[Synthetic biology: from "build-for-use" to commercialization]

The convergence of advances in chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering into life science research gives rise to synthetic biology. Synthetic biology adopts the concept and strategy of engineering science research, aiming at redesigning and reprogramming the existing biological systems, designing and constructing new bio-bricks such as enzymatic parts, genetic circuits, and chassis cells, or even creating non-natural functions of "artificial life". Synthetic biology promotes the leap from understanding of life to design of life, and is revolutionizing biotechnology and sustainable development of bioeconomy. Via this retrospective review of Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the most representative research entity focusing on "build-for-use" of synthetic biology in China, this article summarizes the important scientific and technological breakthroughs and industry impacts in the past decade, and prospects future development of synthetic biology in China.