Exploring the landscape between synthetic and biosynthetic materials discovery: important considerations via systems connectivity, cooperation and scale-driven convergence in biomanufacturing

Abstract

Scale driven convergence at the intersection of biology and chemistry could be strategically important in defining a new era in biomanufacturing of materials requiring greater functional complexity. Broadening the functional capability of biologically derived molecules lies in understanding the mechanisms that are intrinsic to their design. While gene modification has been a successful engineering tool to adapt biomanufacturing processes, the bioconvergence of nanochemistry and biology driven by scale is poised to push the boundaries of innovation. The merger of synthetic and biological materials will predictably be an emerging area of importance in the future and in this review we probe the discovery path to biointelligent systems and its potential impact on manufacturing. In the digital age, we also discuss how artificial intelligence will affect the growth trajectory of new materials in the context of a systems driven approach and its relationship with biomimetics.