It's Time to Embrace Synthetic Biology

Companies developing synthetic biology solutions are redesigning conventional manufacturing procedures to create new, more environmentally friendly methods to produce them.

FREMONT, CA: Synthetic biology has emerged as a disruptive force that is giving rise to the bio-economy. It offers new ways to produce nearly everything humans consume, from flavors and fabrics to foods and fuels. Microorganisms can make many of the things that industrial processes currently manufacture. Raw material supply may no longer be a limiting factor for supply.

Synthetic Biology is changing products and manufacturing processes

Biologists have drawn on molecular, cell, and systems biology advancements to convert the science from an analytical to an engineering field, much of how synthesis transformed chemistry and chip design changed computing in the last century. Hardware engineers use the physical qualities of materials to create new integrated circuits and microprocessors. Still, biologists can create synthetic biology systems that assist businesses in changing their products, processes, or both.

Develop fresh products and procedures

Many start-up synthetic biology companies have created entirely new products that use less natural resources to manufacture than the ones they replace. 

Due to the items' higher sustainability and ability to be tailored to each application or customer, the competitors can sell them for higher prices.

Boost the efficiency of current products or procedures

Many synthetic biology companies are redesigning conventional manufacturing procedures and creating new, more environmentally friendly methods of producing well-known goods than the ones currently in use. They frequently depend on petrochemicals, derivatives, or other environmentally hazardous chemicals. Cell-based procedures also increase production since they allow for the engineering of microorganism strains that will produce the highest yields.

Reduce the price or make more of the scarce raw materials available

Similar to how brewers and pharmaceutical businesses utilize vats of yeast to generate beer and insulin, synthetic biology companies routinely manufacture products by fermenting plant-based feedstock. No particular raw materials are required for the process, and some plant-based feedstocks are produced at scale for less money.