Applications of marine biochemistry
Marine biotechnology means adaptation of the biological processes of marine organisms for medical, industrial or other uses. Also called blue biotechnology, the field has become a research priority for both China and the EU. The EU-funded MARBIOTEC*EU-CN* (European-Chinese research staff exchange cluster on marine biotechnology) project established a joint exchange programme between relevant Chinese and EU agencies. The venture focused on facilitating knowledge exchange among early-stage and experienced researchers concerning drug discovery, marine biominerals and nanotechnology. Research yielded many highly technical outcomes relating to the biochemical processes of marine organisms and potential industrial or medical applications. Essentially, the researchers detailed many different chemical processes by which the organisms create the substances they do. Team members developed a total of 10 new marketable technologies. The list includes new silicate optical fibres, bone substitution materials and methods for their creation, and polymer-based dental coatings. Researchers developed other coating materials, including one that promotes growth of human stem cells, and methods for culturing marine invertebrate cells. Outcomes also include several biochemically specialised technologies. The project's fostering of closer research relationships between China and the EU will produce further contributions to marine biotechnology in the future.
Keywords
Marine, biotechnology, exchange cluster, drug discovery, biominerals, nanotechnology
