Synthetic Biology

Definition of Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology can be defined as the boundary layer between biological sciences and engineering sciences, in which technical approaches are employed to provide future applications. All currently provided or intended Synthetic Biology applications focus on the design of artificially modified living systems, such as specialized cells for the biobased production of molecules for in vivo or in vitro use.

The key features of Synthetic Biology are on different levels of living systems:

• Deployment of living systems to engineer complex patterns containing components of artificial biologically compatible and functional assemblies which are sustainably maintained through continued life cycles.
• Artificial assemblies of regulators in circuits with designed functions rather than simple single regulator modifications.
• Deployment of functional assemblies of artificial pathways by modified artificially regulated genes of structural or catalytic function.
• Production of artificial molecules as primary or secondary gene products
  • Macromolecules, e.g. RNAs or enzymes, for intracellular use as catalysts in an assembly of artificial enzymes or extracellular as molecular sensors, building blocks for complex subcellular assemblies of macromolecules, or other different functions.
  • Small molecules for use as biological drugs, building blocks for chemical synthesis, or for the purpose of nanotechnological engineering of more complex units for different applications.

Therefore, the first word synthetic in Synthetic Biology describes the synthesis of artificial and natural components forming a new artificial living system. Furthermore, as the techniques for system design, synthesis and optimization mature, we will witness a rapid growth in the capabilities of synthetic systems with a wide-range of applications made possible with the synthesis products of these artificial living systems. Therefore the second intended core competence of Synthetic Biology is the deployment of highly functional artificial assemblies of designed bioregulators and regulatory circuits in combination with redesigned genes, with clearly specified technical and functional requirements for effective and highly controlled bioproduction of natural products, biochemicals and xenobiotica. The intended applications of certain in vitro Synthetic Biology products are aiming on are fascinating. All those applications need to use parts, building blocks or compounds to be provided by in vivo Synthetic Biology.
Only bioambitioned nanotechnology approaches which use parts and building blocks from artificial biologic production can be classified accordingly in vitro Synthetic Biology.
In vivo Synthetic Biology therefore is an indispensable prerequisite for providing materials like artificial designed molecules and material with desired function for in vitro Synthetic Biology applications.
Synthetic Biology is the deployment of an engineering discipline that is objective driven. It is not primarily a discovery science, as it builds on our current understanding while simplifying some of the complex interactions characteristic of natural biology. Also, it is intentional design based engineering of systems based on biological functions and rules aimed at obtaining new functions which are not present in nature.

Thus, our working definition is as follows: Synthetic Biology is the engineering of biological components and systems that do not exist in nature and the re-engineering of existing biological elements; it is determined on the intentional design of artificial biological systems, rather than on the understanding of natural biology.