synthetic biology

synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering that designs and constructs novel biological systems or re-designs existing ones for useful purposes. It applies principles from electrical and mechanical engineering to biological components, aiming to create predictable and standardized biological modules. The field seeks to program cells with new functions, advancing applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial production.

Overview

The foundational goal is to treat biology as a technology, enabling the design and fabrication of biological components that do not exist in the natural world. This approach builds upon the tools of recombinant DNA technology pioneered in the 1970s but emphasizes standardization, abstraction, and decoupling similar to other engineering disciplines. Core institutions driving the field include the MIT, Stanford University, and the JCVI, with significant funding from agencies like the DARPA and the NSF. The field is closely associated with the iGEM competition, which engages student teams worldwide.

Key concepts and techniques

Central to the discipline are standardized biological parts called BioBricks, which are DNA sequences encoding basic functions, stored in repositories like the Registry of Standard Biological Parts. Gene synthesis allows for the construction of entire genomes from chemical building blocks, a technique demonstrated by the JCVI with the creation of *Mycoplasma mycoides* JCVI-syn1.0. CRISPR technology enables precise genome editing and regulation. Other critical techniques include pathway engineering to rewire cellular metabolism and the use of computational models for design, often developed using software from the BioFAB initiative.

Applications

Applications span multiple sectors, with significant progress in pharmaceuticals, such as engineering *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* to produce the antimalarial compound artemisinic acid, a project led by Jay Keasling at the UC Berkeley. In environmental remediation, designed microorganisms can detect or degrade pollutants like atrazine. Industrial manufacturing utilizes engineered *E. coli* and other cells to produce biofuels, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals. Research at institutions like the Wyss Institute explores DNA-based nanostructures for targeted drug delivery.

Ethical, legal, and social implications

The field raises profound questions concerning biosecurity and dual-use research, highlighted by debates over the publication of studies on avian H5N1 influenza transmission. Organizations like the WHO and the U.S. National Academies regularly review governance frameworks. Biosecurity concerns center on the potential for engineered pathogens, while bioethical discussions involve the implications of gene drives for ecosystem manipulation. Intellectual property issues, exemplified by the *Myriad Genetics* case and patents held by Intrexon Corporation, complicate the sharing of standard biological parts.

History and development

Early conceptual foundations were laid in the 20th century with the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick and the development of recombinant DNA technology by Berg, Boyer, and Cohen. The term itself gained prominence in the early 2000s following conferences at MIT. Landmark achievements include the synthesis of the poliovirus genome in 2002 by Wimmer's team, the creation of the first synthetic bacterial cell, *Mycoplasma mycoides* JCVI-syn1.0, in 2010 by Venter and his team at the JCVI, and the ongoing Genome Project-write initiative. The field continues to evolve rapidly with advances from the Broad Institute and the EMBL. Category:Interdisciplinary fields Category:Biological engineering