One of the biggest challenges to shifting to a sustainable economy is pivoting away from the cheap fossil fuels used to make many of the materials needed for everyday life. But with the dawn of a new field that promises biologically synthesized matter, the life sciences may bring us the source needed to pave the way for a slew of sustainable material companies. In this blog post, we’re going to look at what synthetic biology is and how it’s going to shake up the supply chain in the years to come.
What is SynBio?
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field combining biology, engineering, and computational sciences. It is the engineering of biological systems to achieve specific goals.
The convergence of genetics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), more specifically, has given birth to a whole new field of material possibilities by manipulating DNA, enzymes, and proteins. Below are the most researched, promising, and common examples of synthetic biology in use.
The design of synthetic enzymes from scratch can facilitate challenging or improbable chemical reactions, which cannot be conducted by natural enzymes. Scientists have created an AI system capable of generating artificial enzymes from scratch. In laboratory tests, some of these enzymes worked as well as those found in nature, even when their artificially generated amino acid sequences diverged significantly from any known natural protein (1) | One of the central concepts of synthetic biology is the creation of synthetic gene circuits using modularized, standard parts, which are DNA traits with well-defined functions. The idea is to adapt methods and ideas from engineering to biology, such as part composability and abstraction hierarchy, to create more complex biological systems (9). Creating new biological parts, for instance, DNA fragments, proteins, and cells that can perform unique functional features and interact with others. These artificial DNA-based “circuits” can sense and respond to various environmental stimuli. These circuits have applications in the making of biosensors, bioreactors, or in the manufacturing of biofuels. | Most excitingly, the manipulation of pre-existing biological systems to enhance functionality and performance is an example of synthetic biology. This area involved the usage of gene-editing-based tools; synthetic biologists have also utilized CRISPR-based tools to systematically edit the genomes of living cells and organisms (2). This allows them to introduce or modify new traits without causing unwanted mutations or side effects (2). |
|---|
In the realm of synthetic biology, genome sequencing, and editing are the dynamic duo reshaping the landscape of material innovation.
Genome Sequencing: For the sake of understanding, it would be easier to imagine genome sequencing as deciphering a blueprint. Scientists use genome sequencing to analyze and read the genetic code written on the “blueprint” which provides them with a detailed map. This map provides scientists with the base upon which DNA can be manipulated. It unveils the alphabet of life, laying the foundation for crafting materials with specific properties.
Genome Editing: Genome editing can be viewed as the surgeon of the genetic world. CRISPR-Cas9 enables scientists to edit genetic sequences with surgical precision, introducing desired traits into organisms. It's the surgical cut that brings envisioned materials to life, allowing for tailored genetic sequences. This editing has made it much easier for scientists to synthesize biological products, as by utilizing technologies, such as CRISPR Cas-9, certain genes can be inserted/deleted and manipulated to what is required by the product.
There are several advantages of SynBio materials and technologies compared to traditional materials and technologies. Genetic code is handled precisely so that desired traits can be expressed consistently, hence producing goods of a superior standard. The capability of scientists and manufacturers to manipulate materials at a molecular level enables them to produce customized products according to consumer demand. This opens avenues of personalization. This sharply contrasts with the limitations inherent in conventional manufacturing means.
In addition to that, the synthesis of biomaterials through gene manipulation is very efficient and environment friendly compared to rare resource production of products with environmental impacts such as petrochemical-based plastics made of scarce fossil fuels. Continuing with this example, synthetic biology solutions/alternatives could, potentially, be using biofuels instead of fossil fuels or using microorganisms to break down the plastics. Such innovation extends to functionality; there is a wide range of applications of synthetic biology, from medicine to electronics to construction (3). The fabrication of materials that have a lower carbon footprint, as well as multiple applications, is essential for ensuring sustainable practices in today’s world.
The Business of Biological Materials
In delving into the business advantages of biomaterials, it becomes evident that the precision inherent in the creation of biologically synthesized materials offers a transformative impact on product development and supply chains.
