All You Need To Know About Synthetic Biology

"Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist!"

That's Tony Stark's sassy reply to Steve Rogers aka Captain America in The Avengers (2012).

Well, if you’re a fan of Tony Stark from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or have read the Iron Man comics, you understand how Tony Stark is more than just a billionaire playboy in a billion-dollar suit. Yet, we had another genius who combined biology and technology - any guesses?

The Extremis armor in the comic books was a bio-engineered upgrade that let Stark store and summon up his suit from inside his own body. You read that right!

He no longer had to put on his armor by hand; it became an extension of his body and responded instantly to commands from his brain.

Now, synthetic biology is bringing biology and technology closer, helping them work together. Yet, we're still a long way from putting nanobots in our bloodstream and calling an Iron Man suit whenever we want!

Despite this, synthetic biology is helping change everything from medicines to manufacturing. We're talking about making new medicines, creating foods to be less susceptible to pests and diseases, and even making biofuels that can be used for a long time. It's pretty much possible to do anything!

In fact, synthetic biology could have a direct effect on the economy in tune of $4 trillion each year for the next 10 to 20 years, says McKinsey. That's a lot of dough!

So, let's look into the Extremis effect in real life by understanding what synthetic biology is. Dive in!

Introduction To Synthetic Biology

Using advanced genetic and molecular engineering, synthetic biology is the process of making new biological systems or changing current ones. It goes further than regular bioengineering because it uses computer design, automation, and synthetic DNA to create new biological processes.

You won't believe it, but this phrase has its roots in 1961. François Jacob and Jacques Monod found that bacteria (E. coli) can change the way genes work based on their surroundings, just like a light switch. Genes could then be managed, and not just be switched "on" or "off." This was a big deal because it proved the idea of genetic manipulation.

Then, in the early 2000s, scientists began putting together genetic pieces to make cellular biological systems that worked like little programs. In 2003, MIT introduced a course for students to try and make biological gadgets.

This made The National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States give a $37 million grant to create the Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center (SynBERC) in 2006.

They did this because they saw the promise of synthetic biology. With uses in medicine, farming, energy, and other areas, this center's goal was to speed up study into designing and building new biological systems.

It wasn't just about changing genes; it was about making whole new biological processes and functions.

So, synthetic biology is getting easier and more powerful as DNA synthesis, sequencing, and computer tools get better.

Let's find out more about how these come together to make synthetic biology possible.

Key Technologies Needed For Synthetic Biology

Science and technology have made synthetic life possible. Scientists can plan and build living systems with more accuracy thanks to these technologies. Let's take a quick look at that:

1. DNA Synthesis And Sequencing

On the one hand, DNA synthesis lets scientists make unique DNA sequences, which is like writing a specific code for a biological purpose. In contrast, DNA sequencing lets them read the genetic code, which helps them check the accuracy of synthetic DNA or learn about biological systems that are already in place.

According to a report by Research Nester, the DNA sequencing market was valued at $12.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around $69.7 billion by 2037. That's a 5x increase!

2. CRISPR-Cas9

CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing technology, has revolutionized biology by working as a pair of molecular scissors, letting scientists cut and change DNA patterns inside living things with great accuracy. 

This technology has made genome editing easier, making it more viable and available. This process has accelerated research in various fields, too.

3. Synthetic Genomics

Synthetic genomics goes one step further by building whole genomes from scratch. To do this, long DNA patterns need to be planned, synthesized, and put together into a working genome that can be put into a cell.

The goal? To make living things do completely new or better things. Imagine building a computer from individual transistors - but instead of silicon parts, we're using DNA. The advancements in DNA sequencing and synthesis have enabled the development of synthetic biology.

So, after understanding the technologies supporting synthetic biology, let's step into the real world, shall we? 

Applications Of Synthetic Biology

Scientists are coming up with new ideas in many fields by creating and changing biological systems. Let us take a look at some of the coolest uses.

