Humans learn best about their surroundings by taking things apart and putting them back together. This belief forms the basis of synthetic biology, which combines biology and engineering to create life and modify biological systems through genetic modification, said Drew Endy, an assistant professor of bioengineering at Stanford University, on Monday night.
Endy presented applications of synthetic biology to a packed audience inside the McCormick Tribune Center, as part of the Silverstein Lecture Series.
He presented the audience with real-world applications of synthetic biology. For example, Endy discussed the possibility of reprogramming the DNA of E. coli, a “stinky” bacteria, to emit a pleasant banana-like odor. He also referenced the 1966 science fiction film, “Fantastic Voyage”, in which scientists were miniaturized and injected into a human body to eliminate a blood clot. Synthetic biology may allow the reprogramming of bacteria to seek out and destroy tumor cells.
Biology is an evolving technological platform that can be used to make a range of chemicals, materials and therapeutics, Endy said.
“We have 35 years of biotechnology experience,” he said, referring to the creation of recombinant DNA, a method which employs the cutting and pasting of DNA fragments.
The method has led to recombinant insulin, a hormone used to regulate blood sugar levels. But the full potential of synthetic biology has not been realized yet.
“Today, we haven’t really scratched the surface of what we can do with biotechnology,” Endy said. “Sufficient tools have not been developed to help with the engineering of biology.”
Endy will also speak today at NU’s Chicago Campus.