Precision Product Development:
Biological synthesized materials determine precision in product development because they rely on extremely careful procedures. The precision with which one can manage the genetic code ensures uniform and predictable manifestation of required characteristics – something that is hard to find in standard production models. In this way, the improved accuracy of the procedure translates into a generally predictable production process where the cost of trial and error is minimal. The process will help companies to develop shorter product development times, minimize wastage, and enhance overall productivity. Biologically derived products are quite cheap because they eliminate the costs of production and product development that the manufacturers did have before. Therefore, more accurate methods of producing biologically synthesized products may lead to lower prices in the market for product development and production by avoiding trial and error (4).
Resilient Supply Chains:
A synthetic biology-based supply chain is becoming a source of resilience in the case of disruptions. Both the manufacturing and distribution stages of a traditional supply chain are exposed to uncertainties like geopolitical threats and natural disasters. In contrast, synthetic biology-based supply chain systems prove to be reliable since they are modular and distributed. With new technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic modification, companies can develop production systems with various options and flexibility. This allows companies to have flexible responses to unexpected interference. Thus it can be said that supply chains using synthetic biology are a safer bet financially when compared to traditional supply chains. SynBio is a robust supply chain that is reliably predictable continuously ensuring a steady movement of materials, thereby reducing the traditional financial risk associated with a relatively inflexible supply chain model.
In a nutshell the accuracy in product creation and the robustness of supply chains given by biologically produced materials not only change company processes, but also strategically position organizations in an era where flexibility and efficiency are crucial.
Financial Obstacles
Despite the promises of biologically synthesized materials, there are noteworthy financial obstacles that businesses in this field may encounter, each presenting its unique set of challenges.
Competition for Quality:
As more and more companies continue their quest to synthesize high-quality biological materials and a low consumer cost, competition is only going to increase. In the future, other companies may join this race and the field will develop with new types of products, thereby bringing even more competition. These efforts could be expensive for the companies as they strive to remain innovative and impose tough quality standards.
Unadaptable Business Models:
It could be a challenge to adapt the existing business models to include specific traits characteristic of SynBio business models. Unlike traditional business frameworks, which are optimized for conventional manufacturing, these innovative materials might not be that easy to work with. The restructuring and reengineering of traditional models needed to match the complexity of the biologically synthesized models is much too expensive.
Finding Potential Customers:
Another huge hurdle is identifying the market where biologically synthesized materials would be sold. Effectively marketing new products to accustomed industries will be a difficult exercise that may require expensive industry outreach. As such, business needs to keep in mind the financial investments they should make carefully while building awareness, educating potential consumers, and demonstrating the benefits of such materials.
Scaling Up Operations:
It is an expensive undertaking from small-scale operations to mass production of products. The process of scaling up involves massive investment in infrastructure, technology, and manpower. This transition from small-scale production will, therefore, necessitate the formulation of strategies that will enable the companies to survive while keeping their quality and effectiveness on a high level – something much easier said than done.
Societal Acceptance:
Societal acceptance is crucial for the success of biologically synthesized materials. Widespread public education is key in defeating any doubts or reluctance that there is no need to tackle the problem. Businesses could be forced to use resources to address issues such as their success in communicating the benefits of such materials to the public and markets could affect the public perception and how a market adopts such products. Additionally, businesses may be required to spend resources on communicating the science behind the materials in an easy-to-understand way.
Study Report:
A study by Boston Consulting Group shows that by 2022, synthetic biology may be adopted widely in over thirty percent of manufacturing industries that contribute to approximately thirty trillion US dollars worth of production globally (5).
A report by Vantage Market research estimates that the global synthetic biology market size is likely to reach USD 96.4 billion by the year 2033 from USD 16.5 billion in 2023 on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3% (6).
According to the same report, the global synthetic biology market size was valued at USD 12.70 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 85.97 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 27.0% (6).
It is also reported that experts estimate that the Global Synthetic Biology Market was worth USD 10.11 Billion in 2021 and is expected to be worth USD 32.73 Billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 27.1% between 2022 and 2028 (8).
The image above is a wonderful representation of synthetic biology-based companies and, specifically, which sector of synthetic biology they are specialized in.
