Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology

Uses the principles of engineering to design and assemble biological components

Difference between genetic engineering and synthetic biology

GE - small scale, changing DNA sequence one gene at a time

SB - changing DNA sequence of many genes at once, rewriting whole genomes, introducing multiple new genes into a cell

Modularity

- The parts and devices are self-contained units. Their function is not dependent on another component.

- This allows them to be combined in any combination for different outcomes

Standardisation

- All the parts are physically compatible with each other

- This facilitates their combination.

Reporters

Fluorescent/colorimetric genes eg. GFP coding sequence (turns cells green)

Transcriptional regulators

Activator/repressor coding sequences, can be used to switch on and off fluorescence/colorimetric genes

Receivers and senders

Responds to changes in the environment ie the promoter will only be activated when the cell detects a desired molecule/condition of the environment. Can be paired with reporters.

Biobricks

Parts that make up a biological device

iGEM

International Genetically Engineered Machine foundation

Database of all biobricks

How are biobricks assemble into the cell?

Get assembled together into a device on a plasmid. Plasmids are then inserted into the organism of interest.

Chassis

Cell or organism used to implant a bio synthetic device

creating biosensors

Toxins contaminate the environment and detection can be expensive and composited

We can use cheap bacteria that are engineered to change colour upon levels of toxins in the body.

Biochemical/drug synthesis

Artemisinin used to treat malaria, but crop succes is uncertain. Synthetic biology may be used to generate a more stable source of artemisinin

Have used genetically engineered yeast in more reliable plants to produce artemisinin

3 applications of synthetic biology

1. Using fungi to manufacture textile dyes

2. Mass production of spider silk using microbes

3. Synthesis of a complete genome to create life

4. Increase biofuel production - can reprogram cyanobacteria to produce alcohols sugars and fatty acids

Benefits of cyanobacteria in biofuel production

1. They grow fast

2. Grow at high density

3. Can be genetically manipulated

4. Don’t require fermentable sugars of land growth - only sunlight and CO2

Limitations of synthetic biology

1. Choice of chassis is very limited (low number of genetically engineerable organisms; gene expression differed between species/isolates)

2. Extensive interference can lead to cell death

3. Theoretical devised don’t always work in practice

4. Cells can mutate to cause a device not to function if it doesn’t like it

Artificial chassis

constructed using bio-molecular components such as DNA, RNA, proteins, small molecules and lipids, but can also incorporate abiotic components and supramolecular machineries.

The assembly of these components into rationally designed micro-systems leads to the emergence of new properties and life-like functionalities

Ethical concerns with synthetic biology

1. Endurance of public health and safety

2. Bacteria can transfer DNA between species - could be dangerous

3. High economic potential - public safety must be able to outweigh financial gains

4. Can be seen as ‘playing god’