Synthetic Biology: A bit of rebranding, or something new and inspiring?

Abstract

A new approach in biology is emerging and gathering a broad band of advocates. Synthetic biology aims to improve our abilities to engineer biological molecules, assemblies and systems; to design and develop biomimetic systems; and to apply these to useful ends. It brings together the biological and physical sciences, applying engineering and mathematical principles. Currently, a number of different approaches are being explored in synthetic biology, which are meeting with different levels of success. In the present article, we outline these efforts in general terms giving just a few examples for each; unfortunately, space does not for allow in-depth reviews, for which we apologize.