Application of Microbial Biotechnology

Abstract

Microbial biotechnology focuses on exploiting the beneficial microbial wealth for various human requirements. In recent years, several advances have been made in microbial biotechnology that exerted numerous impacts on the society. The developments are very fast and new dimensions are being added every day. Thus, it has become so imperative to collect research findings and prepare a publication that can indicate research directions and interventions. I have been collecting literature on all aspects of Biotechnology, ever since I was assigned to establish research in biotechnology at Ambo PPRC since July 1994. My inclinations became more focused on microbial biotechnology after completing my PhD in the areas of food microbial biotechnology in 2005. I got additional chances to gather more information while I was serving as Coordinator of Plant Protection and Biotechnology Research Case Team between 2008 and 2011. My efforts were further intensified in July 2011, after joining Holetta Research Center to conduct research in microbial biotechnology. After searching for references, I realized that no publication exist that covers a wider spectrum of applications in one volume; hence, motivated to benefit others. This book was written with a primary objective of briefly showing the basic global trend and indicates possible areas of interventions in Ethiopia. Chapters 1 to 4 illustrate the applications in agriculture. The applications in medicine are described in Chapter 5. Enzymes are and their applications in agriculture, medicine, industry, and environment are described in Chapter 6. Industrial applications are described in Chapters 7to 8 and environmental management is illustrated in Chapter 9. The recent advances in molecular biotechnology, being far reaching for us, are grouped together and described in Chapter 10. This book could not have been written without the support of Dr. Belayneh Admassu, Coordinator of National Agricultural Biotechnology Program of EIAR. I am very grateful to him for all his overwhelming encouragements. I thank my colleague, Dawit Beyene, plant biotechnology researcher at National Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory, for facilitating Internet access and enthusiastic support that enable me thrive until the end. Several researchers working in plant and animal biotechnology, forestry, soil microbiology and animal nutrition have participated and discussed research topics that can be addressed in EIAR. Furthermore, the soft copy of my full presentation was dispatched to all my colleagues and former-supervisors for comments and suggestions. I am, therefore, very thankful to all those replied to my call and unanimously advised me to publish it. My sincere thanks and deepest gratitude go to Abebe Kirub, Director of Information, and Communication Directorate of EIAR for his appreciation and commitment in making this book readable and useful. He recognized the potential contribution of the compilation, thoroughly edit and made it possible to reach others in need.