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Synthetic Biology: Engineering Living Systems from Biophysical Principles
Bryan A Bartley1, Kyung Kim1, J Kyle Medley1
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Biophysical Journal
|March 30, 2017
Summary
Synthetic biology, initially biophysical, is now engineering-focused but applications remain limited. Understanding life's unique properties is key to advancing synthetic biology beyond the lab.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Biophysics
- Systems biology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Synthetic biology originated from biophysics, seeking to explain life's origins from fundamental chemical and physical principles.
- It has evolved into an engineering discipline focused on designing novel organisms and elucidating biological mechanisms.
- Current successes are primarily laboratory-based, with transformative applications still in early development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast six core principles of living systems with those of engineered systems.
- To identify key differences and similarities between natural and artificial biological systems.
- To provide a framework for advancing synthetic biology research and applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of foundational principles in living systems.
- Comparative analysis of living systems principles against engineered systems.
- Citation and discussion of specific examples from synthetic biology literature.
Main Results:
- Identification of six key principles inherent to living systems.
- Contrast of these principles with characteristics of current engineered systems.
- Illustrative examples demonstrating the application of these principles in synthetic biology.
Conclusions:
- Realizing the full potential of synthetic biology requires a deep understanding of life's unique properties.
- Awareness of these principles is crucial for future research and development in the field.
- Bridging the gap between natural and engineered systems is essential for transformative applications.