The advent of biomolecular engineering.
Four key biomolecules are proteins, nucleotides, carbohydrates, and lipids. These are important biomolecules taught in introductory biochemistry courses. Nature has evolved to produce well-structured and specific biomolecules, which enable various chemical and physical processes to sustain life as we know it. Yet, through the study and characterization we have learned the several fundamental mechanisms to assemble and harness biomolecules in different biological systems. Using this knowledge, scientists have developed laboratory techniques to manipulate biomolecules, in vitro and in vivo, for novel functions. These engineered biomolecules serve numerous applications, ranging from agricultural practices to medical treatment.
Take for example, the development of monoclonal antibodies for biotechnological and therapeutic use. At the end of the 19th century, German physician-scientist Paul Ehrlich proposed a hypothetical molecular tool — the zauberkugel, or the magic bullet. The idea was that a molecule can be specifically delivered to its intended target. If a molecule can be discriminate in its activity, then we have a safe and effective treatment. In other words, a foreign body can be destroyed by a zauberkugel without harming the external environment (e.g. a patient). The first realization of the zauberkugel was through antibody-drug conjugates (ADC).
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are large proteins which can recognize and destroy foreign molecules. The image here depicts a common mAb, immunoglobulin G. Scientists and clinicians have successfully used mAbs to deliver drugs through linker technology. An example application would be delivering cytotoxic molecules to cancer cells in a patient. Currently, there are two FDA approved and commercially available ADCs: brentuximab vedotin for Hodgkin lymphoma and trastuzumab emtansine for HER2 positive breast cancer. These ADCs work by targeting tumor cells which over-express uncommon biomarkers.
Nature has designed mAbs with the ability to bind to unique molecules (antigens) through its variable region. Biomolecular engineers have further expanded the repertoire of molecular recognition agents by designing novel recombinant antibodies and small protein scaffolds. With advancing knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics, the discipline of biomolecular engineering is rapidly expanding. Numerous fields like medicine or agriculture will flourish with the increasing availability of efficacious and valuable biotechnology.
