Synthetic Biology Engineering

Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells or the redesign of existing biological systems. Synthetic biology builds on the advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology and seeks to transform biology in the same way that synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing.

Current Uses of Synthetic Biology

Naturally Replicating Rubber for Tires

Isoprene is an important commodity chemical used in a variety of applications, including the production of synthetic rubber. Isoprene is naturally produced by nearly all living things (including humans, plants and bacteria); the metabolite dimethylallyl pyrophosphate is converted into isoprene by the enzyme isoprene synthase. But the gene encoding the isoprene synthase enzyme has only been identified in plants such as rubber trees, making natural rubber a limited resource.

Delivering Economic, Renewable Bio Acrylic

Acrylic is an important petrochemical used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Acrylic ingredients make paints more durable and odor-free, adhesives stronger and longer-lasting, diapers more absorbent and leak-proof, and detergents better able to clean clothes.

The application of synthetic biology to human health

Synthetic biology technology has potential uses in clinical treatments that can synthesize gene circuits to screen for pathogenic gene or structure variants in diseased animal models. Currently, scientists have synthesized a number of gene circuits in mammalian cells, potentially leading to the treatment and outright prevention of many genetic diseases in humans. Synthetic biology can also lead to treatment for metabolic disorders. For example, Dean et al. incorporated a synthetic gene circuit encoding the glyco-oxylate shunt pathway into mice liver cells, resulting in increased fatty acid oxidation.