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Synthetic Biology

Engineering biological systems to produce medicines, materials, and chemicals

Fig. 132 · Petri dish

The field

At a glance

Definition

Engineering biological systems to produce medicines, materials, and chemicals

Technologies

CRISPR and other gene editing tools enable precise modifications to organism genomes. Automated design-build-test-learn cycles accelerate organism engineering. Metabolic engineering optimizes production pathways for target molecules. Cell-free systems produce proteins without living cells. Computational protein design creates proteins with novel functions.

Applications

Engineered microorganisms produce sustainable aviation fuel from sugar feedstocks. Precision fermentation creates animal-identical proteins (dairy, collagen) without animals. Engineered bacteria fix nitrogen for crops, reducing synthetic fertilizer dependence. Biosynthesized fragrances and flavors replace petrochemical-derived ingredients.

Market and funding

Synthetic biology engineers biological systems to create new materials, chemicals, and medicines. With 3 funders. The sector represents one of the most transformative deep tech categories, with the potential to replace petrochemical manufacturing with biological production.

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