3D Modeling in Biology
Although 3D modeling is still an emerging technology, it already contributes heavily to the biotechnology marketplace. Biotech innovations are developed mainly to assist in faster and more complicated research, and are almost entirely computer-based. As computers advance, companies and universities are coming up with tools that utilize processing power to make data analysis easier — in the form of 3D models. These products are not only being developed at institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Ohio State University, but several nonprofit organizations and projects, such as Zygote and Blue Brain, focus on designing and providing 3D modeling software and databases to researchers and the public. In addition, 3D modeling is being used in many companies to perform biology-related research, such as the research of enzyme applications conducted at Novoymes. 3D modeling technology is taking over the modern world of biological research.
3D Modeling in the Marketplace
Blue Brain
Blue Brain is a project being carried out by EPFL's Biotech Campus in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of Blue Brain is to digitally reconstruct and simulate the entirety of the rodent — and eventually human — brain. The reconstruction is built in part using experimental data, but is also constructed using extrapolation and independencies that occur within the brain. Computations used to create Blue Brain's model produce a dense and accurate simulation of the brain. The project not only aims to create a cellular recreation of the human brain, but also an electrical map of neural connectivity, including billions of neurons and trillions of synapses. This network of neurons will be a dynamic representation, able to accurately react to inputs and effectively simulate electrical brain activity.
Blue Brain is a massive project and relies on the extreme processing power of supercomputers. In order to calculate a neural reaction in the brain, trillions of calculations must be performed per second. The goal of Blue Brain is to make use of computational power and provide the world of research a useful and revolutionary tool that could open many doors for advancement in the areas of biology and neuroscience.
" The goal of the Blue Brain Project is to build biologically detailed digital reconstructions and simulations of the rodent, and ultimately the human brain "
Novozymes
Novozymes is a company dedicated to analyzing and modifying enzymes in order to find new and useful applications for them. Enzymes are extremely complicated protein-based molecules that rely on their 3-dimensional shape to perform their function. They are useful in many industries because they can catalyse reactions that would otherwise not occur. At Novozymes, 3D modeling and simulation software is used to discover possible uses for these enzymes, as well as determine how editing them will effect their behavior.
The enzymes designed and tested at Novozymes are eventually used in a variety of different products including food and beverages, household care, bioenergy, and sustainable farming. Work done at Novozymes is greatly beneficial for advancing the field of biotechnology and this research would not be possible without 3D modeling and simulation software.
Zygote 3D Models
Zygote is an animation and modeling company that has been providing the Biomedical industry with 3D content since 1994. Zygote designs and produces animations for the entertainment, education, and professional industries.
Zygote focuses less on data analyses and representation, and more on accurate visual content that can be used to advance the understanding of biological systems, including the human sensory, reproductive, respiratory, and skeletal system among other things. Visualizations made by Zygote are professional and make an effective classroom or study aid. With an immersive 3-dimensional simulation, understanding the world of anatomy and biology becomes infinitely easier.
3D modeling has more application than purely research, analysis, and education. Recent advancements have made possible 3D printing — with cells. This technology demonstrates huge progress in the area of 3D modeling, as these printable models may eventually be able to sustain living humans. With computer aided design and advanced laboratory techniques, scientists can literally print cells to make artificial flesh. As of now, several companies such as Organovo and RegenHU have been started with the purpose of 3D printing and supplying human tissue for medical use. Although the technology is currently only able to print several basic cell types inlcuding muscle and endothelial cells, it is likely that in the future the printing of more complex organs will be possible. For example, a patient seeking a new kidney may no longer need to wait for months on a list, but instead be able to have a living and fully functioning kidney 3D printed in a matter of hours. This technology is revolutionary, and in the near future could end up saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
3D Modeling and Bioprinting
