72.1 Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering

This class includes research and experimental development on biotechnology: - DNA/RNA: genomics, pharmacogenomics, gene probes, genetic engineering, DNA/RNA sequencing/synthesis/amplification, gene expression profiling, and use of antisense technology - proteins and other molecules: sequencing/synthesis/engineering of proteins and peptides (including large molecule hormones); improved delivery methods for large molecule drugs; proteomics, protein isolation and purification, signalling, identification of cell receptors - cell and tissue culture and engineering: cell/tissue culture, tissue engineering (including tissue scaffolds and biomedical engineering), cellular fusion, vaccine/immune stimulants, embryo manipulation - process biotechnology techniques: fermentation using bioreactors, bioprocessing, bioleaching, biopulping, biobleaching, biodesulphurisation, bioremediation, biofiltration and phytoremediation - gene and RNA vectors: gene therapy, viral vectors - bioinformatics: construction of databases on genomes, protein sequences; modelling complex biological processes, including systems biology - nanobiotechnology: applies the tools and processes of nano/microfabrication to build devices for studying biosystems and applications in drug delivery, diagnostics etc.

This class includes: - research and experimental development on natural science and engineering other than biotechnological research and experimental development: • research and development on natural sciences • research and development on engineering and technology • research and development on medical sciences • research and development on agricultural sciences • interdisciplinary research and development, predominantly on natural sciences and engineering