Synthetic Biology (eBook)

Character and Impact

Bernd Giese, Christian Pade, Henning Wigger, Arnim Von Gleich (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: PDF

2014 | 2015
XV, 273 Seiten
Springer International Publishing (Verlag)
978-3-319-02783-8 (ISBN)

Infos

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.

Inhalt

Preface 6
Contents 7
Contributors 9
Introduction 11
Synthetic Biology as Late-Modern Technology 16
Abstract 16
1 Introduction: A New Technoscientific Wave? 17
2 Characterizing the Field: What Is “Synthetic Biology”? 19
3 Self-organization as a Common Denominator of Synthetic Biology 24
4 A Visionary Promise: Towards a “Late-Modern Technology”? 26
5 What Is Self-organization? Instability as the Core of Late-Modern Technology 31
6 The Unknowable: The Inherent Dialectic of Late-Modern Technology 34
7 Challenges to Procedures of a Prospective Science and Technology Assessment 37
8 Summary 40
References 42
Synthetic Biology at the Limits of Science 46
Abstract 46
1 Introduction 47
2 Familiar Concepts, Divergent Meanings 48
2.1 Creating Understanding 48
2.2 Engineering Principles 50
2.3 Intelligent Design 53
3 From Systems Biology to Synthetic Biology 56
3.1 Sublime Thinking 56
3.2 Technical Opportunities 58
3.3 (Techno)Scientific Biology 60
4 Scenes of Conflict 61
4.1 Accommodating Ignorance 62
4.2 Discontinuous Continuities 64
4.3 The Matter of Definition 67
5 Conclusion 69
References 70
Complexity in Synthetic Biology: Unnecessary or Essential? 74
Abstract 74
1 Introduction 74
2 Getting Rid of Complexity 75
3 Different Strategies to Reduce Complexity 76
4 Standardization and Modularization 77
5 Orthogonalization and the “Genetic Firewall” 79
6 Safety Aspects 80
6.1 Safety by Computability and Predictability 80
6.2 Safety by Genetic Isolation ‘…the Farther, the Safer’ 81
7 Which Risk Remains? 82
References 82
Characterizing Synthetic Biology Through Its Novel and Enhanced Functionalities 85
Abstract 85
1 Introduction 85
2 Definitions 86
2.1 Functionality 86
2.2 Organizational Levels of Biological Objects 87
2.3 Synthetic-Biological Approaches 87
3 Specific Approaches 97
3.1 Nucleic Acids, Amino Acids, and Proteins (Level 1) 97
3.1.1 DNA Nano-Structures and Nano-Components 98
3.1.2 Novel Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids 98
3.1.3 RNA Design 98
3.1.4 Novel Amino Acids 99
3.1.5 Computational Protein Design 99
3.2 Genetic Modules and Circuits (Level 2) 99
3.2.1 Metabolic Engineering of Gene Clusters 100
3.2.2 Systems-Biological Construction 100
3.3 Genome (Level 3) 101
3.3.1 Minimal Genomes Through Reduction 101
3.3.2 DNA Synthesis 101
3.4 Cell (Level 4) 101
3.4.1 Minimal Cells 102
3.4.2 Protocells 102
3.4.3 Micro-Nano-Reactors 103
4 Combinations of Specific Approaches and Potential Applications 103
4.1 Combining Novel Molecular Building Blocks with Genetic Modifications and De-Novo Creation 103
4.1.1 DNA (Genes) 104
4.1.2 DNA (Nano-Structures and Nano-Components) 105
4.1.3 RNA 105
4.1.4 Peptides and Proteins 106
4.1.5 Standardization and Modularization 106
4.2 Design of Signaling and Metabolic Pathways 107
4.3 Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Cells 108
5 Potential Risks Derived from Synthetic-Biological Functionalities 109
6 Conclusions 112
References 113
Synthetic Biology: The Next Step Forward for Industrial Biotechnology 119
Abstract 119
1 Introduction 119
2 Major Products and Emerging Markets for Industrial Biotechnology 120
3 Feedstock for a Growing Industrial Biotechnology 122
4 Opportunities for Synthetic Biology 123
References 124
Beyond Genetic Engineering: Technical Capabilities in the Application Fields of Biocatalysis and Biosensors 126
Abstract 126
1 Introduction 126
2 Whole Cell Biosensors 127
2.1 Biosensor Concepts 127
2.2 ‘Traditional’ Whole Cell Biosensors 128
2.3 Chassis Considerations 129
2.4 Detection Systems 130
2.5 Sensitivity Modulation and In Vivo Signal Processing 131
2.6 Novel Outputs 133
3 Biocatalysis and Biomass Conversion 134
3.1 Biocatalysis 134
3.2 Natural Biomass Degradation Systems 134
3.3 Chassis Considerations 137
3.4 Engineering for Cellulose Degradation: Progress to Date 138
3.5 A Synthetic Biology Approach to Studying Synergy in Cellulose Degradation 140
3.6 Synthetic Biology Approaches to Inhibitor Tolerance 142
4 Conclusions 143
References 143
Protein Tectons in Synthetic Biology 151
Abstract 151
1 Introduction 151
2 Redesign of the Translational Network Allowing for the Site-Selective Cotranslational Introduction of Unnatural Amino Acids: Xenobiotic Functions 153
3 Biohybrid Systems: Modifying Proteins Containing Unnatural Amino Acids—Membrane Proteins, Enzymes and Co 156
3.1 Protein Material Libraries 159
4 Protein Tectons I: Architectural Building Blocks Allowing for Complex Supramolecular Self-Assembly Inside the Cell Forming Cellular CompartmentsOrganelles 159
