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Arbel-Groissman M, Menuhin-Gruman I, Naki D, Bergman S, Tuller T. Fighting the battle against evolution: designing genetically modified organisms for evolutionary stability. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1518-1531. [PMID: 37442714 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has made significant progress in many areas, but a major challenge that has received limited attention is the evolutionary stability of synthetic constructs made of heterologous genes. The expression of these constructs in microorganisms, that is, production of proteins that are not necessary for the organism, is a metabolic burden, leading to a decrease in relative fitness and make the synthetic constructs unstable over time. This is a significant concern for the synthetic biology community, particularly when it comes to bringing this technology out of the laboratory. In this review, we discuss the issue of evolutionary stability in synthetic biology and review the available tools to address this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matan Arbel-Groissman
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Itamar Menuhin-Gruman
- School of Mathematical Sciences, The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Doron Naki
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Shaked Bergman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tamir Tuller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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2
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Ou Y, Guo S. Safety risks and ethical governance of biomedical applications of synthetic biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1292029. [PMID: 37941726 PMCID: PMC10628459 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1292029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, biomedicine has witnessed rapid advancements in applying synthetic biology. While these advancements have brought numerous benefits to patients, they have also given rise to a series of safety concerns. Methods: This article provides a succinct overview of the current research on synthetic biology's application in biomedicine and systematically analyzes the safety risks associated with this field. Based on this analysis, the article proposes fundamental principles for addressing these issues and presents practical recommendations for ethical governance. Results: This article contends that the primary safety risks associated with the application of synthetic biology in biomedicine include participant safety, biosafety risks, and biosecurity risks. In order to effectively address these risks, it is essential to adhere to the principles of human-centeredness, non-maleficence, sustainability, and reasonable risk control. Guided by these fundamental principles and taking into account China's specific circumstances, this article presents practical recommendations for ethical governance, which include strengthening ethical review, promoting the development and implementation of relevant policies, improving legal safeguards through top-level design, and enhancing technical capabilities for biocontainment. Conclusion: As an emerging field of scientific technology, synthetic biology presents numerous safety risks and challenges in its application within biomedicine. In order to address these risks and challenges, it is imperative that appropriate measures be implemented. From a Chinese perspective, the solutions we propose serve not only to advance the domestic development of synthetic biology but also to contribute to its global progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Ou
- School of Marxism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Bioethics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengjia Guo
- School of Marxism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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Zhao Z, Sun Y, Li M, Yu Q. Construction of Candida albicans Adhesin-Exposed Synthetic Cells for Preventing Systemic Fungal Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1521. [PMID: 37896925 PMCID: PMC10611093 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of efficient fungal vaccines is urgent for preventing life-threatening systemic fungal infections. In this study, we prepared a synthetic, cell-based fungal vaccine for preventing systemic fungal infections using synthetic biology techniques. The synthetic cell EmEAP1 was constructed by transforming the Escherichia coli chassis using a de novo synthetic fragment encoding the protein mChEap1 that was composed of the E. coli OmpA peptide, the fluorescence protein mCherry, the Candida albicans adhesin Eap1, and the C-terminally transmembrane region. The EmEAP1 cells highly exposed the mChEap1 on the cell surface under IPTG induction. The fungal vaccine was then prepared by mixing the EmEAP1 cells with aluminum hydroxide gel and CpG. Fluorescence quantification revealed that the fungal vaccine was stable even after 112 days of storage. After immunization in mice, the vaccine resided in the lymph nodes, inducing the recruitment of CD11c+ dendritic cells. Moreover, the vaccine strongly activated the CD4+ T splenocytes and elicited high levels of anti-Eap1 IgG. By the prime-boost immunization, the vaccine prolonged the survival time of the mice infected by the C. albicans cells and attenuated fungal colonization together with inflammation in the kidneys. This study sheds light on the development of synthetic biology-based fungal vaccines for the prevention of life-threatening fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Ying Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.S.); (M.L.)
