Author(s): Sonu Rani

Abstract:
Biotechnology is defined as application of living organisms and their components to industrial products and processes. It is an important technology that have a large impact on many different industrial sectors. In textile processing the enzymatic removal of starch from woven fabrics has been in use and the fermentation vat is probably the oldest known dyeing process. Biotechnology a new impetus in the last few years has been the very rapid developments in genetic manipulation techniques (Genetic engineering) which introduces the possibility of 'tailoring' organisms and of transferring genetic material (Genes) from one organism to another. Biotechnology also offers the potential for new industrial processes that require less energy and are based on renewable raw materials. It is important to note that biotechnology is not just concerned with biology, but it is a truly interdisciplinary subject involving the integration of natural and engineering sciences. Cheese production, golden rice, the manufacture of insulin and interferon, biosensors, enzymes in detergent are examples of biotechnology. Textile industry is a key sector where immense possibility exist for applications of biotechnology but the current awareness of about it is less. Therefore the application are yet limited. So, it can be predicted that in the long term, more cumbersome and polluting chemical procedures employed by the textile industry will be substituted by the biotechnological processes.