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Using Synthetic Biology to Engineer Living Cells That Interface with Programmable Materials
Published on: March 9, 2017
Chemical synthesis using synthetic biology
James M Carothers1, Jonathan A Goler, Jay D Keasling
1California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences and Berkeley Center for Synthetic Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. james.carothers@post.harvard.edu
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|September 2, 2009
Summary
Harnessing biological systems through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology enables the production of valuable chemicals. Advances in gene control and enzyme engineering allow for precise biotransformations, driving innovation in chemical synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Naturally evolved biological systems efficiently convert substrates into essential cellular products.
- Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology offer pathways to harness biotransformation for industrial and clinical needs.
- Controlling biological systems is key to their application in chemical synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in synthetic biology for chemical production.
- To highlight improved control over gene expression and enzyme function.
- To discuss the potential for rational design in synthetic biology for chemical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing synthetic promoter systems and riboregulator mechanisms for gene expression control.
- Employing advanced enzyme isolation, engineering, and evolution techniques.
- Leveraging computational tools and high-throughput methods for system assembly and analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful applications of synthetic biology in producing drugs, bulk chemicals, and fuels.
- Enhanced control over gene expression and enzyme specificity and catalysis.
- Development of techniques reducing reliance on natural biological components.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic biology provides powerful tools for producing chemicals through biotransformation.
- Continued advancements in engineering control and rational design will expand the capabilities of synthetic biology.
- Future work will focus on more predictable and efficient design of synthetic biological systems for chemical synthesis.
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