, which are typically transferred to downstream aseptic filling processes, such as Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) systems. Such closed, validated processes minimize contamination risk and help ensure the required sterility of products.
Current developments and perspectives
Biotechnology is one of the most innovative and fastest-growing industries worldwide. Advances in molecular biology, bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and automation have not only accelerated research in recent years but also opened new industrial applications. Particularly dynamic developments are seen in personalized medicine, driven by genome sequencing, mRNA technologies, and cell-based therapies. The development of biologics and biosimilars continues to progress as well.
At the same time, the industry is working intensively to establish closed-loop systems. Biotechnological processes aim to replace fossil fuels, utilize CO₂ as a raw material, and make production more sustainable. In food technology, methods such as precision fermentation or the cultivation of animal cells (cell-based meat) offer new possibilities to produce animal-based products with lower resource consumption and potentially lower environmental impact. However, the true ecological and ethical effects of these technologies are still being extensively evaluated scientifically and regulatorily.