Review

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 10, 410-422 (June 2009) | doi:10.1038/nrm2698

The second wave of synthetic biology: from modules to systems

Priscilla E. M. Purnick1 & Ron Weiss1  About the authors

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Synthetic biology is a research field that combines the investigative nature of biology with the constructive nature of engineering. Efforts in synthetic biology have largely focused on the creation and perfection of genetic devices and small modules that are constructed from these devices. But to view cells as true 'programmable' entities, it is now essential to develop effective strategies for assembling devices and modules into intricate, customizable larger scale systems. The ability to create such systems will result in innovative approaches to a wide range of applications, such as bioremediation, sustainable energy production and biomedical therapies.

Author affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
    Email: rweiss@princeton.edu; Email: ppurnick@princeton.edu

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