Which biotechnology method is commonly used to produce vaccines?

Recombinant DNA technology is a pivotal method commonly employed in the production of vaccines. This technique involves combining DNA from different sources to create a new genetic sequence that can produce specific proteins. In vaccine development, recombinant DNA technology can be used to insert the genes that code for antigens (the parts of pathogens that trigger an immune response) into host cells, such as bacteria or yeast. These modified organisms then produce the antigens, which can be harvested and purified to create a vaccine.

This method allows for a more targeted and effective vaccine development process, as it can generate specific antigens without needing to work with live pathogens, thereby enhancing safety. Moreover, vaccines produced via recombinant DNA technology can be designed to provoke a robust immune response while minimizing adverse reactions.

In contrast, methods like filtration and fermentation may play roles in other aspects of biomanufacturing, such as purifying or cultivating biological products, but they are not primarily used to create the vaccine components themselves. Electrolysis does not apply to vaccine production, as it involves the chemical breakdown of compounds through electricity and is not related to the biological processes utilized in vaccine development. Thus, recombinant DNA technology stands out as the most relevant and widely used method for producing vaccines.