Systems and synthetic biology: constructing smart and programmable microbes to address global problems

The past decade has witnessed the tremendous power of systems and synthetic biology in the creation of genetic parts, devices, and systems, which helps us understand complex biological systems. Yet, synthetic biology’s potential for real-world applications has not been fully explored.

One promising application is the construction of programmable cells that are able to integrate multiple environmental signals and implement synthetic control over biological processes. Dr. Moon will present the unpublished results of his gene expression research on the potential and challenges of systems and synthetic biology to address global problems, including plastic and agricultural waste issues, and research various diseases, sustainable bioproduction, and biocontainment of engineered organisms.

In this session, attendees will learn more about the following objectives:

• How microorganisms can be used to develop application-relevant sensors
• Critical and remaining challenges for detection of chemical and environmental stimuli
• The ways comprehensive high-quality genome editing solutions can drive research further