A biotechnology expert or consultant is a professional with advanced knowledge and expertise in the use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop new products and technologies that can benefit society. A biotechnology expert may have a background in various fields such as biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and engineering. They use their knowledge to develop and apply new technologies in areas such as medicine, agriculture, food science, environmental science, and industrial production. Some of the areas in which a biotechnology expert may work include:
– Developing new medicines and therapies based on genetic and molecular research.
– Creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for agricultural and industrial purposes
– Designing and manufacturing biologically-based products such as vaccines, enzymes, and biofuels
– Conducting research on the safety and efficacy of new biotechnologies
– Developing and implementing new methods for diagnosing and treating diseases.
One of the biggest applications of biotechnology is in the energy production sector to produce environmentally friendly fuels. Examples of biotechnology that allow this to occur are the use of corn to produce ethanol and soybeans to produce biodiesel. These fuels are good for the environment as they do not produce greenhouse gases. Biotechnologies are normally divided into four major groups. The first group is thermal conversion technologies. These technologies use heat to convert biomass materials into energy and include pyrolysis and torrefaction technologies. The second group is chemical conversion technologies which, as the name implies, use chemicals to convert biomass into liquid fuels. A third group is biochemical conversions, which involve using enzymes, bacteria, or some other organism to break down biomass into fuel. Examples of these are anaerobic digestion and fermentation technologies. The fourth group is thermochemical conversion technologies. These use heat and chemical processes to convert biomass into energy. This group normally encompasses gasification technologies.
Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biotechnologies, as well as the more common areas like bio and renewable fuels, biomass and biomass power, feedstocks, biomaterials, and biochemicals. These larger groups will also have expertise in other technologies like agitation systems, anaerobic digestion, beverage fermentation, bio-oil extraction, bioreactors, carbon capture, carbon storage, carbonization, catalysis, cellulosic ethanol, cleantech, combined heat and power, direct combustion, enzyme technologies, fermentation, Fischer-Tropsch, gasification, genetic engineering, hydrothermal, nanotechnology, organosynthesis, power generation, pyrolysis, renewable technology due diligence, synthetic biology, thermochemical conversion, torrefaction, water treatment, and waste management.
Biotechnology experts understand and follow the technological development in their area of expertise, and can assist with overcoming technological and economic challenges in project development. These experts also typically have experience with the selected biomass feedstock. Biotechnology experts are often called upon to assist in selecting the right equipment for a particular project, or to help in the oversight of the building of a plant. They are used by investors conducting due diligence on projects or technology. In matters involving biotechnology litigation, these biotechnology consultants may serve as expert witnesses, assisting the attorneys with a better understanding of the exact issues involved, and they may testify in court about technology-related matters.
For more than 25 years, Lee Enterprises Consulting has been at the forefront of the bioeconomy. Our highly differentiated market position centers around our deep subject matter expertise in very specialized areas. We help clients minimize technical and economic risk by leveraging best practices in our industries, and we have a long track record of providing insightful analysis and practical advice. Our reputation is unparalleled because we provide a simplified process, with a single point of contact to a diverse international network of proven experts in biofuels, biomaterials, feedstocks, alternative proteins, and existing & emerging technologies. Providing access to over 150 world-renowned bioeconomy experts allows us to create tailored solutions to meet each project’s individual needs. Please take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for further information.
