Syllabus: GS-III – Science & Technology / Biotechnology

Why in the News?

A research team from IIT Guwahati, led by Dr. Veeranki Venkata Dasu, has developed a novel method for producing human insulin using a safe and efficient bacterial system, Pseudomonas fluorescens.
This breakthrough has been granted two Indian patents and published in leading biotechnology journals.

Background

According to the International Diabetes Federation, by 2050, one in eight adults globally is projected to have diabetes.
Insulin is life-saving for patients with Type 1 diabetes and crucial for many with Type 2 diabetes.

Current Limitations

Traditional insulin production relies heavily on Escherichia coli (E. coli), which:

• Produces insulin in insoluble lumps requiring complex and costly purification.
• Involves multi-step refolding and chemical treatments that reduce yield efficiency.
• While yeast and mammalian cell systems exist, they face scalability and sustainability challenges.

The New Technology

• Uses Pseudomonas fluorescens, a BSL-1 safe bacterium, instead of E. coli.
• Produces insulin in soluble form, removing the need for complex purification steps.
• Employs food-grade compounds as inducers instead of toxic chemicals, making the process eco-friendly and safe.
• Can be adapted to produce other therapeutic proteins and industrial enzymes.

Significance

• Cost-effective & Efficient: Simplifies production, enhances yield, and lowers costs.
• Healthcare Impact: Makes insulin more affordable and accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Future-Ready: Supports the rising demand for insulin, including potential oral insulin systems.
• Scientific & Industrial Value: Strengthens India’s biopharma innovation and reduces dependence on imported life-saving drugs.

Future Impact

This indigenous innovation aligns with India’s vision of affordable healthcare and biotech self-reliance.
It also supports the global push for accessible medicines and enhances India’s position in the global biopharmaceutical sector.

MCQ

Q. With reference to the recent insulin production breakthrough by IIT Guwahati, consider the following statements:
1. The IIT Guwahati team developed an insulin expression system using Pseudomonas fluorescens, a safe BSL-1 bacterium.
2. Unlike the traditional E. coli method, the new process produces insulin in soluble form, reducing complex purification steps.
3. The developed technology has received international patents but not Indian patents.
4. The innovation has potential applications beyond insulin, such as therapeutic proteins and industrial enzymes.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a)