Design of bioreactors and biosensors Traditional fermented foods, organic acids, alcohols, amino acids, vitamins, antibiotics; food- and feed additives produced by microbial action have been subjects of extensive research in the Philippines. Bioconversion of agro-industrial wastes or by-products into high value-products through the action of enzymes have likewise been explored. Better breeds of plants, fish and livestock have enriched the agriculture and agro-industrial sectors. The abundant natural resources, including a rich microbial germplasm diversity have sustained our R&D efforts. Presently, intervention from modern biotechnology promises achievment in faster growth and porduction rates, reduced downtime in processing and lesser use of polluting chemicals. Enzyme engineering is a pioneering field in the Philippines. The bulk of enzyme requirement for medical-, industrial areas, as well as those for basic research is imported. fast tracking research on enzymes can provide solutions to this need. Local production of enzymes ensures not only ready availability of the commodity buyt will also avoid lost time from shipment delay, loss of enzyme activity and conserve much-needed dollars. Furthermore, enzyme-catalyzed bioconversion reactions are preferred over chemical methods because of the lower operating temperatures, less amount of undesirable by-products or racemic forms and less amount of polluting extraction solvents. Rapid indexing of planting materials and livestock enables early control measures to be applied to prevent outbreak of diseases. The importance of early detection either by antibody or DNA based methods has been underscored, particularly in the recent Mad Cow and Foot and Mouth Disease scare in Europe. Detection of genetically modified organisms as contaminants in transboundary shipment of grains and farm produce has likewise triggered legislative action and reexamination of global trade. Food and feed borne pathogens, mycotoxins in stored grains, toxins (microbial or otherwise) in fishing grounds remain serious problems requiring prompt and proactive detection and control strategies. Industries must also cope with the wastes that they generate. cleaner or "greener" production technologies are being introduced or refined in our emerging borderless world. shipment of toxic wastes across national boundaries is becoming a contentious issue. where appropriate, bioreactors are being designed, process controls streamlined, biosensors employed to monitor critical production parameters and even the flow of recalcitrant pollutants in the environment. The industry sector still has much to gain from biotechnology. Research and development efforts must be adequately suported to give more and better globally competitive products and services. The benefits of biotechnology in terms of heftier return-on-investments for the industrialist, more and better options for the consumer and a greener environment are too important to be denied.
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