Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 500 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
My ever-determined future scientist, you’re most welcome! Today’s topic is one of the most important ways microbiology touches real human lives—Production of Vaccines, Insulin, and Monoclonal Antibodies. These are not just scientific words—they’re life-savers. From managing diabetes in Ilorin to preventing deadly diseases like yellow fever in Kano, these biotechnological products have helped millions live longer, healthier lives.
Let’s break them down together, using clear, Nigerian-friendly examples you’ll easily relate with.
Production Of Vaccines, Insulin, Monoclonal Antibodies
Vaccines: Training the Body’s Soldiers
Vaccines are like a rehearsal drill for your immune system. They prepare your body to fight real diseases without actually making you sick.
How are they produced?
Scientists use harmless parts of a virus or bacteria—like proteins or inactivated (dead) forms—to stimulate the immune system. These are often grown in bioreactors using microbes or animal cells.
Example:
Nigeria produces vaccines like yellow fever and is developing others using recombinant technology, where a gene from the virus is inserted into another organism like yeast or bacteria to produce the antigen.
Insulin: A Lifeline for Diabetics
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar. People with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin and must get it from outside.
How is insulin made?
Originally, it was extracted from pigs or cows. But now, scientists use genetic engineering:
A human insulin gene is inserted into E. coli or yeast.
These microbes produce insulin, which is then purified and bottled for use.
Real-life Nigerian angle:
With rising cases of diabetes in Nigeria, especially among urban dwellers, this biotechnological insulin is a lifesaver in hospitals from Abuja to Aba.
Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Precision Medicine
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins designed to target and neutralise specific things in the body, like viruses, cancer cells, or toxins.
How are they made?
A mouse is injected with an antigen (e.g., virus protein).
The mouse’s immune cells that make antibodies are combined with cancer cells to form hybridomas.
These cells are cloned to produce identical (monoclonal) antibodies.
Uses of monoclonal antibodies:
Treating cancers (like breast cancer)
Managing autoimmune diseases
Detecting infections (e.g., COVID-19 rapid tests)
Relatable Nigerian case:
During the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, a monoclonal antibody treatment called ZMapp was used. Nigerian labs are also exploring mAbs for diagnostic kits.
Summary
- Vaccines protect against diseases by training the immune system using parts of germs.
- Insulin is produced using genetically modified microbes to treat diabetes.
- Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins used for precise treatment and diagnostics.
- These medical products are possible thanks to microbial biotechnology and are essential for public health in Nigeria and beyond.
Evaluation
- How is modern insulin produced for diabetic patients?
- What is the main purpose of a vaccine?
- What are monoclonal antibodies used for in medicine?
Wonderful job today, my biomedical genius in training! You’re learning the kind of science that saves lives across Nigeria and the world. Whether it’s in a teaching hospital in Ibadan or a research centre in Zaria, your knowledge will one day help solve real health problems. Keep your heart in it—Afrilearn is always here to guide your journey. See you in the next amazing lesson!