Ten future challenges for synthetic biology

Abstract

After 2 decades of growth and success, synthetic biology has now become a mature field that is driving significant innovation in the bioeconomy and pushing the boundaries of the biomedical sciences and biotechnology. So what comes next? In this article, 10 technological advances are discussed that are expected and hoped to come from the next generation of research and investment in synthetic biology; from ambitious projects to make synthetic life, cell simulators and custom genomes, through to new methods of engineering biology that use automation, deep learning and control of evolution. The non-exhaustive list is meant to inspire those joining the field and looks forward to how synthetic biology may evolve over the coming decades.

Building a community to engineer synthetic cells and organelles from the bottom-up

“…These compelling and profoundly difficult questions reflect a vision for the future of the field as expressed by the SynCell2020/21 early-career panelists. The philosophical and ethical considerations underlying these questions, e.g., the misuse of synthetic cells for biological warfare, the impact of synthetic cells on natural environments, or the unpredictable nature of completely new life forms, are notable for their contrast with technological and engineering-focused objectives ( Gallup et al, 2021 ).…”

“…However, considerable challenges, some seemingly paradoxical, remain. Many of these were highlighted at the recent SynCell2020/21 conference (see Figure 1—figure supplement 1 and Tables S1–S5 in Supplementary file 1 for listings of the conference program and links to recordings) and have been extensively reviewed recently ( Gallup et al, 2021 ; Meng and Ellis, 2020 ).…”

From the Lab to the Last Mile: Deploying Transgenic Approaches Against Mosquitoes

“…However, while gene drive mosquitoes will be the likely test case for public acceptance of gene drive technology, mosquito research does not operate in a vacuum. The whole field of synthetic biology, with its aspiration to revolutionize the way we work with biology, is addressing the same social and political issues (88). The issues being the same, so are the proposed solutions: scientists to engage with the public, listen to alternative viewpoints, adapt their ideas and be as transparent as possible about their work and intentions (88).…”

“…The whole field of synthetic biology, with its aspiration to revolutionize the way we work with biology, is addressing the same social and political issues (88). The issues being the same, so are the proposed solutions: scientists to engage with the public, listen to alternative viewpoints, adapt their ideas and be as transparent as possible about their work and intentions (88). The view is that everyone on Earth is a stakeholder, and so all views are valid and should be considered.…”

Building a community to engineer synthetic cells and organelles from the bottom-up

“…The philosophical and ethical considerations underlying these questions, e.g. the misuse of synthetic cells for biological warfare, the impact of synthetic cells on natural environments, or the unpredictable nature of completely new life forms, are notable for their contrast with technological and engineering-focused objectives 7 . Using principles from biology and engineering, interdisciplinary research teams have applied synthetic cells to construct materials and hierarchical structures with life-like properties that recreate essential features of living cells but also reach beyond the capabilities of natural cells (Box 1) [8][9][10][11] .…”