It is basically genetic engineering that produces solutions that enhance anything from healthcare to agriculture. This exciting field has been growing fast with the market expected to expand by USD 55.61 billion between 2023 and 2028.
But what exactly is synthetic biology, and how has it evolved over the years? This article explores the fundamental ideas of synthetic biology, practical uses, moral dilemmas, and the future of this industry.
What is Synthetic Biology?
Synthetic biology is the application of engineering concepts to the study of biology. It enables scientists to create, construct, and alter biological components, tools, and systems that are not found in the natural world. This can involve making new kinds of life, modifying genes to do particular tasks, or even building synthetic organisms.
Two essential pillars support it:
- Genetic Engineering: The process of altering an organism’s DNA to produce a desired characteristic, such as making a certain protein or preventing a disease.
- Systems Biology:Understanding and modifying intricate biological systems to make sure they function harmoniously inside a living organism or system.
However, what makes it so crucial? It’s not just about tinkering with genes and DNA. Similar to how computers and software transformed the world in the 20th century, the goal is to turn biology into a platform for technology.
The Development of Synthetic Biology
For us to easily understand synthetic biology, we must know its evolution. It is not a completely novel idea. Its origins can be traced to the introduction of genetic engineering in the 1970s.
But in the last 20 years, advances in DNA synthesis and sequencing have taken it to a whole new level. Nowadays, the subject has progressed beyond simple genetic manipulation to the creation of completely new species with specialized roles.
For instance, did you know that in 2010, scientists made headlines when they used a synthetic genome to create “Synthia,” the first synthetic organism? The idea that life might be created like software was born out of this breakthrough. It demonstrated that life could be engineered from scratch. Since then, synthetic biology has expanded rapidly, finding use in everything from environmental sustainability to medicine.
What is the Current Use of Synthetic Biology?
With its quick development, it is poised to transform a number of sectors. How does the future seem, though? It is expected to be a key component in addressing global issues, according to several trends. Today, it is making an impact in the following important areas:
Drugs
The creation of novel treatments is one of the best answers that synthetic biology provides. For instance, the development of microbes that can combat diseases like cancer and gene therapy both heavily rely on it.
It gets more intriguing. Did you know synthetic biology can create personalized medicine for patients? The course of treatment is customized based on the patient’s unique genetic composition. And one such example is CAR-T treatment, which treats certain cancers by using T-cells that have been altered. Not only that, but it is also involved in the creation of vaccines using vaccine bioreactors. Its applications in the pharmaceutical industry cannot go unnoticed.
Agriculture
As data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency shows, agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change. There are also other factors that impact agriculture like pests and diseases. This in turn affects crop quality and production. Synthetic biology comes in as an answer to this problem by helping create crops that are more resistant to these factors. For this reason, in future, agriculture may have less need for dangerous fertilizers and pesticides thanks to these genetically modified crops.
Also, with synbio, it is possible to employ the concept of nitrogen fixing bacteria. It involves the making of artificial microorganisms that can fix nitrogen from the air and give plants vital nutrients. Ultimately, it lessens the requirement for chemical fertilizers, which means a healthier populace in the long run.
Environmental Sustainability
Innovations in environmental sustainability are being propelled by synthetic biology. For example, artificial microbes are being developed to assist in oil spill cleanup and the breakdown of plastic trash.
As a possible substitute for fossil fuels, businesses are also employing synthetic biology to produce biofuels from algae and other renewable resources. Thanks to synthetic biology, our dependency on non-renewable energy sources may be greatly diminished by these biofuels improving our environmental sustainability goals.
Industrial Biotechnology
Synthetic biology is also at the forefront of transforming industrial processes. To increase the effectiveness of chemical reactions in sectors including food manufacturing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, synthetic enzymes made through synthetic engineering are introduced.
A well-known example is in the production of meat substitutes. It has been used by businesses to produce plant-based meat substitutes that have the flavor and consistency of genuine meat.
Another example is the production of insulin through the process of biosynthesis. Insulin was formerly derived from animal pancreases, a process that was expensive and ineffective. Today, the pharmaceutical industry uses biosynthesis, a branch of synthetic biology, to genetically modify bacteria in order to create insulin. In addition to being more economical, this process enables production on a bigger scale..
