SynBio14: Materials Synthetic Biology (v1.0)

 SynBio has given us some very interesting new materials. This essay explores some of those. Synthetic biology materials (SBMs) are macromolecules whose molecular structure are encoded by DNA and produced by genetically engineered organisms using synthetic biology. In materials synthetic biology, engineering principles from both synthetic biology and materials science are integrated to redesign living systems as dynamic and responsive materials with emerging and programmable functionalities. Materials can be pivotal for an industry. For example, we would have no commercial jet airline industry without aluminum. New materials can solve problems that have not been solved before and spawn a new industry. 

One material is spider silk. It has strength (stronger than steel) and toughness (tougher than Kevlar) and yet has flexibility (as flexible as a guitar string) and is light weight. It is not really feasible to farm spiders for commercial production at scale. This material has now been manufactured with synthetic biology using an engineered bacterium as a bio factory.  

Spider silk has been used in medical devices and implants to reduce the chance of rejection. It has been tested in high performance clothing. There have also been developments to introduce it in the aerospace industry. Spider Silks are protein fibers containing crystalline and non-crystalline regions. Due to its transparency and ability to focus light, spider silk fibers are useful for some imaging applications, including creating super lenses for optical instruments. Spider silk also has potential applications for micro actuators (or devices that can control or move a system), artificial muscles, and even biosensors.

Synthetic biology has also played a role in cosmetics, fragrance and beauty products. For example, musk is used in soaps, detergents, lotions, colognes, body washes, shampoos, and perfumes. Hundreds of musk deer's have to be killed just for a small amount of deer musk. The substance has been used as a popular perfume fixative since ancient times and is one of the most expensive animal products in the world. Approaching musk with synthetic biology could transform the availability, safety, sustainability and cost of this luxurious substance. Synthetic Musks are a fascinating class of aroma compounds designed to mimic the scent of natural animal musk, such as deer musk, castoreum, and civet. These synthetic versions offer a clean, smooth, and sweet fragrance without the unsavoriness associated with the animal derived products.