Synthetic Genomics and Synthetic Biology Applications Between Hopes and Concerns

Abstract

New organisms and biological systems designed to satisfy human needs are among the aims of synthetic genomics and synthetic biology. Synthetic biology seeks to model and construct biological components, functions and organisms that do not exist in nature or to redesign existing biological systems to perform new functions. Synthetic genomics, on the other hand, encompasses technologies for the generation of chemically-synthesized whole genomes or larger parts of genomes, allowing to simultaneously engineer a myriad of changes to the genetic material of organisms. Engineering complex functions or new organisms in synthetic biology are thus progressively becoming dependent on and converging with synthetic genomics. While applications from both areas have been predicted to offer great benefits by making possible new drugs, renewable chemicals or clean energy, they have also given rise to concerns about new safety, environmental and socio-economic risks -stirring an increasingly polarizing debate. Here we intend to provide an overview on recent progress in biomedical and biotechnological applications of synthetic genomics and synthetic biology as well as on arguments and evidence related to their possible benefits, risks and governance implications.

Societal impact of synthetic biology: responsible research and innovation (RRI)

“…Issues that were discussed in these publications included the previously introduced concerns on bioterrorism, biosecurity, laboratory safety, environmental protection, intellectual property rights and general ethical concerns. Despite differences in their scopes and aims, there is a broad consensus among scientist within these programs that public engagement is essential for the development of regulatory regimes [50,51,52].…”

Unlocking the Potential of SynBio for Improving Livelihoods in Africa

“…The past two decades have been characterised by a boom in a new interdisciplinary field anchored on the application of engineering principles in biology called synthetic biology (SynBio). It integrates scientific disciplines such as molecular biology, chemistry, (bio-) physics, computer-aided modelling and design (Millar-Haskell et al, 2019;König et al, 2013). The field involves the designing and constructing of entirely new biological systems (that may not be found in nature) and processes from standardized biological components, networks and synthetic pathways with the goal of creating logical forms of cellular control (Goñi-Moreno and Nikel, 2019; Pretorius, 2016; Jing Liang et al, 2011).…”

Green approach for the synthesis of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐4‐((2‐phenyl‐1H‐indol 3‐yl)methylene)‐1H‐pyrazole‐5(4H)‐ones and their DNA Cleavage, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

“…DNA cleavage studies have been of great interest for biologists and chemists. The cleaved DNA under physiological conditions has been developed as artificial nucleases; these synthetic nucleases have provided important tools in the hand of chemists to manipulate DNA and cooperate with molecular biologists . The nature of substituents and interaction of the compound with DNA molecule would help in the design of newer drugs and develop new selective, efficient DNA recognition and cleaving agent.…”