Advanced Techniques in Biology & Medicine
Open Access

Advancements in Biological Lab Techniques: Revolutionizing Study

Guan Zhou^{* *}Correspondence: Guan Zhou, Department of Bioinformatics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, Email:

Author info »

Description

Biological lab techniques are fundamental to the progress of biological sciences. These methods enable experts to find complex biological processes, test hypotheses and develop outstanding therapies. Over the years, technological advancements have refined these techniques, making them more accurate, efficient and versatile. From molecular biology to genomics, biological lab techniques are continually evolving to meet the demands of modern study [1].

Molecular cloning and recombinant technology

One of the most significant biological lab techniques in molecular biology is molecular cloning, which involves isolating and inserting a gene of interest into a plasmid vector. This recombinant Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) technology allows experts to produce large quantities of proteins or study the function of specific genes. For example, insulin, a vital hormone used in diabetes treatment, is often produced using genetically engineered bacteria [2].

The process involves extracting DNA from an organism, cutting it into fragments using restriction enzymes and then inserting the desired fragment into a plasmid. This recombinant DNA is then introduced into bacterial cells, where it replicates and expresses the protein of interest. Molecular cloning has become indispensable in genetic engineering, biotechnology and pharmaceutical production [3].

Polymerase chain reaction

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is another powerful technique used in biological study. It allows scientists to amplify small segments of DNA, making it easier to study specific genes or detect pathogens. The process involves repeated cycles of heating and cooling to denature DNA, anneal primers and elongate new strands. PCR has revolutionized diagnostic medicine, allowing for the early detection of diseases like cancer, HIV and genetic disorders [4].

Moreover, PCR has been essential in forensic science, where minute amounts of DNA from crime scenes can be amplified and analyzed. Its precision and efficiency have made it a foundation of modern biology [5].

Gene editing technology

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats- Associated Protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system is one of the most recent and transformative biological lab techniques. It allows for precise editing of an organism’s genome by targeting specific DNA sequences and making cuts to the genetic material. Originally discovered as part of the bacterial immune system, CRISPR has opened new possibilities for gene therapy, agriculture and basic study [6].

Experts can now modify the genetic code of animals and plants to study diseases, create Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or develop treatments for genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia. Its precision, affordability and ease of use have made CRISPR an invaluable tool in biotechnology and medicine [7].

Cell culture techniques

Cell culture is another staple of biological study, providing a controlled environment to study the behavior of cells in vitro. This technique involves growing cells from animal or plant tissues under controlled conditions, allowing scientists to examine cellular processes, drug responses and genetic manipulation [8-9].

In pharmaceutical study, cell cultures are used for drug screening, toxicity testing and vaccine development. The ability to grow human cells in the lab also enables more accurate models of human disease, which improves the relevance and efficiency of drug development processes [10].

Conclusion

Biological lab techniques are at the heart of scientific discovery. Innovations like PCR, CRISPR and high-throughput screening are opening new frontiers in science, making it possible to find the mysteries of life with unprecedented precision. These advances not only enhance our understanding of biology but also open the way for advancements in medicine, agriculture and environmental science. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for biological study are boundless and so too are the opportunities to improve human health and well-being.

References

1. Pimentel VO, Yaromina A, Marcus D, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. A novel co-culture assay to assess anti-tumor CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity via luminescence and multicolor flow cytometry. J Immunol Methods. 2020 ;487-494.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

2. Madeo G, Donato K, Micheletti C, Cristoni S, Miertus S, Miertus J, et al. Nutrigenomics: SNPs Correlated to Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism. Clin Ter. 2023 ;174-189.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Banik S, Uchil A, Kalsang T, Chakrabarty S, Ali MA, Srisungsitthisunti P, et al. The revolution of PDMS microfluidics in cellular biology. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2023; 43:465-483.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

4. Schwarzländer M, Dick TP, Meyer AJ, Morgan B. Dissecting redox biology using fluorescent protein sensors. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2016 ;24 :680-712.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

5. D’Costa K, Kosic M, Lam A, Moradipour A, Zhao Y, Radisic M. Biomaterials and culture systems for development of organoid and organ-on-a-chip models. Ann Biomed Eng. 2020; 48:2002-2027.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

6. Ren J, Wang N, Guo P, Fan Y, Lin F, Wu J. Recent advances in microfluidics-based cell migration research. Lab Chip. 2022;22(18):3361-3376.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

7. Dubey AK, Kaur I, Madaan R, Raheja S, Bala R, Garg M, et al. Unlocking the potential of oncology biomarkers: advancements in clinical theranostics. Drug Metab Pers Ther. 2024; 39:5-20.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

8. Bruger EL, Marx CJ. A decade of genome sequencing has revolutionized studies of experimental evolution. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2018; 45:149-155.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

9. Mikdadi D, O’Connell KA, Meacham PJ, Dugan MA, Ojiere MO, Carlson TB, et al. Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and image biomarker discovery. Cancer Biomark. 2022 ;33 :173-184.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

10. Shields IV CW, Ohiri KA, Szott LM, López GP. Translating microfluidics: Cell separation technologies and their barriers to commercialization. Cytometry B Clin Cytom. 2017 ;92 :115-125.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]