Synthetic biology operates on multiple scales, from molecules to multicellular organisms to whole ecosystems.² At the smallest scale, we can manufacture novel molecules and materials that do not exist in nature. Non-living materials may be imbued with properties of living organisms, such as self-repair.³ Alternatively, microorganisms can be engineered to produce desirable molecules, for instance by genome synthesis or directed evolution.

At the level of cells, artificial versions of key biomolecules such as nucleic acids can be synthesised and introduced into the genomes of microorganisms.⁴ Other engineered cells can be used as biosensors, for instance to detect threats,⁵ to produce other useful chemicals or to break down harmful ones such as pollutants. They can also be induced to form tissues and organs, which could be used in place of transplants.⁶

Multicellular organisms can be modified using genome synthesis editing. There have also been preliminary attempts to create wholly artificial multicellular organisms.⁷

Given its wide-ranging applications, there is a need for synthetic biology to be developed alongside ethical and societal expertise in order to shape how and why decisions are being made, and for whom.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Synthetic biology enables the creation and modification of living organisms, and of their molecular building blocks. The field is advancing rapidly. In fundamental synthetic biology, faster and better genome editing, and other technologies, are enabling the development of heavily modified organisms. The potential applications of synthetic biology are immensely varied. The approach is already being used in Medicine and health, for instance to develop genetic therapies for inherited diseases, to engineer new medicines, and to design new cancer therapies. Likewise, there is considerable potential to improve Manufacturing, industry and agriculture. Synthetic biology enables new technologies such as bioelectronics and the creation of new materials. Bioplastics created from living organisms could replace at least some plastics from fossil fuels. Synthetic pesticides and gene drives may reduce crop losses and also cut costs. Finally, there are emerging applications in Energy, climate and conservation. These include engineering at-risk organisms to be more resilient against environmental change and using microorganisms to produce zero-carbon fuels such as green hydrogen. Because of the potential risks to humans and ecosystems, there is an urgent need to develop security measurements for synthetic biology.