Commercializing synthetic biology: Socio-ethical concerns and challenges under intellectual property regime

Abstract

Synthetic biology also termed as ‘genomic alchemy’ represents a powerful area of science that is based on the convergence of biological sciences with systems engineering. It focuses on building, modelling, designing and fabricating novel biological systems using customized gene components that result in artificially created genetic circuitry. As discussed in the present study, synthetic biology is an elegant consequence of amalgamation of various branches of science. It is speculated that the resulting synthetic organisms can successfully provide solutions for the problems where natural biological systems have failed. These artificially synthesized organisms can be tutored to meet diverse applications such as production of various biodrugs and creation of tailor-made metabolic pathways. Evidently, this revolutionary technology has the potential to transform human life directly and indirectly. The article provides an insight into the tremendous commercialization ability of synthetic biology in various sectors (bioenergy, medicine, and so on) as demonstrated by various initiatives, collaborative projects with huge investments. It is noteworthy that synthetic biology tools and organisms can be used for saving, creating ‘or’ destroying life; hence the study further deals with the socio-ethical implications of this rapidly advancing field of biology and also assesses the challenging role of intellectual property regime in commercialization of synthetic biology.