1
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Deng X, Zhou J, Fang W, Sun R, Yan G, Sun Y. pH-triggered small molecule nanodrugs self-assembled from tryptamine-cinnamaldehyde and fisetin for targeted sepsis-associated encephalopathy therapy. J Biomater Appl 2025; 39:1165-1176. [PMID: 39894462 DOI: 10.1177/08853282251318052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is an acute diffuse brain dysfunction, but its clinical treatment just focuses on antibiotics and supportive therapy, which fail to directly limit the development of SAE. Herein, this work highlights the development of pH-triggered small molecule nanodrugs self-assembled from tryptamine (Try)-cinnamaldehyde (CA) and fisetin for targeted SAE therapy. The imine linkage in Try-CA and acid-dependent protonation of Try and fisetin endow the nanodrugs with pH-triggered dynamic changes of particle sizes, surficial charges, and drug release. Moreover, the combined use of Try-CA and fisetin also endows the nanodrugs with superior antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities compared to their individual use. These characteristics of the nanodrugs facilitate long-term circulation stability, effective penetration through BBB, selective accumulation in the brain, and target to central and peripheral focal areas, thereby achieving comprehensive treatment or relief of SAE. Thus, these attractive experimental results illuminate the enormous potential of such pH-triggered small molecule nanodrugs for targeted SAE therapy, advancing their use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximing Deng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jinyao Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Wei Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Rao Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Guoqing Yan
- Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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2
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Forti AM, Jones MA, Elbeyli DN, Butler ND, Kunjapur AM. Engineered orthogonal and obligate bacterial commensalism mediated by a non-standard amino acid. Nat Microbiol 2025:10.1038/s41564-025-01999-5. [PMID: 40312517 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-01999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/03/2025]
Abstract
Microorganisms can be genetically engineered for intrinsic biological containment based on synthetic chemical provision. However, reliance on an exogenous chemical limits the contexts where a contained microorganism could survive. Here we design an orthogonal obligate commensalism in Escherichia coli that autonomously creates environments permissive for survival of a partner microbe. We engineer one E. coli strain (the producer) to biosynthesize a non-standard amino acid (nsAA) from simple carbon sources through heterologous expression. We engineer a second E. coli strain (the utilizer) to rely on the same nsAA for growth as a synthetic auxotroph, with a 14-day escape rate of 2.8 × 10-9 escapees per colony-forming unit. Co-culture experiments show utilizer dependence on the producer, with no escape detected during co-inoculation of ~107 colony-forming units of utilizer and a non-producer E. coli strain. Dependence is maintained within a simplified synthetic maize root-associated community. This work provides ecological insights and presents a potential biocontainment strategy independent of an exogenous chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Forti
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Michaela A Jones
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Defne N Elbeyli
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Neil D Butler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Aditya M Kunjapur
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
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3
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Lea-Smith DJ, Hassard F, Coulon F, Partridge N, Horsfall L, Parker KDJ, Smith RDJ, McCarthy RR, McKew B, Gutierrez T, Kumar V, Dotro G, Yang Z, Krasnogor N. Engineering biology applications for environmental solutions: potential and challenges. Nat Commun 2025; 16:3538. [PMID: 40229265 PMCID: PMC11997111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58492-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Engineering biology applies synthetic biology to address global environmental challenges like bioremediation, biosequestration, pollutant monitoring, and resource recovery. This perspective outlines innovations in engineering biology, its integration with other technologies (e.g., nanotechnology, IoT, AI), and commercial ventures leveraging these advancements. We also discuss commercialisation and scaling challenges, biosafety and biosecurity considerations including biocontainment strategies, social and political dimensions, and governance issues that must be addressed for successful real-world implementation. Finally, we highlight future perspectives and propose strategies to overcome existing hurdles, aiming to accelerate the adoption of engineering biology for environmental solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Natalio Krasnogor
- GitLife Biotech Ltd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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4
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Gillett DL, Selinidis M, Seamons T, George D, Igwe AN, Del Valle I, Egbert RG, Hofmockel KS, Johnson AL, Matthews KRW, Masiello CA, Stadler LB, Chappell J, Silberg JJ. A roadmap to understanding and anticipating microbial gene transfer in soil communities. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2025:e0022524. [PMID: 40197024 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00225-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2025] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYEngineered microbes are being programmed using synthetic DNA for applications in soil to overcome global challenges related to climate change, energy, food security, and pollution. However, we cannot yet predict gene transfer processes in soil to assess the frequency of unintentional transfer of engineered DNA to environmental microbes when applying synthetic biology technologies at scale. This challenge exists because of the complex and heterogeneous characteristics of soils, which contribute to the fitness and transport of cells and the exchange of genetic material within communities. Here, we describe knowledge gaps about gene transfer across soil microbiomes. We propose strategies to improve our understanding of gene transfer across soil communities, highlight the need to benchmark the performance of biocontainment measures in situ, and discuss responsibly engaging community stakeholders. We highlight opportunities to address knowledge gaps, such as creating a set of soil standards for studying gene transfer across diverse soil types and measuring gene transfer host range across microbiomes using emerging technologies. By comparing gene transfer rates, host range, and persistence of engineered microbes across different soils, we posit that community-scale, environment-specific models can be built that anticipate biotechnology risks. Such studies will enable the design of safer biotechnologies that allow us to realize the benefits of synthetic biology and mitigate risks associated with the release of such technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Gillett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Malyn Selinidis