The Future of Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology is expected to transform a number of industries due to its explosive expansion. However, what is its future? According to a number of trends, synthetic biology will remain essential in addressing global issues.
Advanced Manufacturing and Bioengineering
The use of living systems to produce materials and the on-demand synthesis of biomolecules could transform sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and energy. Manufacturers can create multifunctional, responsive materials that can perceive and respond to changes in their surroundings by using synthetic life.
However, certain issues remain unaddressed, especially in relation to scaling up the production capability, enhancement of host platforms and general industrial practices. These are barriers that must be crossed to fully unleash the value of synthetic biology.
Precision Medicine
The chance of making precision medicine cheaper and more available could be hidden in synthetic biology. As the cost of DNA sequencing continues to fall more patients will have access to tailored medicines designed specifically for them based on their own unique genetic makeup.
Ecological Production
Synthetic biology can decarbonize production by replacing biological processes with those based on petrol. This could lead to a circular and more sustainable economy with less waste, because it would allow for the optimal use of resources.
Integration with AI and Automation
There is every possibility that synthetic biology will require the use of Artificial intelligence and automation systems in the coming future. Synthetic biology will bring up new biological systems more rapidly and precisely by shortening the design-build-test cycles into bioengineering through the help of these technologies.
Benefits of Synthetic Biology
- With synthetic biology, it became possible to develop new therapies for diseases such as cancer; genetic therapies, personalized drugs and T-cells which are reprogrammed.
- Synthetic biology can be employed to develop substituted fertilizers that pose fewer impacts on the environment, improve yield and develop crops that are repellent to pests.
- This process makes the development of microbes that can reduce pollution or generate energy from wastes more feasible thus encouraging cleaner energy and waste minimization.
- Synthetic biology allows us to produce substances that would be expensive if obtained from nature already in state, enabling production of complex chemicals, drugs and materials using less natural resources.
- It helps in delivering high-quality biomaterials to make sustainable and versatile replacements for traditional materials in various industries such as: electronics, building or textile;
- Through synthetic biology, sustainable alternatives to conventional farming are provided by bioengineered organisms, which can aid in the production of synthetic proteins and other food ingredients.
All things considered, synthetic biology fosters innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in a variety of sectors.
Challenges in Synthetic Biology Industry
Although synthetic biology has a lot of potential, there are a number of issues that should be carefully considered. What are these obstacles, and how might they impact this developing field’s future?
1. Safety Issues
Safety is a major concern. It is often possible that organisms that scientists use for genetic modifications or those that they design for themselves may behave in certain unpredictable ways. What would happen for example if man-made microbes were released into the environment? Could it harm persons or animals or plants or even disrupt ecological systems?
Even when experts try to incorporate safety features into their creation, scientists themselves cannot predict everything. This makes biosafety laws rigid and constant supervision compulsory in order to ensure that artificial organisms do not cause harm in their interactions.
2. Ethical Dilemmas
The ethical implications of synthetic biology present yet another significant obstacle. Is the creation of new life forms morally acceptable? Some fear that there is a limit to the manipulation of life’s fundamental components.
For example, the dilemma of how far humankind should go in “playing God” arises when scientists build synthetic life. It is even more worrying when it comes to developing living forms that could be utilized by people, such as artificial organs or gene-editing therapies.
Furthermore, whose rights are these new forms of life? Do scientists or businesses have the right to patent biological things? Since not everyone will have equal access to these ground-breaking technologies, this presents concerns about intellectual property and global equity.
3. Regulatory Obstacles
The regulatory environment presents additional difficulties in addition to safety and moral issues. How is synthetic biology regulated?
The complexity of these technologies is frequently not adequately addressed by current frameworks and rules because the area is so young. While governments throughout the world are working to catch up, synthetic biology is developing at a breakneck pace.
For instance, synthetic biology is a step up from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which have been controlled for decades. Regulatory agencies have to balance public safety and scientific advancement while creating new regulations and making sure they can keep up with the rate of innovation.
