The 21st century is witnessing an unprecedented surge in biological advancements, driven by our growing ability to engineer living systems. A special issue of Chemical Reviews, showcasing "Synthetic Biology," displays the pivotal role chemists play in this revolution. In a smart introduction provided by UChicago Department of Chemistry Prof Bryan C. Dickinson, he highlights how chemists, with their deep understanding of molecules, are building the future of biology.
The issue explores a wide range of topics, from the discovery of novel bioactive compounds to the engineering of phages as alternatives to antibiotics. Dickinson emphasizes that chemists, by nature, are "builders," synthesizing complex molecules and assembling biological systems. The reviews within the issue illustrate how synthetic biology is being used to answer fundamental biological questions and develop groundbreaking biotechnological and therapeutic applications. Key areas covered include advancements in natural product research, synthetic lipid biology, protein function control, and phage engineering.
This special issue underscores the fearless and inventive spirit of chemists as they continue to push the possibilities of synthetic biology, paving the way for future innovations in medicine, biotechnology, and our understanding of life itself.