Dell Technologies Realize magazine Issue 6 | Page 20

Synbio : how it works

Synthetic biologists create new biological processes and substances using the iterative design , build , test method . Genetic sequencing lets researchers understand what different DNA sequences do .
1 . DESIGN
Researchers can use libraries of genetic sequences to create genetic “ recipes ” for different functions . Machine learning lets scientists sort through millions of DNA sequences to find the ones most likely to do the job . They can also use chemistry to build a new sequence or write a sequence on the computer and print it with a special 3D printer .
3 . TEST
Researchers iterate to hit on the right genetic code to get the desired result . Microbes with the desired characteristics maintain the new genetic sequences and processes as they reproduce . They ’ re placed into bioreactors containing a nutrient bath , where they can grow .
Use cases
Industry
Bacteria and yeasts can be redesigned to produce green plastics and renewable chemicals from agricultural waste and even factory smokestack emissions .
Engineered bacteria already produce clean biofuels from waste products .
Medicine
Custom-designed genes can produce immunogens , speeding vaccine development .
Hacking plants turns them into bioreactors to make molecules like resveratrol and the cholesterollowering drug pravastatin , as well as virus-like particles for vaccines .
Organoids — rudimentary organs grown from animal or human cells — can replace animal testing for pharmaceuticals , healthcare and personal care products .
Lab-designed peptides could result in new antibiotics to treat resistant pathogens .
18
ILLUSTRATION BY VIOLET FRANCES FOR BRYAN CHRISTIE DESIGN