Biological products refer to products based on or derived from biological materials, including biopharmaceuticals, biomedical devices, and biofertilizers. These products are obtained by extracting, modifying or synthesizing them from living organisms through the use of methods such as biotechnology and bioengineering.
Biopharmaceuticals:
An important category of biological products is biopharmaceuticals, also known as biopharmaceuticals. They are drugs that are manufactured using technical means such as genetic engineering, cell culture and microbial fermentation. Compared to traditional chemical drugs, biopharmaceuticals have higher specificity and potency, and are able to target specific disease targets while producing fewer side effects on the body.
Biomedical Devices:
Biomedical devices are another category of biological products, which are devices, instruments and apparatus applied to medical diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, including biomaterials, biosensors, bio-imaging devices and so on. The development of biomedical devices promotes the progress of modern medicine and improves the accuracy and effectiveness of medical diagnosis and treatment.
Bio-fertilizers:
Bio-products also include bio-fertilizers, which are fertilizers made by using bio-organic substances as the main raw materials and through microbial fermentation and other processes. Bio-fertilizers have the advantage of enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yield and quality, while being environmentally friendly and not polluting soil and water bodies.
Advantages of biologics:
1. Efficacy
Biologics usually have higher specificity and efficacy. For example, biopharmaceuticals can provide more accurate and effective treatments by targeting specific molecular targets to treat diseases. Biologics have similar advantages in agriculture, such as biofertilizers that can provide specific nutrients needed by plants to improve crop yields and quality.
2. Safety
Biological products usually have lower toxicity and side effects. Compared with chemically synthesized drugs or pesticides, biologics are closer to nature and therefore less harmful to the human body or the environment. This makes biologics more popular for clinical treatments and agricultural production, and more recognized by regulatory agencies.
3. Sustainability
Biologics are often produced in a more sustainable process. The production of many biologics relies on biotechnological means such as microbial fermentation and biotransformation, which are relatively environmentally friendly and resource-efficient processes. In addition, the application of bioproducts in agriculture can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture.
4. Individualized treatment
Since biological products have high specificity and customization, they offer the possibility of individualized treatment. Through technical means such as genetic engineering, biologics can be individually designed and manufactured according to a patient's genetic type and disease characteristics, thus providing a more precise and effective treatment plan.
5. Innovative Potential
The field of biologics is full of innovative potential. With the continuous development of biotechnology and bioengineering, the types and functions of biologics will continue to expand. For example, new technologies such as gene editing and cell therapy are driving further innovation in the field of biologics, bringing more opportunities and challenges to human health and agricultural production.