Synthetic biology

*Updated version of the 2023 article. 

Definition

Synthetic biology involves the targeted design, construction and (re-)programming of biological systems. It is an interdisciplinary branch of the life sciences that combines principles from biology, engineering and computer science. Synthetic biology aims to solve numerous problems, such as implementing novel biological functions or optimising existing biological processes. This is achieved by using DNA synthesis and designing standardised, controllable biological components with predefined properties. Such components include, for example, genetic material or cell envelopes. The “design-build-test-learn” principle gives rise to modular and scalable solutions – from minimal organisms with reduced genetic makeup to complex biohybrid systems that include biological and synthetic components.  

Current applications and opportunities

Synthetic biology has gained relevance in the field of biotechnology and is increasingly used in the production of complex active ingredients. The reprogramming of microorganisms already holds great potential for sustainably increasing the production of valuable biomolecules such as medications (e.g. antibiotics and insulin), vaccines, biofuels and chemical raw materials, while at the same time increasing production efficiency. A particular breakthrough is CAR T-cell therapy – specifically, the production of genetically modified immune cells that fight cancer cells.  

Synthetically developed organisms are also used in environmental rehabilitation projects, for example to break down pollutants such as plastics or to absorb heavy metals. In addition, synthetic biology can be used to produce plants that absorb CO₂ more efficiently and thus contribute to climate protection. 

Synthetic biology also opens up new opportunities outside the life sciences. One such example is the secure labelling of product origins: For instance, gold bars marked with synthetic DNA can be clearly traced back to a single mine. This Swiss technology is also suitable for diamonds, raw materials and textiles. The biggest opportunities for society lie in the areas of personalised medicine and in the development of new, efficient drugs and vaccines.  

From an economic perspective, synthetic biology helps to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of products and manufacturing. Companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries can use the technology to help achieve their environmental and resources targets. Switzerland has a high level of expertise in biotechnology and a favourable environment for innovation, which makes it an attractive location for synthetic biology. 

Challenges

If these opportunities are to be turned into reality, there are technical and societal challenges to overcome. On the one hand, advances in DNA synthesis are needed to speed up and simplify the costly and time-consuming process of synthesising extended genome blocks. On the other hand, the processes for industrial application need to be scaled and their safety ensured. 

Synthetic biology thrives on interdisciplinarity: With the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering in Basel, ETH Zurich brings together all the disciplines involved at one location: chemistry, genetics, molecular biology as well as computer and engineering sciences. In order to address the technical and political challenges, it would be beneficial to establish a comprehensive, nationwide initiative in the field of DNA synthesis that also involves industrial partners. 

Acceptance among the general public is high – especially when it comes to pharmaceuticals and chemical precursors. In order not to jeopardise this acceptance, real-world applications of synthetic biology must be strictly controlled, as their effects have not yet been sufficiently researched. Research institutions should therefore ensure transparency in their communication and ethical monitoring of projects. Widespread implementation of synthetic biology could also cause economic upheaval, such as job losses in traditional sectors. This technology therefore needs to be developed carefully and with the involvement of employees. 

Focus on industry

By using genetically modified organisms, raw materials for chemical synthesis as well as intermediate and end products can be produced precisely and sustainably, reducing dependence on petroleum and global supply chains. For example, synthetically modified cells in the pharmaceutical industry enable complex drugs to be produced locally. Synthetic biology also plays a role in industry, particularly in the procurement of raw materials, in production and in the service sector.  

For companies, knowledge in the fields of bioinformatics, genetic engineering, laboratory automation and systems biology is crucial. The skills required on the user side include bioprocesses, regulations and bioethics. 

Despite the high standard of education in the life sciences, Switzerland still has some catching up to do when it comes to interdisciplinary courses that combine all these skills. If demand continues to rise sharply, the current education and training provision will not be sufficient. In order to fully exploit the potential of synthetic biology in industry, investment in education and training as well as closer cooperation with academic research institutes are essential. 

International perspective

Swiss researchers and companies cooperate globally, for example with leading centres in the EU (Danish Technical University, Delft Technical University, Imperial College London, MaxSynBio of the Max Planck Society, University of Edinburgh), the US (UC Berkeley, MIT, Stanford) and Asia. ETH Zurich and EPFL are involved in EU projects such as SynBio4Flav and EmPowerPutida. International companies such as Givaudan and Lonza use synthetic biology to manufacture flavourings and fragrances and for pharmaceutical processes.  

Through international cooperation, Switzerland has the opportunity to strengthen its international competitiveness and ensure its relevance in the global development of synthetic biology. 

Future applications

Synthetic biology will play a key role in personalised medicine, through the ability to tailor therapies specifically to the genetic characteristics of patients. In the future, it may even be possible to integrate biological circuits into the human body to detect disease markers and enable automatic therapeutic responses. 

Meanwhile, artificial metalloenzymes significantly expand the repertoire of chemical reactions. They combine the adaptability of small molecules with the diversity of proteins, opening up new possibilities in the production of complex pharmaceuticals and speciality chemicals. 

Synthetic biology is also opening up new perspectives in agriculture: Genetically adapted microbes and plants promise higher yields, greater resistance to environmental stress and a reduced need for chemical agents. In this way, synthetic biology can make an important contribution to more sustainable cultivation. In Switzerland, however, such applications are blocked owing to the moratorium on genetic engineering; a differentiated relaxation of this ban would be desirable. For the space industry, synthetic biology offers solutions for self-sufficient long-term missions, for example through systems for oxygen production, food production and waste recycling. Synthetic biology could also lead to a revolution in computer science: DNA computers use genetic material to store and process data – an approach with great potential, but one that is still under development. 

Synthetic biology combines biological and engineering approaches to address pressing issues in medicine, production, agriculture and the environment. Its strength lies in the targeted design of living systems that can be used flexibly for a wide range of applications – from the development of personalised treatments and the sustainable production of complex active ingredients to the improvement of agricultural processes. In this way, it can contribute to the responsible use of resources and independence from fossil fuels. However, in order to fully exploit its potential, targeted investment in research, education and infrastructure is needed, as well as responsible and transparent implementation. With its scientific excellence and innovative strength, Switzerland offers the ideal conditions for this.