Synthetic biology - Overview

Synthetic biology has overcome almost all the limitations of previous genetic engineering methodology by developing de-novo syntheses of genes. With the design of artificial genetic elements, it has started to move away from natural genes and to establish artificial functionality. This is leading to the programming of cells in order to create desired genetic features and towards ensuring safety and security in handling this technology as an industrial process.

Analysing the differences between the American and the European way of how synthetic biology has been implemented into existing life science research and industry clearly shows that originally different driving forces are now producing similar results. In the USA, synthetic biology was developed through the research activities of a number of high-level public academic institutions and some private initiatives.

In contrast, Europe first accessed synthetic biology through the activities of pioneering technology companies in the field of de-novo gene synthesis, which created visibility in the marketplace and provided new technologies for improving the genetic engineering experiments of their customers. Now, as a consequence of international academic awareness of synthetic biology, the EU has catalysed the formation of the synthetic biology community in Europe within its NEST (new and emerging science and technology) programme. There are now activities being implemented in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and other European countries.

Future exploitation of synthetic biology will be in many application fields, such as drug development and production, gene and cell therapies, medical supply, and increasingly in industrial biotechnology for improving processes, saving energy, improving product quality, and providing new opportunities not previously recognised.

The new trends are mostly guided by security and safety requirements and, as in the USA, operate in accordance with UN and WHO/WTO guidelines for sustainable growth and improvement of the quality of life on a worldwide basis.

In order to reflect the growing importance of this new area of technology we are delighted to announce the first Applied Industrial Synthetic Biology in Europe conference. This 2 day dual-track conference will feature more than 40 world-renowned experts from the field of synthetic biology and its end-use applications.

To find out more about the AISB conference and to register Clicking Here