Futuristic Space and Marine Biotechnology
Futuristic space and marine biotechnology research aims to utilize underexplored environments, such as the deep oceans and outer space, to develop new biological knowledge, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Marine Biotechnology
- Involves studying microorganisms, algae, and other marine life to discover:
- Bioactive compounds
- Enzymes
- Biomaterials
- Food ingredients
- Biostimulants
- Marine organisms survive extreme conditions, making them valuable for industrial and climate-resilient applications.
Space Biotechnology
- Examines how microbes, plants, and human biological systems behave under microgravity and radiation.
- Includes microbial biomanufacturing for:
- Food
- Materials
- Life-support systems
India's Potential and Challenges
- India has a long coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone, yet its share of global marine outputs is low.
- Investing in marine biomanufacturing can unlock new sources of food, energy, chemicals, and biomaterials.
- Space biotechnology is critical for India's space exploration ambitions.
Current Initiatives and Challenges
- Domestic production of marine biomass, such as seaweed, is modest, leading to imports of seaweed-derived components.
- Initiatives under the Blue Economy agenda and Deep Ocean Mission focus on integrated marine biomanufacturing.
- ISRO's microgravity biology program conducts experiments relevant for longer-duration human spaceflight missions.
Global Perspectives
- The European Union, China, and the United States lead significant programs in marine and space biotechnology.
- Nations with vast marine resources support marine biotech initiatives and space research.
Strategic Importance for India
- India's rich marine ecology and space ambitions position it well for leadership in biotechnology.
- The risk lies in slow and fragmented progress; a dedicated roadmap is necessary.
