Synthetic

Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering. The subject combines various disciplines from within these domains, such as biotechnology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, systems biology, biophysics, computer engineering, and genetic engineering.

Description

Synthetic biology involves the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, as well as the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes. It is a notable technology expected to have important social implications.

History

The field of synthetic biology has been in existence for nearly four decades, however, the term itself was only coined in the year 2000. The development of this field has been enabled by the significant advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology as well as the emergence of whole-genome sequencing data, the development of high-throughput techniques, and the increasing accessibility of genetic information.

Applications

The applications of synthetic biology are broad and promising in many fields. In medicine, it could provide significant advancements such as the creation of synthetic skin, pharmaceuticals, and the creation of organs or tissues for transplantation. In the environmental sector, synthetic biology could lead to the development of biofuels, the creation of organisms to clean up oil spills, and the engineering of bacteria to break down plastic waste.

Ethical and safety considerations

Like any powerful technology, the application of synthetic biology is not without potential risks and ethical considerations. These include concerns about biosecurity, biosafety, philosophical objections, and the potential for misuse.

See also

• Biotechnology
• Genetic engineering
• Molecular biology
• Systems biology

References

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External links

• Synthetic Biology Project - An initiative by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars to identify public policy options for the emerging field of synthetic biology.