Benefits and Biohazards of Microbial Recombinants

Abstract

Recombinant DNA technology has brought paradigm changes in the field of biological interventions in modern society. Be it pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or other products of commercial use, recombinant proteins have brought new opportunities. Way back in 1974, a paper in the journal Science, commented on the acquisition of new capabilities in recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology and the immense opportunities in biological sciences created thereby. At the same time, potential biohazards of the technology were also pointed out, which had earlier been discussed by a group of scientists in the 1973 Gordon Research Conference. The scientists called for a voluntary deference of experimentation using rDNA technology. Today, strict guidelines exist regarding the use of rDNA technology for basic and applied sciences. This chapter discusses the various benefits as well as biohazards of microbial recombinants, i.e., rDNA technology using microbial strains and viral vectors. The known and upcoming recombinant products are documented, along with a discussion on the biohazard issues.