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Tianjin 300350, China
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4
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Feddema JJ, Fernald KDS, Schikan HGCP, van de Burgwal LHM. Upscaling vaccine manufacturing capacity - key bottlenecks and lessons learned. Vaccine 2023; 41:4359-4368. [PMID: 37277250 PMCID: PMC10239264 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.05.027] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic put enormous pressure on the vaccine production chain as billions of vaccines had to be produced in the shortest timeframe possible. Vaccine production chains struggled to keep up with demand, resulting in disruptions and production delays. This study aimed to make an inventory of challenges and opportunities that occurred in the production chain of the COVID-19 vaccine. Insights derived through approximately 80 interviews and roundtable discussions were combined with findings from a scoping literature review. Data were analysed through an inductive process where barriers and opportunities were linked to specific facets of the production chain. Key bottlenecks identified include a lack of manufacturing facilities, a lack of tech-transfer personnel, inefficient arrangement of production stakeholders, critical shortages in raw materials, and restricting protectionist measures. A need for a central governing body to map out shortages and to coordinate allocation of available resource became evident. Other suggested solutions were to repurpose existing facilities and to build in more flexibility in the production process by making materials interchangeable. Also, simplification of the production chain could be achieved through geographical reengagement of processes. Three overarching themes were identified, impacting overall functioning of the vaccine production chain: regulatory and visibility, collaboration and communication, and funding and policy. The results in this study showed a multitude of interdependent processes underlying the vaccine production chain, executed by diverse stakeholders with differing objectives. It characterizes the global complexity of the pharmaceutical production chain and highlights its extreme vulnerability to disruptions. More resilience and robustness must be integrated into the vaccine production chain, and low-middle income countries should be empowered to manufacture vaccines themselves. In conclusion, there's a need to rethink the production system for vaccines and other essential medicines in order to become better prepared for future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle J Feddema
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Kenneth D S Fernald
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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5
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Chavda VP, Bezbaruah R, Valu D, Patel B, Kumar A, Prasad S, Kakoti BB, Kaushik A, Jesawadawala M. Adenoviral Vector-Based Vaccine Platform for COVID-19: Current Status. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020432. [PMID: 36851309 PMCID: PMC9965371 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) breakout had an unimaginable worldwide effect in the 21st century, claiming millions of lives and putting a huge burden on the global economy. The potential developments in vaccine technologies following the determination of the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 and the increasing global efforts to bring potential vaccines and therapeutics into the market for emergency use have provided a small bright spot to this tragic event. Several intriguing vaccine candidates have been developed using recombinant technology, genetic engineering, and other vaccine development technologies. In the last decade, a vast amount of the vaccine development process has diversified towards the usage of viral vector-based vaccines. The immune response elicited by such vaccines is comparatively higher than other approved vaccine candidates that require a booster dose to provide sufficient immune protection. The non-replicating adenoviral vectors are promising vaccine carriers for infectious diseases due to better yield, cGMP-friendly manufacturing processes, safety, better efficacy, manageable shipping, and storage procedures. As of April 2022, the WHO has approved a total of 10 vaccines around the world for COVID-19 (33 vaccines approved by at least one country), among which three candidates are adenoviral vector-based vaccines. This review sheds light on the developmental summary of all the adenoviral vector-based vaccines that are under emergency use authorization (EUA) or in the different stages of development for COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P. Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +91-7030-919-407
| | - Rajashri Bezbaruah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India
| | - Disha Valu
- Drug Product Development Laboratory, Biopharma Division, Intas Pharmaceutical Ltd., Moraiya, Ahmedabad 382213, Gujarat, India
| | - Bindra Patel
- Pharmacy Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Anup Kumar
- Pharmacy Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Sanjay Prasad
- Cell and Gene Therapy Drug Product Development Laboratory, Biopharma Division, Intas Pharmaceutical Ltd., Moraiya, Ahmedabad 382213, Gujarat, India
| | - Bibhuti Bhusan Kakoti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Health Systems Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL 33805-8531, USA
| | - Mariya Jesawadawala
- Pharmacy Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
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6
