Abstract
Synthetic biology is a new emerging field of science which applies engineering principles to biology. In essence, the main concept behind synthetic biology is to design and construct new parts and devices, using biological knowledge, to make new biological systems with features not found in nature, as well as re-designing or re-engineering existing biological systems for more useful purposes. Therefore, to be successful in this new area requires cohesion and collaboration from engineers and scientists within an ethical, social and legal framework. This proposal requests funds to set up a network of world-class UK and international researchers from engineering, life sciences, ethics, law, sociology and biosecurity. The aim is to develop and generate ideas to address the key challenges and possibilities surrounding a specific scientific problem, i.e. the production of a cellular 'glue'. This 'glue' allows cells to attach to each other and to surfaces, and is useful, among other things, for making human tissue and skin. This network will explore the possibilities of reproducing and modifying the way nature produces the 'glue' to improve the process by designing an engineering solution using biological tools. Activities planned within this three year period include seminars and workshops where people from within engineering, the life sciences, ethics, legal, social and biosecurity fields come together to share their knowledge and develop new ideas jointly in a group and in a 'speed dating' environment. A conference buddy system (e.g. a biologist shadows an engineer at an engineering conference and vice versa) is also planned to help promote a deeper appreciation of each other's discipline. We will also extend invitations for visitors to come to Sheffield and exchange with members of the network. Scientific as well as social issues beginning explored in this network will also be discussed in an open forum with the general public. Hence, within three years, this network of researchers will have the necessary skills and public engagement/consultation to tackle a challenging project in synthetic biology focussed on human health and medicine. The network of researchers will also be able to contribute to new technologies and materials derived from breakthroughs in the synbio field which are being developed in areas as diverse as cheap anti-malarial drugs for 3rd world countries and non-greenhouse producing biofuels such as hydrogen.
Technical Summary
The specific aim of this network is to examine the feasibility including ethical, social and legal issues of using forward engineering tools to generate biological materials via a synthetic biology framework that mimic the basement membrane. This will have major benefits for providing materials for tissue engineering, stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine. We propose to mimic the complexity of the human extracellular matrix (ECM) using microorganism-based synthetic biology chassis as factories to produce and/or modify adhesive or embedding macromolecules and matrices for eventual use in tissue engineering (MATEs). The overall objective of this programme is to build, within 3 years, a Network with the critical mass and skills set necessary to tackle this challenging project in synthetic biology and thereby allow the network to become self-sustaining and contribute to new technologies and materials derived from breakthroughs in the synbio field. The concept of MATEs is that it will be outward looking. To ensure success it must bridge the life science community and the engineering/physical sciences community within an appropriate legal, social and ethically acceptable framework. This concept is embedded in every level of what we plan. Our network will develop and promote a world-leading synthetic biology research programme in macromolecular synthesis, and will help to embed within the UK research communities knowledge, practices, and expertise in synthetic biology. Key is the co-engagement between disciplines and groups so predisposed to discuss the novel emerging area of science, with integral debate of social, ethical and regulatory issues upstream of developing research proposals. Co-funding provided by EPSRC, ESRC and AHRC under the Networks in Synthetic Biology initiative. Co-funding provided by EPSRC, ESRC and AHRC under the Networks in Synthetic Biology initiative.
