2. General considerations on biotechnology

2.1 Definitions

• There are many definitions of biotechnology, each of which refers more or less to a specific scientific, institutional, economic or ethical context.

  The first definition of biotechnology given in 1982 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is still accepted today [9] :

  "The application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by biological agents in the production of goods and services.

  This broad definition refers to technology based on biology, i.e. the study of living organisms.

  In 1995, the definition of biotechnology...