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Fahr S, Peña-Benavides SA, Thiel L, Sengoba C, Karacasulu K, Ihling N, Sosa-Hernández JE, Gilleskie G, Woodley JM, Parra-Saldivar R, Mansouri SS, Roh K. Mobile On Demand COVID-19 Vaccine Production Units for Developing Countries. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c01217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Fahr
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Plant and Process Technology, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Samantha Ayde Peña-Benavides
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Lukas Thiel
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Carl Sengoba
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kaan Karacasulu
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nina Ihling
- Biochemical Engineering (AVT.BioVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Gary Gilleskie
- Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - John M. Woodley
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Seyed Soheil Mansouri
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kosan Roh
- Process Systems Engineering (AVT.SVT), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, 34141 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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7
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Innovative Ecosystem Model of Vaccine Lifecycle Management. JOURNAL OF OPEN INNOVATION: TECHNOLOGY, MARKET, AND COMPLEXITY 2022; 8. [PMCID: PMC9906693 DOI: 10.3390/joitmc8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely tested humanity, revealing the need to develop and improve the medical, economic, managerial, and IT components of vaccine management systems. The vaccine lifecycle includes vaccine research and development, production, distribution, and vaccination of the population. To manage this cycle effectively the proper organizational and IT support model of the interaction of vaccine lifecycle management stakeholders is needed—which are an innovation ecosystem and an appropriate virtual platform. A literature review has revealed the lack of methodological basis for the vaccine innovation ecosystem and virtual platform. This article is devoted to the development of a complex approach for the development of an innovation ecosystem based on vaccine lifecycle management and a virtual platform which provides the data exchange environment and IT support for the ecosystem stakeholders. The methodological foundation of the solution, developed in the article, is an enterprise architecture approach, CALS technologies, supply chain management and an open innovation philosophy. The results, presented in the article, are supposed to be a reference set of models for the creation of a vaccine innovation ecosystem, both during pandemics and periods of stable viral load.
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8
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Vickers CE, Freemont PS. Pandemic preparedness: synthetic biology and publicly funded biofoundries can rapidly accelerate response time. Nat Commun 2022; 13:453. [PMID: 35064129 PMCID: PMC8783017 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology has played a key role in responding to the current pandemic. Biofoundries are critical synthetic biology infrastructure which should be available to all nations as a part of their independent bioengineering, biosecurity, and countermeasure response systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E Vickers
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO Land & Water, EcoSciences Precinct, Dutton Park, 4012, Australia. .,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4000, Australia. .,Griffith Institute for Drug Design, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111, Australia.
| | - Paul S Freemont
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,UK Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Synthetic Biology (SynbiCITE) and the London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, White City Campus 80 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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9
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Abstract
Schism is the new normal for the bioeconomy concept. Since its proliferation in governments, the concept has been adapted to fit national or regional exigencies. Earlier this century the knowledge-based bioeconomy (KBBE) in Europe was seen as a technical and knowledge fix in the evolving sustainability landscape. At the OECD, the concept was further honed by imagining a future where biotechnologies contribute significantly to economic growth and development. Countries started to make national bioeconomy strategies. Some countries have diverged and made the bioeconomy both much larger and more general, involving a wide variety of sectors, such as industry, energy, healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and fishing. Whatever the approach, what seems to be consistent is the need to reconcile environmental, social and economic sustainability. This paper attempts to establish one schism that could have ramifications for the future development of the bioeconomy. Some countries, including some of the largest economies but not exclusively so, are clearly following a biotechnology model, whereas others are clearly not. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, biotechnologies offer outstanding potential in healthcare, although this sector is by no means included in all bioeconomy strategies. The paper also attempts to clarify how biotechnologies can address the grand challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The communities of scientists seem to have no difficulty with this, but citizens and governments find it more difficult. In fact, some biotechnologies are already well established, whereas others are emerging and more controversial.
