Synthetic Biology: Approaches, Opportunities, Applications and Challenges

Abstract

Synthetic biology (SynBio) is a very vast field of research that produces new biological parts, appliances, and systems. It is the application of engineering principles to design and construct new bio-based biologicals, devices and systems that exhibit functions not present in nature or to redesign the existing systems to perform specific tasks. Synthetic biology varies from other disciplines including system biology, biotechnology and genetic engineering. For instance, while system biology focuses on obtaining a quantitative understanding of the naturally existing biology systems, the synthetic biology focuses on engineering, designing, and synthesis of new novel biological functions utilizing the biological information drawn from systems biology analysis. SB utilizes computer algorithms to alter genetic sequence before synthesizing them in the laboratory. Moreover, SB employed gene shuffling and refactoring tools that may alter thousands of genetic elements of an organism at once. In the present article, we aim to discuss the basic approaches of synthetic biology. Furthermore, the application of synthetic biology on biomedical science, drug discovery development, bioenergy and agriculture will also be discussed. Finally the challenges facing the researchers in the field of synthetic biology such as those technical, ethical and safety will be also highlighted.