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Travis Seamons
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dalton George
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Alexandria N Igwe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Ilenne Del Valle
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert G Egbert
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Kirsten S Hofmockel
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Alicia L Johnson
- Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Caroline A Masiello
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James Chappell
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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5
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Calatrava V, Gonzalez-Ballester D, Dubini A. Microalgae for bioremediation: advances, challenges, and public perception on genetic engineering. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:1261. [PMID: 39731038 PMCID: PMC11674212 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05995-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 12/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/29/2024]
Abstract
The increase in the global population and industrial activities has led to an extensive use of water, the release of wastewater, and overall contamination of the environment. To address these issues, efficient treatment methods have been developed to decrease wastewater nutrient content and contaminants. Microalgae are a promising tool as a sustainable alternative to traditional wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the biomass obtained from the wastewater treatment can be used in different applications, having a positive economic impact. This review describes the potential of microalgae as a biological wastewater remediation tool, including the use of genetically engineered strains. Their current industrial utilization and their untapped commercial potential in terms of bioremediation are also examined. Finally, this work discusses how microalgal biotechnology is perceived by the public and governments, analyses the potential risks of microalgae to the environment, and examines standard procedures that can be implemented for the safe biocontainment of large-scale microalgae cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Calatrava
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Ed. C6, Planta Baja, Córdoba, 14071, Spain
| | - David Gonzalez-Ballester
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Ed. C6, Planta Baja, Córdoba, 14071, Spain
| | - Alexandra Dubini
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Ed. C6, Planta Baja, Córdoba, 14071, Spain.
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6
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Baghdasaryan O, Lee-Kin J, Tan C. Architectural engineering of Cyborg Bacteria with intracellular hydrogel. Mater Today Bio 2024; 28:101226. [PMID: 39328785 PMCID: PMC11426140 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology primarily uses genetic engineering to control living cells. In contrast, recent work has ushered in the architectural engineering of living cells through intracellular materials. Specifically, Cyborg Bacteria are created by incorporating synthetic PEG-based hydrogel inside cells. Cyborg Bacteria do not replicate but maintain essential cellular functions, including metabolism and protein synthesis. Thus far, Cyborg Bacteria have been engineered using one primary composition of intracellular hydrogel components. Here, we demonstrate the versatility of controlling the physical and biochemical aspects of Cyborg Bacteria using different structures of hydrogels. The intracellular cell-gel architecture is modulated using a different photoinitiator, PEG-diacrylate (PEG-DA) of different molecular weights, 4arm PEG-DA, and dsDNA-PEG. We show that the molecular weight of the PEG-DA affects the generation and metabolism of Cyborg Bacteria. In addition, we show that the hybrid dsDNA-PEG intracellular hydrogel controls protein expression levels of the Cyborg Bacteria through post-transcriptional regulation and polymerase sequestration. Our work creates a new frontier of modulating intracellular gel components to control Cyborg Bacteria function and architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jared Lee-Kin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Cheemeng Tan
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, United States
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7
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de Lorenzo V, Pérez-Pantoja D, Nikel PI. Pseudomonas putida KT2440: the long journey of a soil-dweller to become a synthetic biology chassis. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0013624. [PMID: 38975763 PMCID: PMC11270871 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00136-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although members of the genus Pseudomonas share specific morphological, metabolic, and genomic traits, the diversity of niches and lifestyles adopted by the family members is vast. One species of the group, Pseudomonas putida, thrives as a colonizer of plant roots and frequently inhabits soils polluted with various types of chemical waste. Owing to a combination of historical contingencies and inherent qualities, a particular strain, P. putida KT2440, emerged time ago as an archetype of an environmental microorganism amenable to recombinant DNA technologies, which was also capable of catabolizing chemical pollutants. Later, the same bacterium progressed as a reliable platform for programming traits and activities in various biotechnological applications. This article summarizes the stepwise upgrading of P. putida KT2440 from being a system for fundamental studies on the biodegradation of aromatic compounds (especially when harboring the TOL plasmid pWW0) to its adoption as a chassis of choice in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Although there are remaining uncertainties about the taxonomic classification of KT2440, advanced genome editing capabilities allow us to tailor its genetic makeup to meet specific needs. This makes its traditional categorization somewhat less important, while also increasing the strain's overall value for contemporary industrial and environmental uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Danilo Pérez-Pantoja