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10
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Brookwell A, Oza JP, Caschera F. Biotechnology Applications of Cell-Free Expression Systems. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121367. [PMID: 34947898 PMCID: PMC8705439 DOI: 10.3390/life11121367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free systems are a rapidly expanding platform technology with an important role in the engineering of biological systems. The key advantages that drive their broad adoption are increased efficiency, versatility, and low cost compared to in vivo systems. Traditionally, in vivo platforms have been used to synthesize novel and industrially relevant proteins and serve as a testbed for prototyping numerous biotechnologies such as genetic circuits and biosensors. Although in vivo platforms currently have many applications within biotechnology, they are hindered by time-constraining growth cycles, homeostatic considerations, and limited adaptability in production. Conversely, cell-free platforms are not hindered by constraints for supporting life and are therefore highly adaptable to a broad range of production and testing schemes. The advantages of cell-free platforms are being leveraged more commonly by the biotechnology community, and cell-free applications are expected to grow exponentially in the next decade. In this study, new and emerging applications of cell-free platforms, with a specific focus on cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS), will be examined. The current and near-future role of CFPS within metabolic engineering, prototyping, and biomanufacturing will be investigated as well as how the integration of machine learning is beneficial to these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Brookwell
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science & Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA;
| | - Javin P. Oza
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science & Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA;
- Correspondence: (J.P.O.); (F.C.)
| | - Filippo Caschera
- Nuclera Nucleics Ltd., Cambridge CB4 0GD, UK
- Correspondence: (J.P.O.); (F.C.)
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11
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Kitney RI. Building the UK's industrial base in engineering biology. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2021; 5:98-106. [PMID: 36970556 PMCID: PMC9996696 DOI: 10.1049/enb2.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper describes the strategy and components that have been put in place to build the UK's research and industrial base in Engineering Biology. The initial section of the paper provides a brief historical overview of the development of the field in the United Kingdom. This comprised, principally, a major report by the Royal Academy of Engineering and a strategic roadmap for synthetic biology, together with the establishment of six new synthetic biology research centres, a national centre for the industrial translation of synthetic biology and five biofoundries. The next section of the paper describes the UK government's policy for the field. Important elements of the implementation of the policy comprises people, Infrastructure, Business Environment and place. In this context, a number of important areas are addressed-including industrial translation; building an expert workforce and nucleating, incubating and accelerating a new engineering biology industry in the United Kingdom. The final portion of the paper addresses the author's view of the way forward. This comprises placing the development of the field, both nationally and internationally, in the context of the development of the Bioeconomy and Climate Change. The final section of the text addresses a specific strategic approach and the implications for the United Kingdom in relation to the development of its industrial base in Engineering Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I. Kitney
- UK National Centre for the Industrial Translation of Engineering Biology/Synthetic Biology (SynbiCITE) Imperial College London London UK
- Department of Bioengineering Imperial College London London UK
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12
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Yeo JY, Gan SKE. Peering into Avian Influenza A(H5N8) for a Framework towards Pandemic Preparedness. Viruses 2021; 13:2276. [PMID: 34835082 PMCID: PMC8622263 DOI: 10.3390/v13112276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
2014 marked the first emergence of avian influenza A(H5N8) in Jeonbuk Province, South Korea, which then quickly spread worldwide. In the midst of the 2020-2021 H5N8 outbreak, it spread to domestic poultry and wild waterfowl shorebirds, leading to the first human infection in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Despite being clinically asymptomatic and without direct human-to-human transmission, the World Health Organization stressed the need for continued risk assessment given the nature of Influenza to reassort and generate novel strains. Given its promiscuity and easy cross to humans, the urgency to understand the mechanisms of possible species jumping to avert disastrous pandemics is increasing. Addressing the epidemiology of H5N8, its mechanisms of species jumping and its implications, mutational and reassortment libraries can potentially be built, allowing them to be tested on various models complemented with deep-sequencing and automation. With knowledge on mutational patterns, cellular pathways, drug resistance mechanisms and effects of host proteins, we can be better prepared against H5N8 and other influenza A viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Yi Yeo
- Antibody & Product Development Lab, EDDC-BII, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore;
| | - Samuel Ken-En Gan
- Antibody & Product Development Lab, EDDC-BII, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- APD SKEG Pte Ltd., Singapore 439444, Singapore
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13
