Synthetic biology sounds like an oxymoron. Isn’t biology the study of life? And can life be synthetic?
Synthetic biology is a multifaceted field that is rapidly growing along with the rise of new biotechnologies. You may have heard of gene editing and engineering, where parts of DNA can be manipulated to modify certain traits and create a desirable outcome in living organisms. Synthetic biology in definition is the creation of new biological entities that do not already exist in the natural world [5]. It combines the usage of both biology and chemistry to rewrite RNA and DNA as desired. For example, with the knowledge of DNA sequencing and synthesis, people can assemble entirely new genomes and produce new enzymes for the specific goal instead of just transferring genes. [2] This allows people to reach goals such as finding new alternatives to commonly used materials such as rubber and acrylic, or making “green chemical” out of waste. This groundbreaking technology opens the door to a massive variety of uses and suggests solutions to many real world issues. For example, synthetic biology is used in biopharma where pathways that enable microorganisms to produce effective medical drugs are created [3]. It is also used in vaccine development, which saves time and effort towards a field that is constantly growing [4]. Another application can be found in the fashion and textile industry, which accounts for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. A major concern that many have regarding the fashion industry is whether there is a more sustainable and ethical solution to the harm that textile production causes to the planet. Synthetic biology offers a possible solution where bacteria can be used to turn methane into bioplastics that are biodegradable over time, which greatly reduces waste [3]. These are only two examples of the wide range of fields in which synthetic biology is utilized. It can be applied to almost every aspect of the world around us, given how much freedom scientists have in engineering microorganisms to fit the desired function.
However, although synthetic biology may seem like a plausible and appropriate approach to modern problems and fields, it comes with its own negatives and potential dangers.
With synthetic biology arises the concern of biosafety. Biosafety is the prevention of a large-scale loss of biological integrity, and the protection of those working in the labs along with people who may come in contact with it [2]. There are several concerns about the overall safety of synthetic biology, such as the possibility of a harmful organism being released outside of the laboratory and into the environment, as well as the concern that too many synthetic organisms are being released into an otherwise natural world [1].
Beyond accidental harm, bioterrorism is another risk factor when considering synthetic biology. Bioterrorism by definition is the intentional release of bacteria, viruses, etc. in order to harm a larger population whether it be humans, animals, or plants [2]. This would be a great threat to the general public and the environment, meaning there would have to be strict regulations and control over how synthetic biology can be used [2]. Even if measures are taken, that doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of the purposeful release of harmful microorganisms.
If an organism were to be released into the environment somehow, the public health threats that it poses are not to be ignored because the synthetic organisms could have unforeseen properties. This makes it extremely difficult to maintain safety and is a huge risk factor of synthetic biology practices even if the intent was beneficial.
Along with its biological and environmental risks, synthetic biology could also lead to economic harm due to the complexity and high prices of materials required. This could mean that people of lower economic status will not be able to afford new technologies and products manufactured by synthetic biology [2]. It poses a risk for creating a larger division of class, based on the resources that are available for the wealthy. It is unclear what path the future will take with the technology of synthetic biology, making it difficult to predict what effects it will have on both the natural environment and society moving forward.
A moral issue for those who are uncertain about synthetic biology is whether or not humans should have the capability to “play God” and wield this much power over the living world [2]. Synthetic biology isn’t just the editing of already existing genomes, but the creation of new life. This power could lead to uncontrollable negative effects as stated above, such as bioterrorism, and the line determining the reasonable usage of synthetic biology is unclear and subjective. Not only are there religious arguments against humans’ ability to create life, this is a question with no definite answer.
With the growth and innovation of synthetic biology comes many positives and negatives, as most new technologies do. Although the positives seem great and useful in most aspects of our lives, we must also take into serious consideration the potential dangers that follow. However, it is certain that synthetic biology is a field that will continue to grow and be put into use more and more in the upcoming years.
References:
Synthetic Biology. Synthetic Biology Controversy | What is Synthetic Biology. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2022, from http://web.mit.edu/demoscience/SynthBio/history.html
Mejia, D. E. (n.d.). What are the moral and ethical concerns of synthetic biology? MolecularCloud. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://www.molecularcloud.org/p/what-are-the-moral-and-ethical-concerns-of-synthetic-biology-555
Gallegos, J. E., Jenna E. Gallegos Jenna is a science writer with 10 years of molecular research and science communication experience. Jenna completed her PhD in plant biotechnology at the University of California in Davi, Jenna is a science writer with 10 years of molecular research and science communication experience. Jenna completed her PhD in plant biotechnology at the University of California in Davis in 2017. She then interned as science journalist at the Washington , & posts, V. all. (2020, February 18). Synthetic biology is shaking up these 5 industries-some of them might surprise you. SynBioBeta. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://synbiobeta.com/synthetic-biology-is-shaking-up-these-5-industries-some-of-them-might-surprise-you/
Current uses of Synthetic Biology. BIO. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://archive.bio.org/articles/current-uses-synthetic-biology
What is synthetic/engineering biology? EBRC. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://ebrc.org/what-is-synbio/