bioprospecting

British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈprɒspɛktɪŋ /

noun

1. searching for plant or animal species for use as a source of commercially exploitable products, such as medicinal drugs

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Example Sentences

"Through bioprospecting, we were able to identify a molecule in the species of this Amazonian scorpion that is similar to that found in the venoms of other scorpions and that acts against breast cancer cells," said Eliane Candiani Arantes, a professor at FCFRP-USP and the coordinator of the project.

From Science Daily

Bioprospecting in landfills, for example, might turn up microbes that have started eating not only plastic but all sorts of other waste, he says.

From BBC

From bioprospecting beneficial microbes, he was now forced to consider less cheery possibilities.

From Salon

The authors said concerted action is required to mitigate the impact of warming on polar ecosystems via conservation efforts, to sustainably manage these unique habitats and their ecosystem services, and for the sustainable bioprospecting of novel genes and compounds for societal gain.

From Science Daily

This practice is called "bioprospecting."

From Salon