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Of the vast numbers of scientific findings made over the last century, perhaps none has improved human health and longevity more than the developments that have occurred through biomedical research using biotechnology. The study of biotechnology has greatly expanded in recent years with the sequencing of the human genome however biotechnology has been around for years. In fact, the food industry has used biotechnology to make bread, cheese, yogurt and drinks for decades. Medical research and pharmaceutical industry have used biotechnology to produce medicines and vaccines to cure or prevent the most devastating diseases threatening humanity.

This encyclopedia publication aims to give an update on current advances in biotechnology and their potential applications. It also analyses the economic, social and ethical implications of this technology. Compilation of six independent volumes on different fields of biotechnology, this work will serve academics and students of biology, biochemistry and biological engineering and will also appeal to professionals in the biotechnology industry.