Designing life: the transformative potential of synthetic biology

Recent breakthroughs have propelled synthetic biology from theory to impactful applications:

1. CRISPR and Gene Editing
   CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionised gene editing, enabling precise modifications to DNA. It has applications in agriculture (e.g., drought-resistant crops), healthcare (e.g., targeted cancer treatments), and industrial processes.
2. DNA Synthesis and Assembly
   Advances in DNA synthesis allow scientists to create genetic material from scratch, enabling the production of entirely novel organisms designed for specific functions. For instance, researchers have developed bacteria capable of producing biofuels.
3. Biological Circuitry
   Synthetic biologists are designing biological circuits, similar to electronic circuits, to control gene expression. These systems enable programmable behaviours in cells, such as targeted drug delivery.
4. Automation and AI Integration
   Machine learning and automation are accelerating the design-build-test cycle of synthetic biology. AI-driven platforms like LabGenius optimise genetic designs for desired outcomes.

Synthetic biology has diverse applications across multiple sectors:

1. Healthcare and medicine
   • Personalised therapies
     CAR-T cell therapies, engineered using synthetic biology, have demonstrated success in treating certain cancers.
   • Biomanufacturing drugs
     Synthetic biology is used to produce complex drugs, such as insulin and vaccines, at scale.
   • Gene-based diagnostics
     CRISPR-based tools are revolutionising diagnostics, enabling rapid detection of pathogens like COVID-19.
2. Sustainable agriculture
   • Nitrogen-fixing crops
     Synthetic biology enables the development of crops that fix their own nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
   • Pest control
     Engineered organisms can combat agricultural pests while minimising environmental harm.
3. Environmental applications
   • Bioremediation
     Engineered microbes can degrade pollutants, such as plastics and oil spills.
   • Carbon sequestration
     Synthetic biology is being leveraged to enhance carbon capture through modified algae and soil bacteria.
4. Industrial and energy applications
   • Biofuels
     Synthetic organisms can convert biomass into renewable fuels
   • Biomaterials
     Companies are developing biodegradable alternatives to plastics using engineered microbes.

The UK has emerged as a global leader in synthetic biology, supported by strategic initiatives and investments:

1. Synthetic biology strategic plan (2016-2025)
   The UK government’s roadmap outlines priorities for research funding, innovation, and commercialisation. It emphasises collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
2. The Synthetic Biology Leadership Council (SBLC)
   The SBLC drives the UK’s strategy by fostering partnerships and ensuring alignment with global trends. It has spearheaded initiatives like the National Biomanufacturing Centre in Darlington.
3. Innovate UK funding
   Innovate UK has invested millions in synthetic biology start-ups, supporting advancements in bioengineering and commercialisation. Companies like Oxitec and Synthace exemplify the UK’s thriving biotech ecosystem.
4. Cambridge and London as hubs
   With institutions like the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, the UK boasts a robust research environment, producing breakthroughs in genetic engineering and biofabrication.

Despite its transformative potential, synthetic biology raises significant ethical and societal concerns:

1. Biosecurity risks
   The dual-use nature of synthetic biology poses risks of misuse, such as the creation of harmful pathogens. Regulatory frameworks must address these threats.
2. Equity and access
   Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of synthetic biology is critical, particularly for low-income countries where technologies like nitrogen-fixing crops could have a profound impact.
3. Biosafety
   The release of engineered organisms into the environment must be carefully managed to prevent unintended ecological consequences.
4. Intellectual property
   Patents on synthetic organisms and technologies could stifle innovation and raise ethical questions about the ownership of life forms.