Synthetic Biology

This insider’s view of an exciting and controversial new scientific field has detailed coverage of the current state of the art and a full discussion of the environmental, legal, and philosophical issues. It includes ideas for a proposed regulatory framework.

Synthetic Biology is already an object of intensive debate. However, to a great extent the discussion to date has been concerned with fundamental ethical, religious and philosophical questions. By contrast, based on an investigation of the field’s scientific and technological character, this book focuses on new functionalities provided by synthetic biology and explores the associated opportunities and risks. Following an introduction to the subject and a discussion of the most central paradigms and methodologies, the book provides an overview of the structure of this field of science and technology. It informs the reader about the current stage of development, as well as topical problems and potential opportunities in important fields of application.

But not only the science itself is in focus. In order to investigate its broader impact, ecological as well as ethical implications will be considered, paving the way for a discussion of responsibilities in the context of a field at a transitional crossroads between basic and applied science. In closing, the requirements for a suitable regulatory framework are discussed.

The book is intended as a source of information and orientation for researchers, students and practitioners in the natural sciences and technology assessment; for members of scientific and technological, governmental and funding institutions; and for members of the general public interested in essential information on the current status, prospects and implications of synthetic biology.

Synthetic Biology as Late Modern Technology: Inquiring into the Rhetoric and Reality of a New Technoscientific Wave.- Synthetic Biology at the Limits of Science.-  Complexity in synthetic biology: unnecessary or essential?.-Characterizing Synthetic Biology through Its Novel and Enhanced Functionalities.- Synthetic biology: The next step forward for industrial biotechnology.- Beyond Genetic Engineering: Technical Capabilities in the Application Fields of Biocatalysis and Biosensors.-  Protein Tectons in Synthetic Biology: The expansion of cellular functionality combining chemical biology of small organic molecules with protein tectons.-  The cellular chassis as the basis for new functionalities shortcomings and requirements.- Hazards, risks and low hazard development paths of Synthetic Biology.- Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering: Parallels in Risk Assessment.- The Regulation of Synthetic Biology by EU law: Current State and Prospects.- Biotechnology, Modes of Action, and the Value of Life.- Synthetic Biology as technoscience and the EEE concept of responsibility.- Index.