Synthetic biology is a rapidly expanding discipline that uses synthesized DNA, the genes of the most living organisms, to create biological functions not found in nature. These genes are edited ( using a computer ) and then synthesized from scratch ( using chemicals). In future, genes could be designed and printed. There are possibilities of finding solutions to problems of environmental pollution, shortage of food and energy. It is expected that synthetic bilogy would create food and fuel, drugs and chemicals. Scientists have found a way to write, erase and rewrite information into the DNA of bacteria called E coli. This ability to programme DNA could one dat let us switch off cells when they become cancerous.

Artemisin, anti-malarial drug, is currently extracted from plants. Funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the drug is created by inserting genes from various organisms into E.coli. This is a big milestone for synthetic biology, as the plants from which it is extracted are short in supply and grow slowly.

Viruses are seen as apps of biology providing infinite possibilities for us to credit new living systems. Viruses are chemical codes that add features to organisms they infect. A bacteriophase is a bacterium infected by a virus. Viruses can be used as diagnostic tools, as gene therapy.

Scaling is a big challenge for every synthetic biology application.Synthetic biology is drawing big research funds.