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Santiago, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo I. Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Systems Environmental Microbiology Group, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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8
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Payne S, Wick S, Carr PA, Guido NJ. A Methodology for the Assessment and Prioritization of Genetic Biocontainment Technologies for Engineered Microbes. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2024; 29:108-119. [PMID: 39144101 PMCID: PMC11319856 DOI: 10.1089/apb.2023.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Organisms engineered with synthetic genes and genomes have the potential to play critical roles to address important issues in the environment, human health, and manufacturing. Engineered genetic biocontainment technologies are needed to manage the risks of unintended consequences when deploying these biological systems in consultation with the biosafety and biosecurity communities. Metrics measuring genetic biocontainment and a methodology to apply them are required to determine which genetic biocontainment technologies warrant further development for real-world applications. In this study, we develop and apply a systems analysis of the current technical landscape using expert opinion and a metric-based scoring system resulting in a semiquantitative comparative assessment of genetic biocontainment technologies in microorganisms. Methods Genetic biocontainment technologies were evaluated according to multiple metrics, falling into two broad classes: feasibility and applicability. Specific genetic biocontainment example scenarios and generalized categories were scored with these metrics. Gap analysis was carried out, indicating particular areas where genetic biocontainment can be improved. Results Metric analysis scoring of feasibility and applicability enabled prioritization of genetic biocontainment technologies for real-world applications. Gap analysis showed that technology readiness and containment stability scored low for a number of scenarios and categories, indicating a general need for further development before they can be ready for deployment. Conclusion Developing an assessment framework with defined metrics produced a straightforward system for evaluating genetic biocontainment strategies intended for various real-world applications. Use of the methodology also provided insights into existing gaps in genetic biocontainment strategies, and by altering the metrics, can be applied to other biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Payne
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Scott Wick
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter A. Carr
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Ulanova A, Mansfeldt C. EcoGenoRisk: Developing a computational ecological risk assessment tool for synthetic biology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123647. [PMID: 38402941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The expanding field of synthetic biology (synbio) supports new opportunities in the design of targeted bioproducts or modified microorganisms. However, this rapid development of synbio products raises concerns surrounding the potential risks of modified microorganisms contaminating unintended environments. These potential invasion risks require new bioinformatic tools to inform the design phase. EcoGenoRisk is a newly constructed computational risk assessment tool for invasiveness that aims to predict where synbio microorganisms may establish a population by screening for habitats of genetically similar microorganisms. The first module of the tool identifies genetically similar microorganisms and potential ecological relationships such as competition, mutualism, and inhibition. In total, 520 archaeal and 32,828 bacterial complete assembly genomes were analyzed to test the specificity and accuracy of the tool as well as to characterize the enzymatic profiles of different taxonomic lineages. Additionally, ecological relationships were analyzed to determine which would result in the greatest potential overlap between shared functional profiles. Notably, competition displayed the significantly highest overlap of shared functions between compared genomes. Overall, EcoGenoRisk is a flexible software pipeline that assists environmental risk assessors to query large databases of known microorganisms and prioritize follow-up bench scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ulanova
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; University of Colorado Boulder, Environmental Engineering Program, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Cresten Mansfeldt
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; University of Colorado Boulder, Environmental Engineering Program, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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10
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Halužan Vasle A, Moškon M. Synthetic biological neural networks: From current implementations to future perspectives. Biosystems 2024; 237:105164. [PMID: 38402944 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Artificial neural networks, inspired by the biological networks of the human brain, have become game-changing computing models in modern computer science. Inspired by their wide scope of applications, synthetic biology strives to create their biological counterparts, which we denote synthetic biological neural networks (SYNBIONNs). Their use in the fields of medicine, biosensors, biotechnology, and many more shows great potential and presents exciting possibilities. So far, many different synthetic biological networks have been successfully constructed, however, SYNBIONN implementations have been sparse. The latter are mostly based on neural networks pretrained in silico and being heavily dependent on extensive human input. In this paper, we review current implementations and models of SYNBIONNs. We briefly present the biological platforms that show potential for designing and constructing perceptrons and/or multilayer SYNBIONNs. We explore their future possibilities along with the challenges that must be overcome to successfully implement a scalable in vivo biological neural network capable of online learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Halužan Vasle
