Introduction Biotechnology will be among the emerging science and technology (S&T) fields that will have the most significant global impact in the decades to come. Experts forecast that better drugs, devices and treatments for diseases, advancements in stem cell and genetically modified organisms (GMO) technology, and exciting developments in genome sequencing for personalized medicine will materialize in the next 20 to 30 years.Developing economies are emerging as important players in these fields in part because of advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs), sustained economic growth and strong government support. Governments are increasing their investments in research and development (R&D), providing support for the next generation of life scientists, enabling institutionalized knowledge transfer from academia to industry and encouraging the expansion of the private sector’s role in all aspects of development. Moreover, scientists from developed and developing countries are increasing collaborations to tackle global problems, creating deeply-intertwined international networks to create,share and acquire knowledge produced at the frontiers of various S&T areas.

A DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots that are attached to a solid surface. DNA microarrays allow the simultaneous monitoring of expression of thousands of genes. They can be used for both determination of mRNA levels and for genotyping. Protein microarrays help in monitoring the level of translation of proteins and the testing of enzyme actions. The tool is widely used to ascertain whether a particular individual’s DNA contains a mutation in genes.

A biosensor consists of a bio-response recognition component. It can be referred to as a bio-component with a transducer that converts a biological response into an electrical signal, which is then amplified, processed, and displayed on the display unit. The combination of the bio-component and the transducer is referred to as the biosensor.

3-D printing is an evolving technology that caters to sectors such as automotive, education, healthcare, and aerospace. In the automotive and aerospace sectors, the use of 3-D printing enables manufacturers to make complex parts such as gears and fuel nozzles with high efficiency. This technology is expected to also find new applications in other sectors. For instance, in the medical sector, researchers are attempting to discover and identify ways to use this technology to make prosthetic parts with biological materials such as cartilage, bone, and skin.

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