4. Technical Restrictions
Even though synthetic biology has advanced significantly, technical difficulties still exist. Building new biological systems, for instance, is more complicated than putting together components of an engineered system, such as an automobile. Systems in biology are far more intricate and uncertain. A synthetic organism’s entire system may be impacted in unanticipated ways when a single component is altered.
Furthermore, even while DNA synthesis is becoming less costly, its high cost may still restrict access to synthetic biology research. Although researchers are working on more effective tools and techniques to create and test these systems more quickly, the process is still expensive and time-consuming.
5. Perception and Acceptance by the Public
Public perception presents still another significant obstacle. Most people don’t know much about synthetic biology and this is quite uncomfortable, especially if when it comes to genetically modifying species or changing human DNA. The public’s misperception or fear is a ticket to opposition of the technology, and this is a great impediment to its uptake and advancement.
The scientific community’s ability to effectively convey the advantages of synthetic biology and provide public fears will be crucial to its success. Developing openness and trust will be essential to winning over many people.
6. Environmental Risks
We can’t deny the environmental dangers associated with synthetic biology. Think about what would happen if artificial organisms accidentally escape and outcompete wild species. While some organisms made in the laboratories decompose once their purpose is fulfilled, others may survive and spread in unexpected ways.
Take, for example, artificial microorganisms designed to degrade plastic. They have the potential to disrupt natural ecosystems in unexpected ways if they grow out of control. My advice, synthetic biologists need to strike a balance between environmental protection and innovation.
How is Synthetic Biology Revolutionizing Cosmetic Ingredients?
As synthetic biology grows, the cosmetics business has benefited greatly. This is possible since synthetic biology has made it possible to generate essential chemicals in a more ethical, efficient, and ecological manner. For instance, collagen, palm oil, squalene, bioactive peptides and several injectables are common substances found in cosmetic products. Well, these products can now be manufactured through synthetic biology as discussed:
Collagen
Collagen is crucial for skincare. It will make your skin supple and structured. Collagen historically comes from animals, but there are new innovations today through synthetic biology that are making a difference. Corporations can now produce recombinant collagen in laboratories. This synthetic collagen is safer, pure, and bioidentical to the natural collagen in human skin, which makes it a superior substitute for cosmetics. Unlike collagen sourced from animals, it is made via precise fermentation, which also lessens its environmental impact.
Palm Oil
According to CTPA Sustainability Hub, about 70% of cosmetic goods contain palm oil. However, using palm oil poses a major concern to our environment and ethically too. Companies using synthetic biology are creating sustainable palm oil substitutes in response to this. They can produce substances that resemble palm oil without endangering the environment which is causing deforestation. This method employs modified microorganisms.
Squalane
Other than moisturizing, squalane has excellent emollient properties. This product is derived from the lipid found in plants, animals and even the human body but mostly from shark liver. And this has over the years raised moral questions. But thanks to synthetic biology, businesses can now ferment sugarcane to create bioidentical squalane. In addition to offering a sustainable substitute, this method saves millions of sharks every year.
Bioactive Peptides
Do you want to lower cholesterol, fight bacteria, reduce oxidative stress and improve your skin and hair? Then you’ve got to have bioactive peptides in your body. These peptides are common in proteins like milk, meat, fish and eggs. Still, synthetic biology is offering more ways to access these proteins. Besides, these biotechnology-developed peptides are quite useful in goods like hair treatments and anti-aging lotions since they restore damage at the molecular level.
Injectables
Through genetically modifying bacterias, scientists can make injectable hyaluronic acid. Additionally, precision fermentation is being utilized in synthetic biology to create cosmetic injectables like Botox. These injectables are safe and of high-quality injectables used in the cosmetic procedures.
Conclusion
With its ability to treat environmental pollutants, produce sustainable food, cure diseases, and lessen dependency on fossil fuels, synthetic biology holds the potential to completely transform the globe. Even though the field is still relatively new, its quick development indicates it will have a big influence. But it’s important to proceed cautiously, just like with any new technology.
The ethical implications of generating new life forms, possible environmental hazards, and the difficulties of governance and regulation must all be properly taken into account. For the advantages of synthetic biology to be realized in a safe and equitable manner, open and inclusive dialogues between scientists, decision-makers, and the general public are essential.
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