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Updated: May 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Tackling Challenges in Synthetic Cell Engineering
Published on: April 12, 2024
Challenges and opportunities in synthetic biology for chemical engineers
Yunzi Luo1, Jung-Kul Lee, Huimin Zhao
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
Abstract:
Synthetic biology provides numerous great opportunities for chemical engineers in the development of new processes for large-scale production of biofuels, value-added chemicals, and protein therapeutics. However, challenges across all scales abound. In particular, the modularization and standardization of the components in a biological system, so-called biological parts, remain the biggest obstacle in synthetic biology. In this perspective, we will discuss the main challenges and opportunities in the rapidly growing synthetic biology field and the important roles that chemical engineers can play in its advancement.
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