Synthetic biology: perspectives in industrial biotechnology

Abstract

The field of synthetic biology combines relevant expertise from various science, engineering, and computing disciplines to take the best of biology for the benefit of humans and the environment. Herein we review some of the tools and methods of synthetic biology, such as the use of engineering principles and genome editing tools. In addition, we discuss the advantages of synthetic biology and how it can be used to improve industrial biotechnology, for example, in the production of biofuels, drugs, and other value-added chemicals. Finally, we approach the perception that the population in general has about synthetic biology and how the scientists working in this field are trying to change it by creating containment measures, some of them using synthetic biology itself, to increase biosecurity and biosafety.