Chapter 9 - Design and Application of Synthetic Biology Devices for Therapy

Abstract

Synthetic biology is the rational and systematic design/construction of biological systems with desired functionality. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the therapeutic applications of synthetic biology, ranging from drug screening and discovery to cancer treatment and even fabrication of novel biomaterials. Progress in this emerging field is being accelerated by the gradual adoption of a bioinformatics and computer-aided design approach to the construction of synthetic gene circuits. This chapter will start by providing an overview of the target organisms and the molecular toolkit available for synthetic biology applications. This will be followed by an extensive review of the potential therapeutic applications of synthetic biology in various aspects of human health and disease. Finally, we will critically examine future challenges and safety issues associated with the application of synthetic biology to clinical practice. There is a crucial need for stringent evaluation of toxicity and other safety issues pertaining to the interaction of engineered synthetic gene networks with the human body. To mitigate the risks of inadvertent transmission of genetically modified organisms to human populations and the environment, a top priority for synthetic biology is biosafety engineering to restrain the growth and proliferation of genetically modified cells and organisms outside their contained environment.