Synthetic biology (SynBio) is a multidisciplinary field of science that involves the design and the construction of novel artificial biological pathways, organisms and devices or the redesign of existing natural biological systems to have new abilities. These engineered systems are designed to solve problems in medicine, manufacturing and agriculture. SynBio includes methods and tools from all kinds of life science disciplines and engineering.*

SynBio is an interdisciplinary field that bridges the natural sciences and engineering. In this field, scientists seek to understand and manipulate biological systems or develop novel systems with new or enhanced functions. By applying engineering principles such as modularity, standardization, and rational design SynBio seeks to make biology more predictable and programmable thus being capable of performing useful tasks, such as diagnostic systems for infections, novel materials, or the production of complex active compounds. The overarching goal in SynBio is to solve real-world problems while ensuring that these technologies are safe and benefit society.

The field has already produced a number of remarkable applications. One of the earliest successes was the engineering of microorganisms to produce the antimalarial drug artemisinin, providing a more reliable and affordable source of this life-saving medicine. SynBio has also enabled the development of mRNA vaccines, which played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. In industrial biotechnology, engineered microorganisms are used to manufacture biofuels, enzymes, food ingredients, and sustainable chemicals. Environmental applications include biosensors that detect pollutants and microorganisms designed to remove contaminants from soil and water.

Recent advances in DNA synthesis, genome editing technologies such as CRISPR, automation, and artificial intelligence have accelerated the pace of innovation in SynBio. Researchers are now exploring the creation of synthetic cells, programmable therapeutic microbes, and engineered biological systems capable of responding to environmental or medical signals.

Driven by the rapid development of SynBio, important new questions regarding biosafety, ethics, and governance arise on a regular basis. The safe use of the technologies developed in this field requires that we address the opportunities and risks posed by these innovations in a responsible manner and with public engagement.

*Adapted from https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/synthetic-biology