However, the real scientific breakthrough in this field began in 1855, when Louis Pasteur discovered that fermentation was caused by microorganisms, laying the foundations of microbiology.
In 1919, Hungarian researcher Karl Ereky coined the term “biotechnology” to explain how technological advances could be applied in agriculture to improve productivity.
The discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 marked another milestone, allowing the understanding and manipulation of genetic inheritance.
In 1973, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer performed the first gene transfer, and in 1982, insulin was produced for the first time using bacteria and crops began to be genetically engineered to resist pests.
With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the arrival of CRISPR in 2012, biotechnology has expanded its applications.
Today, it ranges from personalized medicine and agriculture to biofuel production and environmental bioremediation, among other application areas.
Innovation and sustainability
The impact of biotechnology extends to almost every aspect of our lives, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, such as climate change, food security, and incurable diseases.
In the health field, it has enabled extraordinary advances in the development of medicines and therapies. The ability to manipulate genetic material has driven the creation of personalized treatments, such as biologics and gene therapy, which are designed to address complex diseases like cancer and genetic disorders with unprecedented precision.
Furthermore, vaccine production has significantly improved, making it more efficient and faster, as we saw with the accelerated development of vaccines using messenger RNA technologies.
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Another benefit of biotechnology in the healthcare sector is that, by optimizing production processes, it has reduced the use of natural resources and hazardous waste, generating a positive impact on the environment.
In the food industry, biotechnology has significantly improved both food production and quality.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) make it possible to create crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions, contributing to safer and more stable production.
Biotechnology techniques allow products to be extended in shelf life without the need for chemical preservatives, reducing waste and generating more sustainable practices.
This technology has also made it possible to increase the nutritional content of certain foods, such as Golden Rice, which was enriched with vitamin A to combat vitamin A deficiency in regions with high rates of malnutrition.
Agriculture is another sector that benefits from biotechnology. Genetically modified seeds that are resistant to pests and herbicides reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which lowers the environmental impact and costs for farmers. This technology not only improves yields but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of climate change.
In the biofuels sector, biotechnology has opened new avenues toward cleaner, more renewable energy sources. Through the genetic modification of microorganisms, biofuels such as ethanol have been produced from non-food organic materials, such as agricultural waste or algae.
This not only represents an alternative to fossil fuels but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Companies that made the digital leap
In today’s increasingly competitive and changing environment, companies developing biotechnology applications face the challenge of adapting to stay at the forefront of innovation.
In this context, utilizing the best technological solutions available on the market has become a fundamental aspect. There are many examples of organizations that have chosen this path and are now enjoying the benefits of modernization.
Repligen and Bioventus, two North American companies dedicated to the production of biological medicines, implemented SAP ECC & S/4HANA to have a fully integrated system, with improved business process flows and a platform to support their international growth and development. Since ancient times, humans have manipulated living organisms, such as in the fermentation of beverages, the selection of crops, or the selective breeding of animals.
Both projects were supported by Answerthink and CTAC, two technology companies that are members of United VARs, who contributed their experience and technical teams to achieve a successful outcome.
Another success story is Sirtex, a global biotechnology company specializing in cancer treatment and headquartered in Australia, which undertook a digital transformation process to integrate its overseas operations systems and efficiently manage its business processes.
The tool they chose was SAP Business All-in-One, an ERP solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses that guaranteed a modern and flexible platform with market best practices.
The project was carried out in phases, in three countries where the company has a presence: Australia, Germany, and the United States.
Sirtex had the invaluable support of Seidor and All for One, SAP business partners and members of United VARs, who supported the implementation from start to production.
A new era of possibilities
Biotechnology is undergoing a significant expansion phase. According to a recent report by Value Market Research, the market will reach $1.84 billion in 2023 and grow to $6.24 billion by 2032, representing the most significant increase in less than a decade.
This increase is due not only to the advancement of disruptive technologies but also to the growing demand for innovative solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
However, this rapid growth is not without challenges. Bioethics remains a central issue, with debates surrounding the impact of genetically modified foods and the implications of using advanced tools like CRISPR in gene editing.
These technological advances, which have the potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture, also pose ethical and social dilemmas that companies must address with great responsibility.
Appropriate regulation and transparency in processes are essential to ensure that biotechnology develops safely and equitably.
The future is bright. Biotechnology is not only bringing about changes in key sectors, but can also be a fundamental ally in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
Biotechnology solutions, such as creating more resilient crops or producing cleaner energy, are essential to addressing the global challenges we face.
The challenge now is to balance accelerated development with a responsible and ethical approach, ensuring that the benefits of biotechnology translate into a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