5 Protein Tectons II: Protein-Libraries and Mimicry of the Extracellular Matrix for Regenerative Medicine 160
References 161
The Cellular Chassis as the Basis for New Functionalities: Shortcomings and Requirements 167
Abstract 167
1 Synthetic Biology, Beyond the Hype 167
2 The Core Riddle of the Living Cell Factory: Babies Are Born Young 169
3 Cells as Computers Making Computers 170
4 The Minimal Genome, an Elusive Holy Grail 170
5 Structural Constraints in the Genome Layout 173
6 Function First 174
7 A Challenge for Synthetic Biology: Information Trapping 179
8 What Does This Imply for the Future of Metabolic Engineering? 181
References 182
Hazards, Risks, and Low Hazard Development Paths of Synthetic Biology 185
Abstract 185
1 Introduction 185
2 High Potentials of Hazard and Exposure Accompanying Some of the Expanded and Improved Functionalities of Synthetic Biology 188
3 Critical Application Contexts 191
4 Potential Risk-Reducing Strategies for Synthetic Biology 194
4.1 Trophic and Semantic Containment: Systems on an Unnatural Basis 195
4.2 Safety by Functional Reduction 198
4.3 In Vitro Systems as a Sustainable Option for Applications of Synthetic Biology 199
5 Conclusion 202
References 203
Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering: Parallels in Risk Assessment 208
Abstract 208
1 Introduction 209
2 The GeneRisk Project: Outlining a Holistic Risk Assessment Approach for Genetically Modified Organisms—with Implications for Synthetic Biology 210
3 Emergent Properties as a Basis to Structure a Holistic Risk Assessment of GMO Across Different Levels of Organisation and Related Scientific Disciplines 211
4 Risk Considerations on the Molecular Level 213
5 Risk Considerations on the Cellular Level 214
6 Risk Considerations on the Level of the Organism 214
7 Risk Considerations on the Level of the Population 215
8 Risk Considerations on the Ecosystem Level 215
9 Risk Considerations on the Level of Landscape and on the Regional Level 216
10 Considerations of Effects and Risk Implications on Higher Levels 216
11 Discussion 216
12 Experiences with Unintended Effects of GMO 217
13 Risk Assessment and Conflicts of Interest 218
14 Conclusions 219
References 219
The Regulation of Synthetic Biology by EU Law: Current State and Prospects 223
Abstract 223
1 Introduction 224
2 Regulation Ex Ante 224
2.1 Applicability to SynBio of the GMO Regime 224
2.2 Adequacy of the GMO Regime 228
2.2.1 Contained Use 228
Risk Paths 229
Protected Goods 229
Burden of Submission of Risk Related Data 229
List of Data to Be Submitted 230
Assessing and Categorising Risk and Containment 231
2.2.2 Introducing SBPs into the Environment and Placing SBPs on the Market 233
Risk Paths 234
Protected Endpoints 235
Human health and the environment 235
Socio-economic benefits 236
Cultural factors 237
Data to be submitted 237
The stepwise generation of knowledge 238
Steps in the analysis and assessment of risks 239
Familiarity 241
3 Regulation Ex Post 242
4 Conclusion 243
References 244
Biotechnology, Modes of Action, and the Value of Life 245
Abstract 245
1 Introduction 245
2 Utopian and Dystopian Scenarios 247
3 A Common Story About Technology and Ethics 248
4 Modes of Action in Utopian and Dystopian Scenarios 249
5 Two Modes of Action: Communicative and Instrumental 251
6 The Role of “Biocentrism” 252
7 A Typology of Instrumental and Communicative Biotechnology 253
7.1 Aim of Intervention 254
7.2 Method of Intervention 254
7.3 Level of Intervention 254
7.4 Extent of Intervention 255
7.5 Degree of Novelty of Resulting Objects 255
7.6 Affected Organism 255
8 The Place of Synthetic Biology 256
9 Concluding Remarks 257
References 257
Synthetic Biology as Technoscience and the EEE Concept of Responsibility 259
Abstract 259
1 Introduction and Overview 259
2 Synthetic Biology as Technoscience 261
3 The EEE Concept of Responsibility 262
4 Synthetic Biology: The Responsibility Constellation 265
4.1 Synthetic Biology: Subjects of Responsibility 265
4.2 Dimensions of Responsibility 266
5 Concluding Remarks 270
5.1 Responsibility Today Facing Future Prospects 270
5.2 Responsibility Reflection as Concomitant Activity 271
5.3 Responsibility Reflection Must Be Embedded in Democracy 272
References 273
Index 276

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 27.9.2014
• Reihe/Serie: Risk Engineering
• Reihe/Serie: Risk Engineering
• Zusatzinfo: XV, 273 p. 11 illus., 4 illus. in color.
• Verlagsort: Cham
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Medizin / Pharmazie
• Themenwelt: Technik
• Themenwelt: Wirtschaft ► Betriebswirtschaft / Management
• Schlagworte: Genetic Engineering • Governance of Science and Technology • Metabolic Engineering • Opportunities and Risks • Quality Control, Reliability, Safety and Risk • Synthetic biology • Synthetic Life
• ISBN-10: 3-319-02783-2 / 3319027832
• ISBN-13: 978-3-319-02783-8 / 9783319027838