In the Fralin Biotechnology Center , researchers increase the understanding of life and turn molecular biology into practical commercial applications, such as plants that resist disease and that produce human pharmaceutical proteins and enzymes.
Scientists also create products to detect disease organisms and to degrade pollutants.
Our scientists were among the first in the world to produce a human pharmaceutical protein in the milk of pigs and have developed a human enzyme in transgenic tobacco. This research holds the promise of providing low-cost sources of what until now have been scarce pharmaceuticals. Virginia Tech biotechnology discoveries have resulted in new businesses, technology transfer that increases the competitiveness of Virginia's biotechnology industry, and real world experiences for students. It also has three teaching laboratories, a computer laboratory, classrooms, and an auditorium. The center also works with community college and high school teachers across the state, providing training, equipment, and supplies.