Synthetic Biology: The design and construction of biological parts and systems for various applications, such as biotechnology, biofuels, and medical devices

Abstract

Synthetic biology, as a multidisciplinary field, including biology, computer science, and engineering, has an aim to crate/modify current biology systems or other organisms such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells. In comparison to the conventional genetic modifications, synthetic biology differs and has the aim of developing functioning devices, systems, and organisms. What makes synthetic biology special is how scientists from very different areas of knowledge share their ideas and collaborate on how to expand their knowledge and innovations. Additionally, the application of synthetic biology is reflected in the usage of S. cerevisiae or Cyanobacteria with synthetic biology methods to produce biofuels. However, the fast expansion of this discipline gives rise to the benefits but also ethical concerns. Benefits of synthetic biology are numerous, though it can change many aspects of everybody’s life, while on the other hand, it poses a risk to the environment, limitation of the difference between life and non-life, or general alterations to genes. Throughout this report, diverse applications of synthetic biology are explained, including methods used in medicine, specifically in observation of human well-being, to the novel treatment of infectious diseases, diabetes, and the production of vaccines.