Biofoundries are a nucleating hub for industrial translation

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Industrial biotechnology
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Synthetic biology is a transformative platform impacting industrial products and processes.
• Challenges exist at the interface of upstream and downstream processes in the synthetic biology value chain.
• Biofoundries offer critical infrastructure for standardization and systematic engineering of biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of biofoundries in addressing challenges in synthetic biology.
• To emphasize the importance of standardization and systematic design in biofoundries.
• To showcase the success of the London Biofoundry in industrial translation and its contribution to the bioeconomy.

Main Methods:

• Establishing accessible infrastructure for standardization.
• Developing systematic design and engineering workflows for biological systems.
• Fostering strategic collaborations for industrial translation.
• Adopting a networked approach linking infrastructure, researchers, industrialists, and policymakers.

Main Results:

• Biofoundries provide unique infrastructure to drive standardization in synthetic biology.
• The London Biofoundry has successfully translated innovations through strategic collaborations.
• Networked approaches de-risk economic challenges associated with scaling up bio-based processes.
• Biofoundries are key components of consortia supporting the bioeconomy and industrial strategies.

Conclusions:

• Biofoundries play a pivotal role in overcoming synthetic biology's value chain challenges.
• Standardization and systematic engineering are crucial for industrial translation.
• Collaborative and networked approaches are vital for de-risking scale-up and advancing the bioeconomy.