The Sustainable Turn
Synthetic biology emerges as a transformative force, offering innovative solutions to pressing global issues. In this sustainable turn, the materials crafted through synthetic biological processes become powerful tools to address real-world problems, contributing to a more resilient and eco-friendly future.
Food Shortages
Synthetic biology can help revolutionize farming to end the hunger of millions worldwide. Scientists can make strains of crops that possess gene resistance to diseases, pests, and drought. This may result in increased yields and better nutrition at low chemical costs thereby promoting sustainable and adaptive agriculture (10). The picture below illustrates an example, not of crops, but in fact, of animals!
Climate Change
Renewable Energy
Medical Breakthroughs
Waste Reduction
Synthetic biology combines biological, engineering, and computational sciences to design new life. Synthetic enzymes and gene circuits are just two of its exciting prospects. Genome sequencing and editing can let us manipulate DNA, while the precision in synthetic biology materials goes beyond product development into supply chains. Nevertheless, studies show that synthetic biology will eventually become a global powerhouse. A market forecast estimates that by 2033 global sales from synthetic biology could reach US $96.4 billion. The sustainable side of synthetic biology provides resources for creating a greener future that addresses food crises and helps beat back climate change; explores life-changing medical breakthroughs; and reduces waste.
Bibliography
1.
Grand View Research . Biotechnology Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Nanobiotechnology, DNA Sequencing, Cell-based Assays), By Application (Health, Bioinformatics), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 [Internet]. grandviewresearch.com . grandviewresearch ; 2022 [cited 2023 Nov 23] p. 135. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biotechnology-market
2.
Brookes G, Barfoot P. Global impact of biotech crops. GM Crops & Food. 2012 Apr;3(2):129–37.
3.
Bush P. Pharmacotherapeutics of Biotechnology-Derived Products. Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 1998 Feb;11(1):54–71.
4.
Tylecote A. Biotechnology as a new techno-economic paradigm that will help drive the world economy and mitigate climate change. Research Policy [Internet]. 2019 May;48(4):858–68. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048733318302336
5.
Efbpublic. Green Biotechnology: Ensuring the sustainability of the science [Internet]. EFBPublic.org. 2021. Available from: https://www.efbpublic.org/green-biotechnology-ensuring-the-sustainability-of-the-science/
6.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations . Agricultural Biotechnologies: Livestock [Internet]. www.fao.org. 2010. Available from: https://www.fao.org/biotech/sectoral-overviews/biotech-livestock/en/
7.
Barcelos MCS, Lupki FB, Campolina GA, Nelson DL, Molina G. The colors of biotechnology: general overview and developments of white, green and blue areas. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 2018 Sep 25;365(21).
8.
Kordi M, Salami R, Bolouri P, Delangiz N, Asgari Lajayer B, van Hullebusch ED. White biotechnology and the production of bio-products. Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing. 2022 Jan 17;2(3):413–29.
9.
Niedbala C. Biotech Risks - The Numerous Challenges of This Rapidly Developing Sector [Internet]. Founder Shield. 2020. Available from: https://foundershield.com/blog/biotech-risks-the-numerous-challenges-of-this-rapidly-developing-sector/
10.
Burns D, Harputlugil E, Salazar P, Sharkey C, Wells C, Wright P. How to successfully launch new biotech products | McKinsey [Internet]. www.mckinsey.com. 2023. Available from: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/making-the-leap-from-r-and-d-to-fully-integrated-biotech-for-first-launch
11.
Segal T. Biotech vs. Pharmaceuticals: What’s the Difference? [Internet]. Investopedia. 2020. Available from: https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/033115/what-difference-between-biotechnology-company-and-pharmaceutical-company.asp
12.
Peplow M. A new kind of solar cell is coming: is it the future of green energy? Nature [Internet]. 2023 Nov 29 [cited 2023 Dec 3];623(7989):902–5. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03714-y
13.
Nesathurai A. How synthetic biology can eliminate pollutants in wastewater and soil [Internet]. Genetic Literacy Project. 2020 [cited 2023 Dec 18]. Available from: https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2020/11/23/how-synthetic-biology-can-eliminate-pollutants-in-wastewater-and-soil/