Synthetic biology

Abstract

Synthetic biology aims to use modular, well-characterised biological parts to predictably construct novel genetic devices and complex cell-based systems following engineering principles. Synthetic biology is the design and engineering of biologically based parts, novel devices and systems as well as the redesign of existing, natural biological systems. It has the potential to deliver important new applications and improve existing industrial processes – resulting in economic growth and job creation. Synthetic biology is the engineering of biology: the synthesis of complex, biologically based (or inspired) systems, which display functions that do not exist in nature. This engineering perspective may be applied at all levels of the hierarchy of biological structures – from individual molecules to whole cells, tissues and organisms. In essence, synthetic biology will enable the design of ‘biological systems’ in a rational and systematic way. (Synthetic Biology: Applying Engineering to Biology: report of a NEST High Level Expert Group. Molecular Systems Biology (2007) 3: 158.) There is no agreed definition of synthetic biology, but it is best understood as the rational design of biological systems and living organisms using engineering principles. The concept of ‘synthetic biology space’ (Channon et al., 2008) provides a useful tool that enables the sometimes seemingly disparate components, hierarchies and approaches encompassed by synthetic biology to be placed into a common framework. ‘A major challenge of synthetic biology is that real biology is messy and difficult to deconstruct and catalogue.’ Synthetic biology is much more than a platform – an inventory of parts, modules and circuits that can be slotted into chasses and used. It is a bold and new way of thinking that helps us to understand biological processes and systems. It encourages scientists from across the disciplines (social scientists, biologists, chemists, engineers, mathematical modellers and others) to work together to identify the grand challenges faced by society and collectively to find solutions (Fig. 1). To do this effectively it is essential that there is meaningful and productive engagement between scientists and the wider public. Science has tended to fragment into ever more specialized areas of research. The branches of a tree may divide repeatedly to form the finest twigs – twigs that may snap off in the wind. This is the danger in the silo mentality that tends to prevail in science (Osbourn, 2006). Synthetic biology has great things to offer – parts, circuits, deliverables, drugs for industry and the developing world. Perhaps the greatest opportunity, however, is in bringing people together from different disciplines and communities; in doing things differently; in doing what it takes to make things happen; in remembering what made us do science at school and go into it as a profession – because it is exciting; because we have the privilege of being able to find out; because it connects us with the world around us; because we can make a difference. The aim of this New Phytologist workshop was to bring together a wide range of scientists, from diverse backgrounds, to share and discuss current ideas and progress in their respective fields. This is a departure from the typical New Phytologist workshop, in the sense that it involved chemists, microbial biologists, plant scientists, mathematical modellers and social scientists, all with a common interest in synthetic biology. Most who attended the meeting had not seen all or even many of the other speakers previously, reflecting the eclectic mix. The meeting began with a presentation by Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive of the UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), which funds nonclinical biological sciences. Synthetic biology forms part of BBSRC's strategic priority area in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy, and BBSRC together with the Engineering and Physical Scie