Synthetic Biology
Synthetic Biology
Why In News:
Synthetic biology is emerging as a transformative technology with both significant promise (in medicine, agriculture, energy) and serious dual-use risks (bioweapons, ecological disruption).
What is Synthetic Biology?
Definition: An interdisciplinary field that combines biology, engineering, computer science and chemistry to design and construct new biological parts, devices and systems or to redesign existing natural biological systems for useful purposes.
Major Applications
Medicine: mRNA vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines), engineered T-cells (CAR-T cell therapy) for cancer, synthetic insulin production.
Agriculture: Nitrogen-fixing crops, drought-resistant varieties, biofortified crops (e.g., Golden Rice).
Industrial Biotech: Bio-manufactured fuels, biodegradable plastics, lab-grown meat, engineered microbes for industrial chemicals.
Climate: Engineered microorganisms for carbon capture, biofuels, bio-remediation of polluted sites.
India's Policy Framework
BioE3 Policy (2024): Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment — approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024. Aims to position India as a global biomanufacturing hub.
Nodal Ministry: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Regulatory Bodies: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under MoEFCC; Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) under DBT- regulate GMOs and biosafety.
National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021–2025): Strategic roadmap for India's bioeconomy.