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Moškon
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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11
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Undheim TA. The whack-a-mole governance challenge for AI-enabled synthetic biology: literature review and emerging frameworks. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1359768. [PMID: 38481570 PMCID: PMC10933118 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1359768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2025] Open
Abstract
AI-enabled synthetic biology has tremendous potential but also significantly increases biorisks and brings about a new set of dual use concerns. The picture is complicated given the vast innovations envisioned to emerge by combining emerging technologies, as AI-enabled synthetic biology potentially scales up bioengineering into industrial biomanufacturing. However, the literature review indicates that goals such as maintaining a reasonable scope for innovation, or more ambitiously to foster a huge bioeconomy do not necessarily contrast with biosafety, but need to go hand in hand. This paper presents a literature review of the issues and describes emerging frameworks for policy and practice that transverse the options of command-and-control, stewardship, bottom-up, and laissez-faire governance. How to achieve early warning systems that enable prevention and mitigation of future AI-enabled biohazards from the lab, from deliberate misuse, or from the public realm, will constantly need to evolve, and adaptive, interactive approaches should emerge. Although biorisk is subject to an established governance regime, and scientists generally adhere to biosafety protocols, even experimental, but legitimate use by scientists could lead to unexpected developments. Recent advances in chatbots enabled by generative AI have revived fears that advanced biological insight can more easily get into the hands of malignant individuals or organizations. Given these sets of issues, society needs to rethink how AI-enabled synthetic biology should be governed. The suggested way to visualize the challenge at hand is whack-a-mole governance, although the emerging solutions are perhaps not so different either.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Arne Undheim
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Center for International Security and Cooperation, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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12
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Martínez-García E, de Lorenzo V. Pseudomonas putida as a synthetic biology chassis and a metabolic engineering platform. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103025. [PMID: 38061264 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida, especially the KT2440 strain, is increasingly being utilized as a host for biotransformations of both industrial and environmental interest. The foundations of such performance include its robust redox metabolism, ability to tolerate a wide range of physicochemical stresses, rapid growth, versatile metabolism, nonpathogenic nature, and the availability of molecular tools for advanced genetic programming. These attributes have been leveraged for hosting engineered pathways for production of valuable chemicals or degradation/valorization of environmental pollutants. This has in turn pushed the boundaries of conventional enzymology toward previously unexplored reactions in nature. Furthermore, modifications to the physical properties of the cells have been made to enhance their catalytic performance. These advancements establish P. putida as bona fide chassis for synthetic biology, on par with more traditional metabolic engineering platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Martínez-García
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor de Lorenzo
- Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Campus Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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13
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An B, Wang Y, Huang Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Xun D, Church GM, Dai Z, Yi X, Tang TC, Zhong C. Engineered Living Materials For Sustainability. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2349-2419. [PMID: 36512650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology and materials science have given rise to a new form of materials, namely engineered living materials (ELMs), which are composed of living matter or cell communities embedded in self-regenerating matrices of their own or artificial scaffolds. Like natural materials such as bone, wood, and skin, ELMs, which possess the functional capabilities of living organisms, can grow, self-organize, and self-repair when needed. They also spontaneously perform programmed biological functions upon sensing external cues. Currently, ELMs show promise for green energy production, bioremediation, disease treatment, and fabricating advanced smart materials. This review first introduces the dynamic features of natural living systems and their potential for developing novel materials. We then summarize the recent research progress on living materials and emerging design strategies from both synthetic biology and materials science perspectives. Finally, we discuss the positive impacts of living materials on promoting sustainability and key future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin An
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yanyi Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuzhu Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dongmin Xun
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - George M Church
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiao Yi
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Chao Zhong
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Zhu X, Zhaoyang Zhang, Bin Jia, Yuan Y. Current advances of biocontainment strategy in synthetic biology. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2022.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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