Minister visits Imperial and re-sets the agenda for synthetic biology

Synthetic biology involves re-engineering harmless host cells, such as bacteria, so that they can perform new tasks.

Mr George Freeman, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Life Sciences, came to the College to officially launch the UK synthetic biology strategic plan, called “Biodesign for the Bioeconomy”.

One of the main aims of the strategic plan, which has been updated to reflect how synthetic biology has advanced over the years, is to accelerate commercial opportunities for businesses in the UK.

Professor Richard Kitney is the Director of the Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation at Imperial and he also sits on the leadership council that helped to steer the development of the plan. He talks to Colin Smith about how re-engineering tiny, harmless cells could have a massive impact on our lives in the future.

What are you hoping to achieve with synthetic biology?

\Much in the same way that engineering involves using off-the-shelf parts to build conventional machines, we are aiming to have a catalogue of re-engineered cells or “parts” that will enable us to make biological machines from scratch.

These biological machines are tiny and so their impact may not seem as obvious as conventional technologies such as computers or iPhones. However, make no mistake, these  machines are going to have a huge impact.

Can you give an example of how synthetic biology can improve healthcare?

Work is underway to develop sensors that will be more sensitive in being able to detect the onset of illnesses or infections.

Researchers and students at Imperial have already developed a solution consisting of tiny biological machines that are “painted” around the zone where a catheter is inserted. They are primed to detect urinary tract infections (UTI) before they take hold.

New biosensors will also be developed that will swim through the body to deliver targeted treatments right inside cells, making therapies much more effective.

What are some of the other developments in this field?

We are also working on computers that are based on biology, not silicon circuitry. This could lead to new implantable devices in the body to improve our health and well-being. In my research, I’ve developed many of the important components to help make this computing technology a reality.

Synthetic biology will enable us to develop a whole range of advanced materials. For example, we may be able to develop biological machines, based on the constituent ingredients of cells, which spin a synthetic spider-like silk, which is strong, durable and feather light.

Imperial researchers are already developing sophisticated biologically based water filters which are able to extract toxic substances and toxic metals, which could have a positive impact in regions of the world that are heavily polluted.

Where are the current frontiers with this field of science?

The next big leap in the field, which Imperial is at the forefront of, focuses on the underpinning research to develop the next generation biological devices that completely do away with the need for a host cell. These so-called cell-free devices would consist of the constituent chemicals and proteins within cells. Creating biological machines using this approach could speed up development times and production processes.

We are also leading the way in developing an entire framework for categorising biological “parts” using a web-based information system and developing an agreed set of standards for developers. This will take us closer to being able to manufacture new biological machines on an industrial scale.

What is the roadmap’s take home message?

The roadmap is a fresh think over several months by the Ministerial Leadership Council, of which I am a member, in relation to synthetic biology strategy for the UK. The big focus of this document is making synthetic biology more commercially and industrially orientated, which plays to Imperial’s research strengths. This field of science shows real promise in terms developing an entire new industry for the UK, which could generate a lot of prosperity for us in the future.