1. Medicine

Synthetic biology is helping to make new medicines, vaccines, and tests that can find diseases much earlier. Like how mRNA vaccines were made.

These vaccines are a great example of how advances in synthetic biology can help avoid pandemics, train our immune systems to find and kill cancers more effectively and many more impressive things.

2. Agriculture

So, can man-made nature help feed everyone? Absolutely! Scientists are engineering crops to boost yields and make them more resilient to harsh conditions, a potential game-changer for farmers in poorer regions and those combating global hunger.

3. Environmental

Our planet needs help, and synthetic biology is stepping up. Bioremediation, which uses living things to clean up waste, is what researchers are using it for.

As an option to fossil fuels, they are also working on sustainable biofuels. For example, LanzaTech, using the bacterium Cupriavidus necator (a gram-negative soil bacterium), has created ways to collect carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) and change them into useful chemicals.

4. Industrial Biotechnology

When it comes to industrial biotechnology, businesses are making chemicals, materials, and bio-based goods using engineered biological systems instead of the old, often dirty ways of doing things. There is a famous meat substitute called The Impossible Burger that uses lab-created non-meat-based heme molecules to make its product look and taste more like a regular beef hamburger. Would you try it?

An environmental study by independent auditor Quantis found that making one Impossible Burger patty uses 96% less space and 87% less water than making one beef patty. It also puts 89% less carbon into the air.

You see, synthetic biology is already making changes in business, agriculture, medicine, and environmental science, but what are the bad things that could happen? That's what we'll look into next.

Ethical, Safety, And Regulatory Considerations For Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology, like every powerful technology, has its own set of challenges. We're not talking about lab experiments gone wrong but the potential for misuse and unintended consequences. 

So, what are these big concerns, and how do we keep things in check?

One of the greatest fears is about what is right and wrong in synthetic organisms. Are humans playing God? What happens if these organisms interact with existing ecosystems in unpredictable ways? In an ethical frame, here's what would happen then:

• Unintended Environmental Impact: Synthetic organisms could mess up ecosystems, make natural species less competitive, or bring new diseases to our beloved earth. Imagine putting out an algae that is very good at removing carbon dioxide and then finding that it kills all the other plants and animals that are present in the water due to insufficient oxygen.

• Dual-Use Dilemma: The science used to make drugs that save lives could also be used to make biological weapons. This is a very big problem that needs close monitoring. The wrong use of synthetic biology is a real danger.

So, the questions would arise: who owns these synthetic organisms? Should they be patented? How can we ensure that its benefits are shared equitably and not concentrated in the hands of a few powerful corporations? 

TechDogs Opinion: It's important to remember that synthetic biology is a relatively new field. We don't have all the answers, and there's a lot we still need to learn about the potential risks and benefits. Here, open discussion and collaboration is imperative.

Ultimately, the goal is to use synthetic biology for good while minimizing its risks. It's a delicate balancing act, but one that's essential for a safe and sustainable future. Are we up to the challenge?

Wrapping It Up

Synthetic biology is a flexible, brand-new, and, to be honest, a confusing field. From making our food more sustainable to creating life-saving medicines, it is changing our lives in ways we never thought possible.

Yeah, it sounds like those genetic engineering concepts we see in sci-fi movies, but it's happening right now!

Remember, as we dive deeper into this brave new world, we need ethics to keep us in check and ensure we're using these tools for good. After all, we don't want to make a monster by chance, do we?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Synthetic Biology?

Synthetic biology is a field that mixes biology and engineering. It involves designing new living things or changing existing ones to solve big problems, like making better medicines or improving crops.

How Is Synthetic Biology Used In Medicine?

In medicine, synthetic biology helps create new treatments, vaccines, and ways to diagnose diseases. For example, mRNA vaccines, which are used to fight diseases like COVID-19, are a result of synthetic biology.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Synthetic Biology?

Yes, there are some risks and ethical questions about creating new organisms. It's important to have rules and safety measures in place to make sure that synthetic biology is used responsibly.