(I) Rapid breakthroughs in key technologies
First, gene editing technology: With the emergence and continuous improvement of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, scientists can edit and modify the genes of organisms more accurately and efficiently. This provides a powerful tool for building biological systems with specific functions in synthetic biology.
Second, DNA synthesis technology: DNA synthesis technology is crucial in synthetic biology. It is the basis for building new biological systems. In recent years, the speed, accuracy and cost of DNA synthesis have improved significantly. Now a large number of DNA fragments can be synthesized quickly and cheaply.
Third, bioinformatics: Scientists can use bioinformatics methods and tools to conduct in-depth analysis and understanding of the gene sequences and metabolic networks of organisms, providing important theoretical support for the design and construction of synthetic biology.
(II) The application prospects are extremely broad
In the field of medical health:
Synthetic biology technology can be used to design and produce new drugs, such as using microbial fermentation to produce drug ingredients and developing new antibody drugs. Synthetic biology can develop some drugs that are difficult to synthesize by traditional methods.
Biosensors that can detect disease markers can be constructed to achieve early diagnosis of diseases; cells modified by synthetic biology can be used for cell immunotherapy to treat cancer and other diseases.
In the field of chemical industry and materials:
Synthetic biology technology can be used to produce various chemicals, such as biodegradable plastics, biofuels, and chemical enzymes. These bio-based chemicals have the advantages of being renewable and environmentally friendly, and are expected to replace traditional petrochemical products, reduce dependence on fossil resources, and reduce environmental pollution.
Biomaterials with specific properties can be designed and synthesized, such as high-strength biofibers and bio-nanomaterials with special functions. These biomaterials have broad application prospects in the fields of construction, textiles, electronics, etc.
In the field of agriculture:
Gene editing and improvement of crops can be carried out to increase crop yields, pest and disease resistance, stress resistance, etc., providing a new way to solve global food security issues.
Microbial pesticides and biofertilizers based on microorganisms can be developed to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, reduce pollution to the environment, and improve the sustainability of agricultural production.
Synthetic biology technology can be used to produce food additives, flavorings, functional foods, etc.
(III) Policy support
Many countries and regions support and develop synthetic biology as a strategic emerging industry. For example, my country has clearly listed synthetic biology as one of the frontier fields of science and technology in the "14th Five-Year Plan" and has issued a series of policies to promote technological innovation and industrial development of synthetic biology.
Local governments have also actively issued relevant policies to support the development of the synthetic biology industry, such as setting up industrial parks, providing financial support, and preferential policies, which have attracted a large number of enterprises and scientific research institutions to participate in the research and application of synthetic biology.
(IV) Good economic and environmental benefits
High economic value: Synthetic biology has huge economic potential and is expected to create new economic growth points. It is predicted that the economic value of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing will reach US$100 billion by 2025, and the annual economic impact will reach US$1.8 to 3.6 trillion by 2030-2040.
Environmentally friendly: In the context of global advocacy of energy conservation and emission reduction and achieving carbon neutrality, the environmentally friendly characteristics of synthetic biology make it of great strategic significance. Synthetic biology can use renewable resources as raw materials and produce products through processes such as bio-fermentation, reducing dependence on fossil energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant production, and helping to achieve sustainable development.
