Future Tense
Growing houses and running computers with help from bacteria — the future of synthetic biology
Feb 4, 2024
Scientists are changing the genetics of cells to create biocomputers and environmentally-friendly construction materials. The potential is huge, but there are warnings not to let the hype overshadow reality. Synthetic biology has applications in mining, human health, and agriculture. It is becoming essential for everyday life, impacting fields like food production, material development, and pollution remediation.
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Quick takeaways
- Synthetic biology allows for engineering microorganisms to produce compounds and build complex structures, offering immense potential for advancements in various fields.
- Living building materials, such as concrete made with the help of bacteria, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of traditional manufacturing methods, by utilizing biomineralization and photosynthetic microbes.
Deep dives
Engineering Biology for Scientific Aims
Synthetic biology utilizes the mechanics of nature to achieve scientific aims, such as engineering microorganisms to perform different functions. This includes modifying genetic instructions to turn microorganisms into microscale factories for producing compounds or building complex structures. The current excitement around synthetic biology is due to the increasing recognition of its utility and the convergence of advancements in engineering and biological processes, allowing for more challenging applications.
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