Relevance: GS III (Science & Tech, Bio-economy) | Source: The Hindu / PIB

1. The Core Idea (Human Context)

We are running out of resources on land. The soil is stressed, and factories pollute.

• The Solution? Move the “factory” to two extreme frontiers: the Deep Ocean and Space.
• Why? Life forms and biological processes behave differently in these alien environments, offering solutions (like super-pure drugs or climate-proof food) that are impossible to create on Earth.

2. Marine Biotech: The “Blue” Pharmacy & Farm

• The “Super-Survivors”: Deep-sea microbes survive crushing pressure and total darkness. Their genes hold secrets for new antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs.
• Zero-Input Food: Seaweed is the crop of the future. It needs no fresh water, no fertilizer, and no land.
  • India’s Reality: We have a 7,500 km coastline but produce only ~70,000 tonnes of seaweed (mostly imported). The Deep Ocean Mission aims to turn our ocean into a sustainable economic engine.

3. Space Biotech: Manufacturing in Zero-G

• The “Microgravity” Magic: On Earth, gravity pulls things down, causing defects in materials. In space (Microgravity):
  • Perfect Crystals: Protein crystals grow larger and purer, helping scientists design precise drugs.
  • 3D Organs: Human cells can grow into 3D tissues more naturally (useful for testing medicines without animal trials).
• Survival: For missions like Gaganyaan, we need “closed-loop” systems—microbes that eat waste and produce oxygen/food.

UPSC Value Box

Q. With reference to the emerging field of ‘Space Biotechnology’, consider the following statements:

1. The primary objective is to search for extraterrestrial life forms on other planets.
2. The microgravity environment allows for the growth of higher-quality protein crystals compared to Earth.
3. It is identified as a key thematic sector under India’s BioE3 Policy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (c)