Editorial. Biotechnology and Analytical Chemistry - ACS Publications

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EDITOR: GEORGE HI. MORRISON

“chemist ry

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Biotechnology and Analytical Chemistry

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One of the most exciting current trends in science is the emergence of biotechnology. Since biological s,ystems are essentially chemical in nature, man’s mastery of other organisms may eventually be bound only by the laws of chemistry and physics and by human ingenuity. Biotechnology is the application of chemical, physical, and engineering principles to biological systems to achieve improved production of food and fiber and to produce biological substances of value in commerce and medicine. Advances in biotechnology draw heavily on basic knowledge of biology and chemistry, particularly on the molecular and cellular sciences. Recent discoveries in molecular genetics clearly demonstrate that there is enormous potential for the use of “engineered” biological systemti to produce essential nutrients, hormones, antibiotics, complex organic compounds, chemical feedstocks, cat,alysts, vaccines, and other now rare biological materials. Further, biotechnologies have promise for improving photosynthetic yields, resistance to stress, nitrogen fixation capacity, and resistance to pathogens and predators in plants as well as for e n hancing the efficiency of animal production. ‘The realization of most of these possibilities will depend on basic research discoveries in the next 10 years. Analvtical chemists have alwavs risen to the challenge of the maior scientific and technological thrusts in the past and have contributed significantly to such important programs as nuclear energy, semiconductor and microelectronics developments, and lunar and planetary exploration. To date chemists in general, and analytical chemists in particular, have been spectators waiting to see where they fit into this rapidly emerging field of biotechnology. There is no doubt that ingenious methods of measurement will have to be developed and that the need already exists. We should be eager to evaluate the needs and join the team in this latest technological revolution.

Research and Development: Seldon W Terrant Manuscript requirements are published in the January 1983 issue, page 171, Manuscripts for publication (4 copies) should be submitted to ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY at the ACS Washington address. The American Chemical Society and its editors assume no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors. Views expressed in the editorials are those of the editors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the American Chemical Society.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOI.. 55, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1983

2017