Overview of Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing and multidisciplinary field that integrates the concepts of computer and electrical engineering with biological systems to create synthetic systems. It is highly dependent on genetic engineering and computational biology. The aim of synthetic biology is to create innovative biological systems that are not present in nature for the benefit of humanity. It has shown a wide range of applications including healthcare and medicine, agriculture and food, industrial biotechnology, and environmental applications. It has enabled the development of biosensors, RNA-based therapeutics, live cell-based therapeutics, innovations in CAR-T cell therapy, and in drug discovery against prokaryotic pathogens and cancer. Synthetic biology has introduced the concepts of synthetic cells, minimal cells, de novo DNA synthesis, and cell-free systems. As it rigorously involves manipulating living organisms, it also poses ethical and moral concerns. However, with the implementation of appropriate policies, agencies overwatching the activity and public speaking could pave the way for its acceptance. This chapter covers basic concepts in synthetic biology such as biological parts, genetic circuits, and computational tools used in synthetic biology. It also encompasses advanced concepts of synthetic biology along with highlighting the applications of synthetic biology in basic, applied research, and therapeutics.