Clore and Ottensmann explain:

Synthetic biology is revolutionizing medical treatments for a wide range of diseases. It’s what made it possible, for mRNA researchers to quickly develop vaccines against COVID‑19, by designing several different segments of DNA and testing them until they found ways to block the virus. Vaccine manufacturers can now update the vaccines by simply making blocks of synthetic DNA to target new variants and drop them into existing mRNA vaccine constructs.

In the future, synthetic biology will not only allow us to quickly neutralize emerging pathogens, but it will also drive personalized medicine—the ability to target cures to individual patients based on their genetic makeup. We have already seen tremendous advances in personalized medicine, including several CAR-T cell treatments for cancer that are made by designing DNA to target patients’ own cancer cells. We believe synthetic biology will continue to fuel advances in oncology, in addition to cures for neurological diseases and rare genetic diseases for which there are currently no good therapies.

However, developing and manufacturing personalized therapies is slow, laborious, and expensive. That’s why it’s imperative for everyone in the biopharmaceutical industry to embrace technological advances that can streamline synthetic biology workflows. These tools simplify key steps of the DNA-synthesis process, accelerating development timelines and innovations for those with all levels of experience within synthetic biology.

IDT has worked hand-in-hand with synthetic biology innovators for 37 years, synthesizing oligonucleotides for their research, and in that time, we have developed solutions to the many challenges they face getting their innovations to market. 

Just this August, we introduced Rapid Genes, which are circular double-stranded DNA in plasmids that can be shipped dry or in plates. We ship them in five business days or faster—a significant reduction in the typical turnaround time for synthetic genes. And we’re making Rapid Genes available from 125 base pairs (bp) to 2000 bp for just $0.15 per bp. Why does this matter to synthetic biology researchers? It allows them to order more variations of genes in ready-to-use formats that they can put directly into their automated workflows. It makes it both fast and cost effective to take multiple swings at the ball to solve a problem—instead of putting all their bets on one attempt at a home run.

IDT understands that the vector—the vehicle that will carry the genetic material into a model organism, and ultimately, human patients—is critical and often unique to the researchers’ work. Earlier this year, we launched a custom vector onboarding tool, which allows researchers to onboard and order genes in their own vectors, thereby skipping the need to subclone from a standard cloning vector. 

We also expanded our library of bacterial and mammalian expression vectors. Allowing more options for protein expression in a cellular system in an IDT vector free from IP restrictions . This is another way of accelerating synthetic biology research: Rather than ordering genes and then sub-cloning them into an expression vector, our customers can get synthetic genes delivered in their chosen vector. This brings cost savings, too, because it eliminates recurring cloning fees.

IDT is so optimistic about the future growth of synthetic biology that we recently opened a new 25,000 square-foot site in Coralville, IA. The site is operational 24/7, so we can support our customers’ needs for rapid synthetic-biology solutions.

One of the biggest challenges facing innovators in synthetic biology is lengthening the segments of DNA that can be produced. Right now, the only way to make long double‑stranded pieces of DNA is by stitching short pieces together. We're constantly working to adjust the algorithms and the design methods that we use to assemble these pieces, but there are big challenges. Errors in the process—the DNA sometimes folds upon itself, for example or it has repeat sequences in it—can render the pieces unusable.

Scientists are working on alternative DNA synthesis methods that use the same enzymes that the cells use to assemble long strands of DNA. If the industry succeeds in combining enzymatic synthesis with traditional chemical synthesis to make longer, more complex sequences, it will really push the limits of what we can synthesize now—and help drive medical innovations forward.

There are many opportunities for synthetic biology to improve our lives beyond medicine, as well. Cosmetics manufacturers may someday be able to use synthetic DNA to produce substances that they traditionally harvested from animal sources. Scientists are working on making stronger textiles with synthetic DNA, and even lab-grown meat. These innovations could help support the world’s growing population, while at the same time lowering the environmental impact.

What’s at stake if we don’t continue to advance in synthetic biology? It’s not just that we’ll miss out on opportunities to treat diseases that to date have been uncurable, or to improve the production of consumer products. We also face the risk of synthetic biology being used for nefarious purposes. Regulators around the world have grown increasingly concerned about this risk. In fact, in April, the U.S. government issued new rules for DNA manufacturers aimed at preventing bad actors from designing new pathogens, such as novel viruses. The rules better define appropriate methods DNA manufacturers use to screen synthetic DNA orders and flag any sequences that could be dangerous.

The onus is on our industry to ensure synthetic biology techniques are not used to create harm. Here, again, new technology could be key. Established research organizations must develop solutions that will allow us to stay one step ahead and counter any negative use of synthetic biology.

In many ways, the challenges facing the world today are not new: We’re fighting emerging viruses and bacteria and the rapid spread of disease. We’re struggling to grow enough food and provide enough materials for our expanding population. And we’re battling the race against climate change. But the need to solve these challenges is becoming increasingly more important.  That’s why the future of synthetic biology is so promising. As we continue to streamline workflows, bringing down development timelines and costs, we expect to see synthetic biology innovators ushering DNA solutions to the market that will change lives for the better.