Elements of Biotechnology and Biomimetics (1BEBT105/205)

Elements of Biotechnology and Biomimetics

Course Code 1BEBT105/205 
Semester I/II
CIE Marks 50
Teaching Hours/Week (L:T:P: S) 3:0:0:0 
SEE Marks 50
Total Hours of Pedagogy 40 
Total Marks 100
Credits 03 
Exam Hours 3
Examination type (SEE) Theory

Module-1

Basics of Biology:

Structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Central dogma of Biology (DNA to RNA to Protein),

Biomolecules of life - Carbohydrates (examples of Mono, Di, Polysaccharides), Proteins (examples of enzymes,

structural proteins, transport proteins, regulatory proteins, and hormones).

 Number of Hours: 8

Module-2

Overview of Biotechnology:

History, scope, and branches/types of biotechnology such as medical biotechnology (red) - focusing on

healthcare; agricultural biotechnology (green) : improving crops and livestock; industrial biotechnology (white):

using biological systems for industrial processes; environmental biotechnology (grey/brown): focused on

environmental protection and remediation; marine biotechnology (blue): (oil slick), yellow biotechnology (food

production),:probiotics and bioinformatics/computational biology; drug discovery

 Number of Hours: 8

Module-3

Biotechnology Processes & Sustainability

Bioprocess stages: Case study of Bio Ethanol production from agri-waste-qualitative (steps in upstream, and

downstream processing, Biosafety levels, containment, cGMP/GLP and IPR issues). Circular bioeconomy and

biotechnology’s role in UN SDGs, Ethical, legal, and social issues in biotechnology, GI tags, specific case studies related

to Basmati or Turmeric.

 Number of Hours: 8

Module-4

AI application in Biological Research

Role of AI in genomics (flow chart). Role of AI in drug development (flow chart), AI-assisted target (receptor) design

and ligand (inhibitor) design (flow chart), AI in medical imaging and disease diagnosis (flow chart), AI-driven

personalized medicine and predictive healthcare (flow chart), Role of AI in agriculture and crop improvement (flow

chart), Role of AI in fermentation industry and bioprocess optimization (flow chart), Role of AI in Protein and

enzyme engineering (flow chart), Role of AI in biosensors and diagnostics (flow chart).

 Number of Hours: 8

Module-5

Bioinspired Engineering:

History and scope of biomimetics/biomimicry, Examples involving a) Bioinspired materials: nacre, bone, spider silk,

cuticle-based composites, b) Self-cleaning surfaces and biocement c) artificial blood. termite mound passive cooling,

d) Bioinspired mechanisms: hygromorphic actuators, fish/bird locomotion, Seashell-based, spider web-inspired,

and insect eye-inspired innovations, mosquito proboscis inspired needles, e) Medical devices and drug delivery

inspired by biology (Exosomes, Liposomes, VLPs), f) Bioinspired energy (artificial photosynthesis).

 Number of Hours: 8

Suggested Learning Resources: 

Text books:

1. P. K. Gupta, Elements of Biotechnology, Rastogi Publications, 468, 2010.

2. Vogel, Steven. Cats’ Paws and Catapults: Mechanical Worlds of Nature and People. W. W. Norton & Company, 2000.

Reference books / Manuals:

1. Singh B.D., Biotechnology: Expanding Horizons, Kalyani Publishers, 768 pages, 2019.

2. Barnum, Susan R., Biotechnology: An Introduction, Cengage Learning, 432 pages, 2021.

3. Bar-Cohen, Yoseph, Biomimetics: Nature-Based Innovation, CRC Press, 788 pages, 2012.

4. Mukherjee, A.K., and Ghosh, S.K., Biomimicry: Nature Inspired Solutions, Narosa Publishing House, 260 pages, 2018.

5. Vincent, Julian F.V., Structural Biomaterials, Princeton University Press, 252 pages, 2012.

6. Herren, Ray V., Introduction to Biotechnology, Cengage Learning, 672 pages, 2018.

7. Nath, Bhaskar, Advances in Biotechnology, Atlantic Publishers, 300 pages, 2020.