The systematic investigation and refinement of biological processes and systems to create new technologies, products, and applications for various sectors. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from basic laboratory experiments to large-scale manufacturing processes, all aimed at harnessing the power of living organisms or their components. An illustration of this is the use of genetically modified microorganisms to produce pharmaceuticals, or the application of enzyme engineering to improve industrial efficiency.
This area plays a vital role in advancing human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The advancements stemming from this field lead to innovative therapies for diseases, enhance crop yields, and provide solutions for pollution control and resource management. Its historical development reveals a progression from traditional methods like selective breeding to modern techniques involving genetic engineering and synthetic biology, illustrating its ever-increasing sophistication and impact.