Very rarely will challenges be unidirectional, but rather will require investigation of several aspects of a process or production problem. In such circumstances, you will often need skills and expertise in additional fields such as molecular biology, bioengineering or biochemistry. Both natural and chemically enhanced microbial products can be used to control human, animal and plant diseases. Using traditional genetics or recombinant DNA techniques, the microorganism can be modified to improve the yield or action of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. New research directions are aimed at discovering microbial metabolites with pharmacological activities useful in the treatment of hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease, cancer and inflammation.
Vaccines are essential to protect humans and animals from microbial diseases.
Other examples include the use of microbial cells to produce human or animal biologicals such as insulin, growth hormone and antibodies. Production of coffee, tea, cocoa, summer sausage, vanilla, cheese, olives and tobacco all require microbial activity. Food flavoring agents and preservatives. Organic acids such as citric, malic and ascorbic acids and monosodium glutamate are microbial products commonly used in foods. Mushrooms, truffles and some red and green algae are consumed directly.