Synthetic biology

The term autopoiesis (self-production) refers to a theory that describes the behavior of all biological systems, from cells to organisms.
This theory was introduced in the Seventies by the two Chilean biologists Humberto R. Maturana and Francisco J. Varela (Maturana and Varela 1980).
Within the context of synthetic biology (SB) and the construction of synthetic cells, autopoiesis is an extremely powerful conceptual tool to define in general terms what are the structural and functional (...)

semi-synthetic cells

bacterial therapy

Wikipedia
Artemisinin is an antimalaria drug produced using engineered bacteria and yeast.
Biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
The biosynthesis of artemisinin is expected to involve the mevalonate pathway (MVA) and the cyclization of FDP (farnesyl diphosphate). Although it is not clear whether the DXP (deoxyxylulose phosphate)pathway can also contribute 5-carbon precursors (IPP or/and DMAPP), as occurs in other sesquiterpene biosynthetic systems.
The routes from artemisinic alcohol to (...)

One project that showcases all the principles of synthetic biology is the tumor-killing bacterium.
It requires modifications to the base genome, removing the immunogenic capsule and antigens from the bacterium; a sophisticated sensing, guidance, and activation logic system to direct the bacteria to tumors and activate them appropriately; and finally redundant safeguards to ensure the bacteria behave as predicted and dispose of the bacteria after their purpose is served.
In 2011, NCI (...)

Definition: "Synthetic biology" refers to the design and creation of components of biological systems not found in the natural world as well as the redesign and fabrication of existing biological systems.
Synthetic biology is a new area of biological research that combines science and engineering. It encompasses a variety of different approaches, methodologies, and disciplines with a variety of definitions.
What they all have in common, however, is that they see synthetic biology as the (...)