Automation and industrialisation:

Synthetic biology is moving towards automation for standardisation of biological parts and rapid assembly of DNA. In the future, there is a continuing need to build an integrated system that can efficiently design, build, test and learn to accelerate the development of synthetic biology solutions.

Deep learning to empower DNA design:

Deep learning models are being trained to understand and generate DNA sequences. These models are expected to simplify the process of designing genetic programs and writing optimised DNA sequences directly through high-level commands.

Whole-cell simulation:

With the explosion of biological data, whole-cell simulation will become possible. Whole-cell simulations will help scientists to predict the effects of gene editing on cells before the actual construction, thus improving the accuracy of the design.

Biosensors:

The development of biosensors will allow us to detect a wider variety of molecules and environmental conditions. In the future, there will be a need for more, smarter, and more sensitive biosensors that can monitor health conditions or environmental changes in real time.

Precise control of evolution in real time:

Through technologies such as CRISPR, scientists are learning how to control the evolutionary process of organisms. In the future, biological systems will need to be designed that can self-optimise to adapt to changing environments.

Cellular communities and multicellularity:

One of the goals of synthetic biology is to create synthetic communities that can mimic the behaviour of natural multicellular organisms. This will involve communication, co-operation and differentiation between cells to achieve more complex functions.

Customised and dynamic synthetic genomes:

Research on synthetic genomes is moving towards customisation, and in the future there may be genomes designed for specific applications. In addition, the concept of dynamic genomes, which have the property of changing in response to environmental signals, is being explored.

Artificial cell reconstruction:

Research on artificial cells aims to reconstruct the basic functions of cells from their underlying biochemical components. These cells will help us understand the boundaries of life and may provide a platform for new biotechnological applications in the future.

Production of DNA-encoded properties of materials:

Research is emerging on engineered biomaterials (ELMs), which are produced by genetically-programmed cells and are able to exhibit specific chemical and physical properties, providing new avenues for the development of sustainable materials.

Bioengineering for sustainability:

Synthetic biology has great potential to address global sustainability issues. Engineered organisms can help us develop renewable energy sources, reduce waste, enhance ecosystem diversity, and improve the sustainability of food production.