Biotechnology has been used by the human species since ancient times. This is because, in its broadest sense, biotechnology comprises the application of microorganisms, plants and animals, to obtain processes and products of interest to society.

These molecular discoveries resulted in a technological revolution. Using recombinant DNA technology, scientists, for the first time, were able to manipulate DNA. With this technique, the isolation and manipulation of genes has become a reality. The manipulation of genes made it possible to optimize microorganisms for the production of substances in greater quantity and efficiency in the food sector. An immediately applied example was the improvement of catalase and chymosin developed by microorganisms for cheese fermentation. The same strategy used in microorganisms began to be used in the development of plants with improved characteristics. As is the case with some soybean plants that have an oil similar in composition to olive oil, that is, from this soybean we start to produce healthier oil. In fact, different sectors of society have benefited and developed viable and safe strategies for the development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) aimed at meeting consumer demands and sustainable production of food, fiber and energy.

Biotechnology will continue to provide new advances in clinical research in the coming years, leading to treatments in areas that have previously eluded us (including HIV/AIDS, cancer, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease), and will also continue to offer alternatives to current conventional treatments available.