Table of Contents
Introduction
Researchers will use traditional knowledge of local communities to enhance their quest for new, untapped plants, animals, or chemical compounds in the search for new bio-resources in increasingly isolated and rural areas. When this information is used without permission and the local community’s assistance and culture are exploited for commercial gain, ethical (and occasionally political) difficulties arise. This is referred to as biopiracy. Biosafety levels (BSL) are used to determine which precautions are required in a laboratory setting to protect personnel, the environment, and the general public. Biosafety in Biomedical Laboratories defines the levels (the BMBL). “The discipline concerned with the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials,” according to the definition of biosafety.
Overview
When this information is used without permission and the local community’s assistance and culture are exploited for commercial gain, ethical (and occasionally political) difficulties arise. This is referred to as biopiracy. Intellectual property claims are currently being extended to elements of the periodic table and essential metabolic pathways involved in cellular functioning through patents relating to nanotechnology and synthetic biology (resulting in natural products with high commercial value). Biosafety levels (BSL) are used to determine which precautions are required in a laboratory setting to protect personnel, the environment, and the general public. Biosafety in Biomedical Laboratories defines the levels (the BMBL).
Biopiracy
Biopiracy is a word coined by the ETC Group to describe the takeover of farming and indigenous communities’ expertise and genetic resources by individuals or institutions seeking exclusive monopoly control (patents or intellectual property) over these resources and knowledge. According to the ETC Group, intellectual property preys on the rights and understanding of rural communities and indigenous peoples. Intellectual property claims are currently being extended to elements of the periodic table and essential metabolic pathways involved in cellular functioning through patents relating to nanotechnology and synthetic biology (resulting in natural products with high commercial value).
Biopiracy and Patent example:
Biopiracy isn’t just a problem in the pharmaceutical industry. It can also be found in agricultural or industrial settings. Foreign companies have patented Indian items such as the neem tree, tamarind, turmeric, and Darjeeling tea for various reasons.
Basmati rice, which is farmed in India, is known for its distinct flavour and scent, yet a US patent granted an American company the rights to Basmati rice.
Biosafety
“The discipline concerned with the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials,” according to the definition of biosafety. In the biological laboratory, safe handling of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins is accomplished by using containment principles and risk assessment.
Biosafety Levels
Biosafety levels (BSL) are used to determine which precautions are required in a laboratory setting to protect personnel, the environment, and the general public. Biosafety in Biomedical Laboratories defines the levels (the BMBL).
- Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)
Infectious agents or chemicals that are not known to cause disease in healthy humans reliably are studied in BSL-1 labs. They adhere to basic safety precautions known as Standard Microbiological Practices and do not necessitate any extra equipment or design elements. In BSL-1 laboratories, standard engineering controls include readily cleaned surfaces that can withstand the basic chemicals employed in the lab.
- Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
BSL-2 laboratories are used to research moderate-risk infectious agents or toxins that could cause harm if breathed, swallowed, or skin contact is made. Hand washing sinks, eye cleaning stations in case of mishaps, and automated closing and locking doors are all design criteria for BSL-2 laboratories. Depending on the biological risk assessment, BSL-2 labs must additionally have access to equipment that can disinfect laboratory waste, such as an incinerator, an autoclave, and another method.
- Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)
BSL-2 laboratories are used to research moderate-risk infectious agents or toxins that could cause harm if breathed, swallowed, or skin contact is made. Hand washing sinks, eye cleaning stations in case of mishaps, and automated closing and locking doors are all design criteria for BSL-2 laboratories. Depending on the biological risk assessment, BSL-2 labs must additionally have access to equipment that can disinfect laboratory waste.
- Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4)
Infectious agents or toxins or chemicals that pose a high risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections and life-threatening sickness for which no vaccination or cure is available are studied in BSL-4 laboratories. The laboratories are equipped with all BSL 3 features and are located in safe, separated zones inside a larger facility or a separate, dedicated structure. Access to BSL-4 laboratories is strictly controlled, and it necessitates extensive training.
FAQ’s
Q. What is biopiracy, and what is an example of it?
Ans: Biopiracy is the illegal use of bio-resources by multinational corporations and other organizations without adequate permission from the governments and people involved. Basmati rice, which is farmed in India, is known for its distinct flavour and scent, yet a US patent granted an American company the rights to Basmati rice.
Q. What is the purpose of a patent?
Ans: A patent is a federally granted right that allows an inventor to prevent others from creating, selling, or using their invention for a set period of time. The patent system is intended to promote one-of-a-kind and socially constructed beneficial innovations.
Q. What is the source of biopiracy?
Ans: Biopiracy occurs when patents are applied unfairly to genetic resources and traditional knowledge. Biopiracy can be linked to the primary cause of biopiracy, which is searching for potentially beneficial biological resources using indigenous knowledge.
Q. What does the term “biosafety” indicate?
Ans: The use of particular methods, safety equipment, and specially constructed buildings to safeguard workers, the community, and the environment from accidental exposure or unintentional discharge of infectious agents, poisons, and other biological hazards are referred to as “biosafety.”
Q. What do you think the importance of biosafety is?
Ans: Biosafety training ensures that you and your team (or anybody else involved) handle infectious organisms and dangerous biological materials properly. This protects not only people working in the lab but also everyone else who comes into contact with them.
