BIO-PROSPECTING for BIO-ACTIVES
Bioprospecting is the investigation of biological compounds for characteristics that may be of value for commercial development. This is an ancient process, however in recent years growing consumer demand for naturally sourced products, combined with rapid advances in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, has fuelled bioprospecting activities worldwide. In the past, bioprospecting had included selective plant and animal breeding programs, use of fermentation processes, and the extraction and usage of plant and animal products for traditional medicinal purposes. In recent years however, scientific and technological advances have pushed bioprospecting to the forefront of research and development, and it is frequently used in activities such as genetic modification, biological control, and the development of pharmaceutical products, agrochemicals and cosmetics.
Bioprospecting involves the search for novel productsin or produced by living organisms. Therefore the process would involve investigating plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, and viruses, and their products, for characteristics which may have commercial application.Following is a brief overview of the technical aspects involved at each stage of the R&D
Stage 1 - Prospecting. The first stage of this project will involve extensive internet and literature research to identify potential bioactive compounds that could be used in crop production. Extensive communication with existing contacts will also be used to identify possible compounds. Research will be focussed on active ingredients that are extracted from plants and/or animals, fungi and other natural sources. It will also include extensive review of products that are currently used and marketed elsewhere in the world.
Stage 2 - Initial Screening. The second stage of this project will include further literature review on the potential bioactives to determine what scientific evidence if any exists for a particular active ingredient. This step will include investigating what research has previously been done on an active ingredient to review what others have reported. Contact with existing experts in the bioscience sector will also be used as a means for separating promising compounds from those with little or no potential. This stage will involve basic laboratory work including various bioassays and other lab techniques to test the bioactivity and commercial potential for various biopesticides and soil amendments. Also included in this stage would be initial consideration of production methodology and costs, potential markets, toxicology concerns and marketing requirements to assess overall potential feasibility of continued development of the compound.
Stage 3 - Proof of Principle / Concept Validation. Products making it through Stage 2 will then be evaluated in actual field conditions to determine whether sufficient bioactivity exists. Replicated field research trials will be conducted to precisely identify the range and degree of effectiveness of each bioactive compound. Included in this stage would be some basic environmental stability studies, initial formulation and application procedure testing, and determination of rates and target pests. This stage would also involve more in-depth consideration of production methodology and costs, potential markets, toxicology concerns and marketing requirements. Potential partners / collaborators for further development would also be identified at this stage. |
