Preface new horizons in biotechnology – NHBT 2019

Abstract

Relevance of Biotechnology for a sustainable living has increased over the past few decades by addressing the different domains including agriculture, food, health care, livestock management, energy, environment, climate change, waste management and a multitude of other areas. Today, the subject not only encompasses life sciences and engineering, but spans across most of the human activities, affecting and influencing every one. The subject is poised to tackle emerging challenges like rapidly spreading global pandemics by providing solutions in the form of vaccines or drugs, immune boosters and diagnostics. Green processes, renewable clean energy, super foods and nutraceuticals, biodegradable polymers and materials are but a few of the outcomes of development in this field. In wake of the rapid deterioration of land and water resources and environment catalysed by anthropogenic activities, urgent calls have to be made on addressing the issues of solid, liquid and chemical waste management, atmospheric pollution, and moving towards greener manufacturing processes and deriving energy through renewable routes for a sustainable development and improved quality of life. It may not be incorrect to say that the world needs to move towards a sustainable bio-economy for human race to persist on this planet.