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Panda B, Dhar PK. Building Biofoundry India: challenges and path forward. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2021; 6:ysab015. [PMID: 34712840 PMCID: PMC8546612 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofoundry is a place where biomanufacturing meets automation. The highly modular structure of a biofoundry helps accelerate the design–build–test–learn workflow to deliver products fast and in a streamlined fashion. In this perspective, we describe our efforts to build Biofoundry India, where we see the facility add a substantial value in supporting research, innovation and entrepreneurship. We describe three key areas of our focus, harnessing the potential of non-expressing parts of the sequenced genomes, using deep learning in pathway reconstruction and synthesising enzymes and metabolites. Toward the end, we describe specific challenges in building such facility in India and the path to mitigate some of those working with the other biofoundries worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binay Panda
- Biofoundry India, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pawan K Dhar
- Biofoundry India, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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14
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Exploring presentations of sustainability by US synthetic biology companies. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257327. [PMID: 34534242 PMCID: PMC8448365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of synthetic biology is increasingly being positioned as a key driver of a more sustainable, bio-based economy, and has seen rapid industry growth over the past 15 years. In this paper we undertake an exploratory investigation of the relationship between sustainability and synthetic biology, identifying and analyzing sustainability-related language on the public websites of 24, US-based synthetic biology companies. We observe that sustainability is a visible part of the self-presentation of the nascent synthetic biology industry, explicitly mentioned by 18 of the 24 companies. The dominant framing of sustainability on these company websites emphasizes environmental gains and "free-market" approaches to sustainability, with little explicit mention of social dimensions of sustainability such as access, justice or intergenerational equity. Furthermore, the model of sustainability presented focuses on incremental transition towards environmental sustainability through direct substitution of products and processes using bioengineered alternatives (n = 16 companies), with no change in societal consumption or policy frameworks required in order to see sustainability gains. One-third of the companies analyzed (n = 8) mention "nature" on their websites, variously framing it as a resource to be managed or as a source of inspiration; whether the latter signals a potentially more complex relationship with nature than advanced free-market models of sustainability remains to be seen. As the synthetic biology industry begins to grow in size and visibility, we suggest this is an opportune time for the community to engage in explicit deliberation about its approach to sustainability.
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15
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Abstract
Currently, the world is faced with two fundamental issues of great importance, namely climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. These are intimately involved with the need to control climate change and the need to switch from high carbon, unsustainable economies to low carbon economies. Inherent in this approach are the concepts of the bioeconomy and the Green Industrial Revolution. The article addresses both issues, but it, principally, focusses on the development of the bioeconomy. It considers how nations are divided in relation to the use of biotechnology and synthetic biology in terms of their bioeconomy strategies. The article addresses, as a central theme, the nature and role of engineering biology in these developments. Engineering biology is addressed in terms of BioDesign, coupled with high levels of automation (including AI and machine learning) to increase reproducibility and reliability to meet industrial standards. This lends itself to distributed manufacturing of products in a range of fields. Engineering biology is a platform technology that can be applied in a range of sectors. The bioeconomy, as an engine for economic growth is addressed—in terms of moving from oil‐based economies to bio‐based economies—using biomass, for example, using selected lignocellulosic waste as a feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jim Philp
- Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation OECD Paris France
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Dixon TA, Williams TC, Pretorius IS. Bioinformational trends in grape and wine biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:124-135. [PMID: 34108075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The creative destruction caused by the coronavirus pandemic is yielding immense opportunity for collaborative innovation networks. The confluence of biosciences, information sciences, and the engineering of biology, is unveiling promising bioinformational futures for a vibrant and sustainable bioeconomy. Bioinformational engineering, underpinned by DNA reading, writing, and editing technologies, has become a beacon of opportunity in a world paralysed by uncertainty. This article draws on lessons from the current pandemic and previous agricultural blights, and explores bioinformational research directions aimed at future-proofing the grape and wine industry against biological shocks from global blights and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Dixon
- Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Thomas C Williams
- Department of Molecular Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre Headquarters, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Isak S Pretorius
- Department of Molecular Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre Headquarters, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Chancellery, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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