Trends in Synthetic Biology Applications, Tools, Industry, and Oversight and Their Security Implications

Abstract

Recent developments in synthetic biology tools and techniques are driving commercialization of a wide range of products for human health, agriculture, environmental stewardship, and other purposes. This article reviews some of the trends in synthetic biology applications as well as some of the tools enabling these and future advances. These tools and capabilities are being developed in the context of a rapidly changing industry, which may have an impact on the rate and direction of progress. Final products are subject to a regulatory framework that is being challenged by the pace, scale, and novelty of this new era of biotechnology. This article includes discussion of these factors and how they may affect product design and the types of applications that are most likely to be supported and pursued commercially. The final section provides perspective on the security implications of these advances, with a focus on US interests.

Keywords: Biodefense; Biosecurity; CRISPR; Dual-use science; Gene drive; Synthetic biology.